Celebrating October

Hello! I just realized because of my blogging break earlier this month, I didn't get a chance to share some of my favorite things about October. There are four days left in the month, which is plenty of time to squeeze in a few simple pleasures, right? Click on the links for instructions and recipes.


Apple Fritters ~2007


Warm candlelight.


Handmade Cloth Napkins ~ 2007


A hot cup of tea.


Caramel Apple Cards ~ 2008


Mini pumpkins.


Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies ~ 2008


Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I hope you have had a wonderful October, so far!

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
George Cooper, October's Party

Giveaway Winner!

Good morning! Thank you to all who joined in my giveaway and especially for your sweet comments!

Melanie from Candle by Night is the winner. Congratulations, Melanie!

There is one more week in my favorite month of the year. Has this month flown by for anyone else? We need to finish cleaning the garage. Hillary and Debbi asked how I managed to fit all of my decorations into two totes. The totes are large and are just for seasonal decorations. Christmas decorations are up in the attic.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Construction Zone!

Construction has begun on our new backyard shed and garage conversion. They completed the floor on Day 1.


Day 2.


Day 3.


This is our future family room. We spent all day cleaning and organizing. Phillip's brother and a neighbor boy helped. We took two van loads to the dump and another two to Goodwill, and we still have too much stuff for the shed! At this point it's mostly camping and gardening supplies. I downsized my decorations into two large totes. We need to have everything cleared out by next week!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and don't forget about my giveaway down below!

Handmade Card Tutorial and a *GIVEAWAY!*

Hello! I am enjoying this Autumn season, so I'm sharing another acorn themed card, but you can use any kind of paper, rubber stamps, stickers, etc. that you have.


Gather your supplies. My 10 Top Card Making Essentials list is HERE.


Cut a 5 3/8" x 3 7/8" rectangle of scrapbook paper or cardstock. Glue to front of 5 1/2" x 4" blank notecard.


Cut a 5" x 2 1/2" rectangle of scrapbook paper. Cut an approx. 3" x 2" rectangle of cardstock. The exact size will depend on the rubber stamped image or stickers that you use.


Glue cardstock to front of scrapbook rectangle. Tie a length of ribbon around bottom, tie a knot, and trim ends.


Add a rubber stamped quote or write with a pen along edge of card, as shown. Glue scrapbook paper to front of card.


Send to a friend! You can see more card tutorials HERE.


Christmas version.

A few more things I've made recently...

Snowman gift tags.


Thanksgiving gift tags.


Christmas gift tags.

Everything can be found in my Etsy Shop. Today is my 1 year Etsy anniversary and I'm having a giveaway to celebrate!

Leave a comment between now and Sunday evening (Oct. 25, 10:00pm EST) and I will use random.org to pick a winner. The prize is a $25.00 gift certificate to my Etsy Shop! You don't have to have a blog to join in, just leave an email address. International participants are welcome.   Also, any orders placed this weekend will receive free shipping; just mention this giveaway!

Good luck and thank you for stopping by for a visit!

Autumn Kitchen Decorations

Thank you for your comments on Emily's decorated cake and my Autumn tea tray!


I got the set at a local gift ship and I'm sorry to say there are no markings except a blurry emblem. You can find similar patterns searching for brown transferware though.


I actually got two teacups and saucers last fall and used them all through fall and winter.


Now I have 8 teacups, a teapot and 3 dinner plates.


Everything is set up on my kitchen hutch, along with a fall leaf garland, pumpkins, and acorns.






Thank you for stopping by for a visit and taking a look!

In the Kitchen...

Hello! Our week has started out with lots of time in the kitchen. Emily's Faith Keeper's group is working on their cake decorating badge. Last night, Emily baked and frosted a lemon cake all by herself.


At the class all the girls learned different icing techniques, including how to make royal icing flowers.


My brother-in-law's girlfriend arrived Sunday night and we are having Mrs. H's Country Ribs, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, and Choco-Hoto-Pots for dinner.


I've been using my Autumn tea tray as a centerpiece. Here's a sneak peak at my new teapot and cups. I'll share more pictures soon!

Cozy Lamplight

I love the look of soft lamplight, especially during the cooler months. A few years ago, I purchased lamps for our living room, but they were more for a decorative buffet. They didn't give off any useful light for reading. One of them broke awhile back, so this afternoon I replaced them with traditional living room lamps.


There is also a small lamp on the kitchen counter. It's nice to turn on in the evening and the early morning.


And finally, an even smaller lamp in the bathroom. It's the perfect nightlight.

Toaster Ovens

Hello! Recently, our toaster broke and we are thinking about getting a toaster oven. Do you have one that you recommend? Or don't recommend!
Picture from art.com

*Update: Thank for you all the help with the toaster ovens! Phillip ordered one from Amazon and I'll let you know how it works out.

Autumn Front Porch

I have a simple Autumn front porch this year.


Just a few of my favorite things: Indian corn...


pumpkins and mums.

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

October, 12, 09

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends! We are enjoying a day off as well.


Some of you may remember this pumpkin potpourri that my mom sent me last year. I found something very similar at Target this past weekend. It was in the home decorating section, near the framed artwork and lamps. I'm deep cleaning my house this week, so I'd better get busy. Until next time...

October Days...

Hello! I guess I'm not very good at blogging breaks. I've missed you all and I appreciate your kind comments and emails; thank you! It's been very cool and rainy here, which makes for a nice fall in Texas. Grace and I picked up some pumpkins and Indian corn this morning. I also found mini white pumpkins which were less expensive than the full size ones.

My brother-in-law's girlfriend is coming for a visit next week (from California), so I have some deep cleaning, organizing, and decorating planned. How is your October going so far?