Simple Fall Décor

Simple fall décor is on tap this year.  I am literally spending no money, using what I have, paring down what I decorate and enjoying the season.

Well, I might also be just a bit lazy.

What’s to enjoy?  Summer is always my favorite season and decreasing sunlight causes a bit of anxiety for me.  I never really loved fall.

But.  In Arizona, it’s a different story.  The shorter days equate to cooler temperatures. The weather is perfect for morning coffee on the patio, long lunchtime walks and evenings by the firepit.

Of course, this year, we’re still battling mosquitoes.   Darn it.

My favorite candles have time to burn in the evening before I pass out with a book.  Hot tea replaces iced tea.

So these are the things I’m enjoying right now.

Kitchen

Honestly, I could do a bit more in the kitchen, but when apples are in season, why not just go with the flow and call that the décor? 

Jazzing up my beverage bar with a fall kitty theme and a Boulangerie chai latte candle is simple, but puts me in the fall mood.

This gives me the chance to use gifts I have received over the years and cherish the loved ones in my lives.  And use the cute napkins I found at TJ Maxx, of course.

On the kitchen table, I am using one of the lanterns I purchased last year.

Family Room

It’s hard to tell from this picture, but we have a gigantic candle holder we bought years ago from Pottery Barn.  It’s a big statement piece, but it really doesn’t stand out alone.  It’s been difficult to decorate around.

This year, I took one of the wreaths I bought last year and used that around the candle and removed everything else from the table.  Simple, but a pretty look.

Living Room

Remember that pearl pumpkin I got from TJ Maxx?  I moved it to the shelf in the living room and added an adorable textured pot I found for a bargain.  It reminds me of the pots that keep selling out at Anthropologie.  And that are not a bargain.

Reusing my ancient olive jars with some greenery and some sparkly pumpkins is all I’m doing in here. 

Oh, well, and it does look as if maybe the witch might have dropped in.

What I’m Reading

The latest Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear arrived on my Kindle and I ate it up like a good dessert.

The 16^th in the series is The Consequences of Fear and I highly recommend.  I started reading this series when it was set in WWI, and by now, Maisie is involved in WWII.  Although I always say I’ve had enough WWII books, I have loved watching her evolve and her way of managing her complicated life and excelling in life through difficult times.

What I’m Eating

I’m never sure if I should share only my great successes in the kitchen, or just be honest with you because you’re on this journey with me.

Okay, well here we go.  I made a pork noodle bowl recipe from the latest Pioneer Woman magazine.  I wanted to stretch our repertoire and everything in this recipe is on both of our lists except the fish sauce and that was easy to leave out.

On a bed of gluten-free or rice noodles, a marinated slice of roasted pork loin and pickled vegetables are placed with a soy sauce based marinade.  Separately, the ingredients were good. Together. Nope.

It just didn’t do it for me and I didn’t even save the recipe.  Or the magazine.  Sorry.

I did get to use my cute bowls though.

Wrap Up

In other news, DF Jann is celebrating her semi-retirement and making a recipe from 2002 Cooking Light. Dang, I loved that magazine and still miss it. I owe that magazine all credit for my learning to cook.

Look at her beautiful presentation and dishes. That inspires me. Maybe I could eat soup from a bowl sometimes and not just directly from the pot?

Sending lots of love to Jann and I know she’s going to love this next leg of the journey.

Here’s hoping for a fun and adventurous week ahead.  Enjoy this season.  Blessings.