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There is a shift that happens in September, quiet at first, then impossible to miss. The air turns crisp, the leaves begin to turn, and the weekends settle into the easy rhythm of football season and soup for dinner. Before the month is through, the first day of fall arrives and summer is behind us for good. Take these weeks slowly, and enjoy the comfort of a season made for coming home.
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1.) Autumn Comfort
Celebrating autumn can be very simple. Some of the best moments ask almost nothing of you, but they do require noticing when a good day comes along. When the sky is blue and the air is cool, don’t wait for a better time. Take a walk. Water the mums or herbs. Sit in the sun for a few minutes. Take your coffee outside, or simply stand on the porch and enjoy the fresh air. Autumn moves quickly, and beautiful days are never guaranteed. When one appears, give yourself permission to step away from the to-do list for a little while. Whatever helps quiet your mind and gives you a break is enough.
2.) Words Worth Sharing
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
3.) Autumn Amazon Favorites
A few things have caught my eye lately, and these are all items I can recommend with confidence. Some are seasonal, one is a longtime favorite, and all of them are easy additions if you happen to be looking for something similar.
- My daughter’s fall wreath. A pretty, easy way to add fall color to the front door without changing everything else.
- The mums she used in her porch planters. Full, colorful, and an easy seasonal update for the front porch.
- Faux rose hip stems. These have a rustic look that feels surprisingly natural, especially mixed with simple greenery.
- Faux blueberry stems. I love the way these droop naturally from a pitcher or vase. They add color without looking too perfect.
- Neutral pumpkin wall art. Easy to hang, simple enough to work in several rooms, and a nice choice if you prefer quieter fall decor.
- My all-time favorite sweatshirt. I’ve worn this one over and over, which is about the best recommendation I can give.
4.) Gather & Savor
One of the easiest things I’ve made lately are sweet potatoes baked in the oven. Wash and dry one or two sweet potatoes, cut off the ends, and then cut them in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and rub the oil over the skin and cut sides. Season lightly with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and just a touch of garlic powder. Bake at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Let them rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. The cut sides become beautifully browned and carmelized, while the inside stays soft and creamy. They are so good just as they are, but a little butter never hurts.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- What you might have missed: On Saturday, I sent my collection of fall centerpiece ideas, gathered and refined over many years. There are plenty of simple options, so you can choose what works best for your table and home. On Sunday, I shared my living room and kitchen gently decorated for fall. The same familiar rooms, just warmed up with a little autumn color and texture.
- Coming this weekend: On Saturday, it’s time to make soup and bake cookies. I’ve updated two longtime favorites, Chicken Noodle Soup and Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Both use basic pantry ingredients, are simple to make, and feel just right for this time of year.
- I’ve also finished the 2027 Floral Printable Calendar, and it has turned out to be one of my favorites. It’s simple, colorful, and as always, free for email subscribers. If you aren’t on my list and would like the calendar, you can sign up HERE. It will be arriving on Sunday.
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Enjoy your blog so much!
Hi, Ann. What a nice, useful post. The high today in Central Arkansas was 97*, but in spite of the hot temperatures, I have added meaningful fall touches to our home. I purposely placed what I added, and I got rid of five tubs full of seasonal decor that was mass produced and looked like it belonged in a craft fair. Thank you for helping me from afar. :-)
Every since you suggested backing sweet potatoes cut in half on a cookie sheet I’ve been doing them that way and they turn out delicious every time. Your recipes are the best.
I feel inspired by your posts, especially with the laid-back philosophy you use to put together a lovely home that can simply be enjoyed. Thank you!
I always look forward to your posts. You have always added something worthwhile to read. I appreciate the time you have spent on each post.
I recently made your Chicken Florentine soup and my husband and I enjoyed it so much. What a wonderful fall meal! Thank you for sharing your recipes, they are all keepers!
Hi Anne, I look forward to your emails each week. I wondered if you could do a post on how you fill your wall basket so that it looks finished and maybe offer some seasonal ideas for how to fill it. Thank you in advance Liz. I’m particularly interested in right now ideas for a fall.
Oh my goodness this has become my favorite sweatshirt too!! I even got it in the short sleeve style. Thanks for the recommendation!