Fall is at the Front Door..

Time to gather up all the bits and bobs from summer and batten down the hatches for winter..

we live in a snow belt, which is superb for skiing but means that

 usually we will have had at least one snowfall by Hallowe'en!

We end up putting up the Christmas wreaths and so on ridiculously early

 because it's really just too cold in December..

the neighbours don't mind - they do the same!

But that means that fall decorations have a relatively short lifespan, so I don't go overboard.

Yesterday I potted a Mum out front, spiffed up the wreath on the front door,

and added some stems to the vase in the front front hall..

Although I love the look of urns, everyone has them,

and I've never been one to want something everyone else has ;)

 so I usually keep a low wide pot here with something seasonal.

 love a simple wreath..

The Begonias are a wee bit overgrown :) 

Will replace these with some tall wheat sheafs in the next couple of weeks..

Was at the dollar store grabbing school supplies for the kids and found these stems - $3! Love it!

The doggies were following me around, so thought you might like to see a pic.

Don't mind the enormous vent under the table - had a beautiful old basket there for umbrellas

but our canine companions were left alone a bit too long one day and decided to "play" with it..

will replace shortly, hopefully it will last a bit longer this time!

D. and I both have businesses based out of the house, so we are home with them the majority of the time, and they are spoiled rotten with oodles of attention.

Do you switch up any decorations as the seasons change?

Here is some inspiration I found..


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want one? from etsy..

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Or go for something a bit more unusual.. a cool DIY..



I'd love to hear what you guys do for decor..
off for a (extended) family dinner today,
have a great sunday!
If you are near Toronto, don't forget to enter the giveaway for Home Show Tix!

til next time..

The Dorm Room: Best DIY Ideas

Did you know that the back to school market is a $68 billion dollars industry?

Dorm supplies make up at least $4 billion dollars of this total.

Thats a lot of flokati rugs :)

If you're decorating one of these tiny spaces, you may not want to spend a fortune,

because chances are everything in it will have to be burned by the end of the year!

But who wants to live in the fuschia and black nightmare I keep seeing marketed toward college students?

 I thought I'd go looking for some clever, original diy ideas for student spaces.

First thing, I got distracted by the dorm of Maximilian.

This is not ultra affordable, but damn it's gorgeous!!

Attending Drew University in Madison, New Jersey,

he interns for Charlotte Moss and has spent summers working with David Easton.

The ultra-preppy space he created is completely unexpected.

Walls are painted Ralph Lauren's Tapestry Green,

then given the gallery treatment.

Oriental carpets layer the floor,

a black watch skirted console functions as a perch for a tv,

 while a tray table tucked in alongside offers a tiny bar space.

Ties offer up a witty take on wall decor, while solving the storage issue.

A vintage dresser is styled in a manner that would not be out of place in an english manor -

including matching lamps with chinoiserie paper shades, an orchid, crystal and books 

layered under a gold rimmed mirror and classic art prints.

W O W.

He has his own design business, and I'm quite sure it will be a smashing success.

Okay, back on track :)

If you are more indie than prep,

and want something a bit less traditional,

there are heaps of really easy ideas out there that go beyond new bedding..

Walls of sticky notes paint samples, photos, postcards...

A mishmash of posters becomes an art installation when grouped around a typography bit.

The easiest way to upgrade a standard headboard?

Drape a blanket over it!

No headboard?

Make one out of photo's spray glued to foam board, 

or just cut one from whiteboard and call it a day.

A screen doesn't have to be attached to the wall,

and these work double duty as headboard and storage,

or headboard and art.

Dress up a paper lantern with coffee filters or crepe paper...

re-use some favourite old tins,

or play with string lights.

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Almost makes you want to hit the books again, doesn't it?

Hope your'e all enjoying the quiet this week has brought :)

I know next week we'll be missing the darlings, but for now, basking in a bit of silence.... xo

I'm officially cheating on summer.

I feel a bit like a guilty mistress,

but after dying my hair the darkest black brown,

and last nights tryst with a charcoal velvet cape, marled black wool sweater, and cow hide bag,
 I'm officially cheating on summer.

I can't help it...

dreams of handsome, supple leathers, plush velvets lush with color, and fur - fur! 

roaring fires and walks through bedazzled trees basking in the crisp air...

fall apples straight off the tree.

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Oh yeah, I've got it bad.

Anyone else feeling fall lust coming on?