Friday, October 12, 2012

FALL CLUTTER & CLEANING


I finally went out and got mums! Yay!  Home Depot had the best deal around, I think they were 3 for $8.97.  But they were the smaller pots.  I contemplated going to my garden nursery where the selection is bigger but the prices are sky high.  I settled for Home Depot.  Emily selected the colors, the burgundy red and the rusty orange and although I had doubts about the combo, they look great.  They have just started to bloom so I thought I'd wait on pictures.  No pumpkins this year either...sniff, sniff, the squirrels just make a mess of them and it's heartbreaking!  Even the little pumpkins that I put on the window ledges, they get up there and peer at me through the window all the while chomping away.  Nope, no more.

I think I have managed to complain throughout this post!  Cabin fever already.  Some people feel like cleaning and organizing in the spring, but fall is when I take a look around and want some order in my life.  After spending the summer mostly outdoors, we're forced move back in and suddenly we notice the windows aren't so shiny and there are fruit flies around the basket of onions.  Yes, that happened to me the other day.  So, I made a mental list (I lose real lists) of all the organizing and fall cleaning I needed to do, when I heard Emily clomping up the stairs with the big box of fall decorations.  "So, where are we going to put this stuff, Mom?"  Grrrrrr...

See you soon! :)

67 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... you have been a busy lady... poor little squirrels... they sooo count on your pumpkins each Fall, tee hee hee!... put some inside just for YOU!... (but give them some nuts or something! I love squirrels!...)... also love your mantel... the pitcher full of hydrangeas looks so pretty!... and yes, my kitchen counters have all my stuff out and ready to use, because I am in the kitchen ALOT and cook and bake alot and I want them handy... plus, my home is country~farmhouse~prairie style and it reminds me of how my grandma's house always was... I loved how her kitchen looked, so homey and cozy and comfy and that still gives me a warm feeling inside just thinking about her in her kitchen... she did not worry about what was out on the counter, or if it looked straight or if she had too much out or not... I must have inherited alot of her traits... for which I am grateful!... I don't care for "clean sweeps" for our home... where there is absolutely nothing on our counters... seems too formal to me... well, I have written a book here... all your lake plants look beautiful in your home!... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane I love the way your mantle looks and the fern looks so pretty hanging in the corner! I know what you mean about them being messy, I love them just hate the mess.
Have a great weekend!

Susie said...

Oh Blondie, I like to be organized but the older I get, it's harder to do. I wish you the best with trying to get it all done. I like house plants, but never have them because of the cat. Stay happy, smiles, Susie

Vee said...

Those squirrels don't have enough to do. I've never had any trouble here with squirrels getting into the pumpkins and there are a lot of squirrels. That's awful.

I take it that the plants were a bit of a surprise. ☺

Counters. I like them and I like to see them; however, I have no home for everything because it's a wee house and a wee kitchen and so, truth to tell, the counters are full.

Your mantel looks very pretty.

Debby said...

We have a couple of squirrels that have become like pets but outside. I never have had them go after pumpkins. They probably will now that I said that.
I think the transition from one season to another. Although I hated the heat this summer and I am loving fall.
My counter tops are cluttered. I want it to look like it was when we had our house on the market. It was so easy to clean up the entire house when it was uncluttered.
Have a good week-end.

Leslie's Garden said...

I know what you mean about trying to get some quiet time to do a post. Seems so hard to even think when there is activity around. We have so many squirrels, but they've never bothered by bulbs or the pumpkins - lucky me! I have a hard time decorating the the house with a people around, too! Love all you got going on there, the decorating, the plants!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I think having the lake house plants in Chicago is a lovely reminder of those summer days. Your mantel looks very pretty, good job! I'm a clutter-er too.



Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your mantel looks great Jane! I leave some things out on my kitchen counter, like a knife block, a copper pot filled with wooden spoons, coffee pot, espresso machine and toaster. Everything else gets put up so I have space to cook. I usually don't have a lot of decorating items on the counter. In my kitchen I need it to be useful or it is gone...

Primitive Stars said...

Hello Jane, cute scarecrows, yes, the mantle looks wonderful, great job. The lakehouse plants will be enjoyable through the long winter, good idea to bring them home. Enjoy the weekend, Blessings Francine.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Good luck with wintering over your plants. They do look pretty! Your mantel looks great and shame on those little nasty squirrels. I know how it is about clutter, I love lots of stuff out but I get really uneasy when I have out a mess - like I do right now. I start decorating for fall and then I get tired or life gets in the way and I have little messes all over the place! :)
I do like stuff on my kitchen counters but I've got deep corners to play in.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

I am soooo glad you finally got some mums! Love the scarecrow pic too. Oh, my counters have to be clutter free. Well, first off, I don't have a lot of counter space, so no I don't do little vignettes and stuff. There is one thing that stays in one corner, and I won't even put it in this comment because people would think I am sooo very nasty! If you wanna know, you will just have to e-mail me lol. I honestly have never told anyone, and it is never in pics!

Melanie said...

I'm the opposite of you this fall - I passed on buying the mums and got pumpkins instead! The squirrels here don't eat them...I wonder why? Maybe they're finding enough food from some other source? I love that fern plant that you have hanging in the family room. It is so lush! I hope it and the hibiscus do well in your home.

Love the ironwork decor on your walls. Very pretty. And your mantle is beautiful!

As for kitchen counters, I don't like them cluttered, but I don't like them "empty" either. On one counter, I have my KitchenAid mixer (I use it all the time), a basket of fruit, and a roll of paper towels. On the other counter is a toaster, coffee maker, a crock of cooking utensils, and some cookbooks. You mentioned a tiered fruit stand that you don't use for fruit. You could use it for onions, potatoes, shallots, and garlic. Or, you could make a fall decoration by filling it with mini pumpkins and gourds. Other ideas...you could use it to store craft items, or in the bathroom to put rolled-up washcloths and soaps.

Lovely to visit with you again! Be blessed.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I like to have out the things we use on a daily basis, like the tea kettle, but the toaster and can opener I keep in the "appliance garage". We never had one of those until we moved here and I like it. It's easy to get to those things when I need them {and they are plugged in} and I just push them back and hide them away until next time. Things like papers drive me nuts. That's usually hubby with his receipts in one area.

Sonny G said...

Jane, you mantle looks terrific.

I admire your ability to look after 2 homes. I can barely deal with one.
I am crossing my fingers and sending your trees good wishes for the winter. I LOVE live things in the house and have opted for more live plants versus a bunch of Stuff sitting around.

as for counters- I strip them clean and then the adding back begins.. its time to strip them again for sure.

Low Tide High Style said...

Jane, I think you and I are living in a parallel universe some days. I've had fruit flies...and I have no clue why?! My counters just got to me the other day and I decluttered too, and I wasn't going to put out any Halloween decorations but then my son stopped by and made me feel guilty, so out the bins came, lol! I did manage to not put out very much though! Your mantel looks beautiful, and try living with the counters for awhile to see how you feel. My trick for pumpkins and squirrels?...I used to spray them with Pledge paste wax and they almost always left them alone. I also used to rub hot peppers on them and that seemed to work too. Thankfully we have only 1 or 2 squirrels here and they never come up by the house since we don't have any trees close by.

Have a great weekend!

Kat

Marigene said...

Jane, I really like this post...my counters are no doubt cluttered by some accounts, but I need certain things within reach!
Hope all your plants from the lake house make it through the winter.

Lynn said...

Best of luck with the plants Jane! My kitchen's so small my counter is literally 2'x2'. So it's packed with coffee pot, food processor in corner, utensil holder and knife block. Enjoy your pretty counters and being able to add and subtract as you'd like:@)

Lori said...

I like having things on my counter tops ~ I wish I had more space but I don't think they look too cluttered. Thank you for the lovely comment on my post today ~ I loved the pictures ~ all from Pinterest. Happy week-end Janie. xo

Theresa said...

Well, let's see... the plants live in our garage in the Winter! Ferns do make a mess, don't they? My husband has hooks and lights and manages to keep most of them alive! I have been at the beach, SO the counters and floors are full of stuff to do! BUT... I had to take a minute and check in on all of my BLOG buddies! Love your Mantel! Have a blessed weekend dear friend, HUGS!

Susan Shull said...

Love the way your mantel turned out, Jane. And I don't think you were complaining at all!

Sandra said...

Hello! I can totally relate to not having time to blog! I've been away for quite some time and I'm trying to get back to my blogging. lol I love the way your mantel looks.
God Bless...
Sandra

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I prefer fall cleaning, too. Then you are all set for the holidays.

Lynne said...

Jane!
Your rooms are beautiful and your Fall 2012 mantle is stunning!

As far as my kitchen counters go...I clean, I clutter...and so on and so on.

The squirrels transplanted ivy into one of my flower beds this summer. They always bring gifts. Our Lab, the Chocolate Gousse always scouts out the buried peanuts.

It's nice that you still have the girls around the house. You have a busy time ahead with the wedding.

I wish you quiet moments and limited laundry this weekend!
~Lynne
w/L.

NATALiJA WANTS YOU! ♥ said...

love thisss!!!

- ♥♥♥ -

savvycityfarmer said...

wait, you HAVE been gone a long time ... I used to see your name pop up everywhere ... sigh

I'm bad too
I keep posting, but not much time for commenting ...
this rainy morning, maybe can change all that.

miss your perky posts

Monica said...

Hehe! I understand... I like to have everything on hand yet I love the uncluttered look. I think I will need to puuurge when I finally take my stuff out of storage! :) Your mantel is very pretty.
Monica xo

Unknown said...

Jane - Hard to believe that it was a year ago this weekend that we were having lunch at Woodfire & the weather was "fall gorgeous", but today it is cold, damp, wet & raining. Feel badly for all the vendors who tried to set up for Under the Harvest Moon Festival. I really wanted to tell you how much I enjoy the books that you have read or are reading. I always am going to bookmark them, but now it looks like your on a new one. Still trying to figure out this blog thing......maybe there are certain things you can't teach an old dog - LOL. Summer is over, Diamond Lake is quiet & now for the long winter. Dreading it.

Pondside said...

I just don't know that I could be friends with someone who has a bare and perfect kitchen. There's something homey and cosy and reassuring about clutter in the kitchen - it looks used and lived-in. I just know I'd like yours!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Jane, cabin fever already? I dread it, it usually hits me the end of January and all of February.
Love the plants and keep your fingers crossed for the rose tree, I know I would kill all of them for sure:)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie!

I have been trying to comment on your blog using Mr. Magpie's little gizmo, and I literally couldn't find the word COMMENTS. I poked around with my pointer (thingy) and finally had to give up. He had to bring his computer home, and now I can SEE. Yea!

I love the fallishness at your house and think that those pretty plants from the lake fit in perfectly. I agree about ferns, but I think you'll enjoy the pop of green come winter. At least I hope so. :-)

Let's not even discuss clutter. More is not enough where I'm concerned, but I long to have order which eludes me. Gee, I wonder why! LOL

Anyhow I'm glad I was finally able to comment to you, and I think the mantle looks nice. The hydrangeas were what you needed. Score!

XO,

Sheila

P.S. That trio of scarecrows... SO cute!

RURAL said...

It all looks lovely, and you can get the hibiscus to bloom over the winter? Great.

I am glad that we have a house now, because the cleaners in our condo, used to bring in all these poor ratty hibiscus into the lobby to winter over, and I hated them. But for some reason there they were, this veritable forest that no one would say a word against...lol.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Anonymous said...

everything looks so lovely, such a warm an inviting representation of Fall, my favorite season, I had to start another blog, I missed being able to comment so here I go again, I hope this one sticks,

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

oh no Jane...not cabin fever already! You are in serious trouble girlfriend!!!
Both Karrie and I love putting things our our countertops...but we don't have a lot of countertop ~ so that's our excuse!

Yes, it did rain the other day...oh yea, and ALL night at the football game (and last week's football game as well!) so, it is really cloudy right now and I think we will be getting another shower yet....joy! Have a great week coming up Jane :)

podso said...

I've discovered it's not as easy to decorate a mantel as I had assumed. Yours looks great but it does take a lot of fiddling. Also the plants brought from the lake house look great--to me! Like your scarecrows.

What is it with the squirrels. I don't remember them attacking pumpkins like they do now ... are there more of them, they are bolder, or for some reason just hungry? :-)

gfhenexson@gmail.com said...

Your magic touch has made everything look great Jane. It's funny...when I read your post I had just finished telling a friend how I needed to d-clutter my kitchen. There is just something about me and things...ha! Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I'll never change either so it's nice to know I'm not alone.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Geneva

Designing Domesticity said...

We've been moving our outdoor plants in lately, as well. Such a job. And oh, those ferns - so messy, but yet so pretty. Thanks for sharing,liz

Jo said...

I love fall and all the natural beauty it offers but I'm always sad to say good-bye to being outdoors. Your home looks cozy and ready for the change of seasons!

Have a great week~
Jo

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane:

I never have luck with hibiscus after I have to bring them inside. You are lucky! Your mantel looks lovely, love the branch!

My counters are usually cleared except when I am working in the kitchen....I do keep a toaster and coffee pot on them at all times...My new home has a smaller kitchen so I try to keep it tidy at all times......

Have a great week!

Unknown said...

How do you deal with the bugs on plants when you take them in? My counters are tiny so I try to not have clutter but gosh. No room for anything. I like Fall too for cleaning and decorating. Xoxo see you soon

bj said...

Hi, Blondie, I try not to keep too much on my limited counter top...coffee maker, knife holder, canisters....the rest I put in the lower cabinets, out of sight. :)

I love your mantel...your home is really pretty.
xo bj

SmilingSally said...

It sounds like Emily NEEDS her own place! I must confess, though, that I AM a neatnik. Yep, I always have plenty of clean granite in my kitchen. (course, I no longer do much cooking!)

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Hi jane, this kinda made me laugh. My hubby and the movers brought all the pts of annuals from the old deck that I had planned to DUMP. So, little by little I have been dumping the! We do have our big hibiscus tree in the great room now; it has survived 3 wnters inside now so I am hoping. Right now it has 2 bloms on it but is covered in yellow leaves. Last yea when I brought it in it lost ALL of its leaves and I thought it was a goner but it came back! As for the counters, I LOOOOVE my new granite but I do have some decorative things around. I don't do clean counters, have to have SOME personality there too! Plus yo see it from the grst room now. Thanks so much for stopping by, I promise to show mORE of the house SOO. This is a slow process, trying to organize 28 years worth of STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky

Susan said...

Your mantle is gorgeous! Your hydrangeas were just perfect for your display!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Jane! I'm a clutter person too. Can't seem to get away from it. It is clean clutter, but still clutter. I am organized though too....Love your pictures and your beautiful home! You are busy I know!
Blessings,
Debbie

Unknown said...

Jane I think the vase of Hydrangea added the perfect touch! The mantel looks finished now. :)

I love your new outside indoor plants. I'm sure it is a little frustrating finding a home for them though. That fern is gorgeous!

Have a great week!

~Liz

Unknown said...

Hi Again! I forgot to mention....

1. I'm so glad your loving the Ladybug Farm Series! :) It is such a fun and quick read. :)
and
2. I am a clutter girl. Yes, stuff has to be cleared for baking. :)

~Liz

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh your mantel looks so pretty Jane!
And my kitchen counters are always filled with stuff. Decor, appliances, toddler stuff now too.
It's impossible for me to keep my house in perfect order with Addie around but I wouldn't change it for anything!
Big Hugs friend,
Cindy

Penny said...

I do try to limit the things on my counters, but like you it can get cluttered. Your mantel looks very balanced.

Cass @ That Old House said...

Oh Jane, what a great post!
Laughed at the squirrels, and totally am in synch with the countertop clutter!
I've shared my kitchen clutter on the blog -- it ain't pretty. But vignettes in my kitchen? They are pretty much limited to a canister of sea salt and an old mustard pot with my instant read thermometer, scissors, pliers, and several screw drivers in it, accented by a Saran-wrapped paint brush.

Your mantel (oops first time wrote "mental" hahaha) looks great. My ferns are still swinging on the porch -- I'd love to bring them in, but they are ENORMOUS. Several feet wide! Hate to lose them to the coming frost, though.

Say Hi to the Hibiscus twins. They are looking mighty snazzy.
All the best -- Cass

Babs said...

Jane, I REALLY like your mantel with the addition of the hydrangeas. Too bad the squirrels like to eat your pumpkins. I haven't bought a pumpkin yet...I don't think the squirrels around here know about pumpkins. Thanks goodness.
Hugs,
Babs

Anonymous said...

Thanks for popping in Jane and hope you're having a great week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

I don't have squirrels as we live in town, but I can only imagine the frustrations of having them nibble on the decorations. Jane, you mantle looks wonderful and your fall decorating much surpasses mine...which is hardly at all.

xxoo
Becky

xinex said...

Hi Janie, I have been tring to comment while in FL. Somehow, I am unable to do it from my ipad.I love your decor and I especially love the iron and wood gates on your wall....Christine

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Blondie...I LOVED your post today. I think when we make posts like this one today..we get to know one another so much better. I like you! I REALLY like you a lot!

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Oh my your fall decor all looks so pretty. Loving your mantel and I love mums too, they just scream fall don't they? Your kitchen counter story is so funny. You should see mine as I sit here and type...yipes. Unfortunaely it's the drop off counter for everyone that lives here! I'm always complaining about all the keys, the sunglasses, water bottles, cell phones, change, books and wallets and then my husband reminds me I'll be sad when all the clutter is gone! He's so right. Have a happy day!

myletterstoemily said...

i just had a discussion about my tropical
hibiscus ( in the house or in the garage.)
the garage won, because it's always warm
and i won't have to worry about leaves
in the house.

about your ferns: i remember my mom
putting them in the tub to water! :)

it's pretty cute that your sweet guys
brought them home.

Anonymous said...

Yay for your guys for bringing the plants home. Perhaps cabin fever won't seem so bad with green plants around. I try to grow plants in the cottage, but the wood stove heat dries them out. :(
And honestly? My kitchen counter is soooooo tiny that it's cluttered most the time.
Love your fall decorations.
Hugs,
Zuzu

Anonymous said...

Your mantle looks so pretty!! My pumpkins are all nibbled on too!! I love all your plants too.

Kathy

Sue said...

We had the fruit flies too...with nothing sitting out at all. I read to put out a dish of cider vinegar (must be cider) and add a couple of drops of dish drops to it. I made a couple small bowls and the next day those babies were gone...floating dead in the vinegar.

I have a few things on my counter tops...but because I have lots of counter space, the peninsula/bar area stays clear so I have a large work space. I don't have out any appliances other than the coffee makers. I sort of like that "staged" look!

Sue said...

Oh, forgot...love your mantel.

Kelly said...

I know what you mean about trying to get a post together and then the day slowly slips away before you can get to it. That has been my situation lately. I'm sure your plants will do better being at home with you through the cool months. Now, you shouldn't have to worry about them. I am probably more of a Spring cleaner myself, but often find just as much that needs to be done during the Fall too. Spiders seem to love making webs in my windows outside (for the light that they get a night to catch bugs). So, when the sun shines in during the day, I see all these critters that need to be removed! Guess that's my biggest annoyance right now. Ha! Maybe I'll just leave them up till after Halloween though.

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Jane! I think my last painting would look perfect over your mantle! Ha Ha:) I like having things out where I can see them but my husband, being retired form the military after 25 years, likes things in order and clean! We have compromised though.

Decor To Adore said...

Love love love the scarecrows!

Your mantle went from whoa to WOW! :)

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I like clutter! I think empty countertops lack personality :-) I keep my island clear for work and everything else handy on the sides. I am with you, spring cleaning is hard to do... I am busy in the garden, the fall makes my wanna sort, clean and fluff the nest :-) I like your mantle, and I have never heard of squirrels eating pumpkins, ha!
Hugs,
Bella

thistlewoodfarm said...

I bring my hibiscus inside, too! It always makes me smile :)

You have such an eye for display! I love all your neutrals and textures!

Thanks for inspiring me today!

blessings,
karianne

The Single Nester said...

Can't get enough of anything fall!

must love junk said...

Gorgeous pics! I love your fall mantel! I just found you and am now following-I invite you to visit and say hi :)