Saturday, October 4, 2014

TONS (TOO MUCH) FALL DECOR


I'm showing you a brief glimpse of my mantel which I haven't changed up much from the last time you saw it. lol! I found (or should I say Emily found) this faux white pumpkin with the gold bling on it on one of our recent trips to Homegoods.  She was ahead of me and lamented, "I wish I could afford that pumpkin."  I reached ahead of her and dropped it in my cart.  "That's okay, Em.  I love it and I can afford it."  Ooh, dagger eyes! :) 

I was emailing back and forth with a really sweet girl who works for Modani Furniture.  She happened upon my fall mantel, very much like the one above (Ha!), and really liked how I had mixed the modern metal spheres with the sort of homespun pieces and bits of nature here and there.  I guess it all relates to buying the pieces we love and doing some mixing and matching.  Everything is so much more interesting this way.  So Addison, from Modani, was asking me a few questions regarding what I've learned about decorating since that "first apartment", you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and what I might share now.  Well, I've had my focus on redoing our den into a sort of "Woman Cave".  Isn't that a neat concept?  I mean, why should they have all the  fun?  Where's our cave?  Please don't say the kitchen.   So I am going to be putting some ideas to paper and I'm going to be searching high and low for ideas and the pieces I want to have in this very me sort of space.  And I am going to be looking at Modani, which has 10 showrooms in the country, one not too far from me in Chicago.  So more on that later!

 


  This is another table that I managed to keep simple and neat.  Ha!  A big departure for my non~minimalist style.





 front porch is just a simple mix of the rainbow mums I told you about in my last post, and some pansies I found at the same garden center.  A few pumpkins from my grocery.  I'm spraying the pumpkins with Pledge furniture polish and it's a tried and true remedy for keeping the squirrels away from them.  My neighbors either think I am crazier as ever out there spraying the pumpkins...or wondering how the heck I can keep pumpkins with the rodents everywhere.  My little secret.  And yours.  And this is the first time I ever made an urn filled with plants.  I hope it looks okay.  It was a challenge.  








But, we feel happy and content.   While the looming surgery is always floating in and out of my mind, I look to the sleepy dogs for comfort, the fires going strong, and the sound of The Husband shouting and clapping upstairs.  My hands felt so good a few days ago that I decided to sleep without the gloves...maybe everything was getting better.  I awoke the next morning with no feeling whatsoever in my fingertips, they were swollen beyond belief and the slightest movement of my wrists was excruciating.  So, that's how afraid I am...I thought maybe things were better and  I could postpone everything.  Nope.  The gloves at night help me make it through the day.  I brought up two bags of my laundry, the whole hamper, and I've got that done and folded.  Both houses are neat and clean.  We're leaving tomorrow at noon and I will have nothing to do but shower, rest and prowl around in my robe.  Oh, maybe a quick DIY pedi.  ;-)  My surgery is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. Monday morning.  Piece of cake!

I'm ready to get cooking...boneless pork ribs, fresh steamed broccoli and two huge, beautiful acorn squashes with butter and brown sugar!

So I'm off.  I will try hard to get back to blogging soon.  You have all sent so many good wishes, don't feel you need to do that again.  Tell me what you've done to pretty everything up for fall.  Do you have pumpkins?  Do you like the weird colored ones?!  Any suggestions for the Woman Cave?  Okay...how about...if you were going to do a Woman Cave for yourself, name one thing you would have to have in it!  Please! :)

Much love to all,

Jane xx 

55 comments:

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane,

love your porch with the pumpkins and mums. Never heard of spraying Pledge on the pumpkins to keep away squirrels. Will have to try that! Every time I used corn stalks in front of my home, they always eat the corn!

Enjoy your weekend!

Leslie said...

Prayers that the surgery goes well and that you are back in the saddle soon. Tulo is a trip!! Sharky is the same way.. anytime there is water, he is in it. Your fall decorations look fantastic, I am loving the colorful staircase.

Stay warm!!!

Betsy Brock said...

best wishes and prayers for you on Monday and days after! Sounds like you are ready and everything is under control!

I love the weird colored pumpkins..the grey ones especially!

Debby said...

Yes you definitely need the surgery. Seriously mine was easy. The hard part is not to use the hand at all.since i had the injection for my trigger finger it doesn't hurt. It still locks. I have an appt. This week . Thinking of waiting before the surgery.
Our colors changed so quickly. And we had snow this morning. Beautiful flakes but so early.
Not much decorating here. Haven't been to the pumpkin patch yet...maybe on monday. Good luck. I will be praying for you.

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well with your surgery, no doubt that it will! I seem to always go overboard for Fall, Halloween and Xmas decorating, my favorite times of the year, can't seem to help myself! Yours looks just right to me! Never thought about it but I think my family room is my "woman" cave, it has all the things in it that make me happy, cozy and comfortable!
Rebecca

Julie Marie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TexWisGirl said...

good luck with the surgery! i hope all goes well!

i adore tulo. :)

your porch just spills color down the steps. :)

Helen said...

I am going to concentrate on you all day Monday! Send you tons of positive energy and healing mojo. (Should I tell you now that it was close to 80 degrees and sunny in Bend today? ). Probably not ....

Barbara F. said...

I decorated for fall too, mums and pumpkins outside, a little decor inside. I do not get crazy anymore as no one really sees it except me. Good luck Monday on your surgery. I am sure you will do great! As far as a lady cave, I would love a chair that does a mean back massage! And a small fridge for chilling wine, cider, bottles of water!

Julie Marie said...

Okay, I was not happy with my first comment, so I deleted it, just didn't sound right!... your porch is gorgeous and I love those tables with your fall decor inside... I know what you mean about all the remotes!... why DO they need so many???... the dogs look adorable in the water... and as always, your dinner sounds delish!... cannot wait to see your beautiful retreat you create for yourself... we all need a special sanctuary that reflects the many things we love... a quiet place to escape to... sending lots of happy thoughts and many prayers for you on Monday... xoxo... Julie Marie

Linda said...

God speed on your surgery!!! You will be well represented with prayers from all over the world! Piece of cake!
LOVE where YOU are!!! Fires! Cold! Rain! My doors and windows are open and I am cleaning up from the recent storm. LOTS of 'kindling'is littering the driveway! I cleaned and filled all my oil lamps so we will be ready for the NEXT power outtage!!
Thinking of you.....

Simply LKJ said...

Praying for you Jane! A quote I relied heavily on the past few weeks is "I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow." Praying for healing and a speedy recovery! Love all your fall decor.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Jane, I had bilateral surgery on my wrists in 1998. Didn't take long at all to get well. Just wish I didn't have so much overall arthritis in my hands. For a woman cave, well, that's my whole apartment. What would I want in it? Not a TV. Books on bookshelves. Lots of books and magazines.
Brenda

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

If I had a woman cave, I would want all the things I love that you feel you cannot have with the husband.
A restful chaze to read on. A comfortable chair to curl up in. My computer, TV and sewing machine. Lots of books and magazines and a fireplace. If you don't have one in the room they have those great ones that look like a fireplace but are electric. I have one and love it! They give off a wonderful glow. Of course lots of light streaming in the windows.
Prayers are coming your way for the surgery and I know you will do fine. Wish I lived close, would come over and take care of you.
Your porch looks great.
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs
Mary

20 North Ora said...

Hi Jane - just know that I will be praying for your surgery and a quick recovery. Sounds like you are having a nice, cozy and relaxing weekend. Good for you!

I do have a woman cave consisting of my big screen tv, two sewing machines, my computer and bolts and bolts of gorgeous fabric!

Be thinking of you on Monday. Take care and don't overdo!

Judy

Unknown said...

Love your décor. It looks so good! Sending you best wishes and positive thoughts for your surgery. I'm sure you will do fine. Take care!!

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I would have to have a big comfy down filled chair with hassock in the "woman cave"...a pretty one.

I love all your Fall decor. I brought most of my own out this year, too. Last year I didn't get so much done...this year..I am late because I didn't want to give up on Summer.

Praying that your surgery goes well, Jane. ANY kind of surgery is always scary. You will do fine though- you're a trooper.

LOL at the blinged up pumpkin. See, I would have felt guilty and given her the pumpkin. lol

Have a great rest of the weekend- xo Diana

Balisha said...


God must be up there...scratching his head and saying, "Who is this woman that they are all praying for? She must be one special lady." Well, that's what you are....we will all miss you till you are back again.
Hugs, Balisha

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Opps, best of luck with your surgery too!

Melanie said...

Your porch looks so pretty with the pumpkins and mums. Woman cave...that's the entire house, isn't it? ;-) Though I use what was Phil's room as my "office"...no TV, as I'm not much of a TV watcher. I have my desk with my papers in it, all my scrapbooking stuff organized in the closet, a bookcase with my favorite books and magazines on it, some favorite tchotckes, a table with plants on it, a comfy chair for blogging. Prayers will be going up for you on Monday for a successful surgery.

Mary said...

Looks fabulous for Fall Jane - you did good!
I too have been playing 'pumpkin here, pumpkin there' - they just get prettier each year.

Good wishes for Monday dear, know all will go well and you will be without that awful pain, at least in the first hand. Behave yourself and do what the doctor tells you - and let everyone wait on you, time to rest.

Our love and best wishes - Mary & Bob XX



Poppy said...

Jane, the cabin sounds so cozy. There's something so comforting about a rainy day, with the fireplace going, something scrumptious simmering, and...a cast iron pot moisturizing the air, (and the skin!). Why not infuse that water with a cinnamon stick, a piece or two of orange peel, and some cloves? The scent is spicy sweet and very reminiscent of fall flavours and scents.

Your porch is very pretty, and those Pledge patina pumpkins will continue to 'shine', I'm sure, into winter!

Prayers for your upcoming surgery; keep wearing those gloves!

xx
Poppy

SImple and Serene Living said...

Hi Jane, Somehow in my peripheral neuropathy haze I missed your surgery post. I am so happy that you are having a relaxing weekend and I will be praying for a speedy recovery from the surgery. xo Laura

Rita C at Panoply said...

Hi Jane, wow, I have been MIA on so much blog reading, but we're on a vacay now, so I'm trying to get caught up. Keep the faith for a successful outcome on your surgery, and try not to get too frustrated with the recovery. Use of your hands may be slow, but you'll do well, I'm sure.

I was so busy with that barn sale it was hard to do much else for decorating, but when we return home I'll be happy to just ease into fall.

If I were doing a cave, I think I'd get myself a nice, comfy "de-constructed" chair, much like RH sells, but I'd try to get my upholsterer to do it for me with one I already love. I'd cover it in European linen sheets. And then I'd commission a friend to make me a floor lamp of insanely thick rope. Then I'd decorate with my vintage purses (mesh probably), lots of throws, and fresh flowers. :)

I'll be praying for you! XO
Rita

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Fun post and LOL the poor husband with his side table area taken away for decor :)

everything looks wonderful and I was shivering right along with you there for awhile :)

Take care and be sure your family takes care of YOU :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! I just love visiting you and reading all about your happenings! The fall around your place looks wonderful. Your porch and steps - looks like a page from a magazine! Love it with the little scattered leaves.
Take care and you're always a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

We were out in that blustery, cold weather tailgating for 6 hours then a 8:00 football game - but no worries - I dressed warm and had my stadium blanket on my lap and was very cozy :-)

Pretty flowers and pumpkins Jane - so cozy!

Susie said...

Blondie, I love the colorful steps into your home. The mantle is nice too. I have been lucky the squirrels have not eaten anything here. Too much corn in the fields and along the roads,I guess. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, love your Fall decorating, the front door steps look wonderful with the pumpkins and mums. . Sending prayers all goes well my friend. Blessings Francine.

Debbie said...

Thanks for the advice about the Pledge. We have those puffy tailed rodents all over the place this year! Bella tries to keep them treed, but as soon as she comes inside, those devils are all over the place again!!
Your steps look so cute with all your Autumnal decorations inviting guests into your lovely decorated home, Jane.
LOVE the blingy pumpkin caper! If looks could kill, huh?! lol.
You sound so happy, and content up at the lake with your sweetie pie this weekend. Warms my heart to think of you enjoying yourself so much, dear friend.
I'll be thinking of you as you head to surgery tomorrow. God be with you!
Love you.
Debbie
xo

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
Love the steps, I haven't found any rainbow mums on my outings. I have orange mums. Now the pledge tip is a new one for me. I have been using white vinegar on my white pumpkins and hot sauce on my orange ones. But it needs to be reapplied after rain. The squirrel that hangs out on my steps is an insane cute small one with blue nails. I think he thinks he's my pet because whenever I work outside he sits on our stacked stone flower beds and watches me. Yes I keep my distance but this crazy squirrel all Summer lays in the low English bird bath and enjoys his soak.

All your vignettes looks pretty. I have my own girl cave, it is my sitting/reading room. John doesn't really sit up there. I have my favorite lounge chair (LC4) up there and a small French settee and tons of books. Under the skylight I can draw, write or read and be in the quiet of my thoughts. Yeah the room is opened up but sometimes all you need for a girls private spot is a little nook or comfortable chair. Can't wait to see what you do in your own special girlie spot.

Jane I will say a prayer for your surgery and really give the hand (one at a time, right) time to heal. I wish I hadn't waited until it was too late for surgery. So whenever I overuse my wrists be it in artwork or chores I wind up relaxing on the sofa watching TV with my wrist immobilzers on. You made a wise thought out decision and I'll be sending you healing air kisses from Philly.
XOXO,
Vera

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Let's see...in my woman cave, I would have to have a big, comfy chair with something to put my feet up on. I would also love a big picture window. :) Your rainbow mums look gorgeous! Prayers for tomorrow, sweet friend!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Sending you good wishes anyway, Jane! : ) I'll bet you are glad to have everything in order before your surgery, too. I hope you got to laze around a bit today.

Lori E said...

A woman cave!!! Yes. A chaise lounge is mandatory. It needs a wonderful, soft throw and some great cushions on it. A reading lamp beside it and a table big enough to hold a coffee/tea cup or a glass of wine and a snack.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
As always I enjoy reading your blog and I always love how your writing has such warmth and reality.
If I had a woman cave it would be totally shabby chic with a big cushy sofa in white full of pillows that aren't thrown on the floor because the men in my house don't like them! I would have ruffles and bling all over the place and gorgeous mirrors and floral chairs. I'd hang prom dresses on the walls and have an area for crafting. It would be so girly that it would scare a man to enter!
On the serious side I want you to know that I pray that all goes well with your surgery. I'll be thinking of you. Be sure and keep us updated on your progress. Sit back, relax and have your family wait on you hand and foot!

hugs
Sissie

Vel Criste said...

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery dear Jane. Love all your simple Fall vignettes. :-)

Theresa said...

I will be praying as you go thru the surgery and the healing afterwards! Your Fall decorations are looking absolutely beautiful! Love the steps:) Enjoy your evening and you can count on me to be praying for you!

cathy@my1929charmer said...

Your porch is looking good girl, and I'm liking the minimalist fall look...as I look around my crowded room I think I should follow along. I know how unnerving surgery can be...it is very stressful and scary to have surgery. I'll keep you in my prayers... and take care of yourself. If you need anything give me a holler! I could bring take out lunch.

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I am catching up with friends tonight. I wanted you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers that your surgery goes well. fall of the year is my favorite time of the year. I love traveling and seeing the fall color. I love your fall decorations and congratulations on being an expectant grandmother. Just remember that when they arrive it is your responsibility to spoil them. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Beautiful fall photos, Jane...and I'm sending good thoughts and prayers your way! Get some pampering and feel better soon!

Gypsy Heart said...

Everything looks so pretty! The temps have been in the high 80's or 90's here until Thursday evening. A storm blew through but thank God, no damage here. Some people are still without power and had a lot of damage.

Will be praying for you tomorrow as well as for the medical team. Take good care and don't rush things!

xo
Pat

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Hope your surgery goes well! Love your fall porch and thanks for the Pledge tip!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Kathleen Grace said...

Can you really ever have too much décor for Autumn? Fall is so lush, I think our decorating should be lush too, and yours is, especially the porch. Beautiful!

Scribbler said...

Hope your surgery goes well!

Doreen@househoneys said...

Thinking about you today my friend! Hope all went well?!

One thing I would have to have in my woman cave would be a deep, comfy down filled chair, big enough for Clooney to cuddle next to me. But since that ingrate is now taken, I'll settle for Fisherman. ;)

Traci said...

Prayers for your surgery! The puppies are so cute!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your porch looks awesome, Jane! I've been "over-doing" Fall thru Thanksgiving for a few years now, and may have close to as much "stuff" for this season as I do for Christmas -- YIKES! I really planned to do a "less is more" kind of decorating this year, but that just didn't work for me. Besides, we are having really close friends from OR here for the month of Nov. -- well, not here in our home but they are renting one in our neighborhood, so they will be here for Thanksgiving! I was so happy when I realized (as I started my Faux Fall Fantasy in late August) that it would be up for three full months! Realizing that just allowed me to throw caution to the wind and pull out every pumpkin, gourd & silk Fall leaf in my arsenal. Thankfully, we have finally started to cool down, which means we start planting flowers and spending more time outside. Oh, I do so love this time of year!

I'm so thrilled you are going to create a "Woman Cave!" I call mine the "Momma Cave." The #1 thing I wish I had room for in my tiny space is a comfy chair & ottoman. I do realize that if I had that, my hubby might go hungry or have any clean clothes, because I would never want to leave my "Momma Cave!"

I do hope everything went well this past Monday. I look forward to hearing from you when you are all healed -- just don't rush it!

sandy said...

Hi Blondie! Thank you so much for your kind comment! The lake house sounds wonderful despite the cold and putting the pot of water on the stove for humidity is very smart too. And too funny about your hubby having all those remotes and having to keep his books on the floor now.

I've never heard of the pledge for keeping squirrels away, but sounds good to me. lol your neighbors must think you like shiny pumpkins with no dust lol, neighbors can be so annoying and nosy can't they? your porch looks outstanding!! i love it!

and yes, i keep pansies too in the winter, they look so fragile, but they are so strong.

i love the photos of the road and the withered corn, i really do. oh and your woman cave sounds wonderful!

ooooh, i will have to read further to find out about the surgery. I hope you are okay and I will send prayers :)

xo
sandy

sandy said...

lol @ melanie describing the whole house as a woman cave lol

bj said...

I love all your beautiful fallness..
Prayers for you, dear Blondie...

Maria Elena said...

Jane, love all your Fall touches! Your porch looks so pretty.Praying all is well with your surgery. Take care, dear friend. Maria

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my word, I loved seeing all those fabulous mums in the car. Your Fall decor is gorgeous.

Bluebird49 said...

Oh, Jane--- what a sweet post this was. It made me hurt to hear of your hands hurting without your 'night-gloves' on!;(

Fibromyalgia + TMJ have been rearing their ugly heads at my house for 2 whole weeks. I-like you-am ready and waiting for "painless days"!
love ya-
Trudy

Babs said...

Jane, I'm so sorry that I forgot that you were having surgery on your hand, but glad you're on the mend. Sounds like you have lots of family and friends taking good care of you. Your porch is so cute for fall and I just recognized your pottery jack-o-lantern. Take care and have a good week.

PETAR said...

This is interesting. Thanks for sharing fabulous information.