Ladies! I think a Friday afternoon deserves a celebration. We’ve almost made it through the entire work week! Woo hoo! We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is always the hardest part of the giveaway because we’d love to gift all 3,911 of you, but alas, we cannot, which I guess is what makes a giveaway so fun. With that said, join me in celebrating our SIX beloved winners for this fabulous giveaway. Believe me when I say we here at the office are coveting each of the gifts and almost threw a fit when we realized we couldn’t enter the giveaway ourselves. We love fun stuff like this just as much as you do!
So, without further ado, congratulations to…
Grand Prize Winner: Cara Koski
Second Prize Winner: Ansley DuRant
Gift number 3: Victoria Gelberg
Gift number 4: Kim Tipton
Gift number 5: Anne Dailey
Gift number 6: Leslie Wood
If y’all would please email me (Lindsee) at [email protected] with your mailing address we willl get these prizes to you ASAP. We love y’all so very, very much. Thanks for playing along. Hope you each have a beautiful, fall weekend!
DEAR SIESTAS! THE MERE THOUGHT OF YOU IS MAKING ME GO ALL-CAPSY.
It has been FOREVER and then some but I have been thinking about you. I know I haven’t been in this here blog-space much recently but I can assure you that I’m still at LPM. My days are full since I’m working and going to school part-time. AGAIN. Yes, again. Somehow even when I vow to walk away for good, I end up right back in the classroom in some capacity. This time around I’m working slowly on a M.A. in Biblical Languages at Houston Baptist University. When I’m not researching something for a project at LPM, I’m taking a Greek class in the Septuagint and a Hebrew readings class in the Joseph narrative. Oh, and how could I forget to mention Winston Jeffrey Fitzpatrick?! A little over a year ago Colin brought home a baby rottweiler and our life has never been the same since (even when I desperately want it to be!). Winnie is SO, SO bad but we love him madly.
Here is W posing in my dining room. Or demanding a filet mignon cooked over medium, I’m not really sure.
Here he is again furious about having to wear his birthday hat:
But really, enough about us.
I want to talk about YOU and a fall giveaway we are doing because we love you and appreciate you.
Now, I should mention at this point that if you are one of those people who is SO OVER all the talk about pumpkin-flavored anything, then you will want to run for your life.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE.
Do I have a faithful fall remnant?
This weekend we had our first legit “cold-front” here in Houston. It was even down in the forties one night. Glory be! The crisp cold air in my lungs got to me in the best way possible and, of all things, I wanted to cook. There’s just something about fall that always brings me back to the kitchen. Nothing better than listening to a little Norah Jones or The Civil Wars with the windows cracked open, cool breeze dancing through the house, while a chili or stew simmers on the stove. I thought just maybe fall might do the same for some of you so the grand prize winner will get a red Le Creuset signature round dutch oven (red not orange like the one on the box).
I love it passionately and do not want to let it go. I even enjoy posing with the beloved dutch oven:
The second prize to be claimed is a $100 gift card to Pottery Barn because, let’s be honest, Pottery Barn during the fall season is heaven on earth:
Gift number 3 includes an amazing decorative pillow, fall flower arrangement, and Hill Country Home candle.
Gift number 4 includes a fun little clutch from Anthro, a scarf, several pairs of boot socks, and some gorgeous MAC makeup in fallish colors.
Here is Lindsee modeling the scarf. Love her and she can work a scarf better than anyone I know:
This MAC stuff is tough to photograph but fantastic (includes three eye shadow kits and two lipsticks in shades of Russian Red and Viva Glam III).
Gift number 5 has a bunch of fun stuff: Cook’s Illustrated Fall Entertaining magazine, kitchen towels, mulling spices, Hill Country Home candle (again this is one of my faves!), autumn cupcake decorating set, beautiful engraved silver dish, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin bread mix, and more.
Gift number 6 comes with a fun autumn welcome mat, potpourri, decorative kitchen towel, and my favorite ever mulled apple cider candle. DIVINE.
Here is Mom sorting out all the gifts. Isn’t she cute?
So dear friend, for a chance to win one of the six prizes, please leave a comment with your first and last name and tell us something you love about fall.
We love you so much,
Melissa
(Lindsee not pictured here ONLY because she was out of the office when we snapped this photo)
Aggie football and knowing that Christmas is just around the corner!
I love the smell, the cool crisp days, wearing a scarf & mittens, the mugs of cider, hot cocoa and coffee; I love the colors that God creates; I love watching football and smell of chili or soups stewing; I love families coming together throughout the seasons; Kids jumping in the leaves…God’s faithfulness is being displayed!
My favorite thing about fall is all of the fun family activities! Boo At The Zoo, The Great Pumpkin Patch (featured in Martha Stewart Mag.) & of course, homemade hot chocolate!
I LOVE pumpkin anything, football, scarves, and boots. Yay fall!
I love the changing leaves, and curry pumpkin soup!
Julie Bottger. We should shop together! 🙂 I love fall because it settles me, and centers me after the crazy non-schedule of summer. I find myself hungry for God’s word and content to curl up with my coffee and Bible to hear what He wants to say — it’s the beginning of the end of a chapter of life. Nichole Nordeman says it really well in her song “Every Season:”
“And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn”
Thank you Lord that you are every season.
OMGOODNESS FALL!!! One of the things I love about fall is the cool breeze after a long hot summer. It’s just a breath of freshness, and renewing, a new stage of life. Fall brings new life in many different ways. All Spring and Summer the grass has been green and growing, the flowers and shrubs blooming with vibrant colors, and wonderful smells. Now, it’s time for a different part of life. It’s time for the things of this earth to sleep and rest. The leaves turning beautiful colors of red, yellow, orange, then brown and falling off their branches. The grass going from green to brown then dying completely, so it can rest and be renewed again in the spring. Fall is just another blessing from God to show his wondrous hand work.
I just moved from California back to my home state of Colorado. I was suddenly overcome with an old smell from childhood I haven’t smelled in years….the smell of leaves! A stack of leaves so thik it feels like you’re walking on a blanket of them. I’ve missed that!
I love fall! This year we are living in the middle of the desert in SoCal with no fall colors in sight, so I have made a lot of pumpkin bread!
I love that fall is a time to quiet down, to be still, and to take in all of the Lord’s blessings. Fall is a time to relax with friends and to reconnect with family after a busy summer.
I love almost everything about fall. The colors, the crips mornings and warm(ish) afternoons, fall clothing, amazing color of the harvest moon…you name it, I probably love it! Since we have major season changes in MT, it is a great reminder of God’s creativity and majesty.
Susan Cannon
Longwood, Florida
I love the weather change of Fall (even in Florida, we can still feel the change) and I love knowing that Christmas is coming!
Thank you Melissa so much for the give-aways!
Nicole McClendon – I love the cooler weather and Alabama football! 🙂
What don’t I love about fall???!!! Mainly though, its the trees letting go of leaves. The sound of the wind and snuggling up with my man in a cozy blanket.
Love and Peace Siestas…
Allison
aka @the4leegirls
I love the extreme fresh feeling in the air that comes from the cooler temperatures coupled with the fog that gathers in the early morning over the rippling waters of the Colorado River, otherwise known in my little slice of the pie, as Lake Austin.
May Jesus’ love and compassion clothe all of you at LPM forever more. Thank you for the butterflies in my tummy over the fun fall give-a-ways! I love y’all too!
I love fall leaves, school days with kids, pumpkin & chocolate chip cookies, the anticipation of our fifth child (woah!), and the preparation of my heart and mind for Christmas.
Each season has its joys, but Fall is when God seems to be at His artistic wildest. The colors are riotous, the leaves blow madly, the air is all crispy, the apples are blushing and crunching – there’s no dignity, just lush exuberance. In a world where it’s easy to be buttoned-up, Fall allows us an excuse to be flamboyant.
Also not to be discounted is the opportunity to cover up all the aging, extra-fluffy bits of me from neck to ankles.
Wendy Brzezinski
Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya…sorry, couldn’t resist. I’m Melissa Husk & fall is my favorite season because of the little things.. The air becomes crisp but the little thing is in the north you can smell snow in the air. The leaves turn brilliant but the little thing is the reminder of even in death beauty can be produced. The holiday craziness starts (which is fun to watch) but the little thing is we start thinking of our friends & family. Coffe drinkers rejoice over their pumpkin spiced lattes but the little thing is hot chocolate & tea are more readily available fo us non coffee drinkers (gasp, I know). To me I like noticing the wonder in the little things that comes with fall.
Ah, I love autumn! So many reasons: getting to wear jeans again, soups, cool crisp temps.
But my favorite is the falling leaves: walking among them and hearing the crunch, tossing them in the air. Bliss.
Rachel Austin… I like watching college game day with my husband and I love fall decorations!
I LOVE Fall! I love college football, cooler temps, and chili or taco soup on the stove.
Jennifer Davis
Like most people I love the feelings of fall. The cool crisp air, the smells of pumpkin spice or apple crisp, the beauty of leaves changing color, and the comfort of snuggling up in a blanket. This year I have especially loved the taste of pumpkin spice creamer in my coffee.
With all of that to enjoy. My VERY FAVORITE part of fall has been experiencing fall through the eyes of my dear three year old, Benjamin! He has loved the time to play outside. I have adored watching him tromp through the leaves and bounce throughout the yard. He has endless questions about the season that usually include WHY? Being his mother is a true blessing and gift from the Lord!
Thank you for sharing pictures of your baby – I have been the mother four legged children for your years and they capture a heart!
Hello Melissa, As I type this message I can look out the window in my home office and see my fruit trees losing their leaves. This window is my eye to the changing seasons that God has given to me for almost 33 years. Here is Northern California today it is cool and rainy. I’m sitting here reading your blog when I should be up getting my house ready for friends to come to sew today for Samartian Purse shoe boxes. Love all of you at LPL.
Sondra
I love decorating for the Fall season, burning candles and cooking a yummy meal in my crockpot. I enjoy making my family feel warm and cozy.
Bethany Geib. Soup on a cold evening!
Lawan Rivera
I absolutely love the colors, the weather and the food. Oh and the clothes! Fall is my absolute favorite.
I love the fact that we all start gathering around the fireplace with cocoa and coffee and enjoy being around each other! and stews for supper, And pumpkin spice latte at the local coffee house!
I adore the cooler temperatures in Dallas in autumn, the Bradford pear trees when their leaves turn, and getting out cozy clothes. You all are so generous! Thank you for this fun idea.
I live in Colorado and in the fall this amazing, morning smell happens. It’s like snow mixed with sunshine and it’s pure bliss! Love it!
I love everything about fall! It’s my favorite time of year. The leaves, the cool crisp air, the anticipation that snow will be coming soon! I revel in memories of Saturdays on the soccer field and slightly stale sweetish fish.
Susan Hill- Nashville, TN
I love the fall colors and leaves changing colors on the trees.
The majestic colors, the smells, and my birthday today#
I love fall! Why? Sweater weather! The word “autumnal”! The scent of dried leaves on the ground. Crunching my feet through crispy leaves that have fallen. Cider simmering on the stove.
I love the colors of the trees! This year they were especially beautiful in our part of Northern Indiana.
Madelin Butler. Waking up to crisp mornings feeling the coolness on your face yet being warm under the covers. Hot coffee, the colors of orange, brown & gold and my Birthday.
Beth DeLong–I love the colors of the leaves and all things PUMPKIN!
I love a cool fall evening by the firepit with a cup of coffee and great conversation with my hubby!
Meghann Swafford. I love EVERYTHING about fall! Beautiful leaves and cooler weather! Getting to wear fun scarves and boots! And decorating for the season!
Suzi Fabry
What I love about fall. Sorry I could not pick just one.
The smell of a wood burning stove wafting through the neighborhood on a clear brisk night.
Swirling leaves that have changed to beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow.
Memories of my Grandmother creating a delicious stew in her special Le Creuset french oven.
Exchanging summer wardrobes for winter.
Preserving leaves in wax paper.
Dipping candy apples with my children.
Baking apple crisp for my husband.
Stopping at an apple orchard to pick apples, pumpkins and eat hot donuts and fresh apple cider.
XOXO
I LOVE getting to wear a sweater ALL day!! Yay Fall!
I forgot to mention my name:
Amanda Haugen
I love the smell of fall- like snow mixed with sunshine. It’s lovely, in CO.
In autumn…I love the way fallen leaves crunch under my feet when I walk over them.
The best part of Fall is dressing up the kiddos for Halloween and taking them to the pumpkin patch! Oh-and wearing the big comfy sweaters! 🙂
I love FALL!!!! The smells, the leaves turning, the colors, fall sweaters, beautiful decorations, bonfires and smores with the kiddos and of course the ever popular Pumpkin Cheesecake!!!!!
Jaime Garrett, NC
I love looking at the trees when they are in full color. I think this shows how artistic and amazing our God is!
Even here in sunny California, we get a bit of fall! I also love cooking a hot, yummy soup. Last night was Rachael Ray’s Crab & Corn Chowder. Yum-O!
I love crunching leaves. Just being able to take a peaceful walk in nature and be reminded of God’s creativity in color!
I love the fall because of the excitement in the air. It’s not just the fall football games, the beginning of the leaves changing, and the rich smells of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, but there is a hint of anticipation– that we are waiting on something more. For me, Fall is the build up to the ultimate celebration– Christmas, the birth or our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Hallelujah!
I love the fall because of the excitement in the air. It’s not just the fall football games, the beginning of the leaves changing, and the rich smells of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, but there is a hint of anticipation– that we are waiting on something more. For me, Fall is the build up to the ultimate celebration– Christmas, the birth or our Lord and Savior, Jesus! Hallelujah!
Ashlie McDonald. My birthday is in fall! I also love cold weather, fall fashion, layers, feeling cozy indoors, fall food and treats, the holidays, etc. I am a fall fanatic !! Love you all at LPM!
Ashlie
I love the fall – the “crisp” air is invigorating. I miss Virginia in the fall because of all the colors driving down Mt Vernon Highway in Alexandria, but I’m a Texan now so the crisp air is it for me. Oh and pumpkin bread.