fall

Streamline your Back to School Routine:

Heading back to school can be a real eye-opener when it comes to having a routine, but this year has been exceptionally different! For many families here in my little part of the country, our children have been out of traditional school for quite some time because of COVID. Many kiddos are heading back now to in-person school, so it’s time to get back into a routine! Here are my best mom tips to getting back into a smooth routine, and to make your mornings less hectic: 

Source: Pexels.com

Source: Pexels.com

  • Make Ahead breakfasts: Breakfast is the thing that can trip me up the fastest! Whether it’s a new recipe that takes much longer than anticipated, or realizing we are out of milk when we are heading out the door, making breakfast ahead of time makes my mornings much easier. Some of our favorite dishes are baked oatmeal, which like a cross between a cobbler and oatmeal, and it can be warmed up and eaten with a fork or even just on a paper towel. Another favorite is mason jar overnight oats! These can be customized with lots of berries, peanut butter, or even mini carob chips. Check out my favorite recipe here.

  • Making expectations clear: One super helpful thing to do is set little alarms or reminders on Alexa or a Google device to help your kids make transitions and feel less stressed. You can say things like “Set an alarm in 15 minutes” and remind them what tasks need to get done in that 15 minutes (like putting your shoes on, getting jackets or homework, etc). This is really helpful for younger kids, who may struggle to understand long lists of tasks without a sense of how long they will take. Visual lists on the fridge or doors can help, too.

  • Pack backpacks the night before. Make it a family rule that homework be completed (as much as possible, except maybe older students who may be up early studying for tests, etc) the night before. Then, pack backpacks up with all the papers that need to be turned in, books, and supplies the night before. Put lunches in the fridge with water bottles so that everything is cold and ready to go in the morning. Have kids help double check that their sports uniforms, shoes, or outfits are washed the night before and laid out.

  • Sit down as a family to help identify stressors: Sitting down as a family may help you see new ways you can support one another through the transitions of going back to school and/or work after being home or virtually learning for several months. It can be hard on each member of the family, and sitting down gives you all a chance to express your emotions. Be an active listener and try to understand if your children are extra emotional or having a hard time with the newer schedule and routine. Help one another brainstorm ways to help out or emotionally support the changes!

Cozy Time Saving Recipes for Fall

The temperatures are just starting to fall here in Southern Oregon, and after a tough season of wildfires, I am craving plenty of comfort foods. Comfort foods are something that typically take a bit more time than traditional cooking, but I’ve learned there are plenty of awesome recipes that still work on the busiest of evenings. As a mom, I find some nights, I am just too tired to spend several hours cooking something that won’t be done at dinner time. At the same time, I’ve found my slow cooker to be a bit ambiguous when it comes to flavors, and some of the meat comes out lacking the delicious color or textures by the end of the cooking time. So, I’ve been putting together some great recipes for comfort food that my family loves, AND that saves me a little bit of meal planning, too.

Source: Picjumbo via Pexels.com

Source: Picjumbo via Pexels.com

Zuppa Toscana in the crock pot: This is one of the best, simple recipes for nights when our family is out right until dinnertime, or when we have a busy day. I can throw everything in the crock pot in the morning, and by later afternoon, my house smells amazing, and I add a nice loaf of crusty bread and a big salad to make it a filling and comforting meal. I like this recipe from The Chunky Chef: HERE. It has tons of flavor and doesn’t dissolve into mushy soup by the time you serve it. Be sure to watch it closely after you add the kale, and serve when it’s soft but still bright green.

Stuffed Pasta Bolognese: This flavor packed recipes is a bit more time consuming than a crock pot meal, but it’s made my list because it can be prepped ahead of time and popped in the fridge until it’s time to bake it. Try to do this the night before or the morning of, and undercook your pasta just slightly, so it will be perfectly al dente after simmering during the baking time. Add breadsticks and a nice veggie on the side for a dinner everyone will gobble up. Recipe HERE.

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese: This is a family favorite for a reason: everyone loves macaroni and cheese, and it’s even better when I can use the quick miracle that’s the Instant Pot. For a healthier twist, add pureed butternut squash to the macaroni and cheese, and stir it in until it’s smooth and combined. It adds a nice fall flavor, and of course, gets more veggies in. You can bake it real quick to get it nice and browned on top once you pull it out of the instant pot, but it’s delicious by itself! Recipe HERE

Malaysian Chicken Noodles: This is an asian dish, but is spicy and can be just as comforting. This recipe that we love from Jamie Oliver has plenty of spice, a smooth and delicious sauce, and chicken for added protein. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, and you could even cook the chicken ahead of time. It’s inexpensive, delicious, and you can adjust the spice level if your little ones aren’t into the heat from Sambal. Check out the recipe HERE.

Another time saving dinner idea that doesn’t involve a recipe is to buy pre-made quiche at the grocery store, and add slices of fresh tomato and shredded cheese on top, broil briefly and warm through, add a huge salad, and voila! Easy, filling dinner that is on the table in minutes (We like the quiche that you can find at Costco in the cold section). Hopefully, these ideas will help you save time on the nights when you just need something warm and cozy!

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How to find the Perfect Candle Scent

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I don’t know about you, but finding the perfect candle scent is one of my favorite things in life! That perfect scent can make your home feel so cozy, and can make you think of home instantly when you smell it. When the leaves start changing, I always love to add candles to my home decor, and then when the holidays come, my living spaces smell warm and inviting. How do you find that perfect scent? Here are out best tips!

Source: Yankee Candle

Source: Yankee Candle

Consider where you’ll be using the candle: A candle for a large living room would be quite different than one for a tiny office or bedroom. Always consider the fire hazard in small spaces, and if it seems like burning a candle might be dangerous, use an alternative such as diffuser sticks, essential oils, or plug in scent warmers. Obviously, do not burn candles in children’s rooms where they could be tipped over or forgotten. A lightly scented, very small candle will do next to nothing in a large area with vaulted ceilings, and a huge, heavily scented three wick one will overwhelm a tiny space.

Know what scents you are drawn to: Many people feb strongly about their perfume or cologne, and will often choose similar scented candles. I personally know that heavily scented vanilla candles can give me a headache if I burn it too long, but I love a lightly spiced scent like cloves and cinnamon for my house for a holiday-esque feel. Whether you choose fruity, spicy, strong, or mild, knowing what you want is very helpful.

Buy candles from reputable sources when you can: Of course, we have all picked up a great candle at TJ Maxx or a discount retailer, but what often happens is we cannot find the scent again! Sometimes, they are discounted, or even from past seasons, so they can be old and not as scented. We love Yankee Candle, Woodwick (for a crackling effect) which is perfect in the winter), and Bath and Body Works. Plus, you’ll be more likely to find the same scent over and over as you use it for lengths of time.

-Check out candles from Anthropologie: One of Anthro’s lesser known points is their fragrance lines. We love their many types and brands of perfume, but they also carry candles. We adore the Tocca line and the Volcano candle that’s pretty famous among fashion bloggers for it’s beautiful, luxury look and light fruity scent. I enjoy burning it in the kitchen or bathrooms when guests arrive, because it’s uplifting and not heavy.

-Take care of the candles you have: Don’t leave them in a hot car or outside on the porch (if you order online). Carefully trim your candles according to the instructions they come with, and don’t burn them longer than indicated on their packaging. This will increase how long they last for you, and will ensure you get the most for your money, especially for the pricy candles that you want to maximize!

It’s now just about fall here in Southern Oregon, and I can’t wait to bring out my personal candle collection to welcome in my guests and family! What’s your favorite candle scent?

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Love your Home this fall | Trend Watch and Inspiration

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Pillow from Etsy

We love our summer whites around here, and the breezy, bohemian feel of the warmer months. But, Autumn is calling, and it’s time to get our homes ready! We are swapping out lightweight linens, crisp whites and citrus scents for the rich textures of fall, spicy candles, and rustic tones like oatmeal, pewter and burnt orange. Here’s our ideas to get your home ready for the crisper, cooler weather... just add a pumpkin latte and a good book!

Photos: Left & Right-Betsy Blue Photography | Middle: Pottery Barn

These richly toned pumpkin pillows will add a quick burst of fall colors to a neutral room without a ton of expense. The intricate panel on each pillow is velvet, and you know I am all about the mix of textures! You can find them right here at Pottery Barn. We also like this pumpkin pillow and it’s watercolor look (it would look great on a grey or taupe couch, or a big cozy chair. 

Nothing says “fall” like a big, woven basket. While Pottery Barn shows it filled with pinecones, we think this basket would be adorable filled with cozy throws! We love this cable-knit throw from Target (and it’s under $50) in the marigold color. Try pairing it up with a faux fur throw for a welcoming look.  Don’t forget your table decor...after all, that’s where you’ll be serving up fabulous treats for Thanksgiving and all your holiday parties this fall. We really love the terra cotta pumpkins from Ballard Designs...they’re unexpected and elegant in their own way, and they look stunning with mercury pumpkin accents for a nice contrast. Add in taupe linens and rustic pieces for the perfect centerpiece that will leave your guests raving! 

Photos:  Left-Restoration Hardware | Right-Pottery Barn

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Fall Goodness for your Home | Recipes and Inspiration

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My adorable family 5 years ago.  Photo by Tonya Poitevint Photography

As someone who loves community, family, and togetherness, I love when the seasons make their way into my kitchen. There is something so beautiful and rich about family gathered in the kitchen. It’s part of what I love about my home...the people in it, and the memories we are making. Today, I want to share just some of my favorite items for the kitchen, and one simply fabulous recipe for pumpkin scones! 

Photos: Left Olivia Leigh Photography | Middle Williams-Sonoma | Right Nikita Lee Photography

Williams-Sonoma Home is always one of my favorite places to find beautiful, lasting pieces for my kitchen. This season, you’ll find plenty of ivory and white pieces, anchored with plenty of fall colors like orange and sage green. I love this antique white platter for something like Thanksgiving, piled high with stuffing or rolls! I also found this gorgeous hemstitch tablecloth in the ‘pumpkin’ color, just right for putting all those lovely dishes on!

Photos:  Williams Sonoma

Of course, you’ll need some baked goodness to pile into your new dishes, so here’s our favorite recipe for pumpkin scones. Their slightly spicy, warm and crumbly texture will be just right for any fall gathering, and guess what? They taste pretty darn close to their Starbucks counterparts (shhhh...we won’t tell!). Here’s the easy recipe, courtesy of Food.com

Pumpkin Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter
1⁄2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg

Powdered Sugar Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are obvious. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.
  4. Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
  6. TO MAKE THE PLAIN GLAZE:.
  7. Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together until smooth.
  8. When scones are cool, use a brush to paint plain glaze over the top of each scone.

Enjoy!