Autumn banner printables~

Print and string letters across a mantle or shelf!

Click HERE for the pdf

Give~

When I was 18, I spent Christmas in California. I hadn't intended on being there for the Holidays, but we had car problems and weren't able to make it back home.  On Christmas morning I was surprised to see a gift for me under the tree.  It was from Josh, my friend's 8 year old little brother.  I was touched that he would consider me and worry that I wouldn't have any presents to open on Christmas morning.  I carefully pulled off the paper to reveal a well worn talking calculator.  Of course I was very grateful for his thoughtfulness. Later that day while visiting with his mother I discovered how surprised she was by the gift. I learned that the calculator was Josh's very favorite toy.  I was so touched that an 8 year old boy, who didn't really even know me, would give up something that was so special to him. 

Although that was may years ago, I think about that experience often. I wonder what gifts I am willing to give. Would I give up my favorite things for my family, my friends, my neighbors or a stranger?  Do I worry that what I have to offer may not be good enough? Josh wasn't worried about giving me a used toy and by doing so he taught me a beautiful lesson. Give what you have, do what you can. It's not about things, it's about showing someone that you are thinking about them, that you care about them and that they are not alone.  

During a recent choir practice, one of the ladies talked about the primary song, "Give", Said the Little Stream. Since then it has been popping into my head and I have been thinking about the words.  In the song the stream is in a hurry to get down the hill, and even though it is small, it helps everything around it grow as it passes by. Like the little stream, I am in a hurry. Life gets so out of control and it's easy  for me to get caught up in my own craziness. I am grateful that even on the busiest days if I remember to take the time to do something for someone else I have more time, my day runs more smoothly and I am HAPPY! When I was struggling with decisions as a teenager and getting depressed, my dad told me that I must not be serving enough. He was right. Giving was the answer, and it still is. When I get confused and sad, I know what I have to do. I need to serve. 

"Give", said the little stream as it hurried down the hill. "I'm small I know but wherever I go, the fields grow greener still." 

Fast forward to Halloween~

I apologize for jumping ahead...I really am not trying to ignore fall or the harvest and all of that goodness. I just had a thought for a Halloween sign and then I had to throw a few things together to see if it would work in a display.  

It measures 6'' X21.5'' and is pictured on a board that is 9"X22''

The cost is $8 and it comes in black or white vinyl.

The spooky vinyl $8 as well and measures 9''X21.5''. 

It is pictured on a board that is 16''X22.5''

Check out The Market for ordering information

Since we're on the subject of Halloween we might as well start advertising with a printable that there are things the kids can do to help us be less grouchy:)

Fall Decor Trends by Christina Johnson

Christina Johnson is visiting today, sharing the fresh decor trends of the season!

As summer gives way to autumn and the air turns crisp, it's the perfect time to revamp your home decor. Bring some of the rich textures and colors of fall indoors, to create your own cool weather sanctuary. Take a peak at some of the fresh trends in fall decor.

Color

 Painting is a simple, affordable way to reinvent a space. Imbue your home with fall's popular warm, cozy colors. Whether you want to go bold or stick with neutrals, this season's palette offers something for everyone. Among the trendiest paint colors are soft gold, burnt orange, mocha, creamy beige, asparagus green, earthy browns and tans, and shades of gray, ranging from peppercorn to a pale gray violet. In a neutral room, an accent wall in a bold color can add depth and interest. Some popular choices are creams and beige with a brown or red accent wall.

Wall Decorations

Accent pieces, such as throw pillows, candles, art, sheets, comforters, slipcovers, floral centerpieces, and knickknacks, can complement the color of the room and add a fun or sophisticated feel. While neutral furniture has been the standard, don't be afraid to experiment and add a splash of color, as accessories can be easily swapped out with the change of seasons. Copper, red, black, chocolate brown, brass, wine, and funky patterns are popular this season. However, shades of orange have been stealing the show. Add some burnt orange pillows or a few pumpkin orange vases to give your home a fall feeling.

Mix it up

You no longer need to worry about adhering to a single style or aesthetic for a room. Eclectic decor is one of the bigger trends of fall. Mix masculine and feminine, antique and modern, or combine artwork of different mediums and styles. Try pairing your antique coffee table with a modern sofa. Try adding a splash of pink, or vases full of flowers, to an otherwise masculine room.  Location no longer matters either, whether you live in a Manhattan Rental, or a country colonial, whatever you call home should be decorated based on your taste.

Up-cycled home goods

Take recycling to a whole new level by using up-cycled pieces. Whether you want to take on a craft project or browse Etsy; you'll be amazed by the range of re-imagined materials. Recycled-content counters have seen an increase in popularity but are still unique enough to drum up some compliments. Accent items, like clocks made from old records or bowls made from magazines can be chic and functional as well.

Basic window treatments

Lush, heavy window treatments have been abandoned for more streamlined versions. Design aficionados are predicting that linen panels will be huge this fall. These window treatments can soften any room. The classic fabric comes in a variety of colors and patterns to complement the colors of the room. With lighter material, the fall days will not seem so dark and dreary.

Wallpaper

Bold, neutral, solids, and patterns can all add texture to a space. Wallpaper has become easy to apply and remove, making it an affordable way to update a room from season to season. Metallics can add glamor to a room, while printable wallpaper allows home-owners to customize the design to their tastes.

Thanks for giving us the inside scoop on the fresh trends of the season Christina! I'm excited to hear that wallpaper is much easier to apply and remove. I love the look, but the labor scares me! I am totally in love with that bathroom, so I may just have to give it a shot!  

Be Yourself

Dear You,

You are a child of God. You are unique and beautiful and full of promise. You have so many great things to accomplish in this life. Worrying about what others think of you can be crippling. Please don't let those worries dictate who you are.  Decide that you will not let silly words or made up ideas keep you from finding your dreams and being who you are meant to be.

You have been given a precious gift, the gift of agency. With that gift you can decide how you feel about yourself.  Do you really want to take that gift and hand it over to someone else? Especially someone who is mean, hurtful and doesn't even really know you at all?  Why would you let a person like that decide how YOU are going to feel about YOURSELF?  

Believe in yourself, and if you don't yet know how....rely on someone who KNOWS you and LOVES you to help you understand how spectacular you are, because you are SPECTACULAR!!! You are a bright shining star and I love you. I love all of the quirky little things about you.  Don't be afraid to be who you want to be.  

With all my heart..and then some, 

Me

Robin's egg blue hutch~

Finding a sweet deal on a hutch is not an easy task. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a while now, searching classifieds and consignment stores. Not that I necessarily need another one, but I just really like them and so when I see one for sale, I can't help but check out the price...which is usually a couple hundred dollars..

While we were out shopping garage sales last Saturday I saw this little beauty. Base included, it was only $25. To top it off, the people selling it actually delivered it to my front door for free. HELLO.

First things first, I had to say goodbye to the faux glass door panels. Ick. 

I traced the panels and cut out identical pieces of bead board to replace them.

I painted the whole thing robin's egg blue, sanded the edges and rubbed brown paint into the beads.

The base was completely filled with spider egg sacks. 

Another ick....BIG HUGE ICK, but it was still worth it.

For now it's sitting in my front room. 

I might move it, but probably not very often.

 This is one that I can't muscle around by myself. It's a heavy beast.

I don't mind the original hardware. 

I might change the knobs if I find something that I love, but I'm definitely keeping the handles. 

I like the dark contrast.

What do you think? Do you like bright colored eye-catching furniture,

or do you prefer neutral colors that will easily work with a lot of different color schemes?

I can definitely see the benefit of neutral colors.
It really makes it soooo much easier to change things up, but once in a while I just crave color!

School days printable~