Star Garland by Paloma's Nest

I just discovered Paloma's Nest's new Star of Wonder Garland for the holidays this year! I can't even tell you how much love it! The the naked wood is perfectly subtle. It's not over the top or too "christmasy".

Check our their shop for more beautiful Christmas ornaments, gift bags, gift tags and other holiday goodies. I know we'll be hanging our beautiful ring bowl from the wedding on our first Christmas tree. Much love to everyone at Paloma's Nest for making more beautiful things for me to lust after this holiday!

Trick-or-Treat Alternatives

(Tops and photo by Goose Grease)

Halloween is fast approaching and we'll soon be gearing up to hand out treats to the neighborhood kids. Tired of giving candy? There are some great candy alternatives out there to consider.

• I love these handmade tops from Goose Grease! They are so reminiscent of vintage toys and will certainly stand out in the neighborhood! At $20 for 20, they are pretty competitive with premium candy bar pricing!
• Back in the day my grandparents used to open their garage, put some decorations up and serve warm cider and cake donuts to the kids. They also had hot coffee for the parents and often times parents would stay warm in the garage while their kids hit a couple houses near by. It was a great way to get to know the neighbors and throw a mini halloween party.
• Host a halloween craft in the front yard! Set up a picnic table with all the materials to make halloween colored friendship bracelets, masks, treat bags, something that doesn't take too long to put together. Put on a costume and help the kids make something themselves!

Any other ideas? Post them here and help some other people out! Have a happy and safe halloween!

Things I'm Loving - Vintage Brass Cuffs

I'm recently fallen in love with vintage brass cuffs and have started stocking them in Lost & Fawned to share the love. I've never really been able to wear cuffs since I have petite wrists and most in stores are too big for me. But I am finding that the vintage cuffs come in slightly smaller sizes so I can wear them without worrying that the overwhelm my hand.

I currently have two styles in stock, the Ines and Aimee. I'm on the hunt for more but I just wanted to share these beauties with all of you. My new favorite accessory for this autumn and winter for sure. Happy shopping everyone!

Handmade Budget Living

(Photo and towels by Athena Creates)

Jared and I have decided to start a new budget lifestyle. We have some new goals (including owning our own home) that require us to start saving some money (and in this economy who couldn't use a little extra money?). I've been scowering etsy for handmade ideas to save money and save the environment. Here are some things I have found and we will be putting into practice:

• Skip the paper towels and start using washable rags (think old t-shirts, vintage wash rags from the thrift store, etc.) or re-usuable towels like the ones in the photo above by Athena Creates to clean your kitchens, bathrooms and messes. Families spend hundreds of dollars on paper towels every year. Spend $10-$30 on a set for your family and keep them for years to come.
  
• Same with napkins at the dinner table. Invest in some pretty cloth napkins like these by olofsdaughters or make them yourself with this tutorial from Design*Sponge (it's easy! I made over 150 for our wedding this summer!).
• Pet owners, make you're own dog toys! Get creative and make it out of clothes you're going to donate anyways. One of Logan's favorite toys was a tug toy we made out of Jared's old jeans. Or if you're not crafty buy a quality handmade toy for a fraction of the price you find them for at chain pet stores like these tugs from Rescue Me Tugz. Bonus points since a portion of the proceeds go to Great Dane Rescue!
• Prevent heat from escaping your home this winter under drafty doors and windows. Pick up some draft stoppers like the ones by Ogsplosh or make your own with this tutorial.
• Save more on heat by turning the thermostat down at night and curling up under a nice heavy quilt. Quilts like this one make great gifts too. This one by SFO Quilter would be a great heirloom piece.
  
• This holiday season give vintage or handmade! Support other etsians and make their holiday's a little cheerier. Make sure when people open the gifts you inform them where it came from and spread the handmade word!
  

What are you doing this fall to save money? I want to hear your tips and tricks.

Giveaway @ Stuff Under Twenty

Just in time for fall! Head on over to Stuff Under Twenty to win a bin of your choice from Nestings on etsy! I've been a fan of Nestings for awhile now and love their functionality and tasteful design. Great prize! Check out this post for contest details and entry.

Easiest Slow Cooker Chili

I love chili and have been dying to make it in our new slow cooker all summer. Now that the weather is colder I can make it without feeling silly. I love simple recipes for weekdays.

Easiest Slow Cooker Chili
Adapted by myself from McCormick's Recipe

You will need:
2 lbs. Lean Ground Beef
1/2 Onion (more if you like onion)
1 Green Pepper
2 Cans Hunts Fire Roasted Tomatos (don't drain them)
2 Cans Kidney Beans (drained)
1 or 2 Cans of Tomato Sauce (15 oz.)
1 pkg. McCormick Slow Cooker Chili Seasoning
Shredded Cheese

1. In the morning chop the onion and brown the ground beef with the onion in a skillet until pink disappears. Drain off fat.

2. Combine browned ground beef, onion, chopped green pepper, kidney beans, tomatos, tomato sauce and seasoning in slow cooker. Stir until mixed and cover.

3. Set cooker to low and let simmer 8-9 hours (4 hours on high).

4. Stir again before serving and top with shredded cheese. I like to serve it with corn muffins as well to dip or crumble on top.

What is your favorite thing about autumn?

(Photo by Lindsey Fowler, aka. Me.)

Autumn is in full swing here in Ohio and I am ready for pumpkin patches, hot cider with cream cheese cake donuts, mittens, snuggling under quilts and fall colors. What are your favorite things about autumn? Favorite fall recipes, crafts, activities, etc?

Leave a message and let me know! I'm ready for a fall adventure!

Lost & Fawned Giveaway @ Anything Indie

That's right! Lost & Fawned is sponsoring a giveaway at Anythingindie.com to celebrate my recent 100th sale! Head over to this post for entry details. I can't wait to hear from everyone! You can win either my Sophie Earrings or my lovely little Margaux Earrings just by posting your favorite item from my shop over at Anything Indie! Simple, easy and you might just win!

Giveaway Link: Step right up.

My Business Partner - Logan

During they day, while everyone is at work Logan keeps me company. He totally thinks he is the boss and enjoys taking naps right under my chair so I can't leave my desk. He accompanies me on walks to the post office. Today while I was photographing new jewelry pieces for Lost & Fawned he decided to distract me by stealing my fuzzy hat. At night he lounges in the bed with us and watches X-Files.


PS: Today I'm an aunt! Congrats to Shawn and Melissa and welcome to the world Sophie! We can't wait to meet you!

Happy October - Pumpkins by Sea Pinks

Happy October Everyone!

I love October. It means to me that autumn is really here. We woke up to frost warnings today and I'm making a huge pot of chili to celebrate. Logan is love thing cooler weather because he gets to spend more time in my office with me. The leaves are changing and pumpkins are outside the grocery store. Also, by the end of the day we should have a new niece! How exciting!

This year I'm decorating with a couple of my new Sea Pinks pumpkins. I think they are so cute and I love that they don't rot after halloween is over. I ordered an extra to give to my Aunt as a hostess gift when we go up to visit in a few weeks. They come in so many gorgeous colors and patterns. Check out her etsy shop for the full collection.