Loving My Teal Blues, Mustard Yellows and Plaids in the Living Room

Sometimes all you need are a few little changes to give a space a totally different vibe. Now I have always loved blue and yellow together, and typically I think of this combo as more of a summer time color palette. But when the yellow is a mustard tone I think it is perfect for the fall. 

Recently I purchased new pillows from Home Goods along with new linen curtains I found on clearance at Pier One. The pretty texture of the curtains go perfectly with the warmth and homey feel the plaid pillows exude.

More plaid is added in the way of a throw on the love seat.

I am also crushing on the fun texture of my mustard yellow pillows.

And how could I resisted a couple of teal blue pumpkins to add to my living room's fall decor?

We are finally beginning to get some cooler air in these parts and the trees are starting to fill the countryside with it's brilliant array of fall colors.

What a fabulous time of the year!

Wishing you a wonderfully fall inspired weekend!!!

XO

Autumn Table Setting on the Back Porch

Despite today's 90 plus degree weather, I felt inspired to create an autumn tablescape on our back patio. To be honest the table setting started out in the dining room but I just wasn't feeling it, so outside it went!

My "go to" colors for fall are blue and white with pops of orange. So classic! 

For the center of the tables I filled my DIY mercury glass vase with some artificial fall sprigs and then flanked the vase on one side with 3 pillar candles in a pumpkin orange!

To see how the vase was made just click here. (It's easy I promise!)

I know I will be much happier when this heat disappears and the cool Canadian air begins to move in. The only thing I rally don't enjoy are the days getting shorter, but soon it will be time to start "cozying up" in front of the fireplace and that is one of the things, for me at least, that certainly makes this time of the year my favorite.

Don't forget that this coming Monday, September 12th, kicks off a week of Fall Home Tours, with 21 Rosemary Lane in day one's lineup!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you on Monday!!!

XO

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FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE

Pretty Paper Pumpkin Garland

A few years ago I created from construction and printed paper, a sweetheart garland for St. Valentine's Day. Using the same idea and card-stock paper instead of the other paper types, I made a pretty pumpkin garland for my autumn mantel.

All you need is...

card-stock paper in orange-like colors (cut in 1 inch strips)

card-stock paper in green or brown colors (cut in 1/2 inch strips and 2 inches in length)

paper cutter

stapler

hole puncher

and some jute string

Take two of the cut strips and and place them together with complimentary sides facing out. Bring the four ends together and slip a green strip into the middle. Staple them all together.

Next, punch a hole in both sides of your pumpkin and thread through the jute. Tie knots on either side of the pumpkin's holes to prevent the pumpkin from sliding. 

Pretty easy right???

Wishing you a wonderful week!

XO

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A Stroll Thru Life

Autumn in Hunterdon County

Maybe it is just because I have always lived in our country's mid-Atlantic region, but I think fall is the most beautiful time of the year. As I try to do each year, today I am sharing with you some of the seasonal beauty which surrounds us here in central New Jersey.

Despite the fact that two major metropolitan areas are in just an hour's time, those being New York City and Philadelphia, Hunterdon County pretty much lies in the heart of horse and farm county.

Hunterdon County was established on March 11, 1714 with it's county seat being that of Flemington, the site of the Lindbergh kidnapping trial.

Hunterdon County is also the home of Elisabeth Gilbert, noted author of the 2006 best seller Eat, Pray, Love.

The last week in October is usually our peak week for autumn foliage to really pop, and the countryside is ablaze with amazing color.

We may have had to deal with some fairly cold winters over the past few years along with nor' easters like Superstorm Sandy. But to be able to bask in the warmth of mid-autumn's sun and have my world wrapped in the golden yellows, fire reds, and cool greens of each fall, makes living here in the mid-Atlantic a true blessing!

XO

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Simple to Make Sweet Potato Ravioli

OMGosh this has truly been one of my latest guilty pleasures for an elegant and super easy lunch or dinner appetizer. The browned butter is flavored by sauteing in it fresh sage and letting it crisp up. Then using won-ton wrappers and an instant sweet potato mix, I am able to whip up this delicate seasonal delight in just minutes.

So what do you need to make these sweet little raviolis?

1 pkg of won-ton wrappers (they can be found in the refrigerator section near tofu)

1 pkg instant sweet potato mix made according to package directions

a little cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg

boiling water

butter, usually 2 T per serving and each serving is 3 raviolis

fresh sage, as much or as little as you like

toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley for garnish 

Make sweet potatoes according to package directions. I like to add a little more spice to the mix like allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg. Pretty much what ever I have available. Make sure to allow the potatoes time to cool down before assembling your raviolis. 

Start with a won-to wrapper and add 1 T of sweet potato. Then dampen the edged of the wrapper with water and place a second wrapper on top. Press firmly to seal. 

To make it look fancy and to get a good seal, go around the edges with the prongs of a fork and press down. I also like to trim the edges with a pizza cutter to even them up and make them look pretty. Bring a pot of salted water to a slow boil and add the raviolis one by one. Be careful not to crowd them or they will begin to stick together. Let boil for about 2 minutes and remove from the water. In the meantime heat a pan and add the butter and sage. Let the butter brown but be careful not to allow it to burn. Remove butter from heat and pour over the raviolis. I happen to really like the crisp sage on top. It is loaded with wonderful flavor. Then garnish with the pumpkin seeds for some crunch and parsley for some added color.

And there you have it! One fancy lunch or an elegant appetizer for your next fall celebration! I hope you give these a try...really nothing can be easier or more delicious, and you are sure to totally impress your friends!

Wishing you a great week and please don't forget to stop by tomorrow evening for another Share Your Style link party!

The party goes live at 7pm est so be there to catch all of the wonderful creativity!!

XO

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Ivy & Elephants

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XO

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Thoughts from Alice