AUTUMN TOUCHES, WILDFIRES AND DOLLY'S BUTTERSCOTH PIE

Hello Kindred Spirits...
it's been a difficult week for so many of us....
the world lost the sweetest soul, our Dolly Parton..
and parts of our beautiful Texas experienced horrific wildfires.....
I thought I would share a little catch up post as we focus on
autumn....progress has been made  here at Estelle's.... 

The family room is being transformed....

The formal dining room shows off a bird theme which I most always
love to do....early autumn



I love the first edition of Candy Corn.....

And, the bar cart sports a romantic botanical fall theme....

The entryway tables featured soft fall artwork accented with
velvet pumpkins along with acorns and my glittered pheasant....

I love displaying my grandmother's goblet filled with acorns,
alongside a pumpkin and woodland art

I fell in love with the toile pumpkin
which is part of the fall collection
from My Texas House

Lucy and I decorated the little guest bedroom....
new pillow covers, a soft cozy throw and art.....

        OVER IN ATLANTA....

Luke attended a Braves game with his friend, Lucas and his Dad...
always a good time....

He works hard which allows him to buy clothes he really enjoys wearing

We were shocked and simply heartbroken to learn of
the passing of Dolly Parton.....
she has been a part of my life since childhood...
I began watching her when she first started out
on The Porter Wagoner show long before color TV....
Dolly was a special gift from God

So, in her honor, I made one of her recipes....
The Butterscotch Pie...and it is just delicious!

Texas has been battling horrific wildfires this week....
This is smoke billowing in the distance from 
the ranch....

Please remember to pray for all affected by this tragedy...

SENIOR YEAR BEGINS WITH A PANCAKE BREAKFAST

It's hard to imagine that a new school year has begun and this one
marks the final year for high school for our Luke the Duke.....
He is quite the fashionista and we are so proud of this adorable
grandchild....our youngest grandbaby has grown up and will
soon be deciding on his future..off to college or perhaps
choosing a trade school ...
college tours are on the agenda so this will be a very
busy time for our Atlanta family...

 

Love his style.....he also works after school.....

Off to a Senior Breakfast.....

Speaking of breakfast, in honor of his school year,

I made pancakes this norming.....

I will soon be cutting back a few of my struggling plants
but did capture a few new roses in bloom

My favorite hydrangea which will be cherry red in the fall season....

You know,, when you take some time to look through
family photos from the past, you realize how quickly
time passes...it's amazing to think that the grandchildren
are all grown up and living their lives with busy schedules....
even thinking about our children and the ages they currently are....
it makes you appreciate all the memories that you have
created and to continue to make the most of the times you
spend together.....grateful for it all.....

I can now turn  my full attention to decorating for fall.....

Along with fall baking..of course it's time for a
apple cinnamon puff pastry!!!!

Hope everyone is doing well.....

SUMMER ENTERTAINING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Good Morning to all....
Yes, I know....summer is in full swing,
and it is just too hot to enjoy the  outdoors!
The big news here at Estelle's is that
we are preparing for company!
It's time to plan a party~~~ 

FAMILY TIME



The Divine Miss M is flying in from ATLANTA
for a short visit and bringing our Luke the Duke with her....

It's hard to believe he is now 18 years old and will
begin his senior year of high school in just a few weeks.
I cannot wait to see them and make our time meaningful and fun!
We treasure the time our entire family is together under one roof!!

We are hosting game night and cocktails for a fun
evening indoors!
The theme has been decided upon and we do love
a good mystery game.....

This promises to be a fun evening....
who will be the best detective?

I am so excited for this menu.....
I love attending a party where the food
is all homemade...with  love.....

The color story will be vibrant

The accessories will add a bit of glamour and whimsy

We will enjoy a cocktail hour, then the party shall begin...
as they say...

'let the good times roll!"

DELICIOUS SUMMER FOODS AND COASTAL COTTAGE STYLE LIVING

SUMMER,....It calls to mind images
of shorts and flip-flops, of rocking chairs on the 
massive front porch as evening falls....
of wildflowers in the gardens and relaxing
by the water.....

Some of us have planned a getaway for spending
quality family time while school is out for the season....

 

The Atlanta family is spending a week down in Apalachicola
in a quaint bayside home,...

Time for the most divine Bloody Mary's

Fishing on the Bay as the sun sets upon the water..

She finally caught one....



A successful day of fishing with Captain Jimmy.....

This property is stunning....

Now, we turn the conversation to food...
I have been productive making long time family
favorite summer recipes which were requested
by the popular vote...

Texas Caviar is a marvelous appetizer for pool days....

And for a lovely snack, those summer cherries are just delightful....

How about Hot Beignets served on Sunday morning....

And, I just crave my Mother's Southern Squash Casserole....

I Love, love, love this..

And, for a cool refreshing treat on a hot afternoon....
the well known Strawberry Pineapple Pretzel Salad...

There is something to say for Comfort Food....
I encourage you to bring your loved ones together
by serving long standing family favorites...

NEW HOME GOODS, WHAT'S ON THE MENU AND PROM NIGHT

Welcome back to a visit at Estelle's,,,
It has been spring weather in Texas which
has meant unpredictable weather, such as
a bit of rain, overcast days and tornado chances... 
But right outside my bedroom window,
I noticed how beautiful our Japanese Maple was looking...



My spring cleaning has been in full swing, so I am organizing
and keeping busy in the house....
I have a few new favorites to share with you today....

A new candle is a gorgeous shade of blue
with scents of summer.....
Washed Beach Wood....

I have a few beautiful pieces from
My Texas House and this planter stole my heart

I love wicker accents for the summer months...
and now I bring you a few items that were noteworthy
from Estelle's kitchen...

A delicious Sunday night dinner of

BBQ chicken, yellow rice, fresh green Salad with boiled eggs
and a mayonnaise dressing with hot yeast rolls....

This was a delicious appetizer I served while the boys
watched the hockey game....
four cheese stuffed pastry with a raspberry dipping sauce...

Oh my gosh....the best lemon cake ever.....

This uses a boxed cake mix, lemon pudding and fresh lemon juice

The highlight of the week was Prom night in Atlanta....
They looked like a million bucks and it was a very happy night
for our Prom Couple, Grandson Luke and darling Susie....

We are off to a wedding this weekend and will spend
a few days at a beautiful Air B&B...
I love weddings and am so honored to see our
sweet Amelia tie the knot..