We are rounding the bin of October and the landscape is magnificent. Peak week has occurred here in Northeast Ohio.
The weather has cooperated in making this, a fall to remember. One of my favorite things to do this time of year, is head for those country roads that are noted for their scenery. I wanted to share with you photos that I took along the way.
I took these photos going through Vernon, Ohio and into Greenville, PA.
I hope you enjoyed viewing them as much as I did photographing them.
One thing I enjoy looking at; whether it's in home magazines,browsing social media sites,or stores like Ikea, are Bedrooms.
As a mom, I loved decorating my children's rooms. Their rooms took on different styles as we moved and the children grew into different stages. It was fun gathering items that reflected their own personalities.
They always seemed to enjoy their
"Little Haven"
Here's A Small Tip:
It is hard to believe that it is mid October already; which means the Holidays are going to be here before you know it. In order to get a jump start on Holiday decorating, why not start with the children's bedrooms. The weekend before Thanksgiving is a great time to do this; right before the hurriedness of the season kicks in.
"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."
-Charles R. Swindoll
The years went by quickly and before I could blink an eye, my children were spreading their wings. Fortunately for me, my children came and went in stages and not all at once; however, I knew the day would come when those bedrooms would become bare. So far two have left the nest and the third one's waiting. It is such a transition when your children become adults. I would say that it's bittersweet. I'm thankful that I still have one more in the nest. But I know it's only a matter of time and he too will Spread His Wings & Fly
Since my oldest two have moved out, a few face lifts have been made. For a very affordable new look, my husband took up the carpet and polished the hardwood underneath. My home was built in 1906 and the hardwood floors are in good condition.
This was my daughter's room and we kept the orange (her favorite color). I re-decorated the room using some of my daughter's wedding flowers.
She enjoys coming home to visit and
staying in her old room.
This room was once a living room and since the boys needed their own rooms we turned it into a fourth bedroom.
Here's A Tip:
T.J. Maxx has the best smelling fabric spay for $4.99. I like to spray my sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillow cases while I'm making the bed. When it's time for bed that evening, the sheets smell so good.
This past October weekend was spectacular here in NE Ohio. The trees are still holding onto their leaves while many of the trees are appearing red, orange, and yellow. When the sun shines through the trees, the colors are vibrant.
Every Year At This Time I Enjoy Going To The
Tudor Octagon
An older gentleman opens his shop usually the first couple of weekends in October. He has a variety of things that I find appealing; fantastic assortment of books at a reasonable price, good variety of glass dishes and knickknacks, different types of music Cd's, and festive seasonal decorating items.
After those first two weekends in October, the shop closes until the second weekend in November and remains open through the first two weekends in December. That is good news for those who happened to miss out on their fall sale. If you are in the surrounding areas, make sure to squeeze the time to stop in. You just can't beat the prices and the uniqueness of the items.
I Think Of This Place As A Little Hidden
"Treasure Box"
It sets nestled in Fowler, Ohio.
The property is very quaint.
The second weekend in December, there will be a home tour at this location. There will be a pipe organ playing along with the enjoyment of viewing charming sites of a decorated Christmas house. Based upon the items at the shop, I am sure that this home tour will be something worth visiting.
Many years ago, when my children were little, something was said on the Oprah show that really impacted me.
"Do your children see your face light up when they walk into the room?".
At that time I was a busy mommy. I had two children close together in age (fourteen months), and then a third child right around the time I started homeschooling. I was very involved in church, entertained regularly having other couples/children over for visits and dinners, and my children were involved in many activities.
I took my job as mommy very seriously; after all, I was
shaping the lives of three people.
I made sure; we visited the library often, listened to classical music (brain stimulation), had educational posters in plain sight, and took advantage of every teachable moment possible. It didn't occur to me that in my busyness, I was losing sight of something very important, my
"Expressions".
Taking care of children can be exhausting in and of itself. It can drain you both mentally and physically. I was listening to the Today Show several years ago as Katie Couric was doing a segment on job satisfaction. Those who worked with children seemed to be the unhappiest. Although I thoroughly loved being with my children, at times, it could be exhausting and overwhelming.
Could being a parent reduce your happiness?
An article in "Good Housekeeping" seems to suggest that it does. Here is the title and link to the article: Science Proves It: Parenthood Is the Absolute Worst
Although I believe that having children adds to one's happiness;It can place a pull on your stress levels. The segment on the Oprah show made me become aware of something very important; "Children Are Mood Detectors"
http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/uploads/2015/4/30/colin-career-01.jpg The expression on Princess Diana's face, speaks volumes.
"Smile Mom"
I almost couldn't believe my own ears. My little boy, whom I delighted in, glanced into my eyes and told me to "Smile". Yes, children notice when your face lights up to see them. Taking care of yourself,asking for helpwhen you need a break, and getting refreshed (spiritually), can help you deal with the stresses that come with parenting.
I hope you found this blog to be helpful and to serve as a reminder that children long for parental warmth, admonition, and praise. They crave affection and when they see your face light up to see them, it reassures them of your love. So Smile Mom and Smile Some More
When my children were little I did my best to create a fun filled environment for them. Just being a young couple starting out, we didn't have extra money to go all out purchasing items to decorate for the seasons. Decorating on a "tight budget" became my mission.
I purchased things like leaves, scarecrows, and pumpkins for the windows. Children love having decorations on their windows. Your children can make their own pumpkins for their windows out of orange poster board ($1 at the Dollar General). You can purchase a pack of markers and have them color features for the pumpkins. I used sticky tack and would put the pumpkins on the kitchen cupboards (you can purchase removable sticky tack at stores like Target). You can also use decorations on bathroom & bedroom mirrors & doors.
Of course children love to pick out their own pumpkins. This is a great way to add some flare to your home. There is nothing like carving pumpkins and roasting the seeds with your children. You can purchase a decal kit for your pumpkins at a craft store; the Oriental Trading Company has a kit for just $3.18.
This is a real simple craft to do with your children. Use a small laundry detergent container, orange and green paint applied using a sponge, green construction paper to make the leaves, sponge orange and grey paint to give the leaves a wilted look, black and white paint for the face, brown paint to make the lid resemble a stem, a bow made from raffia, and green or brown pipe cleaners to add flare to the stem.
This is a picture my daughter painted as a young girl and I purchased a picture frame on clearance for $1.
Another fun activity with children is getting them involved in making treats for Halloween. You can air-pop popcorn, melt orange chocolate wafers, coat the popcorn and place in festive bags. This is a very inexpensive treat that goes a long way.
These candy molds from Pat Catan's Craft store are a simple way to involve the children in making some tasty treats to give out to their friends. I like these cupcake holders because they have cute picks to make them extra festive.
A real simple way to make a nice treat, purchase pretzel sticks, melt chocolate wafers & peanut butter wafers, use a tablespoon to drizzle a layer of the melted peanut butter first and then drizzle a layer of the melted chocolate. Trust me, your children, grandchildren, or friends will love it.
Hope you enjoyed these little tips. Make some memories and have some fun, children don't stay little long.
There's something special about fall in Northeast Ohio.
I photographed this picture September 28th of this year.
Nature's magnificent landscape providing such rich colors to embrace,
The crisp cool air calling out for those cozy wool blankets and the sipping of warm cider.
I add pumpkin pie spice to my cider and warm it up in the microwave.
Going to the local orchards for fresh tart apples, corn stalks, mums and searching rows of pumpkins.
Hartford Apple Orchard in Hartford, Ohio.
Visiting craft venues for peppy fall ribbons, spice scented candles, and charming items for the home.
I purchased the crow with pumpkin and candy corns at a local craft store in Vienna, Ohio during their summer clearance sale. I have been collecting fall decorations through the years as I love to decorate for the seasons. It's a great way to make the home inviting.
I had leftover fall picks, leaves, and sunflowers from Pat Catan's craft store that I used to make this fall wreath. When making a wreath just simply arrange your fall foliage with wire from a craft store. The thinner the wire the easier it is to work with. You could also make a simple bow with burlap and attach it to your wreath.
Stacking wood for toasty fires.
My home is an old century home with many drafts. This wood-burner generates a great deal of heat.
Browsing recipes sites for things such as: apple and pumpkin pies; caramel for apples and popcorn; zucchini and banana breads; and every kind of soup imaginable.
This is a quick desert and it is crust-less (saving a few calories): Use a can of Libby's pumpkin pie filling (follow directions on can), place the mixed filling in a baking dish and bake following the directions on the can. Partway through baking, top with pecans, and bake for the remainder of time. When it cools, add whipped cream (I like Reddi Whip).
Unpacking sweaters, dress boots, scarves, and flannels.
My century home doesn't contain many closets and the ones I do have, are tiny. This makes packing away clothes that are out of season a necessity. I get excited being able to wear my fall/winter clothing as I favor them the most.
One of my favorite ways to spend an Autumn Saturday afternoon is with a great read, warmed cider in my cup, a spice scented candle burning, the fireplace roaring, and looking out the window to see the turned leaves falling to the ground.
The photo was taken Oct. 2 of this year and the weather has just started getting chilly, The leaves will be turning real soon.
I am glad for the simple pleasures in life that help to brighten up our days. With cooler temps we tend to spend more time indoors here in Northeast Ohio. That makes for more opportunities to visit with loved ones and enjoy some home-cooked meals. May your home be filled with spicy fragrances, may you take the time to notice the beauty around you, may you enjoy a cup of hot cider, may you curl up with a warm blanket while glancing out the window, and may you experience some peace in this rushed and crazy world.
