WELCOME to CAROLINA PANACHE! I believe our homes should be a haven, a place of beauty and peace that reflect who we are and what's important to us. I'm on a journey to add personality and panache to every corner of my house. For me, good design evolves, grows and changes with the needs of one's lifestyle. I want my home to be creative, to be stylish, to be entertaining, to be real. I hope you will join me on my journey. It's always more fun to travel together.
This blog is all about bringing style and elegance to the home. The art of dressing your home goes beyond hanging a few items on the wall and arranging furniture. Much like a fabulous set of earrings or a new stylish handbag may take your little black dress from fine to fabulous, home accesories and key furnishings can take your rooms from ho-hum to singing the Halleluiah Chorus! Join with me as we discover new ways to add panache to every room of the house.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Hello! Welcome back! It's been a while since I've had a regular post.
Many of you know that I've had a lot going on this summer. To recap, in July I moved my retired parents to NC to be close to me, in August Mom had some severe high blood pressure issues and then a week later we thought that Dad had a stroke. Thank God, we took him to the ER and after a CT scan and X-rays, the Doctor ruled out a stroke and diagnosed Dad with Bell's Palsy. That was good, I guess. Much better than hearing that he had a stroke. After some medicine and some time, most of the symptoms are gone and we are expecting that within another two weeks all will be normal. Following that, I heard from my best friend, Bella~Mella, that her 12 year old son was diagnosed with brain cancer. You can read about this situation on Bellamella-Melanie.
Through all of this, God is in control and Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! No matter what trials we go through on this Earth, we know "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose..." Romans 8:28
So, I say it's the most wonderful time of the year because
"this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it"!
FALL or AUTUMN has always been my favorite time of the year. There is just something about harvest time that gets me excited and expectant- the deeply saturated colors; the cool, crisp morning air; the metamorphosis we watch with our own eyes as summer gives way to a new season. For us nesters, we hear the call to change our scenery - to add vibrate color to our interiors and to bring a little of the Earth's bounty indoors.
(The picture above was an Everyday Tablescape used on my dining room table throughout September and October. It was updated in November to display a Ceramic Turkey centerpiece.)
Next week is the official Fall Nesting Week. Time to put away the summer, cozy up the house, perhaps change the scents of candles or aromatherapy to spicy, woodsy fragrance and settle down to the routine of school and the rituals of football, fundraisers and falling leaves.
(My breakfast table was the ideal place to display a ceramic cookie jar shaped like a pumpkin. By adding a trio of floral sprays and gourds, I was able to create a seasonal centerpiece in under 3 minutes.)

So, I revisted my pictures from last year's fall nesting. I've been looking for new inspiration and I am determined to re-work what I have. I may add a couple new items but for the most part I've decided that by rearranging existing furnishings and accessories,
I can reuse my current collection of fall decor.
(A fun, foam pumpkin rests on a grouping of grapevine, foliage and feathers. The little white picket fence was added to mimick Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin Patch tradition.)

(This hutch was a focal point that clustered fun Halloween decor in a monochromatic manner.)
(A fresh, fall door wreath set the tone for the transition from Summer to Autumn. The bright green ivy leaves add end of summer panache.)
( This Trophy Urn provided the perfect place to display a collection of Fall foliage and berry sprigs. The color variations of brown and black were my inspiration for the mixed and matched table linens.)
If you get into the Fall Nesting thing, I'd love to hear about some of your traditions or rituals that gets your nest ready for Autumn!
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Some of you were following my "30 Days, 30 Tips to Budget Friendly Home Decor". I was able to post 10 tips before life got crazy and I was overwhelmed. I plan to post a new tip at the end of each regular post until I've finished my last 20 tips.
Day 11 - Tip 11:
Ribbon Works!
For an instant update andpop of color, purchase a big spool of ribbon. Use this ribbon to embellish lampshades, curtain panels or sheets, shower curtains, decorative pillows or throws. No need to sew, just use a hot glue gun. You can unify mix'n match pieces by adding common trim and pulling accents colors from other fabrics or prints used in your room. Ribbon is so cheap and places like Hobby Lobby and Michaels offer gorgeous ribbon sold by the spool. Most of the time you can find 50% off sales and you can pick up 30 feet of ribbon for $5!
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Thanks again to everyone praying for Andrew! We are so appreciative! May God richly bless you for your faith and your compassion!
Live Life Beautifully!
~Alisa






26 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a blessing that your mom is doing better and that your dad didn't have a stroke. Bells Palsy is really scary, but it usually goes away in a couple of weeks. It's funny that it's a virus and I've know several people lately that have it. I have been praying for your friends son, I know the Lord is in control and He has His arms wrapped around him. God Bless, Hugs Marty

Tammy518 said...

I am so sorry to hear about your parents' health issues. It sounds like they're on the mend now. It's so great that they happen to live close to you now, as I'm sure it would have been even more worrisome to you had you not been around.

I'm praying for your son's friend. It's hard to know why these things happen, especially to a child.

I love all of your fall tablescapes. Fall is my favorite season also. The nod to Charlie Brown's great pumpkin is so cute!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

Your photos are putting me in the mood to pull out all of my Fall decorations. I think this is the weekend to do just that! Hope life continues to calm down for you and we will pray for your friend's son. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Lynda said...

So cute, Alisa! Now you've really put me in the mood for fall decorating!

Blondie's Journal said...

You and all of your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. And I love what you did with your fall decorations last year. Very simple and pretty!!

xoxo
Jane

Nancy said...

Hello........... We have all missed you! So glad to welcome you back. Your pictures were so beautiful! We are all so glad to hear that your Mom and Dad are feeling better. I bet you are sooooooo happy they are so close to you now!

Today I was doing some "fall nesting." What fun I had. The house looked beautiful today when my hubby came home from work!

Praying for Andrew. God is in control and we have given Andrew to God. Have a great weekend! Nancy from OHIO

From the Old InkWell said...

Isn't it wonderful that we have the Lord to trust in! Love your photos. Great ideas!

Joyce said...

I am off to Michael's later this week to purchase a big roll of Fall print ribbon to update my home a bit when I put out my Fall decorations. Thanks for sharing your post and ideas with me.
Joyce

Melissa Miller said...

How beautiful Alisa!

I had no idea about your Dad?
I do hope all is still going well. I'm still praying for Melanie's son.

Take Care, ~Melissa :)

Carolee in Kansas said...

I'm so glad you are back, Alisa! I too, love fall decorating and am planning to get the boxes of stuff out this week. Also, love your blog and all your tips!

Carolee

Wanda Lee said...

So glad I found you; Carolina Panache blog! Fall is indeed wonderful!..,Please do accept my warm invitation to link on over via my profile photo, to my little corner of the blogging world!.. There are dolls;of a jewelry display variety, Dressing Room/ closet photos soon and our home home tour, plus fanciful art.., I love your outlook and design / living artfully and with panache philosophy; We are kindered spirits to be sure.., Cheers and blessings from Silken Purse

ChaChaneen said...

Just a quick note to tell you I've enjoyed visiting your blog although my comments have been few. Enjoyed today post especially as I lurve Fall season too. Have a great day.

Denise Marie said...

great post. I've been thinking about andrew because I have a 12 yr old boy too. I'm still praying and God's glory will shine thru!!

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

You have helped inspire me further with my autumn decor for my Carolina home and I thank you. My parents are moving in with us for a bit beginning in October; we have much in common in regards to aging parent concerns. May God bless you with strength and love for your parents' needs. Blessings, Roz (Bella)

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

You have helped inspire me further with my autumn decor for my Carolina home and I thank you. My parents are moving in with us for a bit beginning in October; we have much in common in regards to aging parent concerns. May God bless you with strength and love for your parents' needs. Blessings, Roz (Bella)

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

You have helped inspire me further with my autumn decor for my Carolina home and I thank you. My parents are moving in with us for a bit beginning in October; we have much in common in regards to aging parent concerns. May God bless you with strength and love for your parents' needs. Blessings, Roz (Bella)

Myrna said...

Wow, it's tough when your parents get older and we have to be the strong ones..my dad's 87~doing well, but is 87.And I don't know how people cope without the Lord in their lives. I appreciate your attitude!
I love the fall, too, and after viewing your beautiful displays am asking my husband to get the fall decorations down tomorrow! Guess what I'LL be doing next week? ;-)
Blessings!
Myrna

Myrna said...

Wow, it's tough when your parents get older and we have to be the strong ones..my dad's 87~doing well, but is 87.And I don't know how people cope without the Lord in their lives. I appreciate your attitude!
I love the fall, too, and after viewing your beautiful displays am asking my husband to get the fall decorations down tomorrow! Guess what I'LL be doing next week? ;-)
Blessings!
Myrna

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

So sorry to hear of your parents health issues, but happy to see your beautiful Fall decor. Time to get ready for autumn & all that goes with it.

ANd yes, I will join with you in prayer for Melanie's son.

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Alysa, sorry to hear about your parent's and friend's son's health issues. I visited Bell-Mella the other day and read about her son. I am so sad and am praying for the family. You have been through alot!

Your fall decor is just beautiful!! Let me know if you need anything. I will have more to post soon. Thanks, Kristen

Jeanne said...

I know exactly what its like to have the events of life change ones focus for a while. Its great to see that you are trying to get back in the swing of things and I love viewing all your pics. That fall wreath hanging on your door is my absolute favorite of everything you've shown. But, what beautiful inspiration you have given all of us.

DeNiece Barnes said...

I found your blog by just goggling, I to am from North Carolina I stay in Goldsboro about an hour away from Raleigh.. It is good to see another North Carolinian in blog land, I really like your blog, please stop by and visit sometime...

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful to hear your parents' conditions are not as bad as first thought. Your folks are blessed to have you watching after them.
I must tell you how lovely all of your fall decorating is! I've started my fallness also and pop over to see my post!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Nishant said...

love all of your fall tablescapes. Fall is my favorite season also. The nod to Charlie Brown's great pumpkin is so cute! Make website india

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! :)

Anonymous said...

It is useful to try everything in practise anyway and I like that here it's always possible to find something new. :)

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