leaf gathering

With August winding down I'm ready for fall and everything that goes with it. I've been thinking about some DIY ideas involving leaves. Nothing says fall like leaves. So this morning Curt and I went on a leaf collecting adventure. Well, not so much an adventure as a walk around the yard. I gathered leaves from our trees then started creating. A few months ago my aunt gave me some mirrors and said, "I bet you could do something with these." Does she know me or what? So I took one of the said mirrors, a smattering of jars and vases (all of which were D.I. finds) and viola!

Isn't that the perfect centerpiece? I added a little water to each vase to make it last longer. I just think it looks so crisp and fresh.

I absolutely love the reflection from the mirror, it really adds another dimension.

It was so easy and fun. I'm already thinking about how great it will look in the winter using evergreen branches. So if you're in need of an easy, fresh look, give it a try.

In other news, I painted my front door. I've been thinking about doing it for months, but haven't been able to decide on a color. I finally decided on a color that I absolutely love, turquoise. Verdict? I love it. It's bright and utterly fantastic!

I need to get a new doorknob, but other than that, it looks great!

To keep the leaf creativity going, I cut some branches from one of our trees and made this wreath. I love how the deep red looks against the turquoise.

Well, that wraps up my saturday adventures. Until next time.

the bon voyage summer patio dance party

As many of you know, we like to have parties. So when Paul and Alison made plans to move to attend law school we knew their bon voyage party had to be amazing! As Alison and I enjoy dancing like maniacs, even though we look ridiculous, I knew the parties' funtivities had to include some good dance tunes. Curt and I decorated the patio and backyard with tissue paper pom poms, lights, paper lanterns, tiki torches, and a paper flag banner. Needless to say, it was good times. Someone, who shall remain nameless, even sat on their plate of food! Check out these cute pics from the party.

A summer patio party calls for bright colored decorations, brightly colored candy in jars, lemonade and lots of delicious summer food.

Fun paper lanterns and a brightly colored flag banner along the fence.

The flag banner looked adorable against the white fence.

Me and Alison enjoying the funtivities.

Paul and Curt on the "dance floor".

Enjoying our delicious lemonade.

Myself, Emilie and Alison.

The patio full of party go-ers.

More shots of the lights and paper lanterns.

Alison and Staci.

Thanks to everyone who attended, danced, ate food, and just had a good time. It was one of the funnest parties to date!