Who says Pumpkins have to Orange?

Who ever said that pumpkins must be orange?

Even God created a variety of colorful pumpkins! White pumpkins are my favorite! I have a collection of white ceramic pumpkins and this year I've displayed them in my dining room. Each year I try to use my seasonal decor in different rooms and in different ways. I also have a collection of Mercury glass and I've been thinking of ways I could use it earlier than Christmas. I was searching for inspiration when I came across this photo on MarthaStewart.com

LOVE, Love, love this photo! Spray painted pumpkins in an antique silver is the perfect solution! While maintaining the familiar icon of the season, you tone down the bright orange and create the perfect pairing with antique mercury glass. This mix would be just right in a formal living room or dining room. The silver paint takes the whimsy of pumpkins to the elegance of fine accesories. The way the stylist has displayed the pumpkins on cake stands is a great way to way movement and interest to this vignette. This would make a stunning table top display in our entry hall too! Well, I guess I'm off to the home improvement store to buy a can of spray paint. Then I'll head over to Wal*Mart to pick some pumpkins. I was in there over the weekend and they have a large variety of pumpkins and gourds. Have you heard of Fairy Tale Pumpkins? I had not but they have the most gorgeous shaped pumpkins there that look like Cinderalla's carriage. I think I'll pick one of those for my focal point and then add various gourds and mini-pumpkins as accents.

Here is another fresh take on the standard orange pumpkin.
These pumpkins are in shades of white and pale green. They've been punched out with intricate designs, then scooped out to make room for a candle. They make beautiful luminaries.
To see how this is done and to view more inspiration pictures, pop over to
MarthaStewart.com
Take the link for Halloween Central. Enjoy!
Until I see you again,
Live Life Beautifully!
~Alisa

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