I love fall so much that I decided to write a post just about autumn vibes!
🍁 It’s my favorite time of year and it always fills me with such excitement as it ushers in all of the holiday fun to come. But each year, it just seems to get shorter and shorter around here which just makes me sad.
This year in NC, fall has only visited for a few days before running off to play hide-and-seek. We’ve already had temps in the high 20s a couple nights with lots of rain and gloom, but I know the gorgeous weather will be back. That’s just how it works around here and why I went all out and decorated for fall, for the first time ever!! I’m so happy I did!
Typically, Halloween decorations go up on October 1st unless it’s too hot. The past two years, we’ve experienced temps in the 90s through mid October, which means Halloween waits until I don’t sweat buckets anytime I’m outside. Decorations are put away November 1 and then it’s the same ol’ same ol’ around here until Thanksgiving, when Christmas decorations find their way into our home just in time for turkey dinner. That way, I really enjoy the fruits of my labor until New Year’s. But this year, I really wanted fall to stick around as long as possible!
My first project was this sunflower wreath bursting with color. Between Michael’s and AC Moore, I gathered mostly clearance items to put together. It puts a smile on my face every time I look at it. I even find myself going out of my way to use the frond door just so I can enjoy it more! I love seeing it from the street, too. Just one $5 twig wreath, two bunches of sunflowers (orange and yellow), a berry sprig and a roll of black gingham ribbon are all it took!
Next up, fall lanterns. Little Sis and I went to AC Moore to get a couple things for her when I found these two lanterns on sale for an absurd price. I told her they HAD to be mine to which she laughed and responded, “Daddy’s gonna LOVE those!” (because he won’t). haha. I filled them with a couple clearance fall sprigs and some fairy lights from Target. SO pretty, right? And guess what? Daddy thought so, too!
The flowers arranged in the middle were also purchased at one of the craft stores once again at clearance prices. I love a good sale. The sunflowers are actually leftovers from the wreath. Woo hoo! The vase is actually a cookie jar our dear Aunt Jerrie and Aunt Linda sent the girls years ago for Halloween.
Somewhere along the way, I got it in my head that I HAD to knit some pumpkins. One skein made these sweet little guys and then some using a pattern I found on Instagram. I topped the off with the gingham ribbon left over from my wreath project. I’m in love with how they turned out. How’s that for Autumn Vibes?
My current project is a leaf garland for my fireplace. It might not be done by Thanksgiving, though, when we’ll be hosting both sides of our family for dinner. Could be as many 22 – I’m SO EXCITED! Here’s what I have so far. I’m not so sure if it’ll turn out as nicely as my other projects or if it’s going to look cheesy, but I’m still chugging along! I’ll add it a picture of it upon completion and YOU can be the judge! For any of these patterns, peruse through my Knitting and Crocheting Pinterest Board and you will find them all, and then some!
Updated 9/21/20:
I really need to get going on planning my Thanksgiving menu next. From the time I was little, we’ve always had an American & Korean food Thanksgiving. It’s tradition now. So, the menu doesn’t vary much from year-to-year, which is nice. But I do plan to add a couple new things, like this Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Cider. Not only does it taste amazing, but it just fills my house with the most amazing aromas of fall.
I plan to make an apple cider station right underneath this cute sign that Big Sis and I found at Target’s Dollar Spot, along with the “Meet Me at the Pumpkin Patch” sign. How fun will that be?!?!
In addition to all the decorating, I’ve been able to really enjoy the gorgeous fall colors around here. First was with Dad and Mary during their visit from Michigan. They love the outdoors and going on walks while discussing the kinds of trees, plants and birds they happen upon. One day, we hit three different greenways and enjoyed many lovely sights in the cold. At least the sun was shining brightly!
Just a few days later, my sweetie and I got the rare treat of enjoying a walk together along yet another greenway while Big Sis and her friends did a fall photo shoot. We are so lucky to be living in an area where so many greenways have been paved for our pleasure. I love NC!
Sadly, there are no pix of Little Sis as she has very little interest in photo shoots. Instead, she was happily hanging out with one of her buddies at her house!
So, going back to Thanksgiving dinner: here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes. Check ’em out if you’re looking for ideas!
Well, how’s that for some Autumn Vibes?! As I write this post with a blanket wrapped around me, I look outside my window and see that the sun is starting to shine again. I think fall is finally coming back out to play! Yay!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to make my day by leaving me a comment, following my blog via email, on Facebook or on Instagram – the more the merrier!
Christine, aka happyvballgirl 🙂
To check out items used in this post or some of my favorites, simply click here: “Products I Love“. Purchases made using these links earns me a little extra cash to support my bento habit, which Hubby really appreciates. Haha! So, THANK YOU, should you choose to purchase any of ’em!
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. 🙂
Leave a Reply