Natural Fall Mantel

I am finally going to share my fall mantel. I wish I could say that I just threw some things together and called it a day. I wish I could say I just worked with what I had (that is partially true) and a few minutes later voilà - A beautiful mantel was ready for the fall.  But..... I could not get this one to come together.  I have wished and wished for a mantel to decorate for the seasons.  We have typically had a huge television over our mantel, and that REALLY limits what you do to make the fireplace look festive.  However, we moved recently and we now have a "den" and a small living/sitting room. (To tell the truth, I am not sure what to call this room). The den is where we hang out and watch tv.  The "sitting room" is where we - hmmm, we don't do anything in here!! Well, we walk through it on the way to the kitchen and den!!  But, I digress!  Back to the story - I was finally able to decorate the mantel and it threw me for a loop.  I started, stopped, tweaked it,  tried again and finally decided it was complete.  What do you think?

I have had the picture for several years. It used to hang in our foyer.  I thought it was perfect now over the fireplace.  Prior to decorating for fall I had it

 propped up on the mantel. I asked Jon to hang it for me so I could place items 

underneath it without appearing too crowded. 

I love the little squirrels that I purchased at a florist near where I work in Mississippi.  

Their faces are precious!  I scattered around some of my tiny plush

 pumpkins, acorns and mushrooms.  

I pulled out some of the pumpkins that I have purchased over the last few years.  These were purchased at Hallmark and Hobby Lobby.  While I do collect Ironstone, this pitcher is inexpensive.  It is from Target and cost less than fifteen dollars.  I believe the burlap flowers are actually poinsettias.  I am sure they are meant for Christmas, but I fell in love with them.  I decided not to wait until December to use them.  

My friend, Lynda, made the burlap bow for me.  She is always willing to help me 

because I can not make a bow!!  

I picked up an oval grapevine wreath from Michael's.  

I added the sweet owl that also came from the florist 

in Hurley, MS. It is an ornament - I snipped off the hanger. 

 I plan on getting more of these for my Christmas tree! 

  I picked up the small burlap rosettes at Antiques at the Loop in Mobile. 

 It is the BEST antique store around!! 

An apothecary jar is filled with pine cones to add more natural elements. 

The antique wire basket on the right was also a recent 

purchase from Antiques at the Loop.  I am not sure what it was originally used for but I am picturing someone collecting eggs in this little gem. 

 Don't tell me if that is not what it was 

used for - I have such a sweet picture in my mind!!  

So there you have it: my fall mantel.   Now, I am off to watch my little one play football!! I am so thankful that the weather in Alabama has finally cooled off just a bit.  It was actually below 80 degrees this week.  Yippee!!  As always, thank you for visiting Buttercup Bliss! 

I am joining the following parties:

Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Come join the fun! 

Summer Changes in the Guest Bedroom

Just a quick post today to share how I "lightened up" our guest bedroom for the summer simply by changing the bed linens.  I love the bedding that I have for this room - it is cream, pink, and green, and very prissy.  You can see pictures of it here.  However the comforter is very heavy! For summer I wanted something lighter in both color and weight.  I decided to use a white quilt and a pale gray dust ruffle that I already had on hand. I also used white European shams and a blue throw pillow.  All I purchased was a cute white pillow to use as the perfect finishing touch. I have had my eyes on a pair of white quilted regular pillow shams that would look awesome - if they are marked down soon I will add them in place of the pale blue/grey shams that I am using currently.  But.... as much as I love shams and pillows I may just use them ALL.  You can never have too many pillows.   

I also chose not to change the pictures during this "quick change" for two reasons: 1) I love the pictures that are here and 2) Unnecessary nail holes drive me nuts!!!  LOL  

This picture was taken at night - I should retake it again with more natural light. 

I love crisp white linens.  

This is my new desk that I recently added to our guest room.  It is an old sewing machine cabinet that has been painted and distressed.  I think it is just adorable!  I will share the "story" of this desk in my next post.  Stay tuned! 

Isn't it great how just a few simple changes can make a room feel so fresh and new without spending a lot of money?  This room is perfect for the summer months! 

This week I am linking to the following parties:

Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

Sizzle Into Summer @ DIY By Design

Feathered Nest Friday @ French County Cottage

Tweak it Tuesdays @ Cozy Little House

Happy Summer!  Have a great week! 

Lisa

Small Changes in the Foyer

Not a long post today - I  just wanted to share a few pictures of changes I made to the console table in the foyer.  I picked up a few new "trinkets" recently and I decided to place them on the foyer table.  Don't you just love to move things around in your home or pack a few things up so that later on they seem like brand new??  

My first new item is a small new grouping of Plush Pumpkins.  Boy, do I love these little cuties!  I used them in my Thanksgiving Tablescape - you can see that here.  The coolest thing about Plush Pumpkins though is that they come in a HUGE amount of gorgeous colors that can be used year round.  I think these cheerful pumpkins in spring colors are just adorable.  I can't wait to order even more for the fall..... oh, and you should see the silvery blues that would be perfect for a winter table!  Check out the Plush Pumpkin website here. 

I think these hot pink pumpkins are too cute!

By now you probably realize that the pumpkin stems are real! 

Hmmmm.... just ignore me in this picture :-)

The lamp and the candlesticks I have had for a while, but I still think they are wonderful!  On the bottom shelf I have a few of my McCarty Pottery pieces.  The box in the middle of the bottom shelf came from Art and Soul, my favorite store in Ocean Springs, MS.  Tori's store is packed with the most gorgeous decorating items! 

The other new item that I am totally in love with is the pair of cat bookends.  I got them from a garage sale - ok, to be totally honest, I got them from the things my mother in law was gathering for a garage sale, but that counts as a fabulous thrifty find, doesn't it???  I am not a cat person, but I just had to have these little kitties.  I love the way they look so old and worn.  I decided to display some of my vintage school books with them.  I was a teacher and a principal for many years before I became the curriculum director.  I LOVE ANYTHING that has to do with school.  I found some of these at antique stores (one is a spelling book from the 1930's) and one I had in my classroom when I first started teaching (no, I didn't start teaching THAT long ago, but I found this book in an old storage closet the first year I taught.)  I have kept these books in my classroom or office for many years.  I decided they would be perfect with my new bookends. 

I love thinking about the students and teachers who used these books. 

Another view....

Isn't it great how small changes make your home seem completely refreshed? 

As always, thanks so much for visiting!

This week I am linking to the following: 

Feathered Nest Friday @ www.frenchcountycottage.blogspot.com


Debbie's Newbie Party @ http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Tabletop Tuesday @ www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

Tuesday's Treasures @ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.blogspot.com/

WUW @ http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

McCarty Pottery

McCarty Bunnies

I have been collecting McCarty Pottery for many years.  I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces with you.  My dear friend, Laurie, started my collection about 20 years ago when we were both young (really!) teachers.  I immediately fell in love with the simple style of this beautiful, earthy pottery.  I was even more smitten when I found out it was made in the Mississippi Delta.  If you have read my blog before, you may remember that my mother's family is from the Delta.  That made this pottery even more special. 

My camera is  not the greatest - in fact, I keep thinking that if I say that enough a wonderful, new camera with all the bells and whistles will make its way to my home.  I am so envious of the amazing pictures I see on some of my favorite blogs.  Nonetheless, I will share my McCarty pottery with you.  Believe me, once you see it, you will be in love.  In fact, I have known several brides who have had a "McCarty Shower".  Isn't that a hoot?

McCarty Pottery is made in Merigold, Mississippi.  You can see really great pics on their webite here.  Check it out!

It is such a treat to visit the McCarty store and restaurant (called The Gallery) in Merigold.  The food is fabulous!  All the food is served on McCarty pieces.  On a side note, this is where I first had Chocolate Cobbler.  It is unbelieveable!  I mean, really, chocolate and cobbler all in one?  Be still my heart!!

I think the hints of blue on the brown "nutmeg" bunny are just so pretty!

Some interesting "things" about McCarty:

All of the pieces are packaged in a brown paper bag signed by Lee McCarty.  You NEVER want to throw away a bag! 

The little brown line on the pieces signify the Mississippi River.

When you give a piece of McCarty as a gift, you always leave the price (written on masking tape) on the piece!  (GASP!)  Yes, you do!!!  It increases the value, significance - not sure really, I just know that you don't remove the price. 

Most of the pieces have names (mainly animals, I think).  I LOVE the bunnies.  Some of my favorite names are Lettuce, Tuppertime and Tupper's Mama.  I once bought a set of three small bunnies that were named Peter, Paul and Mary! 

I have lots of animals, but I do have serving and other "usable" pieces as well.  I am telling you, it is addictive!!

This fox just makes me happy!

The largest bunny in this picture was my last Christmas present from my mom.  I will treasure it always!

Please excuse the "blahness" of this picture, but I adore these birds that sit on the vanity in Seth's bathroom.

Two tiny birds and a small pitcher in the guest bedroom. 

As you can see, McCarty comes in brown, blue and a pale green.  I love them all!

My sweet Aunt Jane bought Anita and me McCarty angels shortly after my Mom passed away.  The "bunny bowl" was a baby shower gift to me! It went in Seth's nursery.

Bunnies on the mantle decorated for Easter. 

Square plate with sugar, creamer, and a tiny "cup" for Splenda!

I have shown you just a few of my favorite pieces.  I have them in every room of the house!  I hope to make a trip to Merigold soon.  I feel the need for a new item for my collection!  

This week I am linking to the following:

Debbie's Newbie Party @ http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Amaze Me Monday @ http://www.dittledattle.blogspot.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays @ http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Tuesday's Treasures @ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Whassup Wednesdays @ http://www.elements-interiors.net/

Wall of Pics

One of my favorite blogs, Buzzings of a Queen Bee (http://www.buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/), inspired me recently to "reinvent" an arrangement of old family photographs that I had in a small hallway in our home.  I had about five pictures casually arranged, but I felt it lacked something.  Then one day I saw this lay out. Isn't it amazing?   Now, my chosen spot was not nearly as big and dramatic as this, but I liked that it incorporated different items, rather than just pictures.  I bought a small framed mirror but ultimately didn't like it with the frames of the pictures so I placed it in another spot in our home.  I purchased an M (the initial of our last name) at Hobby Lobby.  I was bright gold so I quickly fixed it by spray painting it black.  I still felt like that wasn't quite enough, even though the wall is fairly really small, so I "shopped" in my house and found a silhouette of me from when I was a little girl.  My sister found these after my mom passed away and had them framed for each of us.  That was just the final touch that I needed!   I put it in the middle to anchor the arrangement. The M looked great above the silhouette.  I placed the other pictures on either side to balance out the arrangement.  I love for things to be symetrical!  I am so happy with the way it turned out.  I love having these wonderful old pictures in my home! Thanks to Buzzings of a Queen Bee!!

A closer look :-)

I love this picture of my grandparents with my mom and her siblings. 

My mom is the tiny girl on the far left.  So sweet!

My big sister, Nini, and me - when I was eleven days old. 

One more view..... This is looking into the great room.  To the right is the tiny half bath.  Opposite the "wall-o-pics" is the guest bedroom. 

This week I am linking to the following:

Wow us Wednesdays @ www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

Debbie's Newbie party @ www.debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com

Whassup Wednesdays @ http://www.elements-interiors.net/

Home Sweet Home Party @ http://www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Fridays @ http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Fridays @ http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

Tiny but Elegant Half Bath

Hi! I hope everyone is having a great week.  My little man has been sick since Saturday.  I am home with him today so I am enjoying some leisurely blogging time.  I have also been cleaning and organizing in the house.  It's sounds so silly but I love to just hang out at home.  Each week on Friday someone will invariably  ask what my plans are for the weekend.  My usual answer is "just hanging out at home".  My husband works on Saturday so Seth and I love to sleep late, run errands and just be together.  In sports seasons the day will include games, but for the most part, I truly enjoy just being a homebody! 

Today as I cleaned and planned for dinner, I snapped a few pics of our half bath to share with you.  It is quite tiny, but I think it is just darling! I don't have a "before" picture - you will just have to imagine a plain khaki bathroom.  Before we moved in we had the builder change the color (most things were in place before we made an offer on the house) to a warm golden yellow.  We added a mirror and some other decorations and the room was complete.  I've debated about adding something above the commode, but since the room is so small, I didn't want to overdo it with regard to decorations.  I love the group of four pictures and the "girly" chandelier!  Simple and Elegant!! 


Hope you have a wonderful week!  The weather is gorgeous here today - a little glimpse into Spring!  Thanks for visiting!!

I fell in love with these pictures when I saw them at one of my favorite stores in Ocean Springs, MS. 

Simple pedestal sink :-)

Candles make any room warm and cozy. 

I love the chandelier!

This little plaque was a bargain at Hobby Lobby! 

Close up of one of the pictures.  I call them

"Fat Women on Bicycles with Dogs"! 

\

Another one of the ladies...

Jon just loves to hang pictures in groups of four.... not!  He is a good sport! 

Extra toiletries on hand for guests. 

I am linking to Kim's Wow Us Wednesday Party at www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com  Come join the fun!

Joy! Joy!

Well friends, it has already reached that point in the season where it seems as if there is so much going on that the true joy of Christmas is overlooked. I set out to scale back this year,but even so, it seems that each year the craziness hits.  I don't know about  you,  but I feel over booked, under-shopped and stressing over presents for everyone, just generally overwhelmed... you get the picture!  As I was riding home last night after a rather grueling day at work, I thought to myself "It's going to be ok.  In just a little while you will be home with Jon and Seth and you will be fine."  I thank God for families who love us unconditionally!  I was so happy to be able to snuggle on the couch with Seth and read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!  I love making memories with him!  All the other things are just "stuff" and are not truly important. 

Tonight I tried to put the final touches on the tree.  I've been trying to explain to Jon that I wanted something in addition to the traditional bow that we have had for a few years.  I brought some green and fluffy "filler" home yesterday and his response was "seriously, you want to put that on a green tree?"  I ended up returning the items.  The ladies at this sweet store I love laughed at me because they said most men would just say "whatever you want, dear".  LOL  Mine has an opinion!  Today I bought an assortment and tried them all out. We ended up taking down the large bow with streamers...... hmmmm maybe I will need new ornaments to fill in now......I haven't chosen my yearly Radko.....Just a thought.  Woo Hoo! More shopping!  

How do you stay calm during the hectic holiday times?
I am going to wake up tomorrow with a renewed sense of peace about the season.  I truly want to focus on what is most important.  A sign in one of the small communities I drive through had the words "Wise Men Still Seek Him".  That is how I want to live my life.  Seeking Him! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Come back soon for more Christmas decorations and inspirations.  

Jon is not too sure about the new tree topper~

This looks like my Cavalier, Bentley.  So precious!

The traditional tree last year.

The "silver" tree last year.  I felt the need to simplify so I didn't put it up this year.

Another view of the new topper.  Will try to get a better shot when the lighting is better.