First Friday Faves

This Friday Faves is an ode to all things fall.  Last month we talked about how to get into the summer spirit in case you were late to the party.  This month we're focused on what to do, eat and drink to join the fall party, and despite my love of the game this will be a football free zone.

1. Bake Cookies.

Photo courtesy of www.parentpretty.com

The weather is finally cool enough to turn on the oven.  I plan on turning the oven on and not turning it off for about 6 months.  Bake cookies for yourself, your family, friends or neighbors.  To really get in the spirit make sure some pumpkin is involved.

2. Light Candles.

Fall candles are probably my favorites scents and not just because most of them smell like pumpkin.  Once again the cooling temperatures make it possible to light a candle (in a safe place, far away from the kiddos).  

3.  Take a hike.

Speaking of autumn leaves and wonderful smells, get outside and enjoy viewing the leaves, smelling the leaves and hearing the crunch of leaves under your foot.  It won't be too hot, and the air is clear.  Grab the kids, the dog, a friend and get outside.

4.  Plant mums.

Nothing says fall like some mums in front of your house with a pumpkin or two.  The best thing about mums is that the word "hardy" is in their name, meaning even I have trouble killing them.  And while you're at it, plant some bulbs so you have great spring flowers.  

5. Drink something.

Photo courtesy of www.thealerunner.com

Drink something yummy.  Could be hot, like hot apple cider.  Could be cold, like a pumpkin beer.  Just drink something that says fall because no season has so many delicious options.  

DIY Fall Wreath

Fall decorating is my favorite decorating all year  (Even more than Christmas!).  I think its because it reminds me of apple cidar and all things pumpkin which I absolutely love. And changing leaves, soups and stews, football.  Really I love all things fall.  Each year I lament about the fact that wreaths are just so darn expensive.  This year I decided to do something about it and make my own wreath.  My first step to figure out what kind of wreath to make was to ask the world of Facebook for cheap and easy wreath suggestions.  My second step was to fall into the world of Pinterest.  This was my favorite wreath.  After a trip to Michael's where I bought more than enough supplies to make multiple wreaths I ended up with my own version.  (See Michael's loot below.)

This very easy to make Fall Wreath takes just a few minutes and just a few supplies.  I didn't even use all the materials pictured below.  While I'm using the wreath for my front door it could just as easily go on your mantle.  In fact, I'm using inspiration from this wreath to decorate my mantle.  

Fall Wreath Supplies

• Wreath form – I used an 18 in. grapevine wreath.
• Burlap ribbon –  I stuck with the traditional brown was but was seriously tempted by blue, red and green.
• Berry garland (5 ft.)- There are so many different garlands out there but I tried to get a simple one.  
• Wire and wire cutters
• Scissors

Step 1

• Attach the first ribbon of burlap to the wreath.
• I laid the burlap around the wreath, and then used the wire to secure it every few inches.

Step 2

• Add the next piece of burlap using the same method as before.
• Attach the wire at different spots to ensure that there is overlap.  I also wove the second ribbon through the first ribbon.

Step 3

• Weave the berry garland around the wreath and through the burlap occassionally.  

Happy decorating!!