Don’t Miss Tonight’s Classic Fall Show

by Cathy Baker

Yes, there are Hallmark movies—some even containing the word Autumn—but there is only one timeless show that personifies this season and it comes on TONIGHT, ABC at 8:00 p.m. 

Pop the corn, break out your family’s favorite beverages, and maybe a little candy corn on the side? 

Turn out the lights and gather the family under a warm blanket. Enjoy!

This is no trick. This is a classic treat.

What’s your favorite scene in the show? 

{Don’t miss the new Peanuts Movie (rated G) coming to a screen near you in November!}



A Prayer-Filled Mug Giveaway!

by Cathy Baker

Okay, I agree. Hot tea is a pleasure Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall — but there’s something about this season that sends me in search of new harvesty-laden flavors at the first whisper of Fall. 

How about you? 

Lucky for me, we have a quaint, but well-stocked tea shoppe a few blocks from the house, so I decided to swing by and pick up some of their latest finds…to share with you. 🙂 

And then I also came across this…

Psalm 32:11 lovingly lines the inner rim of the cup.

“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice.” Psalm 32:11 
On the outside of the mug:
“Simple, pleasant moments, joy the whole day through, rich abundant graces…
this is my prayer for you.”  

Few things stir the heart towards this season like holding a steamy cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa. Savor these moments, allowing the Holy Spirit to stir His purposes and desires within you. 

With this in mind, how can I pray for you today? After all, tea and mugs, while beautiful, are temporal. I’d like this post to be more than just giving away goodies. I care about you, your family, and God’s plans for your life. Praying for you is a true privilege. Truly. 

Simply share your request(s) in the comment section. Unspoken requests are welcome. 🙂 Your name will go to a random drawing list but your requests will go in my prayer notebook. 

Blessings!

Putting the Pieces Together On A Rainy Fall Evening

by Cathy Baker

Every December, Brian and I purchase a new Christmas puzzle. We set up my grandmother’s card table (great memories!), spread out the pieces, and work on it during the evenings.

So why I’d never considered purchasing an Autumn puzzle is beyond me.

Check out some of these I came across:

 

“Autumn Harvest” by Vermont Christmas Company, sold by Amazon. 1000 pieces, $15.95.

 Covered Bridge in Fall by SunsOut, sold by Amazon. 500 pieces, $12.69.

 

And because I’m a sucker for old country stores, Coke buttons, and vintage pick up trucks…Autumn Traditions by White Mountain Puzzles, 300 pieces, $11.91.

Pour the hot cocoa, turn off the TV, and hide the phones. Enjoy the conversation as you work together to put the pieces back together again.

Which of the three above is your favorite? Amazon has MANY to choose from! 

 

 

Congratulations to Karla Cook! She won the Starbucks gift card from Monday’s post. Enjoy!

Stop by and visit Karla’s site Roads to Everywhere.

Fall Closet Cleaning Tips and How to Shop Your Own Closet

by Cathy Baker

I don’t know what it is about Fall. Maybe it’s the cool breezes or the fact that I love layered clothing but nonetheless, when a new season approaches it’s time to take stock of what we have, what we need, and what we can share with others.

This particular season is a new one for me. I’ve lost 30 pounds since April 2015. Nothing much fits anymore so my hubby encouraged me to buy new clothes and get the other multiple sizes out of the house. I’m happy to report that I was a submissive wife. 🙂 

So, I’m now I’m working on my own closet this week and thought it would be a good opportunity to invite you to join in the process I plan to follow.

1. Pull everything out of the closet. The floor should be clear as well. (Can I just say I dread this part?)

2. As we pull out our summer clothes, it’s the perfect time to toss over-worn clothes and donate the no-longer-worn. For those kept, clean if necessary before storing them away in labeled storage containers. We store our containers in the attic but they can also be stored on the top shelf of your closet, depending on how many clothes you have, or slip them under every bed in the house. One more place is a restored armoire. 

3. Before adding Fall components, take inventory. Again, it’s a good time to ween out the worn, outdated, and unworn. If you have multiples of a particular item, you can take note of it so there’s less opportunities for impulse purchases. 

4. Keep a small separate tote for gloves, mittens, hats, headbands, etc. I use an over-the-door hook rack for my scarves.

Organize Your Stuff Now

5. For the first time in a very long time (sad, I know) I purchased boots. Umm, multiple pairs of boots. And I’m not a shoe person! But it didn’t take long to see the benefit of having boot shapers. One pair I purchased from Target had them already inserted into the boots. I realized later it was probably because I took the display pair. Oops. So now I’m searching for ways to make my own. Maybe you are too. If so, check out Leanne’s Organize Your Stuff Now.

And finally, there’s this: Life Hack – How to Shop From Your Own Closet to Save Money.

I hope you’ll join me tomorrow as I share my Five Favorite Fall Finds. But for now, I’d love for you to share your favorite tip when it comes to switching out seasonal clothing in the comment section. I have a lot to learn.

Thanks for stopping by!


3 Unique Ways to Bless Others Via…Pumpkins!

by Cathy Baker

Did you know that the word “pumpkin” showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella, according to Good Housekeeping?

Yep, today we’re talking pumpkins, fall’s favorite fruit, and unique ways we can use them to bless others.

Thistle Wood Farms

1. Gather neighbors, family and friends for a game night. Nothing builds community like informal gatherings, food, and fun! If your gathering falls on a Bible study night, use the letters to spell out certain key words in your passage. Searching for a unique conversation piece, centerpiece, and game all in one?

Kari Anne over at Thistle Wood Farms has you covered. Simply scatter the chalk and let the games begin. 

Chalkboard Word Finder Pumpkin

mywedding.com

2. Nothing says you are welcome in this place than seeing your name placed on the table, reserving your special spot. Place cards, however, need not be fancy. In fact, the more unique, the better. 

If you’re searching for inspiration for your next tea or friendly gathering, Mywedding.com has a plethora of unique fallish ideas—but here’s the pumpkin favorite!

3. Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. Yes, honey roasted. Yum. 

Get the children or grandchildren involved in the process by separating the seeds once removed from the pumpkin. Cook, cool, and then place scoops in cellophane bags, tie with an orange ribbon, and secretly bless someone by dropping off a bag at a friend’s doorstep with a handwritten prayer and the link for the recipe.

The Clever Carrot {healthy comfort food} has nailed this one, among many other fall faves. If you’ve never visited this site, do so immediately!

I hope you find a favorite among one of these. Leave a comment letting me know which of the three is your fave — or if you have another. Please share!

My Idea of Adventure is Your Gain – Starbucks Card Giveaway!

by Cathy Baker

I want to be adventurous. I really do. 

I look at my friends and wish I could live vicariously through them but the truth is, my idea of adventure is trying a new latte flavor at Starbucks. Sad, I know.

Today I asked the Barista to create a short Toasted Graham Latte instead of my normal Skinny Vanilla Latte. I knew I was in trouble (Weight Watchers point-wise) when she swirled a bit of whip cream on top and sprinkled tiny bits of graham cracker on top, but I gulped it down took one for the team, and let me just say…it was worth every single point. Yum to the max, my friend! 

Fall is the perfect season for us to venture out — turning onto an unknown back road, taking up a new hobby, or going to a place we’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t. Or, for the more adventurous at heart, trying a new Fall flavor latte at Starbucks.  🙂

Now there’s no way I could tempt you with such a delight without offering an opportunity to win a cup of your own, so simply fill in the blank below via the comment section, and you’ll be signed up for a random drawing being held Wednesday, October 14th. 

(If you’re not a Google user and it shows as Anonymous, please FB message me or email me via the button on my side bar so I’ll have your address if you’re the winner!) 

Just one more way to love, love, love this spectacular season.

Pin It on Pinterest