Autumn preparations

Autumn is fully under way here in our household.

As soon as October comes around, I am filled with renewed energy and suddenly it all becomes a flurry of activity as I go about getting my Autumn on, and preparing for the cold months ahead.

One thing that I've noticed the past few days, is the increasing sneezing and sniffles that seem to rotate between all the kids, and myself.  In preparation for the incoming cold and flu season, I got my Honey, Ginger and Lemon concoction made and in the fridge.

We absolutely love this stuff and all winter long, I keep a jar in the fridge. It is delicious with hot tea, and when needed even by itself, taken as a teaspoon.

It's super easy to make, if you would like to try for yourself, check out my Winter Preparation post.

Yesterday I made the Apple Butter, which by the way, is divine.  Today I made some applesauce for my daughter and then being inspired by some of you out there in blogland, I kept the peels and cores for some Apple Jelly.

I used red apples and the jelly turned out this gorgeous pink color.

Isn't it beautiful?

Speaking of beautiful, did you see the gorgeous moon last night? It was so incredibly big in the sky, and a gorgeous orange. I just wish the camera would do it justice.

Kristina mentioned the Lunar Eclipse, and I'm bummed out to have missed it. I would have really enjoyed seeing it. Oh well, another time.

Now, are you ready to see what I did this morning?

I love decorating for the seasons but I don't always have money to spend on decorations, so over the years of being married, I have learned to make do with what I have around me. Sometimes the best decorations are right out in your yard.

I stepped out into the backyard and gathered up what nature had to offer, and it had quite a bit for me.

Back inside, I gathered it all and plopped it on my kitchen table. I just love how the brilliant Fall colors look against my white table.

For some of you they may just look like a pile of leaves, but to me, I see potential, lots of decorating potential.

I grabbed some of my glass vases and got to work, I arranged and rearranged and played around with what I had until I was happy with the result.

*sigh* just gorgeous, such beautiful colors.

But anyway, let me show you what I did....this is my kitchen table.

My kitchen peninsula...

My living room ottoman....

My video cabinets...

Even put some Fall foliage behind my mittens and hats basket...

I'm super happy with my decor, it's simple, it's definitely Autumn inspired and I didn't have to spend a single cent. Now that can't be beat.

And to finish off, I just wanted to show you my beautiful daughter. I can't believe how grown up she is, already 15 years old.

We picked up her new glasses last night, my poor child was so excited with the new prescription, she kept saying she could see everything now. LOL

When did she get so big? My word.

I hope you found some inspiration for your own homes, if anything I hope I have given you some ideas on how to decorate using what you have at hand. If you do, please post some pictures and let me know, I would love to come take a look. :)