Wordless Wednesday (for Mary, from our backyard)

10 Things I Love About Fall

Fall is my favorite season. I grew up in Michigan, which had the most beautiful autumn days you could imagine...bright orange, red and yellow leaves, the smell of the fire place, crisp air, hot apple cider and donuts. Now, I live in Southern California and some of my reasons for loving fall have changed ...

10 Things I love About Fall:

1. The cooler temperatures. 90 degrees feels cool here. Go away summer, you are too hot.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Need I say more?

3. Making chili in the crock pot and smelling it all afternoon...and football playing on the TV.









4. Wearing hats & beanies....and all my fall weather clothes. 

5. The sky. We have lots of pink & purple sunsets in September. 

6. Going to the Pumpkin Patch with the family.


7. Halloween.

8. It's scare time. Our family is notorious for scaring each other and anyone who happens to stop by... there's something about putting up the Halloween decorations that gets us going. Come over at your own risk.

9. Thanksgiving. Uncle John's mashed potatoes.

10. Camping.

What do you love about fall?

Wordless Wednesday

 That Smile is Way More Inspirational than Any Quote

Wordless Wednesday - Remember 9/11

Camping in Idyllwild, CA

Here's some photos of a camping trip we took in the California Idyllwild Mountains.

My latest idea... a flower centerpiece on the picnic table 

every time we go camping! Flowers bring joy.

Camping makes Jack smile and Cooper tired.

Ta-da! So much easier than pitching a tent! 

Jack protecting the hippie bus.

Why yes, the hat was a gift from my son.

Fresh air, bright blue sky and tall trees...

Yoga Jewelry On Sale

September is National Yoga Month.

I'm offering a 20% discount on my yoga jewelry. You can go directly to my "Yoga Jewelry Section" at my Etsy shop. Enjoy the savings through the end of September. Namaste.

Here are a few pieces from my yoga collection.

Namaste Necklace

Lotus Necklace

Om Necklace

Om Earrings

Tree Pose Necklace

DIY : Mexican Succulent Party Favors

While living in Southern California, I am able to enjoy my cactus and succulent collection year round. And, if you live close by, then you've probably received a succulent gift from me. I love coming up with creative ways to display my addiction. This new collection was Pinterest inspired. 

They were so simple to make and only cost a few dollars. Use them as party favors or decorations at your next mexican fiesta.

I found these mexican food cans at the grocery store for just .55 cents!

I then went to my local Farmer's Market and bought assorted cactus and succulents as well as a bag of cactus potting soil. The succulents were only $1.00 each. Buying from your local Farmer's Market is less expensive than buying from a big chain and you're helping support your local farmers. 

Empty and clean the cans. Fill the can with about 1 inch of potting soil. Cactus can be prickly and dangerous! Wear gloves and use thongs to pull the plant out of its container and to place into the can. Fill the cans with additional soil as needed.

You can be creative and add colored rocks, dry beans or dry peas on top of the dirt.

I decided to place my collection on our backyard fence. If you are going to use them as party favors, glue a name tag on a wooden popsicle stick and insert into dirt. The name can go on the front and "how to care for" instructions can go on the back. However you decide to use these little planters, they are sure to bring a smile to your guests and brighten up your fiesta!