DIY Tassle Garland and Fall Mantle

If you have been browsing the internet or pinterest at all, then you know these tassle garlands are all the rage.  While I did find a pre-made kit at target the other day, making it yourself allows you to choose your own color scheme and get a little DIY project under your belt (that is not too time consuming).

All you need is some tissue paper, scissors and bakers twine.  I wanted to make a garland for fall, so I chose white, gold and orange.  I took two sheets of each.

Fold in half, then half again, then half again.  Cut 1/2" strips with leaving about 2" on top hear the folded part.  when you unroll it all, you'll see you may need to cut some edges to separate them.  In the end you should have 8 pieces of each color.  fold in half around your finger and twist.

String the papers through in whatever pattern (I used a dull needle for this part).  You'll then want to pinch each one around the string to hold it in place.

This time of year I also love the pumpkin twigs from Trader Joes….for $7.99 how can you go wrong?

                                            

So there's the beginnings to a Fall Mantle.  Just a few cheap and easy additions can really bring in the warmth of the season.  Happy decorating!

With Love, 

Brittany

Curl up for Autumn

With the nights cooling down and leaves starting to turn, no other season gets me more excited than AUTUMN.  The smells, the foods, the fashion, the colors, the decorations- I love everything about it! So I put together a little reading nook for you to curl up in and sip some hot apple cider.  I was inspired by this beautiful chair I found on Joss and Main…don't you just love the pattern?!?  Then adding some warm textures such as a kilim pillow and a fur throw and you've got yourself a cozy little reading spot.  

Ballard Side Table 
Gather Pillow
Daria Chair
Antique Metal Drum lamp
H&M Fur Throw
Anthropologie Pillow

To add to this cozy corner, tonight I cooked the most delicious vegetable dish to kick off the Autumn season.  Seriously, this side dish is like candy- I can hardly believe it's got brussel sprouts in it! (recipe courtesy Cinnamon spice and everything nice).

INGREDIENTS:

1 container fresh baby or regular brussels sprouts (about 12 ounces)

2 big sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper

3 slices bacon

2 - 3 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet or roasting pan generously with olive oil.
2. Remove any tough outer leaves from the brussels sprouts and slice them in half, unless you are using baby ones, in that case leave them whole. Add to a large bowl along with the sweet potatoes, drizzle liberally with olive oil - about 2 tablespoons, sprinkle with thyme and season well with salt (about 1 teaspoon) and pepper.
3. Toss with your hands rubbing the oil and spices into the vegetables and adding more olive oil if needed. Spread them out in one layer on the baking sheet and drizzle again lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake about 25-30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender and brussels sprouts are lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile cook bacon however you see fit, I like to put it in a separate baking pan and bake it about 12-15 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle.
6. Once the vegetables are cooked through sprinkle with Parmesan and bacon, toss and serve.
7. E.A.T.

With Love, 

Brittany