I am ready...

for CHANGE

I have been having thoughts like this running through my head...

Source: beccabae.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

I am ridiculously excited for fall!
 What is it about the change of seasons that is so good for the soul?  I find each new season so refreshing and rejuvenating--I love it!

 So even though it was 90 degrees outside and felt like summer, I went ahead and changed out my front door wreath for an autumn leaves look.

 Removed the now scraggely pink and purple summer blooms, planting some golden Chrysanthemums ($1.19 each)  and a budding auburn Mum ($2.50) So pretty for just $5!
 I can't believe that those sweet potato vines are still going strong!

I also changed out the throw pillow covers in the family room for a warmer Fall/Winter look and put a few "fallish" items here and there. 

I also picked up some 'Autumn' wallflowers at Bath and Bodyworks  (love that scent) and baked our favorite pumpkin muffins.  Yes those are both links--I couldn't recommend them more:)

I may be' jumping the gun' a bit, I think the official first day of Autumn is Sept 23, but I can't help myself!
It was a delight to see my boys reactions to the changes around here.  Much to my surprise, from my 4 year old to my husband they all actually noticed and loved it!

So yes, we are {VERY} ready for Fall...bring it on, please!

Speaking of change...I am seriously considering a major change with my hair.  I am so tired of dealing with the frizz brought on by the humidity here. I am dreaming of really cute SHORT hair. Maybe something like this... 

Source: google.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Or this...

Source: twitter.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Such a daring move for me, but I think it would be SO much easier, and take SO much less time which sounds SO appealing. 

 What do you think?  Do you have short hair?  Do love it or regret the cut?

DIY: Pottery Barn/ Martha inspired Christmas Wreath

My favorite place in the house is my sun room/office. It is a bright and cheery little spot for me. We found a pair of cozy chairs, and a Shaw rug (of course) and Brad surprised me and ordered a wonderful (I thought overpriced) table from Pottery Barn. But let me tell you that I LOVE it and now think it was worth every penny! It is pretty, and large and just perfect for projects. The first one was a Christmas Wreath.

Above the table is my inspiration clipped from the recent Pottery Barn catalogue and my Martha Stewart magazine from last December (somehow with the move I let my subscription expire:( I have taken care of that but it may be too late to get the December issue this year)

Anyway I present the idea board:

The Supplies purchased at the local Hobby Lobby craft store (all on sale for 50% off):

Notice the bags of balls were quite inexpensive!

One night when the boys were all tucked in bed, I put on some Christmas tunes and started twisting on the little balls in a bit of a crafting frenzy. Sometimes when I start a project I get an overwhelming desire to finish it at all costs. Luckily this one was very easy to do and did not take long, so no one had to suffer with lack of meals and the house looking like there was no Mother etc:)

And I am done--In less that an hour, phew! By the time I hung it up on my Sun Room door I had added those 2 little clip-on birds that I had from last year. Remember they were nestled into my basement mantle? I really wanted to find super thick and beautiful ribbon--but this was thickest that Hobby Lobby had. Next time I will have to order some online or find a cool ribbon shop in my area. But I am happy to report that this whole wreath cost me less than $10. That is crazy! Although that is perfect since I am pretty sure that next year I will get some creative craze come over me and change it completely! I had so much fun making this one, that a couple days later I made another one that is now hanging in my room from our canopy. It has brown sequined little birds--I guess I have a thing for birds this year. Anyway, I will post a picture tomorrow. I am off to bed!

So in the words from a classic I read tonight to a couple of little boys:

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

*Can you name the story?

Halloween Here We Come!

I am getting very excited about the upcoming holiday! Just like my Dad, I LOVE the fall! And just like my Mom I am crazy for holidays and Halloween is next! Yipee, I love Halloween! With five boys, this holiday is a BIG deal around here!

These cool ideas are from Martha Stewart:

My boys would LOVE making these Papier-Mache glowing pumpkins. The directions can be found here. We are going to give them a try this year.

The boys and I have big plans for a fun Halloween Party. I love this table cloth! It looks simple enough to make if I can find the box that holds my sewing machine!

Simple and very spooky!

My Mom made these little mice and puts them out each year for her annual Halloween party for the family. We are REALLY going to miss being there this year!

Aren't they fun in a creepy kind of way!

Well, I am off to the craft store! I will be ready to decorate on October 1! Can't wait!