Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hearty Autumn Appetites

With autumn on my brain I have started eagerly anticipating the delicious hearty meals that are on the horizon. During the summer we try not to use the oven so once the temperatures cool I start scouting out recipes that I've been craving for the past six months. 

First up on my must make soon list: Pumpkin and Mushroom Pasta with Gorgonzola

via Closet Cooking
Pumpkin, mushrooms, sage...mmmm! Pair this with Oktober Fest beer and I'll be in heaven.


A meal I'm a bit intimidated to try is Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pot Roast.

via The Pioneer Woman
I've never cooked a huge hunk of meat but doesn't this just scream FALL to you? Oh, meat doesn't scream at you? Nevermind.


Perhaps meat doesn't scream at you, but I'm sure Baked Potato Soup does.  When I think of a cold, dark evening, this soup always seems to follow.

via Foodies at Home

One time I accidentally used vanilla soy milk when making baked potato soup. Not the best meal I've ever created, though John managed to find something to compliment (he's a good husband).


Last but not least, this Herb-Roasted Chicken has me putting on my apron.

via Design *Sponge

As much as I love grilling out during the summer, nothing beats the smells of potatoes, onions, and garlic roasting in a pan alongside some juicy chicken.


Once I get home from this road trip, a trip to the grocery store is in order! What should I make first? What meal defines autumn for you?

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cuddling Weather

cable knit blanket
via

With the onset of cuddling weather (i.e. colder weather and longer nights) I have taken to obsessing over knit blankets. They are like sweaters - but better!

cable knit throw pillow
via

So far, my obsession has included drooling over pinterest photos and smooshing knit blankets at Pottery Barn.I may however have to take my obsession a bit further and re-learn how to knit.

knit throw blanket
via

Yes, I will be knitting my own throw blanket because spending $100 on one just seems a tad bit extravagant.

knit throw blanket
via

Although, I completely understand why someone would. I mean, look at how soft and warm and cuddly that blanket looks!

blanket throw knit
via

I think a knit blanket adds the perfect touch of texture and warmth necessary when preparing for winter.

knit throw blanket
via

So now I just need to decide on a color. What do you think? A rich brown? A neutral oatmeal? A festive berry red? A deep blue? Olive green?

cable knit throw blanket
via

Oh yeah...and learn how to make a cable knit blanket.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Rainy Fall Days


Fall has been making itself known this week by showering us with unending rain, hiding the sun, and lowering the temperatures.  As much I am not a fan of autumn, I am loving my recent mornings when, with a hot cup of coffee (gone are the days of iced coffee), I stare into the rain while planning my day.  There's something about the sound of rain and the view of fog that lend themselves to introspection and solitude.


I've been closely observing the slight and steady changes in our apartment that prove it is time to cozy up the place and prepare for roaring fires and savory baked foods.  The bright summer sun has disappeared and been replaced by a dark and moody light that barely makes its way past our windows. Our potted garden is beginning to wilt and is looking tuckered out after a productive summer.  Our houseplants are begging to be put back up against the window where they can suck as much sunlight from the world as possible and settle into a slow and lazy winter.


This weekend will be filled with unpacking candles, fluffing up blankets, filling jars with acorns and pinecones, and preparing to hunker down for our winter hibernation.  I know summer has disappeared when I begin craving soft and cuddling blankets and texture over color.


What do you do when the light changes, the temperatures drop, and the world begins to settle down for winter? Do you make subtle changes to your home or do you go for a drastic overhaul? Do you keep the same decor season after season or do you introduce changes with the changing months?

PS I have always collected acorns from the places we go hiking and camping and I have noticed a significant difference in the acorns I find in North Carolina compared to the acorns of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. They are long and big and not very acorn-like. In fact, when I throw them into my acorn jars, they look very out of place. Random fact from Turning a House into a Home.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Leaves are Falling


I glanced out my window yesterday and was shocked by the yellow leaves I saw laying in our parking lot.  This morning as I slowly awoke to the world, I was shocked by the frigid temperature in our bedroom.

Leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping, and fall is coming. This causes three thoughts in my head (yes, I know that's a lot of thinking all at once):

1. It's time to unpack the winter clothes. Boy do I hate this bi-yearly chore.


2. Our anniversary is so very near!! Actually, September 19 will be our two year anniversary so be ready for some pictures from that fabulous day next week!!

3. I need to cozy up our living room. I have many projects floating around in this head of mine and am plotting some fabulous fall decor crafts so be prepared for some awesomeness in the coming weeks.

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