Pockets of Pumpkins Everywhere!

Home Decor With Pumpkins

Hello everyone!  I'm sharing my Fall decorating in today's post and you will see some old favorites and some new items. My Fall decor this year is featuring pockets of pumpkins in different areas of the house. There are lots of pumpkin colors going on, too, in order to color coordinate with the surroundings. First off, I'm keeping all of my white and creme pumpkins in the foyer where they look oh so pretty with the white front door...

And my white orchid wreath and white/green "R" hanging on the door. 

The living room pumpkins boast golds and greens-warm colors to match the lodge browns, reds and greens of our living room furniture.

I love the fact that today's decor pumpkins come in so many different colors and textures. These new green and gold pumpkins are so pretty next to the crochet texture of the other pumpkin.

The lower foyer table holds traditional pumpkin colors along with a sweet scarecrow. 

These pumpkins are old friends who come out to play every year about this time. Tradition is always good in my book!

But, it's also fun to change things up a bit and these pumpkins are my newest love with decor-buffalo check plaid! I had passed up a couple buffalo check plaid pumpkins earlier and I finally found this one and scooped it up! I think lots of other people like black and white plaid too because it is soooo hard to find!

The top shelf of this corner bookshelf in our dining room was just the spot for this pumpkin and another "R."  I'm loving the look!

My Fall decor is simple. Little pockets of pumpkins in corners throughout the house. Not enough to overwhelm or overpower other decor but just enough to announce, "Welcome Fall!"

How about you? How are you styling Fall at your house? 

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Cassie Cat Chat: So Little Time Fur Blogging

When "Garden"ing Gets In The Way Of Blogging, Among Other Things

"Quick, where's my paw pilot? Are you showing my best side? I think that photo's a bit blurry, don't you have anything better you can use? What....we're live you say???"

Oh hello! So sorry that I have not blogged in such a very long time. I've just been so busy in the last year, you know, with soooo many things! Furst, there was all of the training I had to do for Love and Softie (aka my fur Mom and Dad) to try and teach them what I expected of them and then, of all things, they brought home a kitten for me to raise! Granted, she was an older kitten, almost a year old you must understand, and had already learned some bad fur habits which I am still trying desperately to correct. Have you met her yet? My fur sister I mean. Love and Softie call her "Garden" but I have my own name for her. I call her, "Trouble."

Oh yes, friends, I knew when this one came through the front door that I was going to have my paws full and I wasn't wrong! 

Must I always share my favorite perch with her?!  She follows me around constantly!

And, she always has to have the top tier on our living room perch!  I hesitate to tell you this, but, well.....sometimes Little Miss Bossy Paws even knocks me off if I'm on the top! Now do you see why I named her "Trouble?!"

And, as if that's not bad enough, she sneaks around hiding behind doorways so she can jump on me as I stroll by. I'm minding my own fur business as usual you know, but oh no, Trouble can't leave well enough alone!

I'm sure you can understand how disturbing getting jumped on can be, especially by an eight pound furball!  It has even been challenging to have time fur my hobby of hiding things under the rugs because she is always in the way!!  What's a cat to do? Now, where did I put that twist tie? I know I buried it under the rug in the living room somewhere....

And then, to add even more to my busy schedule, I have recently had to help Love take photos for the blog!  I do believe my photography skills are quite good if I do say so myself. I don't know why Love yelled at me for moving the tripod! (I think I caught her best side in this picture, hee, hee!)

Hmmm...is this my best side??   Anyway, I thought purrhaps that explaining how busy life has been this past year would help you to understand why I simply haven't been able to get a blog post done until now. I'll try to do better, I promise. 

But furst, there's a certain cat lurking around the corner that thinks I don't know she's there. I told you she was Trouble!

Until Next Time,
Cassie

Match Made In Seven: Animal Print

Featuring Animal Print

Hello everyone!  It's time for another edition of Match Made in Seven and this month's challenge is sure to please all of you trend followers out there! If this is your first time visiting our monthly collaboration of fashion, here is a reminder of what we are all about!

We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet once a month. One of us chooses a theme in turn, and that can be anything. A book, music, a color, a movie. And then we style an outfit based on that theme. The theme of this month is chosen by Emma and is: Animal Print! Also, take a look at the other bloggers and how they have interpreted the theme this month. (See list at end of post).

Animal print is everywhere in the stores right now. It is definitely a trend that isn't going anywhere soon! I haven't jumped on the bandwagon with this trend wholeheartedly, but I must say I am enjoying this recently purchased leopard print top by Melissa Paige. 

This top is a sleeveless tunic type top that is great for cooler Fall weather since it is an easy layering piece. I decided to pair it with some Basic Edition tan skinny pants and these Life Stride Simply Comfort shooties which have a story all their own to tell, but for another day!

The leopard tunic has a high-low style that gives great coverage on the back view making it perfect to wear with leggings, as well. 

Our "girls" decided that since this month's challenge was animal print that they would like to be a part of the post. So, here is Cassie sporting the latest in gray and black Tabby Fur for Fall 2019 and beyond. Cassie isn't much of a shopper so she says this style is just purrrfect for her for a long, long time!

Garden was a bit less enthusiastic about joining in with the challenge but would like for me to tell you that black and white is her go to color "furever" for the domestic short hair look that is currently trending for all cool cats! So, this month's animal print challenge was a family affair at my house! Now, please be sure to check out the other beautiful ladies' posts to see how they styled this month's challenge!

Darlene of https://aquamarinastyle.com/

Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/

Bettye of https://fashionschlub.com/

Anna of https://www.muttonstyle.com/

Emma of http://www.style-splash.com/

Nancy of https://www.nancysfashionstyle.com

Do you enjoy wearing animal print? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Layering Jewelry and A Surprise Top

Necklaces Layered and A Colorful Backed Top

Hello, hello!  Today, I'm sharing an outfit that I wore to lunch with my friend, Sharon. I'm still embracing the whole "white after Labor Day" thing. I'm also having fun with jewelry and a surprise top. (You'll see the surprise in a minute!)

Here's what the whole outfit looked like.  I love the look of a shorter necklace layered with a longer necklace. You have to be careful that the pieces match well with design and heaviness. A chunky necklace with a thinner necklace would probably not look good layered, or at least not as good. My shorter necklace was a "Secret Santa" gift from years ago at school and the longer necklace I bought about a year ago on sale and have really enjoyed wearing it. The top I'm wearing is one of my favorite brands to wear, Cha Cha Vente, which I can always count on for a good fit. The little tie at front is flattering.

And here is the "surprise" back, all covered with flowers! I love this feature of the top. All the flowers might be a bit much for my style on the front, but on the back it's just perfect! 

I've seen a similar style shirt with animal print on the back of the shirt. This style gives a little fun twist to a plain, black shirt and is a way to add a hint of flowers or animal print if you don't want to be to bold with a particular trend. 

Do you enjoy layering necklaces?  Is wearing a shirt with a solid front and colorful back on your radar?  Hope you'll let me know in the comments. By the way, I intended to shoot these pics outdoors but as I was going out the front door tripod in hand, Mama Bear decided to walk by the side yard to her favorite spot in our back woods where she takes naps! So, back inside the house I quickly went and snapped shots in the living room. Cassie insisted on assisting me and kept rubbing against the tripod to "adjust" it the way she wanted. I think she did a pretty good job with these photos don't you?! 

Until Next Time,

Debbie

*This is not a paid, sponsored or gifted post. 

Wearing White After Labor Day And Vegetarian Meals

Wearing White In The Fall and Eating Vegetarian

Hey Everyone! I've managed to pull myself out of my "slump" I wrote about over the weekend and thought you might like to talk about a couple of things today. I know you may consider it "old news" to even talk about wearing white after Labor Day since this "rule" seems to have gone by the wayside. For some folks, though, it's still a bit of a big deal to decide whether or not to wear white once September has arrived. So, I'm sharing with you the outfit I wore to church today for our annual outdoor service followed by church picnic celebration. 

I have to admit that I have been a bit on the slow side to wholeheartedly embrace the idea of wearing white in the Fall. It was always such a hard and fast "rule" growing up. But, today, I actually pulled out these pants and didn't think twice until I was heading out to church and I thought briefly, "Hmm..I'm wearing white pants and it's September 15th," and then the thought left me and I forgot all about it. That's progress, folks! It really was a silly rule anyway, wasn't it? But, like other fashion rules, feel free to keep it or break it if it feels right to you! I was quite comfortable in these white cargo style pants that I picked up in the Spring at Sam's Club. I also own them in tan and have worn them a few times this summer. To me they are a more "polished" style of cargo pants which I like better on me. (Brand is Khakis & Company if you are interested). The top and shoes you have seen before. This is one of my favorite tops by Ex Officio and you know I love my Skecher shoes! Comfort all around for today's picnic. 

I decided to pull my hair up into a high ponytail. Yes, we can still wear ponytails, ladies, even over age 60!  I've debated from time to time about getting my hair cut short just for a change. But, in all honesty, wearing a ponytail or pulling it up in a clip is something I enjoy being able to do for either a change of look or when I don't feel like messing with my hair. If I go short this won't be an option and I sometimes think it's actually harder to keep shorter hair looking good and styled than it is to keep longer hair looking styled. Opinions? 

I wish my hair was as thick as it used to be but it isn't. I did read online that you could "tease" your ponytail to make it look thicker so I gave this a try and liked the results. 

Now, in true "this and that" fashion you get two for the price of one in today's post! We're going to switch gears and talk about a vegetarian meal I fixed recently which was delicious and I decided to share!

The Mr. and I eat vegetarian meals quite a bit although both of us will eat meat....just not often. I threw this meal together in minutes a few days ago using some staple items I keep on hand. I sauteed a jar of mushrooms and some fresh spinach in olive oil while cooking one of those steam bags of brown/multi-grain rice with vegetables added in the microwave. (We use the Bird's Eye Steamfresh brand). I then cooked some Morning Star Farms Vegetarian chicken patties in the microwave, cut them up into small pieces and added that to the mix. As a final touch, I added some store brand french fried onions to the mix to give a little extra flavor. 

Oh my, this was yummy!  The rice already had carrots and broccoli mixed in which blended well with the mushrooms and spinach I added. Fresh mushrooms would have been healthier but I didn't have any on hand so, to cut back on salt, I rinsed the jarred mushrooms under water to remove some of the salt. You can do rinsing with any canned vegetables that contain sodium if you want to cut back. Of course, there are also sodium free canned vegetables available as well. Let me know if you give this dish a try!

Do you wear white after Labor Day?  Do you incorporate vegetarian meals into your weekly meal plans?  Hope you will take a moment to share in the comment sections. And, don't forget to follow me by email so you never miss a post. Just look on the right-hand side of my post for the "follow me by email" section, add your email and submit. It's easy and no cost to you!

Until Next Time,

Debbie

Writer's Slump; A Saturday Devotion

When You Don't Know What To Write

It happens to all bloggers from time to time, I guess. Writer's Slump or Writer's Block or whatever you want to call it. The juices simply aren't flowing and the writer finds himself or herself looking at the keyboard wondering, "What am I going to write about?" That's me right now. It's been one of those weeks where life has thrown a few lemons my way and I just don't have it in me to put on an outfit and take pictures or to get excited about a book or some outing I've been on. Sigh.....yep, I'm blocked for sure! Just out here floating around in cyberspace, like a ship at sea, wondering what direction to go in and what, possibly, I can write about!

Sometimes, life seems to lose its color for a bit, kind of like brown leaves falling to the ground in disarray. Once, they were lively and green and blowing in the breeze on a branch and now they're dull and crunch underfoot when they get stepped on. And, sometimes, it feels like life is stepping on us doesn't it? 

But, here's the thing about these kinds of feelings. They don't last forever. Just like the gray storm clouds that appear filled with wind and thunder and lightening. The storm may be filled with fury, but it doesn't last forever. And, before you know it, the gray clouds begin to part and the blue sky shines through. There might even be a little sunlight peeking out to brighten the day!

We serve a Lord who promises to be with us when the storms of life come. Whether the storms of life are ocean waves that threaten to overpower us or merely trickles of raindrops that add a sense of grayness to our day, the Lord promises to be with us and to get us through. 

"When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  (Isaiah 43:2)

So, today, if circumstance has thrown you into a bit of "writer's block" with life, I pray that you will take heart. Tomorrow will be better. The clouds will lift. The storm will abate. The gray skies will clear. And, the words will come....

Because, we never walk alone.

Blessings,

Debbie

Photography at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

Late Summer Early Fall Photos

The Mr. and I set out for the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary this morning to do a bit of birding with our respective cameras. I ended up focusing on landscape scenes more than birds. They decided to be sneaky and hide from us, although the Mr. did get a few good shots. I am still fiddling with settings on my little camera. I liked this pretty little blue flower. 

Not sure what these are but, every once in a while, little white pieces would float through the air like snow. It was so pretty!

Berries seem to form on plants this time of year. I like the color showing the first glimpses of Fall.

The first leaves beginning to fall on the boardwalk. 

The lake is always so beautiful. I like how the white fluffy clouds reflect in the water. 

We had hoped to catch the Great Blue Heron at home but, alas, it wasn't to be today. 

But, I did catch a giant turtle coming up for air. There were five or six of these guys swimming around looking for bugs. 

The Mr. was trying out a huge lens a friend had loaned him. 

He's a serious photographer. 

And one of my favorite subjects!

I spied some more pretty flowers. It was so relaxing to just walk slowly, enjoy the scenery and snap photos at random. 

Next to the lake is an old gnarly tree that couples have carved their initials into over the years. I wonder if TR still loves BG?

But, most importantly, does DB still love BS? (Pun intended, couldn't resist!)  Of course, carving into trees is not healthy for the tree. This tree seems to have weathered it well over the years. 

I caught a rower out on the lake. This must be hard work!

And, I posed for a picture next to another gnarly old tree close to the lake. My birding attire is not exactly a fashion statement. But, it was a happy time to be in the woods practicing photography. 

But, where oh where were the birds? Maybe next time. 

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

Genesis 1:31

Until Next Time,

Debbie

*Photography by Debbie Ross and picture of Debbie by William Ross