Next week is Halloween and you know what happens the day after. The Christmas season quietly descends upon the earth. Stores explode with decorations and Santas replace skeletons across neighborhood lawns. But for now, take a moment to enjoy some of these 15 fall activities! 1. Go Apple Picking! The fresh air will do you good and the activity isn't too taxing. Check with your local orchards to find out what's currently available … [Read more...]
Apple Upside Down Cake: All-American Classic
August 17, 2018 By 17 Comments
Farmers markets and grocery stores are starting to display a wider variety of apples for sale. Apples are so versatile and easy to cook with - they're truly a fruit staple for any kitchen. To celebrate this all-American fruit, I'm sharing a recipe for Apple Upside Down Cake. I used Jazzy apples for this recipe, but you can use any apple that's good for baking - such as Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, … [Read more...]
13 Fall Flower Arrangements
October 17, 2017 By 2 Comments
In my opinion, one of the easiest ways to add seasonal decor to your home is through flowers. In the spring, we think of tulips. Summer is filled with a wide variety of flowers in a range of colors. Fall brings its own assortment of the floral species in warm colors. Gather a bunch of flowers and grasses like the examples below to create beautiful fall flower arrangements. Create a loose and pretty arrangement by tucking dramatic sunflowers in a … [Read more...]
Fall Decorating Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal
September 2, 2017 By 17 Comments
Our temperatures are dropping slightly here in Illinois. Summer hasn't left yet but fall is trying to wiggle her way in. The trees can't ignore the shorter days however, and leaves will start to turn color in few weeks. While it isn't here just yet, autumn is such a beautiful time of year and worthy of a post about fall decorating ideas to boost your home's curb appeal. Photo by Rikki Snyder A fringe of red leaves creates a pretty … [Read more...]
Fall Landscape Features with a Splash of Water
November 4, 2016 By 2 Comments
Orange, red, and yellow leaves are falling all around our yard, which means we'll soon be raking and bagging them. I had hoped to get outdoors with my camera to capture the riotous colors, but I just never found time. Lucky for me, I work as marketing communications manager for a water gardening company with talented photographers. Tony and Lisa took amazing photos of fall landscape features, and each one showcases water of some sort. Aquascape … [Read more...]
Leaf and Cork Banner: Make Your Own
October 31, 2016 By 2 Comments
Today I have a fun and simple Leaf and Cork Banner for you to make using my free leaf printable. It's a quick and easy project, which I needed since I've been getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have you noticed tasks always take much longer than expected? I could use another 6 hours in every day! Luckily this banner is easy to make and you can drape it on your mantel or over a hutch. (This post contains affiliate … [Read more...]
Fun Facts about Pumpkins
October 21, 2016 By 6 Comments
The third weekend of October is upon us and that means the riotous colors of fall are reaching their peak. Local farmers are selling their pumpkins and gourds and I love that I can just down the street and stock up on more pumpkins. I was just working out in the yard and while one hand was pulling faded flowers from the garden beds and flower boxes, the other hand was replacing them with pumpkins and gourds. It got me to thinking about pumpkins … [Read more...]
French Wall Clock for the Family Room
October 10, 2016 By 5 Comments
A recent trip to World Market changed my decorating plans for the family room. I found a beautiful object in the store that I admired, and noticed happily that it was on sale for 50-percent off. I told myself I didn't need it and kept shopping. But it haunted me. Halfway through the store I knew that pretty French wall clock was coming home with me. (This post contains affiliate links.) I still love the turquoise clock that previously … [Read more...]
Fall Decorating Inspiration: Blogger Roundup
October 7, 2016 By 6 Comments
This weekend is going to be busy so I'm popping in with fall decorating inspiration from several of my blogging friends. Every year when I look at their fall home tours I'm even more impressed than I was the year before. It doesn't seem possible, but the creativity level of my fellow bloggers just seems to be getting better and better. I trust you'll find decorating inspiration from them that you might want to include in your own homes as we head … [Read more...]
Fall Decorating Ideas for the Entryway
October 3, 2016 By 3 Comments
Do you decorate for all the seasons? I usually do mostly because I get bored looking at the same things around the house. Today I've got some fall decorating ideas for the entryway. I didn't do a lot for this area of the house other than change up the vignettes. I've got a huge window in this space so there's not a lot to do with the walls; it's just a matter of adding fall elements to vertical surfaces. Nothing too elaborate in this space. … [Read more...]
How to Create a Non-Traditional Fall Mantel
September 30, 2016 By 6 Comments
If Pinterest activity is any sort of barometer of what people are interested in, I think it's safe to say that plenty of people love fall decor. The season of football games, bonfires, and caramel apples makes us feel warm and cozy as we prepare to nest indoors during the cooler months. As I thought about how I'd adorn my mantel for autumn, I decided to create a non-traditional fall mantel using natural items in a white and blue-green color … [Read more...]
Simple Fall Decorating in the Kitchen
September 26, 2016 By 10 Comments
Fall brings two important things into my life; gorgeous colors and football. I don't know why football can't last as long as baseball season. And I don't know why the beautiful color of fall leaves has to mean barren trees are right around the corner. Well, okay ... I do know why trees become dormant and why football players can't as many games as baseball players. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. What I do like however, is a bit of … [Read more...]
My Fall Front Porch: Dining Al Fresco
September 23, 2016 By 19 Comments
Summer's flowers are fading and that means it's time to add color to the front porch with fun pumpkins and pillows. Our days here in Illinois are still warm but the evenings are cooler and enjoyable. Hubby and I want to take advantage of the mild weather and enjoy dining al fresco when we can. My fall front porch is arranged to maximize enjoyment outdoors before the temperature gets too nippy. I'm joining a group of bloggers today to share our … [Read more...]
Hi! I'm Jennifer and I'm happy to have you here! I live where the suburbs meet the country, which affords me the best of both worlds. Come along on my journey where I share decorating, cooking, gardening and more as it relates to both city and rural life. 
