Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Halloween has officially arrived over here!

As the nights get longer and cooler, one thing settles on my mind is – Halloween and Halloween decor. This time of year is lovely for the fall cornucopias, corn stalks, and other fall decor, but Halloween decorations bring out the spooky fun!

I had a good time mixing and mingling a few fall touches with some spooky Halloween. Yes, I’m young at heart and a Halloween enthusiast! So, I’m thrilled to share my Halloween look this year. I had way too much fun styling this little area & nook near the front foyer of my house. With not a lot of locations to style Halloween … I used a small table and an antique chair that I painted black and recovered in brown cowhide.

I started with some pumpkins, a candle stick, and a vase filled with some dried branches. I think that the pumpkins added a rich pop of color to the vignette.

Since I love the moody, dark, spooky Halloween vibes, I layered on the Halloween accents – The more the merrier when it came to the accent pieces (skulls, a bony hand, crows, and books for potions) and other fall decor including some twinkling lights. I loaded up my space with Halloween just to get those spooky Halloween vibes.

My final layer was adding in the candles, like a black candle with a drippy look. I used a single black candle in a empty wine bottle and several mercury votives for the spooky ambiance. I feel like the candles brought the whole look together and finished up my spooky Halloween.

Witches Corner – Come sit for a spell.

With a little extra time, my Halloween vignette has evolved with some extra inspiration from my witches feet.

For this witch’s corner I imagined what a witch might have in her front foyer. I felt this little area needed a bit more of a moody vibe so I added a large ornate, black framed mirror, a witches broom, and a witches hat. Like, this is where a witch might leave her outdoor riding gear.

I came up with a broom, books for spells, a chair in a nook, a blanket, pumpkins, a layering of skulls, candles, & of course her pointy shoes among her decor & things like we all love.

I would like to think that they key to having a great Halloween look is layering. The layering of different items and the glow from candles and twinkle lights adds to to the great spooky vibe.

This was so much fun for me to create and think outside of my normal comfort zone.

I loved dressing up my home with wicked, whimsical touches and spooky settings.

“When Black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween.”

A little wild west stylin’ for some wild west livin.’

Happy Halloween!

Monday, October 12, 2020

For autumn and the holidays – I’m all about flowers, candles, cozy, and the magic this combo makes. The twinkle of the candle light ambiance is pretty much a favorite evening thing.

Just keep it simple!

Today this is all about an autumn centerpiece with florals that I received as a gift.

I am sharing a few photos of my autumn centerpiece with orange candles, white pumpkins, black branches and these rustic and refound branding iron candle holders.

The flowers were the gift the crystal vase is my own.

This all started with the autumn florals and rustic branding iron candle holders

with orange candles.

I then layered on the copper votives, creepy black branches, and white pumpkins.

This was all so simple to create! Most everything I had on hand. I DIYed the black branches (sagebrush). The most recent purchase to it all were the white pumpkins.

A Bit of Whimsey

Since it is almost Halloween…

I loved adding a bit of Halloween ambiance to an elegant setting with the use of the black branches. I love how it adds a whimsical and spooky feel.

I’m a DIYer at heart, so if I can create a look without spending a dime, I will.

AND I Love Halloween decor!

With the black branches, pumpkins on the table and flickering candles… just sets the mood and adds a bit of magic and charm. Maybe a little classy Halloween.

Sometimes simplicity is best!

A little wild west stylin’ for a little wild west livin’

Happy Monday!!!

Monday, September 28, 2020

Happy Autumn Folks!

Nothing like being fashionably late to the party!

The Autumn party that is.

If you see any of my stuff, you know that I’m a huge DIYer. I love creating with the rustic side of things. I love most anything rustic! Concrete can be pretty rustic. I enjoy creating centerpieces for my dining table using the inexpensive to showcase a bit of obsession I have with flowers.

So I created a cement bowl using a plastic jack-o-lantern.

This was not my DIY idea but a borrowed idea from @toni_marianna.

You must check her out on Instagram.

This all began with a plastic jack-o-lantern candy holder from Walmart that I cut in half to create the mold. I cut the plastic pumpkin into two equal pieces, vertically from top to bottom, using yard shears and scissors. Following the steps from @toni_marianna, I taped the plastic jack-o-lantern back together on the outside. Using cooking oil, I greased the mold liberally and the plastic glass as well. I mixed my cement Quick-Crete in a small bucket, following the directions on the bag, and poured it into the plastic jack-o-lantern, about three quarters full. I then used a plastic glass to create the hollowed center.

I filled the glass with rocks to weight it down.

My pumpkin, when dry, has air pockets. Although I tapped the outside of the mold after the concrete was poured I still had the air pockets. It was recommended to use FastSet, All-Crete. You probably wouldn’t get the air pockets with this type of mortar mix.

I removed the mold after the top was dry and very firm. I recommend that you grease/oil up your mold and glass very well before using. The glass in the center did not remove as planned and I had to break the glass to remove it.

With my cement pumpkin complete and ready to decorate with… I bought some grocery store flowers. I recommend that you use a jar or vase to place in the hole to hold water. Notice that I have a plastic cup placed in the hole. Hardened cement will not hold water due to it’s porous surface and it will pass through it and will leave water marks on furniture.

A Table Centerpiece

Using my grocery store flowers I styled them the best way possible for my dining table.

This wasn’t an expensive bouquet just $12.00 in all. I picked this bouquet for the sunflower.

Sunflowers are happy flowers. They add warmth to a room. They really do bring such a warm smile to a room and even on their own- amazing.

Those orange- yellow, red, and white blooms are bright and sunny!

Just what my concrete jack needed.

Adding some candles for the ambiance…

Using my branding iron candle holders with orange candles, I added copper votives and some old found brown bottles with candles for a bit of a moody vibe.

Now if these branding irons aren’t a bit of rustic and refound! I wonder how much cow hide the scorched in their day???

I think it all worked well with my rustic Jack.

Now, this is my kind of autumn styling!

I hope you enjoyed my post. Thanks for stopping to check it out.

A little wild west stylin’ for some wild west livin’

Happy Autumn!

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Happy September folks!

With this month well under way and fall just being days away, I have to say that Fall is on my list of being maybe my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change. I love the cooler temperatures, and everything pumpkin.

Since moving into our new house, I have been getting impatient about working on adding those Autumn touches that include pumpkins.

Since I haven’t ventured out to find real pumpkins or baby boo pumpkins to add to my autumn decor. I improvised using what was on hand.

I added some Fall Kitchen decor on a budget.

One of my favorite ways to decorate is by using some of my own rustic and refound, like the rustic wooden pumpkin.

I wandered outdoors and foraged the natural element of dried grasses and added them to a white pitcher for contrast.

I think the golden color of the natural grasses adds to the autumn feel.

I added some copper votives and tossed in a plaid napkin for a simple look. (I might add that the copper votives are from Walmart in the bridal section. They cost around $12.00 for a dozen.) This is a very inexpensive way to add the fall look to your home. Leaves, apples, and grasses are great options to add around in your decor to make it cozy & homey.

Autumn in the Pantry

You might have noticed that I kind of lean towards the traditional colors of autumn. Those warm, rich colors of orange, rust, and the tones of copper. Yes, copper. I have fallen in love with the warmth that copper adds to that fall touch. I especially love decorating with copper in an all-white pantry. Copper really adds warmth and gives the space a pop!

Again, I added my rustic and refound wooden pumpkin, apples from the grocery store & remaining greenery from a bouquet of flowers sent to me a few weeks back.

I love to sprinkle a touch of those warm tones with the pale neutral colors.

I think that my pantry will become a favorite spot for styling dishes for the season. With it’s wide open space and many shelves, it will be big on charm and a great place to add loads of hidden character to the various dishes on display. For now, I’m loving the rich colors that copper adds to my collection of white serve ware.

So if you are a fan of copper for autumn like I am – it is so easy to incorporate those delicious tones in your decor.  Checkout those copper mugs! I can’t wait to serve up some hot cocoa. I think those copper mugs might make a great vase for a few flowers too!;)

I just might be on the hunt for more copper to add to my collection.

I hope I’ve given you some inspiration for budget decorating for autumn and using copper in your own home!

Happy Saturday!

Friday, August 21, 2020

“Your heart knows the way, run in that direction.” ~Rumi

Creating a simple summer gathered arrangement.

I love creating. Creating something is fuel for my soul.

Some weeks back I created a gathered/foraged arrangement without spending a dime.

Today, I spent a whole $ 4.99 on a few pink grocery store roses to add a bit more pretty and sophistication to my foraged arrangement.

This arrangement is similar to one that I completed a few weeks back.

Vegetation I used:

• Russian Olive branches
• Scotch Thistle
• Timothy grass
• Grocery store roses

First, Find fresh inspiration from colors you love.

I grabbed a large assortment of greens of large branches of the Russian Olive. I cut some different branches with variations of green.

Begin with the chunky greenery adding it to your bucket or container.

None of my florals were planned out. I used what inspired me.

I then added the second gathered element, the Scotch Thistle. I randomly placed the prickly stems here and there for eye appeal.

Adding the pink grocery store roses just added that extra punch of color and sophistication,

Mix it in to see how it comes out.

With just a little more personality…

To add a bit more character, I added some timothy grass. I love the way the dried grass contrasts with the soft green of the Russian Olive leaves, pink roses, and purple blooms of the Scotch Thistle.

Customize your arrangement to what’s available & to what you like.

It might look a little wild & wooly, but I like it!

I feel like these arrangements are a little like me – not so perfect & little unruly;)

I like the fact that not all the branches are even & the greenery is a bit off balance. Remember, that customizing your arrangement any way you would like is also key. Let your personality shine through.

Foraging for local, wild plants is easy and it’s free!

Anyhow, it was a treat to throw this together & I hope it inspires you to get creative during these unique times.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

“Oh the things you can find, if you don’t stay behind!”

Dr. Seuss

Summer. Is. On and it’s been HOT!

When the mountains are calling…

To escape the heat we often take a trip into the mountains for a summer “stretch.”

My husband and I like to hike the mountains.

I guess my feet know where they want to go.

However a little more than a babbling brook.

I love listening to the relaxing sound of running water.

With beautiful sights and sounds to relax your senses…

Just follow your feet.

Happy Tuesday All!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

― William Morris

If you haven’t noticed, I don’t sell anything here.

I do make some things that are my style, “Go – to” rustic and refound.

Today, I just want to share some photos of items that may belong to some of my “Favorites.”

If I were selling you on something, I guess it would have to be on things you put in your house that you would find to be useful, and believe to be beautiful.

After much searching through some pretty famous & legendary bloggers who sell nothing but their beautiful photos, homes, finds, and life styles I thought I would just share some of my favorite finds.

A Little Wooden Stool

A favorite… I”m talking about little wood stools.
Painted, natural, or simple – You know the ones that come in all shapes and sizes. The ones that you can’t seem to get enough of and are absolute treasures setting nearly anywhere. The kind that Moves. All. Over. The. Place. The kind of stool that can hold some pretty yellow roses with a pink trim while I snapped a few photos.

Chairs, chairs, chairs… junking treasures.

Old chairs and roses, a couple of my favorites, just seemed to go together for photo snap.

Yep, I have thing for old chairs. Some of my favorites,

I love flowers! Roses, lilacs, peonies… the list goes on.

Both are beautiful!

A Little Rustic and Refound

Old galvanized metal and wood stirrups are another of my favorites. Holding napkins and charm for a fun table scape or on your kitchen counter.

Salvaged and repurposed for additional use.

“The true secret of happiness lies in the taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”

-William Morris

Moore Favorites

Flowers and candles…

Flowers serve to make us happy and candlelight adds the ambiance!

Oh, I have more. Without getting crazy…

Just a few of my favorite style elements.

I hope this inspires you to tuck some pretty and functional into your home.

Happy Tuesday!

Friday, July 17, 2020

Today it is all about ideas for creating a foraged arrangement.

You know I like most things rustic, even with brambles and blooms.

I’m all about simple beauty these days.

While out on a walk around my property I ran across some blooming Scotch thistle. It is an invasive plant that I’m not really loving as it grows in a couple of spots around the edge of my property. However, Scotch thistle has the prettiest purple bloom. Scotch thistle is covered in the most unfriendly prickly leaves.

This wild and prickly plant with it’s bright purple flower inspired me to create a foraged centerpiece.

Loving flowers as I do, I can’t always make a run to the grocery store just for flowers.

Taking my trimmers I headed out to the “back forty.”

The work began to look for something to accompany this prickly bloom.

I clipped and gathered an abundance of Russian Olive branches,

timothy grasses, and the Scotch thistle blooms.

Using the natural elements and a bucket I started to create a foraged arrangement.

A Little Shaggy, a Little Fun

They say that when it comes to foraged arrangements – anything goes. There is no specific foliage, branches, blooms etc to use- it is whatever you find and you can put together to enjoy.

However it all depends on what is in season, looks beautiful, and catches your eye.

Green Day

This arrangement is all about being “green” and using what you have on hand.

An abundance greens can be beautiful too – perfect on their own. 

Today, I just added that pop of purple.

When it comes to creating an arrangement use what you find just outside your door.

Something fun too is to see how the trees and plants inspire you differently during the seasons and changes.

Sometimes it is the bare branches with nothing else that are perfect.

Other times it is flowers and trees in leaf and bloom. 

Since I’m not a rule follower, I kind of like things a little more on the non-traditional side.

Anything goes- start looking outside in your yard or an open field for some greenery and flowers to make a beautiful floral arrangement.

Creating a foraged arrangement is a way to bring a little bit of nature inside without spending money on cut flowers or having to leave home. 

Do you have a bush, tree, or flower growing in your yard or in a field near you? 

So much fun gathering and creating ……the results are amazing!

 Maybe in the future, I’ll be making a DIY foraged wreath or a garland. 

Thanks for stopping for a visit!

Happy Friday!

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Welcome to summer travels!

Moore Adventure

Since vacations out of state are limited we did take the fourth of July weekend to spend it visiting sights in our own state and area.

We took a road trip for a bit of adventure into the Jarbidge Mountains.

This trip was way overdue!

We have been isolated and cooped up for far too long!

This trip has become an annual adventure. So this year we added a tent, bedroll and some camping equipment.

Quite frankly I was ready to go!

With huge and majestic views the wilderness was relaxing and awe-inspiring!

Everywhere you looked your sights were full,

From grand Mountain views, lush mountain meadows, wild fauna,

to grazing sheep our trip was full of adventure.

While standing on top of a Nevada Mountain, we looked out into Idaho.

I literally stood and soaked up the sunshine and views.

Nothing like the health benefits of the fresh air and the great outdoors!

Camp

We set up our little tent in a grassy grove below some towering aspen.

At camp I spotted some pretty blooms,

and if you know me, you know I’m going to

stop for a photo.

Camp included this way cool fireplace chimney tucked in lush greenery…

and a full running mountain stream.

I wish I had asked the local mountain residents about the fireplace chimneys.

Is there a rich history of these stone structures?

I would like to have thought so.

Mountain Florals

The flowers were blooming away.

When I was a kid I called these flowers ‘cow cabbage.’

I remember cows grazing among the large leaves.

I don’t remember where I got the name for these wild flowers that look like yellow daises.

If you are looking for some great outdoor adventure and the mountains are calling,

I encourage you to go.

There are plenty of roads and natural beauty to see.

Take in the sights and soak up the beauty.

I would highly recommend going if you feel you would enjoy seeing it.

Happy Weekend!

Quite often you’ll find me where the wild things are.