Christmas decorations carry a quiet beauty, glowing with more than just lights. As familiar boxes are opened each year, they bring with them memories—handmade ornaments, well-worn decorations, and traditions that have softened with time. Each piece tells a story of past Christmases, loved ones gathered, and moments that still linger.
There is comfort in their imperfection and familiarity. They remind us to slow down, to honor what has endured, and to feel connected to days gone by. In their gentle glow, Christmas decorations become more than décor—they become a bridge between past and present, filling the season with warmth and nostalgia.
There’s something about fall that always feels like a fresh start wrapped in a cozy sweater. The air shifts — crisp and cool — and suddenly the world feels ready to slow down. The trees begin their transformation, turning sidewalks into colorful mosaics of red, orange, and gold.
Inside, I find myself doing a little transformation of my own. Out come the cozy blankets, plaid pillows, and warm-toned candles that make the house feel like autumn itself has moved in. I love bringing the outdoors in — a bowl of pinecones on the table, a vase filled with branches of fiery leaves, and a few tiny pumpkins tucked onto shelves and window sills. It doesn’t take much to make a room feel like fall, just a few thoughtful touches that invite you to linger a little longer with your coffee.
There’s something about decorating for this season that feels grounding. Maybe it’s the textures — the softness of knit throws or the flicker of candlelight against wood. Maybe it’s the way the colors echo what’s happening outside the window. Whatever it is, fall décor always reminds me that home is meant to feel warm and lived-in.
The kitchen joins the celebration too — the scent of cinnamon, roasted squash, and baked apples seems to drift through every corner. Evenings feel slower, and weekends fill up with football games, walks through crunchy leaves, and maybe a stop at the farmers’ market for one more bouquet of sunflowers.
Fall never stays for long, but it always leaves me feeling grounded and grateful — like the season itself is a gentle reminder to enjoy life’s little transitions.
What’s your favorite fall touch at home — a scent, a color, or a cozy corner you return to each year?
This summer brought a little wake-up call. At my routine check-up, my doctor told me my triglycerides were high. Nothing too scary, but enough to make me take notice. If I wanted to stay off medication, I’d need to clean things up—no added sugar and limited saturated fats.
That news hit right as I was daydreaming about pumpkin bread, apple crisp, and every other fall favorite that’s usually loaded with butter and brown sugar. It felt a little unfair… how could I enjoy the season without the flavors I love most?
But I didn’t give up. I started experimenting—tweaking recipes, swapping ingredients, and focusing more on the beautiful produce fall has to offer. Then I stumbled on this bake: warm apples, roasted squash, a touch of spice, and just a whisper of sugar and butter.
When it came out of the oven, the whole house smelled like fall. Sweet, earthy, comforting. It was one of those moments where you realize that healthy changes don’t have to mean giving up joy—they just mean finding it in new ways.
The Usual Cast of Characters
1 ½ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 Gala apples cored, and diced with or without skin.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon or add a sprinkling of any fall spice combination.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup raisins
The Steps to Glory
Preheat the oven to 400°F
In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it in an even layer.
Dot the chopped butter over the top of the mixture. Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Add the raisins, cranberries, and pecans, and toss to combine.
Cover the dish and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
Remove from the oven, stir gently, and serve warm.
We’ve been spoiled this year with late summer warmth and endless blue skies. But yesterday, I finally had to pull out a coat for the Navy Football game — they won! Go Navy!
As much as I’ll miss summer, there’s something I love about the crisp air and the explosion of color all around the neighborhood. I’m ready to lean into cozy — sweaters, candles, and all the autumn vibes.
It’s been a whirlwind start to fall around here! School is in full swing—can you believe the Princess is already in 7th grade? Between field hockey practices, homecoming dances, and tackling Pre-Algebra (yikes!), our days have been packed from morning to night.
Somehow, in the middle of it all, I managed to sneak in a bit of fall decorating and finally pulled out my favorite sweaters and boots—always the best part of the season. With a long weekend ahead, we decided it was the perfect time for a quick fall getaway. A little change of scenery, some fresh air, and plenty of cozy vibes were exactly what we needed before life gets busy again.
Just a short drive from Annapolis, we found ourselves on Tilghman Island, staying at the loveliest little inn. We slept in, relaxed, and let time slow down for a bit. The highlight? Discovering Redemption Farms in Denton, MD—a small, family-run farm with friendly faces and rows of crisp apples ready for picking. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon wandering through St. Michaels, a charming town full of cute shops and waterfront views that make you want to stay just a little longer.
It was simple, sweet, and exactly what this season is meant for—slowing down, savoring, and soaking in the beauty of fall.
No, not yet, I’m not ready for sweet summer to end. It’s still sunny and hot, flowers are growing in the garden, popsicles ready to be eaten on a lazy afternoon on the porch… But it is ringing away and school is opening their doors next week for teachers. Lucky Princess has another week to relax before she starts 7th Grade. Gosh it seems like yesterday she was excited about Kindergarten.
To help my mind turn to all things academic, I’ve created a “back to school” living room display. I love old school bells and books. They make my heart sing. Memories of a simpler time, still, back to school still meant the end of summer’s freedom and I want to hold on to that a little longer.
My Grandpa was a principal and would take marbles away if he saw them outside of the playground.A basket of time worn school items. Some old blocks, an antique lunch pail and bells.Our lovely fireplace Closeup of the mantel. Capturing the last days of summer with the Princess.
Oh Paris, we will see you again…we will miss our tiny elevator (and adorable breakfast) in our hotel, night cruises on beautiful warm evenings, more glimpses of Eiffel Tower by day and by night, the incredible Dior Museum where the Princess said she might consider wearing some of the clothes, great Ramen places everywhere, dodging traffic at the arc of triumph, and amazing meals with amazing family at a restaurant right next to our hotel. It was an experience of a lifetime!
After a wonderful time in Germany, we boarded a train to Paris. It was a relaxing and beautiful ride, the countryside was gorgeous. We spent our first day in Paris exploring the Latin Quarter neighborhood of our hotel, eating yummy food and resting for the next few days of busy.
The next day we hit the ground running with a walking tour of the Louvre museum. We hired a private guide to have a more intimate experience away from the crowds. We of course hit the highlights but discovered some unexpected gems tucked away. It was well worth it. The Princess did show a disappointment in the small size of Mona Lisa, especially after the pushing mob scene to see it.
We enjoyed some crepes for lunch and then headed to our perfume making class. It was a wonderful way to find some quiet in the day after such a busy morning. We made two totally different but yummy perfumes to take home. We ended our day with a performance of “The Lion King” (totally in French) that we just loved. We headed back through Paris at night to our hotel and a well deserved sleep.
A Day of Small Things... 