Playing catch-up

How was everyone’s Thanksgiving?  I am not late on this post due to death-by-turkey.  More like death-by-dessert!  There were about 8 dessert options at both (yes there were 2) Thanksgiving dinners Derek and I attended.  And since I didn’t want to hurt any of the hard working chefs’ feelings, I had to try them all! 

We had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend, aside from Derek and both having a slight cold.  We enjoyed the outdoors and beautiful fall colours by hiking the Luskville Falls Trail, I visited the Vanier Farmer’s Market, and we spent time with our wonderful family and friends.  Thanksgiving may be one of my favourite holidays.

Here are some pics we took during our hike.  I don't think I've seen the colours so vibrant!

Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I really wanted to get our home feeling seasonal, and I am happy to say I accomplished just that!  

Project #1: frame leaves
Project #2: yarn wreath

It is easy to be inspired by our beautiful view.

Friday, on my way home from work I collected leaves like a 7 year old in the park across from our condo.  This was a lot of fun, actually; choosing the most pretty colours and patterns.  Then, once Derek left for a late hockey game I got my crafting on.  To make myself feel better for staying home, doing crafts on a Friday night, I made sure to enjoy a couple Coors Lights.  This may or may not have increased production time...

I drew inspiration for my wreath colours from this really pretty piece of scrap booking paper I found at Michael's.  With all the yarn and felt choices available (there are seriously aisles and aisles at Michael's!) I think having a pattern helps decide on a colour scheme.  

Following the lead of Tanya, Danielle and Yvonne I wrapped (and wrapped and wrapped) yarn and spun my little pieces of felt to create my wreath.  I would love to add a welcome bunting using stencils and pretty fabric one day like Myra.

At the beginning my wreath was looking just like Ashley's wedding colours!

It took a while to get the hang of creating these little rosettes.  But once I made a few they started looking more like flower buds.    

I strung my wreath up using twine I had on hand.  One condo-living bonus: I don't need to worry about my door décor being damaged by the outdoor elements.  Downfall: jack o'lanterns don't really work. 

Our door is looking extra nice compared to our neighbour's accross the hall!  Maybe it's the beginning of their Halloween décor?  Just kidding...no one has moved in yet - it's still under construction.

I also framed my own pressed leaves and put together a little fall vignette in our entrance.  When Derek got home around 1:30am I was just finishing up.  The yarn wreath took a while!  But it was totally worth it.  I would love to create one for every season and maybe give them as gifts to my craft-loving friends and family members.

Also - I've decided that our little microwave cart near the entrance is going to be like the mantel we'll never have.  We can dress it up depending on the season.  One day I think I will paint it.  Maybe stain the top so it's nice and glossy and paint the base white?

I am also thinking of painting that wall in black chalk board paint.  I think I mentioned this before.  I would be able to add to the seasonal décor with messages and chalk drawings.  I'm still mulling it over...

Framing the leaves was a lot of fun too (and they are still looking fresh!)  I used scrap booking paper as background.

And here's a little gebera daisy in my honey tin on our dining table.

Are you into seasonal decorating?  I love bringing the outside in, especially in the fall.  And I loved making my wreath so much I'm already looking forward to doing one for Christmas, which really is not that far off!  Which means either is the wedding!  EEEK, I better get to the gym!  Kidding, it's Friday, that's not happening...

Happy weekend!!!

Autumn inspiration

Fall has arrived!  That glorious season that catches me by surprise every year, and then leaves (pun intended) much too quickly.

I love fall for many reasons.  Fall fashion for starters, is awesome.  Boots, scarves, sweaters, tweed, leather and rich colours.  I always have a craving to shop for new clothing this time of year.  

The weather is also the bomb.  That perfect feeling when the air is crisp, but not enough to see your breath, and the sun is still warm on your face.  It makes for the ideal afternoon patio weather to sit an enjoy a pint of beer or a pumpkin spiced lattée.

And speaking of PSLs, I have yet to enjoy one this year.  I usually indulge in only one, and it has to be the most perfect setting.  A perfect fall afternoon (hopefully it's the weekend), ideally with my bff out for a day of shopping in the market, and it helps if I'm wearing a cute fall outfit to complete the experience.

As a lover of décor blogs, I have been enjoying seeing how everyone has been infusing fall into their homes.  There is nothing more charming than a front door seasonally decorated to greet guests, or a lovely mantel re-done in fall colours.  

Here are some of my favourites....

Kate, from Centsational Girl, hits the mark every time, and didn't miss when sprucing up her mantel for the season.  See, it's as easy as clipping a few stems to bring the beauty inside.

My girl, Sherry, from Young House Love has also displayed some fall foliage to give her dining tablet that fall feeling.

I love the idea of decorating with dried, pressed leaves.  I remember hunting for the perfect maple leaf to press and save when I was a kid - so much fun.  Apartment Therapy shares some ideas and the easy steps to doing it yourself.  My favourite is the leaf garland.  

Better Homes and Gardens reminds us that fall decorating can be as easy as filling up a bowl full of apples!

If you prefer to streamline your fall décor with the rest of your home, take Suzie Harris' cue by spray painting faux (or real) gourds and pumpkins to match your colour scheme!  Très chic.

Stay trendy and take some inspiration from Pantone's Fashion Colour Report for fall 2012 when adding a new throw blanket or accent pillow to your home.

Loving this pillow from etsy.

And these pretty throws by West Elm.

Now lets head outdoors...

Last year Ryan and Laura from Smith & Ratliff featured some fun seasonal front steps from their West Village neighbourhood in Manhattan.  I'm so jealous.

I love the DIY yarn wreath trend that's been popping up.  Living in a condo doesn't allow for that charming front step decor, so I may have to give this a go.  Tonya from Love of Family shows us how nice it can look and includes a tutorial too.

So, have you begun your fall decorating yet?  So far, I’ve only been inspired, and have yet to actually DO anything.  However with the month of October (and Thanksgiving!) quickly approaching I’m determined to make the first fall in our new condo a beautiful one, and I’m happy too, that I’ve come across a few free ideas!

My goal is to share a post next weekend showing you all my hard work, and also how our amazing view is changing colours!

Happy autumn everyone!