French Cottage Kitchen Niche for Fall

I have this little cabinet niche here in the kitchen that I think was originally created for a TV/sound system by the former owners of our house. But I prefer a smaller TV on the counter, so we were left with either using it as display shelving or try to match existing cabinetry. I could use it as open shelving by adding another set of shelves, but I chose to leave it as "was" and just make a spot for seasonal kitchen display.

Dough Bowl Pumpkin Centerpiece On the Antique Sideboard Buffet

Hi Friends, this post is a bit overdue as I had wanted to get this out at the beginning of "Pumpkin Season", but I had to be out of town for a bit. I think most of us try to refresh our faux pumpkins every few years to keep them updated and looking crisp and new. I had a few in my fall squash stash that really needed a mini makeover.

Autumn Tray in the Dining Room

Hi Friends, welcome to the Autumn On A Tray Tour, hosted by our lovely friend, Katherine of Katherine's Corner. If you're following the Tour Links and are coming from visiting MaryJo at Masterpieces of My Life, then a special "Hello" to you and I'm so glad you came by to visit. 

All About Home #165: October Joys

Hello Friends and Welcome to the 

All About Home Link Party!

Ahhhhh... October is my favorite month of the year. I love the cooler days and changing leaves and all the amazing cozy decor. Thanks so much for coming by and sharing the fun things you're up to. I look forward each week to see all the amazing Fall creativity! It's the best season for fabulous DIYs, decor, and recipes. So glad you're here!

Creating A Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

Hi Friends, welcome to the October edition of the Lifestyle of Love blog gathering where a few of us share our love for decorating with vintage items. This month our topic is using and decorating with items created with reclaimed wood. Our blogging bud Cindy from County Road 407 is our host and creator of this fun get together. If you're coming from Lora's Blog, Create and Ponder, thanks so much for continuing the Hop!

Autumn Greetings from the Front Porch

Decorating the front porch for Fall has been a work in progress this last month since we were gone for a week. It started in early September with a change up for the pillows on the metal depot bench. By the end of summer the porch and flowers start looking a bit tired and in need of a pick-me-up. I like keeping a lighter look in September because the temps are still really warm, but I'll add a few darker colors as it gets further into October.

All About Home#164: Autumn Design and DIY

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All About Home Link Party!

I hope you've been having a great "early Fall" and now that we're in to October we can all go a bit crazy! Thanks so much for coming by and sharing the fun things you're up to. You all know that this is my favorite time of year. I look forward each week to see all the amazing Fall creativity! Fall is such a great season for fabulous DIYS, decor, and recipes. So glad you're here!

Fall Carts and Wagons and a Porch Peek

Hi Friends and Happy Weekend!

I've been decorating the front porch for Fall this week and was contemplating bringing out one of the goat carts to "fallify". I love using it as a focal point in Fall decorating. My hubby took me to buy a few pumpkins and mums at my favorite pumpkin barn; just a few... because we have hoodlum squirrels here and nothing is safe. Here are a few pics of the progress on the porch with most everything sprayed with peppermint concentrate. We live on a street with a lot of school traffic, so I guess I'll not try to put anything out here that I can't live without. So I'll share some Pinterest cart and wagon inspiration instead. Maybe I'll just put together a fun look out on the back porch.

Savoring September in the Holiday Cupboard

The highlight of any season is putting together the ever-changing Holiday Cupboard. And since Fall is my favorite time of the year, it takes on a new and different theme each year. I put this look together for September a few weeks ago. At that time I wanted to keep the pumpkins at a minimum and highlight the wild little black-eyed-susans and bits of bittersweet and mini gourds. 

All About Home #163: Pumpkin Decor and DIY

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All About Home Link Party!

Thanks so much for coming by and sharing the fun things you're up to. You all know that this is my favorite time of year. I look forward each week to see all the amazing Fall creativity! Fall is such a great season for fabulous DIYS, decor, and recipes. So glad you're here!

Bountiful Vintage Fall Baskets

Using baskets has been a fun and creative way for me to decorate since I saw the first issues of Country Living Magazine back in 1978. One of the best things about them is that they can be found at any vintage market, flea, antique shop or garage sale, usually for a price that will fit anyone's budget. Baskets come in so many varieties; mostly wood products, wicker, willow, and even metals. Since I turn first to vintage finds, I have a good stash, big and small, that I can choose from. 

Early Fall Entry with a Vintage Botanical Print

Hello Friends, time for an Early Fall look in the Entry since we're midway into September. The entry console changes up frequently as do most areas of the house. When we first looked at the house, now 4 years ago, the wall paper in the entry (and Dining Room) really pulled me in with it's traditional neutral taupe stripe. 

All About Home Link Party #162

Hello Friends and Welcome to the 

All About Home Link Party!

Thanks so much for coming by each week and sharing the fun things you're up to. Fall is such a great season for fabulous DIYS, decor, and recipes. So glad you're here!

This coming week will be a bit hectic for me as I'm going to be undergoing some intensive medical testing for the neuromuscular symptoms I've had for a while. I was hoping my two back surgeries would have taken care of them, but I've still had symptoms this last year. So hopefully I'll have some answers this week. I'll be sharing a couple of posts, just to stay in touch. Thankyou in advance for your thoughts and prayers that I'll get a solid diagnosis after these last few years. Thanks friends, Love you all!

Vintage Laundry Basket for a Fall Centerpiece

The Fall Season brings out the creative vibes for me more than any other season. Here's a centerpiece I put together last Fall on the farmtable in the Garden Room. I knew I wanted to try something different on the farm table for early Fall for a centerpiece. I usually have my big wooden vintage ice cream bucket filled with faux florals, and I love it... just wanted something a bit different. When I find something that works well in a space I sometimes get a little lazy and do the minimum. But after my vintage shopping trip a while back I had some new inspiration and ideas to try.

Boho Quilted Throw in the Garden Room

Maybe you've noticed, I have a "thing" for quilts. Big, small, throws, runners... all sizes, colors, designs and ages. I've been blessed with a mother-in-law who quilted and gifted us with many, and I've been fortunate to find a few vintage ones in my antiquing days that didn't break the bank. I love the different prints and patterns, and even if they're frayed and a bit tattered, they still speak to me.

All About Home #161 Bring on Fall!

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All About Home Link Party!

Thanks so much for coming by each week and sharing the fun things you're up to. Fall is such a great season for fabulous DIYS, decor, and recipes. The temps are down a bit and it's actually feeling like September. I'm even seeing some gold leaves on the oak leaves. I've been working on the front porch so I'm getting there!

Cozy Up to Fall in the Hearth Room

Welcome to my mish mash of early fall pics here in the Hearth Room. I shared my Mantel with Transferware and Ironstone earlier this week, so today I'm sharing the rest of the room. Things change pretty quick in September so I need to stay current week by week!

September Mantel with Ironstone and Transferware

Does decorating for Fall sound better once it becomes September? I think there is a subtle shift in my brain's ability to bring out some pumpkins and leaves once we're officially past Labor Day. I've had my Fall tubs out for several weeks, but I just couldn't get excited until this last week. Plus the weather has cooled down a bit and the light seems to be making those longer shadows that don't happen till Autumn is on our doorstep.

All About Home #160: Let's Celebrate September

Happy Labor Day, and Welcome to the 

All About Home Link Party!

Let me tell you, I'm thrilled to have changed that calendar page over to September!!! This has been one whopper of a summer and we've finally had some rain and lower temps. Our grass has even greened up and had a little growing spurt. I'm not a fan of hot weather so I'm usually over summer by the end of July. Not to say I don't enjoy the wonderful summer months, I just need to live somewhere where summer isn't all about the drought and scorch. 

Thanks so much for coming by each week and sharing the fun things you're up to. Now, after Labor Day we can have some great Autumn DIYS, decor, and recipes.

Elegant Urns for Fall

The Creeping Fig

If you're looking for a way to make a statement with your Fall decor, especially in an Entry, Dining Room, or really, anywhere you want to grab attention, use an urn as your focal point. Whether it's inside or out, urns command a second look and always seem to elevate the French Elegance factor. Today I'm sharing a load of inspiration and ideas on ways to create a one-of-a-kind decor centerpiece.

Fall Beginnings in the China Cupboard

Some people like to create tablescapes, and some people like to style vignettes and bookshelves. Me? I like the best of both... to play with dishes in a china cupboard, cabinet and shelves. Although I don't decorate inside this cabinet as much as the Holiday Cupboard, I like to play around with some seasonal bits and bobs in here amongst the transferware.

All About Home #159: Farewell to August

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All About Home Link Party!

Countdown to September is on!!! Fall is popping out all over and I've been pouring over old Fall magazines and my Pinterest boards on Fall. I've been working on transitioning my decor on over to early Fall. I "do" Fall in stages, especially late August and early September. I like to use sunflowers and pears and just a few pumpkins. When it's still upper 80's and low 90's outside I have to take it slow. Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share what you've been up to. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration throughout the seasons. 

My 10 Tips to Transition to Fall

If you know me and have been a reader of my blog for long, you'll know that Fall is my favorite time of the year. I've always loved the cooler temps, changing leaves, and knowing that Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the way. It's a fun time to cozy up our homes and spaces. Here are my own Top 10 Tips to Transition from Summer to Fall.

Sunflowers Bucket on the Farmtable

Hi Friends, August is zipping by and decor is changing as fast as a chicken can peck a bug. Okay, I'm no chicken lady, but I bet it's fast! My momma and baby vintage chalk chickens have been out here in the Garden Room since mid July and I'm just getting around to sharing the farm table for Late Summer.

All About Home: #158: Late Summer Inspiration

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All About Home Link Party!

Gosh folks, Fall is creeping up on us, and this last week we had several great Fall inspiration posts. I think we're all enjoying the last of August and summer things, but many of us look forward to the beauty and transformation that Fall brings. (and cooler weather!) 

We had a visit from our adult kids from St. Louis, and our daughter and hubby who live here in town, joined us for a dinner out. We had exciting news, friends. A baby girl is on the way. We never thought we'd get to be grandparents, (younger daughter) but thanking the Lord for a precious new member of the family! 

Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share what you've been up to. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration throughout the seasons. 

Late Summer Sunflowers in Bloom

August is all about Sunflowers around here...  Mid Summer into Fall is their time to show their happy faces, mingle with some hydrangeas, and wait for some fall leaves to show up. By the middle of July they start mixing in with the early Summer arrangements and as Summer gets closer to Fall, they easily transition from light and bright into early Fall arrangements that are a little deeper in color. 

Summer to Fall Garden Florals in Vintage Containers

Today I thought I'd share a few pics and posts with my garden grown Hydrangeas from this house. I've really enjoyed the large lush bush out front and start snipping those blooms in late June for display and drying. After a few weeks of enjoying the fresh cuttings, they can be dried into lovely delicate dried specimens that range from delicate pinks and greens to darker mauves and purples in the Fall.

All About Home #157: Late Summer Blooms and Projects

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All About Home Link Party!

As August hits the middle of the month we're starting to see a few posts on inspiration for Fall. I used to not be fond of the month of August, but I had an epiphany a few years ago... "Hey, next month is September, so instead of complaining, start thinking about ideas and transitioning to Fall!" Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share what you've been up to. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration throughout the seasons. 

Farm Animals in French Country Decor

Somewhere deep in my DNA I have the Farmer/Shepherd gene that has been dormant for many years. When I was growing up my dad always kept a few beef cattle at the farmhouse, but we weren't allowed to name them or pet them because well, you know why...  So, next best thing is to just collect cows and sheep to decorate with in my vintage Cottage, Farmhouse, and French Country decor.

Late Summer in the Cookbook Cupboard

It seems like August brings all the chickens out to gather in the kitchen and Garden Room. I think of them "down on the farm" hunting and pecking in the barnyard; waiting around for a sprinkle of feed then heading to cooler shady spots for a siesta. So here we are on the Cookbook Cupboard now in late Summer with a few of my vintage flock...

Relaxing Outdoor Spaces at All About Home #156

Hello friends and Welcome to the 

All About Home Link Party!

Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share what you've been up to. There were so many great link ups this last week. August is a transition month for me, as I start thinking about... thinking about Fall. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration throughout the seasons. 

A Sunflower Mantel and Late Summer Inspiration

Hi friends. Today I'm sharing a look back post with a late summer cottage mantel from our last house. This time of year I'm captivated by sunflowers. They are the symbol for late summer, relaxation, casual dinners al fresco, and all things French Country... and I love to have them taking showing out on the mantel.

Feeling Fruity on the Baker's Rack

August is the month I think about the harvest in the garden from when I was growing up. And memories of a farmstand at the edge of town with fresh corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelons... all sorts of produce fresh from the fields. Often there was still a little dirt still hanging around. So thinking about the summer fruit harvest this month, the Baker's Rack is all about Summer Fruit  ...

Summer Flowers and Tablescapes at All About Home #155

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All About Home Link Party!

WOW, August is here and before we know it we'll be heading into Fall. This has been a rough summer weather-wise, so many of us are ready and looking forward to cooler temps. Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share your lives and homes. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration!

Mid-Summer Door Basket with Ticking

Hi Friends, I just wanted to pop in with a quick few pics of my current Mid-Summer Front Door Basket. You may remember we have a bit of a bird problem on the front porch, as they try to make nests in the basket within about 15 minutes of me hanging it out. But this year we put up a nesting box in the corner, so the illegal nesting in the basket has stopped...

Summery Looks in the Garden Room

The end of July has me thinking about mid-Summer but with a decided shift toward winding down and bringing out a bit darker, deeper, harvest colors. Golds and darker greens and a few browns start showing up with some sunflower vibes. Out in the Garden Room I've changed up the wicker seating area to include some golds, black and white Buffalo Check, and of course my always current ticking stripes.

Mid-Summer Inspiration at All About Home #154

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All About Home Link Party!

Thankfully this is the last week in July!! I'm ready to move on to August, and hopefully a change in the weather. I hope you've been having a wonderful summer... maybe a vacation... visiting with family and friends... Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share your lives and homes. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration!

Christmas in July Ideas and Inspiration

Hello Friends, today I'm doing something a bit different, this hot and humid day in late July.  Actually I'm going for a mental "reset" with an opportunity to start thinking about and grabbing some inspiration for the Christmas Holiday that will be coming before we know it. I'm joining in with a fabulous group of talented gals that have amazing ideas throughout the year! Our friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse has put together this fun Hop and if you're coming from visiting CoCo at The Crowned Goat, thanks so much for coming by and continuing the Hop. Lets get going with some Christmas ideas and inspiration slightly ahead of the curve.

Coastal Vibes with a Seashell Buffet

Hello Everyone, do you love Coastal Design... and Vintage... and Summer? Well, you're in the right place because today a group of us are sharing our Summer Coastal Vibes and how we use all those elements in our decor. Amber, from Follow the Yellow Brick Home  has put this great group together and if you're coming from Christy's at Our Southern Home, Hello and Welcome; so glad you're here!

Summer French Country Wagon In the Dining Room

It's mid summer and I was ready for a dining room refresh from my Spring look, which meant adding in some sunflowers, late summer pears, and changing up my floral table runner from a spring-y brown floral to a summery one with reds, golds, and taupe. 

All About Home Link Party #153

Hello friends and Welcome to the 

All About Home Link Party!

Let's take a break from the hot, hot, hot and enjoy some fun summer decor and gatherings. Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share your lives and homes. I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration!

Seashell Decor and More

Next week I'll be joining a group where we are sharing Coastal Vibes this summer. Since I live smack dab in the middle of the USA, going to the beach or coast isn't something I've done often. Trying to think... the last time I saw the ocean was back in the 90's. What can I say, I'm not an aficionado on the beach or coastal decor. Oh, but my dad was in the Navy, does that count? 

Anyway, I still love shells and of course the summer months are the perfect time to display a few along with some other vintage decor. Since I've been thinking about them, here are a few pics from the past of my posts with seashells. 

Mid-Summer Entry with Blue and White Transferware Tureen

Hi Friends, I know many of you are "Blue and White" collectors with gorgeous dishware, ginger jars, and amazing decorative Chinoiserie pieces. I admire it and love that elegant and traditional design "look", but I've just never started a collection of it. I think it's gorgeous in the summer when I love using Blue and White accessories. I've stuck to the Browns, Reds and Green patterns in transferware, but I do have one piece that I totally stumbled upon years ago at a flea market for just a few dollars. 

Summer Fun at All About Home #152

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All About Home Link Party!

Well, I'm not going to sugar coat it, this is my least favorite time of the year. Too hot, too dry. Working outside is impossible unless you want to risk a heat stroke. By mid July my brain is fried and wandering toward Autumn and cooler temps. I know many of us are feeling it too. I'll try not to complain... August will look better as we slide toward the more moderate temps of early Fall. In the meantime, (insert happy face) we can all share what we're doing, have a good dose of inspiration, and enjoy beautiful pics of vacations and DIY projects. How about you all?... are you gangbusters this time of year or is it just me?

Thankyou all so much for coming by each week to share your lives and homes. 

I love seeing all your great ideas and beautiful inspiration!

Majolica and Crockery in the Summer Holiday Cupboard

Hi friends, today I'm sharing A Cottage Re-View of my Long Lost Crockery in the Holiday Cupboard in Mid-Summer. I hope you'll enjoy seeing a few posts from years past of fun vintage summer decorating. I love peeking into the archives of my favorite blogs. So many times I've missed that particular post, so getting a chance to "view it again" always brings inspiration and fresh new ideas. Today I'm sharing some of my pieces of old crockery and Majolica.