Fall Mantel

This year I decorated the mantel very simply for Fall. Madonna wouldn't approve but I did however add some dried hydrangeas from my garden. I only recently discovered that if you cut the hydrangeas as they start to turn a greenish-brown, they will dry naturally in a vase/container. I have 'em everywhere!

Beginnings and Endings

With the Summer coming to an end and Fall beginning, we are busily wrapping up a few projects; one of them being this pergola. The plan is to eventually build a deck off the top of the pergola into the hillside. From there a path that wraps around the back of the house to the 'spa deck'.  Not to mention a staircase to the top deck...Quite ambitious, no?

So far this is what we have completed:

 We were able to 'collect' the slate and rocks for the patio from one of our hikes up here in Montana.  Let me tell you, that sucked!  Free is always a good motivator.

We planted grapes in the background, and hopefully in a couple years they will climb up over the top.

Concrete Hurricanes

This weekend I decided to tackle making a set of outdoor candle hurricanes,  a project that I found on Knockoff Decor. The detailed tutorial can be found here at In My Own Style.

I followed the exact instructions and couldn't be happier with the outcome. The only difference is that I used a 10" tube, and split into two.

Ta Da!  The hurricanes turned out awesome!  I have to make them more level on the ground once they're a bit drier, and I think I will also seal 'em. I was almost thinking of doing a stripe affect with a gloss sealer.  We'll see..

Fall Is In The Air

I usually look forward to Fall.  I am not usually a person who needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming from Summer to Fall. I don't have denial issues when the temperature starts to drop, evenings get shorter or school starts.  I look forward to changing my home decor to more warmer colors, layering scarves and sweaters, pumpkins and apple cider. But this year is different... I am not that thrilled to kick off my flops and start zipping up boots.  Funny how growing up, hearing the term, "I smell Fall in the air", was so foreign to me.  Now I get it.  Here in the Northwest, summers are so short, this year especially.  As of yesterday, I smelled Fall in the air. 
I know I will soon snap out of my quasi-depression and start feathering my nest with more candles, pinecones, cooking roasts, rotating my closet from shorts n' swimsuits to sweaters and jeans.  I will learn to embrace the Season!  For now I will enjoy the late Summer goodness.  Heirloom tomatoes, bountiful Farmer's Markets, evening strolls where you don't feel like you're gonna pass out from the heat, and evening bon fires. O Summer why oh why are you so short, you will be missed.

A Chip Off the Old Block

 I have always been a 'rock-hound' and it probably most definitely comes from my father.  I love finding pieces of nature to enhance my home, whether it comes from pinecones, rocks or my favorite.. driftwood!  I remember growing up and watching my dad finding unusual branches that he later turned into beautiful walking sticks.  We both have always admired all the things nature provided, whether through rocks, driftwood, or plants.  There were times that we both would come across a 'good' rock and find ourselves oo-ing and aww-ing simultaneously!  It is border line dork, but if you are a rock hound, you get it.  It doesn't stop there, we also love looking into the night sky, bird watching and growing herbs...but that's a whole different story.
My father recently has taken on a new hobby of time-stakingly sanding, chiseling and staining found driftwood pieces.  Following are a couple I have displayed..

Looking forward to many more!

It's Five O'clock Somewhere

A clock we made from the top of one of the wine barrels we aquired.  Notice the numbers that mark the time :)  It's always cocktail hour at my house!