Friday, September 18, 2020

Happy Friday! Finally, in my 6th week of work and my 4th week of virtual teaching I feel that I have found a groove. Go back and read my post from yesterday if you took Thursday off. I did a post about my tips for working from home. Maybe some of it applies to work/home life balance in general, too. Thank you for all the kind responses!

I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. so go here for more of my favorite day of the week posts about all the things that made us happy this week! Life is still hard and we need all the positive we can get right now.

Here are my faves of the week!

So, I have not done anything else with my bedroom decor since I showed it to you several months ago but this little spider plant from Trader Joes is doing really well. I also love the little table I picked up at TJ Maxx in March. I water it every four days or so and give it sunlight by opening the blinds most days. I may need to give her a bigger pot?

She makes me so happy! I have heard plants like names and to be talked to and they also like music. My plants in the mudroom seem to like the noise of the washer and dryer – ha!

Ernie knows when it is 11:00 a.m. now. His Daddy walks him at 6:15 and then his Mommy walks him at 11. We walk to my school and it is bittersweet because a school is not a school without the students. The weather has been so pretty this week. I wish I could bottle up this weather for all of you. Kentucky in September can be so glorious. Sunny, blue skies, and 70-80 degree highs with lots of breeze.

Lisa from Coast to Coast and a few others mentioned these bars so I picked up the apple flavor for September. They are a perfect mid morning snack. Thanks to all who suggested!

And, I picked these up from Target. They are hard cookies but really have a good light pumpkin flavor.

These plates just make me so happy. I bought this set several years ago from Target. I have four with leaves and four with pumpkins.

I put this creepy nightlight in the hall bathroom for my nightly trip. Tom thinks it is weird. But, I like it! Here is a great hack. I always get anxious that I left something plugged in. Take a photo of your plug before leaving the house. Anxious no mo’! You could do the same with a photo of your oven.

Is jam your jam? I couldn’t help myself. This is around $3 and change and really good – dare I say better than a home cook’s jam? Notice it is “intense”. You can handle it.

Like many people I started watching The Home Edit. I like it but I also don’t know what I think about emptying food stuffs into containers. Anyone else? They have to spend a fortune in containers, too. People just have too much crap.

Tuesday afternoon brought a patio drink and snack with my old teaching bestie. We taught next door for 17 years until she moved on to greener pastures closer to her home. She is great about asking me to get together. She had a peach bourbon drink and I had an orange margarita that was delish.

Look at that morning temp!

During one of our walks this week I was admiring the leaves in the yard of a neighbor. It is starting to look a lot like fall.

Lisa from Coast to Coast and Kellyann from This Blonde’s Shopping Bag I believe have both recommended these wireless earbuds. For $16 I think they are pretty great. I have never had the real deal, but I am enjoying these. Thanks, gals!

If you have ever wanted airpods but didn’t want to pay that much, I think you might like these.

What were your favorites this week?

Happy Friday and happy weekend and as always, thank you for reading. You are my favorites every day of the week!

Amy

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Hello! It is almost the weekend!

I am not an expert on this topic by any means, but I have learned some things that work for me and I wanted to share them. Please share your tips, advice in the comments!

First a little backstory: I am a high school Spanish teacher. I never, ever, ever wanted to work from home. I never thought I ever would! But, I worked from home in the months of April and May and now I find myself working mostly from home since the beginning of August. I did go in to teach in my classroom without any students the first two days of school but it was sad and lonely and uncomfortable. I may try it again but we have kind of a crazy schedule and it would involve me bringing my equipment back and setting it up again. I did go in for lunch with colleagues one day and that was nice!

Do not start working immediately. I still make time for my coffee and slow morning routine. I get up earlier to be able to do this.

Leave a list for yourself at the end of each working day. This enables me to stress less and know that I will not forget a task. I start work each morning by tackling the list.

Do not check email before you are ready to start work. I found that one out the hard way. The minute I check email I am in work mode.

Use the alarms on your phone. I was worried I would forget something because we have an odd schedule. The alarms really help. Maybe even set an alarm to STOP working!

Keep a big thing of water at your workstation.

If you can actually go to a workstation in your house it is better. Shut the door when not working. Only go to that area when you are working. It helps delineate the home life from work life. My station is now at my basement desk.

I am using a desktop and a laptop. Work smarter not harder sometimes. Find what works for you. Develop a routine.

Take breaks for meals and do not eat at your desk. Take a walk. It is hard to sit in front of a computer all day. I am even meal prepping so that I know I have a meal ready.

Stop working! Still do things you enjoy. I am reading less but I am still reading.

Turn off notifications or the sound on your computer. Check and respond to email in batches instead of all day long. When I take a break, I turn off the sound on my computer so I am not disturbed by an email coming in.

Other things I did/do:

I turned off Google Classroom notifications on my phone.

I took work email off of my phone.

Take shower at night to make mornings more streamlined. I did a whole post about this!

My Workday Schedule:

5:30 or 6:00-7:15 – 2 cups of coffee, devotional, blog reading, news watching, kitchen cleanup and piddling and breakfast making and eating

7:15 – Tom leaves for work and I get ready – only need 15 minutes due to night shower

7:30 – Sign in and start working and teaching live classes

11:00- walk

11:30 – lunch

12:15-3- Work – live classes, grading, planning, etc.

3- run an errand

relax with book or t.v., cook dinner, eat dinner, do a little more work, relax

10:15 (so late for me!)- Bed

It took me a while to get to a schedule that is working fairly well for me.

What is working for you if you work from home? Any tips for me?

Amy

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Hello! I have been so excited to show you some things! But, go see Emily and others at http://www.alittlebitofemily.blogspot.com for her fall link up. Today the topic is fall decor but I already showed you mine last week on Labor Day!

I ordered and returned several things in the month of August and early September, sadly. I cannot think of a time in my life where I have bought so little! Seriously, from March-September I have added very little to my wardrobe.

On a whim a couple of weekends ago, I went into a local boutique that is usually too expensive for my blood. But, am I being too cheap? I need to make better purchases and I am improving. I avoid sale racks because they are bad for me. I end up buying things just because of the price. This time, however, I found something that made my heart sing.

Meet my new blouse for $25.

Then, I went to the non-sale area and found her cousin! I am in love! I know they are summery but I thought a jean jacket or cardigan could extend their wearability. I had never heard of the brand Savanna Jane.

I am not always happy with Amazon clothing. I get excited and I order because a blogger told me to and then I realize it was a bad purchase (for me) and I return it.

Recently, I was typing with my blogging friend Jen and we were typing about kimonos. I told her to look at the brand Umgee which is on Amazon and also in many of my local boutiques. Well, Jen, I looked for myself and I fell in love! I would say these run big so you may want to go down a size. The kimono is pretty roomy but I am going to try to style it soon.

And, I also found this! I figured I could wear a tank or short sleeve under it now and a long sleeve later.

So, I am only trying to buy things that make my heart sing. I am thrilled with my four above purchases.

Amanda of That Inspired Chick is always posting great deals on Facebook. I took a chance on this set that had a 50% off coupon and got all of these really nice quality earrings for $8! I would recommend the set even if you have to pay $16. Here is the set. I have already worn one of these pairs every day!

Seriously, I am not exaggerating. I have been looking for new cardigans for at least 5 years. I am picky. It has to be right material, feel, weight, length, bulkiness, etc. I think I have found my unicorn. Target Universal Thread does it again.

I actually love the detail here with the stitching.

Here is a close up of the weave I think you call it.

Here is a photo of the length on me. I am 5 foot 4 inches.

I bought the sweater in eggplant (shown), olive, rust, and cream you guys! It is $25. I plan to throw one over many of my tops for fall. Here is the sweater. It is in stores, too, but I predict it will go quickly so get your desired colors and sizes now.

This is what I wore to hear music Friday night. MIA clog sandals from last summer, Matilda Jane green pants (old from consignment), and Steinmart poncho like top that is two years old.

Here is what I wore to lunch on the patio at the mediterranean place with my friend. Wit and Wisdom jeans, MIA clog sandals, consignment gauzy top from maybe 3 years ago.

Here is what I wore for my boys’birthday lunch.

Here is another kimono virtual teaching outfit.

I also purchased v-neck tees in white and burgundy from Target A New Day collection. They are super soft! I purchased an olive linen blend v-neck from Old Navy.

I feel like I am set for early fall with the exception of shoes!

What have you purchased for early fall?

What have you been wearing?

Should I post on Thursdays? It seems to be the day many bloggers take a break.

Amy

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Do you change your makeup with the seasons? I need a lighter foundation and I change my lip colors. I am currently trying not to buy new makeup until I have used up what I have. I have a lot of things left from my Ipsy subscription that I haven’t had for two years! Plus, I just have a lot of product. It’s easy to accumulate makeup and beauty products because it is fun to buy.

Today I want to show you three lip colors that I used last year and that I still love this year.

Top to Bottom:

Goldpearl Plum by Revlon (Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick)

Spice for Me by Maybelline

Plum Velour by Revlon (Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick)

Here are some super weird and not that great photos of my lips:

Goldpearl Plum

Spice for Me

Plum Velour

What do you think of these colors?

Even though this lipstick needs to be re-applied and is not long wearing formula, I really like the consistency and it doesn’t dry out my lips. Sometimes the good old original formula can’t be beat. You can pick all these up for about the price of a latte (with tip).

Are there any fall colors I should try?

Are we wearing lipstick right now? I am. I am wearing it to do virtual classes to brighten up my face. I am even sometimes wearing it under the mask if I will be taking mask off at some point.

Amy

Monday, September 14, 2020

I just cannot put an exclamation point on my “Hello Monday” title anymore. Maybe I need a question mark?

How was your weekend? I am in a weird time and space continuum. Was Labor Day really just a week ago? Time moves slowly and quickly. It is so weird!

I am linking up today with Heather, Tanya, and many more here.

Let’s start with Friday morning. I still start my mornings in a leisurely way when I am working. I don’t set an alarm anymore and haven’t since March. I naturally wake up between 5-5:30 and sometimes I force myself to go back to sleep for a bit. I had to get ready to work around 7:00 so it was good I was up early. I started working at 7:30 and taught classes at 8:30, 10, and 12:30. I worked until 3:00 sharp and then said it was time to quit. Even though it was a four day week it was intense.

Before I got ready at 7:00, I started a crockpot of apple butter! I will put the recipe on here soon, but I want to try it a different way first. It made the house smell heavenly and I stirred it during my work breaks.

Lunch!

I am reading way less, but still making it a point to read. I am also making it a point to go outside. This was my 3:00 snack and reading time. I did not drive anywhere Friday because I knew I was going out that night.

A guy that I work with was playing music at the little pizza place at the marina that I have shown you before. I was fine with it being just Tom and I but we had our two couple friends who were able to join us. It wasn’t very crowded because it looked like rain and we maintained a distance. No cheek to cheek photos yet for this gal! Their drink special was a raspberry margarita.

Tom and I split the BBQ pizza.

We stayed until about 8:30.

Saturday morning I was so happy not to have to log on! Tom went for a 30 mile bike ride (it takes him about 2 hours) and I went to Kroger for a big trip in person! I like having a baggie with my list and coupons and I added hand sanitizer and my mask. I did my big shop and loaded the car and went back in for $5.99 mums and $4 pumpkins! I will show you those later in the week.

The things the stores have been out of has been super weird. I finally found my beloved hazelnut again! Look at the cute squirrel! I go between Costco Kirkland breakfast blend and this.

Look at these combo mums! Is this a new thing? These were $15.99 and I didn’t get them.

Later in the day I had a library pick up (They do Saturdays now!) and a Target return.

It had looked like a chance of rain but then the sun came out so we decided to take the boat out for a bit.

I don’t think I’ve ever shown you Mildred, the guard dog at the boat ramp where we put our boat in. She belongs to the person who lives on site and she is really funny.

Leopard headband for a touch of fall on the boat.

We headed to the cove and let Ernie swim for a bit and then the skies started to look like this so we headed back.

I made us each a charcuterie plate and we sat on the patio for a few hours – salami, white cheddar, peaches, spinach dip, bagel chips, crackers.

I tried to make a new cocktail – it needs work. I will share if it becomes a good one!

I stayed out until dark!

And, I started my day out there yesterday listening to light rain.

What were the highlights of your weekend? I hope it was a good one!

Amy

Friday, September 11, 2020

Happy Friday! How was your week? Mine was busy. I still think that short weeks feel long! I am linking up today with Andrea, etc. right here.

Today would have been my Dad’s 78th birthday. He passed away in December of 2018 after a short but brutal illness. I miss him so much and I think about him everyday. I keep wondering what he would have said and thought about the pandemic, but I think I know. He would have hated the restrictions and he would have doubted much of the information we are receiving. That’s how he was. I plan to remember his jokes and funny sayings today! Maybe he will leave me a penny today! Have you heard of “pennies from Heaven”? My good friend told me about it after her loved one passed away. Found pennies or other coins are messages of love. I have a collection of coins that I have found since December of 2018. My mom and one sister have found a lot, too. My other sister thinks it’s a crazy belief and she hasn’t found any . Anyway, I say to believe it if it helps you. I found two pennies the other day after a long stretch of not finding any. Coin shortage, amiright? Just kidding. I will be looking for them today.

Also, let us not forget 9/11. I will never forget that day. I was teaching at my current school when our principal made the announcement to turn on our t.v. At that time, we all had these really small t.v.s hung from the ceiling in our rooms and the school could control what channel we all watched. So, the students and I all saw the second tower as it happened. Obviously, we did not do anything school related that day. Many parents signed their kids out of school and the rest of us just changed classes like zombies. We didn’t know what other attacks might happen that day. I didn’t have kids yet but I was married and went home after school and just watched the news the rest of the day and night – and Tom joined me when he got home from work.

O.k. – on to my Friday favorites….sorry!

I got a new mask that is really great! It is made by the clothing company Johnny Was – from their leftover fabric scraps. I love the pattern and the weight and ear straps are great. If you are local it was $10 from Tunie’s in Westport Village.

I purchased a craft ice cube tray at Target. It makes really huge cubes for bourbon or whatever craft cocktail you would like to make.

I like the cafe latte Premier Protein but I have been mixing it with vanilla. Yum!

I have now had my satin pillow case for a week. I like a “cool” feeling pillow so this does not feel as cool as my old pillow case but I do think it has helped with sleeping wrinkles and creases. My hair still seems pretty bad in the morning, though. Satin pillowcases are supposed to preserve hairstyles and decrease facial wrinkles.

I love this smell!

I also purchased a fun handsoap for the hall bathroom.

I showed you my fall decor on Monday. I added candy to my candy dishes.

One of my afternoon outings this week was Costco. I am trying to go out of the house each afternoon just to get out. I am working from home and I think it’s good for me to have an outing. Costco already had their pumpkin pies out. Theirs is so good. I did not buy one this trip.

Also, this looked interesting. I did not buy it because I have two boxes of frozen fish in the freezer right now. Everything crusted cod – what can’t you put the everything but the bagel seasoning on? Anyone tried this?

I enjoyed reading my Real Simple magazine last weekend. I am curious to try these eye shadows. Anyone tried these?

And, I would like to try this Cocokind dewy-skin stick. I am really into makeup that isn’t powder these days.

And, my last favorite…

I got my first pedicure in 7 months! I took my own polish by Essie – it’s kind of an iridescent navy blue. It was a nice treat yesterday after a long work day. That massaging chair felt great after spending so much time behind the computer. I was going to treat myself to this after the boys left for college and it only took me a month! It felt very safe with my mask on and the techs mask on. Everything was very clean and sterilized.

If you missed my fall trends post yesterday I hope you will go back and read it! What were the highlights of your week? Any favorites to share?

Thanks for reading and happy Friday!

Amy

Thursday, September 10, 2020

I miss talking about fashion! I hope to bring more of that to ye ol’ blog as it is something I really enjoy. It has been weird, though, to talk about it much since March. I think we all feel that. Anyway, now I am at least making an effort with my top half, but I am also trying to get out more, where my bottom half will also need to be presentable! I have been starting the process of looking at my fall clothes and determining what I should purge and what the holes in my closet are.

Are you ready for fall clothes? By the sounds of the blogosphere and the Nordstrom sale, I think many are! I did not buy a single thing in the Nordstrom sale. I had a couple of maybes but they were gone by the time I was privileged enough to get to shop – ha!

So, how about we talk Fall 2020 trends today?

I did some “research” on fall trends and I was pleasantly surprised for a couple of different reasons. One: Many of these trends can work for my age group – between 40 and 50. Two: I have some of these trends already in my closet.

We don’t exactly know what the fall will look like…will anyone even see our clothes? I don’t really know. Maybe we pick a few that we love just for ourselves?

Now, before I do anything I have some jobs to do:

1)I will look over all of the spring/summer clothing in my closet and purge anything that I didn’t wear this year unless it’s really special and I want to keep it. I will also challenge myself to wear as much as I can until September 22 or when it feels like fall. I like to start transitioning to more fall like colors and over the last couple of years I have looked for summer clothes with more of a fall vibe if that makes sense.

2)I will inventory my last season fall clothes and ask myself some questions. Would I buy it now? What did I wear the most? What are the holes in my closet?

3) I will make a list in my phone memo.

Here are the trends I found along with my thoughts:

Metallics – this could be a blouse or even metallic threads running through an item of clothing. It could be a clutch.

Prep School – argyle socks or vest maybe. Maybe a silk blouse with argyle design. I probably will not be able to pull this off – plus, I think this could go horribly wrong and make one look like a lady of the night if you know what I mean.

Patchwork – I love the idea of this. It could be a tote bag, a pair of pants or jeans. Hey, maybe I could even repurpose something in my closet.

Cape (as a coat) – Maybe this is because we all need a super hero right about now. I have loved having my ponchos or shawls for winter. I think my most worn piece of clothing last year was my camel colored Universal Thread poncho as seen here:

I already have a Target Universal Thread poncho from this year’s collection on its way to me.

Plaids – Yes! I love a fall colored plaid

Fringe – Sign me up!

Tweed – Um, I’m not wild about the feel of tweed but I used to have a beautiful tweed blazer

Floral – Definitely! Pioneer Woman blouses, amiright?

Victorian Era – lace, high necks, frills, bows – I will proceed with caution so it doesn’t look like a Halloween costume

Jewel Tones – Yes! Beautiful!

Sequins – I will proceed with caution

Built in Baubles/Jewel Encrusted – My sister used to have the cutest t-shirt with printed on necklaces. I could go for that. Maybe I used to have one, too? I also remember having a t-shirt with crystals in the neckline. I could also do this again.

Geometric Design – Love it! I didn’t like or excel in Geometry but I like its design, you know?

Bows – I could do this in a tasteful understated way.

I think I’m most excited to find something patchwork – maybe Free People or Anthropologie?

What is your favorite of the trends I mentioned?

I have needed better cardigans for years – like maybe 5. I can’t find the right quality, length, weight, you name it. I have a promising cardigan in three colors from Target Universal Thread on their way for me to check out. I plan to extend my fall colored sleeveless and short sleeve tops by throwing a cardigan on top.

What else am I buying?

I hope to make these a member of my closet:

I looked at them in person last year and didn’t pull the trigger.

I have also added a few cute things to my closet recently but you will have to wait to see those!

What’s on your list, if anything? Anything you want to recommend to me?

Amy

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Today we are talking about one of my favorite topics – scents! I have always said that due to my large nose I am very good with smells and that I am very sensitive to smells. I still stand by that statement.

What a fun idea Emily and Sarah had to do a series of fall link ups this month! The other topics will be fall decor, fall fashion, and fall entertainment.

I hate anything artificial smelling or too sickeningly sweet.

I gravitate toward more earthy, masculine smells. I hate saying masculine because how can a smell have a gender and that does not sound very 2020, you know?

I highly recommend Bath and Body Works mahogany teakwood. This is a good candle to burn outside if you find it a bit intense.

I discovered this last year and fell in love. I am not a big fan of the apple cider smell by this brand. Acorn Spice all the way!

Cashmere Woods by Glade. I decided I do not like their apple scent candle and it smells artificial to me. But, I love this smell so much! Glade, will you make a perfume?

I think this has been my personal fall/winter scent for three years? It is called L by Soft Surroundings which is a brand that Pioneer Woman likes for their fun tops. We got a store locally and I went in and smelled this and it was love at first sniff. I bought a small rollerball of this, went back and bought another one, and then last year I bit the bullet and bought the bottle. It hurt because I feel like I am wasting money sometimes on scents but I realized that it makes me happy so it is worth it. Use this sparingly. It is tobacco flower, and some other things and it is an earthy kind of musky scent.

I really want to get more into diffuser blends and essential oils. I am a bit overwhelmed because there is so much to learn!

What scents do you recommend to me? It could be an essential oil or blend, a candle, a fragrance, a cleaning product, anything, really!

Amy

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

How was your weekend? I did post yesterday if you missed it – here – all about my fall decor!

I had a very full weekend so I am going to give you the highlights today. I’m excited for a four day week but what is hard to believe is that at the end of this week it will already be mid-September, friends! How is that possible?

A fun thing came together Friday for me. I was off work because traditionally we have off the day before the Kentucky Derby. My friend B was able to do lunch so we picked this quaint patio of a Mediterranean restaraunt called The Grape Leaf. We sat for three hours and talked. It was so nice. They don’t have a liquor license so you can’t blame it on the alcohol, o.k.? We drank water and caught up!

I really liked my food. I got a vegetarian dish – a mixture of vegetables with spices and a Greek salad.

I also made homemade chocolate chip cookies for my boys!

When Tom got home from work I suggested a few things and he picked this one… we drove to this neighborhood with a walk up bar…

and I got my first frosé. You are allowed to walk around with it so we walked all around the neighborhood and admired houses and landscaping.

It was starting to look like fall!

How cute!

I thought we would also get dinner but everywhere was packed so we went home and made Totinos pizzas. The empty nest life is glamorous, right?

Saturday morning coffee on my patio – Sorry if you get tired of these photos.

I was a bit bummed Friday and Saturday morning because Saturday was my boys’ 18th birthday! We had tried to work out a time to do dinner and gifts but they had conflicting schedules and Labor Day was a school day for them, so we had finally settled upon Monday night after their classes. Well, when I called to say happy birthday it turned out that Saturday lunch would in fact, work. It is weird when you have spent all the other birthdays together and I knew it was more important for them to be happy and with friends so I was really o.k..

I love this photo I posted on social media- I think they were 9.

Mason wanted to try the same restaurant I went to Friday because he loves Mediterranean food and his said his mouth was watering when I told him about my lunch Friday! They kept masks on in the car and at the restaurant until it was time to eat. Their college made them take a pledge to be able to keep campus up and running and they are taking it very seriously.

We opened presents at the car and I gave them their cookies. They were really happy. They had plans with friends after lunch so it all worked out. It was really nice to spend some time with all four of us together. Even though they are close, we really are letting them do their thing.

That evening was the Kentucky Derby. My friend had a small party with a few couples. She did sliders from Drakes and everyone brought an appetizer.

She got Derby cookies from a bakery.

I had some Whispering Angel rosé.

Sunday we went to the cove with my friend. Her husband was busy so it was just the three of us on our boat and Ernie, too. We tied up with my sister in law, brother in law of Tom and niece and other people they knew tied up, too. Look at the long line of boats in the distance. We stayed for a few hours and then headed back to our boat ramp.

Then my friend and I decided to do happy hour on the patio of River House.

It was a really nice day.

I went home and relaxed on the patio with my magazines.

Monday was all about meal prep, laundry, errands, and I finally used my Taco Bell gift card from my student. I got Tom some lunch and I got my favorite that reminds me of my 20s…

the Mexican pizza without meat. I started eating it like this because my roommate was a vegetarian and then I decided I liked it better like this. They are getting rid of this menu item! No!!!!! Of course, now I never go there, but still. I want to know it is there, you know?

and the rest of the day I worked and read and just piddled around to get ready for the week.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Come back tomorrow for the topic of fall scents – I am participating in a link up! And, Thursday I am talking about fall clothing!

Amy

Monday, September 7, 2020

Hi all! I am still weekending, but come back tomorrow for my weekend recap. Instead, today, I thought I would show you the fruits of my labor yesterday. I didn’t have to be anywhere until afternoon so I decided to do my fall decor. I didn’t buy a single thing – YET.

I was excited, but I was dreading it. For many years now, my holiday tubs have been a mess. I’m almost embarrassed to tell you that. I mean, they weren’t even labeled and I had to look through so many to find what I wanted. I labeled every bin I own and I went through all of my fall bins and put anything I didn’t want anymore into my donate pile. I also went through every other bin except Easter and Christmas. Those are a lot.

Here is what I decided to keep all spread out on my dining room table so I can see it. Now I’m really glad that I moved my work station down to the basement desk area.

Do you take pictures and place your decor the same way each year? I definitely do not do that. I kinda wish I were that organized!

The mantel. I will take the apples away after September.

Dining Room table. I need more for the tiered tray.

Side table. I need votives for the little spiders. The horrible pumpkin was made by me in 3rd grade – around the time that I realized I had no artist talent at all. Sorry to my mom the art teacher and to my sister the art teacher. I think it’s funny so that’s why I have it out.

The other side table. Archie, our first fur baby, when he was just a puppy. He was with us for 12 years and died when the boys were 10. The middle picture I just love. I got corduroy overalls and plaid shirts at the twin moms’ sale and they looked so cute. And, the last one is our professional family photo done when the boys were 11 by my former student who is now a professional photographer.

I have an idea! I am going to try to find photos of every single Halloween costume the boys ever had and put them in matching black frames. I am so excited! All of them should be printed out and I think I will probably do ages 0-12?

This needs work – coffee table. I will probably add a B and B candle in a fall scent and move to the kitchen table.

A super easy idea for you: “Borrow” letters from your Scrabble game. I chose to do “Autumn”. Look at that – I scored 17 points!

I have a pumpkin flag outside in the front and I have some apple decor on the patio.

I still want some pillows for the living room and patio, but I am super picky about pillows I have found. I have looked at Target and Kirkland’s so far. Any other ideas?

Have you decorated? Do you decorate? I am big on changing my mantel: January – white twinkle lights and snowmen, February – Valentine’s stuff, of course, March – St. Patrick’s Day, April – Easter/Spring, May – Derby, then Memorial Day, June – Summer, July – 4th of July, August/September – Summer again or apples/back to school, fall, October – Fall and Halloween, November – take down Halloween, leave fall, and add Thanksgiving (over the last few years I have collected several Thanksgiving things!), December – Christmas. My decorated mantel makes me happy. I must admit that I let March, April, May, June, July, August decor stay very plain. I just didn’t have it in me, but I should have done it, you know? Now that I am more organized I think it will be so much more enjoyable!

Keep enjoying your weekend, friends!

Amy