DIY Autumn Garland

DIY Autumn Garland

Monday, October 20, 2014

Crisp autumn air makes paths for adventure, for creativity. Everything is inspiring - the clear skies, the fall drizzles, the crisp leaves, the green leaves still clinging to life. It's like life has become a plethora of sensations, and it makes me want to change up my living space.

Bringing the outdoors in has always been one of my favorite ways to decorate for the seasons. After browsing various DIYs on Pinterest, I finally found the perfect, simple combination: collect fall leaves and string them up. In the past I have always wanted to gather the beautifully red, orange, and yellow leaves, but I never had any idea just what to do with them. This tutorial, however, gave me one of those "Why didn't I think of that?" moments. I did choose to press the leaves under some heavy books for a few days since I didn't have anything to seal them with. It worked just fine!

What's your favorite way to decorate for fall?

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Entering October

Entering October

Monday, October 6, 2014

Hello all, have you welcomed my favorite month with an open embrace? For me, there is something so charming about the crisp winds blowing wisps of hair in my eyes, the smell of clean air, and leaves crunching under my boots, all of which are happening right now in my city. I have noticed that I seem to follow a fall checklist without even knowing it - things I want to do as soon as October 1st comes knocking on my consciousness.


Getting pumpkins

Image via Wikipedia

There is just something so special about picking your pumpkin each October. Examining all the shapes, ridges, and bumps to determine your favorite perfections and imperfections. Don't worry about shelf life - they last a while un-carved. In fact, you can even carve it up a little early if you follow some of these tips.

Baking something

Who doesn't love the smell of baked goods in a hot oven? Not only does it help warm your home, but the tantalizing aroma of spices sweltering in the oven makes the season feel all the more cozy.

Watching seasonal tv

Image found via

Who doesn't want to watch a million episodes of The Twilight Zone or blast The Rocky Horror Picture Show as soon as October 1st rolls around? Please say it's not just us.

Making a pot of chili or soup

I don't know about everyone, but there is something so calming about hot soup on a chilly night. This past Saturday, I could not resist letting something simmer on the stove for hours on end while the temperatures slowly decreased throughout the day. Plus, soups and chili are an easy way to get plenty of vegetables, and chili traditionally goes well with football, if you or your loved ones are into that.

Make a fall garland

Image found via Free People

Not only does seasonal decorating indoors really put me in the spirit, but there are so many ideas for this one! Last year, I followed this tutorial using pine cones and baby Indian corn. So far, I have yet to decide if I want to recreate that, or try this one using leaves!

Enjoy fall produce

Now is the time to stock up on delights such as edible pumpkins, squashes, and sweet potatoes. Try a new recipe or an old favorite, and welcome the season. Maybe learn to make your very own pumpkin spice lattes, or a new take on butternut squash soup. Either way, be sure to savor each bite, being thankful for what is available to you.

Bundle up (if it's chilly)

I guess I am a snow miser, because I love the cold. Well, maybe not polar vortex cold, but 40 degrees, yes please. It's time for tights, jackets, scarves, and beanies. What is there to dislike?

Tell me, what is your favorite way to welcome October?




All images mine unless linked in the caption.

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Photo Diary: Art Around Town

Photo Diary: Art Around Town

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Remember me saying that these horses are all over town?  I wasn't kidding.  This one is in The Morris Bookshop.

 If you go the bookshop, do be sure to visit the bathroom.

Shared by Coffee Times and Lexington Coffee and Tea. They are the same place, really.  My favorite of favorite local places.

 Storm drain in Chevy Chase.

 Al's bar.  Delicious burgers and hipster music scene galore.

Outside of the Arcadium Bar.

Random Place I Saw

We took my brother to West Sixth Brewery.  Fuck you, Magic Hat.

Update: This post originally ran July 15th, 2013. I am especially busy this week and didn't have time for a new post. Enjoy our art!

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Decor Idea: Hanging Clothes on the Wall

Decor Idea: Hanging Clothes on the Wall

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Apartment dwellers everywhere can probably feel the pain of limited closet space. Heck, in some cities, you are lucky to have a closet. Fortunately, I do have one, and while I do try to keep my belongings to a minimum, it's hard for a fashion addict. To keep my closet from being too crowded, I recently had this idea of hanging clothes on the wall! It's a great way to show off pretty things, keep track of inventory, and cheaply decorate the room. EASY. All you have to do is take some clothespins and stick some adhesive on the back. They even make some adhesives that will not damage the wall. Win, win. How do you manage to keep your closet from being overflowed?

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How to Create a Cozy Atmosphere in Your Home

How to Create a Cozy Atmosphere in Your Home

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The best part about fall is creating a cozy atmosphere at home.  As the temperatures drop, people bring out sweaters, blankets, and socks. We replace cold drinks and salads with hot tea and warm soups. We spend more time in front of hot stoves and warm fires snuggling with our loved ones.  While everyone experiences some part of this nearly anywhere they go, there are lots of things you can do to create that perfect cozy atmosphere in your own home to seize these chilly days.

Click on each image for it's source.

1. Your bedroom.  Your bed is the coziest part of home.  Live it up!  Bring out quilts, throws, and buy some  cheap extra pillows.  If you can place your bed in a corner with a low ceiling, all the better.   Nooks are the coziest of all.  Draping blankets from the ceiling can create this same effect, just make sure it's a lighter fabric like lace or sheer panels.

From Pinterest

2. Hang things from the ceiling.  Yes. Lace, string lights, Chinese lanterns.  Hanging things from the ceiling creates a safe, intimate space.

3. Burn candles and incense.  The smoke and light creates an intimate atmosphere, and incense scents in cinnamon and other spices create aromatics that make you want to snuggle.

4. Wear socks!  Nothing better than keeping warm than snuggle socks!  I love to walk around in them wearing a shorter dress and sweater.

5. Drink tea or other hot beverages.  They warm you up, and herbal teas are good for you.   Better yet, have a shameless plug and try my Lavender Earl Grey Latte.

6. Wear a beanie.  Hats and socks are the two things that keep you warm in the winter.  They protect your outer extremities and help you use less heat!  You can even learn to knit your own.

7. Make some soup.  Warm and filling, soup is a great way to get cozy.  Cover up under a wrap and sit close to your loved ones for supper.  You can try my Creamy, Spicy Roasted Broccoli Soup, or my Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup, or any other soup you want to try.  You can always get a new soup idea here, too, if you like me, or from any other food blog.

Creamy, Spicy Roasted Broccoli Soup

Sausage, Kale, and Potato Soup

There you have it.  Keep warm this fall and winter!

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