I know we still have a few more summer days and I’m kind of grieving the passing of summer this year…I just don’t feel quite ready! In spite of that, I leave Bald Head tomorrow for a while and it’s bittersweet because I love it so much here…it’s restful, peaceful and beautiful! I say it’s bittersweet because even though I’m sad to leave, I’m going home to the fall season ahead, a bathroom/closet renovation that I’m so excited about…fall birthdays and celebrations, fires in the fireplace on chilly evenings and sweater weather!

I thought that today I’d share a few things to get you excited about fall as we savor the last few official days of summer! I want to inspire you to elevate the small events in your life to make great memories every day!

Cinnamon Crunch Swirled Banana Bread - via Half Baked Harvest - this delicious looking bread is on the top of my list to try! Savor this bread served warm with just a bit of cinnamon butter and a cup of coffee. I’ll take mine on the front porch please…what could be better!

Carla Coulson is my friend, mentor and life coach and…she’s also an uber talented photographer! Her beautiful collection called Young Girl in Bloom “was inspired by that delicate age when young girls are between teenagers but not yet women. This incredible moment in life when young women are on the verge of greatness but often don't realise it”.

These prints make amazing and thoughtful gifts…I gave one to my daughter Rebecca several years ago and she loves it! There are so many to choose from and the one pictured above is a favorite!

This picture is from a couple of years ago but I’m wearing an outfit composed of a combination of closet essentials that never go out of style! I would wear this same outfit today and I’m linking similar pieces below…

Setting a pretty table often doesn’t take much time at all and it encourages conversation and elevates any meal. You don’t have to go over the top…cloth napkins, a pretty vase of flowers and a candle will make any meal more special! The picture above is a little tabletop inspiration from India Hicks!

Pumpkin Polenta with Mushrooms & Sausage via She Keeps a Lovely Home - this looks like the ultimate fall comfort food!

With 4 grandchildren and one on the way…I need to up my Halloween decorating game!

I decorate my porch for fall around October 1st and add in the Halloween decor…after Halloween is over, I leave the chrysanthemums and pumpkins until the day after Thanksgiving and then we get the Christmas Tree! I can’t even believe I just said that!

This fall look from Chloe is so over the top fabulous! I’ve come up with an outfit inspired by this look (see below) but it’s much more reasonably priced and a little more practical for everyday!

Peaches are still in season and would be so amazing with vanilla ice cream, roasted pistachios and a drizzle of honey…simple but delicious end of summer dessert…you could even grill or sauté the peaches and serve it all over a piece of toasted pound cake!

I’ve been craving an Apple Cider Donut…here’s a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction that I’m going to try very soon!

I love to create a little bar on top of a chest in my living room in the fall when we’re entertaining! Pretty decanters, an assortment of glasses, a few tasty libations and a bowl of nuts is all you need!

Love this casual layered look!

And…I’ll end this will some fabulous mantle inspiration from Martha Stewart!

And a boutique with everything from this post!

Do you like these types of posts? Leave a comment and let me know! Thanks so much for reading today!