Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Fall Outdoor Decor

Bare with us friends. One last little bit of Fall outdoor decor (maybe...I can't make any promises) before we switch to all things Halloween. Last week was our Fall Break and right before we made our way to the beach I finally decorated our outdoor spaces for Fall. I wanted to come home and it feel like Fall even though it doesn't quite feel like Fall yet. 

Fall Outdoor Decor

I did the Fall Surprise Porch for my friend earlier in the season, but lost my Fall mojo after that. Or really I was blinded by the hot summer-like temps and the lure of a cool pool with a side of fruity drinks. I soaked it all up. 

But it was time to succumb to the fact that Fall is here. Whether the weather agrees or not. 

And I'm fine with that. As long as we just skip right over Winter and go straight to Spring. #winteristheworst


(Note: Some of these items were sourced locally, but I'll include links for similar items if my local sources don't offer online purchases.)


One of the things that drew me to our new house is the large Southern style front porch. I had furniture from our old house that I loved, but it didn't fit right once we put it on the porch. So I opted to get these rockers instead and love the change. Nothing says Southern porch like a classic rocking chair, am I right? 


| Buffalo Check Pillows | Gather Pillow (similar) | Large Lantern | Small Lantern | Pumpkin | Mini Black Lantern |

The other side of the porch has this fun porch swing that the previous owners left behind. At first I was going to get rid of it, but then it grew on me. 



I love mums, but have the toughest time keeping them alive. I found these pre-potted floral arrangements in Fall colors and they've done so well!



The back porch received a few touches of Fall as well. For this area I have a lot of navy and green, so I went with a few pops of color to bring it all together for a more Fall look. 



Have you decorated for Fall? Do you tend to do traditional decor or stick with a more neutral toned option? 





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Thursday, September 24, 2020

Virtual School {Spoiler Alert: It isn't working for us!}

Tomorrow will end our 6th week of virtual learning. It started terribly with multiple technology issues all around. 


Last week I had the thought that we've gotten into a groove and that it has actually been going better. I quickly stopped myself though and realized that it hasn't gotten better, we've just all become absolutely numb to this new normal. 

Last March when the kids were sent home for our 2 week lock-down to flatten the curve, I never could have guessed that they would have been out of school for 6 months.  You read that right...it has been over 6 months since my kids have been in school.  At first our county gave us a choice to send kids back face to face or start the school year virtually. However, just a few weeks before school was set to begin, they took that choice away and made everyone start virtually. Instead of new backpacks for the first day of school the kids got computers. 





We tried to make lemonade out of lemons. We set up cute work spaces for each of the kids, let them decorate their computers with stickers, and just about anything else I could think of to make this fun and exciting for them, but that fun and exciting didn't last long. 





The teachers, bless them, are doing the very best they can. But this is not school. Having to do PE alone is not school.  Having to do the majority of their work digitally instead of with paper/pencil is not school. 


Eating snack alone and not even being able to raise your hand and ask a question when you don't understand something is not school.  

Instead of getting excited about lockers, changing classes, and meeting new friends for my 6th grader, she got anxiety, stress, and confusion of starting middle school on-line. She also got a new wave of headaches EVERY SINGLE DAY from staring at a computer screen all day. 

My middle schoolers only get instruction in each class twice a week.  TWICE!  In what education world is it ok to have math twice a week?  Heaven forbid the days that they have technical issues either on their end or the teacher's side of things and they end up getting that class only once a week. How in the world do people making these decisions expect that our kids are not going to be behind?  

These kids feel so isolated. I have always thought that the social part of school is just as important as the academic side of things and it is truly sad to see my kids, alone every day, just wishing they could be with their friends.  

They can't even all have lunch together or play outside for "recess" because of different schedules!  So when my son is done with "school" for the day my older two are just getting started and I have to constantly remind him to be quiet so their Zoom calls aren't interrupted. 

Because of the different schedules I literally feel stuck in my house all day long. I've finally started to be able to run a quick errands or take a quick walk during their school hours, but I never feel like I can be too far away because there are a million "Mom I need you" calls for help a week.  I'm so thankful that I am able to be home and be there to support my kids with whatever they might need help with, but I just think about the many other students who don't have the same kind of support.  There are thousands of kids who have never once logged in to our online learning platform.  Who's looking out for those kids?  The education gap is only going to continue to widen and after 6 months with no school I can't imagine the regression teachers are going to be faced with when kids finally do get back in the classroom. 

My kids have been playing sports since May. Stores are open. Daycares are open. Restaurants are open. Many other school around us are open.  All of those things are going just FINE!!! My kids, who are all wishing they could just go to school, see their friends, and raise their hands to ask their teachers a question, are not fine. 

I have always been a huge supporter of public schools.  We built our house in one of the best public school districts because we felt strongly about our kids attending public school school vs. private.  My mom was a public school teacher. My husband and I both went to public schools. I was a public school teacher before having kids and now I currently serve as PTA president for one of our public schools.  However, this entire process has completely made me change my opinion.  It's sad, but so many other families feel the exact same way and have either pulled their children to home school them or put them in private schools.  

I don't pretend to know all of the answers, but I do know that kids can be in school and it can be successful. I'm so thankful for all of the teachers who are working harder than they ever have to try and reach these kids over a computer screen, but it will NEVER replace the in-person teaching and learning that our children so desperately need! 


Our county is finally offering a Face-to-Face option for Elementary kids starting in a few weeks and my son has never been happier. It will be several weeks after that date that my girls will be able to start back to Middle School and over a month away for High Schools to go back. 


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Friday, September 18, 2020

Amazon Fall Finds

 It's Fall Y'all!!!!  I love this time of year and always get so excited when the weather starts to turn a little bit cooler. That happened for us here in Atlanta earlier this week and I immediately put on a sweatshirt and started to decorate for Halloween!  

I love decorating for holidays and I feel like Halloween kicks things off. It's so fun to pull out my holiday decorations and find spots for everything, but each year I like to add one or two new things.  I jumped on Amazon and found SO many cute things. I love orange and black for some spots in my home because it just feels like Halloween, but I also love non-traditional colors for fall like these beautiful ones I found on Amazon. It's easier to mix with decor you already have in your home and if you are one of those people who like to celebrate one holiday at a time, these types of items can last longer and take you through Thanksgiving.  


Everything is linked below! Left ---> Right & Top ---> Bottom. 

Set of 4 Fall Pillow Covers (18.99) - These are SO beautiful and would work through Thanksgiving. 

Happy Fall Canvas Banner ($12.99) - This is another item that could take you from September through November since it is so neutral. 

Rustic Pumpkin Painting ($75.00) - I realize this is pricy, but it matched so well and is so pretty. 

Fall Wreath ($51.84) - This is a bit pricy, too.  However I feel like this would be beautiful hanging on a front porch or even somewhere indoors. I put wreaths everywhere! 

Gather Wooden Sign  ($33.89) - This is really one of those things that could be used year round. Jen has something similar in her dining room and it looks SO good. 

Pumpkin Spice Candle   ($24.00) - I love candles this time of year. There is just something so cozy feeling about a lit candle and a house that smells like pumpkin! 

Wood Bead Garland ($13.00) - Another one of those things that you can use year round.  These are a GREAT price because you will find similar items in home decor boutiques for much more.  Or if you are feeling crafty you could make your own. We have a tutorial HERE

Thymes Pumpkin Candle ($34.00) - Such great quality candles and this pumpkin shape is just subtle enough to give a fall vibe without being so in your face. 

Seaglass Blue Pumpkin ($33.00) - I thought this was SO pretty!  I love the colors. 

Fall Garden Flag ($9.99) - I have a little garden flag stand that I like to switch out flags for each holiday, but some of mine have gotten faded over the years. Love this pretty one! 

Throw blanket ($23.99) - Is there anything more cozy than snuggling up with a throw blanket. Even just draping it over a chair adds a bit of coziness to your home.  This one comes in a ton of different colors, but I loved this pretty green that matched the other items I found. 

Farm Fresh Pumpkin Sign ($19.99) - For all of you, like me, who love the farmhouse style. 

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Monday, September 14, 2020

Kitchen Confessions: Black Bean, Corn & Feta Dip

A few weeks ago we went over to some friends for dinner and I was in charge of bringing the appetizers. I don't love to cook, but I love making appetizers.  I made two different ones and they are both great for a crowd, easy to make, and great for tailgating!  Since football season is finally underway and most of us are going to be watching a lot of football at home this season, I thought I would share these easy dip recipes with y'all!  Today's recipe has been passed around and shared by several of my friends. The first time I had this one I knew I wanted the recipe because I love all things with feta cheese! 


Black Bean, Corn & Feta Dip 

Ingredients: 

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 

2 cans white shoepeg corn, drained

1 package crumbled feta cheese 

1 bunch scallions, chopped 

1 cup apple cider vinegar 

1/2 cup olive oil 

1 tsp garlic powder 

salt and pepper to taste 

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients and serve with Scoops tortilla chips or Fritos. That's it...so easy and simple! 



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Friday, September 11, 2020

Pineapple Mule Recipe



Happy Friday friends! Even though it was a short week - it was a doozy of one. We're already counting down the hours until we can log-off for a few days. 

It's also a hot one. So Summer is still going strong here. On deck for the weekend we have soccer, soccer, baseball, flag football, cheer, and more soccer. 

All outside. 

So to cool off we have the pool, a cranked down A.C., and this delicious Pineapple Mule on the ready. All to be thoroughly enjoyed, but not necessarily in that order. ;)

Sharing the last recipe from our Summer Recipe series, and it's totally a "saving the best for last" situation.  



PINEAPPLE MULE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz of vodka
- 2 oz of pineapple juice
- 2 oz of lime juice
- 1/2 cup of ginger beer

DIRECTIONS
1. Fill a copper mug with ice. 
2. Pour vodka, ginger beer, pineapple juice and lime juice over ice. 
3. Gently stir and enjoy! 





Cheers to Summer! 


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Thursday, September 10, 2020

All Things Fall with Findlay Rowe {Giveaway!}

Pumpkin spice lattes have made their official appearance. Porches are donning mums. Mornings are less humid, and dare we say - crisp. That can only mean one thing - Fall has arrived!

Fall is one of those few seasons that seems to excite everyone. And judging from what we see on our social media feeds - we mean EVERYONE. We all have Fall fever. 

Especially this year. 

Football seasons look questionable. Halloween parties seem to be on the chopping block. And festivals??Well...here's hoping we perfect our culinary skills ASAP, otherwise does anyone know a good vender willing to deliver warm funnel cakes and all things deep fried directly to our doorsteps?  Even though so many things are up in the air, chaotic, and unknown - it seems like everyone is ready to move forward and simply enjoy the season.

Bring on all the Fall things!!!

{Love, love, love all the wreaths! They get re-stocked often!}


ALL THINGS FALL WITH FINDLAY ROWE

To get our local Fall fix in, we headed to Findlay Rowe. The shop is an instant mood booster from the minute you walk in the door. 


Gorgeous Fall decor touches are everywhere and spicy aromas are wafting through the air. 

(Ladies, I'm going to need you to order at least another case or two of this delicious scent.)

There are a ton of great items on hand to get yourself ready for all things Fall. Here were some of our favorite items. 

HOME DECOR

Findlay Rowe is known for their vast selection of home decor. Each season or holiday we like to pop-in because they always always have the latest trends and best brands (both national and local) stocked in their shop. 


We love these metal signs they had on display intermixed with mixed metal pumpkins and the infamous Hot Skwash plush pumpkins. These would be perfect for a Fall themed entry table! 

Speaking of everyone's favorite plush pumpkins - Findlay Rowe keeps a large selection of Hot Skwash pumpkins in their store. In every color, size, and pattern. There is even a to die for snow leopard pattern we just saw released on their Instagram

A local designer comes in each season and helps make wreaths and floral arrangements for the store. They are swoon worthy in person. Our pictures don't do them justice! All of them are available for purchase, and we've been warned they don't last long. 

Gorgeous florals, glass jar accessories and wood bead touches. We love it all. 


This welcome sign also caught our eye. We love how these are displayed on porches, but thought this option had a unique twist. 



It can simply be a "welcome" sign, or it can be topped with a removable attachment. They had several options on hand but we are partial to the magnolia one (obviously) and the "Happy Fall Y'all" ones. 


Fall Entertaining

Fall is one of our favorite seasons to entertain in. There are just so many opportunities to host gatherings. From football kick-off to Thanksgiving and everything in between. For years now Findlay Rowe has been our go-to shop for helping us entertain in style. 

They carry entire lines of Nora Fleming, Happy Everything, Mud Pie, and Beatriz Ball just to name a few (take a peek at some of the pieces here). Our favorite thing about them though is that even if you aren't sure how exactly how to put everything together they have great displays partnered with book suggestions and coordinating accessories to make it easy. 



Over the Summer our kids became obsessed with charcuterie boards (this was a movement we full endorsed). In store we found a ton of great boards in a variety of sizes. We already can't wait to create a fun Halloween themed one for the kids next month! 

This book had a ton of great ideas too!



Scents of Fall

We mentioned earlier that we love the Nest Pumpkin Chai candles, but the scent that we go back to each and every Fall is the Thymes Simmered Cider line

This is one of our items to always have on hand, and one of the first to as a gift. Those adorable little copper pot containers can be reused once the candle is done. A candle that turns into a Moscow mule? Yes please! 


Fall Fashion

Leggings, leopard, and lush cardigans. Need we say more? 

Okay, we will. But you and your credit card have been warned. 

Spanx are our biggest Fall wardrobe staple. We wear them for everything. With tunic tops, as workout wear, with heels to a party - literally with everything. We were so excited to see that Findlay Rowe has a huge selection of Spanx in stock. From the trendy snake skin denim to our favorite black camo pair - there's a whole back corner dedicated to the best pants ever. 


This "Dolly for President" tee is about as political as you will ever see us get. But we fully endorse it. 

Headbands are a big accessory this year, and these ones are totally on trend. We love that leopard bee embroidered one! 


And give us all the Fall jewelry

Inspiredesigns is bringing it this year with their new Fall lines. We love all these layered looks! 


Football Ready

Football isn't dead yet. And we hope it comes back so that we can homegate with this super cutie little beaded football handbag from Mary Frances

{spanx, black earringsblack leather wrap bracelet, Inspiredesigns leather bangle}

Seriously, how cute is it? 

{dress, Mary Frances bag, red leather wrap, black beaded ID bracelet, leather game day wrap ID bracelet}

We've chatted before about all the great things Findlay Rowe has in stock for football season, but as a quick refresher here's a little sneak peek...



And because we are partial to one team (ahem, GO DAWGS!) we can't resist these fun accessories. 






GIVEAWAY TIME! 

Since we all love Fall so much we couldn't resist doing a little something to bring all the Fall things to one of you too! While we were shopping in Findlay Rowe, we teamed up with Barbra and Audrey to curate this fun little Fall entertaining and decor set. 


One lucky winner will receive the entire set (valued at $175!!). It includes: 

- 1 Hot Skwash baby pumpkin
- 1 Mud Pie Paulownia Tray
- 3 Mudpie Serving dishes
- 1 Mudpie serving ramekan
- 1 Mudpie toothpick holder
- 1 decorative magnolia branch




To enter please comment with your favorite thing about Fall. For extra entries please visit this post on Instagram. 



Winner we be selected at random and announced on Friday, September 18, 2020. Entries open until 11:59p.m. Thursday, September 17th. Winner must be 18 or older and a U.S. resident. Winner will have 48hrs upon announcement to claim prize or another winner will be drawn. 

Good luck everyone!! 


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