One Tree So Much Beauty

Life In The Country In Fall

Beautiful Fall Color In Iowa

Here are some of the beautiful fall colors of Iowa!

Top Eleven Things To Do Now That The Kids Are In School

No doubt we all love our kids and we loved spending time with them during Summer vacation. The camping, swimming, playing, and family get together's were a blast. But as the end of Summer draws near it is back to school time. The parents that have sent their kids back to school may have a bit of spare time on their hands, if they don't already have a job outside the home. So for all of the stay home moms and dads, here is my Top Eleven Things To Do Now That The Kids Are In School.

1. Catch up on some reading that you haven't had time for before. I don't know about you but I have a stack of books that I have been putting off reading because I simply didn't have time.
   
2. Time to finally start that exercise program you have been procrastinating, using the kids as an excuse. I'm guilty of this one. Get a gym membership and actually use it. Just go for a walk, enjoy nature.
   
3. Go back to school. Always wanted to take some courses but haven't had a moment to yourself? Some of them are even online which makes it much more convenient. Just do it!
4. Finally find that job you have been wanting for some extra cash. We all need the extra money to saving up for nest Summer's activities.
5. You can finally have that lunch date with your friends that you have been talking about all summer. Go ahead, call them.
6. Spend some time with elderly family members. Take mom out to lunch or go see relatives that can't get out. They will appreciate the company.
7. Volunteer somewhere. There are lots of hospitals, nursing or retirement facilities, schools, and daycare that can use the help.
8. Rearrange your furniture. I know from experience, this is easier to do when my son is at school. 
   
9. Clean the house. This is the perfect moment to deep clean the house. No distractions. You can even clean the kids rooms without having to battle the kids. Time to get rid of things. 
   
10. Time to catch up on all those shows you have been wanting to watch instead of watching cartoons all day.
    
11. Last but certainly the best, relax and take a nap. Catch up on the sleep that you have been lacking. Take advantage of the silence. Make sure you wake up in time to go pick up the kids from school!

DIY Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Longing for Hot Cocoa but don't have any of that prepackaged cocoa mix. Give this a try!

DIY  Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Dry (Powdered) Milk
3 or 4 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder

1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)

In a resealable 6 ounce container add Sugar, Dry Milk, Cocoa Powder, and Cinnamon. Stir together till thoroughly mixed. Takes three teaspoons of Cocoa Mix per 8 ounces of hot water for one cup of Cocoa.

Give this a shot, it's a great way to warm up on a cool day! This is a great compliment to the Chocolate Brownie In A Cup too! Feel free to add marshmallows. Makes a great gift!!

On A Cool Fall Evening

There are few things better than a cool Fall evening spent with family or even alone with a good book, a favorite mug filled with cocoa, and a warm throw blanket. I am a book fiend. Love to snuggle with a good book and lose myself in its pages.

Even better is cuddling with the one you love under a warm blanket while watching a movie. It is an amazing mixture of comfort and relaxation. Better still is the warmth of a fire and the dancing light of the flames that fill the room.

My favorite thing to do is watch the sunset. Nothing beats nature at it's most beautiful. Even a fire in a pit in the back yard while snuggled in a warm blanket is an amazing Autumn activity while hanging out with friends and family, telling stories and remembering good times while sipping a hot beverage.

Take time to enjoy the smells and feelings of Fall before they pass all too quickly!  

Colors Of Autumn 1

These pictures require no words!

Thanks for looking! Follow my page and then go out and look at the colors! :)

Repurposing Over-Ripe Apples

Do you have some apples that are going to waste? Here is a great way to use them up and make your house smell fantastic in the process.

Take one apple and slice it up, core and all. Throw it in a sauce pan with about two cups of water. Add a teaspoon of cloves and/or about five to ten drops of clove essential oil, and a stick or two of cinnamon. You may also throw in some orange peel. Now put it on the back burner of your stove at a very low setting and slowly simmer it all day. You may have to add a bit of water here and there throughout the day and it should never be left completely unsupervised. You may also use a small crock-pot or electric candle warmer.

There you have it! No chemicals or candles, just natural delicious smells filling your home.

Children should be supervised by a responsible adult while making this.

Small Spaces For A Happy Home

One of the best ways I know to make my home a place I love to be in is to make small spaces that make me happy. A reading area to relax in, a comfortable pillow arrangement, a bookcase full of interesting things to read, or even a soft blanket to snuggle in while watching a movie can all help your home become an oasis of your own making. Do you have favorite books or magazines that can be displayed? Or maybe you have a piece of furniture, lamp, or art that makes you smile. Feature these things, instead of hiding them for safe keeping, so that your home becomes an extension of you and your hopes and dreams.

Statues and art can be inspiring but also they can expand the imagination you dream of places that you have never seen, but would like to, in times that you have never been.

My favorite lamp!  

My comfy couch complete with pillows and cuddly blanket.

Mother's mismatched tea set that makes me think of good times with her.

Fresh flowers and pictures of family can brighten your day!

Pictures of family and friends cause good memories to flood my mind when I pass by them. Inherited gifts give me great joy when I use them knowing that loved ones have also used and enjoyed them.

Simple sentiments are placed around the home to remind me to enjoy life and everything it has to offer.

Small spaces that make life more enjoyable add up to a home that is more enjoyable. You never know what a difference these things can make until you give them a place of prominence in your home. Just think, these are just a few simple things that can be done to make your home more of a part of you, a reflection of your life past, present, and future.

My Slideshow of Fall Decor

Autumn Decorating.

I did a few small changes around the house to celebrate Autumn! This time of year is filled with wonderful smells, sites, sounds, and tastes. Fall is my favorite time of year. Here are few decor changes I have made so far.

Happy Autumn everyone!