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Welcome September

Hello, hello W+A readers! Its been about a month since I've written yous and I apologize for the hiatus. We were away on our European honeymoon for most of August and have been getting back into our daily routines ever since. John started back up at work this week and I have been getting back into the swing of things not only during the busiest season at work, but in the kitchen too. After eating out for 15 days straight while on vacation, we had to hop back on the cooking wagon...and that we did.

I've been prepping meals for the week because its a lot easier to scoop something out of the fridge and heat it up when were hungry. I guess you can say I am pretty happy fall is approaching, since that means slow cooker meals, big pots of homemade soups and hearty fulfilling dinners. This week I made a crock pot of five bean spicy chili and some slow cooker stuffed peppers. I love preparing these two meals because they are always way better the next day. I finished up the last of the chili tonight and John dined on some peppers.

 
We've been trying to spend as much time outside before it gets cold again. A few Saturday's ago we headed out East to our favorite farm for some wine, farm stand veggies and priceless views. We ended up buying a ton of fresh produce for the week, which were outstanding. There is nothing comparable to the freshness and taste of the fruits and vegetables out East and you can't beat the prices.


There's nothing like the sight and smell of pretty flowers. I couldn't believe the rows and rows of the gigantic sunflowers blooming and every stand was selling fresh cut bunches for a whopping $10. What a steal!


We headed to the West Sayville Seafood Festival this past weekend and on the stroll in found this awesome tag sale steal for just $5. I couldn't pass it up and figured it could be our DIY project for the week. I sanded the top down and stained it in Minwax's Polyshade in the color honey. I loved the color I achieved after 3 coats. I painted the legs and trim in antique white and I absolutely love how the finished table turned out. Here's some before and after shots.

 Before


After


We ended up swapping our antique chest we had by the front door and making this an entryway bench. I added some baskets to the bottom for our shoes and currently am on the lookout for a festive and fun welcome pillow. 

 

Well tomorrow begins our long weekend and I plan to hit up the beach early morning with a good book. We are definitely looking forward to relaxing, cooking and catching up on some pool time with friends. Hope you all enjoy the last bits of summer. The weather is looking gorg here on the Island! xo

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