A fall mantel with my new wreath

Ahhh how I love this. Doesn't my new wreath look great over the mantel? I usually go for more of a Halloween mantel this time of year but my wreath needed a home...and I loved all the amazing fall mantel decorating going on in blog land right now. I decorated with items I already had, with the exception of the cute ceramic owl. Owls are quite popular this year for fall decorating and though I originally was not a fan, this little guy has grown on me.

I used popcorn kernels in the hurricane to fill the space around the orange candle.
I love the touch of gold color it adds.
The white pumpkin came from Dollar Tree
and the gold leaf plate I found for $1 on clearance at TJ Max a couple years ago.

More beaded pumpkins, leftover from my wreath decorating, stacked in a Dollar Tree Hurricane.

Isn't he cute? I love that wide-eyed look!
(I found him at World Market.)

I love how the wreath looks layered over the mirror.
Displaying a wreath over a mirror is one of my favorite ways to showcase it.

My love for all things fall continues...

I am linking up to The Lettered Cottage's Fall Mantel Link Party.

Recreating a Fall Wreath...on a budget

Isn't this wreath gorgeous? It's from Williams Sonoma (discovered via Pinterest) and will cost you $99.95. Wow. I love it, but I don't $99.95 love it.

How about this beauty? I fell in love. But for $75 on Etsy (discovered via Pinterest) I decided there had to be a better and cheaper way to get some of this autumn goodness.

Here is my handmade version for MUCH cheaper. * sigh * I love it.

I haven't decided if I like it better with the jute ribbon or the chocolate brown satin ribbon for the bow.
(The brown ribbon needs to be trimmed, I know. The ends need to be the same length...its making me twitch...something about not being symmetrical.)
What do you think?
Let me know in the comments.
I thought I liked the brown ribbon best but as I look at these pictures, I lean towards the jute ribbon.

Here is my cost breakdown:
Styrofoam wreath form from Hobby Lobby - $4 (on sale 1/2 price)
4 bags of reindeer moss from Dollar Tree - $4
Beaded pumpkins from Walmart - $5
Jute ribbon from Walmart - $2
Total - $15

Assembly was easy. Hot glue the reindeer moss all over the wreath form. Hot glue pumpkins. Tie a ribbon bow at the top and you have yourself a thrifty and beautiful wreath. I just love fall!

I linked up to Rhoda's Door Decor Fall Linky Party
and
Lemon Tree Creations Pinterest Link Up!

P.S. The wreath inspiration was originally discovered on Pinterest. Yes, I have become a Pinterest addict. You can follow my boards HERE.

Recent Thrifty Finds...finally!

I have been SO behind in showing you some of the thrifty finds I have scooped up at garage sales this summer! While I have been crazy busy adjusting to life with 2 kids and nightly sleep deprivation, I have managed to hit some garage sales here and there. Here are some of my finds from the last several weeks:

lamp - $1
marble rolling pin - $2
(You can't beat a good marble rolling pin.
I grew up using one in my mom's kitchen, until it broke!)
small milk glass dish - 25 cents
tall glass jar - 25 cents
2 smaller apothecary jars - $1 each
(I may have a small addiction to glass jars...)
stack of hardback books - 25 cents each

Here is a close up of the hardback books I found for 25 cents each at a garage sale. That is an awesome price for hardback books - usually the cheapest I find them is 50 cents a piece, more often $1 a piece.

I have a bunch of projects that are in the works... including a fall wreath, my Halloween party invitations, a lamp makeover, and of course a couple of new recipes. I promise to show you soon!

For the love of yummy food :)

I have been itching for an excuse to make some yummy food. My recipe binder is OVERFLOWING with recipes I need to try. So I made up my own excuse. My sister left today to go back to college for her last semester, so last night we had a family get-together where we all sampled my delicious food. What better reason to eat good food? Take a look at this deliciousness:

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls
Loved this! So yummy. You can find the recipe HERE.

Ham and Cheese Sliders
These were a winner too! Recipe HERE.

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
I am always looking for a good cupcake recipe.
The orange-cream cheese frosting is amazing!
Check out the recipe HERE.

Strawberry Cream Puff Cake
This is every bit as heavenly as it sounds! You should SO make one today.
Recipe HERE.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Eclair Cake
I knew this chocolate-peanut butter variation of THIS CAKE wouldn't disappoint!
FYI: Chocolate graham crackers can be found at United Supermarkets here in Lubbock (but not Walmart).
You can find this recipe, with better pictures HERE.

Garlic Chicken Puffs
I would make a few changes to this recipe next time.
Less garlic powder and add a small can of green chilies (my personal preference).
Recipe HERE.

Let me know if you try any of these recipes - I would love to know what you think!
Happy Cooking!