I’ve had some time this week to catch up with some of my girlfriends. Sometimes this means it was a few minutes in the parking lot at preschool. Or a phone conversation. I definitely value their friendships and wish I had more time to spend with them (thankfully most of my girlfriends are mothers as well and recognize time is not something we have a lot of right now).
One of my good friends (who was also born a Cancer), and I were talking yesterday. It is really scary how similar our personalities are. She was naming off several traits that fit both of us to a tee. One of them was the ability to throw ourselves into something, not halfway but whole-heartedly!
I always thought this was a good trait (but certainly recognized how it can be all consuming sometimes). Then she stopped and said, “But there is one difference between you and I. When you see something new you want to learn, you throw yourself into it and revel in the challenge. Whereas, I am sometimes uncertain and afraid of failing.” I realize that we all have this fear of failure to a certain degree. Obviously some more than others.
But that emotion flew out the window, and then I loved it.
I will do it again someday, but not until my children are grown.
One of my challenges has been decorating. I wanted to share this with you because, decorating is not something that came naturally to me. In fact, I am somewhat tentative to even share some of these pictures with you. What I have learned has come from many designers and decorators (check out the list of “a few other sites you might like” on my sidebar) who have graciously shared their secrets and design tips with their readers through their blogs. One in particular has a motto that frees you from the “everything has to be perfect” mentality. The Nesting Place written by the Nester really forced me to forget perfection and “Just Do It!” (Sorry, Nike.) Her tagline says it all: “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.” I encourage you to hop (no, make that LEAP) over to her blog and download this FREE eBook on “It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to be Beautiful.”
I read the eBook from cover screen to cover screen. And I have thrown away those “perfect” shackles and made my house MY home. And I did it without spending a lot of money.
I have finally embraced Autumn and am willing to share with you my fall vignettes and decorations. I want you to know that I purchased very little this month (thanks to a very special woman over at the T-shirt Diaries. She challenged fellow bloggers to forgo spending anything on crafts, etc. this September.) If I purchased it this year, I’ll share with you where and how much I spent. If it isn’t listed, I already had it in my stash. But, it is likely that I found it, transformed it from junk, or got some amazing deal on it.
Without further ado, here is my imperfect and inexpensive decorating for fall:
Both on clearance. I spray painted them black.
Added maroon raffia ribbon this year.
I encourage you all to throw away that “perfect” mentality and try something new this month! It is okay if it doesn’t come out perfect. Love it if it is a reflection of who you are. If you hate it throw it away and use it as a learning experience, but don’t give up. Try it again!
Let’s not forget how we all learned to ride a bike or even walk. Were we afraid to try it? Probably. But, we tried it anyway. Did we give up when we fell the first time? No!
I, for one, am more than happy to throw away the 'perfect' mentality 🙂 It is always a relief to hear someone else say it, too, though 🙂 Thanks!
Ditto on the not-so-perfect thing. I'm a graduate of the "good enough" decorating school. If it's good enough for me, and it makes me happy now, then it stays. It might not grace the pages of Elle Decor, but I don't care!
Your fall spaces look so cute, by the way. Keep sharing your ideas!
So festive!
You have beautiful fall decorations. My house is topsy turvy from switching rooms and redecorating. It's hard to get into seasonal decorating when everything is a mess. Sigh…but I'm sure enjoying looking at everyone else's!
I love what you wrote on your chalkboard! Friends and family members will think I have gone off the deep end if I don't do it perfect or at least try…it seriously is part of my personality, but I do know when to let go. I am going to duplicate your pumpkin topiary, thanks for the inspiration. I have two urns at my front door with just dirt in them, they plants always die. This is just the thing to perk up my fall decorating.
That Nester is a pretty smart chick. I have had to learn to let it go too. And you did a wonderful job. Your fall decor is beautiful!
"Relax! Your Home Now" is my favorite. Wow! Don't we need to learn to do that.
I'm posting a link on my Blog for this one.
Billie
Thanks for stopping by, I love, love, love your Pottery Barn inspired lantern. So nice to see fall when you come home – huh? I just love this time of year.
All of your decor looks wonderful. I'm glad you embraced the Nesting Place's motto :).
Sometimes the simplist things are the most beautiful. Your mantle is outstanding and could rival any decorator's choice of decoration. There are times when just a little touch of something makes the difference in before and after,now it's wow factor. I see that in your fall decor photos. btw Loved your tute on the magnolia wreath.
Hi Brittany! Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by Etcetorize and leaving a comment. Love your chalkboard!
Beautiful fall decorations! Love them! I just put mine up. I love fall.
So I'm wondering if you're a Triangle area blogger since I see a Duke Gardens post. I use to live in that area. Anyway, love the mantel, candlesticks, wooden bowl, etc. Wanted to tell you that when you're through w/ the gel window cling things, be sure to NOT put them on your furniture. My daughter did that w/ red hearts on her white dresser & we now have a permanent stain. Just fyi so the same thing doesn't happen in your house.
If I was going for perfect I would never get anything decorated.
I think I have that same wooden bowl minus the fruit. That looks very cute.
Thank you for sharing. Your decorations are beautiful! I can't wait to try a few of your projects. I tweeted this post so others could be inspired as well. 🙂
Your fall decor is beautiful! Please come and link your post to Seasonal Sundays. The link stays open until late Monday night.
– The Tablescaper
You're all ready for fall!
– From Little Things
Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
Everything looks beautiful…great finds and I love all you've done with them!
LOVE your Goodwill Gourd! Your home looks lovely for fall… Nice to meet you from over at Susan's Metamorphosis Monday link party…
Happy Fall!
😀 Lynda
Ahhh all of your decor looks so pretty. I especially love the gourd and pear on the mantel. And the magnolia wreath too. 🙂
ooh, love it all. the rope in between the pumpkin tiers really make it pop, and i love using them as finnials. so cute!
I love your style. It's all so pretty. I have to know where you got the nest sign on your door? It would be perfect for our family with our last name.
I think your decorating style is beautiful! Less than perfect makes it real. Otherwise it lacks personality.