by Cathy Baker | Home & Family, Ideas |
Big outdoor plans were in the making for our October weekends.
But then the historic SC rain fell the first weekend…and the following Saturday. Call it stir crazy but I had to get out of the house!
Out of this craziness came five ideas for outside fun when the sun returns:
Head to the Farm! Many farms during this season open their doors to visitors for hayrides, the selling of their goods, and instructional opportunities — perfect for kids and adults alike. Just watch where you step. 🙂

Flee to the local Flea Market. You need only ask me once and I’m there. I’m not sure why, as I’m pretty much maxed out on antiques, but I love the idea of finding Mason jars at a bargain or something unusual that prompts a story. One really doesn’t need an excuse to flee, right?

Go to your County Fair. I think I’ve missed this one in our area. Honestly, it’s been years since I’ve gone but nothing said Fall when I was a teenager like a boyfriend wowing the crowd and winning a big stuffed bear! But I digress. County fairs have it all – animals, flowers, rides, cotton candy and funnel cakes (I’ve never had one of these!)

Attend a Football Game. Enough said. 🙂

Enjoy an Outdoor Concert. Wonder what’s going on in your city? Google it! Most city Web sites now have a section just for concerts. Don’t forget to bundle up for Fall’s chilly nights and chairs, if necessary. Or even a better, a mega wool blanket.
Your turn! What have I missed? What’s your favorite Fall outdoor activity? There are so many. Let me hear at least one.
by Cathy Baker | Home & Family |
by Cathy Baker
Need I say more?
I stumbled across Chelsea’s Messy Apron while searching for the perfect pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies. But once I spotted this picture? Game over.
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Image from Chelsea’s Messy Apron |
Once you visit Chelsea’s site you’re sure to be wowed by the healthy recipes just waiting to be made, enjoyed, and shared with others. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
But for today, go here {Chelsea’s Messy Apron} to read this gluten-free yummylicious recipe!
Do you think you’ll give this a try? Let me know.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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.
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.
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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.
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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!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
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.
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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
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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!