I Need to Cook More

Ryan and I went out to eat tonight at a nice restaurant here in town. I got grilled chicken with stir fry vegetables, a baked potato, a salad with Italian dressing, and a hot roll. It was so refreshingly good, wholesome. When I ordered the meal, I realized how much I miss complete dinners with a lean meat, vegetables, a piece of bread, a baked potato, and a salad. I used to have dinners like that all the time when I lived at home. I really want to commit to doing better here at my own home. I want to be better about cooking, but I despise doing dishes. Chicken and lean pork chops are really easy to make with vegetables and a nice salad.

Inspiration

I'm loving Southern Living's 1 Minute Escapes. Check out the link:

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/fall-colors-tour-00400000055141/

I also think this cottage kitchen is adorable:



Like this one too.



I'm also in the process of trying to discover a good fall getaway. Any ideas? Can't wait to see beautiful fall color on the roads. Maybe a train ride in the Ozarks? A night or two at a quaint bed and breakfast? Sign me up please.

Feeling Like Fall

So I decorated our wood box and mantle with orange twinkle lights and friendly fall and Halloween characters.

 

A crow and scarecrow girl sit atop the mantle.

We have a spare chair in the dining area. I have a decorative fall hand towel and a yummy candle resting on it.

Our little couch looks oh so cozy with a quilt, a throw, and pillows.

In the window sill above the kitchen sink.

 

A lovely pumpkin wall hanging from Hobby Lobby.

An equally adorable patchwork sign from the Hobs.

Our hall bath. No we don't have any fancy fixtures:) Vintage bath sign and leaves.

My shabby chic florals have moved to the office until spring.

A little cozy bench in the office.

Outside by the front door is this friendly scarecrow.

 

Inside in the dining area.

 

Entry. Fall wreath on door, welcoming scarecrow and garden flags.

 

I love fall and fall decor.

 

Love Quilts

 

Just got a cute Better Homes and Gardens quilt set from Wal-Mart for way cheap. I told my hub we needed an extra comforter or quilt for when I get sick. Our white down comforter is not machine washable, so it's not like we can wash it and have it back all in one day. Since fall is quickly approaching, I loved the cozy look of this set.

 

My mosquito net canopy from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Battery operated twinkle lights are pinned to the canopy giving it an enchanting, fairytale appearance.

Our little golden retriever Paws makes this quilt look especially cozy.

 

Shot of the closet with cozy white robe draped over. Vintage dresser. P.S. I Love You sign from Hobby Lobby.

Love primative stars. Huge star from Hobby Lobby.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Aw. We actually have a matching quilt in her little dog bed, so she feels right at home!

 

I love our new quilt. It's snuggly and makes you want to cuddle! Perfect for cooler weather coming.

Bean Soup

I made a yum bean soup last night. Here's what it calls for:

-2 cans blacks beans
-1 can kidney beans
-1 chopped onion
-1 can Ro-Tel
-Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, chili powder, minced garlic, cinnamon--trust me)
-Toppings (shredded cheese, additional chopped onion)

Stir it all together in a big pot, and enjoy! Super good with cheese and additional chopped onion as toppings. Crumble a few crackers in your bowl and yum!



Folk Art

I love looking at folk art. These are a few fall inspired finds:

 

Love this primitive piece.

 

Love this spooky, magical picture.

 

Found on a cute blog called Frosted Petunias.

 

Funky looking little piece.

 

Pretty.

Fall Inspiration

So I'm looking for a little fall inspiration. September is around the corner, and I am one of those people that can't wait to bust out the fall decorations. Pumpkins, leaves, orange and gold twinkle lights. Does it get any better folks?

Magical, don't you think?

 

I like the painted pumpkins.

 

Too cute. Who doesn't love candy corn?

 

Oh, wow. Is this not amazing? Trees lit up with gorgeous shades of orange, red, and gold. I love post lamps. And what a gorgeous church in the background. This looks magical. Do you see the people in the left corner?