seasons doings...

It has been cold here in Chicago.  And when I say cold I mean COLD!  With the holidays in front of us here are some of this seasons doings...

~Christmas touches have been added around the house....I got these great brass candlesticks from this Etsy Shop
~I've been picking up evergreen branches from around the neighborhood to use for my winter planters (more on that in another post)
~Planning out this years Advent calendar activities
~Prepping for Thanksgiving.  I'll definitely be setting these up for the kids' table this year....

source here

and making these for dessert...

source here

~Working on Christmas lists and Christmas cards....

What are you working on for the season?

Have a wonderful weekend friends!  

reflecting...

I forgot how much I love November.  The air has turned cold and the skies are that deep gray that only autumn can share.  The nights come quickly as we get ready for dinner.  One of the best parts of my day is sitting and eating as a family.  The baking has been steady as birthday treats and school snacks are to be made.  I now have time to reflect on how wonderful October was.  The seeds I planted in my Pop's garden produced some amazing pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.  The beans had fun going to Gram and Gramps' house to choose their pumpkins for carving.  The firetruck cake that I was nervous to make came out just fine and my son was proud of it.  Little art projects for the season have been filling up the walls and my beans are all one year older.  That little fairy up there won't be so little next year so I hug and carry her extra tight right now.

Happy November Friends

breathing in fall....

It has been a slow moving fall around here.  My main focus has been to take it easy.  I've been working on making my health my main priority besides my family.   Eating good food, getting extra rest, and running.  

We have had a lovely time visiting one of my favorite fall places to take in the scenery.  I must say that this year has been one of the most spectacular years for fall color in these parts!  The grounds are full of history and charm at the old equestrian farm.   Our family celebrations have been endless but oh so wonderful just to have everyone together.  My new favorite tablecloth for parties is brown craft paper.  Just throw it down with some fun notes about the birthday bean and presto!  You have yourself a table!  The garden is getting cleaned up as bulbs are going into beds and containers.  Always being covered with chicken wire of course, to keep my outdoor friends away!    I have done some thrifting.  I found that tray up there for 10 dollars at an antique shop.  Covered with birds and a pretty gold finish it is perfect for a little fall display.

All and all life is good!  I'm glad I took the break but I'm happy to be back here in my little space to catch up with all of you!

Happy Making, Baking, and Growing Friends!

A Collection...

Just a collection of all the bits and bobs happening in these parts!

The pit is almost finished!  The water issues in this space have been plenty.  We are just elated to be close to the finish line. 

We discovered once we started digging that the pipes for drainage under the slab were all broken.  One main pipe was wrapped in siding from our house which would explain some things!!!

We recycled some of the concrete to make the steps and walkway.  This space now connects to the upper area off the kitchen and was reduced in size to be used as a small sitting area.

My wonderful husband wheeled 12 yards of dirt back here to fill in this massive pit the day before my daughter's birthday party.   Do you see all of the new space for plants!?!  

Off the kitchen is where I had some of my veggies. 

Now we have a deck for a table.

Big bean is now 5!

For her party I wanted some color for the center of the table so I filled a vase with water and water balloons.  A fun and bright display!

 Apple picking and baking this weekend.  

Cortland apples

Mom's Apple Crisp...

Cut-6 large apples into small pieces
Mix-with 1/2 cup sugar and one tsp cinnamon
Spread into 9 by 13 glass baking dish

For the crumble
Mix-6 tbs of softened butter with 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt
Sprinkle on top of the apples

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

raspberries are coming in

a happy pot of asters from my mom

I went with simple planters this year for the front porch.  Pumpkins and sticks!  

The simple things are the sweetest things!
Wishing everyone a lovely new week!