Holiday Speed Decorating with Cedar

My husband is laid up from surgery on his arm and was not able to trim a few 

pine  branches from our yard, so I took matters into my own 

hands and bought this garland at Costco for $15.99!

I used clippers, floral cutters and scissors to tear it apart. It was so well built.

I deconstructed it on our kitchen island, which was a mess but warmer and sweep-able (is that a word). I want to share with you the ways I used the one garland in and around my Christmas decor.

I started a few tins, both new and vintage, I had, added the cedar and in most

 all examples I added faux  or real flowers, berries, glass balls and pine cones.

These are two vintage scoops we collected and set on the hearth.

I added a few sprigs, here there and everywhere!

Here are two on top of an antique frame.

Some were used "as is" in garland form. 

I even added some to our old sled that holds wet boots!

Then I added the what was left to the porch.

We added a buggy seat to our old red wagon and put a few faux tress

 in the middle,  then added the cedar casually around it.

I think you will have fun with this simple project and a 

big plus is the fresh scent it imparts.

Happy Holidays,

Melin

xoxo

Fall fun in Vermont!

I just got home from a fabulous girlfriend trip to Vermont and beyond (beyond will be another post). 

I went with Teri and Sue, sister-friends since grade and high school. We stayed in a camp
on Lake Dunmore. I Learned from November's Country Living magazine (page 52)
 that location generally dictates what a 2nd home dwelling is called.
In New England and the Adirondacks, it is a camp. In the West,
South and Midwest, it is called a cabin  and along the coast
 or Great Lakes, it is a cottage (who knew). 

The best part of Vermont is most all the roads are just two lane and they have very few freeway

type roads. Also, we were told, no billboards! Around every bend, it looks just like the
postcards you've seen, Sometimes it is green, sometimes the colors of fall or winter bare.

This video shows some of what we saw. We arrived on Sept 29 and didn't see the leaves we were hoping for but by the end of our visit Oct 7, the colors were gorgeous. Sorry the pics do 
not do  them justice. The dialog is weak too but enjoy the view.

We visited too many small towns to mention but several displayed these darling
"leaf people", especially Brandon, VT, a darling town, south of our Lake.

 A few other sites in Brandon. We had a fabulous lunch at this French cafe and enjoyed
the shops. Met a few fabulous artists.




Here are the three of us in a leaf peeping selfie groupie). Melin, Teri and Sue, besties forever!

 
The farther North and the deeper into the mountains we went, the prettier the colors, especially in Stowe! The
hillsides look like a fall patchwork quilt.

  A few of the sites in Stowe. We arrived late in the day but the colors did not disappoint. They were breathtaking! 

 This is our beautiful Lake Dunmore!

As we said goodbye to Vermont, we had to make one more stop at this darling country store
who had the best homemade fudge with salted caramel and they ship!

 All photos are taken with my iPhone. If you want a fun fall vacation, consider
visiting Vermont. We are so glad we did.
Melin

Easy Fall Decorating Ideas

 

 I just love decorating for the fall , don't you? It can be as simple as displaying a pumpkin or

 much more, as YOU like it. I had the fun idea of using some of my husband's deer sheds

 in my fall decor this year. I used them to hold a sign here. I also added 

orange lights to my mantle leaves and gourds. 

  I found this old tote on my Farms Chicks adventure last summer. I filled it with sheds

 and faux fall for my mantle. I have just cherished this tote! 

My giant, cinnamon-nutmeg colored, pumpkin is real! I bought it for only $5.99 at 

Trader Joe's. They also had carving pumpkins for only $2.99...what a deal!

My pumpkin truck idea is from Serena Thompson, the original Farm Chick. Check out her blog 

for more ideas at http://thefarmchicks.typepad.com (see the link under "favorites" on the left).  

I used my grandson's vintage truck. Thanks so much, William!

I love my butter churn I found from a collector in Oregon. I filled it with a few faux 

fall leaves around the wooden paddles to make it a fall centerpiece.

Can't forget the yard. I think this old yard art "cutter" looks much like a toothy

pumpkin year round, especially with the flowers vines all around.

And on my porch is my old wooden cart with the season's "bounty". 

However you choose the decorate for fall, a little or a lot, I wish you a fun time. 

Plus, your efforts last from back to school right on through Thanksgiving.

Gotta love that!

Melin