Fall Front Porch Decor

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie, This year I really tried to decorate my front porch for both Halloween and Thanksgiving all in one swoop. I don't have time to change things out after only one month but maybe you do?

After, 4-5 trips to buy pumpkins & plants that would last in our cold climate, I learned that I needed more pumpkins than I had thought and fell in love with the cabbage type plants. I am not a plant person but am slowing learning.

When picking out pumpkins, it’s always great to have a variety of sizes and colors. And don't forget to pick up some of those funky looking gourds. Then, with a little paint I spiced it up with a message.

Here is my indoor fun and simple Halloween decor. It took me less than 10 minutes to put together.

Dinner al Fresco

Hi y'all, it's me that girl katie, Earlier this month my husband and I hosted a "Dinner al Fresco" along the Snake River in our hometown of Jackson, Wy. I attended one last year and couldn't wait to host one myself. Lucky me, my husband enjoys to cook which allowed me the time to create plenty of small details and homemade ice cream in order for the night to really glow along side his awesome menu. After all, there were a few celebrations that took place, a birthday, an anniversary and an anniversary eve. It was a perfect night to spend with great friends we have known for a long time.

I hope this inspires you to do something similar in your hometown.

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Menu:

Apps: Herb and lemon goat cheese spread with baguette Prosciutto wrapped shrimp with red pepper aioli

Dinner: Salad with honey lemon vinaigrette Quinoa salad with corn and fresh herbs Grilled lemon-oregano chicken drumsticks Santa maria tri-tip roast

Dessert: Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Push Pops (kept frozen with dry ice which you can get at your local grocery store)

Embelishments:

- Dinner al Fresco chalkboard sign - A painted black and white stripe table runner - Mason jar vases wrapped with black burlap and brown twine - Flowers- I bought from our grocery store and assembled them into the mason jars - Mason jars with candles - Battery operated lights strung over the table - Speciality Drink with a decorative label - A green plastic table cloth I purchased at our local fabric store

Details:

- BYOC - We asked all of our guest to bring their own chair - We choose a location that was public property so we didn't have to reserve it. I did take a few chairs out earlier in the day to silently reserve a spot. - We used bamboo plates that I bought at our local organic grocery store. My husband can't stand paper plates so for me to get him to agree on these instead of ceramic plates was huge but it lightened our load. - We made sure to tell our guests that there wouldn't be a bathroom on site. Hello nature toilet. - Headlamps were also very handy during clean up when it was really dark - Bought ice on way to site

What we learned for next summer:

- Bring large bins to throw everything in when its too dark to organize and deal with the next day at home - Consider hosting it with another couple.

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A perfect evening!

Chalkboard Easel DIY Video

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie, Since making this CHALKBOARD EASEL, I have used it for 2 parties we hosted (blog entries on parties coming soon). I also used it to write the school year for my kids to stand in front of on their 1st day.

It's been worth the DIY time it took to complete.

A special thanks to, ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com where I got the idea and followed their tutorial.

I hope you give it a try.

Supply List:

-(4) 35” 1X2’s – miter just the top of each piece -(2) 20” 1x2’s – miter both sides of each piece -(2) 17” 1x2’s -(2) boards 19” x 25” – find thin boards or use the back side of bead board.

-8 L brackets -2 small hinges -2 eye hooks -screws -stain -chalkboard paint -wood glue -twine -paint brush(s) - chalk -caulk (optional)

Supplies you probably already have:

-paper towels -drop cloth -drill -sandpaper -tape measure -pencil

If you are mitering the specified pieces then you need:

- miter box - saw - brace

F YOU CANCER!

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie, Nope, I don't have cancer but my sister does. It's been a surreal summer with an enormous amount of emotions running frequently throughout the days. I can't complain because it's simple, I am healthy.

My sister and I live far away which is hard on a normal day but then add cancer to the equation and it makes me wish I knew how to fly an airplane so I could pop in to simply hold her hand or give her a kiss and hug.

I have tired to come up with some creative ways of showing my unconditional love and support outside of the normal phone calls and cards from thousands miles away.

I wanted to share my ideas incase you are supporting a loved one from a far.

(if you click on the images below the entire collage will pop up larger)

Source list:

- Embroidery: http://www.dormousejh.com - Organic Fruit: http://www.harryanddavid.com - Custom Bracelets: http://www.wrist-band.com - Soup: http://www.spoonfulofcomfort.com - Curb Cancer: http://www.pinkcart.com

I love you Stacy. Keep Fighting!

Needle Point Nelly

Hi y'all, it's me, that girl katie, My husband sometimes refers to me as "Needle Point Nelly" and here are a few examples of why he gave me that nickname.

I get a lot of my projects when I am in San Francisco at Needle Point Inc.

Here is my current project I am working on when I find the time. I sure hope my son doesn't loose a tooth anytime soon.

Here are a few finished projects.