Beginning a New Week in Autumn

Autumn Harvest Wreath, on Amazon

QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY:

It’s a new week. Let’s look over our calendars (whether paper or digital) and peek at our week ahead. Any doctor, dentist, vet, salon or spa appointments coming up?
Have you written in and planned for quality family time, time to socialize with friends (online if in person isn’t possible), and carved out some alone time for yourself?
Make meal plans for the week; create grocery list
Sweep kitchen and front entryway if needed. I find I can easily complete this task while I wait for water to boil for my tea in the morning.
Check on houseplants and kitchen herb garden, watering, pruning and turning as needed.
Need to sweep any autumn leaves off your driveway, sidewalk, front or back patios? I like to do this in the morning when it’s light, and not wait til darkness falls.

TODAY’S PROJECT: Planning Ahead for the Rest of Autumn

Be Thankful Pillow Set, from Henhouse Originals on Etsy

Today I’m looking ahead at the rest of my autumn, making choices, planning, setting goals, and trying to keep my life in balance. I’m making appointments for my hair, for massages, doctor and dentist appointments, checkups for my dogs, and a service for my car. I’m arranging things for the two quick California trips I’ll make in October and again in November. I’m also planning the parties, concerts, and events I’ll go to this autumn (including a Stevie Nicks concert and a Disney musical!) It’s a good idea to look over my budget and set goals for reining in spending!

I don’t want to plan everything – spontaneity makes life fun! I’ll try hard to leave a couple nights open each week for either chilling out at home, or being able to accept last-minute invitations for fun things.

What fun things, parties, events, and social meetings does your autumn hold? What might you like to plan, given time and budget constraints? Are you hosting any parties (even simple soup-and-salad dinners?) at your home before Thanksgiving?

I’m also planning my fall wardrobe sorting, homemaking schedule, provisioning and food purchases, tea and firewood acquisition, and other things to help maximize my comfort and enjoyment of life this autumn!

What are some of your plans this autumn? Let me know in the comments section below!

LOVELY BLOGS: Wife, Mama, Foodie

Joscelyn blogs about her life and family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She also shares cooking tips and recipes, some learned from her Southern grandmother. Many of the recipes she shares here do not contain any dairy, gluten, or refined sugar.

I’ve enjoyed her recent posts on Autumn Vegetable Soup, Pear and Almond Bundt Cake, and this intriguing “White Forest Cake.” Her dark-style food photography is stunning and inspiring, too!

http://www.wifemamafoodie.com/

LOVELY FOOD: Snickerdoodle Cupcake Mix

These limited edition seasonal mixes tempt me every time! I’m definitely baking one for my upcoming Autumn Frolic party. I won’t be able to try one myself, since I’m unfortunately allergic to cinnamon, but I imagine the kids are going to go wild for these!

Betty Crocker Limited Edition Snickerdoodle Cupcake Mix, on Amazon

LOVELY FOOD: Pumpkin Truffles

Every year in autumn, if I have a gift-giving occasion (birthdays, hostess gift at a dinner party I’m invited to, thinking-of-you gifts, welcome-autumn gifts, etc) I try to get my hands on a few boxes of these delicious and adorable pumpkin truffles. I love that it’s a small box of four – not too indulgent and it doesn’t give you time to tire of the pumpkin spice flavor! So far every recipient, as far as I’m aware, has been delighted!

Moonstruck Chocolate’s Pumpkin Truffles, on Amazon

LOVELY MOVIES: Jackie

I adore Natalie Portman, and I’m interested in the life of Jackie Kennedy, but something about this trailer left me cold. I think I just got annoyed at the breathy multiple mentions of “Camelot.” I’ll still likely see the movie, though. After watching the trailer, what do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Jackie, at Apple Trailers

Jackie, at IMDB

Will Natalie Portman Win an Oscar for “Jackie”?

LOVELY SHOPS: WooduLikeToo

I’m enamored with these darling wooden houses, hand carved in Ukraine. They come with battery packs and can serve as nightlights too! I already have a passion for house-shaped things, and it’s going to be difficult for me to pick just one of these to decorate my home with.

LOVELY TV: Autumn in the Vineyard

Every so often I get a hankering to see a sappy romance movie. This one, airing October 15, tempts me due to the vineyard theme. It’s a Hallmark Channel original, starring Rachel Leigh Cook (who I’m not a particular fan of anyway) and Brendan Penny, who I’ve never heard of.

“When Frankie and Nate both have a claim to ownership of Sorrento Farm, they are forced to divide the vineyard right down the middle and work the fields alongside each other to bring in the harvest leading up to the Best Wine competition at the annual Autumn Harvest Festival — only this rivalry won’t be settled in the fields.”

Sounds cute, playful, and like something I can enjoy on the television in the background while I cook, do laundry, and blog! I’ll definitely set my Tivo to grab this one.

Autumn in the Vineyard, at The Hallmark Channel

LOVELY LINKS FOR TODAY:

Amtrak’s Historic Autumn Express Route Returns for One Weekend Only (TimeOut New York)

Apple Almond Cream Cake (Where Is My Spoon)

Apple Walnut Salad (Last Ingredient)

Autumn Bread (Cookies & Cups)

Autumn in Sweden (Canelle et Vanille)

Autumn Vegetable Grain Salad with Cider Mustard Vinaigrette (The Whole Bite)

Autumn Flush: The Best Darjeeling Tea You’ll Likely Never Taste (NPR)

Cheesy Italian Red Pepper Frittata Muffins (Delightful Mom Food)

Chicken Cacciatore with Red Peppers (Serious Eats)

Cinnamon Poached Pears with Walnut Brittle (Turntable Kitchen)