Don’t forget the Porch

I don’t know about you, but I love when I am out driving and I run across a home that is decorated for the upcoming season.  Something makes me feel good inside, is shows love of home to me and a family that shares together.  A mom who wants to make “home” a special place for her family and make memories that last a lifetime.  Below are some of those that I enjoy looking at:

Check out all kinds of decorating with the entries for the front porch contest.

 

Here is a sneak peek of mine:

 

Got your porch decorated?  Be sure to let me know, so I can stop over and visit.

Hope you have a blessed Friday and weekend.

Romans 12:1“[Living Sacrifices] Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Simple Pleasures and Thankful Thursday

all rolled into one.  :)

Today I am joining Dayle @ A Collection of This and That for Simple Pleasure and Lynn @  Spiritually Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday. 

I have so much in this life to be thankful for and I give God the thanks on a daily basis. Even the small things.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

Today my simple pleasure is really simple really.  Pumpkin Spice Latte…

When I see the signs go up at Starbucks or DD I know that fall has finally arrived.  It is the one thing during this season I afford myself the pleasure. 

I love curling up with my latte and thumbing through some old books or magazines or simply watching a wonderful old Classic movie.  Doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

You might ask why I am thankful for this little simple pleasure….well again for me, it is simple.  For the past several weeks, when my children have come through town on the way to my house, they have stopped off and picked one up for me.  Why, because they know it is a treat that I love.  And seeing their giving and generous hearts is always something to be thankful for.  Plus I am thankful that it is a wonderful time to create  special memories with them while we sip our drink of choice for this colorful and beautiful season. So what are your simple pleasure today, and what are you thankful for?  

God is so good!

Pumpkin Spice Latte
makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (I use canned pumpkin)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Life is Good!

Romans 12:2“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

I did it again

went and stayed away much longer than I had planned.  Guess I needed this little break from the blogging world.

Not sure about anyone else, but  the last several weeks my life has been rather busy and at the same time, I can’t tell you alot that I have actually done.  Nothing that would look like a major accomplishment, but one of great self satisfaction for me.

One of my primary focus though has been less time at the computer.  Seems some days get lost while sitting at the computer, and I have made a pretty concentrated effort to stay away from the computer during the days.  Spending much more time, getting caught up on things around here and puttering around with some “fun things” for the home.

My weekends have been full with all my kids here, so I have been spending time with them and doing quite abit of cooking.  It’s all good!  Something I have greatly missed since they have all been away. 

I’m just taking in the wonderful days of Autumn, enjoying the weather and fall festivities in the area this time of year with family and friends. It has been like a breath of fresh air.

A little run down of some of the things I have been up to:

• Antiquing with friends
• Fall festivals and carnivals
• Watching apple butter being made (and buying some) can you say YUMMO?
• Decorating my front porch for Fall
• Traipsing around hunting down the perfect pumpkins
• Going to farmers markets
• Creating list of upcoming crafting projects
• Hitting some yard sales with my bf
• Starting to organize photos (getting them ready to scan)
• Cooking home cooked meals for my kids on the weekends
• Watching football on Sundays with my sons
• Reading for pleasure
• Spending more time studying THE WORD
• watching movies with my hubby
• getting to bed earlier

So as you can see, I haven’t gotten alot to show for my time away, except a content heart.  Which is a wonderful feeling.

I feel like I have been a terrible blogging friend/buddy, but this season has been a time for slowing down and making some changes and something that I feel like I really needed to do.

Not sure how often I will be around, maybe daily, maybe once a week…maybe when I feel like I have something to share….basically I am just taking this time as God leads me too, to enjoy those things that I get great joy from. My home, family, and friends. I know I will not be gone totally, because there is just so much out there in blogland and friends that I love to visit with and learn from. 

K…since I have a few minutes tonight by myself…going to do some blog hopping. It’s been awhile. 

Hope your having a blessed week so far.

Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Can't seem to get back in the groove

last week was spent "working” playing in my house, and getting ready for all my kids for the weekend…and as you can see, I didn’t get here to post even. Hoping I do better this week, although I can’t believe how late in the day it is already. 
Saturday my hubby and I went out with some friends, we were heading to the Annual Apple Festival but there was just TOO many people, so we ended up going to the antique mall and then hitting up the market for  some pumpkins and gourds.  We had such a fun time and the weather was simply perfect.


I found a interesting assortment of gourds while I was here, I will have to show you later in the week…(they are still on my camera).
Today the weather has been rainy and cold, high was only 53 today.  Today has been just a all around lazy day for me.  Haven’t been real motivated.  However, I have quite a few things on my plate for the rest of the week.
Just wait to you see what I have….Can’t wait to share. 
Hope all is having a blessed Monday!

Proverbs 27:1“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Front Door Welcome

A fall wreath for your front door is the perfect way to welcome the beautiful fall season.

I love autumn wreaths, the vibrant colors, and all the hues of the season, with sprinkles of nature peeking through. Here are a few that I have saved in my “idea” bank.

The thing I like most about this one is all the sunflowers. 

And with this one, I really like all the fruit and berries….

But I think this one is by far my favorite.  I {heart} bittersweet.  So simple and colorful.  Martha Stewart show us how to create this wreath, here  

There is so many elements of this one that I really like too, here again is my bittersweet, but my sunflowers are mixed in with it.  And I would have never thought to put my corn in the mix.  

Beautiful!

Wow, loving the Japanese lanterns mixed with the bittersweet.  Such a great punch of color.

We all know you don’t have to use a fall wreath on the front door, it makes a festive centerpiece for the table, by just adding some candles or a hurricane lamp or glass vase.The possibilities are endless.

So what do you use as your centerpiece for the Harvest season?

I have a wreath that I need to rework…now I have some great ideas, if you really don’t know how to create a wreath, the video below will give you a general idea of how you can put one together.  Take a look!

Romans 15:7“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Dough Riser decked out for the Autumn Season

Happy Tuesday ladies, wow, can’t believe I haven’t been here since  Friday, but I have been one busy woman.  Lots of things going on in my little house.  I have been spending my time creating a happy cozy harvest home for me and my family.  Oh the joy I have been having.  (I will post some more of my fall pictures soon)

Saturday and Sunday were spent with me putting out more decorations in my home, as well as sorting out some boxes that have been storage.  It was almost like Christmas for me.  I had forgotten just all that I had.

On Saturday evening, my children all gathered here for the night so that they could watch Football on Sunday, (we have the football package)  so they can see all their games and it was just a great time of family and fun.  Plus we had lots of yummy finger foods to snack on.  One thing I made that was a big hit was a Rueben Dip.  So yummy.

Rueben Dip Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 16 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and squeezed dry
• 8 ounces shredded corned beef
• 16 ounces shredded Swiss cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and dressing.
3. Spread sauerkraut into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, and the mayonnaise-dressing mixture on top of the sauerkraut.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Now, where was I…..

Yesterday was spent out with my daughter, she and I spent the day shopping and going out to lunch.  We had a wonderful time.  I really miss spending time with her, afterwards we came back to the house and just vegged and watch some TV together until it was time for her to leave. 

So today, I am playing catch up with my blog hopping and posts.  Lots of ideas twirling around in this head of mine, and I need to get them all wrote down and on paper, or in a post, before I lose them. 

Heading out for a bit to grab some spray paint, I have a few little projects that I need to work on and will be showing you later.  But first things first, BUY PAINT! 

But before I head out I wanted to share a wonderful dough riser all decked out for the harvest season.  Now, you don’t have to use a dough riser for this, actually any kind bowl would work if it were large enough, or maybe a wooden tray, really anything that would HOLD your “fillers”.

 

How easy would this be to do?  I love all the colors and textures found in this centerpiece. 

Fill the dough riser with small pumpkins, gourds, and candles, pinecones.  Then sprinkle it  with things found in nature, gather some leaves, acorns, a little moss, etc. feel free to be creative.

This would make a great  low centerpiece on a dining room table, entry table or sideboard.  It's  great for parties or get togethers because  it doesn’t block  views of your guest or the food.

And one of the best thing about it, is it shouldn’t be expensive.  Relatively cheap since most of things are free.  Try bringing the outdoors in.

Oh yeah, I wanted say thanks to all that have dropped me a note about my header, I am so glad you like it….however, I am working on something else that I would like to use, but at the moment I am kinda stuck…but if I get it all figured out, then I am hoping to have a different type of banner for you to see. 

Have a very blessed day today.  I hope to get around to visit with you all later today or tomorrow. 

2 Corinthians 13:14“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Guess what came yesterday?

  If you said Country Sampler Christmas Magazine then you are right. 

However, I don’t think you said that.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened my mailbox and saw this peeking out.  Christmas and I just started decorating for Fall. 

Although, even though Fall is my favorite season, Christmas is my favorite holiday.  I love EVERYTHING about Christmas.    c

Well my plans for this little magazine is to put it away for just the perfect afternoon or evening, when all is quiet (and that includes my mind), to sip a cup of tea or cocoa and sit back and dream and get inspired.  It’s like a mini vacation for me.

If you want some Christmas inspiration, stop by my Christmas blog, and become a follower so you don’t miss a thing.  Soon I will be starting to populate the site again for this upcoming season.  At the moment I am working through a organization plan that I (try) to follow each year to make my holiday more stress free. 

1 John 4:16“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Pumpkins anyone?

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.  For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.”     -Edwin Way Teale

I am finally getting around to sharing some of my fall decorations that I worked on last week. Although I am not finished, not sure I ever finish, but I got to a stopping point.  One of my favorite things to do this time of year is gather all my crates of goodies and start changing out the summer things for my fall things.

Centerpiece in my kitchen dining room

  Pumpkins in my yelloware bowl.

One of the cabinets in my family room

  Pumpkins in my wooden grape crate (from a local winery) on my Dining room table

Well this gives you a sneak peak, I will be showing more along the way.

"Delicious autumn!  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns."
-   George Eliot

Join us for the 3rd Annual Fall Nesting Party @ The Inspired Room. 

Philippians 4:4“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Summers goin but Fall’s a comin

Happy Friday ya’ll.  I hope everyone is ready for a our last holiday weekend of the summer.  Guess you know what that means, Fall is a coming. Like everyone else, I can’t wait. 
As the summer fades out and we enter autumn, it's time to give your home a look that captures the spirit of the season, adding spice and warmth to your home in a simple,fun , natural way. Whether you're spreading pumpkins and gourds around your kitchen or porch, or adorning your sofa with soft, warm blankets, you'll find that it's small touches that go a long way when decorating for the fall. 
This below pictures were made in ‘06.

I still love this wreath that I made that year.

Mums and bittersweet tucked in a wooden box .  Each year I change this up a bit, but I love the old wooden box as my centerpiece for this table.
I no longer have this door, but one things we enjoying doing is putting all the pumpkins on the porch surrounded by corn stalks.  
Not only have I been dreaming of Autumn for decorating my home, but pulling out my warmer clothes, my sweaters and sweatshirts (I’m a sweatshirt kinda girl) and hiking boots, thick wooly socks, and turtlenecks, and flannel jammies.  Are you with me?

I have something fun for today to get everybody ready for fall and to help get us motivated to get out those Autumn decorations and light those pumpkin spice candles. Are you ready? 
To get us started lets think about things
Like
Doing a little apple picking
Making fruit pies, I love apple pie with a slice of cheddar cheese.  Yummo!
Sipping hot apple cider with my cinnamon stir stick
How about a pumpkin Latte?  My favorite!!!
Checking out the fall produce at your local farmers market or roadside stand

 

Taking a  Fall Drive down the country back roads

Autumn Leaves
Leaves in the autumn came tumbling down,
Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown,
Leaves in the garden were swept in a heap,
Trees were undressing, ready for sleep.
~unknown~

Maybe even hit up a pumpkin patch while your on your travels
or a corn maze
       

Autumn
When the trees their summer splendor
Change to raiment red and gold,
When the summer moon turns mellow,
And the nights are getting cold;
When the squirrels hide their acorns,
And the woodchucks disappear;
Then we know that it is autumn,
Loveliest season of the year.
~Charlotte L. Riser~

So now are your ready to get to work on those decorations? Got pictures, do share!

Isaiah 48:17“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.