Our Halloween Monster Door-2021 Edition

If you're a longtime reader, you know I've been doing a Monster door for Halloween for years now. As usual, we had to include our painted pumpkins and even added a few Squid Game inspired ones. Below are the items I use to create the Monster door and I've also linked on my Amazon store.

Create Your Own Monster Door

I seal all my pumpkins(even the unpainted ones) as it helps prevent disintegration and protect them from the elements.  My pumpkins are usually still in tact even in December! This Mod Podge sealant is great!

 And that cute lil butterfly addition this year  is undoubtedly stealing the show:-). I've linked to most of the products used on my Amazon store including Cheyenne's cute butterfly costume.(affiliate link)

xx

 

* This post contains affiliate links.

Fall Porch Inspiration

I just bought some pumpkins because it feels like Fall is finally making its way to this neck of the woods in North Carolina. I showed a glimpse here. This weekend, I hope to put up some Halloween decorations. This big guy went up yesterday and is already catching the eyes of eager children in the neighborhood. 

Do you decorate for the seasons? xx

images- 1, others via tumblr

 

September is Here But It's Still Hot

It's September but it still feels very much like Summer here in North Carolina. It is HOT!! I'm a Summer loving girl but I am actually looking forward to the cool down that comes with Fall.  xx

image: photographer: Matt Vogel, Telluride, Colorado 

Fall Equinox in Images

 Tis the season for cozy, renewal, reflection, interactions,  and slow living.

Happy first day of Fall y'all! xx

images via these tumblrs; {grace upon grace, allhallowsleaves, deltabreezes, breadandolives}

Hello September

    I consider myself to be a Summer loving girl, but the heat and humidity got the better of me this Summer(could be because I'm preggo), but I have been daydreaming of a Fall cool down.  September is here and that means a cool down is coming. Time to get cozy and cool...

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Also hooray for a short week, I have to keep reminding myself that today is already Wednesday! xx

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10 Tips for Hosting an Amazing Friendsgiving.

In the Military community, Friendsgiving is quite popular. It's not uncommon for many Military families to not be able to go home during Thanksgiving, so the next best thing is to host a party and invite your friends which is what I did! Friendsgiving is usually a laid back affair and in today's post, I am highlighting 8 great tips to host a successful Friendsgiving.

Make a budget and stick to it.

Don't skimp on flowers. 

Plan a simple menu and ask your friends to bring a meal. In fact more than likely they'll offer to do so.  It saves on time on money when you adapt a kind of potluck type menu.

Try chicken or cornish hens instead of turkey. I opted for chicken and baked it after seasoning it with some, basil and thyme(from the garden), kosher salt, black pepper, and Jamaican jerk chicken and  letting it marinade overnight. I garnished with grapes, more basil, and lemons. It was delicious!

Try alternative seating if you don't have enough chairs. In this case, an ottoman was used for extra seating at the table.

Be realistic regarding the number of friends you can accommodate

 Please use your fancy plates! Some say it's ok to use paper plates for Friendsgiving, but that's a big no no for me despite the fact that clean up would be more of a pain, but that's what friends are for- to help with cleaning up!

It's ok to not prepare everything yourself. For e.g., this cake is store bought and that is totally fine!

A fully stocked bar is a must for cocktails after dinner.

I chalked the ends of those logs for the party-definitely a great ice breaker.

Sit back, relax,  and have a good time.  Have you ever hosted or attended a Friendsgiving? xx

Shout Outs:
Special Thanks to local florist for all the beautiful floral arrangements: wildlycultivatedflorals

Wardrobe from local Lularoe consultant and stylist: Tiffany Parsons

To Kate- you were such a blast!

Photography by the always amazing Leahartman

Tabletop styling: Stacey Blake/Design Addict Mom

Our Halloween Front Door 2016

This year, I gave our monster door green hair and glitter teeth though the glitter isn't really showing up in the pics.

I added an extra dose of "monster-ness" this year with these monster pumpkins the boys and I painted. I sealed them with a mod podge glossy sealant which helps to preserve our handiwork. Have a great day everyone! xx

Hello Fall.

Hey there beautiful Fall, we've been waiting on you! xx

image: Matty Vogel

DIY Boho Tent for Fall Outdoor Entertaining.

Fall is almost here and many of us can't wait to enjoy the much cooler weather outside-no mosquitos and unbearable heat, just you and a nice fall breeze chilling with friends and family. I love finding creative ways to use my backyard for entertaining and I love tents.  I usually find a sturdy tree with branches that can withstand the weight.  Here I used thrifted pink and orange sheets that matched the sheer curtains i already had. They were hand tied to the branches at the top and I used  officemate silver binder clips  to hold them in place. For additional boho vibe, I layered some of my exotic rugs on the grass, added lots of throw pillows, hung a thrifted macrame plant hanger and paper lantern , brought in some blankets, snack and my zen Buddha and my boho tent was ready for the spotlight.

Happy Thursday friends! xx

* This post may contain affiliate links

pics-Lea Hartman for Design Addict Mom