Dining Room, Take 2 ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday ... we're halfway through the week!  It's getting quite chilly here and, unfortunately, 'tis the season for getting sick.  My poor kiddo has strep.  Not to worry though ... a little bit of Keflex and a lot of TLC, and he'll be good as new!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I've slowly been attempting to transform our dining room from dark and cozy to light and somewhat shabby chic (I think)!  This lighten and brighten kick I'm on has attacked almost every room in our poor house!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong> The walls</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> were painted RL Metallic Paint/Lush Brown ... area rug in red/black and traditional hutch buffet:  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrMBVHsxUU-quIOPvJ4H7kwweeP_dkbZAiZKfG-dt7z9tqyE5GjuZk68XDEh9P7a-fWyW7EJuTl8hVk_zVPkFHdjIO4beotTUipFPD4I7YnEtA6-w62M20kRvk7wf8cziRIQoH_yI9g/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrMBVHsxUU-quIOPvJ4H7kwweeP_dkbZAiZKfG-dt7z9tqyE5GjuZk68XDEh9P7a-fWyW7EJuTl8hVk_zVPkFHdjIO4beotTUipFPD4I7YnEtA6-w62M20kRvk7wf8cziRIQoH_yI9g/s400/030.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>NOW:</strong>  Yes, this is the same room, I promise!  (Please go easy on me.)  The walls are now BM Manchester Tan ... smaller sisal rug ... hutch buffet replaced by antique sideboard and one *ha-uge* mirror, and I slipcovered the side chairs in cotton duck slipcovers:</span> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkfaRFScGIXVN7thu_ukQfCr4-q7Hhy8BcCkLgGItOfGjwhZNTshv3qRbSTkiFoQmKILbF0sPxSZEzQy1Pn_hyhQT44LTw7O4htQV6EWEp8LgTQ1R9zbr0ROuX4cxYYhRNZOwV4lFNw/s1600/diningoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkfaRFScGIXVN7thu_ukQfCr4-q7Hhy8BcCkLgGItOfGjwhZNTshv3qRbSTkiFoQmKILbF0sPxSZEzQy1Pn_hyhQT44LTw7O4htQV6EWEp8LgTQ1R9zbr0ROuX4cxYYhRNZOwV4lFNw/s400/diningoverall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>BEFORE:</strong>  Window treatments done in gold and red that just seemed to get lost against the dark wall color:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzflsopAxfEWHQjGXUT1wUC4ySeO3wigEtSDaUMWEvc_V-_naWl9a8LEINeWAFqItZAlW2KhEBPOIiCdrtmJeCLDQCFw9U0fCabUnnjUZuPSVVCRBsnNKKWr3-QdUXOV5yEndKvhPRg/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzflsopAxfEWHQjGXUT1wUC4ySeO3wigEtSDaUMWEvc_V-_naWl9a8LEINeWAFqItZAlW2KhEBPOIiCdrtmJeCLDQCFw9U0fCabUnnjUZuPSVVCRBsnNKKWr3-QdUXOV5yEndKvhPRg/s400/041.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>NOW:</strong> A new "mis-treatment" done in a gold satin *swirly* material.  I raised the height of the panels to compliment the high ceilings and added a few tassels for fun.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzvuUHYKsnOQS5-QPImpjC6RRfG_p4k2GqRWZxDKH1SnxKTkEpma5YLrTJ3OZ_42AKKG6X38so-8YVq10hlnqt0cREU6rWZLFsRXwXUy1EKOvzuxIEOPV5nR398SJpozUofxHkxveLw/s1600/window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzvuUHYKsnOQS5-QPImpjC6RRfG_p4k2GqRWZxDKH1SnxKTkEpma5YLrTJ3OZ_42AKKG6X38so-8YVq10hlnqt0cREU6rWZLFsRXwXUy1EKOvzuxIEOPV5nR398SJpozUofxHkxveLw/s400/window.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This bench used to sit at the foot of our bed.  I placed it in the window and added a fun grain sack pillow from Tuesday Morning:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy07j0CSdkwzSdR-FL23OY0zm-0vN8H9kZ4DbYQxck1kjjPyNmVhhjtAhUblI7z4swwB0RKzQ0AjKxfun36IXmPas8-_jUqbhpY0m9gvLdvAg7A9tqZVOCBd6bimPdOQexsHTlHb7lhg/s1600/dbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy07j0CSdkwzSdR-FL23OY0zm-0vN8H9kZ4DbYQxck1kjjPyNmVhhjtAhUblI7z4swwB0RKzQ0AjKxfun36IXmPas8-_jUqbhpY0m9gvLdvAg7A9tqZVOCBd6bimPdOQexsHTlHb7lhg/s400/dbench.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">On the other side of the room, I decided to make my first attempt at a plate collection.  And</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, of course, I had to steal PB's idea of adding the twine and pictures:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGy12kohshEZ1F3-spUJy_jdCRtlE0lrGGA_YJLdSVHcbGlklFoKki-HmSRW0J8dSKK5FIFcxcN8gx-jaQ_VS4MKU2Di4ora9KvVjZyLGr2qKlcQ37TXb30VBfGQZKNpLzyTcBlphUQ/s1600/platewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGy12kohshEZ1F3-spUJy_jdCRtlE0lrGGA_YJLdSVHcbGlklFoKki-HmSRW0J8dSKK5FIFcxcN8gx-jaQ_VS4MKU2Di4ora9KvVjZyLGr2qKlcQ37TXb30VBfGQZKNpLzyTcBlphUQ/s400/platewall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMpoop1V-ISm1T8XW2vazO1W9S6jQCutwRRF_NxCdDv6oXDKa5YraOU8VExnIhPT5D2AXm9Rz_2r5uCPuZPOn15Zn0Exy-Ut0q5vntCgSRwYoLd0ba7sYPwqhiyJ0H5BsCL6q_Aztsw/s1600/diningplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMpoop1V-ISm1T8XW2vazO1W9S6jQCutwRRF_NxCdDv6oXDKa5YraOU8VExnIhPT5D2AXm9Rz_2r5uCPuZPOn15Zn0Exy-Ut0q5vntCgSRwYoLd0ba7sYPwqhiyJ0H5BsCL6q_Aztsw/s400/diningplate.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this beautiful sideboard and mirror at my favorite antique store.  I *really* want to paint the sideboard cream and glaze it, leaving the top its natural color.  Okay, all of you painting experts ... whaddaya think?  Paint it or leave it?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1NJqmNQ2JPgl38PqRqA7lOcIFdx62QT_cVIYkWNpWlnseAZMx7x-mjXqnu1HASTFdPM0QFBSuoWGlI9cmXibgh52pg5munyPFf8_AT5LwVIvu69wrW8uazE1YIabnC9O-Tmu5M0Zag/s1600/sideboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1NJqmNQ2JPgl38PqRqA7lOcIFdx62QT_cVIYkWNpWlnseAZMx7x-mjXqnu1HASTFdPM0QFBSuoWGlI9cmXibgh52pg5munyPFf8_AT5LwVIvu69wrW8uazE1YIabnC9O-Tmu5M0Zag/s400/sideboard.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love the detailed edges on the mirror:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIwFThKnfm0TH7EYb6dqHMuSnWzkQZj2Dt623Kxs_5EOH4P-udvoVPDm74k27koy5wwyq_i_IneiLM4nf2txa8kjxOxt7p-UpAID-A2_zO6fIsbXts9o7lbhtaTfq144yS4dQWhZcmg/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWIwFThKnfm0TH7EYb6dqHMuSnWzkQZj2Dt623Kxs_5EOH4P-udvoVPDm74k27koy5wwyq_i_IneiLM4nf2txa8kjxOxt7p-UpAID-A2_zO6fIsbXts9o7lbhtaTfq144yS4dQWhZcmg/s400/mirror.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tea service was also purchased from the same antique store:</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4Pf9HNJlc8DhVlC6QACNfsH5LaNWYptl_8Y5wf2nWm-q_sfIG_O1GnWQg9AXJ6g5OCjl6FStumE51Cc6nhYys1guhHWm4JuWihgUyorNfWK4RVspLObsmlmnFvPdRkRF9vmb7ubRFA/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4Pf9HNJlc8DhVlC6QACNfsH5LaNWYptl_8Y5wf2nWm-q_sfIG_O1GnWQg9AXJ6g5OCjl6FStumE51Cc6nhYys1guhHWm4JuWihgUyorNfWK4RVspLObsmlmnFvPdRkRF9vmb7ubRFA/s400/tea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found the floating shelves flanking the mirror/sideboard at Lowes and asked our friend to add small, simple molding to them to dress them up *just* a tad:  And, while I love the clean look of them, I may end up adding small corbels underneath as I'm just *waiting* for the shelves to all to come crashing down!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicShhouYQliG7ax-TtKOStsqLkkNObANIhBpzimeXhBx2puFU3is-r1-qabfaqGgJy_rMeWnqAuYjm6RIAfiDVBw35im15Ex7hUqW5KXOAISGGrBs8eCppDg6_JcBLCqszxWspyAbScg/s1600/shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicShhouYQliG7ax-TtKOStsqLkkNObANIhBpzimeXhBx2puFU3is-r1-qabfaqGgJy_rMeWnqAuYjm6RIAfiDVBw35im15Ex7hUqW5KXOAISGGrBs8eCppDg6_JcBLCqszxWspyAbScg/s400/shelves.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3avIsWZPaaM0SZsSj1tWRckKHmjSSZ4LbfiLnvFCs9OMDK4FwiTHq-9YCo2m6Ed2NnCFjenicMRiq3SObKCGqk6wcUcoSavAfXr5rmOfn4l83MtP5tGsR3MGKWCLr2eRwv_y9BkavA/s1600/shelfclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3avIsWZPaaM0SZsSj1tWRckKHmjSSZ4LbfiLnvFCs9OMDK4FwiTHq-9YCo2m6Ed2NnCFjenicMRiq3SObKCGqk6wcUcoSavAfXr5rmOfn4l83MtP5tGsR3MGKWCLr2eRwv_y9BkavA/s400/shelfclose.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I also found the *perty* silver vase and candlesticks as well and love it on the table, mixed with the burlap runner:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqJSUBBKGgLyNa5m2nlXgVx5Ga-tIR6lgLFVB3bWGTrPpRvexlwgNycgJdlz5yE7gmiFmuRozq0XxDWyBNVNce9FMe-oD11aJjPAzQjoSreiJKdTnYufTd6oB1hDv-iU-V3NPKhCqOQ/s1600/center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqJSUBBKGgLyNa5m2nlXgVx5Ga-tIR6lgLFVB3bWGTrPpRvexlwgNycgJdlz5yE7gmiFmuRozq0XxDWyBNVNce9FMe-oD11aJjPAzQjoSreiJKdTnYufTd6oB1hDv-iU-V3NPKhCqOQ/s400/center.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhKRpl5XQdgcNY9DBRKtAZaJiFpGLK7O3BOFI3Sg1mlUv_PTg6LjaiHVmJCD2jhQtMDmQ18qVfNoTWEediy26_v0TFdaSUZJdvTYdw5W97BxOfmYq0nt42IkOkLqDtVaKpIABLqR9Ug/s1600/center1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhKRpl5XQdgcNY9DBRKtAZaJiFpGLK7O3BOFI3Sg1mlUv_PTg6LjaiHVmJCD2jhQtMDmQ18qVfNoTWEediy26_v0TFdaSUZJdvTYdw5W97BxOfmYq0nt42IkOkLqDtVaKpIABLqR9Ug/s400/center1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not done in here yet (imagine that), as I'd love to replace my existing chairs (which are on their last legs ... no pun intended, lol) with french country chairs, along with adding crystal magnetized charms and beaded chain to our chandie.  So, stay tuned ...</span></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SCdHZ84ZBmXwSw2o7qF3CytPvuM15_AQNlMeb0714xUmlWkjxCcp1iyGunQRbpYgufbrkxPfhbIyySqdWVTRXYtTC1nTpdk6WKs3wjq2I4kw51284M78ksE4KrOFO_aI3M0TEjAcdQ/s1600/dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SCdHZ84ZBmXwSw2o7qF3CytPvuM15_AQNlMeb0714xUmlWkjxCcp1iyGunQRbpYgufbrkxPfhbIyySqdWVTRXYtTC1nTpdk6WKs3wjq2I4kw51284M78ksE4KrOFO_aI3M0TEjAcdQ/s400/dining.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm off to join some fun parties!  Come on over and visit these wonderful blogs as there are so many inspiring and creative sights to see:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/10/long-awaited-bleeding-brain-cake.html">The Shabby Chic Cottage</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-vignette-friday-week-12.html">Color Outside the Lines</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-and-tell-friday_21.html">My Romantic Home</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/10/feathered-nest-friday-no-5-tea-party.html">French Country Cottage</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/inspiration-friday-party-no-9.html">Southern in My Heart</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sns-53-brings-you-shutters.html">Funky Junk Interiors</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/fireplace-for-my-dream-library-welcome.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BetweenNapsOnThePorch+%28BETWEEN+NAPS+ON+THE+PORCH%29">BNOTP for Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for stopping by,</span></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div>

Dining Room, Take 2 ...

Happy Wednesday ... we're halfway through the week!  It's getting quite chilly here and, unfortunately, 'tis the season for gett...

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Lighten and Brighten

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you all are enjoying the day.  It's absolutely gorgeous here ... I have *no* business being indoors, let alone playing on the computer!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I'm taking you into our sitting room today.  Some of you may remember that it used to look like this:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYchlE7RhIdbwBfLLqgzIhbfTjbp-IBqDRQuNEGhafp624xnNxLAXd_oKl4gv-ur0dHK_59qZPNq8QkX1hsMuGcpChyI4DhyphenhyphenX7qNAXC91zfmrN1ESWBpJkcATbLAdOCqijNUO9kzEBuw/s1600/office2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYchlE7RhIdbwBfLLqgzIhbfTjbp-IBqDRQuNEGhafp624xnNxLAXd_oKl4gv-ur0dHK_59qZPNq8QkX1hsMuGcpChyI4DhyphenhyphenX7qNAXC91zfmrN1ESWBpJkcATbLAdOCqijNUO9kzEBuw/s400/office2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a yummy metallic chocolate brown (Ralph Lauren Metallic paint in Lush Brown), which I absolutely loved.  However, because the furniture in there is dark, the room began to close in on me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>After:</strong>  I painted the walls BM Manchester Tan, switched out the furniture, the rug and window treatments.  </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuzwRCy9mXb1ExpSBUV5aFwg0JXvvIBOn6FiP9hVLb3VuEFVw3F1MrG_smUNHk5ASfO1H_XjIam-iED1Xtf_AqeyrbItfu7546SLp7eMGVng9hAp3x1XEK4PkGsznzPZlsWnRMDwv2A/s1600/overallofc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuzwRCy9mXb1ExpSBUV5aFwg0JXvvIBOn6FiP9hVLb3VuEFVw3F1MrG_smUNHk5ASfO1H_XjIam-iED1Xtf_AqeyrbItfu7546SLp7eMGVng9hAp3x1XEK4PkGsznzPZlsWnRMDwv2A/s400/overallofc.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The chairs and ottoman are from the great room (which also has a new look). I've ordered natural colored slipcovers for the chairs ... hope they work.  And, a smaller jute rug replaced the larger, darker one we had.  I like having more of the wood floor exposed:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I found this silver tray at a local *ha-uge* antique store called B&B:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcvXeljPscYIvDgoC6T2_VX0pqq9rxutrhmDl5_ASLCmzIJ7pWr-pE-v3a7FMs41a3YwUqVQ7hTdEg12ioDaA2TjGeeyxFhfwoQk8BelEFLdbyxjy9RYq8uGVX4L7pBwKlaDoj4rjXg/s1600/tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcvXeljPscYIvDgoC6T2_VX0pqq9rxutrhmDl5_ASLCmzIJ7pWr-pE-v3a7FMs41a3YwUqVQ7hTdEg12ioDaA2TjGeeyxFhfwoQk8BelEFLdbyxjy9RYq8uGVX4L7pBwKlaDoj4rjXg/s400/tray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've moved things around in the bookcase and have added a few Fall touches there, as well.  Love the vintage Tequila bottle (also found at B&B):</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbQqq4DDT16XIXgRr1wNEKQJ0bMJvaTu9uDqkP3sUaf8dRQJYDLYaUBvXR8Ybn1iZJBgw5KX-p_NKQXWmfBosrZrqIiEfw_s3TC22n25FzQbUQRHoVXqaFJnb58-xG4O0Nf9zTOo5pA/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbQqq4DDT16XIXgRr1wNEKQJ0bMJvaTu9uDqkP3sUaf8dRQJYDLYaUBvXR8Ybn1iZJBgw5KX-p_NKQXWmfBosrZrqIiEfw_s3TC22n25FzQbUQRHoVXqaFJnb58-xG4O0Nf9zTOo5pA/s400/glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A baby white pumpkin is perched on a nest of shredded paper which all sit on top of cute bowl I just bought at a friend's awesome gift shop called <em>Crazee Birds</em>:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdomNHFUL2YDaaNf4U0xFH30hIzuuu-A3nLhJEDZIX6aXisWqE2wgbY07QgjklkNlFuymmo5QgDZaegvxqRMHzqIW16msLv9IW9VGZ63FufMuslzRyue5KxB-hWmMjvQe393M-AtG_g/s1600/officepumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdomNHFUL2YDaaNf4U0xFH30hIzuuu-A3nLhJEDZIX6aXisWqE2wgbY07QgjklkNlFuymmo5QgDZaegvxqRMHzqIW16msLv9IW9VGZ63FufMuslzRyue5KxB-hWmMjvQe393M-AtG_g/s400/officepumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun textured pitchers (and, yes ... a-NOTHER bird plate).  I also lightened some of my books up by wrapping them in painter's paper (from Lowes):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oTAs3tb9l29lis5m8gr7zo-2O-yUNHTN4NHCW8bXkpNIkYzHj6z_IN4oNNYEIM7HvvU33_LIJDmFHk2pKCaKA9WICzgI30PPerr7WfVDRb9Krnkchg-X5AdnRXAc10OrijFEXmhEIQ/s1600/bookcase2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oTAs3tb9l29lis5m8gr7zo-2O-yUNHTN4NHCW8bXkpNIkYzHj6z_IN4oNNYEIM7HvvU33_LIJDmFHk2pKCaKA9WICzgI30PPerr7WfVDRb9Krnkchg-X5AdnRXAc10OrijFEXmhEIQ/s400/bookcase2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This fancy mirror once *lived* in the dining room, but has since moved here:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt33zjyZGlEkXrhRJkkqXdMlckTgtjLKnsFLIvA7VvyxFw121ufjomCpM7FNJg6Af0Dh92lbImzaa2cS1qKBgW1A61cwbEaH4hmBJkRLIBgVfUHM1MBDCtrAYnehaZL2aeHuczpxKXDA/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt33zjyZGlEkXrhRJkkqXdMlckTgtjLKnsFLIvA7VvyxFw121ufjomCpM7FNJg6Af0Dh92lbImzaa2cS1qKBgW1A61cwbEaH4hmBJkRLIBgVfUHM1MBDCtrAYnehaZL2aeHuczpxKXDA/s400/mirror.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And, a fun find from Home Goods:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNaAhKA58nsEmkkidS6zb_ERprtvTxvdv-LKlSDzsOdZ1ezbO1BcEeMDV0-298Q-SENpkV__RDnyyexfmBh8TsYw0dAIa_Ohd1r0aFIh_4NlX9zgWDzj476y9S6F6WA_10GSvnEMIiA/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNaAhKA58nsEmkkidS6zb_ERprtvTxvdv-LKlSDzsOdZ1ezbO1BcEeMDV0-298Q-SENpkV__RDnyyexfmBh8TsYw0dAIa_Ohd1r0aFIh_4NlX9zgWDzj476y9S6F6WA_10GSvnEMIiA/s400/clock.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're really enjoying the new look in our sitting room, especially in the afternoons when the sun pours in through the windows.   </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf1D8FAt-leQMlvKA2IAm07Dt6Y8rnmchsnnfVDlY-e_KWGa3Gr1bXoIzlpWyyt9SgJnNCg0FkWihz79j4lsJEbSsnhq39Egwf-bX2vCsYiPZWp5Nj8CbIAhlUwdgU5TMLUcLmPs7bw/s1600/ofcoverall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf1D8FAt-leQMlvKA2IAm07Dt6Y8rnmchsnnfVDlY-e_KWGa3Gr1bXoIzlpWyyt9SgJnNCg0FkWihz79j4lsJEbSsnhq39Egwf-bX2vCsYiPZWp5Nj8CbIAhlUwdgU5TMLUcLmPs7bw/s400/ofcoverall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I hope you have a wonderful day!  I'm off to finish up the dining room:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN5SpeRJCjIPb3-qpPDpQzaqp_0cWPIX0x66mYkZNYf2mmcWYlfuPGzTcyg-g18Go_jU30up1eoXPGsba0-UUww_5P8gAfmzYN5VxNCNlBK2WG9EHURa5t9mfRmHlhO7pyIBJpYZ6Ag/s1600/platenew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFN5SpeRJCjIPb3-qpPDpQzaqp_0cWPIX0x66mYkZNYf2mmcWYlfuPGzTcyg-g18Go_jU30up1eoXPGsba0-UUww_5P8gAfmzYN5VxNCNlBK2WG9EHURa5t9mfRmHlhO7pyIBJpYZ6Ag/s400/platenew.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up to:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rats-infestation-across-blogland.html">BNOTP for Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://cottageinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-to-another-weeks-episode-of.html">Make it for Monday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2010/10/10/10-10-2010-its-so-very-creative/">It's So Very Creative</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/10/transformation-thursday-oops-edition.html">Transformation Thursdays</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com/2010/10/inspiration-friday-party-no-8.html">Inspiration Friday</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sat-nite-special-52-brings-you-picture.html">FJI for Saturday Nite Special</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a>

Lighten and Brighten

Hope you all are enjoying the day.  It's absolutely gorgeous here ... I have *no* business being indoors, let alone playing on the compu...

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Fall Buffet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday! It's almost *chilly* here today, which I love!  Since finishing my <a href="http://adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-fall-family-tree.html">Fall tree</a> that I shared with you yesterday, I've been tweaking my Fall buffet that sits in our great room.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the view of it from the foyer (feel free to click on any pic to make them larger):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7c3AKncMI9Vjq495QKBji61VgXYBLUrVshColrxVjxafQdw0t7WrNghanBjrlBptot6qtd7-0CgeUEh6c9RL8zQjt7NlIHdoGDCq86p4_pW2FRvsBItRJ9q-AD7j61vnOExP-hGCw/s1600/overallbuffet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7c3AKncMI9Vjq495QKBji61VgXYBLUrVshColrxVjxafQdw0t7WrNghanBjrlBptot6qtd7-0CgeUEh6c9RL8zQjt7NlIHdoGDCq86p4_pW2FRvsBItRJ9q-AD7j61vnOExP-hGCw/s400/overallbuffet2.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little closer:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2ajMKVgLVkg4k78TUuiupjDnd8s2qcaj66StslcW4skn9dKpwwJmVT-AHD_nvTWXmAAI7GmQm1dFjTqxRbuSzrkN0wndd-V3WAckZbWkwgmRhR0gZu41YlGH4IovGN7EW471NUsNDg/s1600/buffetclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2ajMKVgLVkg4k78TUuiupjDnd8s2qcaj66StslcW4skn9dKpwwJmVT-AHD_nvTWXmAAI7GmQm1dFjTqxRbuSzrkN0wndd-V3WAckZbWkwgmRhR0gZu41YlGH4IovGN7EW471NUsNDg/s400/buffetclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A cream pedastal bowl sits in the center filled with pumpkins,  pinecones, leaves, a starfish and a baby pumpkin tucked on top of a little nest:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL71gM67uFo7bhOH_p0aHcrqwdj5mzWkZQM_32hhz5uzb0fGs4jr5CEibbYIc0RTfRuWM2374MH9K0I5QGGV4u8xaXGByACAezlPb7HPBFVIM8rlbjokEoYY5L6B1UGinRM5dSCBZfA/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIL71gM67uFo7bhOH_p0aHcrqwdj5mzWkZQM_32hhz5uzb0fGs4jr5CEibbYIc0RTfRuWM2374MH9K0I5QGGV4u8xaXGByACAezlPb7HPBFVIM8rlbjokEoYY5L6B1UGinRM5dSCBZfA/s320/bowl.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A vase from Willow House holds sprigs of little leaves, flowers, pumpkins and feathers:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLcCCOal4O6rplOQdlZc4scVJ7P8viv3-qS-07SJJ30EfBTgkQrNSX-EgYTqzPaRVUxj1n5GPcUy-q-poiQj2CNTQA5cY_I7NAtdQcRcCR_wlZS6ChHQDtQgfwGGb2o8vCThqPQGjRg/s1600/buffetfloral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLcCCOal4O6rplOQdlZc4scVJ7P8viv3-qS-07SJJ30EfBTgkQrNSX-EgYTqzPaRVUxj1n5GPcUy-q-poiQj2CNTQA5cY_I7NAtdQcRcCR_wlZS6ChHQDtQgfwGGb2o8vCThqPQGjRg/s400/buffetfloral.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A cute bird plate from Home Goods:</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKvXaOtkvapO-v_fp3LgyHiXeV9B5yPc-Fz-1PHV9Ue1pOE_6N0AYQCsSgspGIB3aw6OZ6XrFmZGedYro0Kjp0tWgGHGVo8EaWyJaefjvDWkM1CEEqzOWFf84BRU_dGEiDfdradk04A/s1600/birdplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKvXaOtkvapO-v_fp3LgyHiXeV9B5yPc-Fz-1PHV9Ue1pOE_6N0AYQCsSgspGIB3aw6OZ6XrFmZGedYro0Kjp0tWgGHGVo8EaWyJaefjvDWkM1CEEqzOWFf84BRU_dGEiDfdradk04A/s400/birdplate.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing the touches of the bird theme, I love this rustic birdhouse I found at one of our local gift shops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0fo6SkpbUjfWv7W0rmHBHzAlT2UEq5SuYcLoZP_rZ8wrvAo_mFWYwjaxJytLeJ19Em1BYDI1GIj3xhCIpEVudgNI_gQVjOBFPL540qfIY8zBImbO-dRfqFxAxHqZvWHr3INUDHPtGw/s1600/birdhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0fo6SkpbUjfWv7W0rmHBHzAlT2UEq5SuYcLoZP_rZ8wrvAo_mFWYwjaxJytLeJ19Em1BYDI1GIj3xhCIpEVudgNI_gQVjOBFPL540qfIY8zBImbO-dRfqFxAxHqZvWHr3INUDHPtGw/s400/birdhouse.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This pumpkin sits on top of a vase I wasn't using.  At the base of the pumpkin sits a round wild *spray* that is supposed to be used at the base of a candle.  Oops:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu8IhrXLQj_CLoeoI48dr-ecfp7ODOWemjtN18WWaikaF6Qj-yWn-5rBl8oQKnKJhxEyXuP6CoB7j-YCX5xrGMsUOSHeWMkXDq_r21qcfe5HNHHDyQCwq-72uvmWq4BrS7Ot9aLuKBA/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu8IhrXLQj_CLoeoI48dr-ecfp7ODOWemjtN18WWaikaF6Qj-yWn-5rBl8oQKnKJhxEyXuP6CoB7j-YCX5xrGMsUOSHeWMkXDq_r21qcfe5HNHHDyQCwq-72uvmWq4BrS7Ot9aLuKBA/s400/pumpkin.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, there ya' have it!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I may crash <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/10/33rd-table-top-tuesday-master-bedroom.html">Marty's Table Top Tuesday</a> party, Rhoda at <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fall-in-the-foyer/comment-page-1/#comment-57108">Southern Hospitality</a>, <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/10/feathered-nest-friday-no-3.html">Feathered Nest Friday</a>, <a href="http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-vignette-fridays.html">Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Fridays</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-and-tell-friday.html">Show and Tell Friday</a>.  Come on over and join the fun!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47oAd5HJR7ynAahDivYQ1Nhv8v3LOPTwUe0Z9Xs_UBGiruMpbTVcqhBsIkBvdxcmrhnLJulgBgYCSf4W2w8blYuXusoIMzoRJ7sxh6vE_dVTi7YUmXdLWe98JGGg2ytEWTj5N8Z0CeQ/s1600/overallbuffet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>

Fall Buffet

Happy Tuesday! It's almost *chilly* here today, which I love!  Since finishing my Fall tree that I shared with you yesterday, I've ...

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My Fall Family Tree

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My poor husband ... he's such a great sport when it comes to supporting my decorating <strike>obsession</strike> hobby.  He'll make countless trips up into the *sauna-like* attic for me when it's time to decorate for the holidays.  HowEVER ... he wasn't quite prepared to pull a Christmas tree down ... in Sept-EMBER!  lol</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I really wanted to do a *family* Christmas tree again this year ... I'm just putting it up a tad bit earlier.  And, it's not *really* a Christmas tree, per se ... more of a FALL family tree, with rustic, muted ornaments (and, okay, a few sparklies mixed in, too)!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I wrapped it in both burlap and grapevine garland and added lots of bird feathers ... </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw-MINCDOfTq6R23NRDwrED4BuB2xFbc71SpRhcqUMzi2BFVMDAETi19Gk_x7KkXRxG85c0xkkgAdtdYs7bTMeTxHlXrjD6grqs99QT2bp9aMh-3nUpPVFLGtSpaoOHG1fVeo3R1Q7w/s1600/overalltree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw-MINCDOfTq6R23NRDwrED4BuB2xFbc71SpRhcqUMzi2BFVMDAETi19Gk_x7KkXRxG85c0xkkgAdtdYs7bTMeTxHlXrjD6grqs99QT2bp9aMh-3nUpPVFLGtSpaoOHG1fVeo3R1Q7w/s400/overalltree2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">gold and copper-y ornaments (WalMart), and a picture of one of my older sisters and her family while visiting her husband's family in France ...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_imvBZI5uNc__W90LPlKKYe4or-qP_s53vyEzXfYqh6vHn8DCfJDDuL9driFCQ2HYuvSVOp7rrT84NMLqp3K5GgfZK57OS8BK-IL0madEBWiOtUqxwjhL0H4zwkOWCSxN9PIsFF3LA/s1600/copperball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_imvBZI5uNc__W90LPlKKYe4or-qP_s53vyEzXfYqh6vHn8DCfJDDuL9driFCQ2HYuvSVOp7rrT84NMLqp3K5GgfZK57OS8BK-IL0madEBWiOtUqxwjhL0H4zwkOWCSxN9PIsFF3LA/s400/copperball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">a few sprigs that have birds' nests on them (with a little gold birdie perched in one now).  The glittery topped acorn sparkles away in the lights ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoztXgrU-FFkQYy6inp9x3tVICYt1pllDE5aI2QfWJCirtTU5SWw3IsFai6SfiXtTUUtxGYHSDsvt3JmK8bhJyz3-KYuy48VH2Da9RNABSC-6iLVL-o_inDQLYi62hKLJGIoB2g5jtw/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoztXgrU-FFkQYy6inp9x3tVICYt1pllDE5aI2QfWJCirtTU5SWw3IsFai6SfiXtTUUtxGYHSDsvt3JmK8bhJyz3-KYuy48VH2Da9RNABSC-6iLVL-o_inDQLYi62hKLJGIoB2g5jtw/s400/036.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gold layered balls (have them in copper and apple green, too).  I found them at Dollar Tree last year ... 2 for $1 ... score!) ...</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcu09CtTtvwoTVd9nMcSMCFk9VF_D0OBA_nitoykbgGCQc9z1L1jnW9StWhM3UJ_qBDSJMSEP18-MPO-EAnhuhQd_nje6lt_-yFUuy2Q-JlTxohiI6dOPaai20dZOBBo_HQKK-e3wQ/s1600/goldball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcu09CtTtvwoTVd9nMcSMCFk9VF_D0OBA_nitoykbgGCQc9z1L1jnW9StWhM3UJ_qBDSJMSEP18-MPO-EAnhuhQd_nje6lt_-yFUuy2Q-JlTxohiI6dOPaai20dZOBBo_HQKK-e3wQ/s400/goldball.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a baby owl, who found another empty nest to rest in (alongside a picture from when my husband and I renewed our vows in Punta Cana for our 15th Anniversary, this past July):</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQG_dYSrQaYq5dTtlge3nFgDk4JP8l1K_WDY3MMaAZi0cHfUSpP5NG8oGd2lAbDlqSjcSmQqWGIemWKILHYsQQQh5peKxbhzM-knwFm4XjAzrabA9fyegMEb__m9Qq_T-oSxzQEuwhw/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQG_dYSrQaYq5dTtlge3nFgDk4JP8l1K_WDY3MMaAZi0cHfUSpP5NG8oGd2lAbDlqSjcSmQqWGIemWKILHYsQQQh5peKxbhzM-knwFm4XjAzrabA9fyegMEb__m9Qq_T-oSxzQEuwhw/s400/owl.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pinecones scattered on branches and a burlap *skirt* peeking through (you *know* I love the sparkly leaves) ...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn10J3XtKPAz4o_ZtUYImw3_FeUSB4daPdUAehi-YtbNPQh45USM0ZrffZVYuAqpx6kz2YeJCRhvO5deiUK3OwI4Pzbwn0qRNZM37-W8o5-pL7b77kryWQJ8gBy258AI3lEe_xu80pUg/s1600/leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn10J3XtKPAz4o_ZtUYImw3_FeUSB4daPdUAehi-YtbNPQh45USM0ZrffZVYuAqpx6kz2YeJCRhvO5deiUK3OwI4Pzbwn0qRNZM37-W8o5-pL7b77kryWQJ8gBy258AI3lEe_xu80pUg/s400/leaves.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Annnnnd, you'll see branches and more feathers sprouting up from the top, along with bows in pretty colors of browns, golds and creams (gotta add more birch):</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4h3FG7cC8Qh4tfyQHVJW5fE5rHoGUCDWTiELUckHwNsFSE6_NRCUuNML6DALNS5_Vx5DkceqkxPSvbOkx01bD9TwKQ6kIi4dB-9myJyXw26RSk2keRa_3jgfLICYpwGoUSjcRgcQdw/s1600/topper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4h3FG7cC8Qh4tfyQHVJW5fE5rHoGUCDWTiELUckHwNsFSE6_NRCUuNML6DALNS5_Vx5DkceqkxPSvbOkx01bD9TwKQ6kIi4dB-9myJyXw26RSk2keRa_3jgfLICYpwGoUSjcRgcQdw/s320/topper.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">But, the most important *embellishments* on our tree are the family pictures and sayings that grace it, reminding us what this season is about .. being thankful for family and friends.  I've included pictures of generations past, and I love having them as part of the tree ... part of the season.  Even though I'm not good about visiting my family in Virginia, they mean so much to me.  I get sentimental putting these pics on the tree, especially as I see members of my family who are no longer with us.  Years gone by ... moments that are now memories.  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">H</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">ere's my younger sister (now 35) surrounded by my late grandfather and other relatives, while she models a lovely purse (*ta-da*) at a family gathering.  She's always been the stylish one!  And, my most treasured picture ... the moment I first held and met my son.  Okay, where are my tissues?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGop7ji8d93-RUrLj0jJZYjehWfBrDQH-GcquuHd-QWkgO3492Rxs8vu2riJUuTpBeA8p3pOwGm_vF3IGMNirweCfr-zcino2Ads1ulzbgctoYnDokp-PTl2JZda4HOLHEO2Fzaf-I8w/s1600/liz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGop7ji8d93-RUrLj0jJZYjehWfBrDQH-GcquuHd-QWkgO3492Rxs8vu2riJUuTpBeA8p3pOwGm_vF3IGMNirweCfr-zcino2Ads1ulzbgctoYnDokp-PTl2JZda4HOLHEO2Fzaf-I8w/s400/liz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for visiting!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR31E1doZH2dpADZWOWabc-c9ipzs-Z-ZI4HJYBkm9UANAqxCMeDRUN09h0A3aoldlmxnexRqthYEk54bJaSskADrrYHgYU_KZ3QBfl4xAEpCFK2li8HBnjeJzZoKajLgmmo0MlMHMtQ/s1600/nighttree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR31E1doZH2dpADZWOWabc-c9ipzs-Z-ZI4HJYBkm9UANAqxCMeDRUN09h0A3aoldlmxnexRqthYEk54bJaSskADrrYHgYU_KZ3QBfl4xAEpCFK2li8HBnjeJzZoKajLgmmo0MlMHMtQ/s400/nighttree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking up with:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/2010/10/making-world-cuter-monday-oct-4.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making the World Cuter Monday</span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/welcome-to-90th-metamorphosis-monday-3.html">Metamorphosis Monday</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/2010/10/motivate-me-monday-38.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Motivate Me Monday</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></div>

My Fall Family Tree

My poor husband ... he's such a great sport when it comes to supporting my decorating obsession hobby.  He'll make countless trips ...

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B is for Beads!

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Thursday ... another week is almost done!  Well, it's still gloomy here in South Carolina; however, the sun is supposed to return tomorrow (yay)!  So, while I'm enjoying an evening inside, I thought I'd join <a href="http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2010/09/alphabe-thursday-letter-b.html">Jenny Matlock</a> for her fun Alphabe-Thursday party.  This week, the letter is "B" ... so I've chosen "Beads."  </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned in my last post (sharing my Fall mantel), I was determined to add a beaded garland this year; however, I simply couldn't find one a.ny.where!  I am NOT a crafty chick; however, I realized that if I *really* wanted the look I was going after, I was going to have to make the garland myself.  *Heavy sigh*</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Off to Michael's I went.  There, in the jewelry section, I was pleasantly surprised to find these little beauties!!  The colors were perfect for the natural look I wanted:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfiYjVCfiGi4ydRwmcOxo_C2sKYvRGdyDifaSEmQJ10WHVRw4jV2BerabPEEwJB-fhaMRAynuALFPA1BGJLkxSajRVK4z7RPMi-nW7WZ4dRMAHpGTerPMrnQCksDpo3dFgqwfEicPig/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="288" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfiYjVCfiGi4ydRwmcOxo_C2sKYvRGdyDifaSEmQJ10WHVRw4jV2BerabPEEwJB-fhaMRAynuALFPA1BGJLkxSajRVK4z7RPMi-nW7WZ4dRMAHpGTerPMrnQCksDpo3dFgqwfEicPig/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, while watching my favorite(!) show, Modern Family, I simply threaded the beads randomly onto picture frame wire.  I chose this type of wire so that it would withstand the collective weight of the beads, and also allow me to manipulate the wire into the shape I wanted.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBEML4FS5vbP9SZO6OFXAt4dCGmiAgM8v0F6frgZS41ddly3dNRFKtjTQNTzGpI3sOCmRW0IDWA7E5CGyGCHdBK2ja80MlnXZkkafBF7SP9qg-AZJQcYmMf_jFGOg7Z0PjOUG_wFM8Q/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBEML4FS5vbP9SZO6OFXAt4dCGmiAgM8v0F6frgZS41ddly3dNRFKtjTQNTzGpI3sOCmRW0IDWA7E5CGyGCHdBK2ja80MlnXZkkafBF7SP9qg-AZJQcYmMf_jFGOg7Z0PjOUG_wFM8Q/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And voila:</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmCJVIksUPUEIeHDo3_L1RehlMlkO43imuHt6JFKpUXvnLs4oVxPEqX0KeTbroK4y4ZZWXOR5co7TY42sR9iyfVx74ULjKlpiVEQrwx1Wbli2BwncNdelRBdkfDB3SOle3maYvq0lyA/s1600/mantleclose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmCJVIksUPUEIeHDo3_L1RehlMlkO43imuHt6JFKpUXvnLs4oVxPEqX0KeTbroK4y4ZZWXOR5co7TY42sR9iyfVx74ULjKlpiVEQrwx1Wbli2BwncNdelRBdkfDB3SOle3maYvq0lyA/s400/mantleclose2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While it's certainly not going to be featured in Martha Stewart's Living magazine (lol), I'm happy with how it turned out ... mainly because it was super easy and inexpensive!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by,</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a><br /><div align="justify"></div>

B is for Beads!

Happy Thursday ... another week is almost done!  Well, it's still gloomy here in South Carolina; however, the sun is supposed to return ...

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"Le" Fall Mantel ...

<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday!  One day closer to the weekend .... yay!  It's still so dreary here (even though we *really* need the rain)!  This icky weather has *forced* me to stay inside and work some more on my Fall decor.  Darn!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, I thought I'd share our great room mantel (or mantle) today.  Here it is, all decked out for the Fall season </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">(feel free to click on pictures to enlarge).  I'm still so happy with its *new* look:</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wtErxp9eLulKnY7sOi8VVD6e-yi8EdmA0RofcB8KOs5eftn-pK2VxvXkr789ICoUGlUSizej66CANXAU_E5Ac9m3r_MuLdVxTzZzyhzw5TdCnUzSRDy3-oESHpuVsYKYpNwR1Xj6CQ/s1600/overall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wtErxp9eLulKnY7sOi8VVD6e-yi8EdmA0RofcB8KOs5eftn-pK2VxvXkr789ICoUGlUSizej66CANXAU_E5Ac9m3r_MuLdVxTzZzyhzw5TdCnUzSRDy3-oESHpuVsYKYpNwR1Xj6CQ/s400/overall.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, pictured below is what it looked like last year (and, please excuse the metallic background behind the mirror ... that was RL Metallics Paint/Golden Candlesticks, and whenever a flash bounced off of it from a camera, it would "light up."  Crazy).  While we thought our fireplace surround was "nice," it looked like every other mantel in our neighborhood (with the arched cutout above).  I really wanted to "beef it up," and set apart from everyone else's. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCUmZOpNuna2PQt3ETZOjB0Fca-tP6whvEeSL2N2SQ1ISmJe41V8Yr8-k9cWJi-NPX-16YE6HPdIJD9kSSC-C01Dg6-vs9te9b9hXUA14DgaG6KZkeIAT5TivYxkH_JnY0Sd5biZ-_g/s1600/007+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCUmZOpNuna2PQt3ETZOjB0Fca-tP6whvEeSL2N2SQ1ISmJe41V8Yr8-k9cWJi-NPX-16YE6HPdIJD9kSSC-C01Dg6-vs9te9b9hXUA14DgaG6KZkeIAT5TivYxkH_JnY0Sd5biZ-_g/s400/007+(2).JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I found a few inspirational pictures ... drew up a sloppy sketch, and a friend of ours (who has an amazing talent when it comes to woodworking) brought my chicken scratch drawing to life.  We love it!  It's so much more fun to decorate, as the mantel is not only wider, it's also deeper, so it can hold more of my "stuff" ... yippee!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOMVNw5P5E5-cuOfTn7dYdEeVPHxS34rdzkA-2JX3Cr36nZ9Jr9ebh4mPA4397F1d1LOw3za4LgDkhHzW9myPM5O6hjBlmpc6RlsaUl3Lvg8YP6yDwddh_ZOngIQ6dyUoeafOGuqOwg/s1600/mantleclose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOMVNw5P5E5-cuOfTn7dYdEeVPHxS34rdzkA-2JX3Cr36nZ9Jr9ebh4mPA4397F1d1LOw3za4LgDkhHzW9myPM5O6hjBlmpc6RlsaUl3Lvg8YP6yDwddh_ZOngIQ6dyUoeafOGuqOwg/s400/mantleclose2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was determined to hang beaded garland this year, but I couldn't find any.  So, I bit the bullet and decided to make it myself (yikes).  I found pretty wooden beads at Michael's and simply strung them onto picture frame wire.  Voila ... super easy, coming from a NON-talented crafter!  (lol) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCk4SqPR4ZaVRup8NfUkIVJ2S6itxaU197a846sMH8ZXfq9HwoRxx1_cpHYWfdlFqvlvS1IvjU9qhJB512BFUcDOFU8Lt9HjBA9-SRKgqaFCyQtR224nWgcN1aW5c7PqYjL7431VRQg/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCk4SqPR4ZaVRup8NfUkIVJ2S6itxaU197a846sMH8ZXfq9HwoRxx1_cpHYWfdlFqvlvS1IvjU9qhJB512BFUcDOFU8Lt9HjBA9-SRKgqaFCyQtR224nWgcN1aW5c7PqYjL7431VRQg/s400/beads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I shared my pumpkin/guord filled hurricanes last week, but here they are again:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTs0WfPpjHDrZkNNivOBSpOok1ucLFFsmy88dEyWRpDqFSG8XaxxBwz32mKy3Iiq3se7iE4veHNskaEOzFt0Dvpz2HJY0Vx6h2CMn-ycIKdNHs8R2zUAlUtj_cCJGSp6qfh62TA60miQ/s1600/hurricanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTs0WfPpjHDrZkNNivOBSpOok1ucLFFsmy88dEyWRpDqFSG8XaxxBwz32mKy3Iiq3se7iE4veHNskaEOzFt0Dvpz2HJY0Vx6h2CMn-ycIKdNHs8R2zUAlUtj_cCJGSp6qfh62TA60miQ/s400/hurricanes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Love the muted pumpkin/leaf garland I found at Hobby Lobby!  </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00kq74MZS0qaj6he976uOjawvdZT5-spWZoGbejIT7P8KVp0DmAmBpfkiz51XRMSMd4NmGfbWRubNFTaEYZxmucLhNIoW-W6nsfRFnLCgvS22BSkKlRaetgKnndosg3HSyUxVEsVhg/s1600/closemantle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn00kq74MZS0qaj6he976uOjawvdZT5-spWZoGbejIT7P8KVp0DmAmBpfkiz51XRMSMd4NmGfbWRubNFTaEYZxmucLhNIoW-W6nsfRFnLCgvS22BSkKlRaetgKnndosg3HSyUxVEsVhg/s400/closemantle3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tucked some feathers in for fun:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kOpL2s8WT8VhUrNLdQwy5XtSBswIfkW4fn0cNhabOyiCnSBRhAUu-H59eotaSgZFaByK2hNBn7mNJYST7TUtxkHu3qdrwMeU5tdP7fKBfxbaZySOQVoaXt3lYYlq1MrWtny4EMxeDQ/s1600/mantleclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kOpL2s8WT8VhUrNLdQwy5XtSBswIfkW4fn0cNhabOyiCnSBRhAUu-H59eotaSgZFaByK2hNBn7mNJYST7TUtxkHu3qdrwMeU5tdP7fKBfxbaZySOQVoaXt3lYYlq1MrWtny4EMxeDQ/s400/mantleclose.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As for the floral arrangement ... nothing fancy ... I just threw some sprigs with tiny leaves and tiny rust colored flowers into a vase I wasn't using ... tried to keep it simple:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kHEbxhyzhZv8HnBS8XwYkmpmSRhYCAlsE47YlE2sJ96S6sSgDG6jFZv92stHR_XDLN6h14BjbYmsDWqHqN8uuj9IE2wEL5ZJJNqIubJdpEIDv8GDB0Es141qWA06nOFvZA1scwDJig/s1600/floral2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kHEbxhyzhZv8HnBS8XwYkmpmSRhYCAlsE47YlE2sJ96S6sSgDG6jFZv92stHR_XDLN6h14BjbYmsDWqHqN8uuj9IE2wEL5ZJJNqIubJdpEIDv8GDB0Es141qWA06nOFvZA1scwDJig/s400/floral2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, I just *had* to add feathers and tucked some leftover burlap garland around the base of the florals.  It looks like the arrangement is wearing a burlap scarf ... lol:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm0Zg07EBIfe1BH41TaeXMaReAtKz-MC6liHLye5JyMBhMSgNp6Ks42MXVzTNueFU9Bf1dMicnzLQHL0nu51sNJNXE2po2HJuHdajwksj-xeAsdK4LELSObcYt6t_NxetxkOVN6WIRg/s1600/floralcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm0Zg07EBIfe1BH41TaeXMaReAtKz-MC6liHLye5JyMBhMSgNp6Ks42MXVzTNueFU9Bf1dMicnzLQHL0nu51sNJNXE2po2HJuHdajwksj-xeAsdK4LELSObcYt6t_NxetxkOVN6WIRg/s400/floralcloseup.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, I gotta give a little shout out to the *oh-so-pretty* coppery/bronze-y container that I found at, none other than, Home Goods!  And, even though we have a gas fireplace, I decided to fill the bucket up with logs ... just thought it might add to the rustic feel I'm going after this year:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsj5nLjUSPc001YrYmSq9-v6NYvmQW2GpnQqyHBCH-SFKEZ-DoZKeqTb_IZP5cg2YQkFvM2rEb2RsDJPuB-OEapkIG6puENi3FEazDlOBfhzQvQdckQXhgAs1dBT2AXU-ZBBjcqJEHw/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsj5nLjUSPc001YrYmSq9-v6NYvmQW2GpnQqyHBCH-SFKEZ-DoZKeqTb_IZP5cg2YQkFvM2rEb2RsDJPuB-OEapkIG6puENi3FEazDlOBfhzQvQdckQXhgAs1dBT2AXU-ZBBjcqJEHw/s400/wood.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I go, I leave you with how the mantel looks at night, all lit up:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzVleX_ieJiwWVwjcDNtMqYqvYewKthZeTEtpEQ_kifztu4I94us-iZOrRiyS0Djkm4KeQEVRHSt50QzTVW31qeH8BkRDtYDqBcPGV8MNO7Wfj8tUsyxqvNolmEMI84hylH-wMvfc7w/s1600/mantlenight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzVleX_ieJiwWVwjcDNtMqYqvYewKthZeTEtpEQ_kifztu4I94us-iZOrRiyS0Djkm4KeQEVRHSt50QzTVW31qeH8BkRDtYDqBcPGV8MNO7Wfj8tUsyxqvNolmEMI84hylH-wMvfc7w/s400/mantlenight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and, *speaking* of all lit up, I can't wait to share my Fall tree with you!  Yes, that's right folks ... I said Fall *ter-ee!*  I've.gone.mad!</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for stopping by,</span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><strong><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/0E491C7006B710EF338F39A43573A7FD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></strong></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm linking up with:</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/09/fall-mantel-party.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Nester's Fall Mantel Party</span></a></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2010/09/28/fall-open-house-show-us-how-you-decorate/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hooked on Houses for the Fall Open House Party</span></a></div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/2010/09/falling-up-linky-party.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Falling Up for the Fall Linky Party</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2010/09/happy-birthdaylet-partay-start.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DebbieDoos for the Before and After Partay</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2010/10/sns-50-brings-you-pillows.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funky Junk Interiors for SNS</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/fall-in-the-foyer/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Southern Hospitality</span></a></div>

"Le" Fall Mantel ...

Happy Tuesday!  One day closer to the weekend .... yay!  It's still so dreary here (even though we *really* need the rain)!  This icky w...

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