This and That

How was your week?

We have had the best autumn weather with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. 

I’ve been enjoying the outdoors as much as I can, knowing that the days will be colder and wet in another couple of weeks.

Now that we’ve been home for a couple of weeks, I’ve started to slow down and really take the fall season in — pumpkin spice lattes, pretty dried flowers throughout the cottage,  and the fall pumpkins tucked in every planter and garden pathway outdoors.

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Dried Flowers Everywhere

I’m so in love with dried flowers this time of year. They bridge the gap between summer’s bright colors and fall’s cozy tones so beautifully.

When we arrived home from our trip, celosia, strawflowers, artichokes, hydrangeas, statice, and eucalyptus were tucked everywhere!

I found them in the laundry room, kitchen, my office, even the shower and bathtub!

It felt like walking into a flower-filled treasure hunt.

I spent an afternoon this week sorting through them all and putting together arrangements for the house.

Fall Containers and Pumpkins

My outdoor containers are officially dressed for fall, filled with mums, kale, and trailing ivy.

I’ve also sprinkled pumpkins throughout the garden and on the porch — because can it ever really be fall without them?

My favorite part of the garden is the fall planters and containers filled with pumpkins, ornamental grasses, kale, cabbage, pansies, and violas.

I love the fall season planters even more than the ones growing in the summer months.

The colors are so vivid, and the pumpkins are a perfect touch.

Around the Fall Garden

The fall garden still looks great, with colorful asters, sedum ‘Autumn Joy,’ and euphorbia.

The dahlias are still exploding with color throughout the garden.

The zinnias took a huge hit with the rain the other day. They still look amazing as a group from afar, but many of them look a little ragged.

Homegrown Pumpkins from the Garden

There’s just something magical about growing your own pumpkins. It always feels like such a big accomplishment.

I didn’t have a huge harvest this year, but my friend Lori more than made up for it with her incredible front-yard pumpkin patch.

Just look at all those gorgeous colors and varieties she grew! It’s pure fall happiness. My favorite part? Every year, she invites her favorite kiddos to stop by and pick a pumpkin to take home. It’s the sweetest tradition.

The Great Dahlia Send-Off

This weekend was bittersweet.

I cut a majority of my dahlias, zinnias, and white cosmos to use in centerpieces for a community (The Longbranch Foundation) charity auction.

It’s always hard saying goodbye to these blooms after nurturing them all season, but knowing they helped brighten up the venue makes it so worth it.

I’ll share more about The Longbranch Foundation auction next week!

Check Out My New Rug

Revival Rugs Birthday Sale – 20% Off Sitewide!

You already know how much I LOVE Revival rugs — they’re the perfect blend of craftsmanship, natural texture, and timeless design.

This will be my 4th rug from Revival. I love how it brings warmth and charm to our little 1920 cottage kitchen (and stands up beautifully to Jax and Ollie’s paw traffic 🐾).

Reviva Rugs is celebrating its 8th birthday, and they’re giving us all a reason to join the party — 20% off sitewide now through October 26 with code HAPPY8

On the Blog

I’ve shared most of my fall blog posts with you already, so now it’s time to sprinkle in a little Christmas inspiration.

I know, I know—it might feel early to start thinking about trees and ornaments when Halloween hasn’t even arrived yet. But consider this your fast track to holiday creativity!

Getting a head start means you can plan your decor ideas now and truly enjoy the season once it arrives.

Using Natural Elements for Cozy Christmas Decor

Looking for the charm and coziness of nature this holiday season? I’ll show you how decorating for Christmas with natural elements can create a beautiful and rustic holiday feel…CONTINUE READING.

How to Mix Vintage and Modern Christmas Decor

Are you looking for ways to add a touch of magic and charm to your home this holiday season? I’ll show you how mixing vintage and modern Christmas decor can create an enchanting vibe for any space…CONTINUE READING.

Christmas Decorating Ideas for a Small Front Porch

Do you struggle with decorating your small porch during the winter holidays? I’ll share my favorite decorating ideas to spruce up your small porch for the fabulously festive Christmas season…CONTINUE READING.

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Closing Thoughts

As I look around the cottage now, filled with dried flowers and fall colors, I’m reminded how much joy there is in the small things — in pausing long enough to notice beauty as it changes, fades, and becomes something new.

Wishing you a gentle start to mid-October, full of cozy moments, warm cups of pumpkin spice lattes (or tea if you’re not a coffee drinker), and maybe a few blooms of your own to gather and enjoy.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,