A great movie, a new book, a quiet weekend, some beautiful plaid finds and so more on Monday musings.
Good Monday morning to you friends, how was your weekend? It was pretty quiet here, in fact we never left the house. We had a list of things to do around the house and in the yard so that was the focus.
Saturday
Saturday morning started slow with a cup of chocolate and a book, then it was outside to pick up pinecones, broken branches. After that we cleaned the beds, and trimmed a few bushes. Unfortunately, 4 of our dwarf gardenia did not serve the summer. New ones are on order and will be arriving along with two other shrubs the landscapers are putting in.
We cleaned out the planters, and moved them for winter storage and then trimmed and tied up the herbs to dry for use later. Last but not least, we cleaned and oiled our tools to be ready for next year. If you need some tips on preparing your garden for winter read this.
After a day in the sun I was wiped out, so I read for a couple of hours and then went to bed early, something I rarely do.
Sunday
Sunday we worked in the garage, I have said this before but I am sure that over the last year everything in the garage has been moved or shifted at least 5 times. We still have furniture and boxes out there that have no where to go. The joy of downsizing but not wanting to part with your “treasures.” Please tell me we are not the only ones that do this?
In the afternoon I perused my holiday cookbooks, I like to make a list of new things to bake and of course to dig out the recipes for my old favorites. After reading about the butter shortage, I am going to start stocking up. Baking for family and friends is one of my favorite things and I do not want to miss out.
That pretty much sums up my low key weekend. Sadly, no baking, but this morning I do have a loaf of banana bread in the oven and a pumpkin loaf is up next. Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow, I will be sharing a scrumptious black bean soup!
Now on to 5 Things.
5 Things
1.Watched
Still Life is a poignant, quixotic tale of life, love and the afterlife. Meticulous and organized to the point of obsession, John May (Eddie Marsan) is a council worker charged with finding the next of kin of those who have died alone. When his department is downsized, John must up his efforts on his final case, taking him on a liberating journey that allows him to start living life at last.
2.Read
I just finished A Woman of Intelligence and really enjoyed it.
With the fast-paced twists of a classic spy thriller, and a nuanced depiction of female experience, A Woman of Intelligence shimmers with intrigue.
3. Link Love
Gardening 101: Putting Your Garden to Bed for Winter, in 11 Steps
9 Natural Wonders of Nova Scotia
Have you noticed a plethora of “influencers” traveling to Saudi Arabia? Me too. ETHICS IN WRITING: THE CASE OF SAUDI ARABIA
How to Refresh Your Workout Routine for Fall
20 Beautiful Porch Ideas to Try This Fall
Bookmark this post if you love Paris and design!
On my next trip to Scotland I will be visiting here.
Now There’s a Butter Shortage????
Have you seen all of the cute holiday things on Anthropologie! I love this adorable mug , this little village, and this wreath. It is never to early to shop for the holidays in my opinion, everything sells out so fast if you “snooze you loose.”
3. Plaid Finds
Plaid is a beautiful pattern to add to your fall and winter wardrobe and to your home.Just in case you are new, it is one of my favorites. Here are a few things that caught my eye recently.
A Ralph Lauren plaid cocktail dress, this dress is beautiful for a party, but I wish it had sleeves to make it more versatile for everyday wear. Equestrian and plaid lovers will like this shirt dress.
Pass on the dress and get this plaid wool belted sweater jacket or this jacket.
Add this gorgeous lambswool throw to your gift list, it’s made in England.
Or some plaid garland for you holiday mantle and this reversible pillow to your couch.
Don’t forget slippers to keep your toes warm!
5. WEEKEND MEANDERINGS
Just in case you missed weekend meanderings, I shared Butter boards, 5 easy ways to welcome Fall into your home an amazing cake and lots more.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
I hope that you had a lovely weekend and that you found something on Monday Musings that you enjoyed. Stay safe if you are in Florida. I lived there for many years and preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane can be nerve wracking and frustrating. You are in my prayers.
Take care and thank you for spending part of your day with me. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see daily stories and life at home with my pups who make frequent appearances. Or subscribe to the blog so that you do not miss a thing.
I loved A Woman of Intelligence ! Glad you had a great weekend – we are preparing for a cruise in Cananda soon. Of course, the hurricane season is a concern, but we are looking forward to getting away. Downsized a few years ago and we were ruthless. Was able to give away or donate many things….miss only 2, and really would not have room for them anyway. Have a great week!
DearElizabeth,
I am one of your many followers- and want to say thank you! I enjoy each post from you, love the recipes esp!
But todays ride through New England to experience the fall colors was so lovely-
I love plaid too and 2 weeks ago we were in Ireland, and I brought back some soft scarves to share, the woolen mills there are amazing- they use the soft lambs wool-anyway, love the plaid from todays post-
Love,
Ellen from Calif!
Ellen, thank you for your very kind comment. I love NE, especially Maine. I am mad for plaid, and you will see a lot of it here on the blog. I’ve not been to Ireland yet, but I have been to Scotland several times and I love the woolen mills! It is amazing to see all of the tartan and the names for each one.
Have a wonderful ay, thank you again!
Elizabeth