Pine Cone Decor and Centerpieces

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUuJE0S6W_7v6QkUznyR_B8OYp9fEB4wDDqR8-R65SiEttJ9k9KFpeinF2AlDZyq7om5Tb0u7Kdtf2SjQ-kNq-ZWaoP67G7tek97GMNNK5Wp4a5vH6FpJlzEGT08eP53ucC7e_aw_ic/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="centerpiece, fall decor, DIY centerpiece" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUuJE0S6W_7v6QkUznyR_B8OYp9fEB4wDDqR8-R65SiEttJ9k9KFpeinF2AlDZyq7om5Tb0u7Kdtf2SjQ-kNq-ZWaoP67G7tek97GMNNK5Wp4a5vH6FpJlzEGT08eP53ucC7e_aw_ic/s320/centerpiece.jpg" title="" width="174" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">For fall décor, I love pine cones. They're so interesting to look at - all that texture, <em>and</em> they smell good. Best of all - they're free! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm very sloooowly starting to add some autumnal touches to the house. (Do you love the word <em>AUTUMNAL</em> as much as I do?) Sadly, I haven't quite embraced fall décor yet - I haven't bought any pumpkins, no mums, no corn stalk bunches... I have, however<em>,</em> walked around outside and picked up some pine cones. Oh yeah, go me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pine cones are one of the most simple, natural, (and free) elements you can use for your fall and winter décor. Whether your decorating your table with a centerpiece, or hanging a wreath on the front door, head out and gather up some pine cones. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned, I managed to collect a few pine cones from the yard. I took what used to be an appetizer tray, and spray painted it brown. I then used the eraser end of a pencil, dipped it in gold paint, and put some gold polka dots on it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIokrUsHfxP2ufJdaHC0RnEdICz-DUZqgac532ogVBZB0T353BD0ddJkceE5t534HXiKlWMAi9SI5L25u0wqKB9xwABmFwBJjztvg3dfA-XCPNsu_YoCK9DrQMx_xG4Ejlf_j_jOs181k/s1600/DIY+Sign+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIokrUsHfxP2ufJdaHC0RnEdICz-DUZqgac532ogVBZB0T353BD0ddJkceE5t534HXiKlWMAi9SI5L25u0wqKB9xwABmFwBJjztvg3dfA-XCPNsu_YoCK9DrQMx_xG4Ejlf_j_jOs181k/s320/DIY+Sign+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I added dollar store candle holders, which are a gold mercury glass. It looked kinda cute, but as it's now fall, it needed some pine cones I thought. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCwfT_yNoCUUuQYeAGTN9DpaX8TtFgcyV7SdoXSHqcMawbwhqkn3oGH0yC5cVuno6BEGnz_pSPCb3A9qP_64aQLwu3gJaDmR5czJZJ3hKQwNXdXNbOfkHafqzO3aaJ6saRSPMee1fMZk/s1600/apple+pie,+apples+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCwfT_yNoCUUuQYeAGTN9DpaX8TtFgcyV7SdoXSHqcMawbwhqkn3oGH0yC5cVuno6BEGnz_pSPCb3A9qP_64aQLwu3gJaDmR5czJZJ3hKQwNXdXNbOfkHafqzO3aaJ6saRSPMee1fMZk/s320/apple+pie,+apples+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUuJE0S6W_7v6QkUznyR_B8OYp9fEB4wDDqR8-R65SiEttJ9k9KFpeinF2AlDZyq7om5Tb0u7Kdtf2SjQ-kNq-ZWaoP67G7tek97GMNNK5Wp4a5vH6FpJlzEGT08eP53ucC7e_aw_ic/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="centerpiece, fall decor, DIY centerpiece" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUuJE0S6W_7v6QkUznyR_B8OYp9fEB4wDDqR8-R65SiEttJ9k9KFpeinF2AlDZyq7om5Tb0u7Kdtf2SjQ-kNq-ZWaoP67G7tek97GMNNK5Wp4a5vH6FpJlzEGT08eP53ucC7e_aw_ic/s320/centerpiece.jpg" title="" width="174" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5lU7ZTlsX_uKQBeIcOp67nPcloW4oi5Ns9uw9Wbl5VmnZDBaP956RiClWG3cM2q19r35i5Rx0EDqSIFwFTxJkDxQQddxveLkWbAMt2cwKtOfGi7J1GbBymwaXzfOm_A62YYUIOZ2xZk/s1600/DIY+Sign+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No one has noticed, or at least hasn't mentioned the new little centerpiece on my side table, but the cat likes knocking the pine cones on to the floor. As long as he's happy. I aim to please!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year the little man and I walked around and collected bunches of pine cones, piled them in a big vase and added twinkle lights. He was very proud of his creation, which we plugged in all last fall and winter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCwfT_yNoCUUuQYeAGTN9DpaX8TtFgcyV7SdoXSHqcMawbwhqkn3oGH0yC5cVuno6BEGnz_pSPCb3A9qP_64aQLwu3gJaDmR5czJZJ3hKQwNXdXNbOfkHafqzO3aaJ6saRSPMee1fMZk/s1600/apple+pie,+apples+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0066cc;"><img alt="Pine Cone Theft" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/a6/30/dfa6308229ab541312f721211abc8109.jpg" style="height: 240px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 320px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">This year, I think I'll add a few more pine cone-y elements. I love this garland, which would look great strung across our sliding glass doors, or maybe in the bay window near the dining room table. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCwfT_yNoCUUuQYeAGTN9DpaX8TtFgcyV7SdoXSHqcMawbwhqkn3oGH0yC5cVuno6BEGnz_pSPCb3A9qP_64aQLwu3gJaDmR5czJZJ3hKQwNXdXNbOfkHafqzO3aaJ6saRSPMee1fMZk/s1600/apple+pie,+apples+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="fall decoration 634x421 DIY: Autumn Decoration and Centerpiece Ideas" class="alignnone" scale="0" src="http://www.topdreamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fall-decoration-634x421.jpg" title="DIY: Autumn Decoration and Centerpiece Ideas" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.topdreamer.com/diy-autumn-decoration-centerpiece-ideas/">source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And aren't these mason jar pine cone centerpieces are adorable? A couple of these would look great in my kitchen window: </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15108" height="425" src="http://reluctantentertainer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC_0035_2.jpg" title="DSC_0035_2" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://reluctantentertainer.com/2011/12/table-setting-with-mason-jars-and-pine-cones/">Source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">A wreath is a must this year. I have several grape vine wreaths that could easily be covered in pine cones. The Shady Porch shows us how to make a pine cone wreath. You could easily spray paint it to match whatever color combo you have going on. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx-BfsPgJAY/UikxHBgihRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/x5YLeNbLmpI/s1600/finished+pinecone+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pine Cone Wreath for Fall #Crafts #DIY #Pine cone #pinecones #decorations #autumn #fall #wreath" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx-BfsPgJAY/UikxHBgihRI/AAAAAAAAEXk/x5YLeNbLmpI/s400/finished+pinecone+wreath.jpg" title="Pine Cone Wreath for Fall by The Shady Porch" width="340" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com/2013/09/pine-cone-wreath-for-fall-how-to.html">Source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Or, I'm loving the pine cone cluster. Ribbon, hot glue, pine cones. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/8i/thanksgiving-wreath-party-1109-mdn.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LUuJE0S6W_7v6QkUznyR_B8OYp9fEB4wDDqR8-R65SiEttJ9k9KFpeinF2AlDZyq7om5Tb0u7Kdtf2SjQ-kNq-ZWaoP67G7tek97GMNNK5Wp4a5vH6FpJlzEGT08eP53ucC7e_aw_ic/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/entertaining/thanksgiving-party-planning-1109?click=main_sr#slide-5">source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last but not least, I do like the idea of scented pine cones. <em>However</em>, nothing offends my nose more than those big bags of cinnamon scented pine cones at the entrance of package stores. They're too strongly. Gag. But I'm thinking, how about if I use spray adhesive and some fresh ground nutmeg? <em>OR</em>, perhaps a small indoor wreath incorporating cinnamon sticks? I'll keep you posted!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you do with pine cones? I'd love to hear your ideas, so leave me a comment - it makes my day! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Julia</div>

Pine Cone Decor and Centerpieces

  For fall décor, I love pine cones. They're so interesting to look at - all that texture,  and they smell good. Best of all - they...

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I Want to be a Baker

Sometimes things just don't go as planned.<br/><br/>Take, for example, the muffins I tried to bake from scratch.  I am not baker, but this week I decided it was high time I learned how to bake.  I used to have a catering company, and although I can cook, I had to hire someone else when baking was required.  In fact, I'm so bad, I can ruin boxed cookies and cakes.  My own kids make fun of me.  SO, that's why I decided to show them - I WILL be a baker.  I found a blueberry muffin recipe, got all the ingredients together, and tried REALLY HARD to follow the directions exactly.<br/><br/>I envisioned the kids happily munching on their home made blueberry muffins, soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside.  I'd be standing by watching them eat, with a June Cleaver satisfied smile, and my apron tied around my waist, a light dusting of flour on my brow...<br/><br/>Except that's not quite how it went down.  The 4 year old flat our refused to take a bite of one.  My 11 year old son took one bite raised an eyebrow, and said they "needed something".  My 14 year old daughter took an enthusiastic bite of her muffin, and I was hopeful, but she promptly started choking.  No joke.<br/><br/>After I finished thumping her between the shoulder blades, and had her breathing again, I thought sadly, "maybe I'm not going to be a baker".<br/><br/>But later that day, my sister-in-law and mother-in-law both assured me that the muffins weren't bad, even though they almost killed my daughter.  And, I guess there's no harm done - I mean, you can't really poison anyone with a muffin. So maybe I'll keep trying.<br/><br/>Anyway.  That was just one thing that didn't go to plan this week. The other was the pumpkin carving.  We got a few pumpkins and lined them up on the front steps, awaiting their pumpkin glamification.<br/><br/>I was happily dreaming of carving, and drilling (so clever!), lighting...  Again, I envisioned something completely different from what actually transpired.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0197.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-593" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0197-199x300.jpg" title="DSC_0197" width="199" /></a><br/><br/>I wish I had been able to catch the dog with the pumpkin out in the yard on camera .  It seems she wanted to carve her own pumpkin.  Doggy DIY.  One pumpkin down, but two others are still ready for some carving action.  I will keep you posted on how they turn out.  But I'm not going to promise any great transformation.<br/><br/>Or maybe I'll make pumpkin muffins... And feed them to the dog.

I Want to be a Baker

Sometimes things just don't go as planned. Take, for example, the muffins I tried to bake from scratch.  I am not baker, but this week I...

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Face it! It's Fall.

Yesterday I happened to be in Wally World, trying to focus on my task at hand, when I noticed a display promoting flu shots.   <em>What?! </em> And this morning my kids went back to school.   <em>What's happening?! </em> To further my confusion, I pulled in the driveway after dropping the kids, and noticed a whole tree, the whole thing, is orange.<br/><br/>Ugh.  With a capital U.  I guess there's really no denying it - it's fall y'all.  Part of me wants to cry, the other part wants to throw something in the crock pot, curl up with a book, and mentally wave goodbye to mosquitoes, sunscreen, and quite frankly, burgers.  I do know we'll have a few beautiful summer days, maybe even manage to get out on the lake a time or two, but our days are truly numbered.<br/><br/>Don't get me wrong.  Fall is okay.  However, in Central New York, Fall equals <em>IMPENDING WINTER</em>.  But let's not go there, I'm starting to get hives just thinking about it.<br/><br/>Ready or not, I suppose I have to make a small effort to welcome in the changing season.  I'm not saying I can handle pumpkins and gourds, corn stalks and scarecrows, and mums in every corner.   But I guess I could make a teeny tiny little effort.  After all, my hanging baskets look like something out of "The Living Dead" - they're still hanging there, but the life has left.   Not to mention, the pansies look like a some sort of sick Halloween prank.<br/><br/>So, that being said, here are a couple of things I could consider...<br/><br/>Loving and old post from Thrifty Decor Chic with window boxes.  I am definitely going to borrow this idea:<br/><br/><img alt="" height="277" id="il_fi" src="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/pumpkin-project-2.jpg" width="400" /><br/><br/>Or these mum "stuffed" pumpkins, photo by Amber Bordelon, are really cute.  I would probably use fake pumkins from the dollar store so that I don't have to deal with them molding and mutating on me.<br/><br/><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/492649928764074_5EFEYaCE_c.jpg" /><br/><br/>And from nowserveme.wordpress.com, I love the lighted branches and gourds (I already have a few strands of lighted branches):<br/><br/><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/84231455501430174_fjAEt9P1_c.jpg" /><br/><br/>Similarly, like this vase from Pinterest:<br/><br/><img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/201817627021076976_vCJAJjDK_c.jpg" /><br/><br/>Dried beans and berries - cheap and cheerful:<br/><br/><img alt="Fall Fill" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2010/07/101504048.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" /><br/><br/>And also this from budgetwisehome.com.  You could do the wax paper trick to preserve the leaves before you put them in a vase.<br/><br/><img alt="" height="500" id="il_fi" src="http://www.budgetwisehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/FallLeavesVase2.jpg" width="333" /><br/><br/>All in all, it's not too terribly ambitious, but baby steps people.  I'm mourning the loss of summer.

Face it! It's Fall.

Yesterday I happened to be in Wally World, trying to focus on my task at hand, when I noticed a display promoting flu shots.   What?!  And ...

Read more »