Happy Fall!

Go Gators!

I had to share this. My dog Jaxie watching a Gator game with her new collar and scarf. They won by the way, 56 to 6!

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

Long title but but easy to make.

2 packages of chocolate chip cookie dough
8 oz soften cream cheese
3 eggs (I use Egg Beaters)
1 teaspoon vanilla


Preheat oven to 350.Grease a 13 x 9 baking pan. Spread 1 package of cookie dough evenly in bottom of pan.



Mix cream cheese, eggs and vanilla.



Spread over cookie dough.




Crumble second package of cookie dough over cream cheese mixture.



Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.



Cool and cut into squares before serving.
Note: I used a glass baking dish and the bottom layer of cookie dough did not cook through. I put mine back in for another 15 minutes. I consulted with my Mom (a wonderful baker) and she recommended using a non-stick metal pan.

-Recipe adapted from Goose Berry Patch- Christmas Throughout the House

2009 Fall Decorations- Finally Done!

So I'm finally getting to sit back with my Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino and enjoy my Fall decorations. My wonderful husband and I put up everything in between watching the first day of college football! Go Gators!
I made a few changes from last year. I wanted to keep everything simple. The only things remaining are the front porch and patio. They will probably get done on Monday or Tuesday. Well, I hope you like them. Please leave your comments and suggestions.

Starting in the entrance...









A little closer look... This is actually a chalkboard with little pumpkin magnets. I got it for $5 at Homegoods. I love that store!



The kitchen...

Its a little hard to see, but I have pumpkins and gourds in the colander beside the rooster and a fall towel under the bakery sign.



I put my pumpkin cookbook in my cookbook holder. I haven't made anything out of it, but I love to look at it!





Dining Area...








These little boxes are some of my favorite decorations. I put orange lights in the glass bowl under the pumpkin and gourds.





Living Room...





Jaxie (my little dog) wanted to get in on the fun!



I added pumpkins and gourds to this area. Something new this year.



Come back soon for outdoor decorations.

September 1st- Here we go...

So... September is finally here! I was so excited to get up this morning and change to a new month on the calendar. It probably helps that I have the Susan Branch, Heart of the Home, calendar. Her drawings are absolutely beautiful. All the months are beautiful, but September is my favorite.





Although I live in Florida, and the weather has been almost unbearable the last few weeks, we had a cloudy, rainy day today. It stayed in the low 80's. It was still very humid, but it did feel better. We are lucky if we get cooler weather in October! Although it may be hot, I plan to decorate for Fall this weekend. I put a lot into my Fall decorations and I want to enjoy them as long as possible. I will post some pictures when everything is up and complete.

I am in the process of making my wonderful sister-in-law a Fall wreath. Here's what I'm starting with.





Here's Jaxie checking everything out. She loves Fall too! Her birthday is September 16th. My little Fall baby!


Here's what I have so far...I need to finish this weekend. Although I like the simplicity of what I have, I think it needs a little more. I'll post the final pictures soon.



Well, September IS finally here. Before you know, Christmas will be here too. I hope you are making preparations now to ensure your Holiday season is stress free. If you are decorating for Fall soon, ENJOY! If you not, Why not??? I challenge everyone to celebrate the Fall season by decorating your home with a few seasonal touches. Just a few fall leaves or pumpkins here and there, can make a difference. Check back soon for pictures of my decorations.