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fall

How to Make Wood Bead Garland

September 10, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 

Why buy wood bead garland on Etsy for upwards of $30 when you can make it yourself for dollars less?

I’d like to teach you how to craft your own version in less time than it would take you shop for it online and have it shipped to your house. If you can find a strand of wood bead garland at a home decor store like At Home or Hobby Lobby, you’ll save much more money than if you bought multiple bags of beads ($7-9 each!). I bought 12′ of holiday wood bead garland (see below) for $5.99 from At Home.

The finished garland looks beautiful when displayed with farmhouse design or draped against bohemian decor.

Roll up your sleeves. Let’s get crafty!

SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:

  • Wood bead holiday garland
  • Jute twine
  • Jute tassel
  • Wood tag
  • Black chalkboard paint
  • Paint brush
  • White chalkboard marker

STEP 1: Remove the wood beads from the roped garland and remove any tags. (I bought this strand from At Home for less than $6 and it had enough beads for three wood bead garland projects.)

STEP 2: Cut a length of jute twine to the length of garland you want. (I simply made a rough estimate of my bead quantity and cut the twine to suit that length.)

STEP 3: Attach the jute tassel by knotting the twine to it. (I found these tassels at Joann’s for less than $3 each.)

STEP 4: Slide each wood bead one-by-one down the length of twine. The first 1-3 beads will cover the tassel’s leftover loop hiding it from view. Continue adding beads until you have approximately 3-4 inches of twine left as excess at the end of your DIY garland.

STEP 5: Using the remaining length of twine beyond the last bead, loop it into the wood tag and knot it firmly. (I wanted to use black chalkboard paint on the tag I used to eventually hand script a word on it. To do so, brush on one coat of chalkboard paint, allow to dry, add another coat of paint, and once dried you can use a white chalk marker to script a word on our tag.)

STEP 6. Tuck any excess twine inside the first and last beads on the garland, and you’re done!

Now, where will you drape your garland to adorn your interior design?

 

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: beads, boho, chalkboard paint, DIY, fall, farmhouse, home accessories, home decor, jute, tassel, twine, wooden bead garland

4 Ways to Set the Mood for Fall

September 15, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

If there are sure-fire things that remind me of fall, I’d have to say they are: autumnal home decor, pumpkin anything, spiked apple-flavored cocktails, and yummy game day foods! How about you? What says “fall” to you?

Depending on where you live, the weather may not feel like fall even if it is mid-September. Sometimes it’s still hot (upper 90s here in Kansas) in September! After using my list of 4 Ways to Set The Mood for Fall, you’re sure to come around to my way of thinking.

It’s Fall Y’all: Decorate Your Home DIY Style

Look around your home. Pull out all of your gold, yellow, reds, and white dishes and decorative items. Then, combine them with a few purchased store-bought decorative items and let your creativity run wild! Don’t forget to check your pantry for dried beans, grains or whole fruits in the same color palette! Even a pile of oranges in a bowl or towers of yellow or brown dried pasta in clear jars can say “fall” to when added to your seasonal kitchen decor.

Want to see how I decorated using a items I already had plus purchased ones? Get inspired (and learn how to paint plastic pumpkins!) >> Click here.

See that cute white pumpkin? I bought super cheap at a craft store and simply painted it white!

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

Why not keep with the autumnal-theme party going by making my Crisp Fall Day Cocktail that is BIG on apple flavor?! Thanks to the cider and flavored liqueur – it’s applicioius! Partial to Louisburg Apple Cider since it’s located in my beautiful home state of Kansas, you can use any brand. This cocktail is super simple to make and doesn’t require fancy bartender tools either.

Tip: This cocktail can also be made into a  large batch if you need to serve a crowd at Thanksgiving (just multiply its ingredients). Don’t forget to add a pretty straw to each glass before serving!

If serving cocktails at a fall party, remember to add decorative items to your drink station.

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers with Gorgonzola and Buffalo Sauce 

If the weekend’s ball game is on, I’m eating tailgating (totally NOT heathy) appetizers like these spicy, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. We like to smoke our poppers on our Traeger using hickory or apple wood pellets, but you can easily grill these off until soft on a propane grill or even using a grill pan on the stove top. This recipe is over the top rich in flavor because of the cream cheese, bacon, and added buffalo sauce, so you’re going to want a ice cold beer or mocktail to wash it down.

If you want to really crisp up the bacon, smoke the poppers on the grill and finish them in the oven on broil for a couple of minutes.

Decadent Poached Pears Made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Some people may not be ready to let summer go just yet, so this recipe pleases everyone because it includes cold ice cream AND fall flavors like cinnamon, pear, and apple cider. Dinner guests are always impressed by this dessert since it looks like something you would find on a restaurant menu, and you’ll love it because it’s super simple. Preparing it is as easy as peeling the pears, simmering the liquid ingredients with the spices, and poaching the pears. Everyone loves this dessert!

When serving, pour a bit of the wine/apple cider reduction into a bowl, add a poached pear, two scoops of double vanilla ice cream, and a cinnamon stick to make it pretty.

Do I have you crushin’ on fall yet? :: wink :: I hope these posts help you to set the mood for fall in your home and give you fun recipe ideas to celebrate with friends whether you’re watching sports on TV or relaxing with a cocktail in front of the chiminea. I hope you have a fantastic fall! For a BONUS fall-themed post, check out my Salted Caramel Apple Martini recipe.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: autumn, autumn drink, fall, mood, pumpkins, season, seasonal, wine

One Pot Kielbasa and Vegetable Soup

November 9, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Have you ever had one of those days when the person on the end of the phone asks “What is for dinner?” and you haven’t even returned home from work yet? If only you weren’t so tired, right? The struggle is real.

What you need is One Pot Kielbasa and Vegetable Soup prepped, cooked, and ready to serve in less than thirty minutes! This warm and savory soup is easy to make and just what you want to eat on a chilly fall night.

The recipe, taken from Centennial Kitchen’s Fall Recipes magazine, is not my own. But I had to share it with you! For every kitchen cook who is exhausted before they hit the door after work, this soup is for you.

All you need to do is chop the following ingredients, add them to a large soup pot, heat for 12 minutes and serve!

  • 1 lb. smoked Polish kielbasa, chopped
  • 1 lg onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lg carrots chopped (I used baby carrots)
  • 1 1/2 lbs small Brussel sprouts, halved lengthwise (half a standard bag)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 c. beef broth (I preferred 4 cups)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

Combine all the vegetables, kielbasa, red pepper (if you prefer), salt and pepper, and the bay leaf in a pot. Add the broth and heat until boiling.

Once the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for 12 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

When the leaves are falling from the trees outdoors and you’re craving a warm and hearty meal, One Pot Kielbasa Vegetable Soup hits the spot. Fill up a bowl with it and grab a blanket before you snuggle up on the couch and start your Netflix marathon. Enjoy.

PS. I almost didn’t tell you the best reason for making this recipe…there’s very few dishes!

Filed Under: Dinner, Taste Tagged With: autumn, bay leaf, beef broth, blanket, broth, Brussel sprouts, carrots, Centennial Kitchen, dinner, fall, garlic, kielbasa, magazine, meat, Netflix, onion, Polish, pot, red pepper, sausage, savory, soup, stew, vegetable

Pomegranate Martini

October 30, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Today, I’m celebrating. Time to raise a glass and say “cheers!”

It seems appropriate to honor good news with a freshly made Pomegranate Martini, a simple recipe that is ideal for serving your guests while entertaining. If you set out all of your ingredients in advance, this martini can be made in five minutes!

Grab a martini shaker and the following ingredients to prepare your bartending kitchen station:

  • Pomegranate juice (I used Bai Antioxidant Infusion Ipanema Pomegranate because I didn’t have pure pomegranate juice on hand.)
  • Orange Juice (used pulp-free)
  • Vodka
  • Apple Juice
  • Simple Syrup (heat 1/2 c. water, 1/2 sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves, then cool.)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1-3 Lime rind curls for garnish in the bottom of the glass or hang over the rim

How do you celebrate the best moments of your life? With a dinner out on the town? A champagne toast with your favorite peeps? Here’s wishing you a happy upcoming holiday season full of only good news to take you into the new year!


onedelightfullife.com

Pomegranate Martini

This fruity cocktail brings a tart, berry flavor and is a crowd pleaser for any party.

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 3/4 oz. apple juice
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • lime rind curls to garnish
  • ice

Instructions

  1. Fill a martini shaker with 3/4 full of cubed ice.
  2. Add all liquid ingredients.
  3. Add lid to martini and shake vigorously for a few minutes.
  4. Strain martini shaker into a martini glass.
  5. Garnish with lime rind curls.

Notes

You can also use a citrus infused vodka, if you prefer.

7.8.1.2
86

https://onedelightfullife.com/pomegranate-martini/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

169 cal

Carbs

25 g

Protein

1 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info


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Filed Under: Cocktails, Taste Tagged With: alcohol, apple juice, bartender, booze, celebrate, cheers, cocktail, drink, fall, fruity, holiday, job, lime, lime zest, martini, orange juice, pink, pomegranate, shaker, simple syrup

Baked Apples Filled with Oatmeal, Dates and Brown Sugar

October 1, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Hello, Fall! Good to see you again.

October is the best month of the year. Why? It’s my birthday month (holla!), breweries are prepping for Oktoberfest, and the food….oh, the food!

Many cooks have prepared baked apples to welcome autumn, but my recipe incorporates chopped dates and walnuts with oatmeal to bring home real fall flavor. Leave room for dessert tonight because you will want to gobble up the entire apple. They serve well with vanilla bean ice cream too!

Prior to baking, stuff these babies as full as you can with the filling ingredients.

Here are the instructions for Baked Apples with Oatmeal, Dates and Brown Sugar:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Wash two Pink Lady Apples. Core out the inside without penetrating the bottom. (Remove about half of the apple’s core.)

3. Add the butter to a small microwavable bowl and heat it about 10 seconds until it’s melted. Add remaining filling ingredients. Stir to combine all thoroughly.

4. Stuff each apple with the filling.

5. Set apples upright into baking dish. Add enough water around the apples until the bottom surface is covered.

6. Bake apples at 350 degrees for one hour. Serve warm. Devour.

The apple’s exterior color fades during baking, but the flavor is accentuated. Trust me. These apples are delicious on their own or served with vanilla bean ice cream.


One Delightful Life

2 large apples

Baked Apples Filled with Oatmeal, Dates, and Brown Sugar

It's not fall until you've served stuffed baked apples for dessert. Core, stuff, and bake!

15 minPrep Time

1 minCook Time

16 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 cored, large Pink Lady apples
  • 4 T unsalted butter
  • Filling:
  • 1/4 c. oatmeal
  • 1/4 c. chopped dates
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Wash and core apples but don't remove all of the inside of the apple. Leave enough apple that you don't pierce the bottom of the apple.
  3. Melt butter in a microwavable dish.
  4. Add remaining filling ingredients.
  5. Stir butter and filling ingredients thoroughly. Stuff filling into each apple evenly. (You can add a few extra walnuts or oatmeal, if you desire.)
  6. Place apples in baking dish. Fill dish with enough water to cover the bottom of the dish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
  8. Serve warm.
7.8.1.2
82

https://onedelightfullife.com/baked-apples-filled-oatmeal-dates-brown-sugar/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

2242 cal

Fat

79 g

Carbs

376 g

Protein

36 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info


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Stuffed Baked Apples

Filed Under: Desserts, Taste Tagged With: apple, apples, autumn, bake, baked, brown sugar, core, dates, dessert, fall, filling, fruit, ice cream, nuts, oatmeal, October, oven, Pink Lady, unsalted butter, walnuts

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

September 30, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

I didn’t want to make the typical fall dessert. You know the kind. Pumpkin Pie. Caramel Brownies. Nope! I wanted to make something fresh, comforting, and over the top delicious. My Decadent Poached Pears made with cabernet and apple cider is the quintessential fall dessert.

Made with 19 Crimes Cabernet and Louisburg Mill Apple Cider, this recipe for Decadent Poached Pears takes a new twist on the typical poached pear recipe. Instead of adding orange juice, I used my favorite autumnal beverage, apple cider, which gives the pear glaze its rich flavor.

First, clean two red pears. Using a paring knife, remove the skin of each pear. Do not remove the stem. Slice the bottom of each pear off so it sits flat on the cutting board.

Second, add the cabernet, apple, cider, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon stick to a small stovetop pot.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat. Stir frequently.

Third, add the prepped pears to the pot. The heat should be turned to low right now.

This is what the pears look like before you spoon the liquid over them.

Spoon the liquid over the pears several times. Allow to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, lay each pear on its side and spoon more liquid over it. Set a time for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, repeat the process turning the pears to their other side. Repeat this process for a total of 20 minutes are until the pears are tender.

Fourth, remove the steamed pears (they should be tender when pierced with a toothpick or spoon) and place them in a wide bowl.

Fifth, remove the cinnamon stick from the liquid. Increase the heat back to the high setting to bring the liquid to a boil stirring constantly for five minutes until it thickens to glaze. Remove from heat.

Lastly, spoon cabernet glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Add cinnamon sticks for garnish.


One Delightful Life

2 pears

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Impress holiday guests with this seasonal dessert that promises to wow a crowd and is super easy to prepare.

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

45 minTotal Time

Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe

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Ingredients

  • 2 peeled, whole red pears
  • 1 c. cabernet
  • 1/8 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. apple cider
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Using a small paring knife to peel the pear but leave the stem.
  2. Slide off the bottom of each pair so it sits evenly.
  3. Over medium heat combine the cabernet, sugar, and apple cider and stir frequently.
  4. Reduce to a simmer.
  5. Place the apples into the pot sitting on their base.
  6. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot.
  7. Spoon the cabernet liquid over all sides of each pear. Set a timer for five minutes.
  8. After the five minutes expire, put the apples on their sides and spoon more of the cabernet liquid over them. Set a time for five minutes.
  9. Repeat these five minute intervals two to three more times always rotating the pears each time to guarantee that the color covers the pear evenly.
  10. Check the pears for softness after about 20 minutes of rotation intervals.
  11. Remove the pears and allow them to cool in a wide bowl.
  12. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  13. Bring the heat of the pot back up to medium high and stir the cabernet liquid continuously until the liquid thickens to a glaze (approximately 10-15 minutes).
  14. Pour the finished glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can substitute orange juice for apple cider if you prefer a citrus flavor note.

7.8.1.2
81

https://onedelightfullife.com/decadent-poached-pears-made-cabernet-apple-cider/

onedelightfullife.com

Nutrition

Calories

601 cal

Carbs

174 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info


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Filed Under: Desserts, Taste Tagged With: 19 Crimes, apple cider, autumn, autumnal, cabernet, cinnamon, dessert, fall, fruit, holiday dessert, pear, poached pear, pumpkin spice, red pear, vanilla ice cream, wine

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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