Saturday Sideline 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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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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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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Happy Fall from the Smokies

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:31:03 +0000

This week was a difficult one to navigate. A family trip had been planned for months and landed us close to the destruction and devastation from Helene. Do we cancel the trip to the Smokies? or support the local economy and continue? Hours of watching, calling, and planning placed us right in the middle of Sevierville in the Great Smoky Mountains…on the route to so many volunteers and support groups to western North Carolina. Our heart goes out to all of those affected with loss. If you’d like to help, Samaritan’s Purse has feet on the ground and is a great place to start. There are so many other great organizations assisting, so hope you will join in supporting. Have you been to the Smokies? It’s one of our very favorite places to go. We had plans for Asheville in November as part of a birthday celebration. I cannot even imagine what’s happening there. Just join me in prayer for them, won’t you? Here’s an update on Biltmore. We have camped in the Smokies; stayed in Lodges to hear the babbling brook outside more times than I can count; and then stayed in other places for different experiences. This week took us to a family member’s condo nestled into the wooded area of the Smokies. Peace, tranquility, mixed with laughter and time around the table with family were all a much needed reprieve. What to do in the Smokies? Of course, the Smokies are known for the incredible trails, hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is open; but, it’s a good idea to check with them before making a trip there. For this trip? Dollywood was on the agenda. This week Dolly announced her support and contribution to her home mountains for Hurricane Helene Relief. Another great reason to support Dollywood since they are matching support with Dolly. I’ve shared Dollywood for a June visit before. A visit to Dollywood is always magical. The shows, foods, entertainment and garden themed decorations are amazing no matter what time of the year you go. Here’s some of our favorite parts of this year’s trip… I chose this photo to share with you because Tate’s aunt, who wrote one of his songs for his new Christmas album, is seated in the wheelchair. We had the pleasure of meeting her later in the day. Keep her in your prayers as she navigates effects from a brain stem infection. It was a joy to meet her and to hear Tate’s concert. Dollywood at any season is a wonderful place to be. And right now? Your support of their area is needed more than ever. So thankful we went. Other things to do? There are just so many ways to entertain kids and families in this area that are too numerous to list. The food in the Great Smoky Mountains is wonderful. We loved local places and the Five Oaks Farm Kitchen was one of those that is special. We always love shopping together at different places than we can find at home. So many great outlets and shops that are unending. For families? Shows, like the Pirates Voyage Show, Dolly’s Stampede, and the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show, provide something for everyone. The end of October brings a hot air balloon celebration to the area. Wouldn’t that be fun? And in other table talk news this morning… Are you a fan of Farmer’s Almanac? If you haven’t checked yet? Here’s the forecast for the US. I’m a fan of snow…so lucky me! Don’t shoot the messenger! Fall always brings a birthday for me. We are shifting because of Helene destruction to other places to celebrate. SOOO…I need your help! This is a new decade birthday…so, my husband is considering trip options. November is not the most gorgeous time to travel…so your assistance is appreciated. If you were celebrating, where would your travels take you? I’d LOVE to know in the comments, please. Does Fall bring you to more baking? That’s happening here already. I’m trying to hold off from the things I love…but, more pumpkin recipes have been tried and made it over the top. Two of those pumpkin recipes will be featured in the November Vue…so, I’ll share those in a few weeks. This past week took me to other baking favorites for fall: I can’t wait to try this recipe: Happy baking, enjoying all that makes fall special, and gathering with friends and family who have their feet under your table. May your transition to fall include a bit of rest, fall beauty, and great food, friends. Love to you all,

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Saturday Fall Table Talk

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 22:43:39 +0000

Happy Saturday morning, friends! Thank you for joining for a bit of fall table talk this morning. Saturdays are for sharing from the week’s bit of inspiration, recipes and favorite finds across the internet. Saturday at the table with you always brings me such joy to share…and I thank you for that! Praying for those in the wake of Hurricane Helene… Praying that as the remnants of Hurricane Helene continue destruction across Tennessee and North Carolina, that all of you will be safe and properties protected. We have had 6″ of rain recorded here with more rain all day today adding to that. We are thankful here for rains that will help move us out of severe drought, and thankful for the safety of family in Tampa and Atlanta. My heart grieves for those in dire circumstances, especially those in the Asheville and surrounding areas. Plans there for November will be changed and prayers for that area as they desperately reconstruct life there. Closer to home… Last Friday’s visit to Franklin left me swooning with this place setting at the Iron Gate to set the mood for the fall table. Sweet lightweight and edged napkins have inspired me to look for favorite fall fabrics and make some new napkins for all of the gathering this fall around the table. Hester and Cook always have the most beautiful paper supplies to decorate your table. Last year they decorated the table at the Southern Living Idea House. So many simple napkin rings throughout the Iron Gate and Hester and Cook had me swooning…doesn’t that get you in the mood for fall? What’s happening this Saturday at the table? Well…Helene’s rains have removed many activities from our calendar today. A barn sale, pumpkin patch and high school band competition have now been moved off of our calendar… When the weather clears there will be lots happening in our area here. Corn mazes. Pumpkin patches. Apple picking. Visits to the farm are all favorites. Don’t forget to take in all the fall events in your area. Let’s talk about what happened on the blog this week… This week was a last minute save on creating a gift tag for a birthday party. Such a quick, easy and fun one that I thought it might help others with a cute gift wrapping option. You can find the post here. Isn’t he the cutest? You can feel free to be more elaborate with glitter or confetti! Don’t forget to pin it to your Pinterest! With the scraps of the wrapping paper? I simply cut out more dogs and cakes from the paper and tucked them into a page projector and into a notebook to save for the next gift wrapping with that paper. Wouldn’t those images be cute to add to cupcakes? food items on a birthday celebration table? place cards? Oh, my goodness! I’m on creativity overload inspired by this paper…and what makes it even better? It makes handcrafting gift tags and birthday decorations cost saving and adorable. Don’t you think? Maybe I’ve inspired you when you find cute wrapping paper when you check out at Home Goods! That’s usually when the impulse shopping happens for me. And in other fall table talk news? This week was all about making decisions for recipes for the next two issues of the VUE magazine. If you are local, those “priceless” magazines will be on news stands this week. If you aren’t local? You can always join online for articles, recipes, inspirational stories and community events. Here’s what I shared in previous issues if you need a few new recipes for fall.. Pumpkin inspiration this week… I have always been a fan of florals added to pumpkins to decorate porches and tablescapes. But, this one? I can’t stop looking at it. Thanks, Jennifer for your inspiration! Fresh floral centerpiece..oh, my! There’s something wonderful about decoupaging faux pumpkins that allows for creativity and to suit your home decor. My friend, Kim, has inspired me to take some of my tired pumpkins and give them a refresh with paper napkins. Here’s her inspiration here. It’s similar to the decoupaged clay pots I created last spring. Those are fun to make with fall napkins, too. Next…let’s decoupage…your imagination can take this one over the top! You had me at ceramic pumpkins! And then there were these Juliska pumpkins at Hester and Cook…I wish I had lingered a little longer and taken those home with me. Aren’t they lovely? Will you add in pumpkins to your fall and Thanksgiving decorations? Then there’s this fall planter idea…pumpkins with dried hydrangea! I’m all about it! Now to talk myself into pulling out all of the geraniums and still blooming flowers out of planters on the porch to add pumpkins and hydrangea….stay tuned! Head to LizMarie blog to be inspired by her front porch. And then my friend, Tammy, from White Lilac Farmhouse inspired me with using asters instead of mums for fall planters. Oh, my goodness! Beautiful! I’m off to finish recipes for the weeks ahead to share with you. May your weekend be one filled with loved ones and inspiration, friends. Thanks for sharing a bit of fall table talk with me. Have a wonderful Saturday!

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Saturday at the Table

Leslie J Watkins — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 14:48:41 +0000

Good Saturday morning at the table! Thank you for joining me. It’s always a favorite moment to invite you to have your feet under my table…share recipes, projects, gardening, seasonal thoughts and inspiration. If you are here…that means we have a bit of shared interests and connection…and for that I am truly thankful. So…here we go! Let’s begin with Saturday gardening talk at the table… Are you a zinnia lover? Our sweet zinnias are winding down the season. They are trumpeting the last of their glorious blooms on some plants, while others have left for the season, laid down their crowns and begun to wither. Lifespan, isn’t it? Seasons that change that often we aren’t quite ready for. I get it. I’m always thrilled in the spring when they begin and sad when they make the decision to end their beauty. There are still loads of bees and a few hummingbirds gleaning from the nectar from those remaining. There are many spent zinnia blooms to harvest for planting next year. If you need inspiration on how to harvest seeds OR how to plant them…just click on those links to learn more. Simply a joy each year to have them in my landscape. Do you still have hummingbirds at your feeder? They are definitely winding down the season here. I’m making only half the quantity of hummingbird nectar each time I refill and clean the feeder. I always have difficulty pulling out summer flowers in pots to transition to fall. Do you have that problem? I never want to remove spring plants to replace with summer ones, either. Laura, at Garden Answer is ALWAYS my inspiration to switch out plants for the seasons…she’s been a favorite to follow for years. If you have followed me long, you saw where I traveled to Andrew Seed Co., her family’s business. Even if you aren’t a gardener…she’s an amazing one to follow. Do you change out your menus with the change of seasons? That’s happening here already. This week I shared a new version of a fall chicken salad…reminiscent of a Waldorf chicken salad. If you missed it, here you go! I realize that some of you aren’t pumpkin spice fans…but, a new coffee shop in town produced the BEST pumpkin spice latte this weekend. Evergreens Coffee and Plant shop here added a cream cheese whip to the top. Oh, my! I need to recreate it. If you are local, it’s pretty amazing. On my menu plan this week are a few requests: With zucchini still available from farm stands, it just seemed natural to add it to the menu. Although I don’t think I’ll be canning more this season, one of my favorite posts lately has been the pineapple zucchini. Who knew it would be so popular, right? Another great use for zucchini before it disappears for the season. Just click on the links that take you straight to any of those recipes. What are you cooking for dinner this week? I’d love to know in the comments. What are your plans this weekend? A visit to Franklin, TN never disappoints. We spent the day there yesterday at my favorite shops. Loved these pots from the Iron Gate. Let’s talk about this table… A new line of dipped tapers and then different types of candle holders took my breath away. Lovely. Today we are headed off to enjoy our annual BBQ on the River festival. An average of 30K will join us along the banks of the river to enjoy incredible BBQ, amazing sides and desserts, great music, catching up with friends, and shopping with the local vendors scattered among the streets and lawn. It’s simply the BEST. I had the joy of taking my college roommate on Thursday for the first stroll and first bite of this year’s festival. If you are close today, it’s worth joining us. The party won’t end until about 11 this evening. What makes this the BEST? It’s a charity fundraising event that will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for so many groups and needs in our community. The smell in the air and atmosphere is like NONE OTHER. I shared about it here if you want to read more. More Saturday table talk inspiration gathered this week… Have a wonderful weekend, friends! Thanks again, for joining me here for a bit of Saturday table talk. I’d love to know what’s happening with you in the comments. Happy Saturday,

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