Pine cone Swag

Hey ya'll!  So, I finally got a minute to do something with the pine cones I gathered from my neighbors yard last week. I have this swag hanging on the front door and it will take me all the way through Thanksgiving. It was so easy to make with just a little ribbon and some cup hooks which I found at my local craft store.

First I screwed the cup hooks into the base of the pine cone and then I secured the ribbon with a knot. I did use some pliers to squeeze the cup hook and make the opening a little narrower. This kept the knot from slipping off as easily. After I had all the pine cones ready, I gathered all the ribbons and tied one huge knot at the top and hung from a wreath hanger.

I still have a ton of pine cones....More garland photos to come!

Autumn Hike

Yes, I know this post title is misleading to those of you who personally know me. I confess, I am not the "outdoorsy" type.  It's not that I mind getting dirty or that I don't like being outside, but when it comes to being out in nature, I prefer to be within close proximity of running water, a fully equipped kitchen and my pillow top mattress. I don't like bugs or rodents and camp fires make me nervous. I could be Smokey the Bear's sidekick in a heartbeat.

But, there are times, like this past Sunday, when I do enjoy a leisurely hike where I can watch my oldest son explore the woods and appreciate the beauty in nature.  I love watching him take in the world around him!  My youngest slept peacefully in the baby carrier, enjoying the fresh air, not noticing a thing as I carefully picked up fading leaves whose shapes and colors were so uplifting.

While fall is a wonderfully fun season, all the activities can throw your system into stimulation overload.  There are times when my mind craves quiet and serenity and if that means resorting to spending time in the woods than that's where you'll find me...until I start planning pretty projects like this and this with all the things I picked up along the way!