Happy fall, friend!

Yes, this "September" newsletter is arriving a bit late, but somehow that feels just right. The month flew by before I even realized it, and suddenly, October was here. I can't blame it all on time, as I've been busy behind the scenes! The weeks leading up to the Wyse Guide Holiday Magazine launch are full of final edits, proofs, and last-minute details.

Now that pre-orders are wrapping up (this Sunday, October 12, is the last day to get an order in for the pre-order), I'm finally taking this week to catch up, and that includes writing you a belated newsletter. Don't hold it against me, please!

Today is one of those quintessential fall days: cool and crisp in the morning, and bright and sunny by afternoon. I hope you're enjoying some cozy fall weather too, maybe with a hot cup of coffee (mine's always black and piping hot!) or another little treat. The perfect pumpkin coffee cake, anyone (see below)?

Around the Farm

Pumpkins and squash made their way onto the porch in mid-September, and I love enjoying them long before the first frost. My patch didn't produce as many this year, but even a few mixed with terracotta jack-o'-lanterns make a big impact.

Indoors, I scatter miniature pumpkins and gourds in bowls and vintage containers. Whenever I use real ones, I set them on a stone trivet to protect the wood beneath. It's one of those small tips that saves a big mess later.

I've also been adding to my papier-mâché jack-o'-lantern collection, a favorite fall tradition. I especially love finding pieces with their original paper faces and wire handles. The colors are so bright and happy, and I can't help but imagine the hands that have held them through the years and the memories that each person made.

Outdoor Projects

Owning a farmstead means the to-do list never ends. This fall, I tackled one long-overdue project: removing an old grain bin that had seen better days. The foundation was cracked, and the structure wasn't needed anymore, so I was thrilled to find someone who could repurpose it. Soon, the concrete will be hauled away, clearing the space for something new.

And while I was at it, I had the overhead power lines that crisscrossed my property buried. It was a project I've been meaning to do since I moved into this house, and now that it's done, it brings peace of mind (and better views). It's a lot of work, but every improvement feels like a fresh start.

Fall Food to Make

The food during the fall is all about cozy deliciousness. If you're looking for some fall recipes to make, I've got you covered with these 10 favorites:

​Pumpkin Bars​ A fan favorite, easy fall dessert! There's just something about these! Get the recipe

​Kielbasa with Cabbage & Apple​ The best kind of cozy meal for cool nights! Get the recipe

​Fig, Walnut & Squash Kale Salad​ Hearty and beautiful! It's a great salad option for the season. Get the recipe

​Apple Pie Bars​ Part apple pie, part granola bar, these are a delicious snackable dessert! Get the recipe

​Brown Butter Squash Pasta​ A great weeknight meal option when you want pasta but fall, too! Get the recipe

​Slow Cooker Chili​ Set this one and forget about it! But don't, because you'll want it for supper! Get the recipe

​Spiked Apple Cider​ Even though the weather is cool, it's still great to have something cold to sip! Get the recipe

​Pumpkin Coffee Cake​ Is it dessert? Is it breakfast? I'll let you decide! Get the recipe

​White Chocolate & Peanut Butter Popcorn​ These two were meant for each other! Get the recipe

​Pumpkin Loaf​ This bread is exactly the kind of pumpkin treat you'll want on repeat! Get the recipe

Kip

Kip couldn't be happier with the cooler weather. Wherever I'm working, he's close behind, usually with a frisbee in his mouth. Lately, he's been "helping" me move plants into the plant room for winter storage, which mostly means flying around on the Gator and lying right beside it in between the trips from my house to my mom's (where the plant room resides). I never get tired of his excitement when I open the door to the house and whistle for him to come along outdoors.

Okay, until I email again at the end of October with a true full-length newsletter, here's wishing you a great month! Make sure to stay cozy and warm (or if you're in the southern hemisphere, enjoy your spring!).