life in my empty nest

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Ten Questions

The talented, funny and sweet as she can be, Katie from the Preppy Empty Nester blog, was kind enough to mention my blog in her Sunshine Award. Her blog is one of my favorites, ( go visit her and say hi) so I was flattered and thought the questions she came up with for me to answer were fun and even made me think a little about my life.

Below are her questions and my answers - I hope you learn a few new things about me.

1. You ladies are all creative and talented. What was the biggest blooper that you made while decorating?

Too much wallpaper in my house. Why didn't I remember that while putting it up is fine, taking it down piece by little piece is maddening!

2. Which child is your favorite?

KIDDING!!!!!! Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.

2. What is your favorite movie and song of all time?

My favorite movie of all time is Gone With The Wind - I just watched it again and it was so good.

My favorite song - the one I turn up the radio in the car to listen to when it comes on is Slide by The Goo Goo Dolls. I have seen them in concert several times too. Another song that is an all time favorite is Breath of Heaven - either the Amy Grant version or when it is sung at midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

3. If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?

Living A Calm Life - that is my goal every day.

4. What has been one of your most embarrassing moments?

One time in college, I was golfing with my boyfriend (now husband) and two other friends, when I woke up to them standing over me as I was laying on the ground. I had fainted for no apparent reason, was lying there on the golf course with my bag next to me and they said they thought I decided to take a nap! So embarrassing at the time :-)

5. What is your biggest regret? I don't mind hearing juicy details.

I think as a parent, I wish I had not worried so much about things that seemed important at the time, but really weren't at all.

6. If you were awarded an all expenses paid vacation for two weeks where would you go? Don't get any ideas... this is not tied into a give away.

Definitely, Tuscany in Italy. I want to see the fields of sunflowers and sit and drink wine at a cafe on a sunny day.

7. How many homes have you lived in? Which one was your favorite?

3 growing up, 2 in Dallas, 2 in Memphis, 1 in New Jersey and 2 in Detroit = 10. I can't really decide on a favorite because I loved them all at the time and I loved each city we lived in too.

8. If you could sit next to any famous celebrity on a 5-hour flight, who would it be?

I would love to sit next to any of my favorite authors and since I am in the middle of reading The Outlander series for the 3rd time, I will pick Diana Galbadon. I could discuss the books I love for hours.

9. What would your friends say are your 3 best qualities?

Calm, trustworthy, creative.

10. Why do you blog?

I started my blog when I stopped working as an outlet and a way to give structure to my days. It has become so much more than that and I look forward to writing, creating and connecting with readers, every day.

Have a great day!

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

A Welcoming Front Porch

When putting together my front porch corner display for the this year's fall season, I wanted to keep things simple. I decided to do away with the usual hay bale and corn stalks and build layers and heights a different way.

I used a wrought iron table, a wrought iron plant stand and even a small painted stool to achieve the varying heights and to add visual interest.

Fall mums are such an easy way to add a welcoming touch and give a great splash of color to any display. This iron bucket with copper tones and great texture seemed perfect for the season.

A green pumpkin adds warm tones to the corner display. I stay away from orange as much as possible, preferring shades of green, red and brown.

A large grapevine wreath gives height in the corner and textural interest, with its simple burlap ribbon.

All these details - height, texture and color come together to create a welcoming front porch. As my friends and family arrive at my home throughout the fall, they will be greeted by this display and know they are welcome guests.

Happy Wednesday!

{Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Between Naps on the Porch

Funky Junk Interiors

Thrifty Decor Chick

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Front Door Decor - Fall Change

Fall wreaths are so pretty, festive and there are so many great ideas to make them, including my favorite styles - burlap or any use of natural elements. I have a pretty wreath, that I did a sparkle initial update for last fall, but for some reason I am not as in love with the look this year. It still looks pretty, I just want a change.

So, I decided to simply update the unique metal basket that I used on my door, this summer. It was a quick easy change for fall and I think it looks interesting both up close and from afar. To get this look for your front door, all the elements are from Michaels. The hanging basket is from the summer, but they recently had similar styles in stock, some with an autumn look. The picks, with leaves, pumpkins and all things harvest, really stand out against my white door.

A simple trick I used - since these fall picks were too short for the depth of the basket, I simply stuffed the plastic bag into the basket and used it as filler. Recycling at its best!

Happy Tuesday!

{Linking with these friends}

Lil Luna

Made From Pinterest

A Stroll Thru Life

House of Rose

Diana Rambles

Your Home Based Mom

Savvy Southern Style

Handy Man Crafty Woman

The Charm of Home

Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson