Get Cozy!

I've been hit!  Between my already chaotic work and school schedule and the added events going on for the Fall, I've caught some sick bug and am feelin' it, bad!  It started last Thursday which is why I didn't post and is still going strong.  I'm hoping the medicine the doctor gave me will clear it up within the next couple of days but, needless to say, I'm at a loss for my own inspiration. 

The good news is, Better Homes and Gardens never fails!  In the midst of my attempted re-coup, I found this great article on how to cozy up your home for Fall! Even though we're still in the mid-high 80's here in the sunshine state, I know some of you are already pulling out the jackets and scarves.  Regardless, it Fall!...and everyone wants to feel cozy during this season, so check out some of these easy ideas to warm up your home.

Add a Throw Blanket

Nubby knits are an ideal companion for chilly nights at home with a movie. Plus, they temporarily add seasonal pattern and color to your home. Place throw blankets over your sofa and chairs, and even keep a few folded for the floor.

Pile Up Pillows

Paired with a warm blanket, pillows become snuggle buddies during on-the-sofa homework help or bill paying. Look for pillows with a lot of texture so they'll stand up to all the touching, snuggling, and (maybe!) throwing. Then pile them on the sofa and think about investing in or making larger ones for the floor.

Gather Around the Hearth

A crackling fire naturally draws people to it, so accommodate that with extra seating around your hearth.  Rearrange your furniture to shift your conversation area to the fireplace. Add a stack of books to encourage much-needed relaxation time.

Line Tables with Fabric

Bare tables, while perfect for breezy summers, are too stark for fall. Cover them up with seasonally appropriate runners.Tablecloths are expected, but a runner is an even easier way to dress up a table. Get creative and use a long scarf, a fabric remnant, or a thin blanket as a runner.

Carve Out a Reading Nook**

Forget summer reading lists. Fall is the time to pull out your favorite tomes and lose yourself for hours in a good book. Pick a well-lit corner of your home, either by natural light or a lamp, and shove a comfy armchair in it. Place a table nearby, stacked with your favorite books and reading lists.

Handcraft Accessories

Homemade blankets and pillows are about as cozy as you can get. Plus, you can personalize them to your color scheme. Or, really, get crafty! Start knitting or crocheting a blanket now (or enlist the skills of a nimble-fingered friend) to have cozy homemade knits by the time the weather gets seriously cold.

Skirt a Table

Cover bare table legs and create an entirely new shape in your room by draping cloth over a table to the floor. Choose a patterned fabric for this new standout piece. Let the fabric pool on the floor just slightly for a casually glamorous look. Bonus: You can stash boxes of paperwork and clutter beneath the skirt for quick cleaning.

Click here for the full article.

**On a side note about the reading nook--if you're looking for a good read, check out The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.  I've about finished the series and I loved it!!

Have a happy, healthy week!