apple crate book cubby

On our recent trip to Michigan I picked up this apple crate at my favorite antique shop located in Saugatuck. I didn't know exactly what I would do with it but who can't use an extra apple crate around the house, right? Then later on that same trip inspiration hit while shopping in my hometown of South Haven I  found this cute and colorful velvet rooster and a giant sunflower. They would look so cute standing on that apple crate, and taking it a step further why not hang the crate and use it to store books in the playroom. I finally got around to having it hung this week (at a kid friendly level of course) and I think it's so cute and functional. It's amazing what a $5 dollar old apple crate can do.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... you hear that? It's the sound of very loud crickets around here. I'll fully admit to just plain lurking lately. Oh yes I've been around every day soaking up the eye candy and creativity I just think I've hit that infamous blogging wall temporarily and the truth is I'm not sure I'm really quite over that hump. And as long as we're being really honest this post was for yesterday but I got about as far as the previous sentence and the everyday got in the way- it was a Monday after all. So I've struck a deal with myself to not feel bad anymore if I don't post on a daily basis or maybe sometimes not  for week in a row even. That said I can relax again now. 


Moving right along raise your hand if you can't wait to bid September adieu. Right here, this girl! I love October, partly for the selfish reason that it's my birthday month. Yeah that's right I'm one of those people that usually tends to extend their birthday from one day to at least 1-2 weeks. But also because this weather is the bee's knees. I actually had to activate the heat in our house yesterday. I love that smell the first couple of times a season you turn on the heat. Heat= cozy in the fall/winter.  

My girlfriend gave me this awesome book a couple of years ago and I recently cracked it open again to help me climb out of my cooking rut to prepare for Fall. LOVE this book!

Rut? What rut? I've got a pot of this in the slow cooker as we speak. 

We also hauled two tubs of outgrown/ summer clothes out of little L's closet over the past weekend to make way for warmer cute duds such as this one. (note: I bought the matching adult version because I'm that corny.)

 I'm still hard at work at some finishing touches around the house. I ordered the drapes from Ballard last week for the 4 seasons room and I'm chompin' at the bit to get them. Not my usual m.o. for design but that makes it kind of exciting.  

All that said there is still lot's of crafting, Halloween costume making, Christmas shopping, pumpkin picking and baking to dive into as well! SO excited two have a little one to share it all with this year. 

My Lucy's first word! Yes Mom-momm-momom- I am victorious lol! Only problem is now she won't stop, I've created a monster. I'm sure she has no idea what it means but I don't care. A words a word! =)

sarah's house part 1

This newly minted cable queen was getting caught up on "Sarah's House" yesterday afternoon. The two episodes I saw were from the farmhouse and I was in total awe of that mud room and powder room. These shots are from a different residence and appeal to my more modern side that shines through from time to time. Tomorrow I'll show shots of the cottage Sarah did. Happy Tuesday everyone! All images via Sarah Richardson Designs.

dining room- I'm loving the banquette seating on the one side. Also the play between the wallpaper and chandelier is so serene.

hallway

hallway- I've noticed she loves to use those black iron hinges on her doors- you like?

laundry/ mud room

sitting room

master- I'd kill for that headboard!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!!!

Watching Somethings Gotta Give on SoapNet. Nancy Meyers is such a genius!

fall mantel

It's Friday already? Works for me. After Labor Day I feel that it's officially OK to begin breaking out the fall decor. Being in a new house it always takes one full year before I'm use to decorating for the seasons so I'm sure the mantle will evolve a bit more but here's what I have so far. 

I whipped up some festive burlap bunting with some hot glue and jute. The plan is to add "Fall" to it when I get a chance this weekend. 

The jute strikes again wrapped around a pair of glass candlesticks. 

On a side note we picked up this little piece of art on our recent trip to South Haven. I thought it was perfect for out family room!

Good morning!!!!!!!!!! Whew, what a great long weekend. I love Labor Day weekend, it creeps in just in time to relieve us of the waning summer and it's stifling air or at least it serves as a landmark that fall is soon to commence. I love to break out all my fall decor and start dreaming about football season (Go Colts & IU!) and all the yummy things I can cook up in the crock pot. Fall has always been my absolute favorite time of year hands down. Our weekend was filled baby tea parties, 90210 re-runs on Soap Net, yummy food, family, yard work, visits to the park, McDonald's ice cream cones and a fresh coat of paint for the living room and dining room. It felt great to get so much done but still have time to relax. 

Time to share a pot of tea...

Last second lunch

pita shells

drizzled olive oil

sliced roma tomatos

sprinkled goat cheese

dash of mixed italian spices and garlic

oven at 375 for about 15 minutes

voila!

I just used whatever we had in the fridge and it turned out so delish paired with a side of fresh grapes and root beer!

I spent Monday morning making a huge mess lopping branches and brush all over the yard then my lovely husband and his brothers were kind enough to clean it up and haul it off, thanks guys! Those sugar cookies are coming =)

Lets play the "if I had endless amounts of moolah" game. "If i had endless amounts of moolah I would for sure splurge on these beautiful linens at Restoration Hardware."