Autumnal Bliss

Woo Hoo! My first online tour of homes! What better place to start than with the ever wonderful Blissfully Domestic!!


As the front door says, "Welcome." I spent yesterday afternoon bring fall into our home ... even though the weather wasn't very fall-ish. Here are a few pictures (okay, several pictures) ...

I love this sign ... cracks me up! And I did this flower arrangement (love getting a few "good" flowers from Michael's and then filling in with lots from the Dollar Tree).
Moving around the living room, here are just a few little touches on this GORGEOUS hutch that belonged to Scott's great-grandmother. I love this piece of furniture!!

Little touches on the desperately-needing-to-be-dusted-but-I'll-do-that-on-Monday stands flanking the television. Did these arrangements too ... I love the pewter pitcher ... came from Scott's grandmother.

My sofa table ... I did this sweet little arrangement in one of my goblets. Liked it so much I am on the prowl for some pretty goblets to make more of these for fall gifts.

Just a little bit in the kitchen. That pie safe came from Scott's mom. Our kitchen table and chairs were Scott's Momma Casiday's (his great-grandmother who our sweet girl is named after). And the swirled glass pitchers on the pie safe belonged to my Neenie (my great-grandmother). You can see my beautiful Gail Pittman stoneware peeking through the pie safe doors. Pretty!!

The top of the piano in the dining room. Sorry about the flash spots ... I am so NOT a photographer.My (DIRTY! Yikes!) fireplace mantle and hearth. That typewriter is a very old "Underwood" brand that Scott found at our church ... of course we had to have that here at Chez Underwood .
Close up of mantel decorations. I love those little grapevine ball lights. They look gorgeous mixed in with the grapevine and flowers. Dining room table ... received the gorgeous linens two years ago for my birthday! This picture does not capture how truly beautiful the design is.
Saw these little bag arrangements last year selling for $10 or $15 ~ crazy! Made my own and gave them to others. Just had to freshen up the flowers to use it again this year. {Directions about how I did this are right HERE!!}

Our "Fall Fairy" is happily enjoying the front porch. Love these craft pumpkins from Michael's ... I have many of them.
See ... lots o' pumpkins! This old wagon seat came from Scott's mom ... she started sanding it. I haven't done any more to it ... but there is definitely a DIYP in there somewhere!! I put rocks in the bottom of that basket with the flowers to keep it from tipping over.

Also thought I share a couple of my favorite autumn recipes.

Chicken Stew

Cook a whole chicken overnight ... you don't need a whole lot of broth.

In the morning, mix the following in a large stockpot:
1 can Rotel
1 large can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
4 cans creamed corn
2 cans sliced carrots
1 and 1/2 bags of southern style hashbrowns (the cubes)

Debone your chicken and add along with broth. Season with salt & pepper and, of course, Tabasco!!

Simmer at least four hours and serve with plenty of HOT cornbread and grated cheddar cheese!!
Perfect for a fall day! (This makes A LOT! I always freeze at least one-third of it for when life gets crazy. Just pull out the frozen part and put it in the crock pot on low before you leave in the morning and enjoy a great meal when you get home that evening!)

Yummy Apple Bread

Beat 3/4 cup of canola oil with 1 cup brown sugar (I use dark) and 2 eggs.

Stir in 1-1/2 cups chopped, unpeeled apples (whichever kind you love ... I like a mix of Gala and Granny Smith the best), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, and 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest.

Mix together 1-1/2 cups self-rising flour, a generous teaspoon of cinnamon, and a half-teaspoon of nutmeg.

Add to apple mixture ... being careful not to overmix. Pour into greased loafpan and bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes.

Absolutely heavenly!!!

My favorite time of year is here so there will be more decorating ideas, recipes, and reminders to slow down and enjoy. Don't miss any of it ... join me!