Fall Cleaning Checklist Week Two

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, October 24, 2014

I have been making headway on my fall cleaning checklists and hope you have too. If you aren't as far along as you'd like to be, I've got you covered! Start with Week One Checklist then come back here. This week to expedite our Fall cleaning efforts I’ve compiled a roundup of some of my favorite Fall Cleaning Checklists to share with you.  Let's keep going through the mild days of October and get our homes sparkling clean!



Sparkling clean kitchen sink
To me, nothing says welcome to my home and my kitchen like a sparkling clean kitchen sink. Scrub yours today and see how awesome you feel!




Fall Cleaning Checklists:

From RealSimple.com.  The great thing about the RS checklist is you can save your progress online, or just print it out and check the boxes as you go. 

Real Simple Fall #cleaning #checklist
Source
To use this checklist visit Real Simple here. 



 From MarthaStewart.com:

Homemakers everywhere love Martha and I'm no exception. She makes everything seem do-able.

Beautiful, #clean #home for fall
Source


MarthaStewart.com has an endless supply of homemaking checklists, so be warned: you may need to pry your fingers from your mouse when you visit this site.

To use this checklist visit MarthaStewart.com here. 



Now let’s take our cleaning efforts outside with these two handy checklists.



From ThisOldHouse.com:

I enjoy watching This Old House with my husband on weekends when we have the time. I’ve come to enjoy their website as well. If you haven’t visited This Old House.com let me be the first to share this site with you starting off with their Fall Landscaping Checklist.

Fall landscaping #chores
Source
Each of the 11 tasks on the list are broken down in quick, easy to follow directions and the why behind doing it, so you get so much more than a cleaning check list here, you get easy to digest tutorials as well.

To use this checklist visit ThisOldHouse.com here. 



From BHG.com:

Next, we head over to BHG.com for their Fall Cleaning Checklist that covers everything from cleaning your gutters to inspecting your driveway for wear and tear.

BHG Fall #cleaning checklist
Source

 The thing I love about this checklist is Better Homes and Gardens has added a link to a step by step guide on how to do each task. 

To use this checklist visit BHG.com here. 



That’s it for our Fall Cleaning Checklists. I hope you find them helpful.  The weather is supposed to be perfect in my area for getting lots of these chores done this weekend.  I can’t wait to open up our windows and air out the house one last time before we hunker down for cold weather.  

I hope you are enjoying great fall weather too and please stay tuned for my organizing tips next week as I start working on closets and pantries. Plus, I’ll be adding a Giveaway for some amazing Eco friendly cleaning clothes soon!


Please share in comments: What one Fall Cleaning chores do you want to tackle this weekend?

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Grow beyond Mums in your garden this fall

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 08, 2017
There is no mistaking the beauty and allure of a vibrant Chrysanthemum this time of year.  They can be found everywhere from nurseries, to farms markets and even school fundraisers have Mums for sale and I am a willing buyer. Mums are one of the few flowers that can be both annuals and perennials depending on what variety you buy. If I’m lucky enough to find “hardy Mums” the perennial variety, I’ll plant them in my flower beds this month. If I find annuals, they will go in containers. In order to have more variety in my garden this fall, I wanted to grow beyond Mums and found three plants perfect for fall planting I’d like to share with you today. 


Sedum blooms Grow beyond Mums this fall
Sedum Blooms

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All My Favorite Things Fall Edition

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Saturday, November 07, 2020

Happy November! As I sit here typing up this post, the weather outside is anything but frightful. In fact, it’s going to be 75 and sunny all weekend long! It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is coming up quickly when all I want to do is go outside and soak up the sun. All that to say, I’m not fully in the holiday spirit yet, so this post should be called part one of my favorite things fall edition since it doesn't showcase any Thanksgiving goodies. I many need to do a special holiday edition of my favorite things! Read on to see what I’m loving right now and hopefully; you see a product or two you’ll love as well.


Fall Favorites!



All My Favorite Things Fall Edition

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Weekly Fall Cleaning Checklist- Week One

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, October 17, 2014

I have been a busy little bee around the home office this week, but now it's time for me to turn my focus back to domestic pursuits, cause folks, you just can't decorate an unclean home anymore than you can entertain in one. 

I've looked at several Fall Cleaning Checklists, but found them to be to generalized, so I decided to make a weekly checklist of what I'm doing and share it here with you. I hope you find this list helpful. If you do,  please feel free to print out a copy for yourself and pin it for others to use. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get some fall cleaning done.


Weekly Fall Cleaning Checklist Week One
Checklist for Weekly Fall Cleaning


Inside: Bedrooms:
  • Clean ceilings, walls, ceiling fans and light fixtures
  • Flip mattresses
  • Wash mattress and pillow covers
  • Bring cold weather linens out of storage, wash if needed
  • Vacuum baseboards
  • Vacuum behind beds and dressers
  • Clean window treatments as needed (don’t wash windows yet!)
  • De-clutter nightstands, recycle reading material as needed
  • Hang/put away all clothing
  • Find proper home for anything out of place


Helpful Tips:

  • Wrap your broom with an old tee shirt and secure with a rubber band to clean ceilings and walls.
  •  Always clean from top to bottom going clockwise around the room.
  • Put a laundry basket at the door to place “found* items in to take to their proper home later.
  • Turn on your favorite upbeat music and go!


Be sure to check back next Friday for week two's Fall Cleaning Checklist where we will tackle the living room and other common area's of your home and start working on some outdoor fall cleaning projects. 



Are we friends? Be sure to follow My WAHM Plan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  I'd love to see your Fall projects, so be sure to tag me or leave a comment here on your recent Fall posts. 



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Fall, One of the Happiest Seasons of All

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, September 24, 2012

 
I simply adore this season for a host of reasons and I have passed on that love to my girls.

fall cooking baking fun
Courtesy Ms. T
 


The other morning it was a little chiller than normal and the front window was steamed up from our cat looking out. I hadn’t even noticed it as I got my oldest to the bus on time; but it was THE first thing my youngest noticed. She was so happy to see that steamed up window.  Why does that make you so happy I asked? Because she said “it means that baking season is here”! She is her mother’s daughter.
As if by some physic link my oldest texted my from the bus saying that the nice crisp morning made her think about my Apple Pie. Coincidence? I think not.
See it has been so ghastly hot this summer, here, there, everywhere! That I haven’t done much baking. I was loath to turn the oven on for the 2 minutes it takes to broil some sourdough crustini’s, but there was simply no way my family was doing without them.
We love fall here, not just for the baking, but for the cooking of favorite recipes and the seasonal activities- Fall Festivals, watching football games, going for nature walks on our property, driving down the Natchez Trace to look at the pretty leaves, raking up our own batch of pretty leaves, yard work and prep that is soothing in its traditions. Ever since my girls were little they have helped my ready our yard and porches for winter. This year will be no different. With one exception: they are bigger and filled with more stories and memories.
Fall is a busy, happy time here and I hope it is for you and yours. 
Do you love Fall as well? What is your favorite Fall activity? Share your love with us!


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A Fall Garden Promise

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, September 29, 2014

October is knocking on the door and I for one am thrilled to see summer fade away. Good bye hot and humid days, good bye endless mowing sessions, good bye weeding… oh wait; I still have to weed in the fall.

Goodbye ugly, over grown flowerbeds, goodbye stringy tomato vines. I bid you all farewell with an apology for not doing what a garden loving lady should have in summer.

 I neglected you and it shows. I was too busy in here, writing and growing my business to take care of you.  I would be appalled if company were to saunter up my walk today and see the state of my flowerbeds; so please don’t come over just yet.

I’m going to get things whipped into shape for fall. Then you can come over! I’ll scrub the front porch and rockers and I’ll plant Mums in my pots and allow my poor, worn out wave Petunia’s to finally rest.


colorful Mums #fall #gardening



I’ll weed and pull up that old Rose bush I keep saying I’m going too. I’ll turn over the mulch and add some new and I’ll put in my new solar landscape lights. The front yard is going to look great when I’m done.


rambling red Rose

I’ll clean off the back deck one more time and invite you to sit, have some tea and chat a while. And while you do, you can see my lovingly tended shade flower beds, full of neatly groomed Azalea bushes and Hosta. You may even catch the faint scent of my Rosemary, still doing well in her pretty blue pot.


Once our cups are empty, we’ll take a leisurely stroll towards my pumpkin patch, the one crop that seems to thrive without any love and care from me. Okay, sure, it is an accidental pumpkin patch. One we never dreamed would take root right on the fringe of our burn pile/bone-fire spot. 


pumpkin patch
small pumpkin


We chucked our old pumpkins there last year and voila! Here it is, producing small little pumpkins of happiness. We were able to cut one, tie a pretty bow on it and give it to our new neighbors in a true show of southern hospitality. Thank you accidental pumpkin patch for coming through!  


Hopefully, these pumpkins and my fall gardening efforts will be enough to make up for my summer of garden laziness.  Now that fall is here, I'm going to be ready for company.  

harvest pumpkins happy #Fall


Please share in comments: Did you have a productive and happy summer gardening season, or did you get too busy like me?
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Book lovers visit Nashville during the Southern Festival of books

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Saturday, September 13, 2014

Fall is rapidly approaching folks and I for one am happy to see that one of my favorite times of year officially starts in 11 days.  Fall is a fun season, full of great outdoor events and festivals. 

You can find all sorts of festivals to attend- everything from sports and family fun to beer and wine festivals, just head to Google and type in your zip code and festivals.  We were looking for a family event,  when I discovered a unique festival coming to Nashville, TN. in October; a book festival. Yes! A book festival! 

We are a family of avid readers, so how I didn’t know about this festival, which has been held in Nashville since 1989 is beyond me.  Better late than never as the saying goes! I knew I had to extend a warm, southern style invitation to all of you to come visit us in Nashville and check out this festival!



About the Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the written word:


poster Southern Festival of books in #Nashville,TN.
Source

Humanities Tennessee's Southern Festival of Books was first held in Nashville on the second full weekend in October in 1989, and has been held annually on the same weekend since then. It is one of the first book festivals of its kind, a true celebration of the written word, and has inspired hundreds of similar book festivals throughout the nation and beyond. 
The festival is free and open to the public. No advance registration or tickets are required. All seating is on a first-come basis.
The dates and times for 2014 Southern Festival of Books are:
Friday, October 10, 2014: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 11, 2014: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 12, 2014: 12:00  noon - 5:00 p.m.
To learn more about the Southern Festival of books go here.

This festival isn’t just for adults; there are lots of fun activities for the kids! They will have an opportunity to meet renowned children’s and young adult authors, see favorite book characters, and listen to musicians and storytellers too.
To learn more about the events for children and young adults, including a list of attending authors, go here. 

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Nashville. The heat and humidity of summer are a quickly fading memory and Nashville welcomes you with classic southern charm and hospitality. Plus, by this time of October, you’ll get to see all the pretty fall leaves.
Pretty Fall Leaves #Nashville,TN.

Ready to come to this Festival? You’ll want to check out their handy Plan Your Visit page, which gives you full directions, hotel accommodations suggestions and more. 

Whether you can make it to Nashville or not, I want to wish you and yours a happy, fun fall season. Head on over to Google and find out what is happening in your neighborhood and get out there and have fun!
Please share in comments: Is there a fall fair, festival or event you can’t wait to attend this year?
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4 tips to ease back in to gardening after a summer break

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Oh, August, you sultry, full on summer month you. I have a love/hate relationship with August because of all the heat and humidity in the south. I walk past my flower beds and cringe at the weeds popping up and the slightly uncared for vibe I seem to be cultivating this summer. I vow to get out there before it gets “too” hot tomorrow, but that’s the problem with August- it is just plain hot and it makes me lazy! I wish my flowerbeds looked like this, but sadly they don't even come close anymore.


Vincas and mulch #gardening how I want my flowerbeds to look


Gardening is more than a passing hobby to me, it feeds my soul and I miss the daily rewards when I don’t garden. I know I need to get back on track, just like a runner or dancer would after a hiatus from training. I’ve come up with 4 tips to ease back in to gardening after a break so I can be ready for fall and all its gardening glory and I wanted to share them with you today.


Tip One: Be kind and stop comparing my garden to others!

The first tip is what I would tell anyone trying something new, or reaching for a goal. Be kind to yourself. I’m going to cease all negative talk about the state of my garden and move forward.  In keeping with the kindness vein, I will also stop garden comparisons! It does me no good to see what others have done right now, which leads me to tip two.


Tip Two: Make a plan of action.

You know I love a good plan around here, so for me to overlook putting gardening time on my busy schedule was a recipe for disaster. If I’m honest here – I knew back at the beginning of June that I wasn’t allocating enough to gardening endeavors and I erroneously assumed life would slow down and I’d hit it hard the next weekend, but that next weekend never came. Now, I’m trying to make bite size jobs out of the mess that remains. That’s tip three.


Water container plants and herbs often #gardening



Tip Three: Take small steps towards your goal.

I’ve decided the best course of action for me here is to break up my gardening tasks into 15 minute increments, like this. Since I work at home, my schedule is a little more flexible. 

  • Early- morning (after kids are on bus and hubby is off to work): pull weeds and dead head a quarter section of front flower bed.  Add Vinca and Marigolds to borders and containers to add pops of color now.
  • Mid- morning break: water all container plants/herbs. Dead head as needed. Pick tomatoes/berries as needed.
  • Late afternoon: take a 15 walk around property with family. Make mental notes of what needs done. Pick up sticks/branches as needed. Take to burn pile.
  • Dusk: Water again as needed. Fill bird feeders. Change bird bath water. Start adding mulch to cleared areas.





plant container plants for pops of color


Tip four: Visualize what your garden looks like in the next season and add plantings where needed.

I’ve always thought of our home as a “fall” home. Maybe it’s because we first looked at our home and bought it in the fall. I fell in love with the trees and pond and beautiful sweeping green lawns. Maybe it’s because secretly, I’m a fall gardener at heart, preferring the rich colors of Mums and Asters and the blessedly cooler temperatures. Whatever the reason, my lack of gardening this summer is going to make planning for fall critical.

Thankfully, I made note of what was doing well in my garden last fall, so I know I need to focus on bulbs this fall. Some bulbs need to be divided, like my bearded Iris, while I’ll need to replace other bulbs like Crocus because an industrious critter dug the up. 


Now that I’ve mapped out ways to get my garden back on track, I will be adding a daily gardening task reminder to my planner and on my phone, just like I would for exercising or picking up the girls from an after school event, because gardening is such a rewarding way to spend your time. Communing with nature is great for the body, mind and spirit. 



Please share in comments: Do you have a favorite gardening season? What makes it your favorite season?

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Summer to Fall Container Gardening Made Easy in 3 Simple Steps

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, August 14, 2023

 I enjoy a lovely view of my front yard and flower garden from my home office window and as I type this, I’m watching leaves slowly flutter to the ground, an industrious squirrel search for food, and the bedraggled look of not only my flowers, but a couple of my containers as well. These are subtle signs of the change of season approaching, especially in my container garden, so I’m sharing tips on summer to fall container gardening made easy in three simple steps.



Summer To Fall Gardening Made Easy!


Summer To Fall Gardening Made Easy

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Easy DIY Seasonal Vases with Hy-Lite Acrylic Craft Blocks

in , , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

One of the ways I invite each new season into my home is by changing up my tablescapes. I do this by adding seasonal touches like flowers in pretty vases and containers, textural items like raffia and ribbons and of course lots of color found in nature during the current season. When I received an invitation to work with Hy-Lite acrylic craft blocks, I immediately started thinking of festive, seasonal vases. I received three complimentary Hy-Lite acrylic craft blocks that I used to make a spring, summer, and fall vase that I hope will inspire you to try this fun DIY.



Easy DIY Seasonal Vases with Hy-Lite Acrylic Craft Blocks

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Color of the month- July 2017 – Burgundy

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, August 17, 2017
We did a lot of back to school and dorm room shopping over the last few weeks, which led to my color of the month post being shared a little later than I wanted. The upside is I discovered the perfect color of the month to share because we saw it everywhere! From velveteen throw pillows to cute dresses, a deep, rich, warm and inviting Burgundy has me longing for crisp fall days.






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Slap ‘Appy- Free Clean Master phone boost

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Hello September! I’m so glad you are here because that means one of my favorite seasons is approaching.  Fall!  I adore fall and all that this season provides us. 


Fall Flowers

  • Mums and colorful leaves
  • Pies and casseroles
  • Football and bonfires
  • Boots and sweaters

Fall is a stellar season for so many happy out- door activities and is also a good time to clean.  Wait, did I just pop the pretty fall bubble by mentioning cleaning? 

Yes, I did. House, car, deck, porch, it’s that wonderful time of year again to get your house in order before the Holidays. Before I start sharing those kind of cleaning tips, let’s start with something that is with you no matter the season and could probably use a good cleaning right now- your smartphone.

We are an Android home, so most all the apps I share here will be Android friendly. Such is the case for this amazing cleaning tool- The Clean Master Phone Boost. My husband downloaded and installed it on my phone when he got tired of hearing me say my phone was running slow again. 


Clean Master Phone Boost App

About Clean Master App:
“Simple, fast and accurate, Clean Master is the world’s most downloaded Android cleaner, speed boost and antivirus app, designed to help you reclaim storage, boost memory, enhance speed, and secure your device against malicious apps and vulnerabilities”.


Running Clean Master is super easy and quick. Every time I unlock my home screen their a little percentage icon that shows if I need to give my phone a quick cleaning. If the percentage is up over 50%, I just click the broom and the Clean Master app does the rest.


Clean Master app in action




This app is speedy quick! It shows me which files and apps are slowing up my phone (usually Instagram and photo gallery) and asks me if I want to remove junk files. 


Clean Master cleaning up app's


Yes, I do want to remove junk files, Clean Master, thanks for asking.


Clean Master cleaning up my smartphone

And just like that, my phone is clean again. You can clean your phone in less than 30 seconds, or do a more in-depth cleaning as time permits.

I highly recommend this app for your smartphone too. Head on over to Google Play and download your free copy today.


Please share in comments- what smartphone app do you use most often?

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Welcome to Fall Friday Faves

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 27, 2024

 It feels and looks very fall like today in Nashville, TN. area because the remnants of Hurricane Helene showed up here before sunrise. We’re blessed to be okay and I send out well wishes for all who were in the path of it. Even though I didn’t hit my goal of a weekly Friday Faves post this month like I shared on Labor Day, I’m happy to be sharing my second today and will try again in October.



My Fall Friday Faves!




My Fall Friday Faves

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Fall Break Travels Plans need Lucira Health Check It COVID-19 Tests

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Is it a cold? Seasonal Allergies? The bug that's been going around your office or the kids' school? Or is it COVID-19? After three and a half years of living with COVID-19 in our daily lives, I'm sure we've all had that thought run through our minds. Thanks to at-home testing, we can find out the answer fairly quickly; and with fall break travel plans coming up, I wanted to introduce you to Lucira Check It COVID-19 Tests. You can test at home before you book that flight and have the results in 30 minutes.


Travel Safe and Sure with Lucira Check It COVID-19 Tests!





LUCIRA Health Check It COVID-19 Tests
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Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, October 16, 2018
The temperatures are starting to fall here in middle Tennessee and I’m so ready for all things fall! This is a nesting season for me and lots of you I’m sure, which means I’ll be talking more about cleaning, cooking, decorating and baking! My oldest daughter was home for fall break this past weekend, and we had planned on baking pumpkin bread, so as I hurried through grocery shopping, I picked up a can of regular pumpkin. Or so I thought. Read on to see how this oops became a tasty recipe and a lot of fun!

Cinnamon Banana Bread:



Cinnamon Banana Bread recipe
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Fall Crafts Inspiration

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, September 26, 2013

It's fall and that means time for decorating! My daughters and I love, love, love this time of year.


MyWAHMPlan.com



We finally got our Fall/Halloween stuff down from the attic (thanks hubby!) and while we were digging through the boxes, each of us trying to find our favorite piece, I noticed something. 

I haven't really made time for crafting lately. Oh, don't get me wrong, I've baked and cooked up a storm, I've glued and colored a few things too, but nothing like I used to.

I think I'm in a crafting rut. 

So to break out of my craft funk, I turn to the mother of all creativeness: Pinterest.


Here are some ideas that sparked my interest:



1. Autumn Leaves Wreath- We have lots of trees with leaves starting to change color, so this is a project I can do with the girls in afternoon. Pretty!

MyWAHMPlan.com
Source


2. No pin time would be complete if I didn't visit my perennial favorite Better Home and Gardens. Just look at these cutie patootie owls! Another craft I can do with my daughters~ win!


MyWAHMPlan.com
Source

3. Here's another cute Owl project. Now we're getting those creative juices flowing!


MyWAHMPlan.com
Source


And just like that, I know what my theme will be for my fall crafts this year: Leaves and Owls! I may even do an owl themed carved pumpkin, you never know. Whatever I decide on. I'll be sure to share it here.

Thank you Pinterest and all the crafty people who pin! I invite you to follow me on Pinterest and please leave your account link in a comment so I can follow you back.

What crafting/decor project are you working on right now? Please share!
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Nashville, TN- Come get lost in Shuckles Corn Maze at Fiddle Dee Farms

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 02, 2016
Happy Friday and happy September dear readers! It was a glorious 66 degrees outside this morning, so I took full advantage of the coolness by spending time in my neglected flowerbeds. The breeze felt so good and listening to all the birds and squirrels in my yard reminded me Fall is coming! I can't think of a better way to spend a pleasant fall day with my family than at a local farm. If you live in the greater metro Nashville, TN. area, you are going to want to visit Fiddle Dee Farms in Hendersonville!
About Fiddle Dee Farms and Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch:

Fiddle Dee Farms in Hendersonville, TN



"Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch located at Fiddle Dee Farms has been getting families lost in the corn for over seven years. Come spend the afternoon and have hours of fun. New this year is our large Fiddle Dee Jumping Pillow (see photo below) and Rope Maze. Pet the animals and ride the 40' Super Slide. Come buy a pumpkin, decorate it and race it in The Great Pumpkin Derby -- new this year at Fiddle Dee Farm. Over twenty-five activities included in General Admission."



Check out the new jumping pillow at Fiddle Dee Farms



Mark your calendars now because the Fall fun starts September 24, 2016 and goes through  November 6, 2016!




Pumpkin bowling for the little ones at Fiddle Dee Farms, Hendersonville, TN.




Important Updates and Savings:

Visit Music City Kids to get $2.00 off Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch! Shuckles corn maze and pumpkin patch has moved, but not very far! Come see their new pumpkin town, wild Fiddle Dee kingdom and Fiddle Dee sticks hollow! This sounds like lots of Fall fun for the whole family! I'll be sure to share photos when my family and I visit soon. 



Disclosure: My family and I will receive complimentary admission to Fiddle Dee Farms as part of the blogger family at US Family Guide, for sharing this announcenent post and after visiting, sharing our family day! All opinions and love of local fun spots are my own. 
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