THE LAST OF SUMMER with DELICIOUS EASY RECIPES

I am very anxious to see August leave us....
it is so miserable and oppressive when you walk outside...
and it just zaps my energy and enthusiasm...
it's been triple digits day after day, so we find ways to
be productive indoors...except for a few minutes porch sitting
and watering the plants in the early morning....
just keeping it real.....



This is our house in the summer afternoons....

A delicious way to stay hydrated is with
Blueberry Lemonade!

This cold swiss cheese spread makes a great summer snack;;;
very much like pimento cheese and it's not only
light and refreshing, it's filling!

This has become my favorite lunch for these hot days....
one piece of rye bread, toasted, layered with
crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices and homemade egg salad!

I came across this easy apple cake on Pinterest and it
is marvelous for a small cake...using only one apple.....

This is great for breakfast or a sweet ending with ice cream....

CINNAMON APPLE CAKE

 

SEMI-HOMEMADE POUND CAKE and NEW FALL INSPIRATION

Good Morning to all from the great state of Texas.....
Today's post is full of goodness....
a delicious cake recipe along with a sneak peek of new fall items
I plan on using this season...y'all come on in.....

 

This is a semi-homemade poundcake that is just scrumptious.....

One Golden Butter Cake Mix
One box Instant Vanilla Pudding
4 large eggs
One cup water
1/2 cup oil

Blend all ingredients well.
Pour batter into a greased bundt pan
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

This cake makes a marvelous Strawberry Shortcake!!!

Now, let's get the discussion started about the fall season....

I am really, really looking forward to this season....
it's going to be beautiful and even more special
with the wedding in October.....

This wreath is just beautiful.....
I chose this particular one for the autumn colors and
the lovely mix of textures....

This table runner is stunning....

I plan on using this for the Thanksgiving buffet

My love for anything vintage and
Currier and Ives comes from my Grandparents and my parents...
I thrifted this beautiful cookie tin from Etsy......

A trio of beautiful soft pumpkins....

I love the seasonal whimsy of this wreath hanger....

A darling set of stacked pumpkins to place beside a lantern.....

And I could not resist this lovely and soft colored artwork.....

Fall maple leaf stems can be tucked into a basket along with a soft blanket.....

And last but not least....
a divine scented candle from  A CHEERFUL GIVER...
the scent is Grandma's Kitchen....

I am certainly look forward to September 1st....

EMBRACING THE FALL SEASON

Good morning to all my kindred spirits out there...
Summer is lingering with hot, uncomfortable days...
My fall decorating plans which were scheduled
to begin in September, have fallen by the wayside
and let it be noted I could no longer
hold off the desire to change out summer, to a few fall touches
starting with the kitchen..
I carefully stored away the summer decor pieces
and pulled out some favorites for the new season of Autumn....

I transformed this little counter space into an "owl themed"
little corner....
you know the first rule in decorating your home
is creating spaces that bring you joy and contentment...

I have loved this owl vase for many years....
I added a few Hops sprigs and he wears it
like his autumn crown....

I think this may be one of my favorites...

a tiny night lamp which is just so cozy

and beautifully crafted....

And lastly, my favorite cup to use for morning coffee.....

I sure love how this theme just seemed to come together....

For my little work station....I selected
my new wooden dough bowl, lined with a linen napkin 
and it features my little crocheted pumpkins....

I pulled out this age old wooden leaf
to use as the base for the little glass Milk pitcher....

A vintage cookbook featuring autumn recipes.....

 This precious little metal house wax warmer,

with a warm apple pie scent. fills this corner....

I think it's a good start to feel the anticipation

of a perfect fall day.....now bring on the football season

and tailgating parties...it's gonna be good y'all!!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL , ANOTHER BRIDAL SHOWER and THE WEEKLY MENU

 


Good Morning Kindred Spirits...
I hope this finds you all well and happy..
It seems the summer break gets shorter and shorter
as the years roll by....back to school in early August
seems so unreal, but here it is...
the beginning of Sophomore year in high school...



Our engaged couple enjoyed
another bridal shower hosted by sweet friends.....





I am loving these balloons.....
I think I want to try to make one for the holiday party...
I think they look radiant and so very happy....

Now let's talk food  that was on the menu at Estelle's this week...



I was craving a big pot of vegetable soup served up
with hot cornbread muffins....oh yes, it was just
what the tummy needed...

and summer tomatoes always remind me of mother and daddy
and growing up in Mississippi.....
I love a tomato cracker salad for lunch....

a beautiful BLT makes a divine lunch for everyone....

and yes, fresh sliced tomatoes with deviled eggs.....

for a sweet ending....fresh and hot apple fritters....

And my most requested homemade Coconut Cream Pie....

My thoughts have turned to the fall season
and am looking forward to new recipes to try....
it's so good to have a passion......

I would love to hear what favorites are on your dinner table!!

THE BRIDAL SHOWER, SUMMER CELEBRATIONS WITH FAMILY, and THE NATIONAL TRACK MEET

This entire visit just MADE OUR SUMMER THE BEST!
Family is what makes us dance like no one is watching....
The older we become, the more precious the time is
when we are able to have all of the children together....
As we say good-bye to Summer....
these are a few highlights of July......

We enjoyed a marvelous brunch on this particular day...
a beautiful restaurant at The Star..
great service and absolutely delicious food.....

I think this was a real treat for our Luke the Duke

The best smoked Gouda Grits ever.....

We gathered for dinner in our downtown
historic district  on a beautiful summer evening....

How I love enjoying the cocktail hour with my favorite girl.....

On the day of the bridal shower, we gathered at
our son's home for swimming and were treated
to his fabulous grilled Smash Burgers.....

Our daughter planned this visit specifically for
her nieces bridal shower and it was a beautiful event...

My favorite granddaughter,,,,and only granddaughter....
she is a beautiful and kind person inside and out....

Her precious Mom planned and executed the shower with 
just stunning results...it was gorgeous....
how wonderful to visit and see long time friends and family

Miss Abbie and darling Amelia....
her Maid of Honor....
these two have been life long best friends....

Beautiful and delightful Aunt Laura

The Caterer was delightful and her foods
were incredible....oh this was good......

Then we planned our weekend drive down to College Station
for Luke's participation in the National Track Meet.
We were so fortunate to book a nice hotel room for the weekend.



Since this was "national" there were hundreds of people....
and it was HOT...and ran into the midnight hour....
but he has made wonderful friends and thought the
entire experience was just awesome....

We  were able to tour the Texas A&M campus which
is where his Mom and Uncle attended....there is 
nothing like it.....we love it!!!!

All too soon, they were back at Love Field and flying
back to Atlanta....

Summer vacation ended with a few days in the Georgia
mountains and a beautiful, peaceful time at a pretty
lake house....another great time for the books....
and now...it's back to school already and
beginning his sophomore year of high school.....
I hope it's a fantastic year for him...
So long to Summer and bring on the fall season.....