my go-to meal...

a couple of nights ago the weather was cold and windy, my better half was down at a basketball game with my dad and I had a lot of DVR catching up to do. So that meant it was a night for my go-to meal –the one that brings me great joy and comfort on a chilly fall night on the couch.

The meal prep begins with these: 

crushed walnuts and grapes cut in half.

Then I boil tortellini and heat up my favorite cream sauce. I had half of the walnuts to the cream sauce and combine with the tortellini when it's finished cooking. Toss in the grapes then top with more walnuts, more grapes and some fresh parmesan cheese. And there you have it – you have an easy, delicious, comforting meal for a cold fall night. Enjoy! 

Creamy walnut and grape tortellini

fall porch makeover...

Fall is definitely in the air here in Cincinnati. It's put me in the mood for apple cider, boots and cozy sweaters. It's also put me in the mood to decorate the house, starting with our front porch.

One of the things I looked forward to most about owning a home was being able to decorate for the holidays. So as soon as the temperatures dropped, I was on it! In a budget-friendly move, I repurposed a wreath I used for one of my wedding DIY projects and added some fall-themed items.

Once it was all said and done, I loved the outcome. Simple and beautiful. 

And totally coordinated with our maroon front door.

To complete the porch we picked up a HUGE red/orange mum and pumpkins of all sizes. But all of the orange was frankly a little boring. So pulling from all my "Pinspiration" I headed to Home Depot for a can of spray paint and brass upholstery tacks and VOILA!

O for O'Brien!

And of course he needed a little buddy. 

The wrought iron tables are a summertime garage sale find that I spray painted for the deck. 

They are perfect for the front porch vignette. 

I am so in love with it. Happy Fall to y'all! 

It smells like pumpkin...

must mean it's fall. First bag of the season!

Friday thoughts...

I've been missing Chicago a lot lately but as I was finishing up my lunch today and going back upstairs I noticed something.

The fall is so beautiful here. The colors are just absolutely amazing. 

 So many reds, yellows, golds and greens. 

Happy Friday! I hope you're enjoying the view where you are.

PS: A special acknowledgement goes to my parents, especially my dad for all the time he puts into making the yard so pretty. I have never seen someone mow or leaf-blow as many times in one week as that man, but he must know what he's doing.