Fall Decorating on a Budget

I've been waiting all summer for fall to arrive.. and as me and the hubs were driving down the street.. I realized that Autumn is most definitely here. Just look at this beauty!! 

Giant Springs Park, Great Falls, MT

Despite the fact that it's not as chilly as one would hope.. and I haven't been able to dress up in scarves and boots... I could not wait to get my decorating started in order to make my house feel like this season's holidays are just around the corner!  Sometimes I wish I had not only a huge house, but a huge budget ;) regardless... I definitely didn't want to spend a huge chunk of cash going to Michaels, Ross, Pier1, ETC. on buying all the really cute stuff that they have. So I decided that with the help of creativity and Pinterest I would get my imagination going. Biggest advice -- Don't be scared to become your own Martha Stewart -- seriously your biggest critic is yourself, think outside the box, and just do it! 

So here it goes --

Best places to shop for me were Dollar Store, Michaels (looking out for clearance and coupons), Hobby Lobby (same - clearance and coupons), GoodWill, Yard Sales. 

FALL - bottles 
 Crush Bottles - $3.00 6 pack (disposed 2) @Grocery store {LOVE orange soda :)}
Krylon Metallic paint - $3.25 bottle (clearance - now I have a pretty full spray can) @Hobby Lobby
Adhesive letters - $1.25 each @Hobby Lobby
Individual shrubs - $1 each @Dollar Store
Total ~ $11

Pumpkin Centerpiece
8 small pumpkins - $1 each @Dollar Store
Large round glass plate - $.69 @GoodWill
hot glue 
Total ~ $9 

Table cloth - gift from Mother :) 

Front Door Wreath 
Wooden wreath - $1 @DollarStore
2 Fall leaves garland - $1 each @DollarStore
Small broom - $2 @GoodWill
Bow - .50@GoodWill
Total ~ $4.50

Candle Holders 
this one took a little hunting and looking around for
2 Steel candle holder - $.75 each @GoodWill
2 Glass vases - $.99 each @GoodWill
Pinecones - 3 large bags @ Yardsale for $1 (this was a total score- one bag had store pricing of 4.99)
Small pumpkins - $.50 each @HobbyLobby
Fall leaves - $1 a bag @Dollar Store
Total ~ $6.75

Candle Centerpiece

When me and my girlfriends were walking out of Michaels we saw pretty much the same thing for about $24!!! 

3 small vanilla scented candles - $1 each @DollarStore

4 stems of Berries - $.70 each @Michaels 

small wooden wreath - $1 @DollarStore

Orange plate - $1 @Michaels 

cinnamon stick 

Total ~ $7

Salt & Pepper shakers - $2.99 @ Michaels

Fall Bouquet & Candle
Glass Vase - $.75 Yard sale (I went ahead and spray painted it white - milkglass effect)
Stem of fall leaves - $1.25 @JoAnn
Stem of Berries - $1.25 @JoAnn
Total ~ 2.25
Pumpkin Spice candle - $3.99 @ Ross (these are always cheaper @Ross - so keep an eye out)
I removed label and added a Bow - $.50 @Dollar Store
Total ~ $4.50
Also, notice on the bottom I used the rest of the pine cones from my previous project and dumped them in a clear glass vase (on hand)


These are a few of my projects that I'm definitely proud of.
So I hope you get the idea, there are so many possibilities to decorating your home and making it feel special. It is definitely rewarding to sit on your couch and look up to see your home pretty and clean because you took the extra effort to make something special all by yourself!
Hope you're inspired! October is here - so start decorating! :)

XOXO

The Art of Reminiscing -- ITALIA

OH the Beauty that is Europe, the beauty that is Italy, the beauty that is Italian Cuisine (and me getting fatter by the second due to the ridiculous amount of cappuccinos, pasta, bread, and gelato I would stuff my face with any chance I got).. Sorry about the side note, regardless I miss the crap outta Italy. And so does the hubs despite his incessant ridicule on Italian drivers.

Buying Gelato in Venice, Italy

So for anyone who is considering a trip to Italy in the near future don't let yourself be fooled by the people who insist that going to "touristy" places is over rated. When the hubs lived in Italy, Venice was about an hour away.. And so Venice was the hangout spot and please believe "over rated" was the last thing it was. There were so many times that we would hop onto the train at the Sacile Train Station and be on our way. Of course sightseeing is awesome especially if you're an Arts History expertise.. It's basically like all those pictures you saw in all those textbooks come to life. 

Vatican, Rome, Italy

I was fortunate enough to visit Italy during Spring, Summer and Winter.. and trust me all the seasons are wonderful. During the Spring you get showers and a nice breeze.. Perfect for boots, scarves, and pea coats.. Of course another perfect time to embrace Italian fashion. Summer is super hot with humidity off the radar, but the beaches are perfect! Filled with people who not only don't care what they look like in a two piece bikini but embrace being beautiful and confident in their own bodies. And last but not least.. Winter.. Now let’s talk about beauty! Winter in Italy isn't like winter in Montana, oh no.. You get rain, a bit of snow, and cold.. not unbearable cold, but just perfect! So regardless of the season that you may (or may not) be planning your trip abroad, Italy is gorgeous year round.

Lake Barcis, Italy

The memories that a person builds going to any trip are just remarkable. Some of the best memories that I shall have in my life were made in Italy. For example, for those of you who know me, you’ll know that spontaneity is basically my motto! I went to visit my “good friend” at the time in Italy after not having seen him in 4 years.. I know it was a bit crazy, but well worth the nerves and the excitement! A year later, we then got engaged a Bibione Beach, Italy.. 

So as you can see Italy will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 
And we really hope that one day you'll be able to visit Italy, or Europe for that mater, it's a wonderful place and everyone should indulge in the culture at least once in their lives :) 

XO