My house is a bit of a mess right now. I feel disorganized. Un-domestic. Flustered. So not like Martha. I am stuck somewhere between summer and back to school. But I am DETERMINED to get my FALL INSPIRATION going. I may not have freshly baked pumpkin muffins in the oven just yet, and sadly I don’t even have a fall wreath on my door, but I am gearing up for fall just the same. So glad you are here to join me!
Having a beautiful life and home is more about your attitude and state of mind than your state of perfection. I’m a dreamer but I am also a realist. Somehow, you just merge the two together and life can be wonderful. In your mind your home can smell like fall, look like fall, and feel like fall. In real life, well, we’ll get there.
Last year I geared up for fall with my 20 Little Things to Love About Autumn post. If you need to start inspiring yourself with thoughts of fall and don’t know where to begin, I encourage you to read my list and then go write your own 20 Little Things to Love about Autumn post. You can link it up here if you want as a part of our 2009 Fall Nesting party, or list something that you love about fall right in the comments.
To me, Fall is about nurturing.
I may not have a home that would grace the cover of House Beautiful or Country Living (certainly today it wouldn’t, HA!), but if I can create a FEELING of fall in my home — the feeling that our home is a safe place to rest our heads, a place to be nurtured and nourished, and a warm place to sit by the fire when the storms of life blow, then I am happy and content.
Here is a link to my Fall Nesting Tips series and other Fall ideas, if you want some inspiration!
What does Fall mean to you?
You may link up all week to any post that inspires us for fall. Do you have a favorite fall craft? A fall decorating idea? A favorite fall photo? A fall scent? Be sure to link ONLY to a post on Fall Nesting. And be a friend and link back. And if you don’t have a blog, let’s just share ideas in the comments, shall we? I love you all, blog or not.
THE HOMEGOODS SHOPPING SPREE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!
And if you want to enter to win one of 3 $200 HomeGoods makeover shopping sprees, link up a post here on this same Fall Nesting linky, showing me the room you would like to work on this fall and describe how a HomeGoods gift card could help! If you don’t have a blog, you can email me your entry. Be sure to put HOMEGOODS ENTRY in the subject line or it might get lost in the shuffle.
This post and the links today are all about Fall Nesting…we are gearing up for enjoying a season that normally is far too short in my opinion! So let’s make the most of it and GET FALL STARTED!
Hi Melissa, I’m so excited about this weeks posting. I intend to get my coffee (with favorite creamer) sit in my pj’s and enjoy reading EVERY post about fall. Looking forward to the fun….thanks for doing this. Have an awesome week….loved your email back to me! Big smile.
Blessings,
Debbie
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Welcoming fall with Autumn Decor! =-.
Love this fall nesting party. I just wanted to let you know I made a list too! So fun.
http://www.kintighfam.blogspot.com
.-= Anna Kintigh´s last blog ..Fall Nesting with the Inspired Room… =-.
Thank you for hosting this again Melissa, it’s my favourite time of the year and I love reading everyones entries :)
Blessings
Liz
.-= Liz@VioletPosy´s last blog ..Fall Nesting – Harvest =-.
I am excited about your Fall Nesting party again this year! I loved visiting everyone in the past and look forward to checking out everyone’s projects this year! Thanks for hosting….and check out my entry for your give-away.
Have a fab Wednesday,
Jennifer
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..It’s Not Easy Being {Green} =-.
Beautiful post, Melissa and wise words!
That top candleholder…oh my goodness! I love it!
.-= Pat@Back Porch Musings´s last blog ..~Changes~ =-.
I’m so excited that Fall Nesting Week is back. This year I have less time and more space to decorate so I’m finding myself a little stuck. I can’t wait to browse through folks’ posts and gather some ideas!
.-= Kristen @ Beautifully Imperfect´s last blog ..A Perfect Beginning =-.
I’m reluctant to nest for Fall. To me, Fall means deadlines, harried carpooling, homework, and stress. I prefer the freedom of summer.
My grousing aside, I much admit that your Fall inspiration is helping me get excited about the cooler weather.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..How I vanquished my tormentor =-.
Oh, I have to get into the mood.
It’s so hard thinking about and planning for fall when the temperature outside is 100 degrees plus.
Baby steps… Maybe I will do my door today. Thanks Melissa!
.-= Janet´s last blog ..La Ronda’s Tragic Story =-.
fall is my favorite season, I love getting out my yarn and working on crocheting a blanket…love the brisk air….long sleeves…EVERYTHING!
.-= Stephanie@Geezees´s last blog ..Kids Photos on Canvas, with Word Art, how would you describe your child?? =-.
Hi Melissa, just discovered your wonderful blog. I have joined your Fall Nesting Week….I am so excited. Thank you so much for doing this. I love it!!!!
Barb :-)
.-= Barb ´s last blog ..Autumn Glory =-.
This is my favorite season! So fun to anticipate Autumn!
I would love to be entered into the giveaway. I would love to cozy my living room with slipcovers or even just add pillows and perhaps change the curtains. We live on a tight budget and have lots of hand me down furniture, which is fine, but I would love to unify it and add warmth.
Fun to read what others are doing for fall!
.-= Deanna´s last blog ..Welcome, Autumn! =-.
I am so glad you are doing this! Loved this post and the gorgeous photos you shared! Ironically, while I was reading this, I got an email from The Yankee Candle Company about a sale they are having this weekend! Fall-scented and colored candles always get me in the mood for nesting :)
http://www.yankeecandle.com/cgi-bin/ycbvp/retail.jsp?src=1&cm_mmc=LaborDay-_-090209-_-Link-_-headerHome
.-= amy´s last blog ..Meaningless =-.
Although it’s over 100 degrees outside here, I’m determined to break out my fall candles and my fall front door wreath this weekend. Thanks for the fall reminder.
~Camberley
Good morning, Melissa! Came by way of Barb, and love your blog…I enjoy and agree with your perspective of life and enjoyed your pictures and information. I think I’ll have to join in, but need to run out first and buy some fall decorations! Have a wonderful day!
Mary
.-= Mary’s Tea Cottage´s last blog ..~A Variety of Whites~ =-.
Hi, Sweetie..sorry it’s been awhile since I dropped by. So much to do and so little time….
This meme couldn’t have come at a better time for me..I am redoing a dining room and , bit by bit, I will share it on your pretty blog.
Thanks so much for doing this…and, remember, in the words of the Nester..”It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful !!”
xo bj
.-= bj´s last blog ..ANOTHER OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY IN THE VINEYARD BUT IT WAS NOT FUN… =-.
I’m looking forward to reading about everyone’s fall posts. I’ve put up a list and here’s my link.
http://fabricpaperthread.blogspot.com/2009/09/20-little-things-to-love-about-fall.html
I also linked back to this post. Thanks for hosting this, Melissa
Lorrie
My question..if we have a post every day of the rest of this week about nesting, do we come back over and link up every day? Now,I hope JUSTINE doesn’t see this cause she already thinks I’m slow..and don’t anyone tell her I wrote this, either. I’ll track you down!!
.-= bj´s last blog ..ANOTHER OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY IN THE VINEYARD BUT IT WAS NOT FUN… =-.
Living in Arizona it is so hard to think about fall. Today it is 110 degrees and will continue to be in the 100’s for the month. It does not cool down until November. I associate fall with smell. Bath and Body works has a few scents that I love one is Leaves and the other is Spiced Pumpkin. I grabbed my couponsand headed to BBW yesterday for a Spiced Pumpkin candle and some fall scented handsoaps-Pumpking Spice, Leaves and Apple Cider. I always decorate my front room/dining room and if I had to pick a room that would be it. It is room where kids are not allowed to play. It is the room where I like to read and when visitors stop by that is where we sit. Most of all it is the room where dinners are hosted. When I get a break from the kids I will send a picture of the room and enter the contest for the room makeover.
Thanks so much, Melissa! A woman after my own heart! I hope you’re feeling a bit settled, even though it’s temporary!
.-= Becky B´s last blog ..Fall Nesting Week =-.
I loved how you described creating an emotional atmosphere in your home–nurturing, welcoming. Decorating intimidates the living daylights out of me but when I think, “How can I make my home a pleasant place for the hearts of those I love?” then I begin to breathe a little. (: I’ll look forward to more fall with you!
.-= Holley´s last blog ..The JOY Challenge: Day 10 – Saying (and Saving) Grace =-.
Hi Melissa, This is a great idea to host a fall nesting party. I wanted to take a moment to thank you, and say that I hope that your house issues become resolved in the best of ways very soon. We had our house on the market for 6 months a few years ago, and going through the holidays was less than enjoyable when the house no longer felt like ours. In the end, we just gave up and decided to wait a few more years. Looking forward to seeing where everyones inspiration comes from.
♥, Susan
.-= black eyed susans kitchen´s last blog ..WHERE IS THAT INSPIRATION? =-.
Great post! This is my favorite time of the year! This will be the first time (in a long time) that I have a few days at home by myself. I recently started working only 3 days a week – and one reason was because I had so many unfinished projects at home….I just needed the time at home (without any other family members). I actually started decorating for the fall 2 weeks ago! :D Life is good!
.-= Kelly´s last blog .. =-.
I couldn’t get your email to come up. I did post it on Facebook but I need to send you a picture and a description of the room that is in need. Thanks.
Fall is my all time favorite season with it’s crisp, cool air and changing leaves. Love it.
I also love that metal votive holder. I actually saw this in Pottery Barn a few weeks ago. I’ll have to go back and take a second look now.
.-= Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY´s last blog ..Sweet September =-.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks! (sugar free, naturally :)
.-= Sanity Fair´s last blog ..Milledgeville and the Architecture of the South =-.
OK – you made me do it! I finally got the place mostly decorated for Fall! Thanks for having this – I know I wouldn’t be doing this decorating if it weren’t for you! :)
.-= Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates´s last blog ..Works-For-Me Wednesday: Organizing Recipes =-.
Yippee for fall nesting and all your friends sharing their ideas on how to celebrate the changing seasons.
I have celebrated with the addition of a few more heavily scented candles and a fabulous discount find of a jumbo mirror to reflect the flickering candles.
.-= Pearl Maple´s last blog ..Sky Watch Friday =-.
I am so looking forward to decorating for fall this year. At the first sign of a chill in the air I get an incredible urge to nest. Thank you for your post and all of the wonderful pictures. I love your blog. It’s very inspirational. : )
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
I love fall…but not yet. I like it to start in October…I am really not ready for what FOLLOWS fall…the dreaded winter. This tactic seems to delay it.
.-= Sarah @ Clover Lane´s last blog ..I Love My Life =-.
I am SO ready for fall! The temperatures here around Memphis are way below normal and it’s making me itch to decorate for fall! I’ve been so busy with homeschooling, taking my mom for radiation treatments, AND working on the new CD our worship team is recording next weekend that I have had no time to even think about how I’m going to decorate, but now that I’m reading all these posts, I’m inspired!
.-= Heathahlee´s last blog ..Getting Ready for FALL! =-.
Hi Melissa :)
I wasn’t able to join in on the party this year because I’m painting my cabinets, BUT I do know of someone that should…. have you been here:
http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/sharing-a-little-autumn-goodness
Talk about Fall inspiration! I thought your readers would enjoy it :)
rue
.-= rue´s last blog ..Football games and Kitchen remodeling =-.
Hi Melissa,
Great topic! As much as I don’t embrace winter (understatement), I do love Fall! Brings out the kid in me!
Susan
.-= Susan J Smith´s last blog ..Cape Cod Homes 101 =-.
OK Melissa,
Count me among the ones who would love to win the shopping spree… and I have posted accordingly. Thanks for the contest!
Christi
.-= Christi from Charm & Grace´s last blog ..Fall Nesting by the Inspired Room… Part 2 =-.
Hi Melissa–
I’m late getting my entry in, but I promise it’s a good one–a wonderful, easy recipe for fantastic pumpkin bread. At my house, it just can’t be Fall without pumpkin bread.
Thanks for hosting this beautiful party. And thank you for getting us started thinking about Fall! As I said in my post, I think you’d make a fine Queen of the World!
.-= Richella´s last blog ..Let it fall =-.
So excited about the Fall nesting party and the HomeGoods giveaway. I just posted my bedroom that is in need of a makeover. Take a look at:http://creationsfrommyheart.blogspot.com/2009/09/getting-ready-for-fall-nesting-makeover.html
Blessings…Sherry
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..Getting ready for a Fall Nesting Makeover…. =-.
I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season from Starbucks today! That definitely signifies that fall has arrived.
.-= Malia´s last blog ..Tethered =-.
My 20 favorite things about fall:
1. Pumpkins. Carving them, eating them, looking at them. Pumpkin seeds, pumpkin smell, white pumpkins, cinderella pumpkins, pumpkin patches.
2. The cool air, that smells of fallen leaves.
3. Stepping on that crunchy looking leaf.
4. Hiking in the misty autumn air.
5. Curling up by a fireplace after a long hot summer.
6. Apple cider, apple butter, apple grilling sauce, homemade apple sauce
7. Mulled mead, mulling spices.
8. Oktoberfest.
9. Heavy woolen sweaters!
10. School starting up again – new books, new students, the way the campus looks.
11. The Fall foliage, of course.
12. Apple Harvest!
13. Thanksgiving, and the subsequent thanksgiving turkey sandwiches.
14. Butternut sqaush soup, risotto, etc. Anything butternut squash.
15. High school football – homecoming floats, afternoon games
16. College football – marching band.
17. Hot cocoa
18. MLB PLAYOFFS!
19. Knee high boots with thick tights.
20. Hayrides.
Melissa my link wasnt working back to you.I think I have it fixed now.Hugs,Jen
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Homegoods entry for Melissa’s Inspired Rooms makeover =-.
This post is lovely. I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said!! I want to re-read it a couple of times. Thank you so much for your words.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..If Walls Could Talk =-.
Great post with both wonderful photos and your inspiration about fall. Thanks for sharing. I’ll get myself organized and participate next week. Sounds like good fun! I need to get myself motivated towards fall. It is still rather warm here in TX and difficult to think about fall. I’m so ready for cooler weather! ~ Sarah
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Pink Frills =-.
late to the party – yes
loving getting ready for fall – yes
woo hoo!
sure would love to win ;)
.-= jodi @ back40life´s last blog ..Fall here we come! =-.
i love looking at everyones fall happiness.. i could have sworn i was #2 on the list but now i dont even see my link on there.. so weird? did some get deleted?
.-= b.´s last blog ..Do You Cruise? =-.
This is great thanks! I am always looking for new ideas