Thriifty Decor Chick

Quick mantel redo

Hey hey! Well, the birthday week continues with a little something for a couple of you. From HomeGoods. Whaaaat? (Said in minion voice.) Yes. HomeGoods asked me and a few other bloggers to share how a few small changes can change up a space in our home. My challenge was in the bedroom – their survey found the bedroom is the No. 1 room in the home that negatively impacts people’s mood. Interesting! They challenged me to change up a spot in our bedroom just making small changes. This was hard for me – no spray paint, no tweaks. Just decorate. Thing is, I love our bedding (from HomeGoods, shock) so I needed to focus on a different area in our master. I walked into the store and found my inspiration right away! The space I wanted to focus on is the mantel – <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/changes-in-master.html">earlier this year</a> I changed it up with some Goodwill art: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGG7Ja8xeMA2oOCWGrYP_tb9QdeLGkSqHjVkhtLcCF681BUArciHCGjD40y-sfLSk-2jUE-Wr6kdgSeWi52ofbEDOEqVPnGU-jfG91QUn06h4vb7lxlnFPx0iHUktPAdNWjA5kZmLzW4/s1600-h/IMG_4803_thumb%25255B4%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating a mantel" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITZVGHS3MTCL07tAQ-8SzeGkg2Dad5KgJyu3bxVsKwra0VLBGDbD877O5cUhQXel5bi1UVjzZ3Fg0SykdFOM_VpcDaFsbHumXN-HZcL30m4sAJOAt3cnr095xs-7NK6R7fCY8dct-UmA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating a mantel" width="550" /></a> Soooo. I like it at first. It was dark and moody and it reminded me of a special place for my husband and I. But within a few weeks it just got…well, dark and moody. ;) And I love those floofy things off to the side but they were kind of weird up there. Soooo. This is the spot I changed up. Instead of floofy things I went with classic candlesticks: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQey7vJNy6GMlOJTdZYTAD9fcEeA3FaWsHzygI3WkyjElbRW8vuXpu2Z-oKMNSGAFCA9OJeGXP8sEiGsIemvLWiel8jckwmMGNg8Q4W7tzHNc0ZnEyr0wQuvqjuYx8EnMHtDB6rGJDN-o/s1600-h/IMG_6917%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating a mantel " border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaeqHAe5u4X3xL5jthsQ7d3bzA2whIb_tqQoeQwaOsLzuzhkZNyF6IM_BCBPxnoxLRcGJxaMaDoiplXX56BB3z1dPPA-FgKPSf22n8YEs0Pgkcx8NZA3PQh4DetfaprKiEQoMPL7RXeo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating a mantel " width="450" /></a> I saw that beautiful box with the navy blue accents and knew it was perfect. (You can see my navy blue lamps <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/09/glossy-navy-blue-love.html">here</a>.) The other side is filled with items that were already up there – I just pulled in a navy blue book to bring some of that color to that side: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioyQnZd14e5IClSai-oAZjN8HQI11DLU8NI2hw9MEWQGp95Ef3ozDvQNYSvUmFNbqvFjPE8sV7YRH5t34QH2DL2sZOkRJsrVa3it3eKKnJQQp64s8FXFn3z_lZuhNASZVF1AspTOE18o/s1600-h/decorating-mantel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating mantel " border="0" height="711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Rr49q8lWSd2uYPgNWbsyJbYRzFd7C-7C-7OLI4nqZ-l6DYl-8ehDH_PkZAPdlUe7GUjeSIsnRNBkhtGuVnZjml7B0CSV_3QDjOl_ojZbbVFviCYZRN2b7ntJlrOmD0EMjM0p_VCKjV4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating mantel " width="450" /></a> I changed out the orchid pot too to a darker one (just switched it with another orchid). By the way – see those blooms? Yes, I successfully grew an orchid that rebloomed. GOLD STAR for me. Although I have no idea how I did it, I just noticed one day it was blooming again. Soooo. I’ve talked about my method for accessorizing a space before and I followed that here – variety in heights and pulling similar colors in throughout. It seems to work. I also picked up a throw because I clearly don’t have enough throws as it is (that’s sarcasm if you can’t tell): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-BY71Z-hJiZx1pI-UfRUbTjMayuJP0E-43oIilu_JptaPWR6AuZs_AEge2DXU3j4EcLwc7Y4renFhUGrUPrYiAifaT2pVW1OyO44KVjUGBKv-YaCe6l_UDMkYyRAcDRkXCyj-_kwSwM/s1600-h/IMG_6914%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dark gray settee" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9svi86HR__2qBt99hwdwMgTFFnYs-8hyjpod4HiVzCBaKmb9XPhGdRy1iwxDLxf0M34l0bIJXc5GFY_c-4nXgVItyJDWipTsFQEJAnN2GdsVWabKcGbwV1Yshi8n81f9bczNJiH69Pc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="dark gray settee" width="450" /></a> Isn’t that beautiful? It’s so soft! By the way, the settee and the pillow, both from the HG a while back. Oh, and I almost forgot the most important part! The part that inspired the whole redo, the big mirror: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpcuI2jm6yif54vS75cHYvWROMhNSnMb0KDHgrDcC-q6juE2yiAoFCsCobO9QP1Vy1fpmKSPkSLDxqf41lLCvxGnpF75NrJG6f8K7x_K6HUcwCAeOg2s5AUBaHHbLqiIq5NpGtu3I02I/s1600-h/how-to-decorate-mantel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to decorate mantel" border="0" height="801" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QtpwavLZhIag2CXEwXBGerR1pdL_eZljyZ73AvVFZsBNbRDaOzUWrxbM_8ecLODhhX3ijEO6nPstZwL7q2tIXsV8ta4u_9IeXjRvoaeAwjJMA8RXZ8k0jn7afKEJ7UKPjeNR8ROjOO0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="how to decorate mantel" width="500" /></a> Ack! So much better! Eventually I’d like to place some DIY art above the settee but for now I just removed a few of the frames that were up there and love it simpler like this – it can breathe now. :) By the way, a smart designer once told me not to use mirrors above fireplaces, (because they reflect the ceiling) and for years I fought hard to follow that advice. But I’ve since realized that they’re fine – quite lovely actually. It’s hard to fill that space above a mantel and sometimes a mirror is the very best thing for it. I take it all back – put a mirror up, it’s OK. :) You’ll notice that these walls aren’t the new wall color yet. That’s because 1.) I’ve been lazy and painting the tall walls sounds as fun as walking on hot coals 2.) I’m still not 100 percent I’m going with the color I picked out. So there’s my update with a few accessories – it took me all of 15 minutes to change it out. For me that’s a record. The best part? Two of you get $50 to spend at HomeGoods. I’ve got them right here burning a hole in my desk. So to enter just comment here – have you been to HomeGoods? Did you hear singing the first time? (Every time?) What’s your favorite purchase? Answer any or all or none, just leave a comment (with your email address!). :) AND if you are so inclined, you can repin from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/179581103865051789/">this link</a> and if I get the most pins I’ll get another FIVE $50 cards to give to you all. YES. So there you go. HomeGoods happy, it’s a thing. P.S. I am having issues with the photos on my blog – they are so crisp and clean for me and then I load them into Blogger and they get dark and blurry. Trying to figure out what the issue is, bear with me! Disclaimer: I received a gift card to complete this redo. Love of the HG is my own.

Quick mantel redo

Hey hey! Well, the birthday week continues with a little something for a couple of you. From HomeGoods. Whaaaat ? (Said in minion voice.) ...

7:21 AM

October Before and After

Well hello! I’m just gonna start this out right – it’s my birthday week. Yep. ALLLLL week. That’s how I roll. Also, I’ve been thinking for a while and I’m considering changing this party to once every two or three months instead of once a month. Thoughts? The linky parties just aren’t as popular as they used to be. My favorite part is that some of you get to share and find each other, and I love the highlighting blogs during this recap every month – so I would continue to do that in one way or another. I’m just thinking the linky is dying a slow death. ;) Let me know your thoughts. OK, before we link up this month it’s time to share a few of the projects from last month! I picked some big ones and some simpler ones – all awesome! First up is <a href="http://semidomesticatedmama.com/2013/08/beforeafter-kitchen-remodel-for-under-65.html">Delia’s kitchen redo</a>: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-riwFajBqqOk/UlLEEEG9AFI/AAAAAAAAhPw/VBByJv-IsIw/s1600-h/gel%252520stain%252520on%252520cabinets%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gel stain on cabinets" border="0" height="666" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kMZQwbtTo2w/UlLEElvnAxI/AAAAAAAAhP4/rjblx2OXZwc/gel%252520stain%252520on%252520cabinets_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="gel stain on cabinets" width="400" /></a> And when she says budget she means it – this was done with $65! She used gel stain to transform her cabinets and I am in awe! It’s a modern look with more contrast and I think she did a great job. It looks like a different room, for less than $100! I have mud rooms on the brain (I’m starting ours, finally!!) so I was salivating over <a href="http://houseupdated.com/entry-storage-bench-hooks-baskets/">Brit’s beautiful built ins</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtpQCfDKzCNhpr4pSk5no5Vrny15p-3bWXXEowrf63ERLrb77k0Nn52GWkNe_fEnHOKV2rbVYEv3_YnXWyQioPISubuX6zUN_jljMWZe7PqRJCaOzZDIiR_lbo456le576dW2LNT1jRw/s1600-h/entry-storage-bench-hooks-basket-bins1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="entry-storage-bench-hooks-basket-bins1" border="0" height="679" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeJSNWqwT7H_j0MqXhsDuGKKIBpB57DWYBMRacNbMJ5rSulN-pk04mEkVjzNKpP_bOYmQGKZdEu6s0TAM3NBoqstL2axMNpm_Ei7rUELF0vRxH8wRKdOiEWLvyTCBWaTnpUOA1d3B9cM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="entry-storage-bench-hooks-basket-bins1" width="450" /></a> Seriously – this gets me so excited! By the way, love Brit’s amazing moldings around the window, right? Right. <a href="http://www.remodelandolacasa.com/2013/08/how-to-install-trim-on-double-window.html">Cristina showed us</a> how to do just this: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zOELU1dTXoA/UlLEGQIEVjI/AAAAAAAAhQQ/dnGI3T8Sb54/s1600-h/easy%252520way%252520to%252520install%252520window%252520trim%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy way to install window trim" border="0" height="537" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8UmuLFEd91A/UlLEHIrdW0I/AAAAAAAAhQY/g8wZ_0wagLE/easy%252520way%252520to%252520install%252520window%252520trim_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy way to install window trim" width="500" /></a> There are days I hold myself back from trying to rip out a window sill on a whim to do just this – trying to be patient. There’s a long list ahead of it. :) Here’s an easier project for you – Rachel did a super cute redo on a <a href="http://likeasaturday.com/2013/08/05/ditto-diy-designer-inspired-trash-cans/">dollar spot trash can</a>: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NCLQ_MPmnJ4/UlLEHo7_0_I/AAAAAAAAhQg/Kw-TlFB1XaM/s1600-h/polka%252520dot%252520trash%252520can%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="polka dot trash can" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LKZ3UB-BgQg/UlLEIPpf8CI/AAAAAAAAhQo/695sQIW7u5k/polka%252520dot%252520trash%252520can_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="polka dot trash can" width="550" /></a> Why didn’t I think of that? That’s what blogs are for. So stinking cute. Laura’s beautiful, <a href="http://topthistopthat.blogspot.com/2013/08/are-you-napper-andmy-master-bedroom.html">light bedroom redo</a> (mostly just with paint) had me swooning: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tmO3XVRXN7k/UlLEJGa6jkI/AAAAAAAAhQs/qIoyS8rMeDw/s1600-h/light%252520bedroom%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="light bedroom" border="0" height="676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c8vaCSx_8yU/UlLEKNTduhI/AAAAAAAAhQ4/FBrzfKW0sEU/light%252520bedroom_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="light bedroom" width="450" /></a> Just lovely! My friend Beckie <a href="http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2013/08/boys-bedroom-decor.html">made over her son’s room</a> and made it a SUPER fun place to be: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul_dCaknn9E29dC3KrSJ4ZW2eclNHkoBgpbVLiNGRyZRNZWxnffGE4_9nxvQ_N1ZKWclGkhjMqWI70KGSrIhtAVf5FY3pBxqfP16v3FceUZCWPuym4aJwVL0W3L_08EWit2P0VQrvrfA/s1600-h/hanging%252520beds%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hanging beds" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Vl8mGZJ3dY0yd1eY5mW5ZCOj0tENU3SloMXIWQp61hxnY4BzUXdF1bvCwlHQIOAjY4uMoZpCtKyPPzp1CU6eJ7JbyThEN_MgsAjXFkV8McyWp0ErBZNnFUG9ROFtUYQQmWyio0Wu7xY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="hanging beds" width="550" /></a> Aren’t those beds the coolest? Seriously, so fun!! Tracy took a $10 desk and <a href="http://prettysaroshome.com/2013/06/20/my-recent-yard-sailing-mojo-and-an-awesome-desk/">transformed it with milk paint</a>: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s_HFwAoCJTA/UlLEL9k56cI/AAAAAAAAhRQ/3kQXO3IZIpo/s1600-h/milk%252520paint%252520desk%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="milk paint desk" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ggFzm1yHSAo/UlLEMrZ6kBI/AAAAAAAAhRY/zwiHtB9umus/milk%252520paint%252520desk_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="milk paint desk" width="550" /></a> I am so digging that green lately – all greens actually. The top on that dresser turned out beautifully too, make sure to check that out. And finally, another easy project – I love this one. Lisa made a plastic trophy look like an old vintage one:  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s42l-KJCfw4/UlLENYrYXjI/AAAAAAAAhRg/hfGI6-E3Za0/s1600-h/trophy%252520redo%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="trophy redo" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7viw155ndw/UlLENzX-1cI/AAAAAAAAhRo/DSXencuHPU4/trophy%252520redo_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="trophy redo" width="500" /></a> I couldn’t believe the difference! You can find these shiny trophies everywhere too – I see them all over thrift stores. Go <a href="http://www.ferncreekcottage.com/2013/08/faux-vintage-trophy-tutorial.html">here</a> to see her tutorial! OK, now it’s time to link up again! I can’t even believe it’s October people! If you’d like to be considered for the recap next month I would love a link back or you can use my cute button: <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre> OK, have fun and link it up! <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=326576"></script>

October Before and After

Well hello! I’m just gonna start this out right – it’s my birthday week. Yep. ALLLLL week. That’s how I roll. Also, I’ve been thinking for...

7:24 AM

Framed Pine Cones

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TWuKjnTZBGaxYIHNm5HF77vfQcAXL33e-fuz2vFnMJM711tOufDfsdwyZffzXnzHfuYw4yC2ZzNgAh3uDYx6lHl6KqGbuNmoL73HyYFuuPvk2IIQtuMdkxSm3W-Z148H-9l7hYZYcxo/s1600/pinecone+frame1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pinecones, pine cones, crafts with pinecones, craft project" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TWuKjnTZBGaxYIHNm5HF77vfQcAXL33e-fuz2vFnMJM711tOufDfsdwyZffzXnzHfuYw4yC2ZzNgAh3uDYx6lHl6KqGbuNmoL73HyYFuuPvk2IIQtuMdkxSm3W-Z148H-9l7hYZYcxo/s400/pinecone+frame1.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Gathering pine cones with the lil man is one of our favorite things to do. We've collected lots of them, so we're always trying to find ways to display them. Yesterday I found an old frame <strike>stuffed </strike>tucked away in our Narnia Closet, so I thought I'd pop it in the kitchen window and put some of those pine cones to use. I glued the pine cones to strips of polka dot ribbon, and hung the ribbon from the back side of the frame using thumb tacks. It's a terribly gloomy day, but here's an iphone pic with another view. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KIlE6qo4hCWKUv1_B9j09ozOndxnAOR9zKwc_d6_CcgMY79EiCwvxmOzcrZOp5MNX51TEdmjLEBlBhHnXiC-dbeKtp4pNc-SWpzngh6mrnEVuMa4U-DA1RVj1V2dZsTe3IAqQ8LR4bU/s1600/october+13+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KIlE6qo4hCWKUv1_B9j09ozOndxnAOR9zKwc_d6_CcgMY79EiCwvxmOzcrZOp5MNX51TEdmjLEBlBhHnXiC-dbeKtp4pNc-SWpzngh6mrnEVuMa4U-DA1RVj1V2dZsTe3IAqQ8LR4bU/s320/october+13+024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyXHkT2O-HxJLTVvQ5UYUViWNJ2u0uhQsEeX6WS7wou90CXZczYLBYDpOLpqRq8WdOHnOCJlwqNbtxu6Abhq705TTuzecpQMGezV5qug_5y01nooZOlk1J-1u5inSWhuFl39htrWqXcA/s1600/pinecones2+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm off outside to pick up my porch cuz the wind has blown everything over. I do believe a stormzacomin! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyBY-w3VEkMD2NUaAseFu5a_g1UQpap_59HIr49gHuGxFNK75i0WLH_sGmCCua2swjNuB29vD3gearBSxvAdlFCJe5jBcprbJ9rpu0iqUJOQA0LlsrxCNr6vJGWnpeAbGaNcVdfwT274/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div align="left"></div>

Framed Pine Cones

Gathering pine cones with the lil man is one of our favorite things to do. We've collected lots of them, so we're always trying ...

7:19 AM

Coffee Creamer Recipe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdesAbQJrNsUOo2F5x-Q84wiwGvnV74qn31WWEQjHI8VHkQvvi64Voo7AM3Ija1cXvpXQNjwi93tG51Xvu1pt3dhQyFzyjQYvGT030EOxny8jS6qC0aUdoGZLTj0_9jEyHGmNomdqVtiw/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Coffee+Creamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coffee creamer recipe, homemade coffee creamer, powdered coffee creamer recipe" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdesAbQJrNsUOo2F5x-Q84wiwGvnV74qn31WWEQjHI8VHkQvvi64Voo7AM3Ija1cXvpXQNjwi93tG51Xvu1pt3dhQyFzyjQYvGT030EOxny8jS6qC0aUdoGZLTj0_9jEyHGmNomdqVtiw/s1600/Make+Your+Own+Coffee+Creamer.jpg" title="" width="285" /></a></div> I drink A LOT of coffee. With powdered creamer.  I know, classy! I'm not happy unless my coffee looks like a hot milkshake, and running out of creamer makes me cranky. SO, it crossed my mind that I should make my own coffee creamer, to save running out so often, and to save some money as well. I don't like flavored coffee, so I found a Plain Jane recipe on food.com. This took all of two minutes to mix together. (Not including the 45 minutes at the store, searching high and low for instant dry milk, and coconut oil. Coconut oil is in the health food area, and dry milk is in the baking aisle, FYI.) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Powdered Coffee Creamer Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk ¼ cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted Combine dry milk and sugar in a bowl. Add coconut oil, drizzling it over the top while mixing with a fork. Mix well until there are no lumps. Put it in a jar with a lid  and give it a good shake. Once you have it all mixed up, you can store it in the pantry. The verdict: It tastes almost exactly like the store bought stuff, and making your own coffee creamer does save money - it costs about half the cost of buying the store brand. It's probably worth it to make my own, but I doubt I'd do it on a regular basis, simply because I'm lazy. (I'm not even gonna feel guilty about that!) BUT I will say, IF I liked flavored coffee creamer, this would be the BOMB (yes, my kids are going to make fun of me for saying that). The homemade version is super easy to flavor-up, and this would make a good hostess gift, so I will make it again. For flavored coffee, add any of the following: 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract 1 tsp orange extract 1/2 cup cocoa 1 tsp peppermint extract 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg You get the idea! Just add one of the above (or combine a couple) to the dry ingredients, put the lid on, and shake for a few minutes to mix thoroughly. What else could you flavor the creamer with?

Coffee Creamer Recipe

I drink A LOT of coffee. With powdered creamer. I know, classy! I'm not happy unless my coffee looks like a hot milkshake, and runn...

8:39 AM

Antique Farm House

**This giveaway is now closed. Winners have been contacted via email.   Aww yeah. Whoohoo for the weekend! I’m off later on today to hit up a barn sale and then my sis and I are checking out a local winery in a cute area nearby. FUN stuff. Today we’re kicking off the weekend with a little something for you guys courtesy of my friends at one of my favorite decor sites, <a href="http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com" rel="nofollow">Antique Farm House</a>: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MJX-h3ORW_w/Uk7TfgvnLgI/AAAAAAAAhNk/cNgUHRNs4KQ/s1600-h/logo-%2525281%252529%25255B8%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="logo-(1)[8]" border="0" height="117" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8jXI8un2JdU/Uk7TgGGDXGI/AAAAAAAAhNo/w9Jx09AsVP8/logo-%2525281%252529%25255B8%25255D_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="logo-(1)[8]" width="450" /></a> I LOVE their items because you’ll find such beautiful pieces that look like they’ve been collected over time from little shops and antique stores…but it’s all in one spot ready to go for you. :) And I always love finding pieces that not everyone has – their items are unique and fun. I’ll share a few of the recent and upcoming finds that you’ll see on the site, starting with my favorite: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6hBOyiFeZaA/Uk7TgvDNmuI/AAAAAAAAhN0/cEyOIOL8Qpw/s1600-h/Iron-Orb-Chandelier--Sphere-Chandelier%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="orb chandelier" border="0" height="531" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9OgU2-QhzDw/Uk7ThNQf8nI/AAAAAAAAhN8/UfQJkfNZzWw/Iron-Orb-Chandelier--Sphere-Chandelier_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="orb chandelier" width="400" /></a> Ummm. Helloooo. Another one of my favorite sites sells this fixture for…let’s just say…a lot more. Gah. Where do I need this? Where?? I’m a sucker for the big glass demijohns – they fill up a space beautifully: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4bhNolGtRtc/Uk7ThhaVedI/AAAAAAAAhOE/QUcLicYu8lw/s1600-h/demijohn%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="demijohn" border="0" height="454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Fky37yKtA9c/Uk7TiPPzhDI/AAAAAAAAhOM/WKlSrZid_6c/demijohn_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="demijohn" width="450" /></a> I have a thing for all things glass anyway, so I want to buy these every single time I see them. These wire baskets are always useful: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mr3bbSVNz3A/Uk7TimBFNnI/AAAAAAAAhOU/TIu1tOqtIXI/s1600-h/potato-basket%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wire baskets" border="0" height="344" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yBY8KSEnqbA/Uk7TjJ_LDkI/AAAAAAAAhOc/BvZpLmTT7Ic/potato-basket_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wire baskets" width="500" /></a> I love their smaller accessories like this antique brass clock: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6R8Xsish4j8/Uk7TjglNiZI/AAAAAAAAhOk/uzCP3MUBlzg/s1600-h/desktop-clock%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="brass clock" border="0" height="327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WUeWQ1fqrlM/Uk7TkNqbd_I/AAAAAAAAhOs/GDI4KOnjJFw/desktop-clock_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="brass clock" width="500" /></a> That would be perfect for a nightstand or bookcase. I’ve been trying to find something cute to hold things like potatoes, peppers and onions – if I put them in the pantry I forget about them and there’s no room in the fruit bowl. Love this for the counter: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rEJBW0cU2Bk/Uk7TklGvxlI/AAAAAAAAhO0/IGWJFkcrLsI/s1600-h/wood-tray-with-screen-cover%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood tray screen cover" border="0" height="348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-378JbKnYxyE/Uk7TlC2V3HI/AAAAAAAAhO8/yUq_VT7-7Eo/wood-tray-with-screen-cover_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood tray screen cover" width="500" /></a> It would be cute for bread too! And I love the dark sand in this hourglass: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1WBhpR3TjZM/Uk7Tlxk885I/AAAAAAAAhPE/g8SvGYrtH14/s1600-h/sand-hourglass%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sand hourglass" border="0" height="362" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_MXRSIRk4Pg/Uk7TmdVg9NI/AAAAAAAAhPM/1BS0egPrtHU/sand-hourglass_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sand hourglass" width="500" /></a> See this is what I’m talking about – they all look like a find from the antique shop! Love. Their current grain fabric sale is doing really well: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VOjg7xHmFyI/Uk7TnnyQkaI/AAAAAAAAhPU/16_i1e4fb1k/s1600-h/vintage-grain-sack-fabric%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="vintage grain fabric" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FZOWW-1P-14/Uk7ToJAt3gI/AAAAAAAAhPc/6Rw0kWIyz5E/vintage-grain-sack-fabric_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="vintage grain fabric" width="500" /></a> Of course this would be great for pillows or towels or art – but if you love this look the fabric would be so pretty as a tree skirt this Christmas too! You don’t even need to hem it – just pile it around the bottom of the tree (that’s what I do!). No one will even know. ;) The great news this weekend is the folks at Antique Farm House are offering $50 to two of you to spend as you wish on their site! Here’s how to win one of two $50 credits to Antique Farm House: 1. Leave a comment here. EASY. What do you have planned this beautiful fall weekend? 2. Visit the Antique Farm House site <a href="http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com" rel="nofollow">here</a> and take a look around. Find an item you love and come back to let us know what it is. 3. Go to the Antique Farm House Facebook page and like it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AntiqueFarmHouse" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Let us know you did in another comment. (If you already do, just let us know!) 4. If you’d like to get the up-to-date info on new sales, sign up for the AFH newsletter <a href="http://www.antiquefarmhouse.com/Newsletter" rel="nofollow">here</a>, then let us know you did. (Or if you’re already signed up!) * You can enter using one, two or all methods – it’s up to you! All options are not mandatory to win. * Remember if you comment anonymously or you have a private blog, please include your email address in each entry, and spell it out with “at” and “dot” to avoid any spammy emails coming your way. (I have turned anonymous comments back on for this giveaway!) This giveaway is open to the US only. It will close this Monday, October 7 at 9 a.m. EST. Hope you have a lovely, safe weekend!

Antique Farm House

**This giveaway is now closed. Winners have been contacted via email. Aww yeah. Whoohoo for the weekend! I’m off later on today to hit...

7:39 AM

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJi4MDcR1_0goBn2CryQbvae4rQSH6SHS49Jz9rwVxNAtIyITcyyvpgalSWdeKl6ijubSkaK0Nce1mQxBLNZeUkjjcWgQuulK8j6MpmKfn5DSjTDHAIRGu6Of3eDCtUQK9RqSwgxBWh0/s1600/oatmeal+lace+cookies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJi4MDcR1_0goBn2CryQbvae4rQSH6SHS49Jz9rwVxNAtIyITcyyvpgalSWdeKl6ijubSkaK0Nce1mQxBLNZeUkjjcWgQuulK8j6MpmKfn5DSjTDHAIRGu6Of3eDCtUQK9RqSwgxBWh0/s320/oatmeal+lace+cookies1.jpg" width="294" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1">Big A is in the basement building shelves and de-cluttering... or cluttering, it's hard to tell. So I thought I'd do the good wifely thing and bake a batch of cookies for him. (Plus, I didn't have any breakfast.)</div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1"> </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1">I decided to throw together a batch of Oatmeal Lace Cookies. Because you melt the butter rather than wait for it to soften, these Oatmeal Lace Cookies take less than 5 minutes to throw together, and only about 9 more minutes to bake. Now, I'm sure you have heard me mention, I'm not cut out for baking. So I'm always finding recipes that are completely idiot-proof! That doesn't mean I won't burn the house down in the process of baking, but the recipe will be easy to follow. This recipe for Oatmeal Lace Cookies is one of those recipes. It requires very limited time, effort or patience. And, when they are done, they look beautiful - golden, with little spaces between the oats, like lace. Plus they're delicious - the sugar caramelizes making them sweet and buttery! They're great on their own, but become downright addicting with vanilla ice cream. But wait! Wanna know more good news? You don't even have to wash the cookie sheets, because they are lined with parchment paper! Yes!  </div><h3 class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal Lace Cookies</h3><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1" style="text-align: center;">Makes 18 cookies (or less if you eat any of the batter, but who would do that?) </div><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1"> </div><h3 class="section=title" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1">Ingredients </h3><div class="section clrfix ingredients" sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1"><ul sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1"><ul sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1"><li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="1">1/2 cup butter <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="2">1 cup quick oats <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="3">3/4 cup sugar <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="4">1 egg, beaten <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="5">1 teaspoon vanilla <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="6">3 tablespoons flour <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="7">1/4 teaspoon salt <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="8">1/4 teaspoon baking powder </li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ul></ul></div> <div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Note: you could eliminate the flour to suit your diet if you wish. </div><h3 class="section clrfix directions" sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Directions</h3><div class="section clrfix directions" sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0"><ol sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0"><li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="9">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">In a large saucepan, melt the butter. I let my butter brown a tiny bit (trust me). <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Remove from heat and stir in oats, sugar, egg, and vanilla. <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Add flour, salt, and baking powder. <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Drop 3” apart by rounded teaspoonful on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. They spread quite a bit so make sure to give 'em some room to grow. <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until golden. <li sizcache09522323360924393="39" sizset="0">Remove from oven and let cool completely on cookie sheet. Carefully remove from the parchment with a spatula to a wire rack. <li sizcache09522323360924393="12" sizset="11">Store in an airtight container (Yeah, right! You won't have any left to store).</li></li></li></li></li></li></li></li></ol></div> If you want to make your cookies FANCY, you can choose to add one of the following: <ul><li>Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for an almond flavor.</li><li>Stir in a handful of mini-chocolate chips to the finished batter. </li><li>Stir in a handful of chopped nuts - especially pistachio! </li><li>Add 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest or orange zest.</li><li>Melt semi-sweet chocolate and spread thinly over the flat side of the baked and cooled cookies.</li></ul>Try them and let me know what you think! As always, I would love to hear from you! <div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNxeJ6isegs-m86bNQ1B8N7axSnS2bNLP69FKaqV2BM9aTGkAEBak2_JlN29MFXJ-_aS9wOA09ArobB7JAVzyydGiDksGT00IPohaQLVuVq9gjPqEv7kCJHF9quhPu1KoFFkMvRF4HOk/s1600/oatmeal+lace+cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNxeJ6isegs-m86bNQ1B8N7axSnS2bNLP69FKaqV2BM9aTGkAEBak2_JlN29MFXJ-_aS9wOA09ArobB7JAVzyydGiDksGT00IPohaQLVuVq9gjPqEv7kCJHF9quhPu1KoFFkMvRF4HOk/s320/oatmeal+lace+cookies2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Big A is in the basement building shelves and de-cluttering... or cluttering, it's hard to tell. So I thought I'd do the good wife...

8:36 AM

Fall porch decor

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO8vsjXp9aq_ZYIzNcgM1w-kj1l0hZKEcLrhCr5AYw-UQPH2oeP8l1IOHZlDpUUz-TVsDaJix1XzWf34vZiONvz0CYNRHdgYzBAc9XXedEESL2LUGY6n1NdKlSOIFKstuCEgiImhi28Y/s1600-h/pumpkins-and-mums%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="outdoor fall decor " border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQqe9wGXAL0htl9U0k6uQgkjzcnwAhV-phTdq2MoElr-ps7TST-XN9nwTltnmYkyM29ye6932pEQJyfOoyCLfNEvzRAIYgIblzg8xw37LaG-58G__59vQy_-HtQkJJkYgCtjFwWR6lDI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="outdoor fall decor " width="450" /></a> Hey hey! It’s Thursday and I’m happy! I’ve always loved Thursdays. It’s the almost-weekend. LIKE. Today we’re closing up our fall linky parties over at <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com">Rhoda’s outdoor fall decor shindig</a> – whoot! It’s supposed to be warm again today and tomorrow but I’m sitting in my office with a blanket on so I don’t quite believe it. Or I just refuse to believe it. :) So bring on the fall outdoor ideas! Last year I shared our patio dressed up for the season: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar_7VCreF2jsznw6DDeU1kUIe5kzF-R5D7CbQv-DZ9Wi_p1oq4CM_aLxTrlV9VS7Se_yNtmjOquAKCazNSq3XkyZ9kby5c55hjJE-dnL0jQ3OKB5bCHZqrof9c8MxnDngoCbbHl7Xtkg/s1600-h/IMG_2919_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2919_thumb[5]" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9NbtczS7ycLxFcihLjgl85g5akKh23_dyqQvYxDD2CEXvYJ2CmTtbam4ix9plJHuxCIo8hR_vJKC0Yj_JSd73t4QLHOG0NxMI2eziYhiagMOt3dM5kVMfeXX37jVME3moZf_gnSOA78/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2919_thumb[5]" width="450" /></a> So this year I’m heading back out front. If you’ve been around a while you’ve seen my plan before – when I find something that works I do it again and and again and basically run it into the ground. :) This year is no exception. I like sharing this though because I know I’m not the only one with a teeny tiny porch. And even a teeny tiny porch can look big and mighty this time of year. I start with a couple corn stalks – and apparently we’ve grown them big in Indiana this year: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKahkXx103LyUL-0ir6_mO78eqaG8e33dS58fnlMnZUBCcLUXaI11ZaY56pZafSyaQpmlWv4BzV1_fNilU-QF8SoMGvvwSft2ue51ltX3xp6Z5ghS44_S7L_AnJUQq_fjjhyphenhyphenYx4E32noc/s1600-h/IMG_8180%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corn stalks for fall" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtsiJO7GZTEcf4_9JPQn9poP0JGkJh6LKm9hyphenhyphenZ0xEYrVZJDS0vrpF6Bnt9da36yIa5xgRiKzhuY4U1J6uUQq_tQX3inCP4s_3gQABIeuKL4uMlYNL7wLhI07r6ps9Rgqjsagd_ktn0BM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corn stalks for fall" width="500" /></a> These were each over 12 feet tall so I cut them down with my saw. I secure them next to the door with some cup hooks and hidden twine: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgwZpT9L-TsAHjlICMC2ATyjOa_hruhgqGeykdouLb5HjT-2V-KIFM5nirtS0fsum2fmlGSJHt_lAAs_1I86v5H1C08S_-BXxUJJcBKxSEGlMYYuwNc-FnT7AxpoO0766zn5pyOrMExA/s1600-h/IMG_6854%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="corn stalks on porch" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9-iGaUtBz2q8MmDh-3asWvISTBB7ryui1lIRKpO1ngwP7Wh7D_9B-x-nmBRQ9jGeBVFBSVCbYjDpEAFv6_zXDKONHkNdI2Tm1Cm2iMEEBNlnVTIGQwKBQANTrVTB4LGQoLdid-Ot7Dk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="corn stalks on porch" width="450" /></a> I changed out my yellow mums for these orange ones – I think these look better with the pumpkin wreath and door. The yellow mums will go back to the patio. I got that big wide sisal rug from Target this spring and LOVE it. It’s hard to find one that wide: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVbtbRoMzNqG4WA2ZZUTCb_jTTWCx_45MimHVdYR-hW6x29ZX0fHLmrYofNMGHAYjG2F_ptmMnYa-o6rrHdRLiQ8KeG8zOprKXXkPD_psZf6v4pAIAzosMeVD0UkElsXZc9LFVjP5Mu4/s1600-h/fall-front-porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fall front porch" border="0" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-fQkqd7Gvm4aCl34Tu4EikEPpmwLQiFBegWbx0BkuGsY0_9_p6sPyU6T5t0RhSV8EgCBdm8beeZkSoMHV80E6p2qP7vQK2zi5sosilZsS9zeSgp2SWYbKE0Q70XsnHvJXVs0IDZUeGA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fall front porch" width="400" /></a> See? Itty bitty porch and still festive. Yes I dream about a big wide porch with a swing, but it ain’t happening. So I embrace mine and make it work. :) We have a big rock in our landscaping out front and I like to decorate around it for the fall. I pile pumpkins, kale, mums, whatever I can find around it: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWHztYPQmD7tXaCcRdfPhf-2hwF3i0OQPJxYZucofb7gqBYMbwu2iGwxqNLbnfypi7dT4Be7WYV9b9IKF8NDp2clIc4AdR3q2WKRYH29WfpvWuVnIeuLwFuGZRNNpPpJHPfuLrb-E_WU/s1600-h/pumpkins%252520and%252520kale%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pumpkins and kale" border="0" height="677" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW1c3RcqFbqTevBLSl0wj7vbQ_lUbwf9WbmV5oxLbb-6235W9epqx20yosPWalYduKt31e1A6hXmfXa15sEs-d8MAQ2VuDVCESu5rUs4u4zpKTLz6HA_gV1Mh025so-XsC_kJeCOTeBk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pumpkins and kale" width="450" /></a> I just leave them in their containers and hide the plastic with the pumpkins. Love how it looks! This year I also planted some sub-zero pansies – I don’t usually plant anything out front but these have a guarantee that they’ll make it through the winter and will then bloom again in the spring: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5Qo6tiV99OUlJdJzkEk37-DQ4a9uw5KaM9lb6eS4BLMrzz6F10_cdRpC1JVy1mNNPnqbAr47lpoW9aCsoAPCZi0WITqY1lOS33ll6VdN21LVGTrNBwaI577e3vpalK3Uk_M-ocj2FZU/s1600-h/outdoor-fall-decorating%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="outdoor fall decorating" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJKx0lXEiMScPA3jN2RvTRygYhNLEQhkCjVvprot9GM-ZKN7Gnnrk4Mn0iPx485R7JBfxCJgv7IVOq8kscViPc5-iIZbqJejy4BiFr4DYYgG6GfDVvWPFTyOGMaCXGrFFwPbFTVDmr4o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="outdoor fall decorating" width="500" /></a> I think I’m going back to get more to go all the way around the landscaping out front. (I only got enough to go around the rock.) I LOVE the colors – lots of different purples, reds and yellows. So pretty. :) Anyone ever planted these? This is not my thriftiest decorating – the kale and pumpkins aren’t cheap but I just love them. And they always last well past Thanksgiving. Last year my kale was absolutely beautiful in the snow. It wasn’t until about February that they finally dried up. I took down our window boxes (they were falling apart) earlier this year and still hope to get some new ones up before the holidays:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYyCE4G0ISAUW6zwnBccJM9cPWO_h_eURlo6xMwdqkhs_dhWpJ5_ujaxgXXLDLKZqlYcGcgPhhpc0M7wxUP4SiobtjumlVJW0eNPpVA9_LTygvbpCEM5428aI9pA6jzb81_Ht8EzzjUk/s1600-h/fall-porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fall front porch decor" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPDyhYQQawgmtipaE4GGPOI8rataDKsZ0HkgLxZWE1lRPV6GydpMzDMJfFxRVFoZF4yECj0S-UDx-_1jF3HebPdnBZcdEImWTPyAuFay87Zw28lhOX47uYHrO999rhXYHCDA6HSYDLxs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fall front porch decor" width="500" /></a> Weird timing maybe but I do love filling them with greenery at Christmas. Now that the fall decor is up we’ll be pulling out the big spider, orange lights and blow up pumpkin for out front this weekend. :) Can’t wait to see your door and outdoor decor over at Rhoda’s today. Have a great almost-weekend!

Fall porch decor

Hey hey! It’s Thursday and I’m happy! I’ve always loved Thursdays. It’s the almost-weekend. LIKE. Today we’re closing up our fall linky ...

7:14 AM