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!

Walla Walla Wine Pics

Anyone who is an avid wine drinker....like myself ;) should take a trip to Walla Walla, WA.  There are over a hundred wineries!  Here are some fun pictures I took of some wine barrels and have since framed.  Stay tuned... got the Hubs on more projects, (hint) it will have to do with these lovely oak works of art.

Memo Shade

I thought this might be a fun but yet practical idea; wind some twine around an existing lamp shade in a criss cross pattern, tuck notes, pics. etc. in it.... Voila! Instant memo board..