Back Door Pumpkins

My parents surprised me with some

pumpkins from their garden.

Since all the flowers at my back door

have finished for the season

I decided to make a

"Back Door Pumpkin Vignette".

I used the pumpkins from my parents garden

and added some caragana branches from our yard.

For a bit of color I trimmed off a few leaves

 from our Virginia Creeper

I felt it needed a little bit more

so I added some of the berries

from the Virginia Creeper as well.

I just love the combination of colors,

orange, green, yellow, red and deep purple.

The wire frame is an old gate

that has good memories for our family

and the old pump is from

my grandparents farm.

It certainly does add a touch of fall

to our back door.

Do you like to decorate with things from

around your yard?

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

Life on Lakeshore Drive for Bouquet of Talent Party

Unexpected Living Room Make Over - Before & After

A few years ago we did a living room make over

and I thought it would pretty much 

stay the same for awhile.

~Before~

~After~

However, in the decision to downsize

and a very quick sale of the piano

I found I was in the middle of an

unexpected living room make over.

~Before~

~After~

After the piano went out

I decided the fireplace needed to go as well

and I replaced it with a smaller, corner fireplace

which was half price.

I also wanted one more chair

and found this one on Kijiji

for only $40 in mint condition!

I don't think anyone ever sat on it.

~Before~

~After~

For now I have the couch cover off

but I can always put it back on

for a different look.

I fell in love with these cushions

that I found at JYSK

and even better, they were on clearance!

~Before~

~After~

We are enjoying the new look

and the feeling of space

in our living room make over.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

The Dedicated House for Before & After Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
Rooted in Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Week In Review

This is a little late but here is last week in review.

~Sunday~

A relaxing start to the morning

with a family favorite, 

Pumpkin Raisin Muffins.

~Monday~

A lot of studying happening this week

with three tests and a mid-term.

~Tuesday~

I took a break from studying

and got my hair done

and had coffee with my mom

(the picture is from this summer) 

~Wednesday~

I got to have lunch with my lovely daughter!

I can't even begin to say how glad

I am to have her back and close to home :)

~Thursday~

The end of the season in the garden

at my parents place.

They were blessed with a 

bountiful potato crop.

~Friday~

Although the days are warm

and still feel like summer

all you have to do is look

around and signs of fall are everywhere.

~Saturday~

We had a wonderful time

of fellowship with our Pastor & his wife

over brunch.

Hope you all had a great week!

~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...  Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Outside my window... Partly cloudy and very cool but it is supposed to warm up this afternoon.

I am thinking...  Of how the mornings and evenings are so much darker already.

I am thankful for...  Great co-workers

From the kitchen...  Hubby will be cooking this week as I am working extra shifts to cover for a co-worker who needed some extra time off to visit her family in Peru - so the meals should be interesting ;)

I am wearing... Jeans and loose knit white sweater with a pink tank top underneath and black boots

I am creating... Still working on a new office/crafting space.

I am reading... Still reading the "The Prodigal Daughter" by Jeffrey Archer.

I am praying for...  Family & Friends

Pondering these words... A man needs self-acceptance or he can't live with himself; he needs self-criticism or others can't live with him. ~James A. Pike~

I am hoping...  To get the new office/crafting space done soon.

I am hearing... Classmates talking, pages on books being turned, the hum of computers running, typing

One of my favorite things...  Fresh morning coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday:  School & Work
~Tuesday:  School & Work
~Wednesday: School & Work
~Thursday:  School & Errands
~Friday:  School & Work
~Saturday:  Morning date w/hubby, Housework & Work
~Sunday: Church, Family Time & Work

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

~Our new Nest thermostat~

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am joining...
Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Fall Tablescape

This year simplicity is my theme.

It doesn't take long or much effort

to pull out a few things to create a

simple fall table.

I put on a fall tablecloth & and a fall runner

and then added my white pitcher with sunflowers

and a few pumpkin candles for accents.

I added some plaid chargers I found on sale at Michaels

and simple white dishes

with napkins that matched the tablecloth.

And my simple fall table was complete.

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

Rooted in Thyme for Simple & Sweet Fridays

Simple Fall Vignette

I love owls and just had to include one

in this simple fall vignette.

I also love vintage laps!

Just ask my hubby - lol.

This one came from my husband's grandparents

which makes it extra special.

I added a splash of color with 

fall flowers.

I love the vibrant colors!

Three simple items

created my simple fall vignette.

Do you like keeping it simple?

 ~Finding the amazing in the simple~

Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...

Have a Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home