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October and Fall

How to make Succulent Pumpkins & Other October Goodness

October 25, 2020 By kimwheeler 11 Comments

This post I a sharing the very easy and fun little craft of succulent pumpkins and some October good finds with you all. I hope you are enjoying some of the beauty that October brings with all it’s amazing fall color.

I was lucky to have a lunch out for a special friend’s birthday this week, and I brought pumpkins as a little table favor. I was surprised everyone liked them so much. I made this large one and you can make them in smaller sizes for gifts and table favors..

green pumpkin with succulents and dried flowers

As they seem to be a hit, I wanted to share this fun and simple craft that seems impressive, but is actually easy and foolproof. These succulent pumpkins are a pretty and fun variation on the usual October pumpkin craft and last many months. All you need is a pumpkin, some moss, some dried flowers and snips of succulents of different varieties and a hot glue gun.

decorative pumpkins with succulents

My neighbors Kim, Becca and I, set up in my garage with our ingredients and chatted away while we worked. This is a great get-together for friends, or kids with some supervision..

pumpkins with succulents craft

We also foraged our yards for succulents to clip. The succulents on the pumpkins will actually continue to grow and can be transplanted after the pumpkin starts to go, but some can even last into the next year.

To do this yourself, you need a few succulent varieties, a mix of moss, and this bag has all types…

decorative moss

You also need some dried straw flowers like those in this mixed bag.

dried straw flowers

Those are just quick buys on Amazon and you can also used dried foraged bits from your garden like lavender or statice.

If you have succulents about, go take scissors and clip smaller sizes that will work on the pumpkins. Start with a generous amount of hot glue with the moss, take your time arranging the elements and glue in when you find the bits pleasing.

succulent pumpkin craft

We distanced in my garage with masks, but took a little photo after. It was a very hot day 99 degrees!

You can leave a stem on like my friend Becca did on her little white one, or you can cut them off. There is no wrong way and anything goes.. Have fun!

Mary Ann Pickett whose birthday lunch I attended this week styled the one I gave her on her mantle below left…

Then she went outside foraging near her home and made a unique one with berries, above right. Love it! Wouldn’t this be cute for the holidays??

Elizabeth, our Antique Goddess had her own unique way of mixing hers in her decor..

Two more good things..

This book How Not to Wear Black has been a fun read I picked up last week at my favorite Santa Cruz bookshop. It’s by the fashion editor of The London Times and it’s chock full of good ideas for mixing it up with your wardrobe, buying what looks good on your body and buying better. Many great photos and I am savoring this book!

While I was up in Corte Madera for Mary Ann’s lunch I had a chance to slip into Anthropologie there and get her this acacia and marble cheese board which I love..with these napkins. Good colors right? And they come in sets of six!

I am up in Tahoe this weekend and sharing some photos on Instagram. It’s beautiful in fall here. More on my next post!

Kim

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Filed Under: October and Fall Tagged With: #pumpkinstyle, #succulentpumpkins

What’s Been Happening Around These Parts…

November 7, 2016 By kimwheeler 11 Comments

Hello friends. Sorry I’ve been a little busy and I just haven’t been able to sit and write. The past few weeks have been a flurry of Halloween, get-togethers, and lots of goings on. Though we did have some unusual October rain, it’s just gorgeous right now in the Bay Area and this week we are supposed to have 70s temps!
I’ve been especially enjoying the warm afternoons and have been trying to get out to soak up some winter sun and marvel at all the pretty leaves.
This is just a smattering and some snaps of what’s been happening around these parts. 
We had some fun at our annual street pumpkin carving gathering. 

Even my college son came back for this and he and his girlfriend even dressed up as Harry Potter and Jinny. So glad they are still enjoying this stuff.
My youngest transporting pumpkins.

Another day we got to Marin County Mart. It’s a beautiful new spot with unique shops and restaurants with outdoor dining. We need more of those with our California weather!

With my guys at the mart which was decorated so cute for fall. I hope to get back up there soon to shop and maybe have lunch. It’s a great spot for a day trip with a girlfriend.

In other news, we added these guys to our home menagerie. My youngest decided we needed to bring back two Wooly Bear caterpillars home from a recent trip up north and so far they are surviving. 😀

Halloween is just near and dear to my heart as I have so many fond memories of my boys and all their costumes. Gosh those years went by so fast.

Loved this picture of them with plastic fangs. I had a bowl of photos with the kids in costumes through the years. Love!

I keep getting Facebook reminders like this. I try not to reshare them all, but it sure is fun to see some of these pop up from time to time.

Halloween and Thanksgiving decor seems to go well with my home. I have an (ugly) brown granite kitchen counter and a lot of black accents so just adding pumpkins and orange was easy.

I love these mums in a rust color and any tortoiseshell glass like this bowl.

Flowers were from my favorite holiday inspiration spot, Bunches Flowers in Los Gatos, where Pete the duck holds court. I caught her posing (yes she is a lady), so I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of her.


Besides all the cool jars and vases and pretty plants, I like to take a gander in here as it reminds me of visiting with my youngest in his preschool days to look for Petey. I’m nostalgic like that sometimes.

The sign and also the pumpkin man were gifts from friends. Love them!

Saturday mornings I go for a long walk with a friend and we occasionally stumble on estate sales. Last weekend I scored a pair of cane backed pecan chairs from the 1960s from a lovely old home.  I think I’ll reupholster them in a cool fabric. I also got a great dhurrie rug (above) in fabulous condition from the owners travels.

I threw some pillows on the chairs until I can figure out what to do with them. I love small scale chairs like this which are good for a game table between them, in front of a fireplace or just to fill a bedroom corner.

Estate sales are the best! Do not furnish your home in all new things. Estate sales and family heirlooms give it soul and make it uniquely yours!
Our entry hooks filled with hats and costumes from Halloween with an original Halloween painting from my artist pal, Meilei and some of my other favorites.
I got to wear one of those hats to the annual Wonderful Witchy Woman Lunch.
With fun friends and here I actually thought I was tan a bit from tennis. Not!
Hobbes the cat decided the new counter stools are his personal perch and only moves from them under force now. Does he not look determined? I added this short lamp on the counter for the winter months. I love the cozy feel lamps on kitchen counters give don’t you? They are great on dark mornings and so much warmer than the overhead lighting.

This little slate sign in my kitchen makes me happy and it’s hiding a nasty old metal phone jack that can’t be removed. You can’t tell can you? Hated that thing and I don’t know why I didn’t cover it like this before.
I’ve been using apples, pomegranates and persimmons in all my salads and as toppings on everything. Butter lettuce and red onions are good companions to any of that and a home made dressing of apple cider vinegar plus walnut oil and just a touch of maple syrup makes for a yummy fall dressing.
I’ve got my winter garden in and have peas, radishes, cauliflower, and kale growing.

 
 My dad is my garden guy. he puts it all in for me and starts many of the plants himself and transplants for me here. I could never grow anything without his help!

My dad Ray, has his birthday on November 8, election day. The first election he voted in was 1960, and he turned 21 that day and voted for John F. Kennedy.  Isn’t that pretty neat? The voting age wasn’t lowered until 1971 to 18. Love my dad!  
This whole election has been so stressful hasn’t it? I have many friends who feel serious anxiety from it. Thank goodness it’s coming to an end finally. 
My 99 year old grandma Jody (dad’s mom) has seen it all and she cast her first vote and every vote since for a man and she’s ready for a woman to be president she says. She may be one of the only people still around who has voted in every presidential election from Theodore Roosevelt to our first woman candidate, Hillary Clinton! 
I recently took her out for one of her favorite things and In and Out Burger. Isn’t she cute? She’s smart, and sharp and fun. I feel so lucky to have her in my life still!
My mother was also a big supporter of women’s rights and I have said this before, but I just wish she could be here to see the day we finally can vote for a woman president. She  would be thrilled so I am voting in honor of my mom Sue, for Hillary. I know she would be happy about it.
Okay that’s it. I’ve spilled my guts and got you all caught up. Later this week I’m going to be running some home remodel ideas by you all if your still out there.
Have a good week and hugs to you all for being here and reading. I’m feeling really hopeful that this country will rise above all the discord and be together once this election is done.
Kim

The view from our front yard this week!!

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Filed Under: home, home decor, October and Fall, The Presidential Election

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Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

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I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel impelled to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel
Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! I Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! If you have down time the Weekend Meanderings is up with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth with some fun ideas for you. 

On my weekend post-
Cute fall decor
Pretty towels on sale 
An autumn my dress and sweatshirt
The US Open’s tribute to Billie Jean King
Michelle Obama’s US Open look and her talented stylist! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#falldecorating #septemberdecor #bathtowels #serenaandlily #rails #evereve #michelleobamastyle #meredithkoop #usopentennis #billiejeanking
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

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