Not so Simple Fall Mantle

I've finished the Fall transformation. Everything outside is still as green as it can be - not even a hint of changing colors - but the inside looks warm and cozy, and I've done my best to transform the outside, too.

First things first - the mantle. My mantle decorations have been the same for the past 5 years, and they are getting T.I.R.E.D. I really, really, really, really, really want to throw it all away and start over, but I'm restraining myself (I know it's hard to believe).

I'm hoping that I may be moving soon (cross your fingers and say your BIG prayers, more on that later). I know that I do not want to go out and buy even more stuff that I would have to move. So, here it is, my WAY overdone, but still festive Fall mantle.




And here's the coffee table, and the chair that you can't sit in because you'll fall through (the seat needs to be tightened).

How did I get the real pumpkins so shiny, you ask? Well, I'll tell ya - when you get 'em home, wash all the dirt off, then dry them. Make a mixture of 1 part Mop 'N Glo and 1 part water and put it in a spray bottle. Spray 'em down and let dry - don't dry them with a towel because you'll wipe all the shiny off - and voila!

I LOVE the ugly gourds the very best.

Maybe I should downsize - put a few of these things back in the storage bin. I want simple, but I have NEVER done simple. I don't have to put everything out just because I have it, right? We'll see...

I'm linking to the "Fantle" (fall mantle) linky party at The Nester. My first one... yay! Check it out HERE - tons of inspiration - will make you want to completely redo everything you've done. :-)

Stashbusting September - Pumpkins

You may remember that I signed up for Stashbusting September here. I had big plans for projects I wanted to get done, but only managed to tackle one. Still, I’m pretty happy with that.

Last-Minute-Lisa that I am, I didn’t manage to get the link back posted on the official site in time to actually participate according to the rules. Bummer…

Oh well, here’s my project anyway. I decided to tackle some of the fabric and thrift sweaters that I seem to be hoarding. It was fun, easy and once again I may have gotten a little carried away.This is the neck of a sweater I got at the Salvation Army.

And this is what I made from it! Pretty cool, huh?? I got the idea and instructions from Martha (of course). And, here are the ga-billion others I made, plus I'm still finishing up a couple of bigger ones.

LOVE 'EM!

I'm linking up here:

Gratitude Friday

Today, I'm grateful for:

1. This has been one of those weeks, and I’m grateful for it's lessons, and that it's almost over.
2. Good days! Every day that I wake up and am able to get out of the bed is a good day.
3. More pumpkins. ;-)
4. Second chances – hopefully I’ll be able to tell you more about this later.
5. My Fall and Halloween decorations are up (again, more on that later) and I have the entire weekend to enjoy them.

Pumpkins!

I LOVE PUMPKINS!

Pumpkins and gourds, and all of their wonderful colors are some of my most favorite things about this time of year. So far, I've only bought a few for my decorating inside the house. If I could I would also turn my whole front yard into a pumpkin patch.

I took these pictures at the garden center around the corner from us. I'm trying to restrain myself, but I'm sure I'll be visiting again soon...

Must Be Present To Win!

I have a firm belief that for various gift-giving holidays, that if at all possible, you must be present to win. Maybe that's a bit selfish and dictatorial, but oh well... that's the way it is.

I think that this philosophy may be spilling over into other areas of my life...

Joe was out of town last week, which meant I got the bed all to myself. We have a ton of pillows (obviously), and yet it's just never enough. As you can see, since Joe was not present when I made the bed, he did not win. :-)

(Ok - I didn't really "make" the bed, but at least I pulled the covers up.)

Gratitude Friday

1. Joe is home. He has been gone since Sunday morning. While I've enjoyed the time puttering around the house decorating for fall, I have missed him.

2. The chance to visit a very good friend this evening. It's a two hour drive (not too bad, but too far not to have a plan). I haven't seen her in a few months and I miss her, so I'm excited to be going.

3. Getting texts like this:


4. Being mostly caught up at work. It's such a nice feeling not having a bunch of to-do's left over from this week and waiting for me on Monday.

5. Clean, crisp sheets - there is almost nothing better than that!

Have a great weekend!

It's a sickness...

I was in the kitchen looking for something this weekend and I had a moment that made me go, "hmmmm".... Now, I don't want to be too hasty, or jump to any crazy conclusions, but it is possible, that maybe, I just MIGHT have a problem.

This doesn't include the good china that's in the cabinet over the fridge that I can't reach, or the other set of Christmas plates that are in that same cabinet.

Then there is the placemat, napkin and tablecloth collection.

As much as I love these, you would think that I would store them a little more thoughtfully.

And… I’m only showing you ONE cabinet of glassware.

There is more – oh, so much more – but that is more than enough sharing for today. I recognize that I am a greed-ball when it comes to anything in the kitchen (dishes, glasses, pots and pans, linens, etc.). I have no excuse other than to say that I am a southern woman. I'm sure most of my southern sisters out there completely understand that explanation.

I have visions of dinner parties and holidays and being able to set a Martha-worthy table, which I think I have only done 2 – 3 times – EVER! But, that is beside the point. If the occasion should arise when I need to or want to, I will be prepared.

Surely I am not the only person like this, is there anyone else out there that if asked, has enough dishware to serve dinner to their entire town?

What was I looking for that started this parade of gluttony? I got so distracted that I don’t remember. Whatever it was, I’m sure I found it or another one just like it. :-)