Happy Friday!

Good Morning! It's Friday!

This week has gone by in a flash. Is it really the 22nd already? The month started off with summer still on our minds but now I'm in full Fall mode. I've officially put my flip flops away for the season.  

Happy First Day of Fall!! We've been waiting all year and it's finally here! ♥ 

The mornings are chilly and brisk, just the way I like them this time of year.  I look forward to weekends more and more because it means staying cozy at home and not having to rush out in the morning.  Plus my coffee tastes just a little bit sweeter these days...♥ 

It's pumpkin spice everything now (yay!).  This coffee creamer is my favorite!!! 

Goes perfectly with breakfast.  I'm obsessed with the cranberry muffins at my work cafeteria. They don't have pumpkin (I know, right???) but these are just as yummy!  If I get there early enough, I can get one still warm....right from the oven.  And only $1.50! Sometimes office life has it's perks! 

♥

My two favorite Fall scents: Spiced Pumpkin and Autumn Leaves.  

I've stocked up on these for the next few months : ) 

It's still dark out when I get up in the morning now.  I shuffle out into the kitchen at about 6:00 am  to pour my coffee and I can still smell the scent of the candle I had burning the night before. Don't you just love that? 

This week we had rain and it felt more like November than October.  John was home sick on Tuesday and Wednesday : (  He was genuinely disappointed to be missing school which made my heart happy because he's loving this year so much! He went back Thursday and is feeling much better. 

Even though he wasn't feeling well I think he enjoyed staying cozy on those stormy days.

I was a bit jealous actually...

♥

This weather has me in the mood to make soup.  But what kind? Do you have any suggestions? 

'

Monday I had to run to Khols to return something and I accidentally found the coziest gray cardigan ever! I slipped it on and it was a match made in heaven! I haven't taken it off since.  Seriously, I've worn it every day.  I love it!  Have I ever mentioned how much I love Khols? It's my favorite store! I hate clothes shopping with a passion, but I always find something  there that fits me well and isn't super expensive.
That's a win/win in my book. They also have an awesome housewares department.  Right now it's decorated for Halloween and Thanksgiving!  I did see the start of some Christmas items in the back corner, but I don't want to rush it ♥ 

I'm trying very hard to consciously  slow things down....I'm always in such a rush and I hate it.  Trying to live more in the moment and not worry about tomorrow.  There is something to that theory.  Deep breaths help too ♥ 

Take time out for yourself  (with no guilt) is key! 

This weekend I'm looking forward getting my hair done on Saturday, a visit to the library (because I need a good book!) seeing Stronger Saturday evening, and having dinner at my mother in laws on Sunday.  This weekend does NOT include unpacking because guess what.....I'm all done!  Every box is emptied!!!  It feels so good to be organized and not have that big weight hanging over my shoulder.  Maybe now I can catch up on some sleep : ) 

♥

Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend, my friends! xo 

Teapots ♥

Did you know that I collect teapots?  Neither did I.  Until I moved.

 

When you move you are faced with the reality of having everything you own placed in front of you and you have to make a decision...keep it or toss it.

 

I was amazed at some of the things I found during this process. For example: I must really love cinnamon sticks because in my spice cabinet I found at least 5 jars of them (really???). And what does one do with cinnamon sticks anyway? Aside from putting them in hot cider I can't think of a thing.  Thank heavens we are entering cider season : )  

 

Back to teapots....Yes I love them. I mean, who doesn't love a beautiful teapot.  I guess  I didn't realize just how much I've loved them over the years.  And even though my space is now limited I kept every single one.  Some are in my china cabinet, some on shelves, and some tucked away in a cabinet or in the attic. I'll probably never use them, but I couldn't part with them.  

 

Here's a few of my favorites:

 

 

I found this little cutie wrapped up in a box in my attic! How could I have done such a thing?!  I have no recollection where I got it.  I don't remember it from my childhood so I must have picked it up at a garage sale or antique store.  I love anything with strawberries on it so I'm not surprised that I had it. 

 

It's now front and center in my kitchen ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

This teapot on the other hand I know very well.  I've know this piece my whole life.  It belonged to my grandmother, my Dad's mom who passed away before I was born.  My mother used to have it in a china cabinet in our living room.  They kept little papers and loose change in it. 

 

I always loved the blue color on it.

 

 

 

 

 

One day my parents gave it me and I was so happy! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It got this one as a shower gift.  It matches my Phaltzgraff dishes.  The pattern is Grapevine. 

 

I love it's chubby shape!

 

 

 

One day my Dad came over to my house and said "I've got something for you".  He gave me this teapot with the fruit on it and a large tin of different teas (I still have the tin too : ).  It wasn't my birthday and I hadn't done anything to deserve it.  He just gave it to me because he thought I might like it. 

 

He was right ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now these two pots are very special. They came to me all the way from Italy. 

 

Rob has a lot of family still living there and when we got married they had these sent over to me. 

 

The short one is for tea and came with a set of tea cups and the tall one is for coffee and came with a set of demitasse cups. 

 

 

 

I have a sugar and creamer for each set as well.  Aren't they beautiful?

 

 

 

The pattern is similar to my china pattern so they compliment each other well.  Rob always jokes with me that I have all these "fancy things" but don't use them, so what's the point?

 

Someday I tell him.  I will. Someday ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just because my mother knows me so well, a few years ago she made me this little fabric teapot. 

 

How cute is this?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She even added the teapot charm! And a kitty...♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it.  My teapot collection.  And now I'm off to make some tea.....maybe with a cinnamon stick in it???

 

Because of course, I kept all those too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy tea time! xo

 

A few photos from the week ♥

 

One of my favorite things about living in this house is the back deck.  Coffee with a view.  A nice way to start the day. 

 

 

Hello Friends! It's Sunday afternoon and I'm currently sitting on my bedroom floor.  I just hooked up my computer and I'm not sure where to put it. I'm still scrambling a little bit trying to find places for things. 

We gave our computer desk to John for his room so for now I'm cozy on the floor : ) 

 

 

It's been a week of transitions for me.  I got some very disappointing news at work this week and I have to keep reminding myself that life doesn't always go as I hope it would.  I needed a walk to clear my head and shake things off.  This is my favorite spot to take a breath....

Believe it or not this lovely place is right behind my office building!  It's where I go on my breaks when I need to escape corporate life.  For some reason there is never anyone else here.  I feel like it's my secret space ~

Back at home, the nesting continues..... :)

I hung my favorite autumn wreath. It used to hang on my front door.  Now its in my kitchen. 

I have lots of windows and I'm loving the sunlight that comes in every morning. 

 

 

Monday night we celebrated my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday Laurie! xo

 

 

 

John and I have been going for walks after dinner.  My parent's neighborhood is a lot bigger than our old one and it's perfect for walking.  And even though its still hot during the day the nights are cooler.  It got that first hint of "burning wood smell" it the air the other night. 

 

It's a sure sign of Fall!

Sending good thoughts for a positive week ahead! 

 

(Now I'm off to find a place for this computer. Time to get off the floor : )

 

Bye xo

September Sundays

Today was a good day.  Our kitchen cabinets were finally put in yesterday and I spent this morning unpacking the final boxes that were sitting on the kitchen floor. 

As soon as I empty a box...out the door it goes and that's a great feeling! 

I came across the box that had my candles in it!

Happy Dance!  

I just had one problem.  No matches.  I snapped this picture and then realized I had nothing to light the candle.  The good news is I just had to run downstairs to get some from my mother's kitchen.  The other day she "borrowed" two eggs from me.  We are helping each other out! : ) 

Here's a peek into my kitchen area. 

Decorating for Fall has been fun.  It was a nice time to move in because all the décor is very warm and homey.  I feel comforted. 

I had a craving for banana bread so I decided to drop everything and make some. I think of banana bread as comfort food, don't you?  Plus it makes the house smell amazing! 

Rob was watching football, John was on the computer, and my parents were puttering around downstairs.  The weather was sunny, cool, and breezy.  And I finally got my hands on some matches to light my candles.  It was a typical September Sunday. 

My favorite kind. 

I couldn't find my usual recipe (not sure where that book is??? :)  so I googled one from Allrecipes.com.  It was easy and came out delicious!

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

2 mashed bananas 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. 

In a separate bowl cream butter and brown sugar.  Stir in eggs and bananas.

Combine the wet ingredients to the dry until just combined.  

Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes.

This bread is delicious and not overly sweet.  Aaaaand, it's perfect for sharing with your landlords! 

Sending a cup of tea and a virtual slice of this bread with all you today <3

Weekly wrap up...what a crazy week!

Hello Friends! I'm here! Alive and well : )  

This is the first post I've written since we moved.  It will be one week tomorrow. 

A part of me can't believe it actually happened.  But here we are.  And things are good!  Our move is done and we are settling into daily life and our routines. 

I've found the perfect spot to drink my morning coffee (which happens to be a rocking chair by the window in my bedroom) and on Wednesday night I baked muffins for John's first day of school.

It's the little things that bring me the most comfort. Life is resuming and I am happy.  

Here is a quick recap of my week.  It went by so fast! 

It's official.  Sold! 

We officially moved out last Saturday.

  I was able to spend a few moments alone in my house while waiting for the movers to come.  It felt very strange and made me sad to see it so empty. 

We've lived here for 19 years. 

 All happy memories....and we are ready to make some new ones. 

The movers arrived right on time! They loaded all my furniture and off they went on a 5 minute drive down the road to my new home.  Every piece of furniture fit and was set up exactly the way they found it.   They did a great job! 

Rob got me an extra LARGE pumpkin spice coffee because he knew it was going to be a long day and I was gonna need it.  He knows me well! :) 

It took all day to move everything in but we did it.  

We slept like logs that night, I'm sure from pure excitement and exhaustion. 

My bed felt SO GOOD! 

The next morning I started unboxing things.  Everything that I so very carefully wrapped, I tore open like it was Christmas! I've been having fun rearranging things, mainly because I can't remember how I had it in the first place!

Slowly things are starting to take shape...

And just like that, it's familiar again.

Rob hung my clock, my tea cup shelf, and a few other things to make it feel more like home.  I still have a lot to do (like hang curtains), but here's a little sneak peak of our family room.

I started putting out a few Fall decorations.

Saturday morning Rob and my Dad are putting in my kitchen cabinets.  I'll show you once they are installed.  You can actually see one of the cabinets behind the chair and a piece of the counter top leaning against the table against the wall.  Needless to say, things are still scattered about a bit and we are half living out of boxes.  

It gets better day by day.  If I empty at least one box per day I am happy.  We are getting there! 

Sunday night Rob took John and I out to dinner to celebrate.  I got the most delicious Atlantic Salmon with asparagus and a tomato cucumber salsa.  YUM!  

'

John's on a milk shake kick!  Everywhere we go he gets one! 

We raised our glasses and toasted the next chapter in our lives...

There was a full moon (on a cloudy night) this week. 

Different view, same moon. 

I knew she'd follow me :) 

And the BEST thing that happened this week???

This guy started 5th grade! 

So far we're off to a great start!  Two days in and not a complaint yet.  He's happy! 

*I can't believe my baby is in 5th grade!!!*

The temperatures have dropped and it's feeling like Fall around here.  I've noticed the leaves are starting to turn colors.  It's a lovely time of year.  But as much as I'm enjoying life these days my heart and prayers go out to all of those of are not as fortunate.  Friends in Texas and Florida, and all over the country and world, I am praying for you.  

I would also like to thank all of my friends who have send me messages and cards and comments on my blog, twitter, and Instagram wishing me well with my move, and checking in on me.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Your kinds words have meant the world to me! xoxoxo