Finding my Autumn "Chi" {Fall Mantle}

Finally! A day where I can actually feel fall in the air!  I've been in search of my autumn "chi" since the blogosphere and magazines began exploding with fall decor, recipes, color schemes, etc, and I just couldn't get there.  Maybe crossing over into the second half of September, maybe the chill that blew in last night on a cold front, or maybe that delectable Skinny Cinnamon Dolce latte at Starbucks did it.  Whatever it was, I woke up feeling like beginning the zhushing for fall.  My autumn chi is emerging. :)

I decided to start with the mantle and here's what I came up with...

I've decided I can't quite get on board with the oranges and heavier colors for fall this year.  I'm staying more neutral to keep my spaces as bright as possible.

Nothing says "autumn" like sheafs of wheat, right?  These have been hiding out in stash of decorative items for a couple of years now.  They bring the urn from summer beachy to rustic fall perfectly.

I added texture to my grandmother's silver dish with pine cones and straw spheres.  The combination of tans and browns with the silver keeps it interesting.

This fabulous antique Swedish etching came from my friend Tricia's antique shop she closed this summer.  My little bird marries the umber tones in the art with the blue urn.

Super simple changes here!  I just turned my antique books around so the pages faced out (I love the marbled detailing on one of them!) and added a couple of metallic pumpkins as a nod to the season. {Tutorial  on them coming next week}.

And so one more look at my fall mantle... for now, that is! ;-)

Have you found your autumn chi yet??

Linking up in these wonderful places:

Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up

Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Fall Nesting Party at The Inspired Room

Fall Festival at Nest of Posies

Have You Seen This? {Restoration Hardware}

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The Vintage Birdcage Chandelier from Restoration Hardware.

I think this piece is actually more appealing when you see it in a room...




I love the look of the cage and chandelier itself, but the thick marine rope seems odd to me and the $2K price tag (yes, you read that right) is way out of reach for the vast majority of us.  That crazy tufted sofa -- I can't even go there. :)

I'm thinking this look (minus the marine rope) could be recreated for less. What do you think of this lighting?   Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Happy Decorating!

Fall Decor {Rustic or Refined?}

Now that Labor Day is behind us, I've started thinking about decorating for fall-- plus the onslaught of awesome catalogs in my mailbox has got me longing for cooler temps!  I started digging through my magazines, catalogs, and the internet to find some fresh inspiration.  But I'm conflicted on whether I want to go more rustic, more refined, or something in between.  Here's a few images that have got me thinking...

potterybarn.com


House Beautiful




bhg.com



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bhg.com


marthastewart.com


marthastewart.com



marthastewart.com

So what about you?  Will your fall decorating be rustic or refined?
Happy Decorating!

Easy Peasy Fall Supper {Omelet in a Bag}

My crew loves to have breakfast for supper and this summer, my mom introduced us to a fun supper that will become our new fall staple: Omelet in a Bag.  The best part?  The kids {or your guests} get to assemble it!

What you need:

• 2 eggs per person
• 1 gallon sized ziploc bag per person
• your family's favorite omelet fixin's {cheese, ham, chicken, veggies, etc}
• large stockpot, filled 3/2 with water brought to a boil.

Step One:  Set out your omelet fixin's.  Our faves are bacon, ham, onion, shredded cheese, spinach, chopped fresh tomatoes, chopped green peppers.  The black olives were for Mom. :)

Step Two:  Put names on gallon-size ziploc bags.  This is so you can tell the omelets apart after they've cooked. :) Sharpie works best.

Step Three:  Each person cracks two eggs into their ziploc bag and adds their choice of fixin's.

Step Four:  Each person zips their bag shut and mushes everything together thoroughly.  The eggs need to take on a "beaten" appearance. 

Step Five:  Open one corner of the ziploc bag and squeeze as much air out of it as possible.

Here's what they look like before being plunged into a large stock pot of boiling water!

Step Six:  Drop ziploc bags into pot of boiling water and boil for EXACTLY 13 minutes.

Step Seven:  Use tongs to remove bags from water.  Pull bag open carefully (they are super hot!) and tip omelet out onto the plate.

Embellish with salt and pepper, salsa, or anything else you desire. 

We love how simple and satisfying this is!  Most of the photos I took at my mom's when she introduced us to this fun supper/brunch idea.  We've had it twice since then and everyone leaves the table happy. :)  After all, they fixed it themselves!

Linking up with:

 TaterTots and Jello's Weekend Wrap Up!

Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Beth's Stories of A to Z!

Gettin' Ready for Fall

I can hardly believe I actually got to wear blue jeans today!  Those of you up north are probably laughing at that, but if you're a Georgia dweller like me, you know that we can't safely put away our shorts and flipflops until mid to late October.  This year a little storm named Lee brought tons of rain and some cooler temps for what I think of as the beginning of fall-- the week after Labor Day.  So even though I'll have to stow my jeans again for another few weeks, just let me revel in them for a day or two. :)

If you haven't already headed over to Kellie's awesome Fall Festival at Nest of Posies-- DO IT!!!  Tons of great decorating ideas, recipes, and crafts to get your fall groove on!



I'll be linking up some goodies myself over the next few weeks!

This afternoon, I'm in search of this...



Plus a slew of other Fall idea magazines that seem to find their way into my shopping cart and run up my WalMart, Target, or grocery bill. :) 

How about you?  What are your favorite sources for fall inspiration around the home??

See you back here Friday with a super simple supper idea!

"Nice Hooters" Cupcake Decorating Kit - 50% off retail price

WHooooooo loves these??  I'm always on the hunt for a fresh new treat for my preschool functions or to share with y'all and these {literally} take the cake!!  Perfect for a fall gathering...

And best of all, the hard part of gathering supplies for this cutie-pie project is done for you!  I've always been intimidated by cake decorating projects, but even I think I could handle this one. :)

Cupcake Crafts gives you the supplies you need to decorate fabulous cupcakes right in your very own kitchen.

This deal is for (1) one "Nice Hooters" Owl Cupcake Decorating Kit.
Kit includes:
Cupcake Papers, White Accent Frosting Mix, Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Candy Coated Sunflower Seeds, Candy Coated Chocolates. Banana Flavored Candy, Pastry Bags, Toothpick and Step by Step Color Illustrated Instructions.
*You will need to provide cupcakes and chocolate frosting*
Kit makes 12 cupcakes.
 

Click HERE to order yours and then let me hear from you about how easy they were and the response accollades you received!  You're welcome. :)

Happy Baking!

Slipping into September

Hi, gang! September is here and I wanted to give you a sneak peek of what's ahead...



I'll be participating in this fun Fall roundup of inspiring ideas each Wednesday over at Kellie's blog.  I figured I needed a little push to get me thinking "fall" and this was just the way to do it!  She casts a wide net, so you'll find decorating ideas, new recipies, entertaining tips, crafts, and more.

Next week I'll also be sharing the super Back-to-School sale going on at Willow House this month... discounts on all the stylish products that will help keep your crew organized, so stay tuned!

And I have a couple of painting projects up my sleeve, some tailgating tips and tricks, and -- of course -- a new fall mantle coming your way, too.  I can already feel fall in the air!

In the meantime, the hubs and I are hosting some friends at the beach for a last gasp of summer.  There's some rain in the forecast, but let's hope for this...

Have a great weekend!