Fast and Frugal Fall

After a weekend full of corn-mazing and pit-nicking (Please admire our matching headlamps; Joe's been waiting for me to sport mine since last Christmas. Patient man.)...

Yard-saling (Many offers made on Maddie- none taken!) and yard-working and house-reorganizing...

Along with saying farewell to some precious friends all practically in 80 DEGREE WEATHER...
we are determined for it to feel more like fall, even if so far we're missing out on the nip in the air. So, here are some ideas from around our place that are easy on the schedule and the pocketbook. Hope you enjoy!

How about a little artwork? Take some paper, some tempera paint, and five sweet fingers. Voila... we call this, "Hope Gives Fall a Hand." I think I just made that up, but whatever you name your masterpiece, a little fingerpaint can make for a good and messy time!
While you've got out your art supplies, how about a little crayon action? No matter the age it really can be quite a stress reliever and, face it, everyone needs a scarecrow door hanger. Just look at Maddie's face, obviously overwhelmed by the creative genius, when seeing her door for the first time. What's that, Hope? Ah yes, she says to place your order soon if you expect yours to arrive before the end of the month rush. :) (Seriously, ideas from sites like this are quick little boredom busters for kids if ever you need some).

Need a centerpiece? Straight out of Rachael Ray's fall issue last year, fill up some juice glasses with an array of beans. Economical and natural- a favorite combo of mine! If you happen to have some cool glasses you picked up at a yard sale, antique store, clearance shelves of Target or TJ Maxx, etc. fill 'em up too. Since these pics I've moved mine to the windowsills to make room for some of the funky gourds and teenie pumpkins you find during these fall months. Either way, the tea lights cast a warm glow on these cool evenings that are to come.
And lastly, something for your stomach? (Which if it is anything like mine, calls out for comfort food starting about now!) Seriously, this is all you need...
To make these! Sooo easy! Just combine the pumpkin and spice cake mix, bake at 300 degrees for about 12-15 minutes. Some of the BEST pumpkin muffins... enough for eleven biggies and one Hope-sized one.
Have any tips or ideas for the season? Do share! The faster and the frugalier (Um, don't look that up), the better!