As the weather chills and the days shorten, most of us find ourselves cozying up indoors for more hours in the day. I love the signature moments fall allows for us to curl up with some tea and a book, huddle around a table for a board game with friends, or roll up our sleeves for some long-winded kitchen time (Thanksgiving is around the corner!). After all the fresh air and sunshine from the summer, the cold weather provides a welcome excuse to huddle in the warm with our loves. Do you sheepishly feel the same way as me? ;)

Just this past Sunday, there was an absolute torrential downpour in Vancouver.  Instead of venturing outdoors uncomfortably draped in gore-tex, I opted to snuggle inside with some friends for a card game and hot drinks. The rain pelted down on the windows, but we felt safe and warm inside with our hot-toddies and nerdiness. It almost seemed like we were nestled inside a wooden cabin far away from the city. My kind of rainy Sunday!

Our fall afternoon was so perfect I felt I had to share our “hot toddy” recipe (haha that word makes me laugh…..)

Whisky Hot Toddy

Serves 2

4 oz. rye whisky
1 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp honey
1 black tea teabag
2 clove
2 cardamom pod
2 strip lemon peel
hot water

Directions:

1.  Mix whisky and seasoning ingredients in two glasses or mugs, then pour over with boiling water. Steep, serve, sip slowly, savour :)

Recipe and Image Credit: Verses from my Kitchen

Every Autumn, all this indoor-time gets me in the mood to do some fussy home-improvement. I’m so bizarre, I know! Are you like me? I love the excuse to pull out the wooly blankets, frame some fresh photos for the walls, and a adjust the furniture for a little bit of feng shui. Today’s D.I.Y. craft is all about taking something old and making it new again. It is a great way to spruce up your living space for fall! The best part about the craft is that it uses recycled materials, takes only a few minutes and the final product is a gorgeous addition to your kitchen, wall or bedroom. Oh.. and you can brag that you made it yourself when all your friends compliment it! :)

D.I.Y. Chalkboard

Supplies:

1. Old, (unloved) framed painting (sorry little sailor boy)
2. Chalkboard Paint
3. Paintbrush
4. Chalk

Directions:

1. Take painting and apply three coats of chalkboard paint to the surface.

2. Let dry 10 minutes between each coat.

3. Take chalk, and begin decorating with your gorgeous swirly handwriting!

We decided to hang our brand new chalkboard in the cabin’s kitchen. It looks great strung up high on the wall and really adds to the country character of our place! We’ve been using the chalkboard as a way to keep the family updated on household needs. Useful, economic and a stunner all in one.

Here are some ideas for how to use your chalkboard:

– Daily to-do-list

-Grocery list board for kitchen

-Doodle board for love notes

– Inspiring quote board.

– What are some of your ideas?

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead full of fall sunshine, cozy indoor afternoon moments and perhaps a hot toddy just for yourself on a rainy night (our secret!) ;)

Love,

Blue Owl

PS: If the fall is inspiring you to get your woollens out as well, here’s a great beginner cowl scarf pattern to keep you bundled all winter long.