Fall Faves: Let’s Get Cozy

See? I told you I’d be back today. You weren’t sure if you could believe me or not, huh? That’s okay. I did abandon you for a spell. It might take a little time to re-earn your trust :).

Shall we break some pumpkin bread and look at some of my Fall faves?

Now I’m a big fan of Summer and I always hate to see it end, but I’ve learned to embrace Fall….mostly by equating it with coziness – a feeling that’s hard to recreate in 100 degree weather. Here are a few of my favorite ways to get that cozy feeling. 

Pumpkin or hazelnut candles from Walmart…yes, Walmart. They’re from the Mainstays brand and they’re super cheap and so incredibly delicious smelling. I normally buy the type that come in a glass jar.

And nothing beats sitting by a  candle glow wrapped in a plush, soft throw.  This one from JC Penney is looking pretty darn good to me. See? Doesn’t she look happy?

And I have to share my number 1 fave: Restoration Hardware’s Luxury Plush throw.  It’s reasonably priced (at least at the moment), is SUPER soft, and comes in a variety of attractive colors.

Another thing to look forward to in the Fall? Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. Ohhh soooo goooood. As is their Caramel Apple Cider. Mmmmm (oh dear, you don’t want to get me talking about food right now – I just downed a brownie and approximately 50 Cheetos)

Another Fall fave? New Fall pillows at Pottery Barn. I bought these Simone pillows last year and I still love them. You can pull so many great colors from them (smoky blue, deep red, wheatie golds), and they give a sophisticated but inviting vibe.

 

Finally, I look at Fall as a new opportunity to buy (or simply lust after) beautiful boots.

“Oh,  hi adorable riding boots I wish I’d bought while they were still available in my size   for $99.”

Perhaps I could comfort myself with these adorable $49 jobbies from Target instead….I’m sure my bank account will thank me for saving it a few bucks.

 

Stay tuned for more Fall faves. In the meantime, what about you? What are some things you look forward to in the Fall?

Anthropologie Dreaming

Back when I was a single gal dreaming of owning my own home, I used to imagine what it would look like. I always thought it would look like an Anthropologie store…more or less. You know – all artsy and feminine. Now that I actually own my own home, I’m not totally sure why my house looks so…well, normal. Although, it probably has something to do with not wanting to embarrass my son when his friends come over since Anthro stores can be a bit over the top. I still can dream, though. Want to dream with me?

In my dream house I would have this bed. I love this bed. I’ve big fat loved this bed for years. Yes, it’s $1500, and yes, it’s a little over the top, but we’re dreaming here. Remember?

I’d probably add this floofy fluffy white bedding. Doesn’t it look like a cloud? All feminine and dreamy-like?

And may I tell you how much I love this Astrid Chair? I even love the name. And are you noticing that absolutely nothing in my house even remotely resembles the style of this chair? Hmmm, makes one think.

I want one of these letters that I talk myself out of every time I visit Anthropologie because they’re $28. Were they $18 each I would have done it, but that extra $10 is a deal breaker for some reason – which ironically I’ve probably spent over and over again at Starbucks or McDonalds. Go figure.

For my kitchen I want these fancy measuring spoons that would make me smile each time I used them. 

Same with this adorable milkmaid butter dish. Oh c’mon. The cuteness is killing me.

And I seriously want to eat off of these dishes…or maybe even just lick them.

And after dinner I’ll retire to the study where I’ll light a few candles…

Sip some tea…

 

And read Sense and Sensibility…or just gaze at its darling cover.

Ahhh…isn’t it fun to dream.

What would you have in your dream house?

What I’m Loving Right Now

Here’s what I’m loving right now. Soft ivory fabrics that wrap you in comfort, warm and rustic pine wood, natural greenery, and thoughtful additions of grainsack or ticking stripe pillows. Have a look.

Image: Pottery Barn

Image: White Flower Farmhouse

Above Images: Rate My Space - MoreDesign

Image: Pottery Barn

Thanksgiving Table Decor

A few weeks ago I had grand dreams of writing a post where I showed you my own dining table with several different Thanksgiving table decor ideas. Oh yeah, it was going to be great. "Look at the fancy metallic gourds." "Oh, and see how easily you can made a centerpiece with nothing but twigs, berries and duct tape?".

Uh huh...that didn't happen. Honestly though, what was I thinking? I'm not even hosting Thanksgiving at my house?!

Anyway...my lazyness has now resulted in the ultimate lazy move...I'm now showing you some great Martha Stewart ideas....hee hee. At least I'm honest, right?

Enjoy!

Help a Girl Out

Have you ever visited Karla's Blog "It's the Little Things that Make a House of Home"? It's chock(?)...chalk(?) full of great ideas...on a BUDGET (and she's really nice and inspiring too).

Well Ms. Karla just redid her master bedroom on it's gawgeous people. The kicker?...she mostly used items she already had! You can check out the makeover here, and here, and here.




Karla bravely entered a contest on Apartment Therapy, and needs as many "thumbs up" as possible to win. Now, I know y'all have a lot of thumbs out there, so if you're so inclined it would be fab if you would head on over to Apartment Therapy and give her a big thumbs up. You do have to register first (if you're not already registered) but that process takes about 2 minutes.

Thanks, and have a great day!

Amy Butler at Bed Bath and Beyond?!!!

I'll understand if you read the title of this post and just sprinted away from your computer, jumped in your car and raced to Bed Bath and Beyond. It's ok...I'm not offended. You can read the rest of this post when you get back...with your arms full of Amy Butler goodies.

Honestly, I had no idea that Amy Butler had a new line of bedding and towels at BBB until I was moseying around there the other day and was stopped in my tracks in the towel section...blinking and rubbing my eyes like a crazy person. "It can't be...Amy Butler towels?! What?!" I then caressed them lovingly...and I'm pretty sure frightened a passerby or two whilst in my Amy-Love trance.

Check out these goodies:

Coventry Comforter Set

Coventry Petal Toss Pillow

Orange Bath Towel

Turquoise Bath Towel

Lime Bath Towel

I know Amy Butler's patterns aren't for everyone, but if you're looking for that fun little "pop" in your decor she's your gal.

XO~ AnNicole

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Ready for pictures galore? Here are a few of my favorite things.

Ticking Stripes

Source: Old Pottery Barn Photo

Source: White Flower Farmhouse (those girls have the best stuff)

Linen Fabric

(I love linen's casual refinement...ahhh so suptuous)

Source: Unknown via Camilla at Home


Source: Lucca & Co.

Source: BHG?

Pillows

(Some people collect shoes...I collect pillows...'nuf said)

Source of Two Above: Les Indiennes (who I want to marry btw)

Source: White Flower Farmhouse

Source: John Robshaw

White

(There's nothing that says "ahhhh I can breath" like white)

Source: Unknown (Let me know if you know)

Source: Cottage Living...RIP

Monograms

(I love the use of monograms in this Cottage Living Bathroom)

Old "European" Style Furniture

(Yes...I do realize Europe is a big place...I'm talking about Sweden, France, etc.)

Source: Home Decorators Collection (May not be available anymore)

Source: Wisteria

Candles That Smell So Yummy You Could Eat Them

(Seriously...I just bought a pumpkin candle from Walmart that's mouth watering. The apple cider one smelled good too.)

(Not my actual candle - Don't be looking for this one at Walmart)

Paint

(In addition to my pillow collection, I have an extensive (aka GINORMOUS) paint sample collection. Mmmm, there's nothing like the sensation of putting a beautiful color on the wall.)

Chicken Chimichangas with Plenty of Cheese, Sour Cream and Guac

(I'm just being honest here...they're heavenly....)

(Don't worry - I don't eat them everyday)

Girly Stuff is having a party if you want to link with your own favorite things.