Falling for Fall

So I'm on deadline with the magazine. So, I decided right in the middle of sitting for hours on end, staring at a computer screen, to get up, turn up the music and start decorating for fall! Sometimes, you just have to do it. It did help to take a break...really. Here are my results...I didn't go all out for Halloween as I usually do, but once my son helps out, I'm sure we will add to the scene.
Also, some real fall scenes from a recent hike and farm visit in Ohio.

Here's the farm where my son worked for a bit:

 These are from a beautiful hike we did at Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

Yard Sale Scores!

I only went to two yards sales and struck gold. My sole purpose was to get a nightstand for my son's room and I found one at the first sale for, get this, $5. A beautiful (well, it needs some work) mid-century, solid wood piece for $5! I have plans for him...

Got this sweet set for my bathroom to replace my "5 Below" trash can.

These antique match holders were so pretty, I had to get them. One for me, one for my shop!

A sweet rocking chair for $1. I plan on painting it for my school's silent auction -- this year or next year. Probably next year.

Finally, I saw these chairs, but had to pass...really hard as they were $2 each...yes, that's right. Needed to be recovered that's why...what? So gorgeous.

I also got a cake stand (I have a thing for them), and two purses (brand new). What a day! I spent a total of $30.

Color Me Something

I'm on the hunt for paint colors again. I want to paint my oldest son's room. Next week, he is moving back to the Boston area (where he went to school). I am sad, but I know that's what will make him happy. Maybe if I paint it, he'll stay? No way; he's got a gal up there and a job interview.

Anyway, right now his room is very dark. Black bookshelves, black bed (which I love) and maroon and beige walls (high school colors) so I want to lighten it up by painting the walls. It will now be a guest room for my son and whomever (unless my youngest wants it).

Maybe a light greenish blue, light grayish blue, light aqua blue...not sure...any help?


It has to look good with black because I am NOT painting an entire wall of bookshelves. Anyway, it will be a while...
All images are from my Pinterest board: Home Inspirations where you can find sources.

Kitchen Kravings

After almost 18 years, I'm craving a new kitchen....or at least an updated one! There's really nothing wrong with it, except the cabinets are getting faded and worn, the countertop is getting a little stained (although, for a laminate countertop...it's really held up well.  Nevarmar®is the brand) and I really, really want to put a cooktop in my island where I can spread out and cook. However, the reality is that I've got my son's college loans to pay off, the cars are getting older and I am working full-time so I don't have time to DIY. So, I'm just going to dream...humor me and enjoy:
This one has a sink on the island instead of a cooktop, but, I could live with that!

Now, this is a cooktop island!



Love this for a pantry...I actually priced getting these types of doors...out of this gal's budget!

Love the soft colors in this kitchen and those cabinets...
This isn't actually my taste, but wouldn't it be nice to have all of that space?



All images are from my Pinterest boards so you can find the sources there under Dream Home or Kitchens.

Scenes from Shenandoah

We spent the past week in Shenandoah, VA...hiking through Shenandoah National Park trails, driving on Skyline Drive, hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail, kayaking, fishing and sort of relaxing. Even though our accommodations were less than stellar (well, the setting was serene and beautiful).
Looking at the house from the outside was great. It was a beautiful property right across from the South Fork of Shenandoah River. When we entered, we were greeted with air freshener and potpourri (a big sign that they were hiding some kind of smell). It turned out to be the musty smell of an old house. The house was probably more than 100 years old and it was kind of furnished that way, too. It only had one bathroom ...on the first floor, so those of us who need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night had quite the hike. The house was situated was RIGHT next to a railroad track and that also posed quite a problem for sleeping. When the train went past, the entire upstairs shook (my son actually thought there was an earthquake the first time!). Needless to say, didn't get much sleep. Halfway through the week, our bathroom door fell off the hinges causing us to scream, "don't come in the family room, I'm taking a shower" or "going to the bathroom!"
However, accommodations aside, the trip was pretty cool. Beautiful scenery, great and strenuous hikes and nice family time (although my husband was only there for 1-1/2 days and my oldest was only there for 2 days). Had quality time with the other two.
On our way down we visited the famous Luray Caverns and my youngest did a ropes course. See the brave boy to the right...
As I said, we did a lot of hiking, mostly to summit the two tallest peaks in the park -- Hawkbill Mtn. and Stoney Man Mtn. We also attempted Old Rag Mountain -- a very strenuous hike, which we weren't prepared for (one bottle of water each...what?!) We made it almost to the top, but after hiking straight uphill for about 4-5 miles over rocks and very steep inclines, we came to a huge rock scramble that required a lot of strength to finish. Sadly, we had to turn around...and "Miss fitness" here was the reason...seriously, I just couldn't do it and I am determined to go back and prove to the boys that I can (I know I can), but next time, I'm bringing a ton of water and energy bars....cooler weather will also help, but darn it, I'm determined! Here are some scenes from the mountain tops...and beautiful waterfalls along the way.

Well, school starts next week and I have a week's worth of work to catch up on, but these photos will always be a great memory.

Nature's Magic

My youngest and I took a little trip this week -- back to my hometown to visit my mom who just had surgery. We left early Sunday so we could take a little detour to one of my favorite places -- Ohio Pyle, PA. Above, the fog was settling in as we drove.
Here are some scenes from our visit.
Below: a natural water slide. The water was too high so we didn't venture into it (it was also very cold).

Mapping out a trail.

Above, a tree growing out of the rocks and below some scenes from Cucumber Falls:

 Can't wait to go back.