Sunday Bits #45 (really great apple recipes, golden plants, healthy soil, and cute cottage inspo)

Hope you are all having a wonderful Labour Day weekend! We are getting prepping for a family dinner with baked beans, ribs (veggie alternatives, too, of course), smoked corn on the cob, salads... Hubs got a new smoker this summer so loves a reason to put it to work.

Some of my yummy homegrown garlic curing in the shade.

All the things in this week's Bits post are heading into fall territory, from the gardening advice to the baking and décor. I finally feel like we are in the right month to post about autumnal things as the weather has cooled a bit, the leaves are starting to yellow, the wind is blowing the leaves about. Today it really feels like autumnal out there.

I have some really great Bits for you today! Kinda excited about all of these things...

Garden Bits...

Adding a pop of interest to your garden with gold and variegated shrubs or plants. I love the yellow hakona grass! That is going into my front yard next year, for sure. We will be revamping our front yard next year. Taking out some of the old and unhappy shrubs, replacing them with something hardy, self reliant, with a bit of colour, too. This article gave me tons of ideas. Love the variegated dogwood - not too big, not too small, and not green.

By the way, if you have time and funds, this is the perfect time to go pick up some of those plants... they are on sale and you can see what looks great at this time of year. I really need some more hydrangeas (cheeky grin)!

Our front yard is green all summer, autumn is the only time we have colour.

Having a hard time growing spinach? Here are some tips for the best results. Sow some now for a harvest this fall. If you are in a warmer winter area, they will rebound again in spring to give you an extra early crop. Can be sown in an open garden bed or under cover. I have some coming along in my greenhouse, amongst the tomatoes. See how long it lasts before a hard frost takes it out.

Here are some ideas for what you can still plant right now to harvest this fall. Also, how to store your crops over winter.

Are you wondering about cover crops? The best ones to grow?

These fall tips for making your soil healthier. You know what they say... feed the soil to feed the plants.

Have you tried drying hydrangeas before with no success? Kim has all the tips here.

Homey Bits

Here are 5 pretty fall ideas for decorating with mums. I love this antique moss container.

Going from summer to fall with your home decor, and this super cute coffee station. I am so envious of you all who have a spot for this!

This amazing, super gorgeous old house in France. The article is in Swedish so either press translate, or just enjoy the stunning pictures and drool a little with me.

Check out this amazing small kitchen makeover for under $500. Seriously great ideas and fun to watch, too.

Along that same line... are you wanting to do a kitchen makeover but not change out those 90's honey coloured cabinets? Maybe they are in great shape, maybe you love them, or maybe you hate them but are on a tight budget but want to make affordable changes to make you love your kitchen again. Check out this post, it is so good. The kitchens all look amazing! I am in love with a couple of them! 5 colour palettes that will freshen up your honey oak.

If you like charming cottages, a little bit of 'hygge' or 'lagom' or Scandi style, you will love this super cute cottage in Sweden (see the green doors at the end? Love those. Makes me think I should go green with the patio doors on the shed, and then check out this rustic English cottage with the most wonderful courtyard, too.

The garden at this cottage... hearts in my eyes! The home is okay but the garden is so pretty.

Recipes.

I am sharing all these lovely recipes with you all now so that I have them saved for October, when I can make and eat them. This month, starting tomorrow, I will be doing the Whole30 elimination diet. I have done it once before and now they are offering it with a plant based option (yay!). So, no sugars or grains for me this month, but next month I am back on!

You may know that I suffer with allergies and hives on the regular but the last two months have been really bad. Yes, I get it... mom passed away, the dog has been sick and we were considering putting him down (he is doing great, btw!), we are dealing with the estate, so there has been a lot of emotional stuff and stress lately, but the hives certainly do not help the situation, lol. So... time to do the elimination diet and give my poor body a break. If anyone is interested in doing this diet with me, we start tomorrow. It is completely free, except for the foods you eat.

This salsa recipe!

Wine charcuterie board ideas... love these. What a lovely way to catch up with friends and enjoy the changing season.

This super easy pasta dish recipe with tomatoes from your garden.

All these apple recipes look amazing to me. They are on my list to make in October.

Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts (cider, not vinegar!).

Apple Cinnamon Rolls! Cannot wait to make these. The ladies in my coffee group love cinnamon buns of any and all kinds, am sure these will be a big hit!

French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich. These look amazing. They have onions, apples, cheese, and prosciutto. Does that not sound drooly?

Honeycrisp Apple and Feta salad!

My front window box... the elegans geranium in the middle is finally staring to bloom! Sigh.

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend with family, friends, good food, and lots of gardening - hah!

See you here real soon again ~ Tanja