The children are back at school ...

... and I have been busy deep cleaning my house! I donated 10 bags of stuff to goodwill yesterday.

My house looks amazing, and I am getting excited for the holiday season. How about you?

A new necklace

I don't know about you, but I am a little fed up with the hot weather and am looking forward to autumn.

We will still spend our weekends at the lake, but instead of swimming and boating we will spend our time walking, kayaking and bicycling ... And lots of lazy time, watching movies, reading books, playing games, and just hanging out!!!!!!

One of the exciting aspects of the change in seasons is that I get a chance to change up my decorating, and my closet. I shall soon be taking down the moss balls and nests that have been part of my summer decor, and start having some fun with sparkly pumpkins and the rich colors of autumn.

As for my closet I am focusing on beautiful neutrals for the week, and of course some fun new Lilly for the weekend!

I love this necklace, it is from Etsy.

I can't wait to see what you've bought for fall - I love to be inspired by the blogs that I read.

Gloves

I just love gloves.

When I worked in London, I always wore gloves in the winter, and remember that the first thing I did every day when I got on the train was to sit down, take off my gloves and place them in my lap.

I don't want to admit how often I forgot to put them back on! But because I lost so many pairs it means that I was always looking out for a new cute pair, and I guess I have never lost the habit.

I just spotted these 3/4 length gloves at Talbots.

A fab find don't you think?

Tasting Party

One of our favorite desert choices in restaurants is a sampler of tasting sizes for the family to share.

Offering mini deserts is a great idea because at the end of a meal we want something sweet, but are content with just a bite or two. Naturally I have been searching for mini dishes so that I can replicate the idea at my own dinner parties.

I bought a variety of dishes from Pier 1. These images from their website are just so inspiring, hosting a tasting party looks like a lot of fun.

Once you have you beautiful new dishes then you will need to find some recipes. This board on Pinterest has some great suggestions.
Do you have any recipes that you care to share?

Shere Sweater Coat

Last winter I purchased this cashmere coat in both navy and black, and since the weather is so mild in both Georgia and Alabama it saw me through most of the winter.

I had really wanted one in coral, but they had sold out, so I was so happy to see that it is available again this fall.

I bought it here ...

I was also really hoping to get some more Elsa tops, as I love the ones I have, but it looks like I'll have to wait for the resort collection.

Oh my gosh ... you have no idea how much I want this...

New Cook Books

When it comes to cooking, my loyalty is pretty much split two ways between Ina Garten and the British cookbook author Delia Smith. Imagine my delight in finding out that they each have a new cookbook.

First lets talk about Happy Christmas which I have already bought because I am a firm believer that it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas menus!

I have her original Christmas book from the early 1990's, because I'm so old, and have used it faithfully for many, many years.

This updated version includes all the old favorites, plus many new recipes that I can't wait to try.

One of the best is for a Chocolate Truffle Torte that uses liquid glucose. When the last book was released so many of us Brits watched her show, bought the book and made that dessert that England sold out of Liquid Glucose!

Ina's new book will be released in October and I'm sure will be as much loved as her others.

Both books are available on amazon.