WELCOME YOUR GUESTS WITH AN ENTRY FULL OF FALL!

Coming from the arid desert of AZ, I've always loved the change of seasons here in the Midwest.

It's such fun to celebrate the seasons with decor... inside the home and out!

My motto is "Less is not best" when it comes to any decorating.

After a wonderful day at the local pumpkin patch, I love to display all the bounty found at the patch right on my front porch.

Here are a few suggestions for your Fall display!

Add in different elements that call out "Fall" can add new color and interest to your entry arrangement!

1) Placing a pumpkin or two tucked into existing planted container gardens is an easy way to bring in the autumn colors. Try using different sizes, shapes and colors for interest. Even a few gnarly gourds can be a playful addition!

2) Also, placing fresh fall blooming mums at different heights and a sweet scarecrow or two can brighten up those cloudy days!

SPICED CRAB APPLE JELLY

Here’s an Heirloom recipe that my family & friends can hardly wait for!

Ingredients:

3 1/2 lbs. Crab Apples

3 Cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup whole Nutmeg cloves

Fruit Pectin purchased in the grocery store

Water

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients (apple stems and all!) in a large kettle and add water enough to just cover the fruit, at least 3 cups, adding water as needed.

2. Bring to a boil and cook until apples are very soft, then mash and cool completely.

3. Drain the mixture into a large bowl through a fine mesh strainer.

4. Prepare and have ready Jelly jars and lids, following the directions on the pectin packet.

5. Enjoy!

"A Rose To Me Though In The Fall"

• Excerpt From 'An October Garden' By Christina Rossetti



I'm always delighted to see my roses still blooming with the Autumn leaves falling!

All too soon, they will need to be cut back a bit to keep the gardens in winter looking their best.

Do you have roses still blooming in your garden?

Here is an excerpt from the full, lovely poem for your enjoyment.....

Broad-faced asters by my garden walk,

     You are but coarse compared with roses:

    More choice, more dear that rosebud which uncloses,

Faint-scented, pinched, upon its stalk,

That least and last which cold winds balk;

     A rose it is though least and last of all,

     A rose to me though in the fall.

Thinking of placing your home on the market?

Do interest rates concern you?

Here is food for thought:

Interest Rates Current vs. 25-Year Average:

The past 25 years (roughly 2001 to 2026) span an historic era of ultra-low interest rates, including the post-2008 decade and the pandemic-era lows of 2.65% to 3% in 2021.

The long-term historical norm for a 30-year fixed mortgage sits closer to 7.7%, meaning today's 7.40% rate is roughly in line with the broader 50-year historical average!

Email me at meganhmoves@gmail.com to receive your:

1) COMPLIMENTARY 'Quick Start Guide' To Selling Your Home

OR call me to receive your:

2) COMPLIMENTARY Market Analysis

Megan Hicks 815-735-5648

•Licensed Managing Broker

•SRES

•Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group, Plainfield

See my listings https://www.meganmhicks.com/