Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Decorating your home for fall...

Fall is definately here...between the fresh crisp cooler temperatures and the cinnamon clove smells that fill the air one of my favorite things to do this season is decorate my home!  For me, filling it with "all things autumn"  really sets the mood for the holidays...Who's with me on this one? Here are a few ideas that helped me out this fall when it came to getting my home ready for the autumn and thanksgiving season...



Instead of a traditional wreath, hang a fall foliage mirror from your front door. This look can be easily recreated by taking a small mirror and hot glueing a few fall foligae "picks" to the top. Secure ribbon from the back and hang! How beautiful is that? 





Candlesticks, wooden and straw pumpkins and some strands of straw (you can find small bales of it at your local store) scattered throughout add a simple but elegant look to you home with this display.

White Pumpkin Candle

Pumpkin candles instead of traditional pillar cnadles add autumn personality!

Set Of 2 Dessert Pedestals With Domes

Display your fall items in cute little glass containers like these! You can find them for next to nothing at Marshall's, HomeGoods, TJMaxx or even Hobby Lobby.



If you have an outdoorsman in your family, you probably have a pair of antlers lying around somewhere....crazy, but so true! This look comes from Pottery Barn but can easily be recreated on a wallet friendly budget!



I love the color of autumn flowers! Instead of hanging your wreaths just on the front door, you can also hang them around the house on chairs, headboards and even door knobs.





Who doesn't have a small stash of unused vases and pottery lying around? Okay, for some of us there's alot of that lying around your house...let's be honest! Don't worry, I'm a self-proclaimed home accent hoarder too! Your secret is safe with me!! {wink} Put that stash to good use by filling them up with straw, hay, pumpkins and gourds.

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I love this autumn vignette created on top of a white country sideboard! Stunning!!

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Fall mantels....simple and easy! Pick up some fall garland at your local craft store (you should be able to get great deals now since they're starting to put out all there christmas decorations). Shopping tip: buy a little extra if you find a great sale....you can always stock up for next year!







Get more for your money when it comes to decorating! Instead of fresh fruit...use wooden or faux fruit in your displays. It doesn't attract those pesky fruit flies and you can use them year after year! You can find wooden or faux fruit at any craft super store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I even saw some at Walmart yesterday!

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A simple yet elegant way to add a little fall ambiance to your home is by using glass jars, pillar candles and nuts (used as jar fillers). Scatter a few branches, leaves or moss around your display and you're done! It's that quick and easy...and looks really chic I might add!!

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More great ideas for jars, vases and jar fillers. The possibilities are endless!

Voluminous Canisters


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Mmmm, who doesn't love the smell of a nice autumn scented candle burning? Honestly, being a frugal shopper, I've tried the inexpensive scented candles and they just don't do the trick. This time you might have to splurge a little! The best candles, in my opinion, are Slatkin and Co. You can find these at Bath and Body Works for around $20 each. Don't worry, now through Christmas they always run sales on them and you can get them 2 for $30. They last quite some time too! Well worth the money spent.



Create a cozy and inviting seating arrangement in your living, family or sitting room. Add a few autumn colored pillows for instant impact. Pillows are one of the easiest ways to change the look of your space from season to season without spending alot of money!



Layer or drape a few throws on a chair or two in the room,
so guests can cozy up and relax.



Don't forget the bedroom! Continue the fall ambiance into the bedroom with a splash of autumn colors in your bedding, pillows and decorative accents. This picture shows just the right amount of autumn "oomph",
I like to call it. No need to go overboard in this room.
You still want it to be a calm and relaxing space to enjoy the end of your evening in.

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The dining room is a great way to layer those fall accessories! You can use small plates, bowls, candlesticks and even pitchers to display your pumpkins....huh, who knew!



Layer your table setting with chargers, plates and these great little ceramic soup pumkins and gourds! Add a lantern or two and a few tea lights and you're ready to entertain!!



I love the look of this country cottage dining area! Don't be afraid to mix white wood furniture with natural wood furniture. I've done so in just about every room in my home. (You'll be able to see more of my own home personal style in upcoming posts...stay tuned!)



Pillows and throws aren't just for indoor decorating any more. They add a warm and welcoming touch to any chair or bench you may have by your front door or on your back porch!





Use white lights in your outdoor autumn scapes. They're not just for Christmas! I love the look of the pumpkin, instead of flowers, resting in the urns....clever idea!!



Fill copper or metal tubs up with pumkins, pinecones, sticks, hay, straw and whatever else you can get your hands on for the front porch display!

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Mums are always a classic fave!!


Add some garland and more white lights over the doorway for a dramatic welcome your guest will love! Plus it looks SO GOOD lit up at night!!


This has to be, hands down, one of my favorite Pottery Barn looks. I love the use of a wheelbarrow along with extra bales of hay, side tables and lanterns! You better believe I'm saving this look for my front porch next year!!

Welcome To The Nut House Indoor Sign


I couldn't pass up! Add some character and personality to your home with quirky little signs like this one. You can hang it outside, just outside the front door or inside above one of your favorite autumn displays. How cute is that?


Ahhh, the much neglected mailbox! For the overachiever in home decorating...there's always options to add to some autumn flair to the mailbox! Just think about how special your mail carrier will feel! {wink}

Well, there you have it...my inspiration for fall home decorating. I hope you found some great ideas...now it's time for me to take a few of these ideas and get to work decorating my own home. I'll share some personal home photos of my autumn decor next week! What's your favorite room to decorate for fall and why?

(All images are via  House Beautiful, Pottery Barn, and Country Door and Pinterest)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Apple dumplings and hot caramel apple cider...

Having friends and family over for dinner is always a fun and exciting time, I know. And if you're anything like me you LOVE to entertain...especially around the holidays! Often times entertaining can become a little hectic if your juggling a career, family and everything else in between.

I would love to be able to have time to decorate a nice autumn tablescape like this...

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(I can already here the "hubs" clentching his wallet as I sit here and daydream about my day of shopping next week at HomeGoods)

Since we're all beautiful, fabulous and amazing women on the go, here's a quick and easy Apple Dumpling dessert recipe that's sure to spice up your autumn night and have your dinner guests and family raving for weeks to come!


Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls

1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 cup of Ginger Ale

Directions:

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter over medium low heat, then add sugar and stir. Next, add vanilla ginger ale and cinnamon, stir. Once mixture is well combined and heated pour over apples. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon over the dumplings, if you'd like, and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, & spoon the sweet sauces from the pan over the top for an indulgent topping everyone will be sure to love!!

It's that easy and SO DELICIOUS. It's the perfect little dessert to warm you up on those cool autumn nights. Here's a another warm treat to add to your cool autumn nights.


Hot Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients:

8 cups or 1/2 gallon apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
whipped cream, optional
extra caramel ice cream topping, optional

Directions:
In a large sauce pan, combine the cider, sugar, and caramel topping. Cook over medium low heat until simmering stirring frequently. Simmer until heated and well blended. Serve in cups of mugs. Pipe whipping cream on top and drizzle with additional caramel topping if desired.

And there you have it...So go grab a blanket, your favorite book and snuggle in to enjoy the goodness of it all!!

(All images via Pinterest and recipes via Real Mom Kitchen.)



Saturday, November 5, 2011

Cozy up for a relaxing weekend...

The weekend is here, and while I'm not so sure where the week went...I'm sure glad it's over cause I'm exhausted and looking forward to weekend full of relaxation!

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You know what that means. The fall air is crisp and fresh and all I can think about is cozying up to the fireplace and grabbing a nice hot cocoa (with ALL the fixins) to settle in for the weekend.

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So here's pretty much where you'll find me....

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Today, I'm linking up with Amanda at Serenity Now for her "Weekend Bloggy Reading".  What a great place to catch up on all the latest and find some insiration for recipes, home decorating and fashion! I'm so excited....C'mon over and join us for a great weekend!

Weekend Bloggy Reading

See ya next week!!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Style Alert: Fabulous faux fur...

Faux fur is a definate must have this season! Now I have to admit...at first I was a little skeptical of getting one for myself since I am pregnant. Honestly, I thought that I'd look like a moose, I mean come on...all that fur over top a big belly? But I must admit...I've seen so many pregnant women recently looking fabulous I was inspired to try one on. Needless to say, I fell in love! I found my fabulous designer faux fur at Marshall's for $39 (which is a steal compared to department store prices). So, now that I have my new found fabulousness...how do I wear it with style so that I don't look like a moose? Here are a few great looks I've found on how to wear your faux fur with style...

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Faux fur vests are super chic with jeans, blouses and sweaters! But don't stop there...pair it up with your favorite dress for fall...and don't forget the boots or heels. Whether your tall or short, elongate those legs ladies!!

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Dressed up or casual....they all look fabulous! This is my favorite "bump" outfit! You fabulous new faux fur vest paired with skinny jeans (which by the way Heidi Klum makes a great skinny jean in her clothing line called "Loved"), a long tunic sweater, and a great pair of heels. Finish the look off with a great lookin' hat. SUPER CUTE, LADIES!

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Great casual look to accent the baby bump! Leggings, boots, and an oversized button up shirt.

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I love how the purple shirt really makes this one pop!

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If vests just aren't your thing...try a great cropped faux fur jacket like the one above. It looks fabulous with jeans and boots but elegant when paired up with your favorite dress and a pair of heels! (Um, I can totally pull this look off, preggo belly and all...YOU BETCHA! Who says you can't still look sexy and trendy when you're pregnant? Surely, not me!)

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Here's a long sleeve version of the faux fur cropped jacket paired up with a great animal print dress. Perfect for a night on the town with the girls or that special date night with hubby! (The great thing about this look is that it has plenty of extra fabric draped around the belly, which means I can totally rock this great look for my date night with hubby even while I'm pregnant....OH YEAH!)

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These faux fur jackets even look fabulous with jeans and a tee. What a great way to spice up your fall wardrobe will a little touch of  glam!

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Finally, if cropped jackets just aren't ticklin' your fancy....here's a great faux fur collar trench coat that's super chic! How gorgeous does that look ladies? I'm thinkin' I need me one of those for winter. Hmmm, who sells maternity faux fur coats? The search is on.....

Thanks for stopping by. I hope these looks gave you some great ideas on how to wear faux fur this fall and winter season.

Stay warm out there!

Monday, October 31, 2011

A chic and spooktacular home...


Happy Halloween!

Decorating for the holidays can be alot of fun and since fall is my favorite season of the year, here are a few of my favorite inspirational looks for Halloween Home Decor.


Pumpkin carving isn't for everyone, so head to your local craft store and pick up some stencils to paint your pumpkins.  Spooky little treats are always a fave, like these chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing...thow a spider ring ontop for a fun little twist! And if your short on cash, it's always fun to create your own halloween signs and frame them with frames you already may have lying around the house!

Halloween decorating doesn't have to cost a fortune. These bold black and white plates were picked up on clearance and hung above a buffet full of pumpkins and inexpensive black candleholders.


Can't find white pumpkins? Pick up a can of white spray paint at your local craft store along with some ribbon and create your own one of a kind pumpkin display your guests will sure to rave about!


Here's a great way to really get in the spirit! A classic black and orange front porch makes a grand entrance for all your guests and trick-or-treaters. Just scatter a few pumpkins, lanterns, candles, black, white and orange pillows around and grab an orange can of paint at your local hardware store and VOILA!  Don't be afraid to add a little color to any decor with paint. It's quick, fun and easy...and totally reversable! When you're ready for change just paint it another color, it's that easy.


Another great use for pumpkin decorating! Scatter them in different sizes and colors on your hallway table. For added interest, gather a bunch of sticks, paint them black, and hang black bats (cut from construction paper) from the tips. Take a screw driver and create holes in the top of your pumpkin so the sticks sit nice and tight. How cool is that?


Having a few guests over for dinner? Black and white are always classic and fun for Halloween. Again, scatter a bunch of pumpkins in different colors and sizes throughout and serve up some pumpkin cocktails. Since you can't have Halloween without candy....take some black and white halloween candies and display them in large apothacary jars on the table. These jars are easy to find for around $10 - $20 at Marshall's, HomeGoods, or Hobby Lobby.


Leaf garland draped over a mirror and yep, you guessed it....pumpkins!
What a easy way to add impact to your foyer!


And finally....don't forget the beverages! It's a great way to welcome your guests when they arrive. You can search the internet for some great Halloween beverage and cockail recipes!

Hope everyone's Halloween is a fun and safe one! My costume this year is a piratess. Have you ever seen a pregnant pirate before? There's definatley a "baby bump" under all that!


Have a great day, mateys!!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Good things come to those who wait...

...and wait and wait!! While I know I haven't had a post since July, and I'm truly, truly sorry, I have a beautiful and amazing reason why and some great news to finally share with you! After months and months on end of trying to start our family and the Lord promising me not to worry and that it's all in His timing...We finally received the amazing news this past August...



We're Expecting!!

So, here's the scoop....I'm 16 weeks pregnant and finally into my second trimester...Yaaaay! I have to honestly say though, the first trimester was no fun at all and for a while there left wondering "Why do women do this to themselves more than one time?! Don't get me wrong, while I was excited about this wonderful new little bundle of joy...this new little bundle gave me quite the blahs the entire first three months. With EXTREME all day and night nausea, it became very difficult to to do anything outside of staying in bed and sucking on ice cubes. If I don't see another saltine cracker for the rest of my life I think I'll be so excited!! Believe me, I tried everything to make the nausea go away....saltines, ginger ale, sour candy, preggie pops, Emetrol nausea syrup, peppermints, sea bands....the list goes on and on! If there was a remedy that worked I wanted to try it!

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But on a positive note, I had pregnant women everywhere connecting with me on facebook ready to share their experiences with me! It was great being able to meet and connect with so many other pregnant women and recent mommies, I loved it!

With everything that was going on in the first trimester, it became really hard to accomplish my everyday activities I loved like designing new pieces of jewelry for my business, WhimSea Designs and staying connected to my blog! As hard as it was to step away from everything I realized it was necessary for me to take those first few months to take care of my body and this new little miracle that will someday soon call me "Mommy".

Now that the nausea seems to be gone (for good hopefully) I'm feeling better and looking forward to the "nesting" phase of this soon to be mommyhood world, getting my home ready for this precious little miracle and reconnecting with all my lovely readers! And the best part is, in a couple of weeks I'll know whether this cute little bundle will be adorned in all pink or blue and I can get started on the shopping and nursery design....

 
Like this one!

OOOOOH, or this one!!


While I'm at it why not create a new look for mommy!
What? It only seems fair, right??

Courtesy of:  laylagrace.com

I'm so excited to finally be able to share the news with you! I look forward to staying connected with everyone throughout this wonderful and amazing journey.

If anyone has any great ideas on where look for great nursery inspriation I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.


Have a beautiful day, Everyone!