Fall Decorating!

Since we've only been "homeowners" for around a year and a half, we haven't had much time to start collecting fall decor. Today, while working, I was thinking about what I had at home that I could use to decorate by our front door. I started wandering around our home trying to find items I could use. I found a vase that was given to us as a house-warming gift (pulled out the ugly arrangement inside - wasn't my style), a wicker pumpkin I had, bought the flowers from Walmart for $3, and then added my wreath that I bought last year and started my fall decorating today.

As I was looking in our storage closet, I saw a "Welcome" sign that we had gotten for a wedding gift. It was in the closet, because it didn't really match my decorating style - little bit too country for me! I cut the stars and twine off the sign, spray painted white, and now it's something we can use all the time! Simple and just my style!! Here are some before/after photos and what our front door looks like now. I made sure to add some twine to tie everything down to the table - it gets windy here!!

The only thing I am missing are the pumpkins! I can't wait to carve pumpkins!!

Lime green!

It has been awhile since my last blog. You would think I was up to some projects, however that wasn't the case!! With the weather changing, I have a feeling I will be starting projects and blogging more. Mom - I know you are happy now!

Today, I thought I would show off my kitchen changes. Since moving into our home 6 months ago, I have been trying to decide what color I should make our kitchen. After seeing the new Fiestaware color - Lemon grass, I decided this was the color I would make it. I am now going to start collecting lime green kitchen accessories. Here is just a start to my collection! I will keep you posted on additions - because you know I am always out buying something! :) Mom - if you are reading this - be on the lookout for cute lime-green items to add! Maybe I should buy a table to put by the back door and painted it a lime color?!

The flash makes the color more yellow, but it really is more green. The picture doesn't do any justice. Anyways, this was my inspiration.

I always make sure to have some green apples on hand - just to add to the green! :) Maybe I should invest in some "faux-fruit" since we never eat them!!

Keeping myself busy...

Here are some of the new happenings at our home:

298 forks and spoons! Yes, we were spooned and forked!! When we woke up on July 4 - I looked outside and discovered all the plastic silverware in our front yard. Stuart's friends love pranks!! No, I didn't count them all, but Stuart did! This picture was taken around 6:30am! I was wondering what people were thinking as they went by for their morning walks!

Bought a silver tray from Goodwill to display those wicker balls on my shelf to complete the wall! Thanks for the idea Libby!

New storm door on the back of house... Apparently last owner just let the wind take the other one off! Feels great to let some sun in the house. The cats sleep on the rug all day in the sun and love it!

New jar for the ping pong balls in the "Man Room."

Added decal above TV in the "Man Room." Live, Laugh, Golf!

New pictures above the couch in family room... I guess I could have made the couch look nice before taking the picture, but sounded like too much work I guess!

Another guest room! We bought new mattress for our room and moved our old one downstairs! Thanks for the comforter Mom!! Now we have room for all kinds of family and friends to visit Watertown!

The Life of a Puppy

Stuart is out of town for five days, so this leaves plenty of time to be with Bailey! I thought I would share how tough it is to be a puppy!!

Let me out of the kitchen! The gate is in the way!!

Lounging in the backyard eating weeds... Yum!!

By far, my best picture taken of Bailey! She loves our sandbox (as you can see her hole!).

Trapped in the kitchen!!

The dreaded pet gate... These were the best investment we ever made!! Keeps our brand new carpet clean!!

Man Room? Off limits for me?

We have been busy working on the so-called "Man Room" of the house... While Stuart claims I can't do any of the decorating in here - I am still adding my ideas to make sure it all comes together!!! It's expensive for everything that Stuart is dreaming of putting in there (I am sure the bar will be the next purchase)! We have made some progress, but still many items to add!

Here are a few updates to the room:

*Pub Table - received free from my Dad who was given this for free! When we first got it, it was a light oak color. We wanted it to match the pool table - so Stuart was busy sanding and staining to make it look like this. Great job Hubby!!

New sectional and rug! This will be great for lounging while the guys play pool and can watch TV. I still think this needs my decorative touch - some pillows to add some color!!

The room today & new TV mounted on the wall. We still need to find some nice bar stools, but these will do for now (old ones from my apartment).

Family Fun!

Here are some photos of the family taking pictures on Sunday! It's been awhile since we have taken some nice pictures - very overdue!!

New additions to our home!

Well, another succesful weekend of bargain shopping completed! I am excited to share all the items I bought for our home!!

I purchased this chair with my earnings from our rummage sale (plus some of my saved $$) at Slumberland. We had a coupon for 25% any item for just moving into town. This saved me some big money!! I think it fits in perfectly! The pillow was just bought this weekend - 50% off at JcPenney's! Deal!

I also added the vase with the "sticks" in our living room. The vase was 50% at Hobby Lobby! Another great deal!

This picture was also purchased from Hobby Lobby - which I used a 40% off coupon printed from their website! The quote ("Love as Long as You Live") is one I used at our wedding during my toast, so it has some sentimental value as well. This shelf is in our family room - downstairs.

I found this plate rack at Goodwill for $3.50. I then searched all over town for plates and ended up buying Fiesta dishes from Macy's. They too were on sale - 30% off. I have always dreamed of collecting Fiesta dishes - so this will start it up! There are so many cute dishes - will need to save up money for more!! Or - potential Christmas gifts (hint hint)!

Another great find was this wall decal from Hobby Lobby. I also used a 40% coupon on this! I think it looks great above the sink. If you would ask my husband, he doesn't care for it, but I like it - and I am the one who is always slaving away in the kitchen! :)

All in all, I had a great weekend seeing friends and family. We filled up my little Corolla on the way back - created many laughs for people driving next to us!! We also managed to fit a 42 inch plasma TV in my car (the trunk wouldn't shut all the way) for our Game Room. I will blog on that on a later date, once the room gets closer to completion!!