Whew! I know I promised a few October Fall Home Decor pictures a few weeks back, and then the big C hit our home, and well, things just went crazy for a little while there. I haven’t done as much decorating as I had originally wanted to. I haven’t even pulled out most of the fall decor, but we will get there eventually. The nice thing about decorating for fall is that you can leave it up for three months…September, October, and November.
October Fall Home Decor
First up is the mantle. And yes, those are Beanie Babies you see sitting up there. I put a few Halloween ones up there today, but it was only three of them, so you aren’t missing much. I started collecting Beanie Babies in 1997. I was an avid collector until about 2002, and then life got busy, etc. I packed them in large plastic storage totes and mostly forgot about them. Over the July 4 holiday this year, they crossed my mind, and I wanted to see them again, so hubby dug them out of storage, and I fell in love all over again. I was mostly only crazy about the bears. Then it hit me that these would be sort of cute to decorate with for the different holidays, so here they sit! Ha!
And if it looks like our mantle is a little off-center, it kind of is. We live in an MCM (midcentury modern) house. Our fireplace has more brick space on one side than the other, and it’s just weird. I’d love to get some fall leaves and little lights to weave into the mantle decor, but I’m unsure if I could pull it off. It looks busy enough. Anyway, moving along…
I picked up several of these little signs at Dollar General, and this one sits on our front entrance table. They were so stinking cute and only $1 each. If I see some Christmas ones, I will definitely be grabbing them. The little pumpkin garland underneath my mantle and the two beaded little pumpkin hangers on each end were both from Dollar General as well. I think I told you before about how I can’t resist inexpensive little decor items from Dollar General.
Around The House
We’ve just pretty much been in recovery mode for the last two weeks. When I was not resting, I tried to keep up with my Bible reading. I love to pour a hot cup of coffee, curl up in the big recliner and read my Bible.
I use a Miles Kimball Bible Dry Liter to highlight verses that really speak to me. I’ve tried several Bible highlighters in the past, and this one is the only one I’ve found that doesn’t bleed through the pages. I put these on my Christmas wish list because I go through quite a few. My goal was to read the entire Bible this past year, and I have failed miserably. I’m still in the Old Testament, but that’s ok. I just keep trucking along.
Meals have been sort of “snacky,” like this “charcuterie bowl” I love making and eating. I still don’t have my sense of taste and smell back fully, so just eating little snacks has been fine with me. The Teen just says his food tastes funny, and I think Hubby is ok now. I hope maybe by the end of this week, this will be a bad memory. I sure do miss the good food and smelling things!
But, before I got sick, my mama cooked for the Teen and me one night, and she had this delicious chicken, potatoes, and cheese casserole. She picked it up at one of the little take-and-bake shops downtown. It was heavenly!
That’s the sort of food I miss being able to taste so much! Nothing like warm comfort food on the chilly nights we’ve been having!
Cooler Weather
Our weather has been absolutely beautiful but a little chilly in the mornings and evenings. The wind has picked up just about every day, so it makes it feel cooler than it really is. I’ve had to break out my plush, comfy robe for feeding the kitties in the backyard each morning. I was so ready for the cooler temps, but then it hits you when you wake up to a cooler house each morning! I’m not ready for the COLD winter temperatures, but this is nice for now. It makes it feel even more like Fall. I looked back into my archives from last October and decided I need to get some fall-colored mums again. Those purple mums were so beautiful last year!
I hope to be venturing out into the world this week. I have been cooped up here at home for two weeks, and I miss going out to lunch, popping into Dollar General, and visiting with my mama. We’ve been Facetiming, and she finally got to visit us Saturday. I usually stop by her house several mornings a week after school drop-off. My aunt is usually over there too, and I miss visiting with her as well. We sure do take everyday things for granted sometimes.
Mari says
Sorry to hear you are dealing with covid. When I had it, it messed with my smell and taste and I feel like I never got my sense of smell completely back.
Your house looks so cute. I love that Autumn sign. I would snatch it up if I saw it here!
Mandy says
Thank you so much, Mari. It feels so good to be feeling better!
Deb says
Hi Mandy. I love your fall decorations! I used to collect Beanie Babies as well and have some stored away in the basement. I love how you brought your back out and used them to make your home more festive! So glad you are feeling better. I read the Bible every day as well, and I am still going through the Old Testament, and like you, I just keep going. I don’t think God really cares how long it takes us to get through the entire Bible. Thanks for visiting my blog. I will be back again to visit yours. Glad you are on the mend. See you again soon!
Mandy says
Hi Deb! So glad you popped in. Yes, I am crazy about my Beanie Babies bears. Haha! And yes, thank goodness God is a patient and loving God.
Bless says
Just finished catching up on your blog. So sorry to read that you have all been ill. Glad to hear that you are recovering and feeling better. Make sure you get enough rest while you recover!
Your Fall decorations are lovely! I haven’t done any decorating yet; I usually wait until closer to the end of the month.
Mandy says
Hey, Bless! I don’t blame you for waiting to decorate. I think I just got a little over-excited this year. Haha! I’ll be popping by your blog soon. Thanks so much for stopping by!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Hello Friend!
So sorry you’re dealing with the crud. Prayers everyone feels better soon! I’ve never been able to read all through the bible. I skip around a lot and have certain books I like to read depending on the time of year. So there are a few books I”ve read over and over several times.
Love your decorations and how cozy your home looks. And I can just smell the yumminess baking too. I hope you have a very cozy week ahead. xoxo
Mandy says
Thank you, Carrie! I am so ready to get baking those fall treats! So glad you stopped by!
BillieJo says
Your decorations look wonderful! So festive and cozy. I know you are enjoying them as you recover. Hope you continue to feel better and can smell and taste again soon!
Mandy says
Thanks, BillieJo! The taste and smell are gradually coming back! I’m so thankful.