CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP COBBLER and NEW FALL FAVORITES

It's Labor Day weekend...
we are finally ready to
finish out the fall decorating
and plan the fall gardens.....
Let's really celebrate the season......



 Hello Kindred Spirits...
I have a few fall finds that I am loving right now...
both are from Walmart!

They have done it once again....
brought us beautiful fall designs and scents on
their seasonal candles which cost less than $5.00 each..
I purchased the FALL FARMHOUSE scent...
it's heavenly!!!

The second item I picked up was this beautiful, soft and cozy
plaid throw!
In fact, it's a marvelous fall plaid with fleece and soft sherpa..
I purchased two and am thrilled with this throw!
Lucy has claimed one for herself.....

It's time to bring out the crockpots...
I tried a delicious new fall dessert
that is so easy to prepare and the family
loved..perfect for an evening by the firepit....
This begins with a can of CHERRY PIE FILLING...

Next up is a box of yellow or golden butter cake mix



Sprinkle in chocolate chips and one stick of melted butter

The pairing of cherry and chocolate will make your heart sing....

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
 1 package (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
 1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup chocolate chips whipped topping or vanilla ice cream, optional

 Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Evenly spread the pie filling in the slow cooker. Mix the cake mix and the butter in a medium bowl. Stir in the pecan pieces and chocolate chips. Spread this mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve warm in dishes, topped with whipped topping or ice cream, if desired.

COFFEE, COBBLER AND COZY BOOKS

 I love small spaces that evoke the season.....
Coffee bars are certainly front and center
in the autumn aren't they?
Some feel the need to spend a fortune creating
a coffee bar with very expensive beverage makers,
canisters, syrups and all kinds of notions....
they are really beautiful and interesting,
but I kept my little corner simple this year..
and I love it......
This is actually a drying mat which
protects my glass stovetop, and also
protects the mugs.....

Autumn is the season for candlelight....
The warm scent is GRANDMA'S KITCHEN

May I suggest making a LEMON COBBLER....
this is divine.....
a can of LEMON PIE FILLING
and your favorite cobbler recipe....
it was a five star sweet ending here at Estelle's...

THE READING CORNER

Rustic Corners is the perfect read for those who love rustic interiors,
cottage inspired living and slow, mindful moments at home.....
it is perfect afternoon reading for all of us who enjoy
quiet corners and gentle living.

 Booked for One is a romantic read that will make you smile...
It's the story of a second chance love,
that results in healing and chemistry, paired

with a small town charm.
This book is a warm cozy read with heartfelt dialogue and
is so uplifting to the mind...

The story is set in the Low Country of South Carolina....
all the Southern Charm you can come across....
This is a story of a family written with tender, touching
moments and yet, revealing the flaws within....



I hope you find comfort and contentment this upcoming
fall season,
The world is quite different from the time I grew up...
I am in the golden years as they say and
it's the most wonderful feeling to 
make your home, your happy place.....

MEMORIAL DAY APPLE COBBLER

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those
who honored our country and fought and died defending our freedom...
It's important to be mindful and give thanks....

Many celebrate this day by gathering the family
and host a barbecue in the backyards.....
We enjoy the days of tending to the garden and 
splashing in the pool, well into the evening..
we think of summers spent at Grandmother's
and how carefree our days were...
Last year's barbecue was delightful.....

Smoked BBQ ribs and sausage

Mom's Baked Beans

Catherine's Pasta Salad

Come hungry and leave happy..

 HELEN'S CARAMEL APPLE COBBLER

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup sugar

1 cup milk

1 can Caramel Apple Pie Filling

Nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and melt one stick of butter in baking dish.

Mix first three ingredients in mixing bowl/
Pour batter over melted butter.
Spoon pie filling over batter and do not mix.
Sprinkle with nutmeg
Bake for 35-40 minutes.

SUMMER GARDEN BLOOMS and TEXAS BLACKBERRY COBBLER

 Hello kindred spirits… let’s take a look at the summer gardens this morning but before we do, I have a question for you! Who inspired you to have a love for gardening? For me, my inspiration came from my mother and both of my grandmothers, Grace and Estelle! They loved to create and nurture beautiful plants for all four seasons and they were all knowledgeable and successful at being rewarded with their yard of the month wins! I owe any success I have to them!

Creating a serene and inviting space for relaxation
and enjoyment with those you love....that's my goal.
I plan on drying this oak leaf hydrangea bloom and 
keeping it for a fall arrangement....

I focus on bright colors for pleasing the eye
that will evoke a sense of peace and harmony

The Wisteria I planted last year has finally bloomed

I was over the moon happy when I saw my planting thriving....

My Cottage Rose bush....

Did you know that Geckos love to visit you while you
sit close by....

The Four O' Clocks are wonderful shelter
for garden bunnies......

I love Lantana in the summer....

Rose of Sharon blooming amongst the Zinna's

Now it's time for a dip in the pool

Have you made a summer cobbler yet?

I used Blackberry Pie Filling and fresh blueberries.....

Take time to enjoy the summer months as you make life a
beautiful experience.....

IT'S TIME FOR SUN DRENCHED DAYS AND STARLIGHT NIGHTS

Hello Kindred Spirits.....how is the start to your Summer going?
I plan on spending much of our time poolside before
it becomes unbearably hot....we have no big travel plans
and are so grateful that our outdoor living space has been
transformed into our own private oasis....
I am good with a glass of ice cold lemonade and burgers on the grill....

I am so enjoying this beautiful Dahlia that Miss M gifted to me
for Mother's Day...the first time I will be growing on of these beauties!

Our Lilac Vitex is a proven winner and is absolutely
a showstopper!

These are called Sunset Lilly's

So far, I am thrilled with how Mae's Memorial Garden is growing...
These Canna's will be a bright orange....



It's something to look forward to....

I am in love with Four O' Clocks....
they never disappoint.

They are soft and delicate....such pretty, pretty colors....

Another Dahlia in early bloom....

I adore growing Rosemary....it smells heavenly.....

As I was cleaning and organizing a kitchen cupboard the other day,
I came across this beautiful bowl that I had totally forgotten about...

it's now on display where I can enjoy it everyday.....

I received this cookbook for Mother's Day also, and it's
chocked full of delicious recipes to try....

Such as a Cuppa, Cuppa, Cuppa Peach and Blueberry Cobbler.....

It can be the little things that make you happy to
entertain and celebrate the seasons....
I would love to hear how you are doing the same at your house...
see y'all next time!

THE NEW BAKING MIXES ARE FINALLY HERE!

Good Morning Y'all.....
oh this was a good day indeed!
I have been waiting for the new WhiteLily baking mixes
to hit the shelves and was tickled pink when I came across
them while checking things off my grocery list!

I cannot wait to try this pound cake which will be served
with fresh berries and whipped cream!
The reviews I have read are five star and I have no doubt
it's gonna be sooooo good!

 

My boys LUV brownies so this is the second mix I wanted to try.....
Now if you like rich, fudgy brownies, this mix is for you!

These won't last long and you can count on WhiteLily for excellent
baking products....

Now of course, we are all familiar with the infamous 
Whistle Stop Cafe , right?
The story made famous by our beloved Fannie Flagg and 
her story of Fried Green Tomatoes.....
well my friend Kathy over in Dothan told me about this
marvelous cobbler mix......

I ordered mine from Amazon and plan on preparing a
divine peach and blueberry cobbler.....
yes, honey....Estelle's is serving up some good food in the coming month.....
It's spring....let's bake, decorate, garden and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio....