It's fall y'all, part 3 {outside}

Spending Sunday outside winterizing the garden, reminded me to sort out the front porch as well. 8 days into October, time to get the mums out. 

Of course, receiving a new set of beautiful clay pots, curtesy of my parents' recent downsizing (a trend you'll be seeing often on the blog in the upcoming months), helped spur me on, too. 

The little terra-cotta pots are mine, stashed in the garage,  perfect for covering up your basic plastic container. 

I can't bring myself to throw out our super sized ferns when they still look so lovely. Besides, who doesn't love a layered vignette? Plus the green ferns provide a nice transition to the season. If I do say so myself.

Have you seen these new multi-mums? Perfect for the indecisive decorator in all of us. 

Happy Fall, y'all. Tomorrow I'm planning to share some updates in the front hall. And you guessed it, more furniture from my parents will be featured. Have a good one!

until next time, 

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It's Fall Y'all

The date on the calendar and the leaves on the ground are telling me it's Fall, but these mild temperatures are keeping me guessing. I haven't even officially put my shorts away yet. Meanwhile in my former home of Chicago, it's snowing! Nonetheless, it's time I embrace my new State and get to decorating for Fall.

If only for the kids sake, of course.

In the front hall, our white ceramic pumpkins are a nice tell to the season. So important to set the tone of your home with a great first impression...I know, I know, I've said it all before. But, it's that important. Worth repeating. Do it. 

Side note: I haven't shared this space as of yet because the plan is to add wallcovering here, at some point. In the meantime, we've got partially primed walls. Don't be jealous.

The breakfast table sports a gourd and acorn filled bowl complete with eyeball, our one nod to the upcoming Halloween holiday. You know it's a conversation starter and the first thing all 3 sets of guests commented on when we sat down to a meal. 

Get a little quirky. It's good thing.

Outside we added a couple decorative pumpkins and gourds to the front stoop. This year, I am diggin' all the different varieties available, for a change of pace. Fall and/or Halloween doesn't have to be all orange and black all the time. Mix it up. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Fall y'all!

until next time,

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Roll Over

Have you ever noticed how one project often rolls into another? Take for instance, our dining room. What was supposed to be a simple removal of an enclosed arch has morphed into another much larger scale project; involving headers, supports, replacement floors and a lot more work than either of us bargained for. 

But, that's a topic for another day, because I'm too annoyed to deal with it now. 

But, it does lead me to the point of this post, which is that a similar thing happened with this little corner of our kitchen that's now sporting a new pair of cafe curtains. Once I started working over here, I realized I hadn't updated the shelving since the kitchen was completed a little over a year ago. 

Time to add in a little Fall, wouldn't you say? 

Some of the fundamental foundation pieces are still in tact, like the flour/sugar canisters and the Provencal tray we received as a wedding gift many moons ago. 

And, of course, I couldn't part with my collection of blue and white Cornishware. Certainly this little bundle of decorative wheat helps to temper all that blue and white and add to the Fall feel.

I also added another antique Cornishware bowl that's just been sitting in the basement {why, i'm not sure.}. Filled with faux apples and pinecones, it picks up on the bit of red featured in the window treatments. And, definitely feels like Fall - when all things apple come into play.

Rounding out the new additions to the shelving are a sun-loving, fall hued angel plant and a larger than life, faux acorn. 

I'm liking how the darker fall accents are playing off the copper kettles and helping to balance out all the white. 

These little pops of color in our white & cream kitchen are certainly helping it feel more seasonal. Now, hopefully, I'll remember to change it out again before a years time! 

How about you - any current projects rolling into new ones?

linking in with:

The Farmhouse Porch

The Inspired Room

until next time, 

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Keys

I'd planned a big reveal of our fall themed front porch today, but something got in the way. Life. It certainly doesn't always go according to plan. No, nothing monumental happened. I just locked myself out of the house.

Today was Miss T's first full day of Junior Kindergarten and in the hubbub of getting out the door with the two kids, rain coats, umbrellas, wellies, handbag, etc, I just closed the door while my keys hung helplessly inside. It happens. 

I borrowed the neighbors car, dropped her off at school, called a locksmith - an hour and a half later, Baby E and I were back inside. An expensive mistake that I will definitely learn from. Thank goodness for the kindness of good neighbors. 

I was so looking forward to my 2.5 hours of free time, which I had hoped to spend in search of a couple of finishing touches for my fall porch reveal, but alas they'll have to wait until later. 

So, today I'm sharing our porch with just a hint of fall - yellow mums nestled snuggly in a wooden apple crate. Life goes on even without the perfect porch :) Meanwhile, I'll be passing out spare keys. 

until next time, 

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Welcome Home: Fall Front Porch

It's that time of year again - time to Fall-ify the front porch! 

I've already got my theme started with my ReStyled Harvest Fall Wreath, showcasing Autumn's rich purples and plums.

I've chosen to go with a single pot on the front steps. Surrounded, of course, by our family of three (soon to be four!) classic orange pumpkins.

The pot is planted with a Whiskey Barrel Millet, two decorative Kales, a purple Mum and three Vinca vines (borrowed from my summer pots).

Here's my rule of thumb for potting planters, you want something: tall (millet), something trailing (vinca vine), something colorful and blooming (mum), and some filler (kale). 

The light green and white of the vinca vine keep the whole planter from feeling too dark and heavy. 

Now, moving on up the stairs, welcome to the front porch.

You'll notice that I've kept my Mother's Day pineapple and lantern and thrown in yet another large purple mum in an orchard basket.  

It all coordinates so nicely with my fall wreath!

But my favorite part of the whole front porch has to be the white wicker planter. I've mimicked the front step planter by using similar plants. I chose another whiskey barrel millet, flanked by purple mums, english ivy (again borrowed from my summer planters) and purple hued coral bells.

I'm always using the back door, but I love this planter so much that I've been known to stop the car while driving down the driveway just to enjoy the view!

Ah, Fall is my favorite time of year!

If you enjoyed this post, may I suggest:

Summer Pots

All for One and One for All

Wicker Planter Update

Linking in with:

Thrifty Decor Chick

Until next time, 

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Restyled Fall Wreath

It's a fall themed week - next up, my restyled wreath!

You know I try to create a warm welcome any time of year, but especially in the fall. To me, fall is all about warmth, coziness, and welcoming all. 

And where better to start this theme than at the front door?

This is last year's wreath, which I still like, but thought maybe this year it needed a bit more umph!

By umph I mean: color, texture, and balance (obviously).

Let's see what we come up with...

First, I added a couple of sprigs of dried wheat. Using the 'place and tuck' method, I fit it in and amongst the other pieces. I worked in groups of 3 pieces of wheat, and added 5 clumps in total. The contrasting color of the wheat really pops against the faux lavender and purple eucalyptus bring the whole arrangement to life.

Now that I have more color, it's time to work on the balance issue. 
I picked up another faux sprig of lavender and added it to the other side. I didn't use glue or floral wire this time, I just tucked it in the amongst the grapevines. 


Much easier to add and remove items at whim this way! Perfect for a girl like me.

Next up, more eucalyptus. Fortunately, I had a bunch left over from last year's front porch pots. Again, just place and tuck trying to keep it as uniform to the other side as possible.

More wheat and it's really starting to come together!

I'm already liking it so much more than last year's.

In case you are curious, the wheat came from a bunch I picked up at our local grocery. I just removed a couple pieces at a time, and I still have the original bunch that I am currently using in the kitchen. Two for one - gotta love that!

The center needed a little something, so I pulled out my burlap garland and tied a big bow. 

I went a little crazy with the burlap last year, so I am trying to use it sparingly this year - I guess I am a bit of an addict. 

Who knew there was such a thing as a burlap addict, but unfortunately there is, and I am a full fledged member!

I added back the same seed pods from last year - one is looking a bit worse for the wear, but I did say I wanted texture, right? 

Waste not want not!

And now, finally, hanging on the front door. 

Color, texture, balance - I'd say I achieved all my goals! 

And at minimal cost too: $4.99 for the lavender and $12.99 for the wheat ( remember, it went double duty - so the full cost shouldn't even really be counted!)

My front door is certainly feeling more fall-ish now, next up - the front porch decor. I feel a trip to Home Depot (by far the best and most affordable source for plants in our area) coming my way in the very near future.

If you liked this post, may I suggest:

Falling for the fall in the Entryway

Jam Hands

Fall layered mantel

Linking in with:

Southern Hospitality

Savvy Southern Style

Centsational Girl

Modern Country Style

Until next time, 

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Falling up the Mantel

Fall is here - in case you didn't already know!

In the Chicagoland area, the change was pretty abrupt - 80's one day and 60's the next, but it's all good with me because this is my favorite time of year.

Of course, I couldn't wait until October to start bringing the fall decor out. 

Best place to start - the entryway.

Second best place to start - the mantel!

This year I decided to add my wood shaving wreath to the mix. It's hung by a ribbon, which is tied to the picture wire on the back of the mirror. I'm loving the added texture and interest to the mirror!

My birch candles have made a reappearance from last fall/winter. 

As well as my pineapple planter filled with ivy.

You know I love a little pop of green!

My white ceramic pumpkins, which appeared in the dining room last year, have moved to the living room mantel. Adding a bit of fall without being too over the top or predictably orange.

All I need now is a roaring fire!

If you follow me on Facebook, you know we've already had our first fire of the season - I can't wait for the second!

What about you, have you started bringing fall into your home?

If you enjoyed this post, may I suggest:

Summer Mantel

School's in Session

Fall Nesting 2010

Linking in with:

Met Monday

The Lettered Cottage

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Until next time,

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Falling for Fall in the Entryway

It's Mid-September, the nights are drawing in, the weather is getting cooler - I can't help but start to think about Fall. 

It's still a bit early, so I don't want to go overboard, but I did make a couple changes in the entryway.

Welcome to our home, this Summer.

And now, early Fall. 

My welcome basket, which contains my homemade moss decor balls was paired with some Summertime classics - nest, baby bird and seashells.

This Fall, I've paired the moss decor balls with red, brown and green faux apples as well as some decorative acorns.

Again, this Summer.

I love having just one thing to update per season. 

It makes the transition so much easier and faster!

And now, this Fall. 

I'm loving the warmer Fall colors and all the images that they conjure up in my mind. 

Bring on the cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, the cozy fires, the apple picking and the pumpkin carving - I'm excited for all of it.

I hope you are too!

Linking in with the Inspired Room's Fall Nesting Party. 

If you liked this post, may I suggest:

End of Summer Relaxin'

Balls Vs. Sheets

Bread for the Soul

Until next time, 

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Fall Bedroom - the layered effect

When it comes to Fall bedding, I want a warm and cozy feel - I always think of layers and layers of blankets, covers and duvets! Spending all day snug under the covers...

Than reality sets in and I realize this is completely unrealistic and it's been years since I spent a whole day in bed!

But a girl can always dream, right?

Like most, we received our bedding as a gift when we got married - a short 8 years ago (almost, well next week it will be 8 years!) and I do still love it, but it has been 8 years!

So this year I decided to pack away the big bulky comforter and shams for the Summer season. The hope was that although it may not be new and different, a couple months away from it, might make it almost feel like new.

Master Bedroom this Summer

Master Bedroom this Fall

Ah, so cozy and lovely. I'm proud to say that I'm happy to have my bedding back! Amazing what a dash of warmer colour can do. Really, the only difference is the comforter and shams, but to me, it is a huge change. And it looks all warm and cozy - ah, the essence of Fall.

I was so inspired by this mini-makeover that I wanted to tackle my guest bedroom as well. Unfortunately, the guest bedroom is a bit of a hodge-podge at the moment as it's next in line for a makeover once the big girl room is complete (hence it's lack of debut on my blog thus far).

Guest room this Summer

This room has a much lighter and airier feel than our master bedroom, so making it feel more Fall is already a challenge. Plus, I didn't want to really invest in bedding seeing as I'm not sure of the overall direction for the room just yet.

Guest room this Fall

So I worked with what I had and made some simple changes; by adding a layer or two the room is already feeling more Fall. I removed the quilted shams and replaced them with a darker toned lumbar pillow. I also added a wool blanket to the foot of the bed, providing that much needed extra layer and texture.

This room isn't perfect, but it's working for now. Much like my master bedroom Summer bedding isn't perfect either, but fortunately I've got 6 more months to sort that out!

Linky paties

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Fall Nesting Inside - the overflow

Yesterday, I shared some examples of step 3 of my 4 easy steps to bring Fall home. Well, I was so excited to share that I got a bit carried away and had to spread the wealth over two posts.

So today, I'll be sharing a couple additional images of Fall accessories throughout my home.

My breakfast room table isn't terribly large, so my centerpiece needs to be fairly mobile. Decorating on a tray or in a hurricane seemed to be the best solution. This is what I came up with...

Breakfast room centerpiece

Inspiration came from the Pottery Barn Fall catalogue that showed hurricanes filled with nearly everything possible!

The nest came home with me from Asheville after we visited awhile back. I loved it and wanted to find a home for it this season, so I added some acorns and buckeyes and gave it a new home in the hurricane. How cozy! Plus, it continues the theme throughout the house.

The simplicity of this display is what really won me over.

Moving on and up - upstairs that is.

I wanted to have some sort of seasonal display upstairs, but without a lot of fan fare. I decided to focus my attentions on the landing/hall table. Here's what I came up with...

Acorn display on hall table

A close up

A small grouping of acorns

I love the various textures and shades of brown. It's subtle but really pops against the subdued yellow of the hall table and walls. Just a hint of Fall every time I pass!

Well, that about covers all my little touches of Fall throughout the house. Not a lot, but just enough for me.

Tomorrow, I'll be tackling Step 4 - updating seasonal bedding. This is the first time I have switched out my bedding for the seasons and I'm actually feeling a little excited about it! If you can believe that?!

Linky Parties

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Fall Nesting Inside - it's about time!

I've been talking all week about my love affair with Fall decorating - today will be no different, in fact, it will be better. Because today is the day I'll share my interior Fall accessories! I'm so excited, can you tell?

Let's get started.

You've heard me say it before, a foyer should set the tone for the whole house. A welcoming spot, with a place to sit and a bit of mood lighting - that's all it really takes. Throw in a bit of seasonal decor and it's all the better!

Not a lot changes in my foyer, which makes it easy for me, but I do try to keep it seasonal.

Iron basket, draped in burlap, filled with apples, acorns, and gourds.

Moving into the Living Room -  you've seen my Fall Mantel, and the pumpkin on my sofa table, but what does the coffee table hold?

Don't under estimate the impact of a single item; a large chartreuse pear makes a bold statement. Notice how it plays off the green apple from the iron basket in the foyer?

Fall is a great time to enjoy the natural beauty courtesy of mother nature.

Basket of chippy wood ready for a long night in front of the fire.

My formal dining room is a bit more, well, formal. So the decor needs to be fitting.

White ceramic pumpkins coupled with an amber glass pedestal dish, filled with buckeyes, acorns, white pumpkin and gourds.

And finally, the sideboard.

A white artichoke planter filled with lilies, eucalyptus (left over from the wreath) and curly willow (left over from the screened-in porch), paired with a single white pumpkin.

What I love about this arrangement is how low maintenance it is. While lilies may not be the most seasonal flower, they are what I had on hand (a lovely gift last week) and thanks to some floral foam, will be easy to change out when the time comes. The willow and eucalyptus will last the season, making this a fairly low maintenance arrangement.

You'll probably notice that I used a lot of similar elements from room to room. Flow is so important - how one room works in conjunction with another - it should not be overlooked.

The iron basket in my front hall is the leaping off point for all my accessories. My pallet includes shades of green, in the foyer and living room; browns, in the foyer, living room and dining room; whites, in the living room and dining room; and finally some purples, starting at the wreath on the front door, carried into the mantel in the living room and finishing with the floral arrangement in the dining room.

Ok, this post might qualify as my longest to date. I've probably lost every ones attention so I'll save my last couple displays for tomorrow. Until then...

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