Happy Halloween

The sun did decide to make an appearance, and the result was a perfect evening for trick-or-treating. It also meant that I could snap a few photos of the living room again in better light.

On Halloween day I move all of our pumpkins to the front entrance. I find that they last a little longer now outside in the cool weather, and the house becomes a clean slate again, ready to be dressed up for Christmas - though that won't happen until the first of December.

I found so many great varieties this year!

This year Willen went dressed as Spider Man.

Hudson went out as Gecko from PJ Masks and Jude stayed in and slept while I handed out candy.

Here you can see how far our entrance is finished. We were advised to let it weather until Spring and then paint it. Also, we still have to find a light fixture and new screen door. One day I will get around to showing you that process.

Fall in the Living Room

I feel as though it's been so long since I've posted anything to do with our home or decorating, but the truth is, I'm just getting around to getting my house in order again. As I've started feeling like myself, I've began puttering around the house, eliminating some of the choas and making things feel cozy as the weather turns colder.

I started in the living room. Nothing complicated, just some pumpkins placed here and there to bring some Fall tones to the space.

I know it's all about copper pieces right now, but I still love my traditional brass candlesticks.

Now, while I know that taking a photo in this kind of evening light, with a lamp on of all things, and no tripod makes for slightly blurred, unnatural photos... but at this point, I'm just happy I got to take any photos at all! I had a quiet moment when dinner was in the oven and Jude was napping, and took the opportunity before the sun was down.

I would love it if it's sunny tomorrow and I'm able to take some photos of the different varieties of pumpkins and gourds I have this year. I found some really beautiful ones.

Welcome, Baby

Jude Jacob Collin Heikoop

 Born on the twenty-ninth of September

9 pounds and 5 ounces

We are so in love and so very thankful.

 

We have enjoyed a restful couple of weeks and I'm  thankful I'm starting to feel like myself again.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving.

Antique Finds

Here are some of the great pieces I've come across these past weeks. Some of them I picked up at antique shops in our region - I've been venturing all over - and some are things I've found online or in thrift stores.

This coffee pot was a thrift store find. It reminds me of a coffee pot from a hotel service. I love the simple design. It's also in perfect condition inside, so I look forward to using it when the occasion arises.

I also found this sugar pot at Oliver and Rust, it's holding my pens and pencils on my desk, and that pitcher was found at a new antique shop in town. I don't think he was aware of the value of it as he sold it to me for $15!

This great little dish, that is very worn and beautifully aged, was from Queen's Antiques in Niagara on the Lake. The fish set was also from there, as was the gorgeous picnic basket below.

The ironstone tureen, with it's beautiful pear handle, looks beautiful grouped together with my other tureens with ornate lids. It was a steal on eBay and I believe I paid around $15 for it too.

I've been looking for some pretty cutlery like this, and I just loved the carved details and butter yellow handles. There aren't many, but I will find a use for them.

This empire dresser was also a great recent find. It was $60 on Kijiji. It was originally going to be the change table and dresser for the baby, but I later found a dresser with enough storage for all three boys, and the room just felt cramped with this piece too. So for now it's sitting in the living room, and will eventually be moved somewhere else. I had intended on painting it as there are some imperfections in the finish from age, but I haven't made it that far, and I'm not in any rush.

I have to say, I've really enjoyed getting out and browsing through some of my favourite shops, something I likely won't be able to do for a little while once baby arrives.

The Start of September

While this post may be titled The Start of September, to my disbelief, somehow we are already more than half way through.

School has started, the temperatures have dropped slightly, and those usual feelings of fresh starts and routine have settled in.

With both boys in school all day now, and no sign of baby arriving yet (though he does have two more weeks), I've been making the most of these past two weeks by making small day trips around the region and visiting some of my favourite spots.

Labour Day weekend brought the Fall antique show at Augusta's in Gasline. Her charming little farm is always a hit with the boys. They are particularly fond of Hudson the mule. And the pumpkins and Fall decorations always bring inspiration for the coming season - like this giant Lumina pumpkin up on a pedestal with bits of vine trailing down. So simple, and so gorgeous.

When Ryan has a morning or the day off, he joins me. We always like to drive about and discover new places. Here we had breakfast at the Flying Squirrel cafe in Ridgeway.

I've also popped in to all of the local antique shops! I'm hoping this week to share all of my finds. I've managed to pick up some great things.

I've also enjoyed being able to sit and read quietly and enjoy a coffee - or, at this time of year, a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I swear, if this baby doesn't come soon, he may slightly resemble an Oompa Loompa.

As much as I'm loving the quiet time, I do miss these boys. Thankfully they are loving school, and soon enough I will have another to keep me busy.

And we have finally been relieved of the unbearable heat and humidity we've been under for what has seemed like forever! Our poor gardens have suffered. Thankfully though, as we've finally had rain and cooler temperatures, they seem to be reviving. My Hydrangeas have started turning their shades of pink with the cooler evenings, and my Rose bushes are in full bloom!

I've enjoyed browsing through so many blogs all decorated for Fall, and while I am so looking forward to that, I can't quite commit to it just yet. Maybe this week, once Fall has officially arrived, I will start to add bits of Autumn around the house.

In the mean time, I am hoping to show you the nursery and boy's room I've been working on, as well as the progress on our front entrance, which is complete, but awaiting paint. It's been on hold as we were advised to wait until the temperatures drop and the extreme humidity lifts. I would love for that to happen before I bring home pumpkins and things. And then there are some other little projects I've been working on, like a gallery wall of family photos upstairs, and getting myself organized for the baby.

All in due time. For now, I'm just taking it one lovely day at a time.