Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Movin', groovin' and what not

How is it the last day of September?  Man, time flies!

Yesterday my hips were givin' me the business about our 3+ mile walk Sunday.  If you'd ever told me we'd walk a 5K route like as a Sunday stroll, I would've told you no friggin' way.   I'm so grateful.  I could've used the case of the creaks as an excuse to not get my rump off the couch and do the 1 mile walk I was going to do in the morning but I didn't.  I popped in my Leslie and got to walkin'.  My weight loss is staller than stalled and me sitting on my ass working from home doesn't help.  So I've made the commitment to myself to get in a little extra movement.  I don't know if it'll work or not as I have the best of intentions on that front sometimes and then the alert that pops up gets dismissed or snoozed on like all day.  So, wish me luck!

It was strength day so we did Fitness Blender's Fat Blasting Total Body Strength workout.  It doesn't look too bad when you preview it but when you're going through it, you make up some new naughty words.  

It was a protein packed day with some leftover roasted turkey breast and then a nice juicy steak for dinner.


Then it was time to run the Mr's car back to the closest dealership...again.  I cannot tell you how ticked I am that between both of our cars, we've basically taken a car in once a month in the year we've had them.  His more than mine.  I swear lemon laws need to be revised.  We will never get that brand of car again.  I don't know how you go from being a completely satisfied customer 10 years ago to one who will swear off your company forever.  Irritating.

We settled in for our favorite night of TV between The Voice and Sleepy Hollow.  While we haven't been overly impressed with the singers this year, I'm loving Gwen and Pharrell on there.  This is my dream line up and I hope they never change it.  I know they will...just let me have my dream.  When Sleepy Hollow comes on, we light the faux candles, flip off the lights and transport ourselves to Tarrytown.  So far they seem to be keeping up with expectations and we're happy with what we're seeing.  I know it's important to the writers that the Mr and I approve, so you know, we do what we can.  ;-)

We've got our eye doctor appointments this morning so we'll look like we're on narcotics when we're done.  The Mr took the day off and we're going to get some errands done that we put off over the weekend.  They say these will be the last of the hotter days before a cold front comes in over the weekend and spirits away the summer.  Good riddance.  I can't enjoy my hot cider as much when I'm engaging in flop sweat.

Speaking of flop sweat, it's big cardio day!  Not sure if we'll have a date with Chalene and Turbo Fire, Billy and old school Tae Bo or Tony on mute with Power 90 but it'd better burn some buttah!

What do your current workouts look like?  Are you ready for cooler weather?

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Monday, September 29, 2014

Chillaxin' and pumpkin explosion

We had a somewhat relaxed weekend.  Well, Saturday was really relaxed, we didn't get out much which kind of stunk but oh well.  We didn't need to be running all over the place.  But I was running all over the kitchen trying to get our lunch together and it was exhausting trying to time it all to come out right, I was hot and sweaty and in a bad mood so I didn't really enjoy my last Orange Cream Soda from North Woods like I wanted to.  So now I have to either make an all day trip back to Traverse City or hope they read this and want to send me some.  I don't foresee either happening.  Sigh.

We watched football pretty much all day...yay?  But I suppose from here on out are considered the "real" games.  I don't think many teams are having a great year so it's going to be a frustrating year to be a fan if you're like the Mr.  Me?  I could DVR it and fast forward without an issue.

Sunday was grocery day.  It was official, pumpkin everything has exploded onto every scene.


Trader Joe's had some of our favorite things we wait all year for including pumpkin pie spice (the best I've tasted), fig butter (perfect for my sweet figgy potatoes!) and we grabbed 3 jugs of spiced cider.  


Just when you settle in for cider, they like to yank it on you so if you don't buy enough for the season, you're gonna be S.O.L.  It's good until 2016 if you don't open it so technically I could fill the basement with it and be in spice cider bliss for the next 2 years.  

Then it was on to Target.  Every time I pass this big ol' picture, I squeal in a way that would make squirrels heads explode.  I cannot help myself.


I tried on a few long sleeved items and this is the one I came home with.


Note to self, wear Spanx.

The Mr picked up this pumpkin spice gum.


It tasted like pumpkin spice but also tasted like something you'd want to swallow right away and not exactly a kick of flavor, pretty subtle.

We saw this and had to pick some up since we knew it wouldn't be around long.



Oh my Lord it was amazing!  We used it for apple dip with our lunch.  I know its not "all natural" and all that crap but it's not like it's going to be our normal peanut butter.

Then it was time to walk in the crunchy Fall leaves on the crooked brick lined streets to give our hips a workout.


We needed a weekend to veg out and I'm thankful we got it before things get busy again.

How did you spend your weekend?

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Friday, September 26, 2014

Streak broken and what I'm reading this week

Welp, as predicted, I broke my streak of getting this stuff up and done two days before posting.  Matter of fact, I didn't start this at 10:00pm, I started at 10:39pm.

Idiot.

So no time for chit chat while I have Parenthood on in the background, let's get to...


Ichabod Crane Spills Details On The Second Season Of Sleepy Hollow  (I'll admit the first 10 minutes had me a little ticked but it made up for it.  So good to see my beloved Icky back in action!)

The Massive Fitness Trend That's Not Actually Healthy at All  (Word up.  Sometimes when I feel exhausted after workouts I wonder if I've done more harm than good)

High Schooler Gives Up Crown After Friend Was Pranked Into Thinking She Was Nominated for Homecoming Court  (Holy crap, there's hope for the future!)

Seth Rogen and James Franco Strip Down for Jimmy Fallon's Birthday Surprise  (Love Seth!  Even more since he's taken up the cause for Alzheimers)

5 Facebook settings to change now  (Thank you for showing me how to get rid of that damn video autoplay in mah feed!)

10 things retirees won’t tell you  (Ugh)

Billy Connolly on Robin Williams' suicide: He told me he loved me - he was saying goodbye  (I didn't know he was diagnosed and such a heartbreaking story)

Is this the most ridiculously looking scientific discovery of all time?  (Courtesy of the Mr who used to suffer from scary, long lasting nosebleeds like the one he got right off the plane on our honeymoon)

Living in a State of Emergency: Life Near the Path of an Active Lava Flow  (A good first hand account of what it's like to see if Madame Pele is going to show up on your doorstep or not)

6 Things You Should Never Ever Store in the Garage  (Oops!)

What Does Sleep Have to Do With Weight?  (Must get better at this!)

Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal Share Stories About Robin Williams on 'The View'  (I love hearing stories from those who knew him best)

How to Stay in Awesome Shape (and Totally Sane) When You're Injured  (Good to know!)

'Jurassic World' Director Tweets Potential Huge Plot Hint  (For the Mr.  I almost poo'd myself on the first tweet!)

15 Polite GIFs to Help You Celebrate National Courtesy Month  (Let's be kind when we can and make others day!)

Dog Runs Through Water Fountain, Is Basically The Happiest Creature On Earth  (You can tell his favorite pattern...it's adorable!)

16 Ways You Are Causing Road Rage  (Are you guilty?)

15 Little Ways to Make Yourself a Better Person While Watching TV Tonight  (Cool stuff!)

How to Identify a Load-Bearing Wall  (Good to know but always check with a professional before "opening up"a room lest you end up with the 2nd floor on your head.)

40 Simple Ways to Practice Kindness  (Every sweet deed counts!)

41 Things That Prove Tech in the '90s Was Bomb.com (Thank God I never said "bomb.com" but a nice trip down memory lane!)

We have absolutely nothing on the agenda but pizza during a football game.  Everything else is open and I'm down with that after this busy month!

Busy weekend for you?  Kickin' back?  A little of both?

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

You are the company you keep


Last night was the last of our entertaining duties and it was a pleasure to end on this girl.  I have never been one of those people to take sides when people break up well, unless cheating was involved but still.  I don't believe in the whole "well, they broke up so I guess I can't be friends with the person I've known for less time."  I can name two people off the top of my head that are THE most positive people we know (stop wondering Jeff, you're one of them) and to not have the influence of these people in our lives would be a travesty just because of a break up.

The girl we had over was an ex-girlfriend of a family member and when they broke up, WE cried.  She is quite possibly the sweetest girl we know and I'll be damned if I was going to not see her anymore just because they weren't meant to be.  It's been quite a while since we've seen her because her schedule is insane.  She works and goes to school full time so we're happy for any time she can give us.

She is infectious with her ambition.  She wants to try everything and when she does, she's all in.  I'm talking both feet straight in baby even if others think she's nuts.  Her heart is so big and she's so sweet that she is always thinking of others.  We laughed and she said she hasn't smiled that much in so long her cheeks hurt.  There was never a lull in conversation, we felt like we got to pass some knowledge down for potential business and financial purposes and it was so nice to be able to not just talk about funny things but serious things and everything in between.  We're able to see how much she's grown up and we're so proud of her.

She's in a good relationship with a good man who seems to treat her well and she so deserves that.  She said what wonderful role models we are and how much she looks up to us as a couple.  She said all of the people around her are dysfunctional in some way and argue all the time.  This isn't the first time we've heard this from people both about being role models and about the misery their other couple friends seem to be in.  She laughed and wondered if we ever argued.  We assured her we did on occasion and sometimes they were about something big and other times stupid crap just like everyone else.  But the difference is we communicate and treat each other like the best friends we are.  We asked about her relationship and it sounds like they're on the right track and we offered her advice to help him adjust to a possible new career to make sure they stay on the right path.  If anyone deserves a long, healthy marriage, it's her.  I love her like she's my little sister and am getting a little misty just thinking about the gap of time that will pass before we see her again until she finishes school.

I had to laugh after yesterday's post when she brought a box of cupcakes for dessert.  I made a healthier dessert but I didn't tell her until later after we enjoyed the cupcakes she was sweet enough to bring.  Thankfully we have been really low on calories this week so I don't think it'll throw TOO much of a loop in things.  So I sent home the pumpkin cookies I made with her in a bag with some maple frosting and boxed up the rest for the Mr to take to work so we're not tempted by them.  The best laid plans, right?  *wink*

When you have people as good as she is in your life, thank your lucky stars.  These people make life feel even more blessed.  These people will inspire you and make you feel like anything is possible, you know, like you used to feel before you were jaded with the crap of life.  Surround yourself with these people, the ones that lift you up.  The ones that remind you that there are people who love, support you and even...gasp...look up to you for one reason or another.  We can get so wrapped up in the drama of others and when you have people with refreshing outlooks on life, you too get refreshed, renewed in some way.  They say you become most like the five people you spend the most time with...choose wisely.

Do you have people who do this for you?  Feel free to sing their praises!

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Not up for the judgment game



We have had a very busy month and tonight is the last of our official birthday entertaining.  We said that we really want to start to watch things closer and committed to doing that long before this week came along.  I don't know what happened but some parties got their wires crossed and each thought the other invited the Mr and I to a dinner on Monday night.  There was no mention of it until the day before but we weren't up for it, had other plans that we'd been looking forward to and honestly, we didn't want to break our re-commitment to ourselves.  I was already going to seriously have to flip around some stuff for today's entertaining to stay in my calorie range and I wasn't in the mood to juggle another night at a place both of us hate.  One was trying to guilt us into it by saying it was important to them but apparently not important enough to send out a reminder a few days or a week before.  Regardless of the mix up, we were looking forward to our plans which were important to us so pffft.

It's not just the lack of thought on their part, I was in no mood to deal with the crap that tends to come along when we order the healthiest fare they offer at a restaurant.  Yes, we could've just given in, gotten salads or something like that but we're not in the mood to juggle a week night sodium fest, passing up bread baskets, being looked at like lame-o's because we're the only ones eating healthy and such.  I don't understand why some people seem to get so offended when others have committed to living a healthy lifestyle.  They don't even need to come out and say anything, it's in the uncomfortable shift in their seats when they order deep fried whatever and we order baked salmon with asparagus with no butter and water to drink.  It's the roll of the eyes when you pass up dessert or even a bite of someone else's, not because you're trying to make everyone else look bad but because you've meticulously planned your calories for the night and sticking to them is more important than making someone else feel better about their own food choices.  People seem to feel like they need to explain why they ordered what they did..."oh, I figured a night off of good eating was in order" or " I didn't eat breakfast and have been saving up all day for this."

Guess what, I don't give a crap!  I don't care why you're eating what you're eating.  Just like you shouldn't care or feel somehow shamed by us eating what we choose to eat.  Do I know the calories or fat grams on your dish?  Probably.  But not out of judging, it's because I saw it on the menu earlier and I have a stupid ability to remember the most high cal dishes on the menu just as I memorize three choices that will keep us on track.  Would I ever tell someone that?  Hell no!  They seem to be irritated enough that we know the calorie count of our own dish, no reason to heighten the paranoia about theirs.  Some people will never get it and that's fine.  I remember the days when I resented people for ordering something healthy and making me feel like a cow for ordering something I wanted regardless of the calorie count.  I don't know if that's how these people feel but it's the vibe they give off when we sit there in silence sometimes.  Or the awkward way someone grabs another roll by either trying to get one on the sly or make a comment about why they're having another one.

Eat a roll!  I promise I don't care.

That night, we had a damn fine shrimp dish that we both really loved and had a great workout and for us, that was more fulfilling.  That and not succumbing to peer pressure at the last minute when we've already done so much this month.  I'm sure I'm on someone's shit list right now but ask me if I care.  We put our health first that night both nutritionally and mentally.  I don't care if it's not the popular choice, it's the choice we made for ourselves and I can't feel anything but good about it.

Have you ever felt judged by what you ordered at a group gathering?  (Whether you ordered something healthy or not)

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Welcome Fall Door Sign

Finally I can say it...Happy Fall!!

If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I'm ALL about this time of year.  Matter of fact, I've had this project done and hung for three weeks because I've been that ready for the season!

For most of the year, we have a sign I bought from Banana Patch Studios on the door that says "Aloha."   It's kind of like a local land mark with our delivery guys so I wanted to keep the same general shape on the door so when holiday boxes started rolling in, I wouldn't confuse them.  But I also wanted to gussy up for Fall.  That's how this project came together.


When I was in an antique store, I stumbled across a few picket fence slats that had perfect weathered patina and I couldn't resist the price.  I picked a few of those bad boys up and got to work.


I knew I wanted it to say "Welcome Fall."  So I chose the fonts I wanted to use, printed them in outline form in a Word document to save on ink and I originally tried the ol' charcoal pencil on the back and trace on the front trick but it didn't work.  So just imagine me cutting the word out below and tracing with pencil onto the wood since I don't have one of those expensive cutting thingamabobs.


I did the same with the other word after I lined it up with the 'welcome' and traced it onto the wood as well.


You can see my handiwork here...


...and here.


I broke out my craft paint and began filling in the words.


I loved the way it looked so I trudged on.


I broke out other Fall themed colors for the word Fall and for shading on the welcome part.


I filled in "Fall" with a nice pumpkin orange.


Then I grabbed a toothpick and added yellow for shading to make the word pop.


I shaded the white 'welcome' with the cranberry color to make it pop.  (Ha, I said cranberry and pop.  Sorry, I flashed back to a cranberry salad recipe from my bridal shower.)


To hang the sign, I decided instead of the twine I was going to use that I had some pretty rust colored ribbon hanging around waiting to be used.


I drilled holes in either side and I put some scotch tape on the end (like a shoe lace) so I could thread it through then I knotted each end.


Then it was ready to hang.  I could have kept it plain like this, kind of the way our normal sign looks.


I had a twig wreath I usually put up with leaves tucked in and I hung the sign in front of it.


I'm so glad I was able to make this little sign to spruce up our wreath and to welcome Fall properly.  Now, bring on the cider, fuzzy socks and the distant scent of bonfires!



Happy Fall, y'all!

Linked up with:  The Shabby Nest, Blesser House, French Country Cottage, Tater Tots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, Home Stories A to Z,  Heathered Nest, Memories by the Mile, Sand and Sisal, The Crafty Blog Stalker, Between Naps on the Porch, Mabey She Made It, Savvy Southern Style, Confessions of Serial DIYer
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Monday, September 22, 2014

Monday, Monday

It was such a busy weekend!

We went to a Fall Fest and walked around for four freakin' hours.  There were so many vendors and I still don't think we hit everything.



I picked up this coal bucket and some hydrangea and filler...


I added the last of the eucalyptus I had to it.  I like the way it looks.  Then I began quoting Patrick Stewart's version of A Christmas Carol (the best in our opinion) and kept prattling on about buying another coal scuttle and to make up the fiy-ah before you dot another I...Bob Cratchit.

Nerd.

We just walked until my hip sockets threatened to go on strike.  The Mr was walking funny as well so it behooved us to throw in the towel.  We drove to a mall area and had lunch...



That would be buttermilk chicken strips, gouda mac and cheese and a little salad.  Twas quite good.  Then I got a birthday coupon for a local store so we grabbed a few shirts and then got on the road so we could be home in time for our friends to come over.

I wasn't cooking this time, we said it was a surprise so we took her out to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants since they kept putting it off.  That's the thing about restaurants, you can't put off going too long because the day you finally decide to go is the day you find out they closed.  Afterward we went to Black Out Mini Golf.



I think they had fun.

I kind of made it a double birthday gathering since we both turned 40 this year.  I introduced her to Biscoff spread earlier in the year and now she loves it.  One of the things I promised her for her birthday was a pint of my cookie butter ice cream.  Friday I had to make it so it would be fresh and then I got the bright idea to make her Biscoff cookies.  You know, for potential ice cream sandwiches.  So sadly the Mr was cleaning far later Friday night in the kitchen than he cared to.  Sorry Mr!  But they seemed to be appreciated so, there's that!  In addition to some money, they got me scratch and sniff stickers!



Sunday was just complete and utter chill day.  I mean from exercise too.  Since we burned so much walking the day before and we were so tired the next day, we decided to flip flop rest days.  I hope it doesn't screw me this week but honestly, I was grateful for the suggestion.  Unfortunately I had a headache for a good part of the day.  I need a vacation.

We have our last birthday gathering on Wednesday when a friend of mine's schedule allows.  I haven't seen her in a while and she's the sweetest so I'm glad to entertain even if it means an early workout during the day.  I'm making chili.  It's something we can still fit into the calories just fine and I need to think of a little dessert to throw in there.

I'm ready for the new week.  Last week sucked, I have people trying to steal my sunshine for their own oversights but I shant let them get to me...this week will rock.  Why?  Because it's SLEEPY HOLLOW NIGHT!!!  I've been waiting for this for 9 months!



What did you guys do this weekend?  Any premieres you're excited for?

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Exhausted entertainer and what I'm reading this week

This is two weeks in a row I have finished up this post a day ahead of schedule.  I shouldn't type that because the third time will either be the charm next week or the beginning of a broken streak.

While I try not to jinx myself, let's get to...




'Fat Shaming' May Actually Lead to Weight Gain  (I can totally see this being true and I think the weight gain is actually more than they report for many.  Back in the day nothing would make me visit Little Debbie and her cakes of Swiss quicker than someone commenting on my weight.  Makes sense, right?  "You're fat!"  "Eff you!"  *insert pastry*)

Bride's Heartbreaking Photos Show What Love Looks Like After Loss  (It's not just sad but there's also a sense of rebirth and moving forward too.  I feel for her.)

The Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet  (This is the part where I don't comment)

Tour This Shabby Chic Victorian Home  (So pretty!)

Sesame Street's "Star Wars" Parody  (For the Mr)

New Anti-Obesity Drug Enters Market, But Roadblocks to Treatment Remain  (Side effects of ANY pills are so scary these days but weight loss pills never seem to end well.)

10 Hidden Images on Album Covers  (Ahh, #7 hurt my eyes!)

Why Multivitamins Might Do More Harm Than Good   (Interesting food for thought.  Mr, read this one)

Robert Downey Jr. on Films and Fitness  ("Five years ago what used to be my get in shape plan is moot and useless."  His list of what he wants to eat every day made me crack up)

8 Shabby Chic Kitchens That You’ll Fall in Love With  (#2, I will love you forever)

Bill Murray Reveals The Women He'd Choose For 'Ghostbusters 3'  (They might be funny women but honestly, I wouldn't see that movie.)

The Best Snack Bars  (Might have to try a few of these depending on the calorie count)

8 Ways to Get a Handle on the Junk Drawer  (Do they have a tutorial on an entire room?)

The 10 Coziest Cabins to Stay in This Fall  (I'm packin' my bags)

First Things First: How to Prioritize Home Projects  (Good list if you have no idea where to start in your new to you home)

22 Kick-Ass Kettlebell Exercises  (Kettlebell anything always kicks mine!)

Lip Synching with Gwen, Blake and Jimmy  (I seriously almost pee'd myself watching Blake do Taco's Puttin' on the Ritz!)

We're coming to the last of our birthday entertaining Saturday and Wednesday.  While I love getting together with everyone, I'll be glad when it's over.  If people in my family could've just sucked it up for 2 hours, I could have had a party like a normal person and been done with it in one night.  I'm actually looking forward to the following weekend when we have not a damn thing on tap.  I think I will make the celebratory remake of Slabtown's Pungi burger and we'll drink our last North Woods Orange soda we've been hoarding for 10 months.   We said we were going to do that when the remodel was finished and we've never had a chance to officially toast it's completion.  Until then, cleaning up a little tonight, early rise and quick road trip in the morning/afternoon all in time to be back for dinner with friends.  Sunday...no alarm clock!  WOOT!

What are you guys up to this weekend?


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Thursday, September 18, 2014

How to create a Fall vignette

If you follow any home and decor blog, you know how effortless they make styling every inch of their home look.  I have long admired how they can mix and match items to make it look like it all belongs somehow.  When I remodeled the downstairs (reveal pics are coming soon, I promise), I realized that basically my decor before were all pictures and/or candles.  Heck, for the first 4 years we lived here, we didn't even have any art on the walls.  We had two large photography pieces from a Hawaiian artist, one on the wall behind the Mr's seat at the dining table and one over the fireplace.  It looked fine for a while but not very grown up but the rest of the walls, totally stark and white.  

Then in 2003 when we did our first big remodel, we purchased a lot of Hawaiian watercolor prints, many which still hang today as we're still in transition.  When I finally finished the current remodel, I was basically a week out from starting to decorate for Fall and realized any Fall decor I had (not much) was far out of date for what I wanted to represent my new, sassy updated look.  I decided to pick up a few pieces that I knew I would have for a long time and try my hand at some Fall vignettes.

I must apologize for the heinous lighting in these pics.  One side of the fireplace is drowning in light and the other side dwells in a cave.  A light balance in that area has .003% chance of success.

So without further adieu, here's my stab at...


That mantel has been with us from the beginning.  I would love to update it at some point but it gets the job done.  I made the "Happy Fall" banner with burlap, fabric paint and twine and hung it with some Command Strips so no holes would be necessary in the walls.  I tied dried leaves and acorns to the end for a little pop of color.  I bought the window at an antique store and was was in much more dingy shape when I got it.  I did a white wash of pure white chalk paint over it to fill in some of the cracks and places with wonky paint peel.  I utilized one molly screw that was already hanging and the Mr measured and installed another one that would allow me to hang it to the left since I knew I wanted something with height to counter balance it.


I initially bought three pumpkins from a local store that sell Hot Skwash velvet pumpkins.  I loved them so much I went back to buy two more.  I'm not gonna lie, they're pricey but they're the best looking ones I've seen anywhere including scouring the internet so I had to get them.  I'll have them forever as long as I store them properly.  I started out with them on the left side since they were low and would tuck under the window nicely.


I had my heart set on a birch bark vase look.  Good luck trying to find that stuff.  I must've looked all night online for it and the few places I found it either took a ridiculous amount of time to deliver or were more than I wanted to spend with shipping.  I remember the local upcycle shop where I bought the pumpkins had some so after comparing prices and seeing they were on point price wise, I bought two tubes of them.  One was long and skinny and the other was about twice as wide and would be perfect for the long glass cylinder vase I had at home.  I filled the glass with a bag of white rice I was never going to use so it would be weighted and I could tuck the filler inside and it would stay in place.


I slid the wider birch bark over the vase.  The arrow points to a nice, big molly screw that is highly visible.  That'll get taken care of in a minute.


I got some dark multi-colored eucalyptus and some colorful dried leaves to tuck inside the birch bark.


Then it was time to move on to the middle of the mantel.  I picked up this super cute little tureen at Midland Antiques in Indianapolis over the summer in cream and brown.  I knew it would look perfect with some flowers or acorns peeking out of it.  I got acorns at Crate and Barrel because for the price they gave me the most for the most reasonable price.  I stuffed some gold tissue paper in the tureen so I wouldn't have to waste all of my acorns.


I laid down a strip of burlap ribbon to give a little warmth then placed acorns on top of the tissue paper to make it appear that they were overflowing with the lil nuts.


It was starting to come together but needed something else.


I took some of the leftover eucalyptus and tied it together in the middle and called it done.


But as you live with things for a few days, you have the prerogative to change your mind a little and add things here and there until you get just the right look.  I added two vintage books under two of the pumpkins and tied a rust colored bow on the eucalyptus to add a little interest.


I moved the other pumpkin down in front of the vase, picked up some dark burgundy dried leaves I saw at the grocery store floral department to add to the birch vase and then called it done.   It has stayed that way ever since!


I knew it was perfect when the Mr came home and gasped and told me every day for a week how proud I must be of that.  That meant he was proud too.

Then it was time to move on to the armoire.    I'm so pleased with the way the Fall colors look with the gray and white.


On the top shelf is the second tube of birch bark that is long and narrow.  I used more of the eucalyptus and dried leaves in there to tie the room together.  I had a vintage Log Cabin syrup tin that I decided looked kind of fun with it.


There are those two extra pumpkins I bought.  I knew they'd look cute on the vintage scale I had.  I paired them with a Fall print and a French biscuit tin I picked up in wine country when we were on vacation in May.  (Dang, we came home four months ago today.  No fair!)


On the bottom shelf is the sewing box I spruced up from an antique store with some Fall colored old books, a ceramic glazed pumpkin with some leaves and acorns underneath in a cloche from World Market.  On the other side are more old books with another mini tureen o' acorns.  I picked that baby up for $1.  Someone probably would've chucked it otherwise but I get to use it to decorate...woo hoo!


So there you have it.  My process on how to create a Fall vignette.  I hope the pictures of it coming together were somewhat helpful.  I know for me when I see scenes like that already together, it is a little beyond me as to how they got from A to B but I hope this helped someone else out there who might have things on hand but not sure how to arrange them.

Tips to keep in mind:

Varying heights and textures are key as it adds interest.

Grab some old books the next time you're at a garage sale.  Often they're only a few bucks a piece and can be used to display their pretty book spines and/or covers.

A trendy piece or two is great but stick with classic pieces that'll never go out of style so you can mix and match as trends come and go.

Create a style that feels warm and inviting.  It will not only welcome guests during this fun season but it'll make you smile every time you see it.  I know I do.

Linked up with: French Country Cottage, Blesser House, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Answer is Chocolate,, TMTOMH, Tatertots and Jello, Between Naps on the Porch, Mabey She Made It, Memories by the Mile,  The Crafty Blog Stalker, Home Stories A to Z, Sand and Sisal, Simply Designing, Confessions of a Serial DIYer

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