Colors of Autumn

A Tinge of Pink

Another Day, Another Garland

 

Another day, another garland. This one (plus 30 tiny star ornaments) are from Target. I ordered them last week just in case I couldn't find them at our store when the Christmas things come out. 

Lovely October

On the Edge of the Wood

Light through the Wood

Beautiful Pyrocantha

Autumn Fields

Golden Crape Myrtle Leaves

Glowing Hydrangeas

Wooden Bead Garland

 

 

So, Walmart has started putting their Christmas decorations out and I couldn't resist this wooden bead garland with cute little tassels on either end. I really liked having a garland of flag bunting on the mantle during the summer, but this is more seasonally appropriate!

Basketball Season is Coming

 

Basketball season is upon us and our daughter has finally acquiesced to basketball sneakers. 

A Day with a Goddaughter

 

    I was lucky to spend the day with one of my beautiful goddaughters today! We were very productive: we baked apple bread (recipe from the Wall Street Journal), cleaned the bird cage, read all of the Angelina Ballerina books I have in my possession, made lunch together (bratwurst in sautéed onions and peppers, potato salad, pickles, and macaroni and cheese with bunny pasta), worked on coloring pages, rode her scooter, and watched several episodes of the old Angelina Ballerina cartoon. It was nice to spend time with a three-year-old again! 

Boeuf Bourguignon for Sunday Dinner

 

Ina Garten's boeuf bourguignon recipe is absolutely amazing. This is the second time that we've had it and I made a couple of changes to suit our family. Instead of an entire bottle of red wine in the sauce, I used only one cup to give it a hint of wine rather than an overpowering one (I did use the full amount of cognac, however). I doubled the buerre manié (butter and flour mixture to thicken the sauce) so that the stew was lovely and thick to serve over mashed potatoes. This really is the perfect autumn and winter dish! 

Roses on our Table

Autumn Sunset

Bouquet Garni

 

 

 

I just put together a garland of bouquet garni. Most of them are made of parsley and rosemary, but I also have several of parsely and sage. I'll use these little bundled herbs in soups and stews and maybe even on our Sunday roasts. I had never heard of bouquet garni before, but @rue.dauphine.paris mentioned making them to use in her kitchen a few weeks ago and they intrigued me! I'm debating where to store these once they're dry: In the cupboard with my spices? Maybe hanging near my braided garlic? For now, I'll enjoy them as a garland in the dining room. 

White on White on White

 

 

I'm knitting a baby blanket in bed and I just love all of this creamy white I am surrounded by. 

French Inspired Shopping

 

 

 

 

I did a little French inspired shopping today! I took a drive to Fresh Market and bought Pommery mustard, two yogurts, some herbs, and fancy India Tree sugar cubes. Since I was nearby a favorite bakery/giftshop, I decided to pop in and bought the most wonderful ham and cheese croissant and a raspberry creme brioche pastry. The croissant was scrumptious and I'm glad I ate it when I came home, because I would have been tempted to get another! I'm excited to try the honey flavored la fermière yogurt... lemon is already a favorite! I'm also looking forward to tasting the crème fraîche, something I've been inspired to try by @noisettes1420, who uses it in lieu of whipped cream on her desserts. 

Candlelight in the Bath

A Little Bathroom Upgrade

 

 

 

We put up new window film in the master bathroom! I love the change and feel like it's a better match for the tile and general style in here. Everything feels more elegant and cohesive now. The film is from Artscape, which can be purchased both online and at Home Depot (maybe other places too, I'm not sure). We needed two different coordinating types because of our window sizes. 

Autumn Eating Mode

 

 

We're in autumn eating mode, that's for sure!

A Hint of Change

Improvements at the Rectory

 

 

I really love the changes that we made this year to the garden (espaliered pyrocatha bushes) and eterior of the rectory. Painting the walls and painting the shutters and doors sage green made such a gigantic difference.  I feel like it has really elevated the look of the rectory and I feel such joy when I see it now!

Small Everyday Deeds

 

 

I haven't changed the letter board on our piano all summer, but this quote was too perfect not to put up. I had enough letters until I reached Tolkien's last name and then I had to dip into a different font to finish! 

Chocolate Chip Cookies on Deck

 

 

I've got all the ingredients ready to make chocolate chip cookies for our monthly Finer Things Club knitting group tonight. I'm preparing early because we have a busy morning and won't be home until just before people start to get here.I could bake them now, but there's nothing better than a cookie straight from the oven, is there? 🍪 

Antique Marble Pastry Table

 

 

Eeek! I spotted this dream of an antique marble pastry table on Facebook Marketplace yesterday and it is ours today! I have seen tables like this for sale several times and they have always been too expensive or fallen short in some way. This one was exactly what I wanted, the correct size, and right in our budget. It can be used in multiple ways and is currently acting as my desk. I am so thankful to my husband for seeing my vision, driving to get it with me, and helping to set it up! 

Pansies in the Garden