Autumn Turns My Heart Toward Home

October 20, 2018 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

I’m a summer girl through and through. However, as much as I love the warmer months, I must admit that fall and winter bring out the homemaker in me and that is who I truly am. My home takes center stage in Autumn.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

When the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop, my nesting instincts bubble up to the surface. Furniture shines and smells of lavender beeswax. Hearty soups and stews bubble on the stove. Rooms take on a cozy glow with lit lamps, candles and twinkle lights. Housekeeping tasks ignored during busy summer months begin to take priority on my daily to-do lists.

One of my favorite things to do when it begins getting dark early is to make sure the house is softly lit and welcoming when David returns from work. I make sure the porch light is on and turn on the little lamp on our entry table. I go through the house turning on lamps and plugging in twinkle lights. I light candles and turn on a diffuser or two. I may choose a CD to play on the stereo (yes, we are old school and still play CDs). If I know he is on his way I’ll make us both cups of tea to sip as we catch up with one another. You can read more about my “Welcome Home Ritual” here.

I’ve made myself a list of cozy, home-y, autumn/winter things I want to do and thought I’d share my list with you.

10 Cozy Home Activities for Fall and Winter

1. Bake homemade bread. I used to bake bread regularly. I have a wheat grinder, plenty of wheat, and a really nice Bosch mixer which allows me to mix several loaves worth of dough at once. This is a habit I want to re-establish. Because honestly? Nothing makes a house smell better than bread baking in the oven.

2. Unless it’s chocolate chip cookies. My recipe is so good I could literally eat a dozen in one sitting. I don’t. But I could. One thing that helps me with that control thing is to freeze the dough and just bake a few at a time. If that’s not enough incentive to finally clean out my freezer to make room, I don’t know what is.

3. Which leads me to the next thing on my list – clean out and defrost my freezer. I saw a great idea on YouTube for organizing a chest freezer. You separate items into stacking recycling bins with handles. I bought a set months ago so the only excuse I have not to do it is poor time management. But I really need the extra space for those extra loaves of homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies!

4. Continue my ongoing decluttering and household organization project. I did a 30 Bags in 30 Days decluttering project back in July and got rid of a LOT of stuff. I’m ready to do this again soon. In fact, if you’d like to me to do this as a blog challenge let me know.

5. Get out a puzzle to start working on. My family thinks it’s a bit silly but I refer to autumn as “puzzle weather”.

6. Set up a hot cocoa station in the kitchen. We have a dedicated area for coffee and hot tea year round. It’s time to get out the hot cocoa supplies!

7. Get ready for crackling fires in the fireplace. I’ll remind David to order some firewood and get it stacked on the back patio. Last year I bought a very large metal basket for firewood to keep on the hearth but so far all it’s held is a collection of magazines and our Cards Against Humanity game. David coughed all last winter following a very bad chest cold so we didn’t light even one fire. If I can avoid my usual winter asthma attacks and he can stay well, we’ll have fires this winter!

8. Finally learn to crochet! This has been on my to-learn list for several years now. I have all the supplies. I just need to do it.

9. Paint. Not walls or woodwork, although some areas of the house could use it. No, I mean actually use that easel and oil painting supplies I asked for and received for Christmas last year. I got so far as prepping a canvas and that’s it. I did some painting many years ago and really want to get back to it.

10. Create a new daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule. And actually use it. It will include some FlyLady elements but be tailored to our lifestyle and my preferences. Let me know if you’d like to see it when I’m done.

I’m sure I’ll think of more but that’s a good start for now. What about you? Does a change of seasons bring out your inner homemaker?

Curating a Beautiful Life

October 12, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

You’ve probably noticed that this blog’s tagline is “creating a beautiful life”. I love the idea of intentionally creating the sort of life I desire. But just exactly how do we do that? Let’s consider what a museum curator does and how that might apply to our own lives.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

I went to the dictionary for the definition of “curate” when used as a verb. According to the Cambridge Dictionary:

*to be in charge of selecting and caring for objects to be shown in a museum or to form part of a collection of art, an exhibition, etc.:

She curated a recent exhibition of Indian artwork.

*to be in charge of selecting films, performers, events, etc. to be included in a festival:

a Messiaen festival curated by pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard

*to select things such as documents, music, products, or internet content to be included as part of a list or collection, or on a website:

a curated library of short movies available online

Curators have traditionally been those who work in museums but the definition has broadened. I like to think of us all as curators of our own lives. We consciously select the various elements that create the sort of life we want to live. At least, that’s what we should do.

Our lives consist of many facets, all of which we make choices about.

Yes, I want to include that.

No, that doesn’t fit my lifestyle.

Here are some life categories and how we might curate what they include.

Home

Decluttering is a hugely popular topic these days. Whether you follow the rather extreme Kon Marie method or something less structured, I think we’d all agree that eliminating excess and unwanted items from our homes makes for a more pleasant home life. However, it’s all too easy to get caught up in what we should eliminate rather than what to include.

When you consider your living space, think about the items that contribute to the way you want to live in your home. Do you like to read? Then you’ll want a comfortable chair with good lighting. Do you have hobbies you enjoy? Then you’ll need space for those, including storage. A tea aficionado like myself? A good tea kettle, mugs or cups and saucers, and a selection of teas should have dedicated space in your kitchen.

I like to start with what I want in my home and then begin eliminating the things that don’t fit – either the space or the vision.

Wardrobe

Is your closet full yet you have trouble finding something to wear much of the time? Then it’s time to rethink your clothing. Ideally, everything in your closet and dresser drawers should fit, be in good condition and make you feel good about yourself when you wear it.

Many people are dramatically scaling back on the number of items of clothing they own. There are a number of resources on the “capsule wardrobe”:

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe: How to Reduce Your Closet to 37 Pieces

How to start a capsule wardrobe: a guide for beginners

Relationships

This is admittedly a tough one. We all have “difficult” people in our lives. Sometimes we can (and should) completely remove those people from our lives. Truly toxic people, especially those who are abusive, don’t deserve a place in a carefully curated life.

But what about those who are often negative, make us feel inadequate or always have drama following on their heels like a parade? If they are casual acquaintances, you may be able to avoid them but if they are family? Much harder! Only you can decide where to draw the line for your own well-being.

How to Deal with Difficult Family Members

I’d also encourage you to actively seek out relationships which enrich your life. If you have enough loving and affirming relationships, those few irritating people in your life won’t matter as much.

Social Media

This is a hot topic. Everywhere I turn, I encounter another article or podcast about digital detoxes. I personally know a number of people who have deleted their social media accounts entirely and are happier for it. It’s certainly worth considering if social media is making you miserable. On the other hand, social media can promote positive connections with others. Like anything else, it’s largely a matter of choices and balance.

A limited social media detox is a good idea for many of us. For the past few years I’ve given up my personal Facebook profile for Lent. I administer several pages and groups so I can’t leave Facebook entirely but for those several weeks of Lent each year, I don’t read anything on the newsfeed and don’t post on my page. I also try to do shorter periods of social media detox once in awhile.

One thing I’ve also been doing recently is evaluating who I follow and what I consume online. I’ve unfollowed a lot of Facebook pages and Instagram accounts. I’ve deleted many blogs and news sources from my Feedly account. I don’t spend as much time on Twitter but I plan to begin going through the people I follow there, too.

After you’ve eliminated what no longer serves you, consider searching out some positive people or pages to follow. Curation isn’t just elimination; it’s adding what feeds your soul.

Experiences

Think about the experiences which have enriched your life. Not just the big things but those small moments, too.

I love to play the piano, have afternoon tea, listen to vinyl records on our stereo, go to the movies, curl up with a good book, and stargaze in our backyard. These are all small pleasures that require little more than time and planning.

Consider the things that bring you pleasure and intentionally make time for them.

We are responsible for the life we live. We can thoughtlessly trudge through each day or we can live intentionally. I suggest the latter.

The Living Well Planner ~ A Review

October 4, 2018 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

I’m always trying to refine my productivity tools, forever looking for something that will magically give me a couple more hours in my day. Yeah, we all know that’s the impossible dream. However, a good planner can make the most of the hours we do have.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

I’ve been using the Happy Planner the past few years and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s flexible, colorful and inexpensive. I wasn’t even intentionally looking for something else.

But when I saw the Living Well Planner and its focus on goals, I decided to give it a try. I pre-ordered it…along with LOTS of other people. So many, in fact, that there was a delay in shipping. I did receive a couple of emails keeping me updated about shipping and I received it a couple of weeks ago. I’m really glad I ordered early because it’s now backordered until November 30, 2018. But that’s still plenty early enough to have it in hand by the beginning of the new year.

Here are some of the things I love about the Living Well Planner

The pretty floral cover. My home office accent color is aqua so this coordinates perfectly. It’s also available in a striped version.
The spiral binding. While the Happy Planner disc system allows for more flexibility, a spiral binding is a bit sturdier over the long term.
A focus on goals and project planning throughout the planner.
The days are divided hourly which I think will help me structure my time better.
Sections for meal planning, budget, expenses, gratitude and notes.

And perhaps best of all…the purchase of the Living Well Planner gives you free access to “Crushing It Central”, a planner resource site. It includes information on setting up your planner, creating goals and a plan for the year, project planning, budgeting, time management techniques, meal planning, free printables, AND membership in a private Facebook group for Living Well Planner users.

The planner is undated so you can begin using it at any time. I’ve decided to wait until January 1st and continue to use my Happy Planner for the rest of 2018. But in the meantime I’ll be taking advantage of the resources on the “Crushing It Central” site, as well as the Facebook group.

If this sounds like something you’d like, you can see the options and place your order here. Right now you can get free shipping and free stickers with your planner. As I mentioned above, it’s backordered until November 30th.

If you need one right away, there is a limited edition, blue stripe version available for a few more hours and it’s only $39.

Do you use a planner? If so, which one? Or are you looking for a new one? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

LWD Book Club ~ October 2018

October 1, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

Fall has officially arrived and with the cooler, shorter days comes the desire to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. For the LWD October Book Club, I have chosen books which are perfect for a rainy fall day.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

LWD OCTOBER BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS

The Little Pleasures of Paris

Take an enchanting tour of Paris’s most charming places, objects, and pasttimes in this lovingly compiled Francophile handbook. Organized by season, The Little Pleasures of Paris takes the reader through a year’s worth of quintessentially Parisian experiences, from secret gardens bursting with roses to exotic plumage at the city’s bird market, candied violets at Paris’s oldest sweet shop, dazzling colors in the stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle, and more. The friendly text and whimsical illustrations make this delightful volume a poetic letter to the City of Light. Unusual details that might otherwise go unnoticed are celebrated and offer a uniquely intimate perspective in this triomphe of je ne sais quoi and joi de vivre!

The Joy of Ritual

Ritual is a universal language that gives substance and meaning to our lives. People are eager to honor the significant moments in their lives and Barbara Biziou, one of America’s foremost ritual experts, teaches us how to restore ritual to its rightful place as food for the soul through practical, easy-to-use ritual recipes that are inspiring and fun. Rituals can enhance daily routines, enrich milestones, and guide us through difficult transitions. Whether you’re releasing fear, bringing deeper meaning to a family or community gathering, or celebrating an important event, THE JOY OF RITUAL is like a wise best friend that reconnects us to our hearts and souls.

Her Sister’s Shoes

Set in the South Carolina Low Country and packed with Southern charm and memorable characters, Her Sister’s Shoes is the story of three sisters—Samantha, Jackie, and Faith—who struggle to balance the demands of career and family while remaining true to themselves. Samantha Sweeney has always been the glue that holds her family together, their go-to girl for love and support. When an ATV accident leaves her teenage son in a wheelchair, she loses her carefully constructed self-control.

In the after-gloom of her dreaded fiftieth birthday and the discovery of her husband’s infidelity, Jackie realizes she must reconnect with her former self to find the happiness she needs to move forward. Faith lacks the courage to stand up to her abusive husband. She turns to her sisters for help, placing all their lives at risk. In the midst of their individual challenges, the Sweeney sisters must cope with their mother’s mental decline. Is Lovie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or is her odd behavior normal for a woman her age? No one, including Lovie, understands her obsession with a rusty key she wears around her neck. For fans of Dorothea Benton Frank, Her Sister’s Shoes is a contemporary women’s novel that explores and proves the healing power of family.

What’s better than curling up with a good book and a delicious cup of tea? And when the tea is named “Reading Nook“? Perfection.

Plum Deluxe “Reading Nook” tea blend

PREVIOUS LWD BOOK CLUB CHOICES:

Welcoming Fall ~ 5 Day Challenge (Day 5)

September 29, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

Did you think I forgot Day 5 of the “Welcome to Fall” challenge? No, I just decided to take some pressure off myself and postpone the final day. You see, David and went to Tulsa to see a Disney On Ice Friday and it would have meant staying up even later than my usual midnight or 1 a.m. on Thursday night to have it ready to post on Friday. In the past I would have done just that but I’m trying to learn to that sometimes it’s okay to give myself a break on these self-imposed deadlines. I trust you’ll understand. I’ll share a couple of photos from the show at the end of this post so be sure to read all the way to the end.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 5

TODAY’S SENSE: TASTE

Now that we’ve got our homes ready for fall, let’s do something fun. Let’s tickle those taste buds with delicious fall flavors.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

1. Bake a fall-inspired treat. And nothing says “fall” quite like pumpkin. Here are links to pumpkin recipes I’ve posted here on the blog:

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Bread

Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies

Molasses Cake with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting

And here are LOTS of pumpkin recipes of all sorts:

2. If pumpkin isn’t your thing, this collection of 100 Fall Dessert Recipes includes many other options:

3. Mix up a fall cocktail or two:

45 Best Fall Cocktails

4. Or if it’s already chilly where you are, one of these hot fall drinks will warm you up:

21 Hot Fall Drinks For Savoring the Best Flavors of the Season

That wraps up this 5 Day “Welcome to Fall” challenge. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and that your house is now all warm and cozy for the season. If you missed the previous days of this challenge, here are the links:

Welcome to Fall – Day 1

Welc0me to Fall – Day 2

Welcome to Fall – Day 3

Welcome to Fall – Day 4

Autumn From the Heart of the Home

And here are those pictures I promised from the Disney On Ice show. We were especially excited to see it because a friend is one of the skaters. She has skated with Disney On Ice for many years but this is the first time she’s performed in her home state of Oklahoma. She was thrilled to be able to have friends see the show and we had a blast.

Welcoming Fall ~ 5 Day Challenge (Day 4)

September 27, 2018 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

It’s Day 4 of the “Welcome to Fall” challenge and this may very well be my favorite part of the challenge. Today we are going to make our homes smell like fall!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 4

TODAY’S SENSE: SMELL

David and I have a favorite hotel we love to visit in Oklahoma City. The Skirvin is an elegant, historic hotel with beautifully appointed rooms, exceptional service, a very nice restaurant and a piano bar we greatly enjoy. But you know what else makes it a favorite of mine? The way it smells. I’ve been on the hunt to discover what the scent is that permeates the lobby and you can be sure that if I find out what it is, my house is going to smell like The Skirvin.

But in the meantime I have a variety of ways to make my home smell great. Let’s look at a few ways we can give our homes a special fragrance for fall.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

1. Let’s start with candles. As the days grow shorter I love to light candles during my morning routine and in the evenings. There are lots of scented candles available and you can find a whole range of scents reminiscent of fall. It’s good to keep in mind that many of these can have an adverse effect on the air quality in your home so use them sparingly with good ventilation or avoid them altogether if anyone in your home has allergies, asthma or other lung conditions. And if you are having guests and aren’t absolutely certain they won’t be bothered by scented candles, avoid burning them during their visit. Fortunately there are safer options such as soy candles scented with essential oils.

Pumpkin Pie soy candle

2. Another way to scent your home with essential oils is with a diffuser. I have had one in my kitchen for over a year and I love it. I like to turn it on each evening after dinner to dissipate cooking smells. But it’s also great anytime I want a light fragrance in my home. You can select a single oil such as cinnamon or cloves or combine two or more to create your own blend.

Essential Oil Diffuser

3. Long before essential oil diffusers became popular, I would simmer spices and sometimes fruits on the stove. Slice a couple of those wrinkly apples in the back of the produce drawer of the fridge and place in a saucepan of water along with cinnamon sticks, a sprinkle of ground cloves and a dash of vanilla. Simmer gently. I recommend setting a timer to remind you to check the pot. Don’t even ask how many times I’ve let it burn dry.

4. Consider changing out your dish soap and kitchen cleaners for some with a delicious seasonal scent. Mrs. Meyer’s products are absolutely delightful for this purpose. In the springtime I bring out the lilac scented set. But now that it’s fall, you can choose scents such as mum, apple cider, or pumpkin (in addition to other year-round fragrances).

I’ve been a Grove Collaborative member for quite awhile and absolutely LOVE the products and the convenient service. I just recently partnered with them and have an offer for my readers:

Shop the Mrs. Meyer’s Fall Seasonal Scents Collection and Receive a Free Gift with your First Purchase!

5. Perhaps best of all, to make your house smell delicious, bake something! I’ll be sharing more about this tomorrow when we cover the sense of taste so be sure to check back.

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IF YOU ARE JUST NOW SEEING THIS CHALLENGE, CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS DAYS HERE:

Welcome to Fall – Day 1

Welc0me to Fall – Day 2

Welcome to Fall – Day 3

Welcoming Fall ~ 5 Day Challenge (Day 3)

September 26, 2018 By Deanna Piercy Leave a Comment

Welcome to Day 3! I apologize for not getting this out this morning but I simply ran out of time yesterday. And tomorrow’s may be late as well. Next time I do a week-long series I think I should have all the posts written before it begins. But I trust you understand how things are sometimes. Besides, it’s free – ha!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 3

TODAY’S SENSE: TOUCH

Are you as “tactile” as I am? I’m rather particular about the feel of things. Ask my husband how I am about our bedding. On second thought, don’t get him started. As long as he’s horizontal he can fall asleep anywhere. I, on the other hand, need crisp, cool, soft, wrinkle-free sheets next to my skin. I can’t stand pajamas and no flannel sheets, please.

But we each have our own preferences. In this new season, consider what says “cozy” to you and look for ways to incorporate those textures into your home.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

1. Give all your throws and sofa blankets a good wash.

2. Place a cozy blanket or throw on each sofa, love seat, recliner and bed.

3. Add some pillows to your sofa, looking for contrasting textures.

4. If you have wood or tile floors consider adding some rugs for the colder months.

If you are just now seeing this challenge, check out the previous days here:

Welcome to Fall – Day 1

Welc0me to Fall – Day 2

Welcome to Fall free printable

Welcoming Fall ~ 5 Day Challenge (Day 2)

September 25, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

Welcome to Day 2 of the “Welcome to Fall” challenge. I hope yesterday went well for you and you are ready for another little challenge.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 2

TODAY’S SENSE: HEARING

The sense of sound might not immediately come to mind when you think about preparing for fall. But I think it’s important to consider all the senses when it comes to creating a home environment. As the weather turns cooler and the days shorter, we tend to spend more time indoors. Take care not to allow unlimited television become a constant source of background noise.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

1. How do you usually listen to music at home? Your phone? CDs? Albums? Consider your options and create your fall music collection. If you have physical sources of music such as CDs or vinyl albums, spend a bit of time sorting through them and pull out a few that suit your sense of what fall music should be. Or how about a new playlist on Spotify?

Here is one I created for you:

2. There is nothing quite like curling up with a good book on a rainy afternoon and I think we should all do that whenever possible. Sometimes, though, an audiobook is a more convenient choice. I love to listen to a book while cleaning house or doing some type of project that doesn’t require too much concentration. There are several options for audiobooks. Check your local library first for free options.

Audible is another source of audiobooks and you can try it free for a month by clicking below:

Or my current favorite – Scribd. I absolutely LOVE this one. If you’d like to try it free for two months, click here.

No matter the source you plan to use, take a few minutes to make a short list of books you’d like to listen to the next few weeks. Choose books that make you feel all warm and cozy. If you need a suggestion, you can’t go wrong with Rosamunde Pilcher. Try this one which is available free with an Audible free trial:

3. Another source of listening pleasure are podcasts. If you’re looking for something utterly charming, try Tea and Tattle:

“Tea and Tattle is a weekly podcast, featuring interviews with inspiring women and thoughtful conversations about books, wellbeing, creativity and culture.

Pop the kettle on and enjoy a soothing episode of Tea & Tattle!”

I hope those suggestions inspired you to be intentional about what you listen to this season. And be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 3 of the “Welcome to Fall” challenge!

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I was asked if I could make this “Welcome to Fall” picture printable. The answer is…yes. Click the link below to download and print.

Welcome to Fall printable

Menu Monday ~ September 24, 2018

September 24, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 2 Comments

Did you notice the lack of a menu post last week? David was out of town on business all week so I didn’t plan a menu.

I don’t recall what I ate Monday. Lisa and I did our monthly grocery shopping on Tuesday and I just fixed myself a sandwich at about 9 p.m. after I got all the groceries put away. On Wednesday I fixed baked beans, corn on the cob and roasted veggies for Chris and myself. I had a meeting Thursday evening and went to see my parents afterwards. I just grabbed a chicken sandwich at Burger King in between.

David got home in time on Friday for us to go out to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant. We ended up sitting at the bar to eat and it was one of those nights where we knew nearly everyone in the place – lots of fun! Saturday night David offered to pick up burgers and I took him up on it because I had been working all day. Then yesterday we went out of Mexican food after church. David went to Music in the Park (we are in charge of this event) and he ate at the food truck there. I had a lot of work to do so I didn’t go. I wasn’t very hungry so I just had some fruit, cheese and crackers.

But this week we have a real menu again!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

DEE’S MENU

Monday

We have an Open Mic event at a local coffee shop so we’ll eat dinner there. I have a 5:15 meeting beforehand so I’ll just meet David there.

Tuesday

Taco Tuesday!

carnitas tacos
coleslaw
chips and salsa

Wednesday

I have choir rehearsal at 7 p.m. so David will appreciate minimal cleanup. On these choir evenings I put away the leftovers but he does the dishes. I try not to do one of my “use every pan in the kitchen” meals. Ha!

shrimp and veggies sheet pan dinner
brown rice
salad

Thursday

I’ll use leftovers from Tuesday’s tacos to make the BBQ pork.

homemade macaroni and cheese topped with BBQ pork
coleslaw (leftover)
green beans

Friday

We are going to Tulsa to see Disney on Ice. A young friend has performed with Disney on Ice all around the world for many years but this is the first season she’s performed in her home state. It should be lots of fun. We’ll eat dinner in Tulsa before the show and then spend the night up there.

Saturday

It looks like the weather will be nice so we’ll get in a meal cooked on the grill before it turns cold.

grilled cheeseburgers
french fries
salad

Sunday

There’s going to be a potluck lunch after church and I know the ladies will put out a spread that will leave us full. We then have Music in the Park that evening and there will be food trucks in case we need a little something.

~~~~~

What’s cooking at YOUR house this week?

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It’s only available 48 hours, today and tomorrow (September 24-25) so if you’re interested, don’t delay.

This post is linked up at I’m an Organizing Junkie. Check it out for more great menu ideas.

Welcome to Fall ~ 5 Day Challenge (Day 1)

September 24, 2018 By Deanna Piercy 4 Comments

Welcome to Day 1 of the first (hopefully annual) LWD “Welcome to Fall” challenge. Each day this week I will share ideas to help you welcome fall into your home. We’ll focus on a different sense each day – sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

Welcome to Fall: Day 1

Today’s Sense: Sight

Do you decorate for fall? I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a summer girl and dread winter. But one way I cope is by making my house all cozy and twinkly when fall arrives. I love my home to look warm and inviting, especially as the days turn cooler.

Today’s Challenge

Take out your fall decorations (if you haven’t already decorated). I keep mine in a large Rubbermaid container.
Assess what you have. Is anything looking a bit tired or dated?
Decorate with what you have and then decide if you need anything new.
Make a list and plan a time this week to look for any items you might need.

I’ve heard that Dollar Tree has had some great fall decorations this year and I plan to check ours. I fear the best may be picked over by now but it’s worth checking. Sometimes you can find good decorative items at thrift stores or Goodwill.

If you have a little larger budget for some quality fall items, Plow and Hearth has some really nice things on sale right now. You can get $10 off any purchase over $85 with code LSTAKE10 thru 9/31! These are a few of my favorites:

One of my favorite ways to give my home some sparkle is with twinkle lights. I have numerous strands I leave up year-round. As soon as the bright summer sunshine begins to fade I start plugging in strands of lights all over my house. I generally use white lights so they work for Christmas, too, but sometimes I hang purple lights which look great with the more typical fall colors.

The other evening when I was decorating our fireplace I thought how nice it would look with some lights. But we don’t have a mantle and there’s no place to plug in lights. Then I found these battery-operated LED lights. They are warm white on a copper wire which sounds perfect for fall. A 6-pack of these 13 ft. strands is only $12.99 so they are now in my Amazon cart. Aren’t they pretty?

As fun as it is to buy something new occasionally, chances are you can make your house look warm and cozy for fall without spending a dime. Look through your closets, cupboards and cabinets. Bring out extra decorative pillows for the sofa. Toss a warm throw over the back of the recliner. Cover normally bare tables with tablecloths, placemats or runners. Fill a bowl with shiny red apples for the middle of the dining room table. Find every candle you have stuffed away and place them all around the house to light each evening as the sun starts to go down.

If you’re handy with a glue gun, check out YouTube and Pinterest for ideas. Or get the kids involved in creating fall-themed decorative crafts.

My mom is one of those people who decorates every flat surface in the house for every holiday. She’s not in the best health these days and has trouble keeping up with all she would like to do. But her house looks like the inside of Cracker Barrel in the fall right now.

Others prefer a more minimal approach to seasonal decorating.

I’m somewhere in between:

I’ve been watching lots of fall decor videos on YouTube and I’d love to see your fall decorations, too. If you’re on Instagram, tag me on your fall photos. Or you can email them to me if you’d like.

Whatever your style, take time to welcome fall to your home with some seasonal decor. Whether you go all out like my mom, simply hang a fall wreath on the door, or somewhere in between, acknowledging the new season in your home decor is a fun way to welcome fall.

10 Cozy Home Activities for Fall and Winter

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WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 3

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If you are just now seeing this challenge, check out the previous days here:

WELCOME TO FALL: DAY 2

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Welcome to Fall: Day 1

Today’s Sense: Sight

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