Fireplace Transition into Fall

Fireplace Transition into Fall

As the beginning of October approaches (and temperatures start to drop), I’m REALLY looking forward to fall – specifically –  nights by the fire!  A few weeks ago my family was kind enough to help me stock up on firewood, so I should be all set there (for a short while at least).

The high for today is supposed to be 78 and the low is 50, so I’m really hoping I get to cozy up by the fire for the first time tonight!

In diligent preparation, I replaced my cheerful, summer decor (an old croquet set) with my fireplace tools.  I love the look of both -they’re unique, colorful, fun, seasonal… and in this case – useful.  After Halloween, I’ll replace the pumpkin with an amazing pair of vintage ice skates that mom and I got at an estate sale in Michigan (one of my favorite finds).

Cheers to fall, ya’ll!

Sidenote: Last year I learned my lesson about putting pumpkins too close to the flame.  It was melting pumpkin mess (oops)!  This one should be perfectly safe though (whew).

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My Favorite Child

My Favorite Child

As a parent, you’re not supposed to have a favorite child. And if you do, you’re certainly not supposed to say it out loud (gasp – much less write it down). Luckily, my “children” aren’t able to read, so they’ll never know that I’ve betrayed them this way.

I have a favorite child, and her name is Sarah. sarah pretty 2(This is also my favorite photo of her – head thrown back, smiling at me.)

When I got her as a puppy nine years ago, I had no idea that she would end up with so much of my heart. She needed me, but at the time I got her (and time after time during the years since), I’ve needed her too. At difficult times in my life, she loved me unconditionally and gave me comfort. When I moved to Dallas, she made my first house feel like a home. When I had the opportunity to buy a store in Lubbock, she and I moved in with my grandparents for a few months… And as I took on this new adventure of being a store owner, she was by my side – coming to work with me every day, greeting customers and letting the children give her treats and rub her belly. We braved living in a rent house (that didn’t allow pets, but made an exception once they met her) and building a new home. She’s been my shadow and best companion through a LOT of changes in the last decade. Through it all, she’s been my constant companion.
We’ve gone on road trips and had picnics and gotten frozen custard and enjoyed swimming. She’s been good for a nuzzle when I’ve been sick, a head rest in my lap when I’ve been sad, and a greeting every time I’ve come home (including an elated bark, wag of tail, and the closest toy in her mouth).

My family has always loved animals, but in the last decade, our dogs have become FAMILY – staying in the house, sleeping in the bed, eating better than just “dog food”. You would form a pretty strong bond with anyone you spent that much time with – even more so when that companion’s ONLY job is to love you the entire time! As weird as it sounds, I think Sarah was my soul mate. She had an unbelievably sweet and tender spirit, and she understood me and loved me unconditionally. I have never felt closer to an animal, and I know that she was an angel sent just for me.

Over the past two months, the declining health of my #sweetsarah has rocked my world. I always thought we would have more time together – to visit the ocean, to vacay in the mountains, to enjoy more snowy winters by the fire. After the last few weeks of living “day to day”, I know those dreams aren’t going to happen, but I’ve been more than content to sit on the floor and stroke her face, or strap her into a doggy wheelchair to take a cruise around the neighborhood.

With a heavy heart, I tell you that this weekend, Sarah’s struggle ended, and I lost my favorite child. Even though a future without her smiling face seems impossible to bear, I’m taking comfort in the fact that I did all I could for her. I gave my soul mate the best life possible (and she did the same for me).

As for my other child, Lucy… I think I’ll give her a few more years to have a shot at the title. She’s a pretty darn good dog too.

Here are a few photos of Sarah that make me smile.

Tailgate Style Shoot

In preparation of creating the Tailgating Guide for Calligraphy Etc., I’m not gonna lie – I needed a little help.  Well, a lot of help, actually.  Linda McMillan Photography

From the prepping of the food to gathering the props in 95 degree heat (thank you Suzanne!), the styling of the shots for the guide, this project ended up being more work than I originally envisioned.  I am pleased with the result, but I can’t take all the credit for how smoothly the project went.  I dealt with the products to feature, but I also enlisted a few talented ladies to tidy up the details for me.

I feel so SO blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate on this project with two fabulous ladies – Allison Fannin (Two Thirty Five Designs) and Linda McMillan (Linda McMillan Photography).  They’re fun gals, they both have a great energy, and  they’re super easy to work with.  Plus, they’re totally on my creative “page”, so I can just give them my initial idea and let them each run with it!  For creative-types, that’s not easy to find (and it’s such a relief).  There’s nothing more exciting than knowing that others “get” your idea and make it even better (and nothing more frustrating than those that JUST. DON’T. GET IT.)

Allison is  a local fashion/DIY/design blogger and Linda is one of the few local photogs that I recommend.  If you don’t know these ladies yet, you should!  Feel free to show them a  little love across the social media-verse:

Allison’s    Facebook    Instagram    Twitter    Email    Pinterest

Linda’s    Facebook    Instagram    Twitter    Email    Pinterest

 

DIY Turf Tailgate Runner

DIY Turf Tailgate Runner

Fall is here!  Well, technically it doesn’t feel  like it yet since temps are in the 90’s, but the arrival of September means that at least it’s on the way!  Fall is my favorite season – I love everything about it – the arrival of  pumpkins, leaves changing color, hot apple cider, cozy scarves, and college football!

The first Texas Tech home football game is coming up, so I thought we would focus on a pre-game activity – Tailgating!  If you’re a fan of the ultimate pastime of pre-gaming, then this easy DIY is right up your alley.  It’s the perfect accessory for any tailgate (or football party in general) – an adorable turf runner.Linda McMillan Photography

Photo credit:  Linda McMillan Photography

For this project, you will need:

6×8 astroturf rug tuf3(I purchased mine at Home Depot – they  have pre-cut ones in the outdoor department)

gloss white spray paint

packaged stencil set

a manila folder

scissors

 

1. Measure your tailgate (or table that you plan to use the runner on).  Cut the rug to the desired dimensions.  I folded mine over to use the clean edge as my “straight edge” and I just cut along the fold.

2.  Cut out a thin rectangle in the manila folder, approximately 1 inch x 6 inches.  I used the fold of the folder as a guide so that at least one of my sides would be straight. turf2

 

3.  Starting in the middle of the turf, position the manila folder at the bottom edge of the rug.  (You may also want to protect the surface the rug is on with a plastic tarp or paper – I used some leftover wrapping paper.)  Spray the paint to create a stripe.

turf14.  Repeat step 3 on either side of the first stripe, about 1 foot apart.  I only painted the stripes on one side of my runner, but if you’re making it for a table or want the stripes and numbers on both sides, you’ll want to do all of the stripes at this stage.

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5.  Once you’re done creating the stripes, cut the manila folder in half.  At this point we’re just recycling, so you always have the option of using another folder or piece of cardstock instead.  Position the number stencil at the bottom edge of the folder and trace the outline. Remove the stencil and cut slightly INSIDE the outline.

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6. Place the protecting folder and stencil next to your painted stripes – the 5, 4 or 3 on the left side and the 0 always on the right side – and spray the numbers.  (If you need help, google search what a football field looks like so you can mimic it.)

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7.  Once the paint is dry, you have a festive addition to your Game Day Tailgate (or Table).

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An easy addition to your football decor that adds a lot of flair?  Touchdown!

Paper Straw Pennants

I love the idea of having a “little something extra” to amp straws-in-cupup your decorative paper straws for any occasion… so why not a pennant for football season?  It’s perfect for other sports themed events too- maybe a baseball baby shower or basketball birthday party?  It’s kind of like a new twist on the classic, felt pennant on a wooden stick (except more cute and more useful)!

Today I’ve got a very special FREE printable to help you get into the school spirit this football season (courtesy of Calligraphy Etc.)!

It’s easy to do, and you’ll only need a few supplies:

a printer

colored paper

scissors

double -sided tape or glue

cute paper straws (you can get them here)

Ready to get to making adorable straw pennants?

1.  Download the “GO FIGHT WIN” straw pennant sheet HERE.DSC_0582

2.  Print it out on colored paper (to match your favorite sports team).

3. Carefully cut out the pennants on the dashed gray line.

4.  Apply double sided tape to the back side of the pennant.

5.  Approximately half an inch from the top of the straw, gently wrap a pennant it, being mindful to match up the pointed ends.

DSC_0585Easy, right?  It’s a quick way to add a little punch to your next Tailgate, Game Day party or sporting event refreshments!