I love before and afters, don’t you?
It’s so much fun to see what a room looked like once upon a time and then in mere seconds… wallah! The Big Reveal.
Out with the old in with the new.
Just. Like. That.
Speaking of makeovers, I hope you’re in the mood to browse the big changes in our kitchen. Let’s start with the way things looked before.
Did you know that cursive writing is becoming a lost art?
It’s true. I even asked my son’s principal about it.
Troubled by this news I sat the boys down to discuss it — to reason with them. With every fiber of my being I shared why they needed to continue writing in cursive. How they must not be a part of its demise. I did my best to convince them that without their perseverance… cursive would surely die.
I pleaded.
They told me I was being dramatic then gently sat me down in a chair, touched my shoulder and said…
Timing is everything they say.
Like a snowy white Christmas.
Some years we get one,,, and some we don’t.
The holidays.
Do you make big plans to skate through them like me?
This year I had ideas for spectacular crafts and I plotted a unique shopping trip and tore out festive recipes from magazines with the very best intentions.
Then before I knew it time got away, life got even busier, and I have come to accept that it makes more sense to simply slow down and glide.
Enjoy the season.
Stress less.
Did I mention I had a coupon for Pottery Barn?
Well, it was about to expire so I stopped by.
My favorite spot to hang out is the clearance aisle.
{I ❤ you PB — and your free catalogs, too!} Continue reading
Do you remember my dear friend, Mr. Gene?
I mentioned him here in this post.
He was a sweet fella who wore debonair hats and plaid jackets every single day. I never saw him in a pair of blue jeans.
Not even once.
He was classy and sophisticated but in a simple kind of way. He loved horses and his country and served in World War II.
I’ll never forget the smile on his face when I asked him how he met his wife Ms. Jean (spelled with a J).
While strolling around an outdoor ice skating rink one evening they collided.
Smack dab in the middle of hundreds of other skaters whizzing by they fell… literally.
And he was smitten.
Just like a scene from an old black and white movie.
So I shared with you the other day that last week was a bummer, and I was behind on that chicken stir-fry recipe post along with the story about my once self-declared permanent bachelor husband and our dinner out for Chinese…
If truth be told… sometimes we don’t consider.
Well, I didn’t tell you that tale because I’m all that and a bag of chips. Snap! I told it because my husband and I both marvel at how often we have made our best laid plans…
…and then God does something unexplainable or amazing or funny that can only come from Him.
We’ve mapped our routes, sent out announcements to the world and then he does something spectacular or jarring to remind us of this…
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 55:8
Has that happened in your life, too?
He’s amazing like that…
The Lord knows my thoughts and ways have gotten me in trouble more times than I care to remember…. thankfully, he has a rescue plan.
When I stop struggling, I nearly always end up loving his way better than my own… even if it didn’t sit well at first.
He sets a desire in our hearts to want what he has set us apart for.
He’s had good intentions all along… even before we were born…
“I knew you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart for me before you were born…” Jeremiah 1:5
They’re so fun to share…
So did you like the colorful felted wool acorns I shared >>>here? They are so pretty to scatter around the house this time of year and they make really sweet gifts, too.
Who wouldn’t want to receive a tiny gift bag of these?
In my last post, acorns were made with wool felting, but here they are rolled from quilt batting.
You can review the how-to in the wool felted acorn post >>>here, then use these suggestions to complete them.
Cut batting into 3×3 inch squares.
Cut one corner away and separate the batting plies until you have an open center — sort of like a ravioli noodle.
Push the opposite corner towards the cut corner until the square is inside out and makes a nest, similar to the center photo shown above.
Dip the nest in hot water and begin rolling between your palms until each piece turns into a tight ball. A drop of dish soap in the palm of your hand can help tighten each one also.
Rolling… rolling… rolling…
Then hot glue an acorn cap on top and enjoy!
He’s a tricky one…
this mummy is…
… he shows up in odd places.
Pottery Barn Mummy Pillow
Does he look familiar? Maybe you have seen him before?
October is here! And so it begins, that time of year when fall feels more official…
Painting pumpkins makes me giddy… and shooting them even more so.
I found that out this week.
I’ve never painted pumpkins before, at least not a solid color.
White pumpkins have been a decorating trend for years, but I had only admired them on other people’s stoops, straining my neck as I drove by.
You know the homes I mean…. the ones that have it…
...major autumn curb appeal.
The ones with gorgeous mums and big wreaths on their front door and a scattering of pumpkins positioned just so.
It sure has been hectic around our house.
That’s why I am easing into fall with just a few decorating changes. I like to slowly transform our home by pulling in colors that mimic what’s happening naturally outdoors by using items I already own.
We still have a lot of green happening outside, which I love, but now and then I catch a glimpse of yellow and orange in the trees. The sun seems brighter and it certainly feels like fall is just ahead.
In the photo of the magnolia wreath above, you can see the faded green leaves contrast nicely against the warm suede tones peaking from the rear. Although it’s been hanging on my office door all summer, I think it will look great for autumn, so I’m moving it downstairs.
I also like to layer with wood trays, earthy toned candles, and brass candlesticks. Subtle changes like these add to the room’s coziness, without being heavy. This works well since we’re still having plenty of hot days, yet cooler evenings.
Vignettes need texture to contrast with smooth and glossy pieces to keep the display interesting. And as you can see, for every shiny vase, tray or planter I have included an item with a rougher texture, like the leafy green succulent and sphere ball above, and the white floral, tiny clay bowl and bird’s nest in the photo below.
Mixing warm and cool colors.
My favorite pop of color is cool blue. It works really well with autumn’s warm oranges, burgundy and browns. It’s an inviting, friendly shade that most people feel drawn to. Think of a pair of denim jeans. They’re comfortable, casual and seem to go with everything. They’re also relaxing, which I think blue is too, so I try to have a shade of it in every room — all year-long.
And that’s what I’ve done these last few weeks since the kids have gone back to school — dusting, bring in warmer colors, rotating and reusing pieces I already have.
Modern Hen home 