Mosaic Monday!

Boy, I hope I did this right!

This is my first time participating in Mosaic Monday with Mary over at Little Red House!

I decided for my first mosaic that some snapshots around the house and outside would be just fine!

Here's to some Fall inspiration!

Thank you for visiting!

Thanks for hosting Mary!

Nesting Ideas

Hello friends!

It has been a hectic week!! Work has been getting in the way of my blogging, but I thought I'd take a few minutes to post...I have been working crazy hours trying to get ready for the Holiday Open House at work. I plan on taking some pictures of what I've gotten done, but in the mean time I thought I'd share some pictures of what I've been doing around the house! I see a lot of Fall Parties happening around Blog land and I hope to be able to participate....I will participate....but it's gotta be after Open House!!!I have been to Michael's recently and they have a lot of fall stuff on sale....I bought 2 new gourds....I couldn't resist this white one...is it not beautiful? I thought it looked very realistic!

I replaced my orange pumpkin with the new white one in my basket centerpiece, I like it better! Do you?Here's an idea...take an old sewing machine drawer and use as a candle holder! I added some velvet leaves too!

Look at this gourd! I can't get over how realistic it is!

Have a great weekend everyone!! Thanks for visiting! Wish me luck...Open house starts tomorrow!!

Potpourri Wreath

What do you do

with old Potpourri?

You know the kind...with all the neat texture and wonderful color, and different pods and berries and dried nut things...but doesn't smell anymore...well maybe you could do this:

First, dig out your old potpourri

Sort out the different "shapes".

Logan helped me do this...he also asked me about a gazillion times: "What's this from?" in his sweet 3 year old voice, every piece whether different or the same from the last piece: "What's this from?"

Buy yourself or find one around the house, I did, a little wreath. This is only an 8'' wreath.

Whip out your trusty glue gun, mine looks like some kind of gross glob thing, and proceed to randomly glue on the different dried items, that you have no idea where they're from.

Be sure to start with an item at a time and sort of, but not really, evenly place them around the wreath. Don't go crazy though, I ended up pulling a few of the mediocre dried thingies off to make room for the prettier pods or berries. Eventually, your wreath will be filled with non-smelling potpourri that you've kept in a Wal-mart bag for years knowing one day......................

You would come up with a project to do because you didn't have the heart to throw it away, because really; you don't know where it's from.

But it is pretty! Another one bites the dust! Check one off the To Do Eventually List!!

Happy Fall and Happy Met Monday!

Oh, and throw on a bow if you would like to...

Blogged for Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch.

Check Susan and all the other participants out!

Thanks for stopping by, come again soon!

Outdoor Fall Fun!

Hello friends!

The weather is changing here in the Show Me State and I've been in the mood for fall! Have you?

Fall Fever has been going on for a few days now and I've been nesting for fall all around the house.

Today I wanted to take some pictures outside, it was a little overcast, it had rained all morning, but the rain had passed and the temperature was nice...outside we went.

Logan played on his play gym and I proceed to set up the table and start shooting some pictures, Logan asked me: Are you doing a tablescape? I laughed out loud, it seemed so bizarre to hear that from a three year old! I replied no, I was just taking pictures and he seemed satisfied with that answer. Hilarious.

Combining navy blue and orange is one of my favorite looks for fall. After finding this tablecloth at an 80% discount at Kohl's-this was a no brainer. I also like cobalt blue and even turquoise with the warmth of fall colors.

Glassware is a weakness of mine and I like collecting it. Stemware, vases, candle holders, and apothecary jars.

I bought three of the same apothecary jar not only for the savings, I got 3 for the price of one, but I know that the possibilities are endless. Today is an example. I used two for an assortment of gourds and squash, and the third for an arrangement.

Raising one up on a book is one way to vary the height, doing the pair on a mantle would look just as great

Are you in the mood for Fall yet?

The skies started to cloud up again so Logan and I headed back inside. I took some better shots of the third jar.

Artificial willow and bittersweet became my simple arrangement, and I love it, and the pine cones had just enough room...

Yes, how I love this time of year!

Thank you for visiting and please come again!

Blogged for Marty's Party at A Stroll Thru Life

Thanks for hosting Marty! This has been super fun!

Labor Day

It has been such a refreshing day today! I spent the day working on my flower beds! During a trip to Wal-mart, I couldn't help notice the wonderful display of fall mums that had arrived! I couldn't resist! The day was so beautiful and I can't think of a better way to say goodbye to Summer than planting mums with the help of my children! Justin was busy mowing the lawn!

I love the spectacular color!

A little stone birdbath

Keegan (my eldest): In charge of sweeping the porch, carrying rocks, and keeping an eye on Logan and Daisy the beagle:)




I planted some of the mums in Terra cotta pots, and some in the ground. I thought that pots in the bed offered some interest. I am no gardener by any means! Here in Missouri there is no shortage of rocks so I incorporated them into my beds. I hope to get some kale and pansies when I can. Budgetary restraints ;)

Logan (my youngest): In charge of playing in the birdbath, running around with daisy the beagle, and digging holes with a trowel

I've always heard to buy the flowers that haven't bloomed yet, but I just loved the color! Instant gratification! I got what I considered middle of the road, a lot of blooms and a lot of buds!

This is my most favorite picture I captured of the beautiful mums!

Summer I will miss you....but Fall is wonderful too!

Thanks for coming by! I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day!

Nesting for Fall!

It's time for Metamorphosis Monday!

I usually feature projects I'm working on, but this week I'm nesting for Fall! Are you guys getting in the mood for Fall?

Fall is one of my favorite times of year and I love getting the house warm and fuzzy!

I began transforming my living room from my normal neutral palate to a warmer one.

BEFORE:

(I didn't do a full shot of the room, sorry!)

BEFORE:

With a few simple changes, the room already feels different...see for yourself

AFTER:





I didn't do much changing the mantle area, I left the original photo collage and sconces, but removed the leaning art and photographs and opted to bring a simplified arrangement with vases and candles.

I changed the white candle in the sconces to a bittersweet color. My "leather" ottoman usually lives at the end of my bed, but I like to bring it out in the living room, not only for the additional seating, but leather just feels like fall!

Colorful pillows help the sofa join in the fun!



I didn't forget my window treatments! Changing from a solid silk panel to a fun plaid and I think it's feeling cozy!
This is just the beginning! Gourds, pumpkins and bittersweet will be following!





Thanks for coming to visit me! Be sure to visit Susan and all the Met Monday participants at Between Naps on the Porch!

Thanks for hosting Susan!


Thank you Susan for hosting!