Happy Fall Y’All ~Time to Bring out Autumn Decor for the New Season

While it was the First Day of Autumn, our weather 

is still quite summer-like. No complaints here...I love summer!

But because the calendar said so, it was time to swap

out the summer decor for the rich, warm colors of Autumn.

Remember, last year I went up to the attic and found Hubby’s 

Vintage Toy Pickup? This year, I purchased these felt pumpkins

at Target to take the place of the Christmas Tree...for now.

On the Coffee Table, I replaced the Hydrangeas 

with these Fall Flowers.

Little Witch with her Black Kitty.

This was created by one of my Blog Friends.

I think it is awesome!

Thanks, Brenda

This Ghost greats you in the foyer...

You can see it from the top of the stairs.

See the box? I am also packing up some 

of my summer clothes for storage.

Another gift, a fresh crisp towel for the kitchen.

Thank you, Debra

Soon it will be time for fall baking...

Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cinnamon.

This special vanilla is from Emily and Jake.

Thank you!

Another greeter in our foyer.

Big witch with her Black Kitty.

This cute pumpkin can stay on the shelf through Thanksgiving.

I guess Black Cats are a favorite.

Happy Fall, Y’All

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~Thanksgiving Preparations

It’s Thanksgiving Eve.

Today was the first time...ever, 

that I have had a day for pre-preparations.

Remember those appetizer plates that I found at Target for 90% off.

They are washed and on the table.

I found Thanksgiving napkins in my stash of Holiday supplies.

I used items from around our house 

to create a centerpiece for our table.

I had pinecones, mini pumpkins, and fall floral picks on hand.

I cut bread for the stuffing 

into cubes and toasted it in the oven.

It warmed my heart 

when I brought out my Thanksgiving box 

and found these towels that I received 

from a good friend. 

Thank you, Debra.

And whoooo’s coming to dinner?

Our group is small.

Hubby’s mother and sister, 

and Dr. Robyn, from our Animal Care Clinic.

This photo of a Pumpkin shaped Cheese Ball 

showed up in my Instagram Feed this week. 

It is from the Today Show’s Food page.

It starts with two bricks of cream cheese,

Roasted Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, 

and Worcestershire Sauce.

After that is thoroughly mixed, 

fold in red pepper and green onion.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese is added,

And used to coat the outside of the cheese ball.

Here’s the magical part. 

It is wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, 

and shaped with rubber bands.

I can’t wait to open it tomorrow!

If you are interested in the recipe 

it can be found on my Thanksgiving Board on my Pinterest Page.

Follow the link in my blog’s left sidebar.

Cranberries were next.

I have tried a variety of recipes over the years,

but always come back to the one on the label.

Fresh Cranberries

Water & Sugar

Simmer, then cool.

I love how all the flavors compliment each other.

But most of all, I love spending time with family, 

giving thanks for all of our life’s blessings.

Best wishes for a warm 

and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Take care,

~Natalie

My Favorite Holiday ~How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey ~How to Make a Turkey Kielbasa ~Little Jack on Vacation

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. 

It is all about family, good food, and giving thanks.

And here’s how you make a turkey.

Start with some tail feathers for a sturdy  base.

Your Thanksgiving Turkey can’t have a naked body, 

so you must also make a vest.

Then clean up the edges and add embellishments.

This will bring out his personality.

Tom Turkey is ready for Winterfest.

Pinterest Photo

Speaking of Turkey, 

this weekend we made Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa 

to enjoy during the football game.

Cut the kielbasa into bite sized pieces.

You need 3 simple ingredients.

1 cup Apricot Preserves

1/2 cup Maple Syrup

2 tbsp. Bourbon or Apple Juice

Combine in your crockpot.

Cook on low heat for four hours.

It is a good recipe for tailgating, 

as you just stir it together and it cooks itself.

This is Amy’s current profile photo.

Jack and his parents just returned home from vacation.

Yes, we are in love.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Fall, Y’All ~Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Mom

The First Day of Autumn.

It was time to switch up our decor...

I love the rich warm colors of pumpkins and mums.

The summer wreaths are down and in storage.

Fall foliage is now the theme.

Welcome to our home!

Of course, I have a collection of items 

that I have created for my Etsy Shop.

Other items were gifts from blog friends.

This witch sits in the stairway 

and is watching everyone who enters.

This Black Cat was my very first sale 

in my Tins and Treasures Etsy Shop...

ten years ago.

Witches, Black Cats,

 Pumpkins, and Scarecrows...

It’s the little things that make your house a home.

My mother has been in my thoughts today.

Well, I think about her every day, but especially today...

She is celebrating her birthday in heaven.

She would have been 98 years old. 

Take care,

~Natalie