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?

HI!!!!!

Hi Kids! So a bomb kind of went of in my life the past few months, but GUESS WHO HAS A NEW JOB?! MEEEEEEE!!!!

I’m so excited. I’m doing something I enjoy and I will now finally have more time to devote to my first love…this here blog.

I have been working on a few projects around the cottage that I can’t wait to show you; including a little fancy work around my fireplace, some creative work in our powder bath, and some embracing that old man inside all of us (I’ll explain).

Stick around kiddos! I’ll be back with some Fall favorites tomorrow.

xoxo

5 Ways to Enjoy What’s Left of Summer

I’m one of those rare creatures that can’t get enough of Summer – even when it’s hot as Hades. Yes, I love Summer so much that it can be 110 degrees outside and humid and I’m happy as a clam (…I’m assuming clams are down with hot and humid).

So before we start pulling out the apple wreaths and chenille throws and our latest straw/burlap creations (hee hee) let’s savor just a little more Summer, okay? Because, lest you forget, it’s going to look like this outside before we know it. Brrrrr!!!

5 WAYS TO ENJOY WHAT’S LEFT OF SUMMER

1) Can You Say BBQ?: Ohhh, this is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. It’s not so much about the food (which is of course a bonus) as it is about hanging out on the deck with friends and family. Invite some friends over for a bring-your-own-meat potluck dinner, or just make it a special night for you and the family.

2) Savor Summer Foods: Eat a popsicle on the front porch; Top vanilla ice cream with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream; Drink lemonade; Get a real life ice cream cone from an honest to goodness ice cream shop.

Image: Martha Stewart

3) Swim: Now I’m as swimsuit averse as the next girl, but there’s nothing like a cool swim on a hot day. Sneak into your neighbor’s pool if you have to (totally kidding…no getting arrested and blaming it on me).

 

4) Stroll through a Farmer’s Market: Most cities have these. There’s nothing better than spending a sunny Saturday morning mingling with your community, looking at fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, and crafts.

 

5) Keep it Light: Don’t pack away the floral pillows, white cotton throws, and fresh accents just yet. Breathe in the moment just a smidge longer.

Image: Apartment Therapy

What special things do you look forward to in the Summer?

A Little Mental Cleaning

So over my little breakity-break from the bloggity-blog world I did a some mental cleaning. Part of the reason I stepped away (beyond stress at work) was that I knew my head wasn’t in the right place as far as the blog was concerned. I started this here blog just for the plain fun of it – just because I love decorating and love sharing my ideas and love of decor with you. But somewhere along the line my competitive nature took the wheel and I wasn’t happy anymore. I was constantly comparing myself to others and beating myself up for not being as creative, inventive, blah blah blah as others. Crazy, right?!

I only share this with you because I know if I felt this way, many of you out there have to be feeling the same thing. Let me share one of my favorite quotes with you:

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

from The Life and Work of Martha Graham

In a nutshell – we all have worth; We all have value; We all have something to contribute to this world that nobody else can ever contribute. That’s true whether it’s with your family, your friends, your career…or yes, even your blog. You don’t have to be “perfect” you just have to be 100% authentically you, and share the fabulousness that God blessed you with with others.

xoxo

Chic Duvets Under $100?!

I’m a firm believer that nothing can give you bigger bang for your decorating buck than paint and fabric. As a result I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive curtains, pillows, bedding, etc…and I’m constantly painting and re-painting rooms…but I digress.

So imagine my glee (yes, I said “glee”), when I stumbled upon several super cute duvet covers for under $100. Let’s have a look see…

Clover Duvet Cover – F/Q $59

 

Organic Carved Circles Duvet – F/Q $79

 

Organic Imperial Duvet – F/Q $79

 

Winter Berry Duvet – F/Q $59

See what I mean? Happy shopping!