Thanksgiving

Giving thanks... Thanksgiving. It's one of my favourite holidays because it involves family, friends & food without the pressure of gift giving.

Here are some photos from around the web to inspire my fall decor:

Sweet soft pumpkins I saw featured on House of Turquoise blog {photo courtesy of The Lettered Cottage}:

{ neutral plush pumpkins }

Loving the white pumpkins this year after seeing what Urban Grace's Erika Powell did with hers last year:

{ lacy loveliness }

Ethereal table setting seen on design*sponge last year:

{ Love & Fresh Floral's styling }

And more design*sponge inspiration:

{ styling by quince }

My sister, Leah, always has wonderful inspiration on her blog Tiddly Bits:

{ pumpkins & birdies & linen - oh my! }

My friends at Spread Love Events have a number of white pumpkins on their Pinterest boards:

{ cream & rusticated silver }

And you can't go wrong with a bit of orange & green thrown in the mix:

Last year I blogged about all I am grateful for. This year it is much the same. In the words of Raffi, all I really need is a "song in my heart, food in my belly & love in my family".

Back to School

September always feels like a fresh start to me... a clean slate. Almost more so than January 1st. The two big kids are back to school this year. Here are a few images from around the web to inspire those who are less inclined to get a kick out of the back~to~school~thing.

For those heading to uni or who just love books:

In case you need a little somethin' somethin' for the teach:

{ from One Charming Party online }

And to finish off some back to school bling:

{ from Design Mom }

Happy Back to School!

Warding off the Autumnal Chill

As the days grow shorter & cooler my thoughts turn to keeping cozy. How about curling up in front of one of these fireplaces with someone you love & a cup of steaming tea or a big glass o' vino. That ought to keep you warm.

This one is perfectly shabby & I love the assortment of odds & sods on the mantel. I would imagine that leaving a pile of half-read newspapers on the floor by your chair wouldn't be taboo in this home.

{ Photo Credit: Simon Brown Photography; featured in Desire to Inspire blog }

Or how about this fireplace in what looks like a bedroom in some country estate or farmhouse. You might never get me out of here!!!

{ Photo: Country Living Magazine }

What about this fireplace? Super contemporary but still manages to feel warm with the rough exposed brick wall & hearty wood floors.

{ Fireplace from Australian company Eco Green Fire }

Then there's this simple wood-burner featured in now defunct Domino Magazine. I love the juxtaposition of clean white of the shelving, table & Bertoia chair with the worn concrete (or is it stone?) on the mantel & the dark, almost black, wood floors. I'd be happy to spend my days in here making food.

{ Photo Credit: Domino Magazine }

And last, but certainly not least, is a fireplace featured in an ad from Ralph Lauren. Lots of candles? Check. Warm patina on fireplace, walls & furniture? Double check. I have a soft spot for wool sisal carpets so there, again, check. Plus, you'd feel confident that it would take a long time to run out of wood with that stockpile: CHECK!

{ Photo Credit: Ralph Lauren }

Where would you choose to spend a cozy hour or two?