Family Weekend

Mike and I went home for the weekend. It was our usual quick three day trip, on a rare weekend off for Mike and in between my 8 week sessions of school. This trip home was for my Sister-in-Law Kristin's baby shower, during which, the boys worked on getting the nursery ready for their new little one. The shower was at my Mom's house, my Sister-in-Law Kate handled all the decor, and my Aunt Bobbie took care of the appetizers, my job was to get up at 5am and get to Michigan in time for the shower.

The next day we headed over to Mike's parents house and took a trip to Yates Cider Mill. I remember when we moved to Illinois, and during that first fall, was looking forward to taking the usual trip to the cider mill for cider and doughnuts, only to find out that no such place existed in Illinois, where instead off apples and cherries, corn and soybeans are the staples.

Delicious Michigan apples. The grocery store just doesn't compare.

Heck yeah, fresh doughnuts!

Catalog Living

Do you ever look though home decor catalogs and wish you could jump in and live inside them? No? Just me? Well anyway, every time I flip through a West Elm catalog I imagine a life surrounded by perfectly messy marble countertops, tousled bedding, natural wood and bales of hay (just kidding about that last one. Or am I?)

 

 

But don't worry I don't take it too seriously. Check out these captions from Catalog Living: "A glimpse into the exciting world of the people who live in your catalogs"

Desperate for a better life, the floor lamp crammed in her architecture studies whenever she had a free moment.

 

Gary, be sure not to nap in your rattan pod too long; I’ve heard the ostriches feed in this area. Gary? Gary!!!

Modern Fairytale Posters

I spotted this beauties over at A Cup of Jo, and had to share. They are by artist Christian Jackson and can be found at Square Inch Design Blog. I love the minimalist, slightly eerie design.

Pumpkin Decorating

If you're not a fan of carving pumpkins (Mike), then here are some alternatives to the classic carved pumpkin. You could also use craft pumpkins for some of these and use them again and again. 

 

 

 

Image via  (Wit & Whistle, Sweet Paul Magazine, Sweet Paul Magazine,  Better Homes and Gardens, Real Simple, Real Simple,