Thursday, October 31, 2013

Fall Teatime Message-Relax

 Autumn graphics
It's a chilly, overcast, rainy day here in Indiana today! Perfect day to relax with a cup of my favorite tea! This is what fall is about....gonna cozy up under a warm comforter and read a book.....till I have to go to work, later, anyhow. 
It's also Halloween. 
We don't really celebrate this holiday anymore too much, since we(the hubs and I) aren't fans of scarey stuff. We used to take our son trick-or-treating when he was little(and dress our doggies up), but there's been so much creepy, sinister, and even evil stuff attached to it that we just want to celebrate the season, rather than the holiday. 
How do you celebrate the season/holiday?
Halloween graphics
Here are some things I found on the internet today, as I also did some web-surfing.
 (I may have gotten a bit carried away with posting several clipart/gifs....I love finding all the creative artwork.)
Isn't this guy cute? I would love to get one for my tea.
  •  Mr. Tea is an ideal tea-time companion. Just load his little silicone pants, perch him in your cup, relax for a minute as he does the work, and savor your perfect orange pekoe. (This is the description from the sale website. After reading it, I think I would have come up with a more tasteful way of describing how this works...!!!)
 Mr. Tea is an ideal tea-time companion. Just load his little silicone pants, perch him in your cup, relax for a minute as he does the work, and savor your perfect orange pekoe. Molded from food-safe, tasteless, soft silicone rubber, Mr. Tea is packaged in a colorful little giftbox.

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  printable 8×10 print, featuring the Catherine Douzel quote

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 TEA PRINT - Giclee Art Print
 TEA PRINT - Giclee Art Print

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Unwind and Relax in Less Than a Day

If you’re short on time, here are a few ideas that will help you unwind in less than a day (along with the estimated time for each):
  1. Pray or Meditate (Time Spent: 15 Minutes)–Prayer or meditation is a simple way to unwind. Surprisingly, many people forget to do it.
  2. Read a Book (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Losing yourself in a good book is a great way to forget your worries and relax.
  3. Watch a Movie (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Pop some popcorn and rent your favorite movie for a quick escape from your day-to-day problems.
  4. Take a Bath (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–Imagine luxuriating in a warm bubble bath or jacuzzi? Try dimming the lights and lighting some candles.
  5. Take a Nap (Time Spent: 45 Minutes)–A short power nap can be a great way to refresh yourself.
  6. Take a Walk (Time Spent 1/2 hour)–Whether it’s a short walk around the block or a quick hike through the nearest park, walking is a great way to reduce stress.
  7. Work Out (Time Spent: 30 Minutes)–Many freelancers find that a quick work out eases tension.
  8. Clean Up (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–De-cluttering a cluttered workspace or home can make you feel better.
  9. Have Lunch with Friends (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Every freelancer should plan on getting out from behind the computer regularly.
  10. Listen to Music (Time Spent: Varies)–The healing and relaxing properties of music are well documented.
  11. Go Shopping (Time Spent: At Least 4 Hours)–If shopping relaxes you, head for the nearest mall.
  12. Go to the Art Museum (Time Spent: 3 Hours)–Get inspired by wandering through the works of the masters.
  13. Treat Yourself (Time Spent: 2 Hours)–Whether it’s a pedicure or a new software program, treating yourself to something you enjoy can relax you.
  14. Go to a Garden (Time Spent: Half a Day)–Spend some time enjoying plants and flowers.
  15. Take a Coffee or Tea Break (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–Brew yourself a pot of coffee or make yourself some tea.
  16. Go Swimming (Time Spent: 2 to 4 Hours)–Almost everybody loves to swim. Head to your local pool.
  17. Plan and Cook a Special Meal (Time Spent: 4 to 6 Hours)–When was the last time you baked your favorite food? Why not make it today?
  18. Walk Your Dog (Time Spent: 30 minutes)–There’s something special (and relaxing) about the relationship between a dog and its master.
  19. Go Fishing (Time Spent: At least Half a Day)–It doesn’t matter whether you catch anything. Just hanging out at your local fishing hole can help you to unwind.
  20. Get a Massage (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–If your muscles feel tight, a trained masseuse can help.
  21. List Your Blessings (Time Spent: 1 Hour)–It’s hard to be stressed if you’re focused on what’s going well. Make a list of everything that you are thankful for.
  22. Eat Outdoors (Time Spent: 1 to 2 Hours)–Pack a lunch and take it outside to eat. There’s a reason everyone loves a picnic.
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find time to relax cartoon
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 Tea lover, retro kitchen art, modern design, typography, relax, Drink Tea and Chill Out, blue/yellow: 11x14
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Pause for just a moment to re-focus on the Lord. Unclench your jaw. Relax your shoulders. Exhale that breath you’ve been holding. And set your heart and mind on Jesus, our peace. He is More Than Enough to hold you together.

{“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.” ~Hebrews 12:2}

A few things I love about fall:
Steaming hot cup of tea and pumpkin bread
Oversized knit sweaters, fur-lined boots, and scarves
 Colorful leaves
 Cuddling up next to my hubby on a cold, rainy day.
 Autumn graphics
 “Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile.”
― William Cullen Bryant
relax coffee

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Just around the corner is
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Are you ready for the month of Thanksgiving turkey?

Autumn graphics

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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Friday, October 25, 2013

My Autumn Tablescape

I've been getting a bit more into the "Autumn" spirit lately, mostly because of the change in weather and also because of the colorful turning of the trees outside. In my last post, I shared some outside decor that I recently added to my porch and garden areas. Today, I will be showing you how I've been decorating inside my house. 

In our small lake house, the dining area is centralized to the rest of the house. The kitchen and 4-season porch are to one side, while the living area and hallway to the bedrooms, bathroom, and the garage are on the other side. We pass through this room several times a day and use it for meals, as well as entertaining.

I have shared several posts of different tablesettings and decorating ideas in my dining room. In fact, you may find that some pictures look a bit familiar, since several of the pieces in them I used last fall. The leaf-inlaid, word-inscribed plates were a sweet find last year at WalMart. The large, orange-rimmed plates underneath them were purchased at Dollar Tree.
 My centerpiece is part of a family tradition. My mom has displayed Horn-of-plenty(or cornucopia) since I was a young girl. The wicker horn is a hand-me-down of my mother's. The different fruits, vegetables, and pumpkins were items I purchased. The little Indian figurines were another purchase from Dollar Tree several years ago.
On this table, I displayed 2 different drinking glasses. The leaf-covered goblets can be used to serve ice tea, juice, or wine. The colorfully inscribed water glasses were a perfect match with my plates. They have words printed on them, like "family", "friends", "laughter", "hugs", and "Home is where the heart is."
 
 It's a chilly, but very sunny day, here in Indiana. The bright sun coming through the window brings out the bright oranges and yellows on my table.
Also glowing in the bright sunlight are some fall window display items. A little barn display has a sign that says, "Our Happy Fall Fest Nest."
I also have my long-standing stacked word sign that I got as a Mother's Day Gift from my son a few years ago. I love it SO much! The owl plate was another Walmart item I found just a few weeks ago and couldn't pass up...I think I may be starting a new collection - owls. I love them!!
Here's a unique view from above the table.
The striped cloth napkins are some I've had a few years. The napkin rings are just silk flowers wrapped around them. Leaf-shaped placemats add to the fall theme.
I also set some leaf and flower design decorative dishes around the table, like the one below.
On the side wall of the room is an (at least) 100 year old cupboard my hubby and I totally restored several years ago. When we got it, there were several layers of different colors of paint on it, that were flaking off in some places. Everything on it is origianl, except for the roll-up tamber door, which had several missing pieces and was cracked.
I also decorated the little countertop with a brilliant-colored table runner and several of my favorite fall pieces.
Another leaf-shaped bowl, along with a pumpkin napkin holder are displayed here.
I'm a big candle lover and enjoy the scent of my Yankee candle in it's holder. The tin owl is an antque my hubby found at a garage sale years ago. I display my battery-operated tea candle in it.
 My black plate holder was another garage sale find. It holds my white ironstone plates, pumpkin teapot, and Canada mapleleaf teacup and saucer.(ready for my morning tea)
Thanks for coming along for my dining room tour today!
May the spirit of the season warm your heart and....
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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Friday, October 18, 2013

Some "Owlish" Decor {And More}

Well, looks like the fall weather is finally here to stay (at least for awhile). I'm not a big fan of the cold and snow, but I do enjoy decorating in Autumn colors! Recently, I have been especially drawn to cute 'owl' themed décor, as observed on my front porch.
 This owl sign lets guests know that fall is welcome here!

As you can see, orange and yellow are the prominent colors.

The owl theme continues with my entrance mat and a wise and friendly owl sitting on a leaf-covered stand.


A small owl flag blows lightly in the breeze, next to one of my two yellow potted Mums.

To the left of the door, I have a brightly colored display of dried/silk leaves, berries, and reeds. They are surrounded by some of my hubby's rocks and my favorite Autumn birdhouses.

A bit further to the left sits my fairy garden. During the summer months, it displayed a sweet fairy, sitting in the grass, surrounded by a park bench, birdbath,  and watering can, and had a garden arch. For the fall season, I took everything out, but the welcome sign and fence and added this rustic-looking fishing lodge birdhouse.

On the side door (to our garage) is a brightly displayed wreath with sunflowers, fall leaves, and ANOTHER birdhouse!

A few summer plants have survived the cooler weather, so far. This planter on my patio stone wall has ivy growing from it, instead of the posted herbs. The rain boots, I purchased at Goodwill last spring, still have a few annuals flowering.


Here is my porch after dark. The tall plant display to the left of the door has battery-operated lights for an evening display.
Here is a close-up.

I'm not sure what the name of this plant is, but I love how the leaves are starting to turn a reddish tint.

Last, but not least, is another fall flag I have displayed by the lakeside patio. Nobody can say that I have not officially welcomed fall! It is here, so I will embrace it as best as I can!

Hope the rest of your October goes well and that you also will embrace the season!!
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Make Your Own Terra Cotta Lighthouse

Since moving to the lake, I often find myself drawn to beachy and nautical decor. One thing I've thought that would be really cool to have is an outdoor miniature lighthouse, with a working light. I came across some easy-to-make lighthouses on Pinterest that were actually made out of something I had sitting around in our our summer shed. All I needed: 3 terra cotta pots (in different sizes), different colored spray paints, spray-on clear shellack, large-tipped permanent markers, and one solar garden light.
 I first taped off the rim of each of the pots and spray painted the rest of the outside of the pots white. After letting them dry and removing the tape, I took and taped(covering large areas with newspaper) up to the rim, and spray-painted the top rim black. Once dry, I used a black marker to draw the door and windows. I then sprayed clear shellack over it all to protect it from the outdoor weather. The stake that came with the solar light fit perfectly into the drainage whole, already in the bottom of the pots.
 
 My finished miniature lighthouse. Below is the view of the light after dark.
 Here is a Youtube tutorial I found that is done a bit differently than how I made mine. This made me chuckle a little, though. No project is ever perfect. And there are always little glitches, when making something new. The gal in this video(and her husband, who filmed it) definitely were down to earth about this fact.

 As I look out on our lake, off the pier, I know soon it will be cold and the snow will be blowing over the frozen water.
If you love all things nautical, maybe you would like to give this outside project a try. All in all, it was fairly easy and inexpensive. If you are really artistic, you may even like to try painting more detail on the lighthouse, like these, I found on Pinterest.
  Do you have a favorite lighthouse? You could easily make a replica with clay pots! See how here: http://www.completely-coastal.com/2013/04/make-clay-pot-lighthouse.html  Recycle Reuse Renew Mother Earth Projects: How to Make a Clay Pot Lighthouse
  @Shawna Bergene Bergene Killgore Clay Pot Lighthouse  decoupaged lighthouse out of clay pots

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