Happy October! The pumpkin month! It’s finally here. :) I’m sharing some random fall fun today, but first I have an announcement! Sunny Side Up is getting a new look! I’ve been working on updating my website for months and sometime toward the end of this week (hopefully!) my updated website will go live. My goal with the new website is to make it easier for you to find things you are looking for (home decor ideas, home sources, past posts, organizing inspo, new products I’m loving, etc.). It will be a more organized Sunny Side Up! A little organization is always a good thing. :) I hope that you like it! I also hope that I survive this switch because it will be quite a learning curve for me and given my background in tech (there is none.. I hate it) this might not be my favorite week ever. Ha. ;) My website will be down for a couple of days during the transfer so if you try to visit and can’t pull up my blog that’s why! Keep checking back and at some point we will be live again.

Ok.. back to all things pumpkin. I picked up a few for the front porch!

{green handloom with fringe/scatter stripe accent rug/geometric orange rug}

Here’s a look at a few things I’m using for my fall porch. I ordered this orange rug and then found this cute tan rug last time I was at Target so I’ll use one (or maybe layer them both!). The green fringe rug was LOVE at first sight so I immediately bought it for my Christmas porch. Then I got home and went to put it away in my mudroom closet and guess what I found? The exact same rug! I must have bought it a few weeks ago.. ha. Clearly I’m a fan. And now I have one for the side mudroom door too. :)

{lighted maple tree}

I’m also using these fun faux maple trees I found on Amazon! So cute. I love that they light up and can’t wait to see them at night. The trunk/base is a little fake looking so I’ll put them in a basket and surround them with pumpkins. Fall porch coming soon!

A couple of weeks ago I hosted a fall friendship night for my church. A few friends of mine took over my kitchen to prepare all of the food while I got the yard ready.

The prep squad. :)

They set up a caramel apple bar with lots of fun toppings. Did you know that if you soak apples in lemon juice it keeps them fresh so they don’t turn brown? Just soak your apples in lemon juice for 3-5 minutes and then take them out and you are good to go! Genius. I didn’t know that so I had to share for anyone else who didn’t!

Katy made the most beautiful charcuterie board! She is a close friend and the master chef behind all of my parties. Thanks goodness for her because without her we would have beautiful tables with no food. Ha. ;)

It was a fun night! I was so grateful for all of the extra outdoor furniture I picked up over the summer so that I had places for everyone to sit.

{santorini urn/faux oversized bleached oak branch/wren serving bowl/fields of gold print/classic taper candles/

lorin taper holders/similar console table/similar seagrass baskets}

My new fall art finally arrived! Isn’t it pretty!? I love the colors and the gold frame.

{fields of gold print}

I also ordered it in a black frame because I wasn’t sure which I would like better, but the gold wins for this console table set up. I might use the black framed art in my bedroom. I wanted to share both options because it’s a good price on a beautiful print that can be used year round. Interesting how the two different frames pull out different colors in the print too isn’t it!? You get a totally different look with a different frame.

{dreary abstract landscape canvas}

This was the art I originally had on my console table. I still love this print too! It just doesn’t scream “fall” as much as the new art and we are all about screaming fall this time of year. ;) Really though both prints work beautifully year round and I’m sure they will rotate through multiple rooms in my home over time.

I was in the mood to bake or cook last weekend and ended up doing both! I’m all or nothing around here and usually when it comes to food prep.. I’m nothing. Ha. But fall always inspires comfort food and good smells so I made my long time favorite banana bread muffins (recipe here).

Then I made Tri-color-pasta.. an easy favorite at my house. I shared it on IG and lots of people wanted the recipe so I’ll post it here for reference. I remembered sharing it on my blog years ago and found the post here. It made me laugh! I originally shared this recipe in 2009. Kenny was teasing me about cooking and I was spilling legal jargon. Some things never change. :) But here it is again because if you haven’t made this you need to! My kids all love it and so do their friends! You just need one pkg of Jimmy Dean pork sausage, an onion, Penne pasta, broccoli (fresh or frozen), tomato sauce and Italian Stewed tomatoes.

Brown one pkg Jimmy Dean pork sausage w/ your chopped onion.

Then in a separate bowl cook your pasta half way and then drain it and set it to the side.

Cook your broccoli half way and drain it.

Then in the pan combine the sausage with onion, pasta, broccoli and add stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Cook on low for a while finishing the pasta and broccoli. You can also sprinkle with garlic, oregano, and parmesan cheese on top but I’ve made it without and it’s great too! Really you can’t mess this up and can add as much as you want of everything. I always double this because it gets eaten so quickly so I use 2 of everything (2 sausages, 2 boxes of pasta, 2 bags of frozen broccoli, etc.). The recipe is written out better in my last post but it’s just a simple throw it all together meal that tastes so good!

My kids’ friends always eat this and say “I usually don’t like broccoli but I love it in this!” It makes me feel so happy like I’m a real chef. One who gets kids to eat vegetables! The feeling has to last for about 6 months until the mood strikes and I make this or my banana bread muffins again because they are my easy go-to’s on repeat that I know I can win with. :)

We had a fun weekend in my hometown! I flew in with the kids late and we just had one full day there, but Kenny ran a marathon and we got to see Ellie so even though it was short it was so good! I’m so proud of my husband. He has worked so hard to get to a place where he can run these races. He said he is retired after this one but we’ll see. I’ve heard that before!

I on the other hand will never run a marathon. My knees wouldn’t allow that! Plus it’s more fun to be the cheer squad on the sidelines with a diet coke and some chips. Ha. Who wants to join me?

We had the best day all together again! Seeing El was just what we all needed. :)

Kenny and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this September! I can’t believe it. I’m so grateful to be doing life with my favorite person.

Signing off with my front yard flowers because they have really been showing off lately! I love this time of year. I hope your October is off to a good start! I’ll be back soon with a new look for Sunny Side Up just in time to head into the holidays! If I don’t come back soon with a new website just know that I died from too much HTML code and that I love you all very much.

;)

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I hope you had a nice weekend! I’m kicking off this week on the blog with some fall touches in my kitchen. I spent a good part of my weekend cooking and baking (yes, it’s me typing this) so it seems only fitting to share this space today. Especially since I now have a fridge full of food and the mess cleaned up and pressure is off to cook and bake again for a while. Maybe until next fall. Ha!

A girl can dream. ;)

{hanover pendants}

{antiqued metal decorative tray/matte gray tapered jar/faux rust leaf branch/marina enamel vase/small canister}

My pumpkin vase with real flowers was beautiful for the week it lasted! Currently I have these pretty items displayed. The canister is such a perfect little fall accent. I have one in my living room too!

{antiqued metal decorative tray/ayla decorative bowl/faux pinecones/footed wood serve bowl/gold serving set/similar crock utensil holder}

I didn’t change much here (still loving my metal tray in this spot!) but I did switch out my lemons for pinecones.

{marble cake stand/pumpkin clove candle/spectrum pitcher/handwoven serving tray/rounded terracotta jug}

I need my favorite fall candle close and love having it on this cake stand ready to go.

{summer pasture framed wall art}

This little print is so perfect for fall and not expensive at all! It adds a little warmth to this space and would also look great styled on a book shelf.

{over the mantel mirror/dried wheat wreath/rectangle board/round pizza paddle}

My new wheat wreath ended up over my mirror. I just wanted it somewhere I would see every day! It’s absolutely stunning in person.

{mumbai runner}

I’ve had this runner for years (you might remember when it lived in my mudroom). It’s a favorite.. thick & soft & amazing quality and it’s on sale at the moment! Comes in larger sizes too. I love the tan/black/cream combo!

{hicks pendant}

{faux olive branches/minka textured pot/acacia modern serving bowl/similar gold pinecones}

My beloved olive branches are never far and same with my textured minka pot! The black bowl is a new find.. I discovered this bowl with an entire set of modern serve ware and fell hard! I ended up buying the bowls in all 3 sizes (this bowl is the largest) because aside from being perfect for entertaining they are so good for decorating! Some simple gold pinecones worked perfectly in this large bowl.

{antique dough bowl}/real pumpkins (similar small faux pumpkins)}

On the other side of my window I just placed some white pumpkins in a dough bowl. Simple wins. Every time. :)

{large glass canister & wood lid/small glass canister & wood lid/extra small glass canister & wood lid}

Along with my modern black bowls I also landed on these cute canisters during my last Target run. I love the wooden lids and instantly thought “these would be so perfect to hold Ellie’s oatmeal and brown sugar!” (She eats oatmeal for breakfast every day.. has for years.) Before I knew it I was holding a canister and tearing up in the middle of a Target aisle! I laughed a little at myself knowing how ridiculous I looked and hurried and wiped my eyes. Missing her hits at very random times for me. I set the canisters back feeling depressed and then thought forget that.. I’m buying them! I’ll just set up an oatmeal station for her for when she comes to visit! Of course Kenny and the other kids occasionally eat oatmeal and will use it too.. but really it’s out because it makes me happy every day when I see it. A little reminder of my sweet college girl. :)

{aged iron bowl/black wood cheese board}

Addison saw this set up (an oatmeal station shrine dedicated to Ellie) and shook her head and said “you’re losing it mom.” Ha. I probably am! But if an oatmeal station with cute canisters is what it takes to get me back to my happy place in Target then so be it! I can think of worse things.

Like cooking.

{hicks pendant/peyton dish towel}

Besides.. the canisters and sugar work well with my rug. Not planned but I’ll take it. :)

{abbott indoor/outdoor dining table/similar side chairs/nottaway chandelier/BHG stripe rug/artisan vase/pampas grass/woven tray}

I shared this beautiful rug and table in my last post! This pampas grass I’ve had for a couple of years (an Amazon favorite!). I look forward to having it displayed every fall. So pretty!

{eloise woven counter stool}

{peyton dish towel}

The shelves in my butler’s pantry got a little fall glow up too!

{similar black pitcher/seagrass pitcher/treasure & bond cheese board/marble & wood serving board/minka textured pot/black trivet/ceramic pumpkin/dinnerware}

Lots of favorite items I just shopped my house for and then I added some of the beautiful new dinnerware I just bought also. Practical meets pretty!

{similar pizza paddle/faux eucalyptus stems/dinnerware}

These faux branches are another gorgeous option for fall! They are actually tall and long but I folded the bottom stems and displayed them coming out of this vase and draping off the sides and I love the look! That’s the best part about faux branches. You can use them to create any look you want. Well.. the best part is actually that they don’t need water and can’t die on you, but the second best part? That you can use them to create any look you want. :)

{platters & boards/savor/dinnerware/seagrass glasses/similar wooden cake stand}

That completes my fall kitchen tour! Like I said, simple is always best. It doesn’t take much to bring some fun seasonal touches into a space.

Plus it’s good for the soul! And your mood.

And in my opinion.. much better than cooking.

:)

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{This post is sponsored by Walmart. All product selections and opinions are my own!}

Happy Saturday!

{BHG stripe rug}

Popping in with a few recent Walmart favorites today and they are GOOD. I ordered this new rug for fall for my dining nook and I have to say.. it is a definitely a winner! My friend was over when I laid it down and she snapped this picture while I was straightening it after we put the table back. Then she thought about where she could put this rug in her house too! I fell in love with the stripes and neutral, causal vibe when I ordered it on-line and was just hoping it wasn’t too scratchy (as rugs with a jute vibe often are!). Not only is it not scratchy.. it’s incredibly soft. Softer than any rug I’ve ever had in this space and my kids noticed it immediately! We all like walking on it barefoot. :)

I love the tassels too. Plus it can be used outside which means it’s a low maintenance easy to clean rug. The best kind. :)

With this new rug and updated light fixture this space feels so much lighter and brighter! Simple changes make a big difference don’t they?

{BHG blanc de blanc dinnerware}

Ok.. this set of dishes is crazy good for the price! They are beautiful, great quality (heavy stoneware) and aside from being perfect every day dishes, the neutral cream and brown also make them perfect fall dinner party dishes. I’m using them in my fall tablescape this year and will share it soon! These dishes come in a set of 4 (this shows what comes in one set) so I ordered two sets for a total of 8. I love plates that have a lip around them almost like a shallow bowl. Easier to eat things like pasta! These would be beautiful for Thanksgiving if you are hosting too.

The two toned look sold me again. So good!

{BHG Abbott dinner dishes/pumpkin bowls}

They are very similar to this set I shared earlier with my pumpkin bowls. Also a two toned look but these have more of a shiny finish with white plates. (My pumpkin bowls are out of stock at the moment and I have a feeling the modern blanc de blanc dinnerware will sell out quickly too.)

I’m in the mood to bake or cook this weekend! A rare sensation for me.. ha. It only hits in the fall and doesn’t last long so I’m planning on seizing the day tomorrow and making something. What I’m cooking I don’t know, but something that makes my kitchen smell good! I know the suspense is killing you. ;) This fall charcuterie board would be fun to snack on during Sunday football so I might have to make it again soon too.

{water hyacinth baskets/knitted throw blanket}

These water hyacinth baskets are my next Walmart favorite. So beautiful and they come in a set of 2 (this is the large size and it’s perfect for fall throws!).

Our homework game with Kole is strong this year (at least that’s what we’re telling ourselves daily.. ha) so we set up this fun homework station for him at the beginning of the school year to help keep him on track. Kole really wanted this jurassic wold stationery bundle but asked if he could just use it at home. Ahhh middle school. And so begins caring way too much about what other people think!

Don’t worry bud.. I get it. We are WAY too tough and cool for a dinosaur binder.

At least at school we are. ;) 

{mesh desk organizer/jurassic wold stationery bundle}

He likes to do his homework in the kitchen and other random spots in our house (basically everywhere but the home office!) so now he has everything he needs in this fun organizer. It even has has a side pocket for his notecards. You know how much I geeked out over this set up. :)

{pleat shoulder sweater}

And last but not least a few cute recent tops I’ve been wearing! This pleat shoulder sweater is my #1 go-to top lately. It’s lightweight and so soft. Perfect for early fall while it’s still warm outside. I love the sleeves!

I love it so much that after reaching for the almond colored sweater over and over I finally ordered it again in cream. :)

{sleeveless ruffle top}

This sleeveless ruffle top is also great for early fall while the temps are warm. So cute!

{square neck sweater}

Of course I’ve never met a green sweater I didn’t love. :) I’ll have to patiently wait to wear this one! It’s soft and warm and perfect for chilly fall days. Which aren’t coming quickly enough around here.

{raglan long-sleeved sweater}

This is another really cute sweater. It comes in lots of colors but I love wearing this orange/brown color in the fall. It just feels right doesn’t it!? Pumpkins patch photo ready at any given moment. ;) So if you see me on IG stories in orange/brown sweaters over and over and over again during the next few months you’ll have to forgive me. At least it’s a break from all things green!

Unlike most middle schoolers I stopped trying to be cool a LONG time ago.

:)

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{roll arm couch/wool jute rug/rattan stool}

This morning I took our garbage out in my pjs before I took Kole to school and the air! It was cool and crisp and felt so good! Cool, crisp air and a few degrees cooler is about all we get as far as seasonal change here in San Diego, but it was enough to put me in the best mood. Fall is here and my family room is feeling cozy. Good times. :) I’ll probably add a few things here and there but thought I’d share what I’ve got going on so far in this space!

{oversized windowpane square throw pillow/woven geo striped throw pillow}

Lots of neutrals – cream, tan, shades of orange and brown.. I’ll take it. :) These two pillows are my two favorites from Target this fall. I have the exact same pillows on my living room couch and love them so much I bought one more of each for the family room. The black windowpane pillow is just the softest (everyone reaches for it during TV time!) and the little geo lumbar pillow is too cute for fall.

{reed striped lumbar pillow/oversized clay striped square pillow/faye linen textured pillow}

I shared a couple of favorite fall pillows from PB a few posts back and here they are on my couch. Love them! I knew the textured linen pillows would look good because I have them in a soft pink too that I use in the spring.  They are a great neutral pillow with lots of texture to toss in with some patterns. The reed striped lumbar pillow is stunning! The large stripe pillow is less expensive but whenever I mix high and low end pillows it elevates the look and everything looks high end. There’s our pillow talk for the day. :)

{oversized woven plaid square throw pillow/faye linen textured pillow/similar dreamy fringe throw/faux olive tree here & here/similar tree basket}

I did the same here.. a Target pillow with a PB pillow and I love the combo. The cute plaid pillow also comes with a matching blanket I have in a basket by my chair (woven plaid throw blanket). I linked my beloved Amazon olive tree too since it’s back in stock and a perfect fall accent in any room.

{chenille knit chestnut throw/eileen coffee table}

{brass metal nesting tray – 26″/glazed terracotta vase/faux wild grass bundle/swift oval serving tray/dried okra vase filler/white ceramic duo candle holder/classic taper candles}

This little arrangement on my coffee table might be my favorite thing in my home this fall! I’m kind of obsessed with this large brass metal tray. It’s HUGE! It actually comes in 3 sizes but this is the largest and I love the look. I’ve shared the beautiful terracotta vase already but isn’t it stunning with this wild grass bundle!? The bundle is all attached so you just set it in the vase and arrange the flowers how you want and done! 5 second decorating and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s perfect for fall but I’ll definitely pull it out again after the holidays because it’s such a great neutral arrangement that can be used all throughout the year.

Bird’s eye view. :) This little oval tray is another favorite. It will be so cute filled with greenery or ornaments in December too.

{patina farm/live beautiful/down to earth/made for living/cross hatch object}

I just placed some favorite decorating books next to it (these usually live on my coffee table!) and my little hatch object on top.

{santorini urn/faux oversized bleached oak branch/wren serving bowl/real acorns (you can get faux acorns here}

Remember these bleached oak branches I shared earlier!? They are stunning. Truly so beautiful! I only placed two stems in this vase. It could definitely hold more, but I’m really liking more of a sparse look with some breathing room in-between the leaves.  My scalloped bowl is holding acorns from my parent’s yard. I linked some good faux acorns too!

{classic taper candles/lorin taper holders}

I’ve had these candle holders for a while and keep forgetting to share them. I spread them out a little so you can really see them. Such a fun, modern touch!

{similar console table/similar seagrass baskets/dreary abstract landscape canvas}

I ordered a beautiful fall print for this table but it is taking its sweet time getting here! I’m crossing my fingers it arrives soon so that I can enjoy it for a while before the Christmas trees come out. Ha. I’ll keep you posted but in the meantime I’m still enjoying this landscape canvas I put up in the spring. It’s a great neutral print so it works!

{wall clock}

{brass lanterns/flameless candles/brass arched mantel mirror/kamali seagrass basket}

I’d love to add a few things to my mantel but it’s tricky with my console table decor right next to it. Whenever I add items everything starts looking too cluttered for me. Maybe some pumpkins would work. Pumpkins are always a good thing. :)  One thing I’m not moving are my brass lanterns. They are my favorite when it starts getting dark early. My candles are on a timer and they click on around 5 in the evening and give such a beautiful glow! Nothing like candlelight during the holiday months.

{artisan terracotta vase/faux millet bundle/leaf stoneware platter}

A simple vase, branches and leaf platter are on my table behind the couch. I still use this skinny table for snacks at night so I didn’t want to add too much!

{amarolo narrow console table/roll arm couch/wool jute rug/rattan stool}

Just enough to feel cozy. :)

{simplicity/AD at 100/abstract gold figurine/stoneware planter/terracotta pitcher/similar black pitcher/landscape canvas/similar metal serving tray/dried okra vase filler}

I added a few items to my shelves. Said good-bye to the light and bright summer accessories and brought in items with darker colors.

{ivory decorative boxes/bryn vase/display easel}

Simple shelf decor is always my favorite.

An easel is a great way to display art or family pictures or a picture inside of a book on a shelf.

Or to display a family picture that is the book in this case. :)

{large wooden dough bowl over tv}

That’s it for now! Have you been adding cozy fall touches to your home too!? It’s supposed to get really hot here again soon so I’m glad I’ll at least be able to feel fall inside my house! I’ll just light my pumpkin spice candle, bake some banana bread muffins and crank up the air.

Good times indeed. :)

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Happy Sunday! I hope you’re enjoying the weekend! Things are feeling extra cozy at my house and I’m so happy about it. I’ve been in a little bit of a slump since El left for college and decorating for fall cheered me up immensely. I have lots to share this week but just a quick post today with some simple fall bathroom decor!

{tufted diamonds bath mat}

I started with this cute new bath mat. It will be perfect for fall and perfect for January after the holidays. The diamonds match my wallpaper. Funny thing is that I didn’t even realize that when I ordered it. I ordered it because I loved it and then when I laid it down in my bathroom and saw that I picked a rug exactly like my wallpaper I had to laugh. Guess I’m a fan of diamonds. :)

{white terracotta jar/fall eucalyptus stems/ceramic pumpkin/similar round tray here/here/here}

These Amazon fall branches are beautiful! I shared them in my August Amazon buys in my last post and I’m very happy with them. Almost paper like and I love the way you can shape and bend them. They come in a pack with 6 stems and that’s exactly how many I have in this white jar. A pretty round tray and a small ceramic pumpkin complete the look.

{stoneware leaf serving platter}

This stoneware leaf is so beautiful.. it’s a small serving platter but I’m using two of them as decor in different rooms. One in this powder bathroom and I’ll place some acorns or sticks or pinecones in it. I don’t know why this pic is making it look blue in the middle! It’s tan and with a nice glaze finish (and dishwasher safe if you use it for food!).

{stoneware leaf serving platter/peyton dish towel/similar fall hand soap}

I set it in the corner of this room with my favorite hand towel and fall soap. :)

{similar ladder/gold ribbed bath towel set/striped hand towel}

Simple inexpensive towels on my ladder finish the look.

It doesn’t take much does it!?

I can smell the pumpkin spice.

:)

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{Dried Wheat Wreath}

Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend and your week is off to a good start! I’m popping in to share a few fall favorites and other random nonsense. :) First up.. if you are looking for a beautiful, natural wreath look no further. I have found “the one!” Isn’t it stunning!? I bought it thinking I would put it somewhere on my front porch but it’s so pretty I think it’s going to have to stay inside where I can look at it more often.

{peyton dish towel/similar hand soap/pumpkin clove candle/bryn vase/gold pedestal vase/swift oval serving bowl/streamlined serving set/wren serving bowl/taper candles in “toffee”}

I pulled out some Anthro favorites for the season over the weekend. A few of these items I’ve had for a while and a few are new.

{pumpkin clove candle/bryn vase}

Of course my candle is included (SO good) and I love this beautiful vase for fall decorating. It’s such a rich, rust color and I love the shape. I can think of 10 places it would look good!

{gold pedestal vase/swift oval serving bowl/streamlined serving set/wren serving bowl/taper candles in “toffee”}

This gold pedestal vase/bowl will be so fun to fill with touches of fall (acorns, pinecones, sticks, etc.) and then ornaments in December! Sorry I’m getting ahead of myself. Hard not to do this time of year. :) The other bowls are such fun unique shapes (perfect for entertaining and decorating) and the serving set is beautiful in salads and to display in the kitchen. I’ll share how I’m using the candles soon.. they are so tall! I love them and they come in so many colors.

{peyton dish towel/similar hand soap/pumpkin clove candle/streamlined serving set}

Looks like my beloved fall hand soap sold out (no surprise there!) but I linked another fun option. I took a pic of these items because they make great fall gifts! I’ve shared the dish towels lots – they are favorites and are perfect to pair with the serving set OR with a candle OR with some soap for a little fall birthday gift or thank you gift or just a “happy fall I’m thinking about you” gift. :)

1- pumpkin serving board    2- candles   3- hand soap

4- pumpkin spice towel   5- pastel pumpkin apron

6- farmhouse pottery candlesticks   7- pumpkin candle    8- fall foxes puzzle

I love so many stores (as you know!) but I’m always especially drawn to Anthro in the fall. Funny story. I saw that fall fox puzzle online at Anthro and it just looked so fun to put together which I immediately thought was strange because I am NOT a puzzle person. At all. Ha. But I found myself thinking about it the next night so I looked it up on Amazon and they were selling it too (same price just faster shipping). I promptly ordered it with visions of working on it with the kids on a rainy day with my candle going and football on in the background and something cooking in the kitchen that smelled so good. I had such a lovely fall scene in my mind that before I knew it I was looking up other fall puzzles and putting them in my Amazon cart too. Then I sent the links to my friend who works for me to make a collage of them all for the blog. She called me immediately and I knew exactly what was coming. “Erin! WHY are you sending me puzzles!? You don’t even like puzzles. Are you ok? Has Ellie leaving messed you up that bad? Is it time for an intervention? This is worse than we all thought..”  We were both laughing so hard. I told her I KNOW! I hate puzzles! Ha ha. But my fall scene was so inviting and for some reason that fox puzzle was (and still is) SO appealing to me! I can’t wait to put it together.

1 – happy hollow puzzle   2 – hello fall puzzle   3 – fall foxes puzzle

4 – days to remember   5 – great pumpkin contest visit   6 – pumpkin puzzle

So here are other puzzles I found that look fun for fall in case like me, you are in the mood to just SLOW down and do something relaxing. I’m sure I’ll start my fox puzzle on a lovely fall day, but it won’t be raining. It will be 80 degrees outside and I’ll be tired of football on (AGAIN) and the only smell coming from the kitchen will be the pizza we ordered the night before and I’ll put together one ear on a fox and remember that I actually hate puzzles and then I’ll tell the kids they can do the rest or clean it up.

Maybe I do need an intervention after all. Ha.

1- fall foxes puzzle   2- fall eucalyptus leaves   3- mini waffle maker

4- pampas grass  5-gel pens   6- rosehip seed oil   7- canvas print art

8- tote bag   9- flameless ivory candles   10- travel hair curler holder

11- airpods protective case   12- candlestick holders

Here are August Amazon Buys! With my fox puzzle taking the lead. ;) The fall eucalyptus leaves look so pretty.. I’ll share them styled soon. And how cute is the mini waffle maker!? Kole will love that for October breakfasts. The pampas grass is a fall favorite from last year I’m decorating with again and so are the flameless candles and the black candlesticks. My favorite gel pens are back in stock so I ordered more! The rosehip oil was a recommendation from a friend.. she said it makes her face/skin look and feel amazing! I’ll try it and report back. The canvas print is going on my entry table for fall and the tote bag is what Ad is using to hold her books this year (apparently backpacks are out and tote bags are in). I can’t keep up, but this tote was less expensive than a new backpack so I’m rolling with it. I’m excited to use the black bag to hold my curling iron/straight iron when I travel and the AirPod protective case is GENIUS! My girls have both had AirPods for years and I can’t even begin to tell you how many times they have lost them. If I could take back the time I’ve spent looking for those things! We finally looked up a solution and landed on this protective case. We’ve already put them to the test and they work great. I just wish we would have bought them two years ago!

{dining room sources}

Before I sign off I have to share that my beloved eucalyptus garland is back in stock!

I use it every fall and love it it on a table like this for fall dinners. I also REALLY love it…

{faux cedar garland/eucalyptus garland/gold hanging bells}

combined with my favorite faux cedar garland for Christmas! These two garlands ALWAYS sell out quickly (especially the faux cedar garland.. it’s already backordered!) so don’t wait if you want them! They are both amazing quality and I couldn’t love them more. Tried and true holiday favorites.

Sorry I’m getting ahead of myself with Christmas again. I’ll try not to share more. For at least a little while!

And I’ll stop ordering puzzles.

Well.. fall puzzles at least because now I have a stash.

Christmas puzzles are a different story..

;)

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Happy Friday! It has been raining all morning and I’m thrilled about it! It’s still so hot and humid but it at least feels like fall inside watching the rain through the windows. So cozy! I spent a little time this morning playing with pumpkins and flowers. I can’t think of a better way to end the week. :)  I used a large clear vase and just set some mini white pumpkins inside. I tried to set the pumpkins toward the front of the vase so that I would have room for my flowers behind them. I picked up some white hydrangeas and baby breathe and then added a few orange flowers to bring in fall colors. All inexpensive and just from the grocery store!

{glass mason jar vase}

It worked! Which made me so happy because I’ve never tried this before and I was worried it would be a disaster. Ha. I arranged my flowers behind the pumpkins and then just added water. The trick is using a large enough vase so that you have room for the small pumpkins AND the stems. I’ve had this vase for years but it’s identical and the same size as this glass mason jar vase in the large.

{glass mason jar vase/antiqued round metal tray/marina enamel vase/mini glazed latte bowl}

Of course once I had my pretty fall arrangement finished I couldn’t wait to style it! Not long ago I ordered this round antiqued metal tray. I have loved my large rectangle tray so much I wanted the round too. It’s such a beautiful rustic gold! I especially love these trays during the holidays. (I also just saw that PB came out with this new version of this tray with flat handles and a dark finish.. love that look too!)

I set my arrangement on the gold tray and then added my marina enamel vase and this cute mini glazed latte bowl with some chocolate inside and done!

Another idea is to fill another glass jar/vase with candy corn. I don’t love the taste of candy corn, but I like having it out this time of year because it reminds me of my grandma. She always had a pretty white dish full of candy corn on her coffee table when I was little. The look and taste of that candy takes me right back to her cozy living room. It feels like I have her with me when the candy corn comes out. :)

So there you go! A pumpkin and flower arrangement along with a couple of ways to style it. This arrangement would be beautiful as a table centerpiece for a special dinner too. Oh that thought just gave me a fun fall tablescape idea! I need more rain in my life. It always kicks my decorating and organizing into overdrive. Nesting big time over here. I also need more easy fall decorating ideas that include mini white pumpkins and candy.

In my book that’s the very best kind.

:)

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{Santorini Urn}

I’m sharing my favorite fall vases today! They are actually just favorite all season vases but when you fill them with fall leaves.. poof! They instantly become favorite “fall” vases. ;) They are the vases I’ll be using to decorate this fall and into the Christmas season! Kicking things off with this beautiful santorini urn.

{Faux Rust Leaf Branches}

It’s hard to tell in this pic but it’s huge! And has such a beautiful crackle glaze texture. Long time favorite. Stems are these faux rust leaf branches. They are also huge.. and STUNNING! I just have two stems in each of the vases I’m sharing today. Each main stem has so many smaller branches off of it that you can get away with just 2 or 3 depending on how full you want your arrangement to look. I have the rust color but they also come in a beautiful yellow and green.

{Artisan Handcrafted Terracota Vase}

I’ve shared this vase many times before and use it year round, but I especially love it in the fall! It looks so beautiful with fall leaves or pampas grass. This is the “medium urn, 14″H.”

I really like the size of the opening – something I pay attention to whenever I buy a new vase! If the mouth/opening is too large you have to use more branches.

{Matte Gray Tapered Jar}

Talk about the perfect gray/black vase! Beautifully tapered.. it makes such a statement. On sale through today!

I snapped this with my phone in my kitchen quick today. Not great lighting because the sun was going down but I took it quick just to show you the size/scale of the vase with these beautiful branches.

{Quin Handcrafted Ceramic Vase}

Last large vase for today is my tried and true Quin vase! This is hands down my most versatile vase. Everything I put in it looks fabulous! Spring flowers, olive branches, fresh cedar for Christmas.. it doesn’t matter what the branches look like or what season it is. It’s the perfect size and white works with everything. It usually lives on my dining nook table. :)

{large footed camel ceramic vase/marina enamel vase/amber glass vase/spectrum pitcher/handled vintage vase}

I love pairing a large vase with a small vase and these are a few of my smaller favorites I’ll be using this fall. I usually leave vases like this empty so I look for fun unique shapes. That way they stand out on their own! I’m obviously a sucker for pitcher style vases. The cute handles get me every time. :) Aside from pairing vases like this with a larger vase they also look great on bookshelves.

{Rounded Terracotta Handled Jug/Faux Millet Bundle}

Here are 3 smaller vases I recently bought that I’m loving at the moment and using for fall. First this beautiful rounded terracotta handled jug I shared in my Mcgee & Co sale favorites yesterday. Looks like it just sold out but put in your e-mail address because I bet it will come back in stock! The faux bundle is so beautiful – I can’t recommend it enough! Such a fun arrangement for fall and it comes put together (branches are attached at the bottom) so there is no styling involved! Just spread out the branches a little and set it in a vase. Perfect and done!

{Artisian Handcrafted Terracota Vase}

Another beautiful option that comes from the same family of vases as my larger Artisian vase I shared above. This is the “Short Round 10″H” and I love the soft neutral vibe it gives off. It has some yellow tones in it which also makes it perfect for this time of year. Reminds me of a wheat field in the sun! Holding more wheat. ;)

{Handcrafted Glazed Terracota Vase}

And last but not least is this stunning glazed terracotta vase. It comes in 2 sizes and this is the smaller size. So beautiful! The cool thing I’ve found with this little vase is that it looks great with smaller stems in it like the bundle above.

But it can also hold its own with larger stems. Not many small vases can do that! I’ve loved stying this vase different ways and I’m having a hard time deciding where to put it because it looks good everywhere! Another great versatile option.

*Many of the vases I shared today are on sale right now! If you missed my other weekend sale picks you can find them rounded up in this post.

So there you go! My favorite all season fall vases. I’ll share how I’m styling them all as soon as I figure that out myself.

:)

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{brass lanterns/flameless candles/brass arched mantel mirror/seagrass basket/round rattan tray(similar tray here & here)/maidenhair fern/cross hatch object/Live Beautiful/brass canister/gold candle snuffer/eucalyptus and sage candle/marble coaster/down to earth/made for living/live beautiful/patina farm}

I hope your weekend is off to a good start! I spent most of my day organizing and it felt so good! Addison and I whipped her bathroom back into shape (it was a mess by the end of summer!) and then I worked on Kenny’s office and our closet. Nothing too exciting to share yet.. just getting rid of things we don’t use/need and finding better ways to organize what we do. My mudroom is full of black bags I’m going to donate! I’m worn out but it’s the best kind of tired after a productive day.

Today I’m sharing some favorites from my home and closet that are on sale this weekend! The picture above was from February which explains the fire in the fireplace. :) But I wanted to share a pic of one of my favorite baskets! It’s on my mantel next to my mirror and I own two of them I love it so much.

1- rue vase   2- gray tapered jar   3- table lamp   4- counter stool

5- jug   6- seagrass basket   7- seagrass table tray   8- olive tree

It’s on sale this weekend along with these other items from my home! You’ll see #1,2 and 5 in my fall decor and I just ordered #7. Aren’t the barstools fun!? I love the curved back. The lamps are in my formal dining room and are so beautiful in person. They are a great size and really make a statement!

1- wall mirror   2- candle holder   3- sandstone candles   4- woven counter stool

5- cross hatch object   6- bread board   7- terracotta jug   8- rue vase

These are other Mcgee & Co items you’ve probably noticed in my home that are on sale this weekend (other than the candle holder and candles that are new for fall and coming soon!). :)

1- jute rug   2- pillow cover  3- lamp  4- balboa counter stool

5- linen throw  6- scallop tray   7- wallpaper  8- cayman vessel

Beautiful items from Serena & Lily and everything is 20% off this weekend! Isn’t the scallop tray and rug fun!? I’ve never met a scallop I didn’t like. :) You can see more of my long time S & L favorites here.

1- indoor/outdoor planters   2- textured pillow

3-  marble bathroom accessories   4- jute rug   5- seagrass collection

6- dried pampas grass   7- cotton/linen quilt   8- rectangular cast tray

My rug and favorite PB baskets are on sale this weekend! And I’m ordering the cotton/linen quilt for fall. I can’t wait for cooler weather with warm quilts layered on our bed!

The baskets I linked are in my pantry and we have them in my master bathroom too. Perfect for organizing all the things!

{tressara pointed knee high boot/ sonbela pointed toe boot/dixie waterproof boot/houston sneaker/retro sneaker/slingback pump/pama sandal}

All 3 pairs of the boots I got at the N sale are marked down! So are the sandals on the end.

{madewell square neck top}

So is this Madewell top (comes in a cream too!).

{pembroke cotton top/initial pendant necklace/raw hem flare jeans/pama sandal}

And this one! This also comes in a fun antique gold color that’s perfect for early fall.

{long sleeve tee/tressara pointed toe knee boot/AG straight leg jeans/initial necklace}

This top is supposed to be off the shoulder but I love wearing it this way with just a big, slouchy neck. :) It was a little tight fitting so I sized up to a small. On sale too! I’m very excited to wear this more this fall/winter.

{chiffon blouse/AG straight leg jeans/slingback pump/leather tote/initial necklace}

This beautiful chiffon blouse is also marked down! So light weight and pretty.

{free people you rock t-shirt/AG skinny jeans/madewell transport tote/similar sandals here/here/here}

My favorite tee is marked down in certain colors! I own three of these tops. Hands down my most worn item this summer! I just keep rotating them and mixing up my joggers. Ha.

1- ribbed cardigan   2- oversized sweatshirt   3- tie front top   4- print smocked blouse

5- ruffle top   6- split neck blouse  7- satin button-up shirt   8- you rock t-shirt

Other Nordstrom favorites on sale!

{let’s go outside graphic tee/roxy linen beach pants here & here/flip flops/similar straw bag}

Madewell’s sale is crazy good because new fall items are also marked down! Love my Let’s Go Outside tee.. it’s another item I’ve worn a lot this summer. Below are more cute clothes that caught my eye and are sitting in my on-line cart! I’m having  a hard time choosing.. too many cute things!

1- graphic tee   2- ex-boyfriend shirt   3-mini dress

4-drawstring top   5- wrap plaid top   6- midi dress   7-long sleeve tee

8- smocked bodice top   9- knit long-sleeved top   10- sweater vest

1-throw blanket   2-flutter sleeve top   3-puff sleeve knit top

4- hand soap   5- jacari vase  6- desk   7- napkin rings   8- seagrass basket

Found a few fun items marked down at Anthro too. I was especially thrilled to see that my favorite pumpkin and vanilla hand soap is marked down! I ordered one for me and a few for fall gifts. My kids love the smell too and always comment on how good the bathroom soap is when I pull it out each year for fall.

It’s the little things :)

{summer table details & sources}

My cute fruit napkin rings are also marked down. I loved using them for dinners this summer! Fancy napkins with cute napkin rings can make pizza or any take-out feel special! I know this to be true since that’s how we used them the most the past few months.

:)

Enjoy your day and I’ll be back soon with some fun fall decor. Tis the season!

For some of us anyway. ;)

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Happy weekend! We are so glad it’s here at our house! The first couple of weeks of a new school year are always a little exhausting aren’t they!? Getting back into the swing of the routines, activities, homework, bed times, wake times, ALL the times. All the things. We’re tired. :) It’s crazy hot on the coast this week but that hasn’t stopped me from lighting my new spice pumpkin candle and pulling out all things fall. Decorating for fall is so therapeutic isn’t it!? The warm colors and coziness of it all.. I’m excited!  I shared our living room decked for fall in July when the new Target/Studio Mcgee line came out and just wanted to let you all know a lot of the items that were sold out are back in stock! Really cute things for fall at great prices.

{sideboard table/sunken treasure art/stetson table lamps}

Ok.. 5 things Friday! Or Saturday. Or whenever you’re reading this. :) First up – a few things I’m putting away and rounding up.

Good-bye summer dishes!

And good-bye summer flowers.

{spice pumpkin candle/faux oversized bleached oak branch/faye linen textured pillow cover/reed striped lumbar pillow cover/mixed pinecone vase filler}

Why hello new spice pumpkin candle. Aren’t you smelling fabulous. :) PB has so many cute things in for fall right now! I couldn’t resist picking up a few new pillow covers and the most beautiful faux oak branches. Below are other faux florals from PB that caught my eye and are stunning for fall!

1- autumn oak branch  2- burgundy eucalyptus bundle   3- aspen tree branch

4- faux autumn tree branch  5- bleached oak branch  6- sumac branch

1- eucalyptus leaves   2- tera cotta autumn leaves   3- pampas grass

 4- plum ramosa leaves   5- japanese maple leaves   6- cimicifuga fall leaves

Afloral has beautiful options this year too!

I’m especially smitten with the plum ramosa leaves. :)

1- broom with light   2- crystal spider web   3- floating candles string lights

4- spider candy bowl   5- wreath with bats   6- bats light up doormat

I’m not a huge Halloween person (never have been!) but if you are going to do Halloween.. leave it to PB to make it cute. While still spooky. :) Above are my favorite PB picks for Halloween and below are the cutest pumpkins! So many festive options this year!

1- glass amber pumpkin   2- black jack-0-lanterns   3- pumpkin pillows

4- rattan pumpkins   5-rattan glass pumpkin   6- terracotta jack-o-lantern

I also thought these pumpkin shaped bowls were adorable.

You can see the whole collection here with this large tureen and a serving platter. So much fun it almost makes me want to cook! Almost. :)

The pumpkin bowls I just bought from Walmart are another cute option. Bring on the fall soup! As soon as the temps go back to normal around here. Anyone else decorating for fall this weekend? And swimming? :)

2) I ordered this WOW hair product from Amazon a few months ago (heard so many good things about it) and I have to say that it really is so good! It takes the humidity out of your hair and makes it so silky and smooth. 10 out of 10! I’ve loved it and I’m so grateful for it during this crazy humid heat wave.

3) I’ve been doing a little organizing here and there. Always nice to get lost in my thoughts while tidying up a drawer. Especially this drawer. Love my graphic tees. :) Most of my side of the closet is now organized.

My husband’s side is a different story! I did get him to go through his shirts and jackets and it felt so good to donate this pile. I’m trying to work on his side for 15-20 minutes every night because it’s driving me crazy and clearly he isn’t going to do it on his own. I don’t feel like my closet organization box can be checked off until both sides are equally clean! Wish me luck.

{black Vuori performance joggers/sunrise crop tank/halo performance tank/bts mascara/crest white strips/zone perfect bars/T3 blowdryer}

4) I miss Ellie. So much still. I’m doing better but still have moments of major sadness that just take over. I think I’m kind of mourning the phase of life with my 3 kids all home with me all the time. I’ve always known this transition would be hard for me. I remember writing this post 4 years ago already gearing up for it and here we are. El has been making friends and getting in a new routine but she is homesick so I worry about her too. I know it just takes time and we will both work our way through this, but until then we are texting and FaceTiming a lot. And I am sending fun care packages. :) Above are a few of her favorite things I just sent with a friend traveling her way! For years she has been borrowing and wearing my black Vuori performance joggers.  I had to make sure they didn’t accidentally slide into her suitcase when she was packing! I finally just bought her her own pair. She will want them in every color now because that’s what happens once you wear these. I sent her favorite gum and mascara and Zone bars and Crest white strips (she wanted to try them – I’ve never used them but Kenny has and really likes them!). I sent chick-fil-a gift cards because I have a feeling she’s there a lot. :) I also sent my old T3 blow dryer because I got me a new white T3 and am passing this beloved dryer down. Thick haired girls need to stick together and help each other out. ;)

{black Vuori performance joggers}

Me in the joggers that almost moved to college with my daughter. :) Kenny ran a half this summer training for the marathon he’s running in October. Wish I had half of his motivation when it comes to exercise. Although he can’t take ALL of the credit. I sit at the finish line of these races and cheer him on with my bag of chips like nobody’s business.

He’d be lost without me. Ha.

5) This post is a book so I’ll wrap it up with a few random pics from our week! Addison performed as Mae Tuck in the show Tuck Everlasting. As soon as we got home from taking El to college her tech week started. I was grateful for the distraction for her because it kept her too busy to be sad about her sister! She was amazing and I was so proud to say “yes.. I’m the mother of the mother” to anyone who asked. :)

Speaking of my runner he had a birthday this week and turned 47! Ahhh! We are getting old. Also ahhhh! I hate fish.

So of course he loves it. Grateful I have this one to keep me smiling every day. :)

Fidel’s in Solana Beach is one of my favorites for Mexican if you’re local or visiting! I’ll take enchiladas over fish any day please.

August was the month of birthdays and I think this week alone I celebrated 4! For one friend’s birthday we went to Coronado and had dinner at Hotel Del.

It was such a beautiful summer night! If you’ve never been to Hotel Del add it to your bucket list!

You can rent fire pits on the beach by the hour and make s’mores. :)

Good-bye to a wonderful summer and cheers to making this a wonderful September!

No more fish and we are off to a good start.

:)

*This post is sponsored by Walmart. All product selections and opinions are my own!  

Made it through the week! One day at a time over here. I can’t thank you all enough for your sweet comments/messages after my last post. Your words of kindness, encouragement and “I feel your pain but it does get better wisdom” were just what I needed. THANK YOU for always being such a soft spot to fall. Things will feel sunny around here again in no time.. I’m sure of it. :) In fact today was a better day. I only cried once (progress). I also cranked up my air conditioning, lit my spice candle and started dreaming of all things fall!

Then I made a fun fall treat for my crew and some friends. I ordered a set of these beautiful stoneware dishes months ago from Walmart and was saving them for fall. When I recently ordered some groceries on-line I saw that there was a matching set – pumpkin stoneware! The cutest pumpkin jar and lid along with four pumpkin bowls for just $24! I ordered two sets immediately and can’t wait to use them for entertaining and for soup! Nothing like hot soup in a pumpkin shaped bowl when the temps drop. That usually doesn’t happen until November for us so until then..

I will use them to make fun charcuterie boards. My idea of cooking! I put nuts in my cute pumpkin bowls and then just added some fun fall snacks. And by “fall snacks” I just mean anything that has warm fall colors. If you can find leaf cookies too.. bonus. :)

I added pears and various cheese options on a separate plate when it was time to eat. So fun right!? It was delicious and made us all feel excited for the upcoming season.

I also ordered this matching stoneware pitcher to hold fall leaves or grass. Such a fun set! Aside from being perfect for charcuterie boards, soup, treats and entertaining, these dishes will also look beautiful displayed in my kitchen and will double as fall decor. That’s always a win in my book!

We are taking wins pretty seriously at my house at the moment. :)

This weekend I’ll be cranking up the air and pulling out more fall! Have you started decorating yet? Once my kids get in a good school routine it is always GAME ON for me. Speaking of game on.. football is coming! I love football season because Kenny is always in the BEST mood when football is on. Which usually translates to more fall decor and pumpkin dishes for me. Below are a few more Walmart fall favorites! I love everything in this collage and already ordered the rug and baskets!

I’ll pull those out during a game.

;)

1-round jute rug   2- bamboo cutting board   3- rattan pendant light

4- candle   5- flatware set   6- floor lamp   7- stripe rug

8- round dining table   9- rattan dining chair   10-storage basket set

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