Favorite Fall Things Blog Swap: Caramel Apples, Pumpkin Soap, a Scented Candle & More

Being able to enjoy the fall season is definitely one of the best things about living here on the East Coast, and every year, I look forward to crisp days, changing leaves, the start of the holidays and pumpkin, well, everything.

To make the fall months even more fun this time around, I decided to link up with a group of fellow bloggers for the Favorite Fall Things Blog Swap, where I exchanged a box of goodies with my fabulous partner Morgan Elise. It was great getting to know Morgan, who also has experience with wedding coordination and thinks sweet cinnamon pumpkin is the perfect fall scent. Plus, I completely loved everything she sent me! 

As seen here, Morgan gifted me: 

-- A purple tote bag

-- A House Hunters bingo game

-- Candy corn tissues

-- A ceramic pumpkin candle set with Spun Web scented cubes

-- An air freshener satchel 

-- A mason jar drinking glass with a couple Crystal Light packets and gum 

-- Two caramel apple kits

-- Pumpkin-scented soap 

Thanks, Morgan, for this fantastic collection and for being my partner! The caramel apples were especially fun to make and tasted every bit as delicious as they looked. Happy fall, everyone!

Simple & Fun Fall Craft Idea: DIY Halloween Owl Wreath

While I’m not usually one to go all out with seasonal and holiday decorations, I do like to put out a few fun pieces each year once the fall season rolls around. Along with a couple new pumpkin-and-apple scented candles, Halloween-themed art pieces and owl throw pillows, one of my favorite additions to this year’s collection is the super cute DIY Halloween owl wreath Stephen and I made using a $20 kit from Paper Source.

Even for novice crafters like us, the instructions were relatively easy to follow, and although it did take a bit longer to complete than we originally expected (mostly because we had to curl each flower petal one at a time), I absolutely love the way it came out. Plus, at just $20, this paper wreath was a bargain compared with a few more elaborate ready-made designs I had recently been eyeing. Overall, it was a fun and simple project, and as you can see, even Molly and Twix had a great time getting in on some paper scrap action! 

Have you done any fun DIY projects or put up any new decorations this fall? 

New Couch Quandaries

As our current couch and loveseat became increasingly worn, I tried to come up with temporary solutions to extend their lifespan, like buying a set of covers and positioning throw blankets over the back cushions. But when springs suddenly started breaking through a couple weeks back, I knew it was time to put the temporary fixes aside and start thinking about replacing the set altogether.

This time, instead of buying a separate couch and loveseat, Stephen and I are looking at corner couch models, including the following two contenders from Ikea. (I’m very disappointed that our current set from JC Penney has lasted less than three years.)

EKTORP Corner Sofa. Image Source: Ikea

KARLSTAD Corner Sofa. Image Source: Ikea

After checking them both out in person, I think we’re leaning a bit more toward the second one, since it seems to be slightly more spacious and comfortable, and also has a great crawl space underneath where Molly and Twix could play without any risk of getting “stuck” or losing their toys.

We still haven’t made a final decision, but one thing I definitely love about both of these couches is our ability to buy replaceable covers should the original fabric become worn or damaged. Have you ever purchased a couch from Ikea before, and which of these do you like best? I’ll be sure to let you know what we decide! 

P.S. Thanks so much for all of your helpful advice about the Writer's Digest Conference. While I didn't sign up in time to get the early bird discount, I still have more time to think about it and make a decision in the coming weeks. 

Future Home: Pool Party Paradise

After enduring more than a week of temperatures that hovered right around the 100-degree mark or higher (we’re finally down into the 80s – hooray!), I’ve been daydreaming more than ever about my future dream home and the glorious pool I plan to construct in the backyard.

Unlike the community pool here in our apartment complex, which is small, shallow, always crowded and constantly scrutinized by the watchful eyes of a lifeguard, my someday pool -- like those seen below -- will be a private refuge of escape and relaxation, as well as the perfect setting for the occasional pool party or summer BBQ bash. 

Visit my Home board on Pinterest to check out these and other fun inspirations. What's your dream home must-have? 

Future Home: Dream Office

As far as home office space goes, I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got right now, even if it is a far cry from my former digs on Capitol Hill, which were definitely nice, but truth be told, also a bit over the top.

Still, while my basic L-shaped desk (purchased on sale for just $70!) and standard Ikea shelving are more than enough to meet my needs for the time being, that hasn’t stopped me from daydreaming about what I might someday do once we have a house of our own and a hopefully expanded budget.

Here, a few of my favorite design and decor inspirations thus far from – where else? – Pinterest. 

Source: luxefinds.com via Heather on Pinterest

Fun, functional, feminine and sophisticated, this office's furniture, color scheme and decor all make me swoon.

Source: houzz.com via Heather on Pinterest

Growing up, one of my friends had a wall of shelves just like this in her room, and I was always quite envious, since this type of open layout provides for so many creative storage and decor options.

Source: luxefinds.com via Heather on Pinterest

Corner shelving units also strike my fancy, and I just love the color-blocking with books seen in this image.

Source: penniesandblessings.com via Heather on Pinterest

This desk, a twist on the one I have now, would allow for plenty of work and storage space, given the wide desktop and two sets of drawers on each side. The room's color scheme is also calm and relaxing, which is just what I need to help keep me on track when things get stressful.

Source: luxefinds.com via Heather on Pinterest

The chic chandelier and pretty ceiling patterns are just my style, as are the classic and sophisticated colors seen throughout the room.

Of course, in the end, I guess it's also fair to say that my ultimate dream office would actually look something a little more like this... :)

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Heather on Pinterest

What's your vision for a dream home office?

Décor Inspiration: DIY Water Bead & Hydrangea Centerpiece

A couple weeks ago, I had the honor or coordinating a wedding for two wonderful clients and friends, Kim and Francis, who recently spent the past week honeymooning in sun-kissed Cancun. Their wedding day was incredibly beautiful, and I of course can’t wait to share more details and photos very soon.

In the meantime, I was so inspired by Kim’s vision for a quick, easy and eye-catching centerpiece that I just couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. Taking only mere minutes to assemble, this centerpiece is perfect for a wedding or dinner party, and could even be tailored to add a splash of prettiness to your home and office décor. 

How's it made? Read on! 

Items Needed

* Wide glass containers in the style and quantity of your choosing

* Glow sticks

* Water beads, also known as jelly beads, in the color of your choice

* Hydrangeas or another flower type of your choosing

Instructions

* Place one or two lit glow-stick necklaces in the bottom of a fish bowl or other type of wide glass container.

* Cover the bottom of the container with a layer of water beads, filling as high as you desire.

* Cut a hydrangea stem, or the stem of another type of flower you prefer, so that only a small portion remains beneath the head. Place the cut flower in the center of the bowl atop the water beads, inserting the stem to help hold it in place.

And that’s it – fun, fast and lovely! Have you ever experimented with water bead décor, and what are some of your favorite DIY ideas?