Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies! In the spirit of the holiday we have compiled a list of just some of the many blessings for which we are grateful.

K:

• G is a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally. He helps around the house without complaint and makes up silly songs for me. AND he makes me a gourmet dinner every night. What more could a girl ask for?
• My family is close-knit, loving, and supportive.
• We have been blessed with enough – employment, food, clothes, transportation. I hope we always strive to be content with what we have been given.
• We have friends who love us, so much so that they are willing to be honest. In my mind that is true friendship.
• I have a job that I enjoy and that challenges me and co-workers that make me laugh every day.
• A beautiful patio in my backyard, where an overgrown jungle once was.
• Regular ladies’ nights. Good food, plenty of wine, fabulous friends. Girlies, I love you so much.
• I have a porch with a swing.
• Coffee – it makes my house smell lovely and jump-starts my day. AND it allowed me to give up my beloved Diet Coke.

J:

• My darling husband, A. He spoils me, is hilarious, knows his way around a hammer, and actually went to New Moon with me on opening night. That’s love.
• A brand new, totally different job. Such a blessing to be surrounded by happy, kind people!
• Plenty of food in the pantry.
• Fuzzy slipper weather.
• My doggie Murray, who sits on my lap to chew his toys when I have had a bad day.
• New grace every morning.
• My hilarious, snarky, and thoroughly tender-hearted girlfriends.
• Listening to my three younger brothers interact with my husband and bro-in-law while they all play video games.
• The amazing food I will eat tomorrow at the table of my loving in-laws.
• My nephew in utero. He will be a rockstar.

And last, but certainly not least, we are thankful for YOU. We have met so many amazing people through this site, and it has given us an opportunity to reconnect with many old friends. Your comments truly make our day. Thanks so much for joining us!

Happy HAPPY Thanksgiving!

and

I would definitely sit at this kids’ table!

Gobble slowly,

After a cold, rainy weekend of working out of town, I came home to these pretty mums and fall daisies. And a big fat pumpkin. He did well.

This sweet gift, of course, reminded me of the fall flower arrangements and Thanksgiving table decorations I’ve been ogling for weeks.

Martha of course has some beauties. We know I love berries, and these rose hips are pretty awesome as well:

This fuzzy-looking jewel-toned guy is pretty sweet, too:

I like this idea of arranging fall flowers in tiers or in stacked boxes:

And, while it doesn’t incorporate flowers, this table runner is gorgeous:

And wow, now this post isn’t about flowers at all – look at these veggie candle holders! That’s nuts!

Now I know what to do with my left-over asparagus. Hmmm…. or maybe I’d better just stick with these…

Have you made any creative centerpieces lately? Any fall flower arrangements to share? Let us know and show off your talents! You should also check out the great list of amazing fall decor examples and projects that K has lovingly compiled here.

Cough cough cough cough cough,

Geometric pumpkin from How about orange

and these sweet velvet pumpkins by Monya

Take your Vitamin C,

*****Breaking News*****

We were featured again at the DIY Showoff! Make sure you check it out.

A. and I spent this past weekend with my family in the town where I grew up. We watched one of my little brothers play high school football, golfed, lounged, and ate and ate and ate. It’s what we do.

On Sunday, after a “fine repaste” prepared by my father (his words), we indulged in my grandma’s time-tested pumpkin pie. It says many things to me. It says “fall,” “memories of Grandma,” and, “eat me, now.” I hope it speaks to you, too.

Also, you should know: when I called her to get the recipe, I asked what the secret is to her amazing crusts. They are always flaky, and just the slightest bit salty. I envisioned something along the lines of globs of lard and the grandmotherly action of cutting cold butter into flour or something… instead, she replied in her sweet little voice, “Oh, you know, well, I use the roll-out crusts from the store.”

Grandma Sadie’s (mostly) Homemade Pumpkin Pie

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 C sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• dash salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 can pumpkin
• 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Beat the eggs, then add the spices, vanilla, pumpkin, and evaporated milk. Stir until well mixed.

Pour the mixture onto the pie shell (in a 10-inch pie plate). Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for 15 more minutes or more, until the pie sets up.

Let it cool, refrigerate, and serve with a nice dollop of Cool Whip. And give thanks.

Mmmm pie,