Book Page Pumpkin Candle Covers

Every once in a while I see a cute and easy craft project that I feel confident that I can accomplish in a few hours time without making myself crazy. Do you know what I mean?... does that ever happen to you? I used to get involved in these complicated projects that invariably took much more time than I thought it would, take more money than I planned to spend, and end up in a mess. yuk. So now I tend to try things that I feel are not above my skill level and that oftentimes I have the materials on hand.

Early Fall Sideboard and Vintage Basket Bouquet

A couple of weeks ago, I was out in the garage sorting tubs full of fall florals. Our garage is temperature controlled, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do that. The previous owners  were very innovative and vented the sunroom AC into the garage, so thankyou! My fall tub count is far and away the most, even compared to Christmas décor. I was gathering like florals and took out these realistic looking straw/paper black eyed susans from the others. I just randomly stuck them in the old funeral basket which was within reach for later. 

Layering Elements for a Summer to Fall Entry

This time of year; late August to early September, I'm about easing into the Fall season. Since it's still really hot outside I'm not quite ready for a lot of dark colors, leaves and bright orange pumpkins. I still want to keep it light and bright, but have a subtle change in color to the warmer hues of autumn.

Cottage Review: Tips to Transition to Fall...the longer version!

Hey friends, I have a little bonus blast from the past today. Unless you've been hiding in a deep dark cave to stay cool this last few weeks, you've seen a bunch of posts on saying "tootles" to this long hot summer and embracing the concept of fall and cooler temps.

Early Fall Door Basket and Front Porch

Last week I shared my 5 Quick and Easy Ideas to Get in the Mood for Fall . I added a bonus tip and that was to do a mini refresh on the front door with a basket or wreath that bridges the gap between summer and fall.

The Late-Summer Cupboard with a French Country Flair

One of my favorite decor themes for mid to late summer is "chickens". I've never raised chickens or been around them except for a short time when I was a kid and an odd motley group of wild/escaped chickens found our farmhouse. That's where the collection "seed" was planted. Most of my chicken figurines are not worth much, but fun to collect and display throughout the summer months. Back in the 60's one of the decor themes was "Early American" and with that, accessories took on a slightly "farmy" style. Chicken decor sprouted up everywhere, but of course mainly in the kitchen and dining room. (Think chickens and coffee grinders themed wallpaper...)

5 Quick and Easy Ideas to Get in the Mood for Fall... even if you're not quite ready.

I know so many of us want to ease into the Fall season, but it's too hot in August and early September to get much in the mood. As much as I love fall, digging into tubs and boxes in hot storage areas, dragging out a bunch of faux pumpkins, and slathering on the fake leaf garlands just isn't appealing when you're breaking out in a sweat. I'd much rather take an approach that's gradual and less stressful. 

A Milk Glass Cake Pedestal for Summer Florals

Hi Friends, today you're in for a treat because a group of us vintage lovers are getting together to share our milk glass pieces and how we use them in our home decor. The Lifestyle of Love Hop occurs every other month and each time we share a certain vintage topic or collection. Cindy from County Road 407 coordinates all the fun! If you're coming from Cindy's, yay, so glad you're here.

Harvest Color and Sunflowers in the Hearth Room

Hey friends, last week I shared my late summer mantel with an oil painting that needed a little DIY and TLC. It was time for a change up after the patriotic theme of July. Late July into early fall brings a sunflower explosion around the house. 

Cottage ReView: The Late-Summer Baker's Rack

Hello friends! Today I'm sharing a mash-up of some of my previous posts from the late summer Baker's Rack. August is the time of year I bring out all the pieces that evoke the wind-down of summer with a harvest feel. You'll see some of the same pieces styled in a bit different way, but they all have a vintage garden theme with lots of late season color with golds, greens, oranges deep reds and a bit of brown.

Vintage Painting and Sunflowers on the Mid-Summer Mantel

When August rolls around I feel a slight hint that fall is on the way. I'm not wishing summer away, but I know many of us are done with the heat and humidity. August means sunflowers and dried hydrangeas with darker colors of the harvest. There's a small shift toward my favorite time of the year. 

Cottage Review: A Vintage Garden Book and the Wicker Settee

Hey Friends! Last week I shared a post from my first blogging house with a precious floral teapot and a small bouquet of hot pink (Barbie would love them) knockout roses. I mentioned then that growing roses wasn't something that I excelled at, but knockout roses were a good substitute and made me feel better about my not-so-green thumb. So when I ran across this section on roses in my vintage Better Homes and Gardens Garden Book I wanted to share it with you.

Sunflowers on the Summer Farm Table

Last week when I shared the Entry hall console with the seashell birdcages I mentioned that it was time to bring out the sunflowers, and other summertime florals for a update of the flower arrangement. The next day I took the plunge (literally) in my faux floral tubs and emerged with some pieces to change up my summer containers. 

Cottage Review: Inspiration for Christmas in July

Hi friends, I'm jumping on the "Christmas in July" train and sharing a post I did last year when I joined a great group of bloggers for a hop sharing our favorite ideas for Christmas decor and traditions. 

Vintage Birdcage Candleholder with Seashells

I get on a mini seashell obsession during the months of July and August. Seashells are "summer" to me, so I don't display them other times of the year. Since we live in the middle of the Midwest, (no where anything "coastal"), I have to take advantage of this time of year. So last week I shared a display in the Garden Room, and this week I have a fun Pinterest inspiration vignette in the Entry.

Cottage Review: Roses and Redoute

The Weekend Cottage Review is a time that I can share some personal thoughts, ideas and inspiration around the blogosphere, and some oldies but goodies. 

Rustic Garden Seashell Display

Hey friends...

Most of the red/white/blue is packed away, with a little red left behind for "summer". Mid-summer is here and I now have a short space of time to bring out the seashells and put together some fun displays and vignettes using some vintage elements as containers.

Lovely Lemony Decor

Hi friends! After any holiday is over, I'm always ready to change up the decorating vibe around the house; with the color scheme tending to be the first thing I want to reset. I've been decorating with patriotic color since the start of June with red/white/blue items and vignettes, so now I'm ready for a more midsummer look.

Happy July 4th!!! at All About Home #203

Hi Friends, Welcome to the All About Home Link Party! This weekend we've been working on outdoor/porch cleanup. Power washing and preparing to paint. We've been hot and dry here, but it's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I'm hoping there's dry time for a quick cookout in the afternoon. Do you/did you have big plans for this weekend? Hope you're having a great holiday. 

Stars and Stripes in the Garden Room

Hello from the Garden Room sitting area this hot summer weekend, as we welcome the month of July and a long July 4th weekend. This summer I gave myself some time to enjoy decorating for the 4th of July, gathering all my red, and blue items for display.

Summer Holiday Cupboard with Patriotic Flair

When June comes around I gather my vintage dishes and a few elements that are red/white/blue and restyle my old pie safe cupboard. A few pieces of red transferware mix it up with my French faience pottery dishes. Then when I start decorating for July 4th holiday I just add in some small memorial flags. Presto, instant Patriotic décor.

All About Home Link Party #202

Hi Friends, Welcome to the All About Home Link Party! We are so happy you come by to visit and share all the fun you've been up to this last week. Are you getting into the summer groove? I hope you're off to a good start with your summer plans. Thanks for coming by to share your time with us!

Quick Change Up Patriotic Entry

I started thinking about the Entry and looking back through my pics from the last several years, and was surprised that I hadn't seen a post with my Entry Hall console decorated for July 4th. I do each year, but for some reason I hadn't shown it here on the blog.