octobers past...reminiscing

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  

this week is a busy one as we prepare for this event:

we've hosted this neighborhood party since 2003 and have missed only twice. hence the 'almost annual' title'. it's a family party and very kid-oriented...costumes, halloween tattoos, food, games, pinatas, pumpkin carving - i love every minute of it! there's still lots to do, of course - my friend next door is coming over to help decorate today. i'll share pics of it all once friday night is history...

i was browsing through photos of octobers past and just had to quickly share a few of my favorites. i can't describe how happy this one makes me! it was just one of those birthdays where everything clicked...the decorations, the cake, the kids - and i had a blast with the pirate theme, matey!! i still don't understand why my husband resented burning the edges of the fabulous vintage looking map invitations i made...it only took an hour or two and a few singed fingers. and then another hour to roll them up and put them inside empty plastic bottles.

i think he is an adorable pirate!

and another thing: why did my husband object to just holding the pinata while the kids batted at it in the basement? after all, he wouldn't let me hang it from the ceiling. hence - the plank you see underneath the teetering paper mache ship;)

(hello, shabby chic slipcover in the background - i loved you then but i don't miss you now.)


he's just an all-around good guy - vintage looking and with an awesome grin:)

and a little vignette from a halloween past - i have a love of the words "sinister" and "spooky" - is that fairly normal?

have a wonderful wednesday:)

so many favorites

such a powerful statement...i just love this subway art sign...and the message resonates with me very strongly.

csingingmysong

just how much cuter could this dog be? i think this pillow is done perfectly...

                                                                               secdus


lately, i love almost everything i lay eyes on with the birds on a wire theme. trendy? probably - but i  think a pillow like this is classic.

samantha2818

a fabulous wall decal - and it looks so good with the simple sofa. i've always loved maps as wall art and this black and white color scheme is a modern take that i admire.

studiowallart

another trendy theme - chevron. who wouldn't love to get a little treat in one of these darling bags? i especially love the black and white set.

prettytape

and who wouldn't get a chuckle out ot this mug? i'm not much for mugs or cutesy sayings - but this one appeals to me. love the mustache, love the black and white.

mugsleys

so as of today, i have 20 pages of favorites on etsy...how about you???

autumn porch finale

a few tweaks here and there, and now it's set...until i change it up to a more spooky feel later in the month:) this was so fun and very inexpensive. there's nothing like shopping around the house and finding everything you need. the only items i bought were the little white mums and the grand total for that was $6.66. the pumpkins were all grown by my parents - i certainly wouldn't have so many, otherwise.

please take special note of the huge weed on the lawn in the foreground...so typical!!! maybe if i wait a while, that weed will be big enough to use as a christmas tree...hmmm?!

happy thursday:)

eta: i'm linking up to show and tell friday over at my romantic home.. thanks, cindy:)

composing an autumn porch

true to form, i'm energized by fall! autumn is so fabulous, that i find myself feeling almost frantic and pressured...do this, see that, take photos, decorate, plan parties, and still i worry frequently that

i'm somehow "missing fall"!?! what in the world. it happens every single year, so i guess i need to accept it and just keep having small panic attacks:) while eating buttercup squash or snapping photos or drinking those divine fall flavor coffees - decaf, of course!

today finds me puttering around in the rain, trying to put together a warm and welcoming fall entrance. i'd like to share some photos of what i have so far and then ask beg plead implore you to give me any great ideas you have to shape it all up! because as i've said many times - i shine at gathering items i love - but i feel my skills at arranging, displaying are somewhat lacking...

so i'll show you what i have so far:

now this is where i'm stuck and here are things i still have available - the items in the next two photos. including the red basket, corn, a scarecrow, sap pails, more pumpkins, fall florals...and i know i can find more around here, too. my style is more simple than grand...

if you have the time and inclination, i'd love to hear any and all suggestions:)

and no matter what, suggestions or not, please have yourself the most warm and cozy and beautiful autumn ever... and thanks for stopping by!