Welcoming Autumn

There’s something almost magical about the arrival of autumn. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and the world begins to shift into a palette of warm, golden hues. For me, autumn is a season of both change and comfort.

There is something special about the sky on a clear fall day. It’s as if the blue deepens, becoming richer and more vibrant. That brighter shade of blue feels like nature’s way of saying, “Slow down. Take it in.”

Fall also brings football season. I love cheering for my favorite team and gathering with family on game day. It's an extra special experience when the man of the house and I can visit a stadium and catch a game in person.

Crisp fall mornings are another favorite. There’s something refreshing about stepping outside and feeling that cool air on your face. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out cozy sweaters, sip something warm, and savor the slower pace of the season

Of course, the changing leaves are the stars of the season. Watching the trees transform into reds, oranges, and yellows never gets old. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, and that nature always knows how to put on a show.

And let’s not forget the unofficial mascot of autumn: pumpkin everything. From lattes and pies to candles and decor, pumpkins are everywhere, and I'm here for all of it! They are cute, comforting, festive, and delicious—what more could you ask for?

So here’s to autumn—the season of vibrant skies, football cheers, colorful leaves, brisk mornings, and all things pumpkin. May it bring you joy, peace, and plenty of moments to savor.

Welcome back, fall. You’ve been missed!🍂

Welcome Autumn!

 It's here!  It's finally here!  After what has seemed to be the longest, morst stress inducing Spring and Summer in recent history - we have at long last come to the first day of Autumn.  I know some of you are out there lamenting the end of Summer.  But that's not me!  Fall is always my favorite time of the year.  And that goes extra for this year.

I have been decorating for the season.  Putting out all my pumpkins, autumn leaves and scented candles. I'm especially pleased with the Autumn look for my coffee center in the kitchen/dining room.  

The Man of the House and I took advantage of the last weekend of Summer to drive up to Paint Rock. The rock sits just outside of Hot Springs, North Carolina where Paint Creek meets the French Broad River.  It's a beautiful spot.  And the area holds special meaning for us, since in his genealogical research the Man of the House found evidence that his family lived in this area in the late 1800 and early 1900s.  

It was a perfect day for getting outdoors.  Cool, but not chilly.  A nice mix of sun and clouds.  And the area was not crowded at all, so we didn't have to worry about social distancing or wearing our masks or anything.  It was lovely to get out and feel completely normal for a few hours. 

Even little Max enjoyed the adventure.  I was nervous how he would do around the river, but he was quite curious about exploring.  That has me looking forward to do some light hiking and nature walks as the leaves begin to change colors for the fall. 

Do you have plans for this Autumn?  What are your favorite fall activities?

Sunday Inspiration: Love the Trees

Sunday Inspiration: A New Season

20 Joyful Fall Activities

I know fall doesn't officially start until Friday, but I am all kinds of ready for the season!  This is my favorite time of year, y'all!  To celebrate, I've put together a list of some of my favorite autumn activities - which I plan to enjoy to the fullest.  Which will you be participating in this year?

20 Joy-filled Autumn Activities

1. Make pumpkin muffins
2. Read outside
3. Go for a hike
4. Enjoy a pumpkin spice latte
5. Make a big pot of chili
6. Watch a football game 
7. Paint your nails a fall color
8. Decorate the front door for fall
9. Eat candy corn 
10. Burn cinnamon apple and/or pumpkin spice candles and wax melts 
11. Go for a scenic drive to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage
12. Take pictures of the fall colors
13. Watch a scary movie
14. Wear a comfy sweater and the perfect pair of boots
15. Decorate the mantle with autumn touches
16. Drink warm spiced apple cider
17. Walk through crunchy fallen leaves
18. Made a delicious soup in the crockpot
19. Snuggle under a blanket with a cup of tea and read a book on a chilly afternoon
20. Celebrate my birthday in style

(Later in the season, I'll be sharing an update post of how I experienced many of these fun fall activities)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Autumn

As I mentioned in my post from Monday, I have been doing a little Autumn decorating around the house.  Fall is my favorite season.  I think because it's such a cozy season. And I love adding all the comforting accents of rich reds, oranges, and browns.  Along with the spicy pumpkin and apple scents in my wax burners.

I thought today I could give y'all a brief tour...

This has been my go to porch decoration for the past few years.  Now, to be completely honest I haven't actually created it yet this year; but it should be happening by the end of the weekend.  I also have a little wire basket I plan to fill with some little gourds.

In the entry way you'll find a cute wooden pumpkin and some candles on the small cabinet where keys are (supposed to be) kept.  And these pillows I picked up last year in the dollar spot at Target rest on the storage bench.

The mantle is pumpkin and candle central!  Lots of fun pumpkin finds over the years from Michael's.  My new yummy smelling jar candle from Kirklands.  And the Give Thanks box I picked up the night my youngest sister and I were thrown out of a Hobby Lobby.  (not really - we were asked politely to leave because we didn't realize they had closed 10 minutes ago.  But we like to make it sound dramatic and exciting.  LOL)

The kitchen table scape displays a simple runner (this year's Target dollar spot find), a red wooden tray from Kirklands, my napkin holder, a set of adorable  pumpkin salt and pepper shakers, a pretty thrift store find pitcher with some artificial flowers and berries, and a pair of candles.

There you have it.  Simple, but it all makes me happy.

A Spirit of Gratitude: September 22

Wooohooo!!  It's Fall, y'all!!  (Or, if you're reading this before 10:21am - it's almost Fall, y'all!)  And that's plenty to be thankful for right there.  But, as if it's not - there's always so much more...

I Am Thankful for:

The first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season

Starting the fall decorating

Custom order requests

The Panthers first win of the season

Looking at Halloween costumes with the grand baby

Making muffins

Cooler nights

Discovering a miniseries about Queen Victoria
A quiet evening

The Reality of Exhaustion

I had a whole post planned for today all about how happy I am to see the first day of fall and the lovely qualities of the season.  And I might even get around to writing that post.  Perhaps tomorrow.

But, the reality of today is that I did not get any sleep last night.  Literally.  None.  Not a wink.  Not a cat nap.  Not a tiny snooze.

Which has left my brain functioning far below normal capacity today.  If you can even call what's happening in there "functioning" at all.

Today, even my coffee needs a coffee

There's no one to blame but myself.  It was simply a matter of poor planning on my part.

You see, I had a customer who needed her order in a bit of a hurry.  And I grossly underestimated how long it would take me to complete her order.  And it had to be in the mail today if there was any chance of it getting to its destination on time.  So, as a result I found myself staying up last night to complete said order.  Which happened about 5:00 am this morning.

This gal is in need of some sleep.  In a very serious way.  And maybe after that I can manage to write that fall themed post I had in mind for today.

Zzz...

edited to add: Today Only! Save 15% OFF  everything  in  my  Etsy shop with code  FALL15  

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Wrapping Up Summer and Putting A Bow On It

So long, summer!  Fall has arrived!  And I am one happy camper! 

You may recall, I had some big plans for summer.  As you look at the list below - you'll see I didn't exactly rule my to-do list.  And I am perfectly ok with that!  It was summer, after all.  I'm sure I'll do better on my fall list.

• Finish up redecorating projects in office/guest room and the male offspring's room
•  Hike!
• Get rid of another 10 pounds
• Take part in my first 5k
• Make new decoration for front door
• Create the gallery wall in entry
• Pick wildflowers
• Make homemade ice cream
• Complete Adult Summer Reading program at library
• Finish sewing pillow covers for living room throw pillows
• Spend a day outside relaxing and reading

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Three Things: I Like About Autumn

Autumn - it's almost official!!  Today is the last day of summer - so if you're a summer person, soak up every last minute of today.  I, however, am all about the Fall.  And I think the weather agrees with me, because it is bright, sunny, and cool here this morning.  Fall is my very favorite season (with spring following in a close second place).  

I can't imagine what's NOT to like about Autumn.  The leaves changing color!  Football season! The Man of the House and I both have Autumn birthdays!  But here are three of my favorite things about it:

1) Cooler Weather: I don't tolerate heat well.  And anything over 80 degrees is just TOO HOT.  I love the cooler nights and comfortable days that come with Autumn.  If I could find somewhere that the climate was like this all year - I would seriously consider moving!  Also, the cooler weather brings us to ...

2) Boots: I love wearing my boots.  Riding boots, high boots, ankle boots.  I think I own about 5 pairs right now.  I wear them with jeans.  With skirts.  With dresses.  I wear them pretty much all the time once the weather cools.  (I'm wearing them today!) Flip flops are all well and good - but give me my boots!

3) Anything Pumpkin!: Yep, I'm one of those crazy pumpkin people!  Carving them into jack o lanterns.  Pumpkin coffee.  Pumpkin cheese cake.  Pumpkin muffins.  Pumpkin pie.  Pumpkin bread.  Those little pumpkin candies they put out with the candy corn. I love pumpkin.  Funny thing is... it only tastes right between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.  Any other time of year, it's just... meh. 

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Life of Meg: Monday Mingle
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop
A Proverbs 31 Wife: Living Proverbs 31
A Life in Balance: Motivation Monday
The WellSpring: Playdates with God 
Tell Me A Story: True Stories
The Beauty In His Grip: Sharing His Beauty 
Salt & Light: Beautiful Ashes

One Question

This week I find myself pondering this one extremely important question:

photo: publicdomainpictures.net

Now that Labor Day has come and gone ...  September is under way... and Fall is officially just around the corner - that means I can now wear my boots without getting any funny looks.  Right?  Riiiight??

I know, many people are trying to hang on and savor these last few weeks of summer.  But man, oh man - I am ready for some cooler weather.   Which means skirts and boots y'all!!

What (if anything) has you looking forward to Fall?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

How I Spent The Autumn Days

If you recall, way back on the first day of Autumn I created a fall to-do list of things I wanted to accomplish before Winter rolled around.  And you may just be wondering how I did on completing that list.  (probably not... but let's pretend, ok? Ok.)  Well, for the curious - here's a little update on the last day of Autumn. 

1. Go on a hike (or two, or three... or five)
2. Go on a hike by myself
3. Make pumpkin muffins (lots of them!)
4. Visit a corn maze
5. Learn to make risotto
6. Start (and finish) some homemade Christmas presents
7. Make pumpkin pancakes from scratch
8. Decorate the porch for autumn  
9. Get a new family portrait 
10. Try out some of the cute fall outfit ideas I have on my Pinterest board
11. Give some old sweaters new life
12. Do some sewing projects
13. Schedule some date nights with the Man of the House
14. Crochet a beautiful new scarf - for myself!
15. Remodel the hall bathroom 

My first ever attempt at making risotto!

Not too bad, all things considered. A few things which I never got around to, but for the most part I feel as if it were a successful fall season. 

Now - on to Winter!  

It's Fall, Y'all!

Fall is my very favorite season of them all! 

Football, changing leaves, cooler weather, the sweaters and boots are back, the Man of the House and I both celebrate birthdays, apples, pumpkins, and Halloween.  What's not to like?

 And decorating for autumn makes me happy!

 

Autumn Hanging Basket

Autumn table scape

Front entry dressed for fall

Autumn List

Things I want to do this fall:

1. Go on a hike (or two, or three... or five)
2. Go on a hike by myself
3. Make pumpkin muffins (lots of them!)
4. Visit a corn maze
5. Learn to make risotto
6. Start (and finish) some homemade Christmas presents
7. Make pumpkin pancakes from scratch
8. Decorate the porch for autumn
9. Get a new family portrait 
10. Try out some of the cute fall outfit ideas I have on my Pinterest board
11. Give some old sweaters new life
12. Do some sewing projects
13. Schedule some date nights with the Man of the House
14. Crochet a beautiful new scarf - for myself!
15. Remodel the hall bathroom

What I Actually Did

Back on June 21, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish during the summer.  Now that summer is wrapping up - let's take a look back and review...

*  Learn to make Risotto
No.  I don't know why I am letting this intimidate me so much.  I need to just do it already!

*  Spend more evenings out on the back porch, reading or just relaxing  
Nope.  But in my defense, it was one seriously rainy summer and most evenings were either wet or just too humid to be outside much.

*  Learn to make real pudding (not from a box)
Well, I looked at lots of recipes.  And technically I learned how to make it.  I just never actually got around to making it.


*  Use up stash of leftover yarn making baby hats.
Done!

*  Donate them to pregnancy support group in town   
And Done!

*  Eat less meat and pasta  
Um... yeeeeeh... No.

*  Get to the gym more  
Ha! If anything, probably went less!

*  Put down the crochet hooks and knit something  
I've looked at some patterns, but I just have so many crochet projects in the works I couldn't bring myself to set them aside for some knitting.

*  Try out more of the stuff on my Pinterest boards  
Yes! Check out some of my Pinterest inspired projects at This IS My Day Job

*  Go for a hike by myself   
Hmm.. No I didn't do this. I'll add it to my autumn list

Don't Call Me "Grace"

I've never been exactly coordinated.  I'm the gal who can trip on nothing.  No, not my own feet - Nothing!  I have been known to be so caught up in my own thoughts, or a conversation, or looking at something that I have walked right smack into a wall.  I stub my toes more times in a month than I care to count.

Today, while leaving to get the Little Man off to school, I fell down the stairs.

This isn't exactly a new thing for me.  I often trip up the stairs.  Or slip down a stair or two.  Once I even fell down the concrete front entrance steps at work.  In front of several people.  It wasn't a slip, or a slide, or a trip.  That time it was a full on head-over-heels tumble.  Resulting with me ending up sprawled on the ground at the bottom of those steps with a scraped up leg, a bruised elbow, and some hurt pride.  That time was definitely worse than this morning.

I was preparing to dash out the door with coffee in hand, when I slipped.  Or something.  I'm not very clear on how this fall started.  I just know I took a few steps and next thing I knew I realized I was pitching forward.  Two very clear thoughts went through my head in about a half second flat. 

1) Grab the railing!!
2) Don't spill the coffee!!

I think I grabbed the rail at some point, but my hand slid right off and I ended up lying sideways on the stairs in a rather crooked position.  With some serious pain shooting through my right hip and thigh and all up and down the right arm.  I had to take a minute to sit on the stairs and compose myself.  While the pain subsided to a dull ache.  All the while reassuring The Little Man that I was fine.

I did manage not to spill the coffee.  Just splashed a little on my left hand.  So, there's the bright side of the whole incident.

A Colorful Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

"This Moment" came to me via Just My Thoughts .  Check out her blog, and if you are moved too, please leave a link to your Moment in the comment box below.