Dinner Party: Serving Wine...Only Wine.

I've never did the ~holiday tablescape~ thing before.  To be completely honest...I do sort of think it's a tad crazy to set up a fancy table setting just for pictures on the internet. Maybe some people really have people over after they set this all up and enjoy an elegantly styled dinner and drink fancy sounding drinks. They maybe even use those cute paper straws--and maybe they don't get soggy.

Today, I officially join the other bloggers in the crazy club--errr imaginary guest table.  My mother-in-law was cleaning out her basement and gifted me some old white tableware. Plus, I had an entire day off to myself this week. Adam worked and Ben went to the sitter. I caught up on laundry, gave Scout a bath, watched reality tv (90 Day Fiance anyone?), and then had a little extra time to spare.
Sooo there I was, setting the table for non-existent dinner guests with no fancy dinner cooking in the oven--and no plans for cocktails out of chic straws that evening.

I don't have anything to serve. Except sweet potato puffs, and wine. I always have wine.

But check out this lovely fall view of Bishop Creek.

Maybe take it all in while you enjoy a glass of Bishop Creek Wine? See what I did there?

Let's talk a minute about the blanket scarf. Every blogger in blog land seems to have one of these blanket scarves in their fall tablescape. They also seem to be wearing them all over fashion blogland. My blanket scarf is so soft, snuggly, and I love the print. But to be honest, I have not worn it more than 5 minutes. It's HOTTER THAN HECK. I mean this thing is H-O-T. I immediately have a sweat mustache about 90 seconds after it's draped over my shoulders. It does better as a little blankie on the couch, or draped over this table to be honest.

Have you ever set up your dining table with no dinner plans? 
Does your blanket scarf do more good on the couch or the table than on you?

P.S. In some of the photos above, you can see a sneaky peek of my new chevron jute rug. See more of it here. I'm loving it!

Fall Front Porch + Family Photos + Cutest.Turtle.Ever.

I figured I better get going on my Fall Front Porch post. In another month I'll be decorating for Christmas already! I can't believe it. This year has gone by faster than others. I swear. Plus, I don't want Brittaney to lose anymore sleep over not seeing my front porch--which she demanded on Instagram.

Well, and what good is a Fall front porch photoshoot without people (and dog). Here's our front porch in action:

Scout never really looks impressed in photos. Don't let him fool you, he likes being included.

I went for a quick and simple design this year. I don't have a ton of time, to mess with decor and hem and haw over things...now I spend most of my free time chasing Ben around. He's crawling and boy can he move!

The rusty raised tub is from my parents garage. Thanks mom and dad! 

The chair was a $1 estate sale find. It's probably on it's last leg, but it was the best $1 ever spent. I truly love this chair and it's chippy goodness. 

I hung my thirfted tobacco basket on the door and stuck a wreath from Homegoods right inside.

I love the layered look.

We snapped a few fall family photos last weekend. We didn't have time to get with our photographer, but we really wanted to have a few photos taken at our home when the leaves turn. Luckily one of my very best friends visited and brought her camera along.

The Photo Crew...

GLAM PLAID SQUAD. Gets you maternity photo ready in a jiffy.

And is this not the CUTEST turtle you ever did see? Adam's favorite turtle when he was little was the blue one, Leonardo. So therefor, it is Ben's favorite turtle...until he can decide on his own that is.

He learned patty cake last week.

What was your favorite ninja turtle?
Did you take fall family photos? Professional or snapped a few at home?

Flea Market Finds: Fall Front Porch

If you've been reading this blog for awhile or you follow me on instagram, you have probably noticed I love getting a good bargain. I'm always up for a flea market or an estate sale. 

Today I'm sharing our Fall front porch decor. I used almost all items from sales and flea markets, and farmer's markets.

Fall front porch 2014.

I grabbed a piece of old barnwood scrap from our pile, and Adam helped me stencil on it. It took less than 10 minutes. I was going to go with something more Fall-like with "Harvest" etc, but then I figured a plain Welcome can be used for other seasons too.

I made this tie DIY wreath while catching up on my dvr one weekend. No tutorial needed. Just cut pieces of burlap (I used white and regular brown) to a wire wreath and finished! Very easy, but sort of messy with all the strings.

The pumpkins, Indian corn, and mums are from the local farmer's market.

(We had big plans to landscape this summer but we didn't get to it...Pretend there is beautiful stone landscaping, lush greenery, and rock instead of the cheapo mulch that's there now)....Next year I suppose....

The pumpkin and cat on a stick in the yard are from my Momma.  I will put these two away after Halloween next week, and then the rest of the porch will still be Thanksgiving appropriate. 

All of our decor, except the rug is either from an estate sale, flea market, farmer's market, or thrift store.

Here's the breakdown of how much everything was, and where it's from:

Basically $20 worth of decor, not counting the 10-15 bucks we probably spent on pumpkins and such. But I really just shopped my house for all the supplies I needed. I will most likely use all of these items for Christmas decorating too this year.

Do you decorate your front porch for Fall? 
Get anything good at any sales or flea markets lately?

P.S. We are in the middle of a redesign on the blog, so excuse the mismatched colors etc., it's slowly but surely getting there!

Easy DIY Embellished Pumpkin & Fall Vignette

Ooo la la.
Look at me being all fancy and using the word 'vignette' today. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure that I know the true definition, but I feel like todays photos fit.

Fall vignette with embellished pumpkins and gourds.

I had a few bags of upholstery tacks leftover from craft night last week.
I also picked up a few mini pumpkins and gourds to sprinkle around the house to add some appropriate fall decor to the house. But, I can never leave anything alone and just let it be simple beauty. Gotta add some pizzaz!

This is what I came up with in about 10 minutes, tops.

Basically, I just shoved the tacks in a mini pumpkin in a cute pattern, then did the same with the gourd. Unfortunately, the gourd has a a shell under that skin, so it was a little tougher to shove each tack in, but, I made it work. I might have sworn a little at the gourd. Sorry gourd.

upholstery tacks. $1.25 at wal-mart.

Pumpkin...embellished!

The tacks did not go as far as I anticipated, 2 packs only did these two, but, they still looked cute mixed into my bowl. Plus, when the season is over I toss the pumpkins over the hill and hold on to the tacks to be reused.
I am seeing a Christmas-time upholstery tack project in this blog's future...

Our entry way now has a Fall time vignette!

I mixed them with a bowl of other pumpkin & gourd like things. Paired it with my Fall Y'all canvas from our craft night last week and added a large vase of dried hydrangeas...my favorite!
I snuck in a little teacup full of cranberry and cinnamon potpourri for good smells. Yum.

Our entry table:

An old sewing machine table that desperately needs a refinish but I can't bring myself to do. I just love how old and rustic it looks, scuffed up and all.

yes, you are imagining a ghostly white cord in the background of this. Sppooooky.

I love Fall.

PSSSSTTT! 2 posts in one day! Check out my Pumpkin Parade recipe post right here! Yum.


Some cute ladies in blogland are having a pumpkin parade! Linking up!
 Shift Ctrl Art, Primitive & Proper, Decor and the Dog, A Little Bite of Everything, A Swell Place to Dwell, NewlyWoodwards, Boxy Colonial, Wills Casa, Cuckoo4Design, Bliss At Home, Go Haus Go, Interiors by Kenz

Recipes: Pumpkin Fluff Frozen Treats!

Who else craves ice cream treats still in October? 
Well, I tell ya what. When it’s 80 degrees in southern Illinois in the middle of October... (what is happening weather??) frozen treats do not sound bad at all. Pumpkin frozen treats? Right up my alley.

You have probably all seen the “pumpkin fluff dip” recipes all over Pinterest. Have you tried it? It’s delicious. But, it gets better!
I used a version of that to create my own Fall pumpkin treats--FROZEN!

Frozen pumpkin fall treats, everything but the graham crackers!

Pumpkin Fluff Frozen Treats
1 large container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (5 ounce)
1 large can pumpkin
1 package of cream cheese softened
2 tsp cinnamon
Graham crackers (honey or cinnamon!)

So easy directions:

• Grab a big bowl and a spoon.
• Mix together the pumpkin, pudding mix, cinnamon &
• cream cheese first. I used a little hand mixer, but not necessary.
• Fold in the whipped topping.
• Take your graham crackers and plop a big scoop of
• pumpkin fluff in between and make a sandwich.
• Freeze overnight.
• Eat.

ready for the freezer!

Pumpkin Fluff Frozen treats!

There is your delicious pumpkin “ice cream” treat.

And, bonus, you can use all low fat and sugar free versions and it will be a lot healthier than ice cream too!

PPPPPSSSSSSSTTTTT...See my other Pumpkin Parade post (My first Fall vignette included!) Here!

Some cute ladies in blogland are having a pumpkin parade! Linking up!
 Shift Ctrl Art, Primitive & Proper, Decor and the Dog, A Little Bite of Everything, A Swell Place to Dwell, NewlyWoodwards, Boxy Colonial, Wills Casa, Cuckoo4Design, Bliss At Home, Go Haus Go, Interiors by Kenz

What is your favorite fall treat?

Do you ever crave ice cream in Fall and Winter?

Recipe: RED HOT Slow Cooker Applesauce

One of the simplest and yummiest fall recipes ever today! Homemade crockpot applesauce, with a twist!

Ingredients

Approx. 15 small green apples

1/3 cup of stevia/sugar
1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 cup red hot candies
Crock pot

• Start by cutting your apples from the core. You can use any kind of apples you like. I’ve seen people use red, but I used green apples. They are the best. TIP: The best ones to get are preferably picked from an apple tree you planted as a 6 year old, but I know most people don’t plan that far ahead like me… 
• You don’t even have to peel them. I didn't. I don’t have an apple peeler/corer. So I just roll with it. 
• Cut your apples & throw in crock pot.
• Mix your sugar/sweetener and cinnamon in one container, then sprinkle it over the mound of apples.
• Pour your ½ cup of water over the apples.
• Cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. 
• Stir about halfway through and do some mushing with a potato masher. Cook some more.
• When it’s about finished the apples will be brownish and smell amazing, dump in your red hot candies. Stir until melted and blended. If you like a little extra pizzaz add a whole cup!

Serve. I like mine warm, but you can cool yours in the fridge and even freeze it if you like.  It turned out better than I thought. Easy, delicious. 

Step 1, clean and cut apples.

Step 2, add ingredients then slow cook!

After 7 hours of slow cookin'...Ready for the red hots!

Yum, there you have it. 

Adam complained that I should have made him and his friend a pie... Men.

Have you ever made homemade applesauce?
Did your mom used to put red hots in your applesauce as a kid?

FALL: The good, the bad, and the ugly.

It’s Thursday…and I feel like I’m still recovering from Labor day weekend. I had 3 of my very best friends visit all weekend. We thrifted, shopped, gossiped,  chowed down on junk food--mostly pizza and various types of cheese, drank wine, crafted, laughed, danced in my living room, and barely slept. It was a great end to the summer.

And what’s almost as exciting, my very favorite season is almost here. Autumn.

The Good: It's (almost) here!
Who isn’t ready for boots, chunky sweaters, jeans, bonfires, and anything that has pumpkin in it? This week, I hauled my Fall decorations out of the basement and created this Fall-like mantel.

The vase/candle combo holds each wine cork that has been corked since we've moved in. Please don't count them...
The vase/candle combo was one of our wedding centerpieces. So it's nice to have a piece of that day at home.

The pumpkin was a thrifted find a few years back. It holds a tea light.

I used old books I picked up for a buck a box at a sale. Some of them are history books (Adam studied history in college) See what I did there?

I added my little Isabel Bloom lovebirds which was a gift from my Mom.

I actually received this adorable Fall bunting from a friend last year, but since this time last year we were pulling our hair out building this house, I didn’t get to display it…or blog about it. This year I can enjoy it. Thank you Morgan!


The Bad: Needs more decor
Athough I am happy with the mantel, I am really am disappointed with my Fall decor options I have. I need more pumpkins, bunting, anything autumn-like in my life. Time to hit up Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods I think.

Here is a full fireplace shot.

Fall Mantel...a start.

Also, please ignore our dirty fireplace...that's Adam's job. Plus it looks way prettier during the day with wood in it instead of candles in the winter.

The ugly: Ragweed

In other news, there is one thing I absolutely hate about Fall: allergy season. Anyone else hating their allergies right now? I have been miserable the past two weeks. I’m pretty sure I’m already at my limit for buying the Allergy pills with Sudafed that the State of Illinois legally allows. I will have to send Adam to the pharmacy for me starting next week.
Showers twice a day, and bed linen washing every other day. Still not helping.

I think the worse part is I am a bridesmaid in my best friends wedding this weekend--and I'm worried I will be an allergy mess the entire day!

Do you think the bride will care if I wear this?

source

Do you have your Fall decor out yet?
Who else wants to eat everything and anything pumpkin?
Any tips for this allergy sufferer?
Would you let me wear the allergy hat if I were in your wedding party?