I’ve got a couple of cool finds I want to show along with some pretty Fall pictures (just in case you haven’t overdosed on them yet) but first I want to tell you about a small change I made to the blog recently that I’m pretty excited about. But before YOU get too excited, it’s not really a big deal. It just is to me because, well, I’m tech challenged. So what most of you may take for granted when it comes to doing things on your blog, I struggle with
EVERY
LITTLE
THING
I’ve been wanting a drop down navigation bar that leads to thumbnails for different categories. Go ahead and put your cursor on ‘Categories’ up above and you’ll see what I mean. I was trying to achieve this without a plug in, but that meant I needed to add code. After spending hours and hours adding the codes and getting things up and running, I really wasn’t happy with the results. I couldn’t figure out how to add a description under the thumbnail of what the post was about and I thought that was important. So I asked a couple of people that are knowledgeable but what they told me didn’t work, but I finally figured it out and was able to get things lined up and looking pretty good.
But…the code seemed to be very temperamental. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t, and it made my head hurt just looking at it. So I gave in and added a plug in. Of course, this meant I had to add everything all over again and delete all the previous pages, but it wasn’t nearly as time consuming as adding the code.
So now you can see most of my projects, recipes, etc. in one easy to find place.
SQUEAL!!
See, I told you it wasn’t such a huge deal, but I’m loving it!
Now back to our regularly scheduled program…
I can’t seem to get enough of this season, and judging from all the blog posts I’ve come across, neither can most of you. It seems to be almost everyone’s favorite season, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in an area that celebrates Fall with gorgeous colors and beautiful, crisp weather.
I took a quick walk and took some pictures of the lake by the cabin and clipped some branches for some instant, easy color. This vase was a simple glass vase that I wrapped in some twine, giving it instant texture. It’s a little time consuming to do, but easy.
Do you see that house on the left? It’s for sale in case you’re interested in joining us in this lovely area.
This ‘art’ piece, which sits above our mantel, was an inexpensive diy project we did using foam insulation as backing. If we had purchased the ‘real’ art version, it would have cost about six hundred dollars as opposed to less than $175.00, all materials included. You can go here for the ‘how to’.
Here’s my first find. A cheese box for $5.00. I’m using it to hold some magazines for now. We’ll see where it ends up next.
This was a true find for only $10.00. These types of pieces are so versatile. I’ve seen them housing mason jars, plants, flowers…you’re limited only by your imagination.
When I see a piece with this much patina, I always imagine where it might have come from, who owned it, how did they live, are they still alive. Is that weird or do you do that too?
These orbs that I purchased at Pier I a few months ago have also proven to be super versatile. I’ve used them on the dining table, the mantel and now here, on this cocktail table I scored for $5.00 a few years ago.
I love finding unexpected treasures. I wasn’t out looking for them on this particular day, but they were waiting for me.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Sharing At
Stone Gable
Jane says
Good for you making those blog changes, I know I could never do it. After 5 years of blogging I am still learning something new all the time.
I love the view from your cabin, the hill is a riot of color. It really is breathtaking…great pics. And great finds! I love when you said the cheese box wouldn’t be in the same place for long. Is this a genetic trait in women??!!
XO,
Jane
Doreen Sargente says
DISCLAIMER!! That, unfortunately, is NOT the view from our cabin :(. If only.
We are literally just a 30 second walk from the lake, but alas, we don’t have a view of the water.
As for the blog changes, that’s what makes blogging so interesting. No matter how long you’ve been at it, technology is always changing so there’s always something new to learn. If I could do it, you definitely can.
Cecilia says
Doreen, you say you’re challenged but my head hurts just trying to figure out what you did. Add code? Uh, ok…I can’t even do that. I struggle just trying to figure out the most simple things. I need to take a class.
I absolutely love that picture of the lake and trees – oh my goodness! It’s beautiful! Your fireplace art is amazing and I like the two smaller pieces ( tiles?) too. And I like your twine wrapped vase…very cool post! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Cecilia says
Just to let you know, Doreen, I clicked on the link for your fireplace art and I got the tutorial for your canvas triptych. I can’t seem to find where the other one is.
I would really like to see how you made this. Thanks,
Cecilia
Doreen Sargente says
Ooopsie! My bad. It should be good to go now Cecilia. I even added the link to the place where I bought the peel. Let me know if you have any questions (((hugs)))
Ceciia says
Thanks Doreen! I hope you’re having a great week!
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
You go girl! I understand how frustrating it can be to make changes such as you’ve done. You should be very proud. Love it!
As for your “regular programming”…more fabulous pictures. Love the wall art and your finishing touches. Your place looks so warm, inviting and beautiful. Don’t even get me started on the photos of the lake! Would love to have those breathtaking colors here in Florida. And yes. I’ll take the house on the left! 😉
Christina says
What a gorgeous, gorgeous area!
Cynthia says
Doreen what beautiful pictures. The colors are so gorgeous. I must confess, when I make major changes to my blog my IT man, meaning my husband, makes them. I have messed things up once in a while trying to change things. He says you do all the creating and writing and I will handle the technical stuff. He knows I am very impatient and just start hitting buttons, LOL! Not a bad trade off though.
Cynthia
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Applause to you for making the blog changes!! Your project gallery looks very professional and easy to navigate. I have yet to add a thumbnail gallery to mine (it’s on the list) . It looks like you came back from shopping with several nice finds. Like you, I do wonder where a piece has been and with whom. It makes it that much more fun, I think. What gorgeous fall colors you have going on in your parts!!! You must want to spend all day outside 🙂
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Yay for you! I rarely do anything to my blog myself. I don’t even add plug-ins without getting an ok from my tech person since they can cause problems. I’m so terrified of messing it up!
Those orbs from Pier 1 are beautiful as are the trees!
Angela says
I’d like to put an offer in on the house on the left please! Could we get into trouble or what??!! Beautiful pics!~~Ang
fariba says
Thank you for great photo, and so I love your super idea. . 🙂
Andi says
A big squeal for you!! And that lake with those trees…swoon…
-andi
Julie says
Hi Doreen, thanks so much for your sweet and kind comment on my crocheted infinity scarf earlier. I appreciate your kindness. I just love the photos of the colorful trees and your fall decorations. I am now following you on bloglovin! I would love for you to follow me back so we can become blog friends. Take care.
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Alli says
Your cabin is absolutely beautiful! And your pictures are, too. I love the view of the lake with all the beautiful fall leaves. Oh, I love them all! Thanks so much for sharing.