Mix and Match for Fall

One of my absolute, favorite things about Fall, are the colors. The rich colors. The mix of textures. Oh, I could just go on and on, for days. Instead, I was searching through Polyvore last night. Passing some time, before calling a friend.

What did I find? Well, lots of things. But there was one board, that completely stuck out to me. I don't know what it was. But I adored it. What do you think?

Mostly, I like the colors. The variety of colors. But more than anything, I like the idea of mixing textures. Of mixing, and matching pieces, from different seasons. For example, that dress might be from Spring or Summer. Those shoes, and that ring, are definitely Summer pieces. But that jacket, and the makeup, scream Fall and Winter to me.

That's the thing I love about Fall. You can mix and match so much. To get that perfect look. OK, I'm not in love with these shoes. But I like the color. Maybe I'd pair this outfit, with a similarly colored clutch. Perhaps find a pair of coral and pink earrings. And a turquoise blue ring. Taking these colors, but using them in a slightly, different way.

Quite in fact, this little picture, has inspired me. I'm sort of challenged by it. And now, I'm dying to dig through my closet. To see what I can pair together. What pieces would go well. As we transition from Summer, to Fall. ♥

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Potatoes

Yes, I'm so excited for Fall!!! Not about the current weather we are having. Hurricane Sandy, please stay away. But I'm ready for the cooler temps. I'm ready for hearty Fall cooking, sweater wearing, and lots of holiday decorating!!!

This week's Gooseberry Patch, Free Recipe of the Week, is right up my alley!!! Sweet Potatoes. One of my favorite things to eat. Period! I'm that woman, that buys sweet potatoes in July. :) Yes, I like them that much. Now, I have one more yummy recipe. Just in time for Fall!!!

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Potatoes

3 c. sweet potatoes, peeled, cooked and mashed
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 t. vanilla extract
1/3 c. milk Brown Sugar

Topping: 1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. butter, softened
1 c. chopped nuts

Mix all ingredients together. Spoon into a greased 13"x9" baking pan. For Brown Sugar Topping, combine ingredients; mix well. Then sprinkle with Brown Sugar Topping. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Serves 8.



Yum! This was good. Really tasty to be exact. I actually made this, for breakfast. Just this morning. I'm such a "Lover of Fall." And of sweet potatoes. This hits all those "bells and whistles" for me. :) And you see that it says it serves 8? Yeah, I ate half of this...just a little while ago...

I'm thinking, this would make a nice side dish. Maybe with pork chops, or chicken breasts. With a nice little salad. Yum! I think I just figured out, what we're having for dinner. :) Hey Hills and Barracuda, want to join us? ♥

A Few of My Favorite Things

A few days ago, My Guy and I headed to my parents' cabin. My Mom had asked me to go and "winterize" the place. Because, they just couldn't get out there. Being that this guy is taking a little break from work right now, totally played into this plan.

We headed to Albertson's for a few necessities. And then across the street, to Walgreen's. You know, before heading to the mountains. Where the nearest store, is over an hour away. We needed to stock up, on a few things. Nothing too nuts. As we were only going to be there, for 2 days.

But that didn't seem to bother, little 'ol me. :) First of all, I'm pretty sure, I bought out these little guys. My favorite candy. That I can't find anywhere else...

Why are they my favorite? I don't know. Probably because these are my favorite flavors. And I don't have to eat lemon candies. That I just don't like.

Oh, and I couldn't resist the "Beauty Section." Where I bought my new favorite nail polish. L'Oreal's "Eiffel For You." It looks pretty purple, or lavender, in this picture. But in reality, it's more of a grey color. A great neutral for Fall.

Oh, and of course my favorite purchase!!! Gooseberry Patch's Halloween magazine. It's loaded with tons of fun ideas for Halloween. Not just food people! Decorating ideas. And little gifts too! The price was a little high. But with a nice coupon, I only paid $4!!!

Yes, I've spent the last few days trying new recipes. Dreaming of all the things, I'm going to make this month. Writing out lists of supplies, I'll need. Oh, and enjoying my candy. Seriously people, why can't I find it at other stores? ♥

It's October!!!

If you know anything about me, know this. I LOVE to decorate for the holidays. LOVE IT!!! I'm pretty sure, I have my Auntie Chuchie to thank for that. I remember decorating, when I was little. We'd start in September, to decorate for Halloween. Days after Halloween, those decorations came down. And immediately, the Christmas decorations went up.

When I moved into my own home, well I became a "Decorating Diva." As my neighbors would call me. :) I immediately started a "Wreath Collection." And well, everyone knew what time of year it was, just by looking at my home.

These days, I still decorate. But I try to make it a little more "Homemade with Love." I take more care, with what I buy. And put up. I like to go with "color palettes." And I try to put up "Fall Decorations," in September. And then sprinkle in Halloween things in October. Then "edit" just a bit, and add in Thanksgiving items, in November.

With that being said, I'm always looking for a new idea. Something interesting. And a little sweet. I've already put up some orange lights. Not pumpkins, but orange twinkle lights. There might even be some purple ones in our kitchen. :) But I wanted to try a few new things. So like any blogger, I headed to Pinterest for some inspiration.

I found this adorable wreath. Something that I probably should have found a month ago! I like the use of burlap. And those flowers. Oh, those flowers!!! I think this would be one of those pieces, that can take you from September, to the end of November.

This wreath looks fairly easy to make. I'd start with making lots of orange flowers. Maybe in September have more red and orange. Then change the red to black, in October. And as we get into November, change the black to mustard. The simple sign inside, is another piece that can easily be exchanged. I've seen similar pieces at Hobby Lobby. :)

Now this wreath screams "Halloween" to me! I adore this wreath. The entire look of it. Traditional, in terms of a wreath. A bit trendy, with the zebra print bow. And just fun, with the folds. This my friends, is going to be my project for the week. :)

Now this, is a mantel! This is what I'm talking about, when I say, I work with a "color palette." Last year, we went with a black and white "themed" mantel. In our den. Honestly, it was my favorite.

I went out, and bought a bunch of decorations at a thrift store. You know, the old, ceramic type. And I painted them black and white. Some were just owls. Others were traditional pumpkins. It was definitely fun!

Decorating can be so easy, and fun. Even holiday decorating, can be elegant. And can reflect, on the decor of your home. It's October 1st. And I've already got pumpkins, on our dining room table. And a few "spooky decorations" on our entry table. This is just the beginning. Especially after searching through Pinterest for 2 hours! ♥

Stunning Shawl: Week 2

Hi everyone! Welcome to "Week 2" of our "Crochet Along!" This is the week, we actually crochet. That is exciting, all by itself!

Our goal for this week, is going to be to work rows 1-9. That means we're starting our Stunning Shawl. And working a second "section." Not too bad. And this will allow us all to ease into our projects. I know school has started for most kids/people. This should be an achievable goal for the week.



I got a few questions this week. All about yarn. Individually, I answered the questions. But I thought I'd post something about it here. I was asked if you could use the "One Pounder," from Lion Brand. As in the "Baby Yarn." Yes, you can. It will make your shawl a little more "delicate." Probably a little smaller, and lighter as well. You might also have to go down a size in hook. Just to make your work look neat.

And I've gotten a few comments about Red Heart's large skeins of "Super Sport." That would also be a great way to go. Then you wouldn't have to hide extra threads, from connecting the 2 skeins of yarn.

Remember, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to contact my Mom or I. You can also e-mail us at CraftyMomLoves (at) aol (dot) com. Or SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com. You can also send us pictures, of your shawls. That's always fun to see! Have a wonderful week. And we'll see you next Sunday!!! ♥

Stunning Shawl: Week 1

Welcome Back! It's "Week 1" of our little "Crochet Along." My Mom and I are impressed by all the interest!!! Looks like everyone likes the Stunning Shawl. As of this morning, we have 59 people signed up. Yay!!!

This week, we're starting off easy. You just need to print out this pattern. And buy your supplies. You'll need a size H (5.5mm) hook. And 2 skeins of your favorite yarn. About 14 oz.



I went with a new yarn. I have no clue what it's called. I know it's by Red Heart. But the wrappers were all taken off of the yarn. It's not the "regular" Red Heart "Super Sport." Something new, that Wal-Mart had. And it's super soft! I bought 2 skeins of plum.

Next week, we start our crocheting. :) Just wanted to start off easy. If you have any questions, or still want to sign up, leave my Mom or I a comment. And we can't wait to see you next week! ♥

Crochet Along: Stunning Shawl

Do you remember when I told you about a new "Crochet Along?" Well, my Mom and I have been debating a pattern, for about a month now. I know! But there are so many choices. We thought about something with thread. Because she's awesome at it! Me, not so much!

Then we thought about an amigurumi project. You know, because I've now got her addicted to the stuff! Or maybe something for Fall. Maybe something to decorate with. Something for our homes.

But there was this one pattern, that we just kept going back to. One that was calling us. One that we couldn't resist. That would be, Red Heart's Stunning Shawl!



Do you love it? Do you want to be a part of our little "Crochet Along?" Well, you just have to leave my Mom or I a comment. Or an e-mail. My Mom's e-mail address is CraftyMomLoves (at) aol (dot) com. And mine is SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com.

That's it! From the time we start crocheting, to the end of the project, should be 6 weeks. Every week, we'll post a "goal." You are welcome to work past it. And it's OK, if you don't work quite as fast as our "goal."

This is just going to be a fun little group, all working on the same project. A cute shawl, that should come in handy this Fall. If you're like us, you're still battle the high 90s, and random triple digits. But soon enough, it will be cool. The perfect weather for this shawl.

We hope to see you next Sunday! Don't forget, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us. Now, or when we start our projects. Have a wonderful week! ♥

Simple Fall Craft

Do you just put in random words, in Google search? Sometimes, I do! I have an idea of what I want. But I can't find it. So I Google random things. And this week, it worked out. Really well! I came across this picture.



I am sorta bummed though. I can't find the source. No, I don't need a tutorial for this cute craft. Nope! But I was hoping to stumble on some amazing blog. Ugh! Well, at least I have a new idea. And I'm going to get started. I need to go find me some branches. Happy Wednesday! ♥

Last Minute Scarf

Fall is here! Thank goodness! I've been waiting for this season, since June. :O) And with Fall, comes my need for warm and cozy goodness! I've been cooking and baking. And, pulling out all my boots, sweaters, and scarves. Oh, I just LOVE Fall!

It got me thinking though, I need some more scarves. OK, maybe I don't NEED more scarves. But I'd LOVE to have a few more. If you hadn't figured it out by now, scarves are my absolute favorite! I have a nice collection going on.

But I wanted something homemade. Does it shock you, that I don't make myself anything. Seriously! I rarely sit down, and crochet myself something. So I went on a hunt. For some crochet patterns. That's when I came across this beauty...



Yes, the "Last Minute Scarf," is now on the top of my list. I just need to buy some Bernat Mosaic yarn. Don't you just love the colors? Heck, I have about 4 other projects, that this yarn would be perfect for!

This is such a great pattern. Perfect for Fall! And something new, to jazz up my Fall outfits. Oh, I can't wait. My perfect night would involve some chocolate, a good movie, and a little crochet time! ♥