Happenings on the Homestead: 2 Big Projects Comin Up

Its been a while since the last happenings on the homestead, and even though I share alot of personal DIY projects from around my home, I dont often share with you whats happening and whats ahead. So lets recap a bit June was filled with my big staircase makeover, July was bustling with tons of painting projects, and August was crazy with finishing the bookcase and the mouldings. With open arms, I cheerfully welcomed September because it was finally time to get back into a routine of working, blogging, and DIYing! For me, September is like a new year same for you?

Lets take a step back though

If you recall, I shared this frightening picture on the SAS FB page (which received the most comments ever) in late August. If you didnt see it, can you tell what it is? Take a guess

Well if you havent figured it out, those are shelves and clothes all over the floor of a closet. MY CLOSET! I can gladly say that my closet doesnt usually look like this, but one night (around 4 a.m.), our home was shaken, not by an earthquake, but by the sound of ALL THOSE SHELVES & CLOTHES FALLING TO THE FLOOR (sorry for the caps, but it was frightening). So anyway, it was a mess and still is. After racking our brains on what to do (a temporary fix or something good & big), my friends from ClosetMaid came to my rescue. Yes, the closet fairies from above heard my cries (ok, thats a bit exagerant) and came to my help.

My closet is soon going to look like this

Okay, well, maybe not completely like that. BUT, I will have those beautiful wood-like shelves and drawers, and lots of hanging space. Pinch Me

So heres the design concept for the new space

Pretty sweet, right?! Unfortunately since this closet makeover wasnt foreseen, I dont have any before pictures, but it was a basic builder-style set up with 1-wire shelf set 5 high with a hanging bar below Pretty blah and so much unused space.

So what else is on the radar for this space, you ask??

From walls to the ceiling to lighting (my idea evolved from this project), this space will be transformed!

Of course, I wouldnt be sharing this project with you, if you couldnt do it as well. This ClosetMaid line of cabinetry which is called the Impressions Collection is completely DIY (do it yourself) and is available at Home Depot. And O NO, its not just for closets You could also use their cabinetry for a family room built-in, laundry organization, a pantry, or even a home office pretty neat, right?! Check out more ideas here.

O and BTW, if you like my pretty plans above, you can design your own too or have a pro help you out. My Master Closet is about 8 x 7, so there were lots of design variations before I was ready to move forward with the order. I just found out that my closet is almost ready and once its here, Ill be sure to share all the details.

My kids are growing so fast and since I gave my sons room a mini-makeover earlier this year, its now my daughters turn. Her room is beautiful, but since she is more than ready to transition from a crib to a big girl bed, it was time for a revamp.

Heres her space now

(sadly to say, it doesnt really look like that even on a good day. We are a real family and this is totally staged keepingitreal)

Most of the larger pieces in the space, as well as the wall colors, are staying and a nice new double bed is goin in! Much of the wall decor will be repurposed throughout the room in a few DIY projects that I have up my sleeve. And one of the most exciting parts of the room has to do with alot of these!

In the new Big Girl Bedroom, Ill be introducing some new fabrics for pillows and window treatments, as well as bedding. Heres a peak at the palette

18 Easy Decorating Ideas for Fall

Within the last few days, signs of Fall have been peaking through here in the Northeast. The cooler temps are setting in and the early stages of the soon-to-be-colorful changing leaves has begun.

This past weekend, I enjoyed some downtime apple picking with my family and yesterday I made a delicious apple pie and yummy homemade apple sauce Boy, am I getting into the Autumn spirit! Since finishing my Fall fireplace mantel last week, Im excitedly starting to spruce up the rest of my home with a few more seasonal elements and have pulled together 18 Easy Decorating Ideas for Fall.

Here are some seasonal ideas that have inspired me, with hopes that theyll inspire you!

A gorgeous Fall vignette filled with Thanks. Created by Jennifer of Dear Lilly

A simple, inexpensive glass vase filled with branches bearing acorns and colorful lemons makes for a beautiful Fall centerpiece via Midwest Living.

A gorgeous table centerpiece that can be displayed throughout the Fall and easily transition into Christmas. A box similar to this can be made using pallet scraps and filled with seasonal elements like pumpkins, ghords, and berries. Created by Bunches and Bits

Miniature pumpkins are a favorite of mine to decorate with and this wreath for a front door would be so unique. via My Home Ideas

I shared alot of mantels decorated for Fall in last weeks roundup, but this display for the season is gorgeous and absolutely inspired me. The distressed wood door creates a beautiful backdrop to the large, unadorned wreath (which is actually two wreaths), and simple white pumpkins of different shapes and sizes sit in front. Created by Alicia of Thrifty & Chic

Umber is a favorite color of mine for Fall and this cluster of varying sized glass jars is so simple and chic. Created by Maryann of Domestically Speaking

Colorful leaves and pumpkins amongst plain white dishes creates for the perfect Fall table via BHG

Yum, I love apple cider and when its wrapped in a white linen cloth and accented with a colorful leaf, its O, so much better! How beautiful would this be to display on your sidebar for an afternoon Fall brunch? Created by Maria of Dreamy Whites

A simple pillow with the words Fall adds a fun seasonal accent. Created by Kasia of Dream Home

Decorate your table with these yummy treats! My guilty pleasuredonuts. And these are made with pumpkin spice, perfect for Fall. Made by Kristy of The Diary of Daveswife

I had to add picture into the grouping of what inspires me for Fall. Isnt this VW filled with the essentials for a Fall picnic, just divine? I wish I was in the passenger seat right now, dont you?! Even though, outside, elements like the plaid blanket and the overall color palette can be brought indoors. via Ritzy Bee

Mums are a favorite of mine for the Fall and this vignette by Yvonne of Stonegable is a favorite. Simply hide a pot with indian corn to create a festive centerpiece.

For Fall or any time of year, this DIY vase and flower arrangement is super easy and so pretty. Ive got a party coming up soon and this is on my to-do list! via Little Chief Honey Bee

Halloween is a favorite for many in the Fall and this table displays alittle of both. You better watch out, that witch looks a little scary! via HouseTalkn

Its amazing what a little spray paint can do. Within minutes Ashley of Shanty 2 Chic took this simple glass jar and created a beautiful display with pinecones, pumpkins, and Fall branches perfect for a table centerpiece or entryway table.

Fall, a season of change, and this stenciled jar says it all. Created by Heather of At The Picket Fence

Autumn Mantel

Ive been loving the cool temps over the past few days, have you? For me, theres no transition time once September hits. A switch goes off in my head that says Fall, Fall, Fall. Thankfully I havent dug out the sweaters yet, BUT I did gather some decor for my newest mantel for the coming season.

Autumn is almost here and after sharing a fun roundup of Fall Fireplace Mantels earlier this week, Im ready to reveal mine. But before we begin, I have a confession to make I never showed you my summer mantel. I had great intentions to, but it never happened. No worries, because for Fall I didnt change much and basically the reasoning is that I just love it. This years Autumn Mantel isnt overly themed and actually isnt really fallish. Basically I kept it simple and added a few festive elements. Take a look

The change from my Summer mantel to now wasnt that different or difficult. Since you didnt see the Summer mantel, this is what it looked like. With the addition of the starfish for the warm months and the simple switchout to pumpkins and ghords for Fall, the mantel was updated in minutes.

I have to say, Im really happy with the simplicity and monochromatic look of this years Fall Mantel. For this mantel, I shopped my home for everything, except one piece the tall white jar. I had been on the search for something like it and when I saw this beautiful pierced ginger jar at TJ Maxx a few months, I snagged it up it was attractive and for under $20 it was a must-have! Its height and detail bring so much character to the mantel. Dont ya think?!

All the other elements in this Fall decor were seen in last years mantel or were someplace else around the house. The white pumkpins were a great score last year and werent always white. If you recall, this is what I did

Its amazing what a little white craft paint can do!

In continuing my simple white aesthetic, I spray painted the candle stick white as well. In my other mantels, it was brass, but not anymore. Continuing, my estate sale found mason jars are still filled with lentils and beautiful, bumpy, bright orange ghords were added throughout. I had to add some color. right?!

Those tall glass jars are killer loved them since the day I bought them which was a gazzillion years ago (more like 10+) from Crate and Barrel. Ya gotta love the Crate!

The birds are another recent find that I purchased at a local home store. They are dark brown, similar to the mantel color and almost blend right in, but they are so cute and add a whimsical touch to the mantel decor.

I think its so important to add varying heights and layers when creating a mantel. Think of your mantel composition as a wave it should go up and down as it moves across. Need more tips on mantel decor? Check out my post on How-To Decorate a Mantel. Looking at others mantels will also help inspire and give ideas. Thats where my roundup comes in handy!

Heres the overall Fall Mantel.

You might have noticed in some of the pictures that theres somethin different on the wall? Yup, thats new. There used to be a mirror there, but that got revamped and moved to the dining area. In its place is a new distressed stained sign, which was easy to create and is an awesome backdrop. Want to create something similar? Heres how

1. Measure and cut lumber to the size desired (I used (3) 2 x 12 x 48 pieces of pine)
2. Use (2) horizontonal pieces of lumber to secure the vertical pieces (I used (2) 2 x 4, but any size lumber would really work)
3. Distress the sign using a chain, hammer, nails, etc. to add as much or as little distressing as desired
4. Stain your sign. I used the stain that I had leftover from my staircase which was Ebony, but you can use a lighter stain depending on the depth of color you want to achieve.

Pretty simple, right?! I love how it brings height and depth to the space, yet still creates a great backdrop to the mantel decor. And against the burnt orange wall, it really makes a statement.

14 Festive Fireplace Mantels for Fall

Fall is a favorite time of year for me. Even though its not technically a new year, with the kids returning to school, it feels like a new beginning.

I treasure the breezy days of late September when we get to pack away the sandals and replace them with riding boots and polar fleeces.

I enjoy apple picking and pumpkin carving with the kids while being mesmerized by the Fall foilage.

But most of all, I love organizing and decorating for the new season. Pumpkins, ghords, warm colors, blankets Autumn brings such cozy thoughts. As Im starting to think about and get in the mood for the change, I thought it would be fun to get inspired and gather ideas by checking out some fabulous Festive Fall Fireplaces from across the blogosphere.

When I think of Fall, rustic and nature immediately come to mind, and this seasonal mantel created by Emily of Decor Chick perfectly portrays those elements.

So gorgeous and my favorite part of this mantel created by Debbie of Refresh Restyle is the addition of the burnt orange leaves trickling down the burlap framed backdrop reminds me of the breezy days of Fall when leaves are falling all around you.

I feel like I just stepped back in time with this Autumn Mantel by Lucy of Craftberry Bush. Using inexpensive items from around her house, Lucy created her mantel using patinaed trays, old window frames, book pages and a few white pumpkins and candles. Incredibly elegant and sophisticated.

Pumpkins are so interesting and sometimes you really dont need anything else. I love how the beauty of these bumpy, freckled, and faux pumpkins have created a simple, yet intriguing composition for a Fall Mantel by Kellie of Nest of Posies.

Loving this vintage inspired mantel created by Myra of My Blessed Life. The light blue wall color is the ideal background for the intense colors of Fall to speak out, especially the orange ruffled garland draped across the fireplace. And the quote, Count your Blessings, says it all!

Leaves. Leaves. Leaves. So gorgeous draped across this mantel against the crisp white pumpkins, candles, and fireplace surround. And I love. love. love. the decorative tin backdrop. Created by Barb of Curly Willow DIY.

So simple and unique, created by Everyday Lovely. The vintage frames are beautifully positioned and layered with a few pumpkins, clock, and wreath gorgeous.

This entire room speaks Fall! With the lovely decorated fireplace as the focal point of the space, as well as the blanket hanging over the chair arm and the warm draperies on the windows, I just want to start a fire, curl up, and read a book all day. What an incredible space by Michelle of Sweet Something Designs.

Check out this awesome mantel! Even without the typical Fall colors, its so unique. My eye is definitely drawn to the vintage paper backdrop (which I just realized is vintage music sheets) and the gorgeous barn wood frame. I really like the simple look of the black and white pumpkins, which brings in a touch of Halloween at the same time. Created by Diana of Our Vintage Home Love.

Without a fireplace? A ledge is another great spot to showcase some seasonal decor. This ledge by Jennifer of Dimples and Tangles is one of my favorites. I love the green shutters against the exposed brick, with the window pane in the center. The wreath layed on top is so fun and shes added just the right touch of accessories layered in front.

White! Something that youll soon see in my mantel for this season. Gorgeous and youll have to see how Kate of Chic on a Shoestring Decorating created all those pumpkins (its amazing what a sale and spray paint can do!).

A few festive accessories go along way. Kate of Centsational Girl created two adorable groupings on either side of her mantel and even though its simple, its a beautiful, elegant composition.

Hello Gorgeousness! Erin of 3 Meadow Lake Cottage wanted a subtle Fall display and I think she created just that. Using layers, texture, and a few vintage finds, she put together a serene mantel for the season.

Not a typical fireplace, but this shelf arrangement decorated for Fall is still perfection! Karah of The Space Between added some really fun and unique pieces to her display including my favorite, popcorn kernels and a planted cactus (in a coffee mug) covered with a cloche how clever.