Seasons On the Sunporch

Welcome to Seasons On the Sunporch! Our favorite part of the house! Thank you so much for stopping in. You'll find posts on just about anything home-related that I think you'll enjoy reading when you stop in. I am honored you have taken a few minutes out of your day to visit!

xo Betty

Here you'll find a weekly celebration of beautiful décor for everyday living and entertaining, décor and recipes

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Looking for ideas and inspiration for fall?

Hello,

     Looking for ideas and inspiration for fall?  Come share YOUR projects, recipes, DIY, decor', family parties, tablescapes and more ...here at Seasons on the Sunporch!

                                         We moved one of our dish cabinets out
                                         onto the sunporch.  Would love to see
                                               yours posted here in comments!
 
Love to re-decorate my cupboard often!
Would love to see yours, too!
 
Top shelf:  Turkey plates from TJ MAX.
Three wheat design cannisters were my beautiful thrifty find
and I bought 11 of then a year ago because they were about $3 each.
Halloween decor' from Walmart.  Some are last years.
 
xo  Betty

Monday, September 23, 2013

Take a peek ~ Seasons on the Sunporch

                           Seasons on the Sunporch

Monday, September 23, 2013
 
One corner of our sunporch:   all these glass windows make this porch look so much more spacious than it is (I think).  Just look at that outdoor view.  WE will certainly enjoy watching the snow come down and pile up to become a winter wonderland come winter.  This décor is mostly fall with a touch of Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Mostly shades of yellow & orange.  The beautiful center piece on table is a take off  from a beautiful one on Between Naps On The Front Porch.blogspot.com.  I love Susan's blog and my inspiration comes from her,  Susan Herin, that has moved to WordPress.
Susan's blog helped me to visualize everything I was considering for our own sunporch.   You will love  her site too!
 
           

Autumn Bliss

Autumn Bliss
 
Two of the three shelves...
I loved shopping at TJ max, two years ago for the two top plates,
and I'll be going back there soon and to Marshalls.
The three wheat design canisters were bought at a thrift store, as a matte of fact, I think I got about 12 that day at about $3 each.  Lovely find.  

BeautifulThrifty Find

Did you think you would ever see a chandelier hanging on a sunporch.  I questioned my desire all the way through cleaning and decorating out there and finally we put it up on the sunporch.  It's my favorite from the three I bought two years ago.
Brass chandelier with four lights, glass covers in
white with pink trim, hanging down.  On top is a
fall garland of apples.  Looks great out there! 
And will cast a cozy soft light for those
sitting under it for a meal.

Progressing Fall/Halloween Sunporch


The Seasons on the Porch...sunporch is just about ready for us to use...

White pumpkin & two rats
 
Dish came from TJ Max two years ago, white pumpkin from Walmart
$5 this month and two rats from the Dollar tree, this month.  They are
resting on the kitchen cuppard (sp?)  we moved to the sunporch.
Love the pumpkin and the rats.  Can't wait for people to see the rats and
wonder about them.
 
Striking floral wall basket...
on the door coming out of the kitchen on to our sunporch,
a beautiful arrangement from Walmart $10.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, September 22, 2013

I wish you


 
I wish you love and strength and faith
and wisdom,
Goods, gold enough to help someone
needy one.
I wish you songs, but also blessed
silence,
And God's sweet peace when
every day is done. 
by Dorothy Nell McDonald
 
Blessings always,
 
xo Betty
 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

From my blog

From my blog...Betty Ayers

                                                     Shared by my cousin, Carol Leedy

No one can take the place

     A mother is...one who can take the
     place of all others, but whose place
     no one else can take.

                                        

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Plaid & Pumpkins


                                Plaid & Pumpkins

                              We lengthened our mantel by two feet and
                              added the orange & tan cover,  then placed
                              all the fall & Halloween items we could easily
                              see around the house..  Tomorrow, I'll be
                              searching the stores for additional decorations. 
                              This is going to be fun!
 

 

End of Summer


                                      End Of Summer

 
Love all the blue and white from cuisinekathleen.com
 

Love


                  Love...it begins with a moment that
                  grows richer and brighter...and
                  becomes a lifetime of joy.
                                                       
                                                       

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The Crickets, Spiders and We Make Three

Gently falling yellow leaves...

           Today is slightly grey and a gentle breeze with small yellow
leaves softly falling to the ground and we're working on the sunporch...where the crickets, spiders and we...make three.  The sunporch is now cleaned out and ready for he scrubbing, the sliding glass windows & door, wall panel under them and the concrete floor.  It's very spacious now but it won't be when we put everything in.  Scrubbing will take a whole day by the time we get through and wait for everything to dry.  It's possible, this has never been done out there.  The kitchen door and concrete step are very soiled and scratched by large dogs the previous owners had here.  It's scratched so bad that red paint is showing with the outside coat of really dirty creamy pale yellow.  We will paint it white and look for one of the long pointed baskets to hang on the sunporch side of the door for a floral arrangement.  We came in at 3:30 pm to eat and watch TV for the evening while resting.  Paranormal is on TV this afternoon and we're watching it. 

Fall for the Spirit of the Season

Rustic Fall Entertaining
 
Another tablescape to share.
I love looking at pretty tablescapes.
Oh, if I only had the stamina and money...
Here's another I want to share this week that caught my eye!
 
This one is from betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com and I love it.  I'm thinking I may have enough items around the house to try and do the same on our sunporch.  We have a fall pizza party planned for our family next month and our sunporch is just about ready to decorate!
 
Hugs & Blessings, Betty
 

A Turkey in your Cup!

 
Happy Wednesday!
Hello Ladies,  How has your week been?  I'm thankful for
this cooler weather.  Can't wear sleeveless now. 
This morning I'm enjoying my coffee from my favorite
cup....one with turkeys on.  My very favorite fall
cups include additional fall scenery of course.
 
Got our best friend on this one...when I served
his coffee in one of these cups...I exclaimed,
"Look out Clyde, there's a turkey in your cup!"
It startled him into looking!
I still laugh about it every time I use one of these cups.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Spooky Tablescape & Goulish Feast menu

Spooky Tablescape & Goulish Feast Menu from:  Martha Stewart.com
 
Goulish Feast Menu
 
Plan a haunted-house buffet featuring
  goulish appetizers and sweets, plus
spooky surprises!
 
For recipes, beverage, appetizers, and dessert for 10 to 12
go to:  marthastewart.com

If You Could See Me Now


                         If You Could See Me Now,
              In memory of my deceased son, Jamie
                                            James David Shepherd, Sr.

                             If you could see me now, you wouldn't shed a tear.
                       Though you may not understand why I'm no longer here.
                                        Remember my spirit, that's the real me.
                              I'm still very much alive, oh, if you could only see!
                     I've beheld our Father's face.  I've touched my Savior's hand.
                                   Beyond the gates of pearl, I walk on golden streets.
                          The angels all rejoiced as I entered the Promised Land.
                   I've touched the walls of jasper, dipped my foot in the crystal sea.
                             The beauty is beyond words.  Nothing can compare.
                        I've even seen your mansion; some day I'll meet you there.
                      Allow Jesus to be your guide, his word will show you the way.
                               So, please, don't cry!  We will meet again some day!

                                                  I love you and miss you Jamie.
                                                             Mom & your family

Have an Adult Halloween Party


                   Have an adult Halloween party...

                             Satisfy the twinkle of devilishness residing within all of us by hosting a Halloween party for your adult friends and family.  Bone-chilling guests will instantly warm to frighteningly good food--- whether for appetizers and dessert or a full meal---and party activities.
Have a hauntingly good time!

                                                                 
Harvest Beef Stew
 
Want to give your family their veggies for the day?
This beef stew calls for six kinds of vegetables.
Sounds fantastic.  I plan to try it.
 
Ghost Cupcake Cone
 
Here come the ghosts!  Looking for a delicious
Halloween dessert?  This one is
made with cake mix and chocolate chips.
sure would be a hit!
 
Find these spooky good treats at:  bettycrocker.com
 
 

The BeBetty Daily ~ Tuesday



                                        She who would have beautiful roses in
                                        her garden must have beautiful roses
                                        in her heart.
                                        S. R. Hole

                                                                                              
 
Hello Ladies, Have a fun, inspirational Tuesday!
Today is a bright sunshiny day but we've had our
heat on half of the month.  It's so cold on the sunporch
this morning that I had to finally close the sliding glass windows.
Coffee is making and I'll be drinking mine on the sunporch.  We haven't
worked out there for a few days and it's time to get started again!
Have a beautiful day!
 
 

Marthas Favorites ~ Teacup Tuesday


            Teacup Tuesday from Marthas Favorites
 
Martha is a confessed serial collector.
marthasfavorites.blogspot.com

Aprons ~ Teacups & Roses

          Beautiful Aprons from Teacups & Roses

 
You can find the lovely aprons at Teacups & Roses...
Top apron, Teacups and bottom, Battenburg Lace
Both are my favorites.

Monday, September 16, 2013

PINK PUMPKIN BLOG PARTY

 
                       Pink Pumpkin Blog Party...

                                    You're Invited

                               Today thru Oct. 31st

             Come post your favorite pink pumpkins

                             to share with everyone!

xo  Betty

In the Pink

       This Lady is so artistic, just look at her home.
 
 
 
Just look at the pink and and other soft colors!
From:  penny-pennystreasures.blogspot.com
 

The BeBetty Daily ~ A Mother's Love

               The BeBetty Daily ~ A Mother's Love...

                                                 There's nothing like the joy of
                                                 being a mother.  The smiles, the
                                                 tears, the laughter...the work!
                                                 This collection of uplifting
                                                 thoughts will inspire the one
                                                 who touches so many hearts
                                                 with her love.


                                                 The Lord your God is with you....He
                                                 will take great delight in you, he will
                                                 quite you with his love, he will
                                                 rejoice over you with singing.

                                                 Zephaniah 3:17

                                                                              

Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home

Did you know?

 
The First Lincoln Memorial...
Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home, Knob Creek, Hodgenville, Kentucky
 
For over a century people from around the world have come to
rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our
16th president, Abraham Lincoln.  His early life  on Kentucky's
frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the
nation through Civil War.  The country's first memorial to
Lincoln in 1916.

Seasons in Kentucky

        Fall at Lake Linville ~ Renfro Valley in Kentucky

 
The first bursts of red, yellow, and gold foliage begin
to appear in some areas of Kentucky as early as mid-September.
Color changes appear in the eastern regions of the state first and
work toward the west, usually over a period of a week to two weeks.
The average typical peak time is around mid October. 
 
Renfro Valley, KY where the country music stars hold their concerts, including
Dwight Yoakum, my third cousin.  Dwight's mother is a Roberts from my family line.
 
We love going here (an hour from us), as our daughter, husband, three adult children and
their three grandbabies live in Rockcastle, KY.  They've been there for about 25 years
and fish at Lake Linville.
 
 
 

Autumn Home

                                   The fountain of beauty is in the heart, and
                                         every generous thought illustrates the
                                         walls of your chamber.

 
Love this beautiful scene!
 
Happy Monday!  How was your week-end?  It's a wonderful day in Kentucky!
Nice sunny but cool weather. 


Sunday, September 15, 2013

Weekly blog party at Seasons on the Sunporch

Game Day Chili

The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me.
The presence of God protects me,
God is always with me.
                             
                                    Game Day Chili

                              Prep Time 30 min.        Total Time  2 hr. 30 min.        Serving  8

INGREDIENTS:

     2   lb. ground beef chuck
     1   medium onion,chopped
     3  to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
     2  tabsp. chili powder
     2  teasp. ground cumin
     1  to 2 teasp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
     1  teasp. paprika 
     1  can (6 oz.) tomato paste
     1  3/4 cups Progresso beef-flavored broth
     1   bottle (12 oz.) dark beer
     3   cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
     2   cans (15 oz. each) pinto beans, drained, rinsed
     1   can (4.5 oz.) Old El Paso chopped green chilies
     1   tabsp. Worchestershire sauce

PREPARATION:

1)  In 5 to 6 quart Dutch Oven , cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked;

2)  Add chili powder, cumin, red pepper, and paprika; cook 1 minute.  Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute longer.  Add remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low.  Cover; simmer 2 hours.
 

What you may not know about me!


Seasons on the Porch
 
What you may Not know about me...
 
When I am not busy with our shih tzu pup, Chad...or
resting on the sunporch, you'll find me in the kitchen or on the computer.
Our house is NO where as clean as my husband wants it to be,
and this drives me CRAZY, but I would rather cook than clean ANY day!
Walmart is my home away from home.  I stay sane by doing creative projects around our home and taking lots of pictures. I prefere sweet, then salty, and blogging has given me creativity that I never knew I had.
 
xo  Betty
 

Spaghetti with Peppers and Onions

The heavenly Father welcomes us with
open arms and imparts to us blessing
upon blessing---not because we are
so good, simply because he loves
                          us so much.


 
Hi, I'm Betty Cross-Shepherd-Ayers!  Welcome to just the two of us, a chronicle of my life to my husband, 5 beautiful children, 12 lovely grandchildren and 1o cute g-grandchildren!
Here you'll find everything from recipes to crafts to random glimpses into the life of our family and anything I think you may enjoy.
 
Recipe Post
 
Weeknight are most definitely the most difficult in our house.
Quick weeknight dinners that require little hands-on cooking time are a must.
This can be achieved by prepping freezer meals that I know I can easily pull out and throw in the oven or onto the stove to cook (I prefer the microwave).
All the prep work is already done so the meal comes together easily.
 
 
Spaghetti with peppers and onions is one of my go to meals for freezer meals AND busy weeknights.  In fact, on the night I cook it, I just usually double the ingredients and put half into a container in the freezer for a later date.
 
*** One tip:  I typically do all the knife work for recipes (only when I was a young mom) the day I bring my groceries home so it is all ready to go when I get ready to cook***
 
Actually, as a young mom, when I got in from the grocery,  I made a large tossed salad and a gallon of lemonade that usually lasted the week-end, to go with our favorite meals.
 
What You'll need:
 
1  red bell pepper, sliced
1  green bell pepper, sliced
1  onion sliced
1  tsp garlic
2 tsp olive oil
8  oz. spaghetti
1  15 oz. can tomato sauce
1  tsp dried basil
1  tsp dried oregano
1/4  cup grated parmesan cheese
 
Let's make it:
 
1)  Prepare the spaghetti for 2 minutes shorter than the package directions say.  Drain.
2)  In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add peppers and onions and sauté for 5 minutes.  Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute
3)  Sprinkle basil and oregano over peppers and onions.  Add tomato sauce.  Simmer for 5 minutes.
4)  Add pasta to pepper mixture and toss to combine.  Cook over medium heat for another 2 minutes.
5)  Sprinkle with grated parmesan sheese.
 
FREEZE:  If you want to freeze it, put in a lightly greased casserole dish.  Thaw the night before you want to cook it.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake, covered with foil, for 40 minutes.
 
 
What are your go to weeknight meals?
 
Your comments are very much appreciated!
xo  Betty 
 
 
 
 

Autumn Party Mix

The fountain of beauty is the heart, and every generous thought illustrates the walls of your chamber.
 
 
Recipe Post
 
Autumn is one of my favorite times of year.  I love the fall colors and all the foliage colors.  It is the time of year to make lots of Autumn Mix and I want to share it with you.
 
What you will need...   
1 bag of Autumn Mix
1 bag of Indian Corn
1 bag of Reese's Pieces
1 can of Party Peanuts
1 cup of Sunflower seeds
1 cup of Raisins
1 cup of Cran-Raisins
1 cup of Mini Pretzels
 
Pour all ingredients into a large bowl, except the mini pretzels and mix thoroughly.
(Mini Pretzels may draw moisture from the dried fruit so I suggest putting the
pretzels in only the part of the mix you plan to use at that time.  If you are going to
give it as a gift, I suggest leaving the pretzels out and maybe tell the family they
could add pretzels when they plan to use the mix.
 
It's also good to give to someone who might need a bit of encouragement.
Put it in jars and tie a ribbon around it.
 
It also looks good in a centerpiece on a buffet table.