Still Woods Farmhouse

I dearly love this time of year.  Autumn...the word excites the senses with vivid colors and wonderful smells. I think of candy apples, warm cider, hay rides, apple pies, and the unforgettable smell of brisk, autumn air. I am so thankful to the Lord for the beauty of this season. "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1.   As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, the hearth becomes an important focal point in our homes. It's a place where the family gathers and where memories are made. Why not make your hearth a signature statement by creating a lovely autumn display?  I enjoy changing my display often.  This is my September-October mantel. I was incredibly bummed when my 11 inch mercury glass pumpkin skittered off the mantel and crashed to the floor.  I searched the internet and local stores for a replacement.  Luckily, I found one that blends in and will do for now.  My display features mercury glass pumpki

Are you looking for a delicious, autumn inspired muffin to serve your family?  This is one of my family's all time favorites.  I love to make a batch of these spice infused muffins when the weather is cool and the leaves begin to turn. They are moist and scrumptious!  Let's get baking! The Starting Line-Up: 1 cup soft butter                                                          1 teaspoon ground cloves 2 cups sugar                                                                1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs                                                                          2 teaspoons baking soda 2 cups applesauce (preferably unsweetened)         4 cups all purpose flour 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon                                  1 cup nuts, chopped 2 teaspoons ground allspice                                      Powdered Sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time.  Mix in applesauce and spices.  Sift together salt, soda,

I saw half-cut pumpkins at Michael's Craft Store and had to have one.  After quite a bit of debate, I decided I wanted to bedazzle my pumpkin with a simple monogram and a little scroll work.  I was in the mood for an easy project and this one fits the bill. The entire project took no more than an hour to complete. The Starting Line-Up: One- 1/2 Cut Pumpkin of Your Choice, Sold at Michael's Craft Stores Martha Stewart Brushed Bronze Metallic Craft Paint Ribbon Peel and Stick Bedazzling Items If desired, you may want to apply a glaze to your pumpkin before bedazzling.  I chose Martha Stewart brushed bronze metallic paint.  Use a sponge brush and paint the glaze on in sections.  I added a little more glaze to the natural crevices in the pumpkin.  If you put too much in an area, simply wipe it off before it dries.  I did a few practice strokes on the inside of the pumpkin before starting on the visible side. As you can see in the close-up before and after photo, it's