Table Talk Archives - Feet Under My Table

Sharing Spring Beauty

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:12:40 +0000

Happy Saturday at the table, friends. It’s been a glorious week of beautiful weather heralding spring’s arrival all around. Can we just have some spring beauty talk at the table today? Simply share a bit on all that’s blooming here? Spring beauty begins with the perennials gloriously arriving. There have been hyacinths, daffodils, and crocus blooming among the landscape. The iris made their appearance today. Sweet Aunt Helen still blesses me with those. I’ll have to do better next year by dividing and cutting them back…but, they still always bloom beautifully in spite of my lack of care. Do you have perennials that manage to make it in spite of your lack of care? Spring takes me to other signs… Are your peonies showing signs of coming up yet? You can see mine growing fervently. Oh, I can’t wait for them to bloom in May. Foxgloves are greening out…snowball trees are budding for an April showcase… and roses are sending new leaves along their stems. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the dogwood blooms on trees. Dogwood Trail signs have already appeared around town. I can’t wait til our trees are in full bloom with lights showcasing them at night. It’s a tradition in Paducah to light the dogwood trees at night. They simply take my breath away. Hydrangeas are leafing out beautifully. One of my favorites that will begin blooming in a few months. What’s appearing in your landscape? Plans for the vegetables are happening… There are tomato plants that were started in February that will soon be added to raised beds. My husband always researches, plants, adds lighting and a fan to strengthen those plants before adding them outdoors. If you have followed me long…you know what all we do with those tomatoes. Added to the freezer in packets, roasted tomato sauce, tomato jam, and roasted tomatoes are just a few of our favorite things. Herbs are returning to their places. Chives are the easiest to plant to return beautifully each year. I just clean out their pots and enjoy the new growth. Herbs, such as, mint, lemon balm, chives, sage, thyme, and rosemary are a few that I have had luck returning each year. May I encourage you to add perennials to your garden this year. Each year new ones added bring such joy when they return. I’d love to know what’s blooming in your neck of the woods. What’s been on your table this week? I rescued two overly ripe bananas this week to make the BEST banana bread. You can click here if you missed it. This week has taken us to eat beef stew from the freezer…always a favorite. Thank you to so many of you who have reached out to me with the March Vue recipes for Zuppa Toscana soup and Parmesan bread sticks. I hope that you love them both! There’s been lots of other creative things happening at the table this week…so keep following for completed projects soon. And in other news… …here are a few of my favorite spring finds this week: Happy Saturday, friends! May you have a wonderful weekend filled with rest and joy!

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Spring Prep at the Table

Leslie J Watkins — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 01:02:33 +0000

You guys! March has arrived. Our temperatures feel that spring is just around the corner. Daffodils are coming up. And the start of spring actually happens in a couple of weeks. Who else is excited with me?? How do you begin to usher spring into your lives? Here? Spring preparation has begun. Signs of spring are in full swing here. This week I saw the most gorgeous ferns in front of Kroger. Unless you are prepared to bring them indoors, don’t buy those yet! Oh, my! How tempting it was not to bring them home! Kroger is always my go to place to purchase the most beautiful ferns and the lower price tag makes that even more enticing. There were beautiful pots of pansies, roses bushes, ranunculus and more all across Lowe’s garden center today. I’m holding out a bit longer til warmer temperatures linger longer. Since the garden center guy said they bring all of them inside at night right now…that sealed the waiting for me. My spring planning also means I have to think about protecting plants from sweet animals that make their way through my lawn. We will be stocking our favorite deer repellent and making sure the sprayer used is in great condition. Those sweet deer will be nibbling the tulips, hydrangeas and hostas as their tender leaves appear unless I use a repellent. If you need more help with deterring deer, my friend always has the best ideas. Deer, raccoons, groundhogs are all hungry when plants arrive. I have to keep that in mind when I am in the processing of buying supplies and plants to deter them. Wish us luck! This week we had a new little red fox who arrived. Wish us luck! Spring means preparing for birds. Feeders have been filled all winter making sure that birds have something to eat, especially when snow was covering the ground. I ran across this gorgeous birdhouse at a discount store today. Oh, my!! Preparing for the birds begins. Now, to make a decision for how and where to place it in the garden. Anyone want to offer which bird will make this home? If you’d love to add one to your garden, here you go. The calendar forecasts the arrival of hummingbirds in our area in a month. I can’t wait. I’ll have to stock up on sugar, clean the hummingbird feeders and make sure that I am ready with ingredients to make nectar when they arrive. If you want to read more about these guys, click here. Here are some great hummingbird feeders. Just click on the photo! Here’s more spring that I couldn’t resist sharing with you… If you missed more spring inspiration last week from the blog, you can read it here. I hope that you are looking forward to spring as much as I am! Anticipation has begun for sure. Happy countdown to spring, friends,

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Favorite Valentine’s Day Ideas

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:42:48 +0000

Are you in need of a few Valentine’s Day ideas? Valentine or Galentine’s Day treats? A bit of Valentine’s Day ideas always lifts the spirits, makes life a little brighter, and warms the heart. Toss in a bit of chocolate…and the world seems a better place. Sharing some of my favorite Valentine’s Day ideas today. Valentine’s Day Hot Cocoa Stirs These are easier than the hot cocoa bombs at the height of their popularity a few years ago. Heart shaped white chocolate filled with hot cocoa mix, mini chocolate chips and topped with melted white chocolate, miniature marshmallows and sprinkles make the perfect gift or addition to your hot cocoa bar. Aren’t they the sweetest? Easy and so loved here! Here’s the recipe… Heart shaped marshmallows. That great marshmallow recipe is simply made and cut out with heart shaped cookie cutters to make the sweetest Valentine’s Day hot chocolate. Just a special touch to make your hot cocoa bar a little more Valentine’s Day festive. A Valentine’s Day Tree My granddaughter and I made a run to the Dollar Tree for so many cute Valentine’s Day decorations to add to a skinny tree to decorate for the holiday. We had such fun making all of the decorations added to that tree. Didn’t it turn out cute? Here’s all the details. What was even better? Her mother donated all of the decorations to her teacher for her classroom the week before Valentine’s Day. Love when the creating is shared. Don’t you? Valentine’s Day cookies If you have an embossed roling pin, the print will make these cookies even more special. There are two variations of my favorite cookie for these. One can be found here on the blog. Simply coat the outside edge of either cookie recipe with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with sprinkles. Be watching for the next Valentine’s Day cookie recipe in the February 2025 issue of the Vue magazine. Here are a few more Valentine Ideas from my friends… I think that wreath could simply stay up through the summer. Right? Have you been inspired yet with these Valentine’s Day ideas? I realize it will be here quickly. I’ll add in a few fresh flowers. A few hearts tucked into my front door wreath and subtle touches here and there. Then there’s always chocolate mixed in, right? Why, you ask? Because in this time of dreariness and seemingly unending dark days…it warms the heart, lifts the spirits and makes life a little brighter. I’ll take that! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Weekend Moments

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 16:31:54 +0000

Just thought I would dip my toes in the water today and share a bit of weekend moments on a Saturday. It has been a cold and comfort food week here. Fresh greenery with red bows, (for Valentine’s Day, right), still hang on my door and provide comfort for birds to nestle in. The addition of birdseed to the feeders brought the sweetest birds right outside the door. With snow melting, it was time to remove the wreaths and Christmas decorations from outside windows and lamp posts. The deep freeze is still continuing, with a tiny break in temperatures before it plunges again. I’ll take it. What has your week looked like? This week has been full of gathering documents for taxes. Can I share a tip that has been life changing for me? I have always just put away things needed for taxes in files. Things that are deductible have gone into their separate home in files in our file cabinet. Then in January? The usual routine is to remove folders from the cabinet, locate receipts, create lists and spreadsheets, and fill out tax planners. Does that sound like your way to navigate taxes? This year? In 2024, I began to keep a notebook for just taxes. Tabs for each category added and then, guess what? Each time deductions came in that were needed for our business or to be used for taxes…they were added to the notebook. Recorded. Some receipts in sheet protectors. When my husband began adding work categories into a spreadsheet on his computer this week? He was shocked that my book already had files, totals, receipts. Making our usual job less tenuous. No headaches…yet. No dread. This notebook makes a huge difference in tax preparation. Perhaps because it kept me focused on keeping a continual record. And, it worked. I’d love to know if you have even more tips on how to make this process easier. This week on the blog… I shared comfort food. White beans and ham, cornbread and that tomato jam that makes the perfect comfort food meal was created and shared. If you missed it, you can read it here. This month’s Vue magazine recipes included that cornbread and loaded potato soup. Both have been enjoyed here this week. Perfect for cold weather and soup season. Do you ever have things that stir around in your head and heart for a while…and then you know it’s the right time to share? That’s what happened with this month’s article for the Vue magazine… This week in review… Zoom calls for the blog helped add focus for the year. Then, approval of next month’s Vue magazine proofs happened. Work on a new project continued with intensity. Cleaning out spaces took donations to charities in our community. Christmas decorations inside and out continue their trek back to the attic and storage areas. Feet under my table with family occurred. AND, my sweet great nieces made the cutest video for selling girl scout cookies. Too cute not to share this one with you. If you need a girl scout to order cookies from, here’s their online links… Jude Selah Yep! I’ve already ordered from them both! Aren’t they the cutest?!!!! Some great finds this week… Now are you in the mood for more comfort food? Here you go! Weekend moments brings me to these on the menu… With roast beef on the menu this week…beef stew from leftovers is happening here today. Tomorrow, the winter tortellini soup is on the menu. A favorite! May your weekend bring feet gathered together under your table for a bit of wonderful food, conversation and laughter, friends. Enjoy each moment this weekend,

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Beautiful Holiday Table Settings

Leslie J Watkins — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:17:59 +0000

Are you one who loves beautiful holiday table settings? I am all about a beautifully set table. There’s something warm and inviting that draws you in and makes you feel special when there’s a beautiful table. There can be up to 40 at our holiday gathering, but more typical is 12-20. That means changing out my holiday dishes for 20-40 isn’t usually a budget friendly decision. But, if you are in need of sprucing up your holiday table? I’m your new best friend. Whether I am buying all or any…my love to be inspired by everything available keeps me looking. From wandering through shops… Are you like me? If so… Here’s to beautiful table settings. I’ve been spoiled through the years with gifts of holiday dishes from Williams Sonoma and the Pottery Barn. Mugs, appetizer plates and more have been loved. This year’s Pottery Barn collection offers so many gorgeous entertaining pieces. I am in love with the Stewart collection. Williams Sonoma collections are always a favorite. Which of these are your favorite? If you are a Walmart shopper…here you go! The Johnson Brothers dinnerware always is a favorite. They have some beautiful pieces. There is no end to Amazon’s holiday dishes. But Martha Stewart’s and again the Johnson Brothers dishes are among my favorites. Did you love the shopping tour? All you have to do to shop with me is click on the photo…no extra charge for me being your personal shopper! I’m just glad to have a shopping buddy. Meanwhile, I’m over here, looking through all of my holiday dishes and trying to decide how to create a new look with all of my favorite dishes. The year for this place setting took me to clear dollar tree plates on red dollar tree chargers that were fun and made it easy to serve the crowd for Christmas without breaking the bank. Tiny stockings made the perfect fork holders. And then those poppers always bring a fun surprise to the table. These dishes were a great Barn Sale find…and the green mugs gifted by a friend. The after Christmas sale plaid chargers will make their debut this year. I can’t wait! What will your holiday table settings look like? Hope you have fun setting your table for the holidays. Whether you have only a few or 50 at your table, make your table settings special won’t you? Bypass the paper plates and red solo cups to make your table inviting and guests feel special. Trust me, it truly makes a difference. Happy Table Setting, friends,

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Things to Do in Nashville

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:12:43 +0000

Last weekend I celebrated a wonderful birthday with my boys and husband in Nashville. It was a monumental birthday….with such great memories created. Can I just share a bit of table talk about this weekend? You see, when you have sons who live in Idaho and Georgia and you live in Kentucky? Gatherings together with feet under my table are infrequent. A flight to Boise in June for our oldest grand’s graduation…or a drive to Atlanta for a weekend occasionally means being with them just doesn’t occur often enough. Work schedules, kids’ activities, airline tickets for families, and pets in the mix add a bit of navigation and challenge to all to gather at the same time. It happened that both families were home together for a tiny bit in March…but, it isn’t as often or as long as this Mama’s heart would like. But, then? Does a Mama ever see their grown children enough. SOOOOO thankful for Facetime. That brings me to things to do in Nashville. It was truly supposed to be a surprise. A weekend getaway with the boys in Nashville looking for things to do, places to shop, where to stay happened weeks in advance. Airplane tickets purchased. Rooms reserved. Pickups planned. AND…we were off. So what did we find to do in November on my birthday weekend? Well, things like the Derek Hough Holiday Show, Nutcracker, Concerts, and Christmas events are scheduled on the calendar later. Can I tell you that we had the BEST weekend?! Time to have great conversations, locations to visit, great food, and MUCH LAUGHTER were found because we were together. Here are my top favorites: Monell’s for Brunch Monell’s – Now, there is only one location for Monell’s in Nashville. It’s located in the Germantown area of Nashville. We have been faithful guests at the other locations before they closed, but we had never visited the original restaurant. Well, let me tell you! This is the BEST restaurant for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. We had never been to a breakfast or brunch at Monell’s and this was the BEST experience ever. My heart was so full with my boys celebrating with me. Our boys had never been to a Monell’s or been exposed to the way they serve. They were blown away that you don’t get a menu. For any meal, ever. You see, Monell’s serves family style. Only. You simply sit down at a large table with others you haven’t met yet. And, then, the food appears. ALWAYS fried chicken at ANY meal is a staple. The breakfast menu includes homemade cinnamon rolls, pancakes, fried apples, corn pudding, cheesy grits, the best biscuits ever with homemade jam and gravy. Scrambled eggs, fried chicken, sausage, country ham, and bacon provide delicious protein offerings. Pitchers of water and sweet tea are always on the table…but, you can order orange juice or coffee, if you like. Are you hungry yet? A great southern style breakfast that you would have if you were at grandmother’s was what it felt like. Warm, welcoming, delicious food, and great conversation was what all of us enjoyed with feet under a table together. You just simply pass the bowls. Ask for refills when needed. Then promise yourself healthier eating when you get home. HA! Degthai for dinner Degthai Street Food is amazing. We had a great dinner with our youngest before our oldest flew in to Nashville. If you love Thai food while you are in Nashville…THIS is the PLACE! From Pad Thai, Curries, and Stir Fries, their menu is delicious. Just warning you…plan to take half home with you or share. The portions are more than enough! Next on my favorite things in Nashville? I was so surprised! Belmont Mansion Tour You guys, I have lived near Nashville all of my life. I’ve had lots of former students and friends who graduated from Belmont University. But, I had no clue about the mansion, history or visiting. That changed this time. It was so amazing, that next time, scheduling for a full tour guide experience will be happening. You can always choose your own walking tour after the introduction about the owner and happenings. I just needed to know more when I left. SOOOOO much history and details about this amazing mansion need to be learned. I’d recommend scheduling for the full tour experience if you visit there. Even in November, the gardens, with Italian sculptures were still stunning. There’s so much more to share about this mansion. It deserves a story and post all its own…so be watching! Opryland Hotel for Christmas Oh, my goodness, friends! If you have not experienced the Opryland Hotel in Nashville for Christmas? Add that to your bucket list. There are many activities you can pay for, ICE! with Frosty the Snowman and ice scuptures; ice skating, tubing; ice skating shows; Frosty’s ICE activities; snowball build and blast; bumper cars; gingerbread decorating; a Christmas cruise through the hotel; hotel dinner shows; carriage rides; Mrs. Claus breakfast; build a bear workshop; photos with Santa; augmented wildlife rescue experience; holiday dining, and MORE. They also have more outdoor lights and nativity to view that are free. See what I mean? We chose simply to see all of the free displays of lights and fountains and get our steps in through the lush garden areas. We stopped for coffee or hot chocolate for some, with more feet under a table tucked in among the trees for great conversation. TIP: Park at the Opry Mills mall parking lot close to the back entrance for free parking. Taco Mamacita’s If you haven’t eaten at this Mexican restaurant, add this one to your list! So, different, refreshing and a perfect light dinner was what we chose after the Monell’s brunch. Here in this Nashville location in Germantown right across from Monell’s was how we discovered it. If you are a Mexican restaurant fan, you know that the same ingredients seem to be in any version of what you order. Everything was a new offering. Highly recommend! Two Hands for Breakfast Now, this one? An Aussie version of breakfast that was delicious and unusual. Hashbrowns cooked in muffin tins. A different version of avocado toast. I need to know how they make these scrambled eggs! Aren’t they gorgeous? To avoid the wait, make reservations! With an hour wait for indoor seating, we chose the outdoor seating…which, thankfully my husband had a coat for me! Who knew that Australians were known for great breakfasts? Give it a try if you are in for a different take on breakfast. May I suggest what we saw friends next to us do…they ordered different menu items and shared them. The pastries looked amazing! Shopping is the BEST We toured the Gulch area…and those who know us, know why this was a surprise version of Noble Park! A great stop for coffee. There were more shopping excursions. If you are near a Restoration Hardware? They are always an inspiration. One day, I’ll have lunch there. Since we chose to have brunch and an early dinner both days, no lunch was needed while we visited. Pottery Barn Christmas tables never disappoint… And neither does Williams Sonoma. There was so much more…but, time spent around the condo table enjoying games and conversation were a priority. And all three decided lighting function was more important on that table! They all make me laugh! Thanks for joining me for this birthday weekend in Nashville. Favorite places with favorite people and a once in a lifetime experience. We realized that the four of us, as a nuclear family, had not been all together in over twenty years. The addition of sweet daughters in love and grandchildren just expanded us and our gatherings grew. To experience this intimate gathering with just the four of us was monumental. Probably not to be repeated again without all of the daughters and grands with us, which is fabulous in itself. To have boys fly across the country, plan a weekend together, cover the expense and make it so very special was incredible. I’m truly thankful and blessed. Thank you for joining me for this journey. And hopefully? If you are in Nashville, I’ve given you a great list of places to enjoy. Happy Saturday!

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November Inspiration at the Table

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 13:19:31 +0000

Hi, Friends! Welcome to November! Thank you so very much for joining me for a bit of November inspiration at the table today. November has always been one of my favorite months. WHY, NOVEMBER? Local shops have opened their doors for Christmas Open Houses. Shopping and wrapping has begun. Christmas music begins playing. Holiday baking begins. What’s not to love, right? And for me, this year? A monumental new decade will be celebrated. Goodness…a little less excited about the number arriving on my cake! But, celebrating? Yes, please. If you need a great fall cake, this cinnamon roll cake is warm and inviting for the season. Will you be hosting guests in November? Still working on the table setting for guests. Last year was an easy Hester and Cook version with all of their great paper placemats and napkins to add ease and festivity to the table. Plans have begun for our Thanksgiving menu. Here are some of my favorites to be included this year…again… Still working on the menu… My husband’s famous grilled turkey will take center stage. I’ll be working on prepping for favorite gathering appetizers and munchies this week. If you joined me for my 5 Fall Favorite Treats post this week, you found the party mix recipe among the favorites. Nuts and bolts is a family recipe that will be created and fill jars to everyone’s delight in the next week or so. What favorite recipes will you begin making and baking this month? I’m giving a gingerbread granola a try this year for a lighter breakfast option with yogurt and fruit. Some of my grands will love this for breakfast or a snack. Be watching for the results! More November inspiration from the web… Just letting you know that the sales have already begun on many things you may need if you are hosting Thanksgiving. Here are a few links to shop…same price for you, but may be a benefit to the blog. Dollar Tree always has my heart when it comes to candleholders and chargers for special events. But, there’s times, that special dishes bring the right ambiance for gathering. What are in your plans for today? I’ll be shopping at a local Christmas Bazaar and then back to finishing the applesauce to add to the pantry. Have a glorious weekend, friends. So thankful for you joining me here. Happy November!

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Fall Inspiration at the Table

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 14:44:02 +0000

I find myself with a bit of fall inspiration at the table this morning. It seems like fall barely arrives in all of its color and beauty and then moves on quickly. I don’t want to miss any of it…do you? So, as I begin fall reflecting this morning, a bit of sharing of the beauty and fall happenings just needed to happen. First fall inspiration? The 50th Fort Massac Encampment. History from the French and Indian war to the 1800’s are always part of the history lessons reenacted and taught. Last weekend was the encampment. We had forgotten to add it to our calendar…so a later in the day visit turned out to be perfect. Scottish heritage means I listen to the bagpipes far longer than the rest of my family. Fall temperatures and leaves were beautiful and the sounds and smells that greeted us did not disappoint. We had never been to a closing of the day ceremony where all of the regiments gathered to lower flags, shoot cannons, and have their bands play their national anthems. From bagpipes and plaids, to gold buttons and flutes, on to Indian dances and dress, canoes on the shore, and food and crafts of the era on display and for sale, it was a beautiful mix of what took place on this land as part of our history. Besides the music—kettle corn, homemade root beer, lace making, and foods and crafts of the times were among our favorites. Sights of the group living included cooking by the fire. I was intrigued. As I meandered through their tents, I was surprised to see an actual wooden bed inside. The woman inside responded, “when you marry an officer, you get a bed.” Who knew? Fall always brings apples to inspire me. Before heading to the encampment, a visit to a local orchard brought a variety of apples home to add to the pantry. This week, I shared a favorite apple bread recipe, that I hope you will love. There are always two recipes I add to my pantry each fall with apples from local orchards: Both of these are sooooo easy to make and the joy brought by those who love them is immeasurable. I’m working on a few new recipes with those apples, so be watching! Where do you find fall inspiration? Is it a simple drive or walk through the changing leaves where you are? Visits to local shops and others out of town brightened my day. Frenchtown Station with friends never disappoints. Isn’t this lovely? More pumpkin time… Even stops along the way on an out of town trip this week brightened my day. Did you see my fairy pumpkin house post? This was a sweet addition to my great nieces’ fairy garden that was just too fun not to create. Isn’t it the sweetest? Oh, my goodness, I can’t tell you how much fun this was to make… How about adding one to a little girl’s bedroom for the season? My dress up, fairy loving, great nieces and granddaughters will love it! Even Martha has one…here’s Martha’s version of a fairy house pumpkin. More fall inspiration found this week… I realize that many of you are waiting to take down fall decor this week and go full on Christmas decorating. I have always loved waiting until after Thanksgiving since I love Thanksgiving decorations so very much. But, like many of you, Christmas decorations, ribbon and inspiration have already begun making their appearance in my home. Not gonna lie! I’ve already wrapped 10 Amazon Prime day gifts. Yep. That’s actually happened. Who am I? I always wish I could simplify Christmas and Magnolia always inspires me to lean that way. Wish me luck! Isn’t the mantel Magnolia shared this week beautiful? Biltmore reopens this week. Speaking of Christmas…November 2 is the anticipated reopening of Biltmore in Asheville, NC. If you are close and can join them to help support this community and families who live here, you might add it back to your calendar. One of my most treasured memories is Christmas at Biltmore…from candlelight evenings, daytime tours, and even a fireside chat by one of the previous employees at the estate when Vanderbilts still lived there. We only have a few more weeks of fall… As this next week ends October, the fall beauty of colored leaves and landscape will begin to transition. So, today? I’ll enjoy their beauty. Breathe in fall. Anticipate a family gathering soon for my birthday. Enjoy the transition of weather and seasons a bit more intentionally. Happy fall inspiration, friends. May you enjoy each moment better than ever. Much love for the season,

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Won’t You Join Me At the Table?

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 17:28:59 +0000

Happy Saturday at the table this morning. Coffee cup in hand. Cool weather just outside the door. Do you have plans for a glorious Saturday? I’m headed out to find pumpkins today for a project to share with you all. I’m a little late to the party of adding pumpkins to my porch. Sharing finds at the table this morning first! There’s so many great finds to share with you at the table this week. This recipe stopped me in my tracks when my friend, Missy, shared it! Seriously! You can find her recipe for it here. Ready in 15 minutes. Yes, please. I love this idea for keeping dried oranges vibrant. You can find my friend at Stone Gable’s post here. I love that she also has other ideas for using them. If you are a vintage decorator? Robyn is your girl. A blogging mentor for me, she always inspires me in her decorating and life. Fall inspiration from her found here. I could watch her set a beautiful table as often as she creates them! I’ve been on a hunt for some brown transferware to add to our table this fall for gathering. Liz always inspires me with hers. My friend shared this House and Garden home that is not what you’d expect in fall decorating…but, oh, so lovely. The UK always draws you in to cozy and inviting. This week at the table? Well, this week has been more “readying for fall”. When the weather is gorgeous, crisp air and cooler temperatures? I’m thinking on all that is best to be done outside. FINALLY, the reformation of two beautiful four drawer antique chests began. I was hopeful to simply refinish them. But, even Joy at Lamon Antiques ,where I purchased them, told me she felt certain that they would have to be painted. After sanding, sadly, she was right. Be watching for the finished results. Now, so many decisions on paint is the next to be made. The darker Bobo hydrangeas have once again been added with faux pumpkins and pinecones to the wooden container on the screened porch. More recipes happened in the kitchen. This week? I was inspired to create a pumpkin pasta from someone who came across my feed. My husband suffers from food allergies and gluten sensitivity…so why not give that pumpkin pasta a new gluten free version? I’ll be sharing that one soon! I have several pumpkin recipes that I have been working to make my own this week. Tweaking always happens! My husband loves my roasted tomato sauce, which was again made this week. I think the cooler temperatures will wipe out the rest of the tomato season…which always makes me sad. Aren’t the colors of those tomatoes gorgeous?! Tomato plants were covered during potential frost nights…but, even though they are loaded with green tomatoes, the wonderful season of tomatoes is truly coming to an end. Soup Season! The cooler temperatures here ushered in the official launch of soup season. While my husband enjoyed beef stew I had added to the freezer, my menu needed French Onion soup. A fast and easy version was created and shared this week. If you love French Onion soup, hope you will give this one a try. If you love caramelized onions, a great crockpot recipe for those is included in that post. Do you need more soups in your life? If, so? I’m your friend. Here are a few of my favorites that may make their appearance for those with feet under my table next week… Sharing my favorite sweet potato chili in the October VUE magazine this month. This recipe was shared this week with guests who had their feet under my table. TIP: Just leave out the pasta to make it gluten free. Do you love chowders? One of my friends shared many from several of my friends in one post. Thanks, Stacy! I think I’ll need to try them all. Don’t they look amazing? Hope this week finds you filled with conversations and activities that bring warmth and enrichment to your life. I’m seeking those, as well. So very thankful that you have joined me here. I never take your time or engagement for granted. Always truly grateful for your support and comments. Happy Saturday, friends,

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An October Table Talk Saturday

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:53:34 +0000

Welcome to an October Table Talk! It’s a cooler Saturday morning today. Thank you so very much for your prayers for my family during Hurricane Milton. Power out, generator on with refrigerators working, and only small shrub damage for my sister. My nephew, in Tampa, returned home to no damage. Lots of tree limbs down, and still no power. We will take that. So very thankful! If you missed my post with comfort food, inspired by my sister who was navigating Hurricane Milton, you can read it here. The bucks grazing in the yard and fewer hummingbirds are a great reminder that transition is happening here. One last fill of the hummingbird feeder happened this week. I’ll keep cleaning and filling until I no longer see them here. When the feeding season ends, I’ll be trying a new method to completely clean the black off of the silicone feeders that has been problematic this summer. I’ll share what works when that happens. Do you have any suggestions of what removes that best for you? Gotta keep those little hummingbirds safe and healthy. Gardening Table Talk This week we harvested zinnia seeds, leaving some on the ground for bird food through the winter. If you need to know how we harvest those seeds to save, here you go. We always remove the plants each fall and clear the beds to prepare for next year’s planting of those harvested seeds. A few other gardening activities happened this week. Amazingly the basil has turned more beautiful than ever, so that will bring me to making pesto this weekend. We have frost warnings this weekend. I hate to see all of the summer annuals disappear. Some of my annuals look better than ever this time of year which continues the conundrum of pulling them and replacing them with fall plants. Does that happen with you? Ferns gloriously are flanking my porch and surrounding pots and benches around the deck and landscape. Fall decorating continues. The back porch got another transition with wreaths moved from summer to fall; new tablecloths; cleaning floors (again) and new fall touches added with pinecones and dried hydrangea to carry out the theme outdoors. Our sectional needed a cleaning. My husband found this great product that is amazing, with little soap residue. Because we love it so much, we ordered a two pack to keep it in stock. I can’t believe how spotless it is now. My friend, Wendy, came up with a great DIY pumpkin pillow that I need to try here. Kitchen time. My tomato plants have continued to produce and three batches of roasted tomato sauce were made and added to the freezer this week. More bags of the freezer tomato packets for sauce was added to the freezer, too. I’ll probably need to gather tomatoes or cover plants before the frost warning this week. The party is about over for them. Have you been drawn into the kitchen for baking this week? Here are a few finds that I thought sounded interesting: Thanks for your suggestions for my birthday trip! Mackinac Island was suggested. November the Grand Hotel is closed…but, they do have a weekend where they close the hotel that sounds really fun! Opening and closing of the hotel sounds memorable. The wonderful thing about having a November birthday? Christmas season arrives. No matter where we go…the sights and sounds of Christmas will welcome us. I’m all for that. I don’t know about you, but Christmas shopping appeared yesterday after a bit of Amazon shopping for grands. My focus will take me to more heart gifts for Christmas this week…creating and thinking and making will make my heart happy. Even if you go locally to find or create gift boxes that will be loved, it’s a great time to reflect and thoughtfully do that. For me? It gets less lost in the hustle if I plan early. More talk from the table.. If you missed my post this week on the genius laundry tip, here you go! Never lose a sock again! An easy way to sort clothes BEFORE you wash them, too! If you have a large family and the sorting of clean laundry is overwhelming? This idea is genius. When I had four great nieces and nephew last year while their parents were in Europe, this would have helped immensely to determine whose socks, underwear, etc. belonged to which child. Plus? each family member can bag their own personal laundry and get the bag back to put away. Okay, off my band wagon now! More from the Saturday sidelines… What are your plans today? Praying for my friends in Florida trying to navigate their way home or still without power for those who live there. Today is our last Farmer’s Market that we may stroll through. We may also make a trip out to buy apples and finally get applesauce and apple jam made for the pantry. I’ll be sad this winter if we don’t have that done. If you want to make these recipes and don’t want to can them? Add either to a freezer container and add to your freezer. You can thank me this winter when you are enjoying both…canned or frozen. Tonight I’ll be volunteering at the Carson Center for our Paducah Symphony performance. Always a great evening filled with beautiful music and friends among the audience. What’s on your agenda for next week? I think I’ll be tackling the refinishing/repainting of chests for nightstands for our bedroom for starters. Wish me luck! And then there are Christmas gifts to plan and create. A trip to Charlene’s is in the works soon. We were in the Smokies when they had their Christmas Open House this year, so fall and Christmas ideas will be overflowing there to enjoy. I’ve shared about a trip or two here before. If you are close? Don’t miss a visit to their Tea Room and gift shops. Support your local businesses, friend. Today’s economy and local friends need our support. Having friends with their feet under my table is on next week’s agenda, too. It’s time for a bit of fall gathering with great food, conversation and to share life. Can’t wait! Happy Saturday, friends!

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