Happy Fall

As some of you may already know, fall is my favorite time of year. To me there is just nothing better than crisp air, pumpkin patches, warm drinks, beautiful foliage, etc, etc, etc. I love everything that this season has to offer and it has become even more special being able to see my daughters enjoy it as well. So what if I slightly brainwashed Maddie into thinking fall is her favorite season  too haha. Anyway, I think that it is important this time of year to be organized and plan ahead so that my family can make the most of the season. I saved this fall bucket list that I found on pinterest last year and I think it is a great place to start.

As a combo of a few of these ideas, I am planning to have the grandparents up in a week or so to do a fall dessert/hot cocoa-bon fire-smores night in the back yard. I think the girls will love it.

Wouldn't a dessert table like this one be great!

 Country Living

 Kara's Party Ideas

 Kara's Party Ideas

 Kara's Party Ideas

 Kara's Party Ideas

Kara's Party Ideas

Dutch Oven Chili

Lately I have been in a bit of a cooking rut...making the same things over and over again. So, when I got my Country Living Magazine this month I decided that Brian's Bourbon Chili seemed simple enough AND I could use my new Dutch Oven. Isn't she pretty?

I adapted the recipe a little bit to make it less spicy so that Maddie and Claudia might like it (they are such picky eaters!

I thought I would make it more interesting to the girls by putting the chili in little Tostito bowls and garnishing with  a dollop of sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Shaun was a much bigger fan than the girls were but they eventually came around to the idea. And with little ones it's always nice to have another meal that you can prepare ahead of time!

If anyone has any other good dutch oven recipes PLEASE feel free to send them my way!!

Maddie's 3rd Birthday

For Maddie's 3rd Birthday , we celebrated with an intimate family gathering....Mickey Mouse Style of course.

Maddie was so cute waiting for her guests to arrive....

 Maddie helped me with all of the baked goods...cherry pie pops, red velevet cupcakes and cookies.

Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl!

Magnolia Garland

I saw this beautiful Magnolia Leaf Garland in my Country Living Magazine and fell in love with it for fall. I have not started fall decorations (besides a few mums on the front porch) yet. I think I'll get started after Maddie's birthday party tomorrow.

I believe they sell them at my favorite country store, but you can also find a tutorial for them here. 

Maddie

Today was Maddie's first day of pre-school. She had a great time. I cried. Hahah

How is it possible that 3 years ago I was bringing her home from the hospital and now I am taking her to pre-school?!!!!

Kitchen Stuff

Before we re-did our kitchen I used my grandmother's fabulous vintage lazy susan-style canister set for my sugar, coffee and flour. However, after the mini-make-over it was too big because I had to move our coffee maker to the corner that it was in so the girls couldn't reach it!! I've since been looking for the perfect canister set and finally found one that I love at Target. I've only purchased one so far but I hope to get two more in the future. 

I think it matches perfectly with the decor of the new kitchen and I love the little chalk board! If you are looking for new canisters I highly recommend these!!

A couple moths ago I spotted a table that someone was getting rid of for free! I couldn't fit it in my car and figured by the time that I could get someone who could pick it up for me it would be gone, so I put it out of my head. But a few days later when my parents were on their way up to visit me and the girls they spotted it  and threw it in the back of their truck. I guess it was meant to be. It needs a little bit of fixing up and I hope to share it with you all soon!!!

Summer Memories

After taking Maddie to her pre-school orientation the other night (I still can't believe this is actually happening!) it has felt like summer is officially over. We will be celebrating labor day with family this weekend and then I think I will be in full-fall mode. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely can't wait for fall!!!! But there is still something bittersweet about the end of summer.

 When I am stuck inside the house on a  freezing cold winter night, images of the girls' impromptu splash party will keep me warm!

 Maddie said she was giving herself a "shower."

Relaxing  out on our deck with the girls during the evening  is definitely one of my favorite parts of summer.