Baking Day A Fall Tradition

Today my husband and I made plans to have a baking day on Sunday. This fall baking day is a tradition at our house as it enables us to get all the bake goods made, put into tins, and ready for handing out during the holidays.

We will bake all day to get ready for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. We have several bushels of apples so all of our family recipes for apples will be made. Apple walnut cake, apple muffins, apple pie, apple cranberry pie, apple turnovers, and more apple goodies will be made on our traditional baking day.

All of our baking will be done in our small kitchen, and we might get into each other's way but I hope not.  I think the day will be fun and will be setting up the dining room table and buffet as the holding station.  Everything will be cooled there and then put into holiday tins.

Do you have a baking tradition that you do with your family?

Here is a recipe for Apple pie made with fresh apples and not store-bought in a can.

Organizing and Storing Holiday Decorations

This morning I ventured into my husband's domain and realized that the garage needed organization. Know that straightening the garage is a thing that I do every autumn because it makes finding the holiday decorations easier.

My husband says he knows where everything is but to tell you the truth it looks like a fire hazard. Clutter everywhere and stacks of old newspapers that are being saved to recycle, nothing in place, storage boxes not organized, and golly I have no idea what is in them.

Everything in the garage needs to be gone through and it is time to get rid of what we have not used in the last two years. I prefer to not hold onto things for a rainy day. I think it is better to donate to a charity so that somebody can put good use to the item.

To make the garage easier to go through we will divide it up into section. Take everything out to the covered carport to go through the boxes, take out what we do not use, and then repack the storage containers and label the outside.

Once the garage is organized and the cement floor swept and mopped then it will be so organized that the holiday decorations will be easy to find.  The last thing I want to do come Christmas is looking through containers in a cold garage. 

All items in cardboard boxes will be removed and repacked
into plastic storage containers

Know that we are unpacking the cardboard storage boxes and restoring items into plastic storage bins with locking lids and they are on wheels. I found them at Lowes.com and they are great when you have to transport them to your home for packing or unpacking holiday decorations.

It is helpful to buy large storage containers in a variety of colors.  You can find the colors at the end of the season.  After Christmas it is easy to find red or green containers, after Halloween orange containers then the rest of the year the containers are blue or clear.

Here are some storage labels for your containers that will help you to find what you are looking for.

Red is a good color to use for a storage label because it is easy to see. Use a black waterproof marking pen to write on the label. Then highlight in yellow.

Subtle Floral U Pick Color/Food & Storage Labels by DelaineK
Design your own custom labels and stickers at Zazzle.

Easy Outdoor Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas

Greet your holiday guests with outdoor Thanksgiving decorations. This porch or yard display is eye appealing and easy to make. You do not have to go crazy with buying stuff for a feature yard display when it comes to Thanksgiving less can be more.

For this easy yard or front porch display, you will need a bale of straw, a potted mum, pumpkin and 4 to six stalks of dried corn that are tied together so they stand upright.  I use craft wire to secure the corn stalks the wire is strong and you can easily look the wire so that it can attach to the support. 

If you plan to use feature this display in the yard then dig a hole, insert PVC pipe or plant stake into the ground. Make sure the upright plant stake is at least three feet tall and then tie the corn stalks to this support so that they stand upright. For a porch you can tie the bunch of corn stalks together and set them in a corner, use the porch wall as support.

In front to the corn stalks set the bale of straw, on top of the bale of straw set a potted mum and a pumpkin. Make or buy a welcome sign or “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting sign. And the display is done.

Other outdoor Thanksgiving decorations that you may like:

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas - Deer Head with Antlers

When it comes to decorating our living space with wildlife accents I think that faux taxidermy is best.  So when I found this resin Stag Deer Head at zazzle.com I was delighted.  This deer head is very lifelike and will add ambiance to your living space, office, and mancave.

The deer heads come in a variety of colors, including a natural white and black and then there are trendy colors; gold, silver pink and blue. Having so many colors to choose from will enable you to compliment your homes color scheme. Or you could buy a few deer heads and hang them on your feature wall and make a fabulous statement.

When it comes to decorating my home for the autumn season I think the gold metallic resin deer head is elegant.  The color will compliment my dark hardwood furniture and think it will add ambiance to the room.   The deer head alone is fabulous but I may decorate those antlers with an autumn garland on Thanksgiving day.

White Antlers with White Stag Deer Head by white_faux_taxidermy

View more White faux Stag Deer Heads at zazzle.com

I think it would be fun to decorate the deer head and then hang it in the foyer.  I know my brother and his kids would have a good laugh.  So on Thanksgiving, I think I will decorate this elegant Stag Deer Head with Antlers with garland and pumpkin ornaments.  Here is a collage that I created to give you an idea.  

Decorate your Deer Head for Thanksgiving

Missouri Has Fun Fall Activities for Family

The fall season is a fun time of the year because the weather is ideal for being outdoors. Many people enjoy going camping, going on float trips and also hiking in Missouri state parks. Missouri is a very scenic state to visit during the fall months because there is so much to do and to see.

Audobon Nature Center SW Missouri

One of the areas that I enjoy is Branson in the fall. You can enjoy the city life and live entertainment at the many theaters and also, spend time at Table Rock Lake or visit Silver Dollar City for day of fun with your kids.

Hiking in the fall is a fun activity 

If you enjoy road trips then you shroud plan to drive along with vintage Route 66 to visit the small towns in Missouri. So many of the towns offer Main Street festivals, arts, and crafts shows, hayrides and pumpkin carving for the kids. Small towns in the fall offer wholesome fun for everyone.

Scenic fall color

On weekends throughout the fall season we like to plan road trips in Missouri. In early October we will attend festivals in Southwest Missouri, Neosho, Carthage, and Joplin have wonderful hometown events some towns have festivals with marching bands and vintage car shows.

The fall season is the time of the year that many people travel. It is the last season before winter and winters in Missouri are cold and long.  Many people who travel to Missouri will plan outdoor activities and go sightseeing and enjoying the fun things to do in Missouri.

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Do you make plans for fall activities for your family?

Decorating Bedroom for Autumn

Today I took some time to make plans to decorate my bedroom for the autumn season. Granted I have never decorated my bedroom for the change of seasons but since my husband has been spending more time in our newly renovated room I thought I would pop decorate it so we can both it enjoy this space throughout the season.

Cozy Autumn Bedroom by sgolis 

The fall colors are warm and earthy; gold, orange, brown and touches of gold. These colors will give the bedroom a cozy feeling and it will be a great place for my husband to relax.

We just painted the walls a warm flax color and I do not plan on painting an accent wall, instead, I will hang a few seasonal posters in hardwood frames. I also thought chocolate brown or pumpkin spice drapes would be eye-appealing window treatments. Then all that would be needed would be a garland of fall colored maple leaves to drape across the drapery rod or maybe accent the post as a wall decoration.

Presently our comforter set is chocolate brown and instead of buying a duvet cover I think I will update the bed with assorted seasonal pillows and add a fall theme printed fleece blanket.

Then for the dresser, I thought I would add a lamp and a stack of books. I think this would create a focal area that would be eye appealing.

Do you decorate your master bedroom for the autumn season. 

Decorating for Fall Season: Sofa Gets an Update

When it comes to decorating your living space for fall you do not have to go nuts, don't have to spend a lot of money. You can shop online at zazzle.com and watch for the sales then buy four throw pillows in a variety of shapes and colors.

I have bought several pillows on sale at Zazzle and my husband loves them. So this year I am shopping at Zazzle for my fall decoration and for a sofa throw pillow and blanket. Know that when the season changes and the nights get cold my husband and I are really comfortable on the sofa thanks to the pillows and lightweight sofa throw. On chilly nights we like a fleece blanket because the texture provides warmth and the feel is oh so cozy.

Autumn Harvest Living Room Decor by sgolis 

If you do plan to shop at Zazzle for your fall home decoration I would recommend that you take advantage of the Zazzle Black shipping perk. You get free standard shipping for a year for $9.95. Unlimited shipping on all orders for products plus there is a 30-day free trial. Let me tell you it is worth it to get the Zazzle black because shipping is expensive otherwise. 

And if you want to stretch out on the sofa know that his body pillow will provide you with support and comfort. Great for your back and for women who are pregnant.

Fall Season Came Early This Year

I had a feeling that our fall season would come early this year because our August weather was 20 degrees cooler than normal. In fact, there were a few nights in August that were cold. When the temperature dipped into the low 50's in August it felt more like early fall. Then came September and the weather was cooler than usual. Fall has come very early this year and with the season change, there is more work to do and less time to enjoy my yard and garden.

Today I spent most of the day outdoors doing what I can to manicure the yard and gardens before this week's cold weather forecast. I made a point to remove the fallen leaves from my irises and to cut back annual plants that have started to die.

The four O clock flowers have gone to seed and gathered the seeds for winter storage. 

 Now that the fall season is here I am thinking more about decorating my porch and updating the planters with hardy flowers like pansies and kale. I think tomorrow I will go to the pumpkin patch and see about buying a few nicely shaped pumpkin. I will also head over to Lowes garden center and buy a few potted Chrysanthemums for lawn decorations.   

Season Change: Autumn Nights are Cooler

When I look out my window I can see that the leaves are falling from the oak trees and accumulating on the lawn. Plus the sweet autumn clematis and chrysanthemums are in full bloom.  Nature has a way of telling us when the summer is ending.  Yes, the season is changing, fall flowers are blooming and the cooler temperature is in the forecast.

Chrysanthemums in bloom, they are Falls flower

Today I turned off our air-conditioner and opened up the windows.  The high was 72 degrees.  Airing out my house sure was nice however I did close the window about ten this evening because the breeze felt cold.

Presently the thermostat outdoors says it is 57 degrees and the low tonight will be 48.    That is too cold for this time of the year and I need to get ready for a cooler than usual autumn this year. 

Tomorrow I will be busy with indoor activities.  I want to pack up my summer pastel clothing because the season has changed.  It is time to get out the darker colored tee's, jeans, cords, light flannel shirts and find suitable shoes.

Here is a transitional tee that is perfect for the autumn season.

Autumn Maple Leaves T-Shirt by Susang6

There will still be some days that are hot so a few short-sleeve tees and capri pants will be good on those days but shorts and pastel floral tops are last season and they will be packed tomorrow in under the bed storage containers.  Then I will go up to the attic to look for the alternative down comforter for our bed because it will keep us warm when autumn nights are cool.  

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day packing up summer clothes and getting ready for the autumn season.  

Whats for Dinner? Baked Potato Soup

After working outdoors today husband and I were really hungry and I needed to make a hearty meal that would satisfy our appetites.  So I checked to see what ingredients I had and  baked potato soup is what we are having for dinner tonight. 

Know that I always make extra baked potatoes because this is the main ingredient in this soup, if you do not eat them you can freeze them and use them later for soups, hash browns and stews.

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So today we are working in the yard and while we work I am slow cooking the potato soup.  Stopping periodically to stir the creamy potato soup so that it does not stick.  Later I will run to Panera bread company and pick up some dinner rolls or a loaf of French bread.  

Then I will harvest some herbs from the garden, chop them and blend into whipped butter. Herb butter sure does taste good and I think it will compliment the hearty potato soup.  Baked potato soup is one of my favorite soups.  It is comfort food that is so very satisfying.  Here is my mothers recipe.  

Here is another favorite creamy potato soup that I think you will really enjoy.

Fall Fashion Looks: Autumn Leaves

When it comes to dressing for the fall season I like to put together outfits that are the same colors as the autumn leaves.  Normally I shop for casual looks that feature the colors of brown, gold, and orange and tend to wear t-shirt outfits that are comfortable because my husband and I enjoy outdoor autumn.  These casual fall looks are perfect for outdoor activities; long walks at the park, watching birds and wildlife, autumn church bizarre and festivals, corn mazes, and backyard gatherings with friends.  

Here is an outfit that I designed at Zazzle if features a golden color sweatshirt with autumn leaf print with matching leggings.   You can see from this fashion set that it is fall look that could be a favorite. In a word, I think this casual outfit is perfect for the fall season.  What do you think?

Autumn Leaves T-shirt and legging by sgolis 

Know that it does get cool in the fall.  Like today the high is 70 degrees but tonight's low will be 43.  If you are planning on being out from dawn to dusk then it is smart to take along a hoodie, jean jacket, or sweater.  During the fall season, the weather can change very quickly, and is best to take along outdoor attire.

Autumn Theme Decor Ideas for Kitchen

One of my favorite fall activities is decorating my home with the seasonal colors of orange and brown. Normally I will go all out and decorate all rooms where there is foot traffic; living room, bedroom, bathroom, hall, foyer. Dining room and the kitchen. My family and friends appreciate the effort that I put into my decorations.

I start shopping for new products, silk maple leaves, resin pumpkins, and accents for my fall theme in August and if I see something that will work with my décor I will usually buy it or look for craft supplies so I can make it.

Table set for autumn dinners

Today I saw that Kohls had updated their linen department with kitchen-themed autumn products so I went to see if they had anything that I had to have. They had a sale and I also had a promotional coupon where I would get $10 off. I like Laura Ashley and a few other brands that they carry. To be honest I did see a few things that I liked but the asking price was not to my liking. When shopping for so many things I try to keep on budget.

For my kitchen, I wanted to add new dinner plates to display on my baker's rack, four new autumn-themed mugs (mix & match), and a new tablecloth. Then by my breakfast table, I thought a new poster or canvas print would look nice.

The decorations for the kitchen are nature-inspired, I prefer landscapes for this particular room. Then I will accent the décor items with silk maple leaves and a ceramic bowl for small pumpkins, apples, and nuts.

Here are a few autumn designed kitchen and dining products that you may like

Autumn Leaves Coffee Mug by Susang6
Check out Autumn Mugs online at zazzle

Accent your table with a lovely autumn theme cloth. I love to cover my coffee table with a tablecloth that features an autumn theme. I think it adds extra color and interest to the room. I have also covered my foyer table with an autumn-themed tablecloth. When welcoming guests to my home the tablecloth adds to the ambiance.

Autumn Leaves on Trees Tablecloth by Susang6
 

If you are interested in viewing other autumn home décor products. Then go here to view my other designs. All print-on-demand products were designed from landscape or nature photographs.

Connecting with Nature in Autumn

The autumn or the fall season is when the weather is ideal for spending time outdoors. There may be sunny days with the temperature in the mid 70's so you can enjoy your time outdoors connecting with nature without feeling hot or cold.

Stroll down a nature trail in Autumn, Watch for wildlife. This is a good way to connect with nature

Now is a good time to make tentative plants for you and your family to take a road trip to a state park and spend the day outdoors. One of the things I like to do is go to the Audubon Nature Center, it is located in SW Missouri and it's not a bad drive.

Here is a postcard I designed from the photographs I took last autumn when visiting The Audubon nature center at Wildcat Park.

Joplin Missouri Shoal Creek Postcard by Susang6
Get Postcard designs on zazzle.com

We will leave early in the morning and get there in time for a picnic lunch. Then after lunch, we can walk on the nature trails, stop to watch the birds and the wildlife and also enjoy the white water rapids on Shoal Creek.

We always cease a warm sunny day in autumn because winter comes too soon.  Do you connect with nature during the autumn season?

Learn more about the Audubon nature center in SW Missouri here.

Decorating with Cozy Zazzle Autumn Throw Pillows

Whenever I decorate my living areas whether it's the den, bedroom, or living room I love to accent the space with autumn throw pillows and seasonal sofa throws. In the past, I leaned toward solid orange or chocolate-colored pillows, but over time I discovered how much more inviting and visually interesting it is to use fall-themed pillows that feature autumn leaves, woodland scenes, or tree motifs. These autumn home decor accessories add warmth and personality to any room.

 Online Shopping for Fall Decor

I do most of my shopping online, especially since I'm not someone who enjoys browsing at the mall. The autumn maple leaf pillows I used to decorate my space were found at Zazzle, a site I return to often for seasonal home accents. The rich orange tones paired beautifully with my brown furniture and created a cohesive, cozy color flow throughout the room. Orange is a classic accent color for fall it complements earth tones and adds a pop of seasonal charm.

Choosing Timeless Over Trendy

When selecting fall throw pillows and sofa blankets, I steer clear of trendy designs and opt for classic autumn styles that can be reused year after year. Traditional patterns and timeless motifs like maple leaves, rustic trees, and harvest-inspired textures never go out of style. These pieces not only elevate your space but also offer versatility across different rooms and seasons.

Comfort and Quality Matter

I’ve purchased several pillows from Zazzle and have consistently been impressed by the quality. They’re soft to the touch, supportive for the head and neck, and perfect for lounging while watching TV. Even my husband reaches for them when he relaxes on the sofa or stretches out on the floor. These cozy fall pillows aren’t just decorative they’re functional and comfortable too.

 Top Picks for Autumn Home Decor

Here are a few of my favorite autumn-themed throw pillows and seasonal sofa throws—perfect for refreshing your home for fall:

• 🍁 Autumn Maple Leaf Throw Pillow – warm tones, classic design
• 🌲 Woodland Scene Accent Pillow – nature-inspired and timeless
• 🧶 Cozy Knit Sofa Throw – ideal for chilly evenings and layered textures

Whether you're decorating for Thanksgiving, embracing the changing leaves, or simply refreshing your space with fall-inspired home decor, these accessories bring warmth, comfort, and seasonal beauty into your home.

Training Dog for Autumn Hiking Trails

Whenever the leaves on the trees change and the weather is warm and sunny I like to take to the nature trails with my husband and my boxer dog. I have been taking my boxer off trail since she was puppy and when I look back I recall a dog that was hyperactive and did not want to respond to commands. Yes she was a wild child and was clueless as to why I wanted her to be aware of the terrain.

Hiking on a mountain ridge in autumns:  Ozark Mountains 

Know that my boxer puppy learned a few things from my mature Border Collie.  When my boxer did not stop me from rough terrain I slipped on the gravel my border collie ran the opposite direction and safely held me steady with the leash. Then to my surprise my border collie barked and nipped at the puppy as if scolding her for not paying attention.

My mature trail dog helped me to train my boxer to guide me on the trails and this autumn I plan to take her off trail hiking with me. My boxer is a year old now and I think she will do very good, at least I hope so. I have been taking her on short hikes by my home and she is doing better but I will need to watch the trail closely as she is easily distracted.

Know that I took my boxer on the trail along Shoal Creek, just SW of Joplin, this one mile hike was cut short because of my boxer. We scaled the side of a steep hill and my dog pulled so hard on the leash that I nearly fell down. My boxer was distracted by turtle and did put me in harms way.

Boxers have a short attention span and thus not the best breed of dog for hiking. I would take my border collie on this Autumn hike but he is having issues with arthritis and hip displaysia. 

 Border Collies make the best dogs to hike off trail, they are alert and aware of their surroundings and they will never lead you into a dangerous area.

I will keep working with my boxer and I hope she is ready come September to go off trail hiking with me.  

Hiking with My Dogs in Autumn

Whenever I take to the hiking trails in autumn I always take my dogs. Both are large and will protect my husband and I if a situation would arise, plus the dogs enjoy themselves as it is good exercise and a fun activity to do during the autumn season.

Choosing a nature trail where dogs are welcome is something that I look for when planning our hiking trip. I always call the state park ahead of time to make sure my dogs are permitted. Know that there are hiking trails that permit dogs, but you must keep them on a leash. 

 Public trails are fun, but if I want to let my dogs stretch their legs and play ball I will take them on private property hike. Many of my friends have acres of land and as long as I ask and give them notice they sure do not mind me letting my dogs walk without a leash.

Getting my dogs ready for nature trail hike.

Whenever I take my dog to the park I will get him ready by fastening a hunting bell to my dogs collar. I buy these bells that look like small cowbells because they have a ring that carries. 

The bells are an inexpensive item that has huge benefits as it lets everyone know that a dog or people are on the trails, plus if your dog happens to get away from you the bell will let you know where they are.

I also get my dog ready for a hike in the woods by putting a tick collar on them. Ticks are really bad where I reside and the revolution topical treatment that I use is not effective in the woods. My friend has hunting dogs and told me that the tick collar is a must if you are going to be walking in the woods.

The tick collar that was recommended to me by my Veterinarian is Preventic by Virbac. Know that this collar is effective because  when the tick bites your dog, the tick will detach itself and will be killed immediately. 

Other than the bell and the tick preventative, I will get my dog ready by bringing along a thermos full of water and a folding collapsible travel food or water bowl. .

Autumn will soon be here and I am looking forward to hiking with my dogs along the banks of Shoal creek in SW Missouri and Arkansas and we may take a few camping trips with our dogs.  The nature trails when the leaves start to change colors will be a really fun activity. 

Do you take your dog on nature hikes?

Here is one of trails in Arkansas...it is off trail but does look like an adventure.