DIY:: Twig & Pine Cone Garland

 

In searching for ways to fall-ify & Christmas-y our home on a budget, I turned to Pinterest. 

Where else.

I found this garland and this one and thought I'd give it a try.

We had collected pine cones at the in-laws house last week and we have sticks-a-plenty in the back yard so I thought this would be a fabulous idea!

 

What you'll need for this project:

 

Sticks

Pine Cones

Twine or String

 

Gather your supplies

 

Break all of your sticks into similar lengths

Cut 2 pieces of twine DOUBLE OR MORE the length that you actually need

(if you need longer length, make 2 separate garlands and tie them together or else you'll have a mess of twine while trying to knot)

Find the center of the twine and tie a double knot

Then add a stick to the twine & double knot again.

Continue this pattern- stick- double knot- stick- double knot.

I used 7 sticks then I'd add in a pine cone.

Continue to the end of your twine, then work down the other side of the twine.

 

This took about 2 hours to complete, but it's quite therapeutic.

 

I love how this looks over my kitchen window and may very well leave it up forever!

 

I plan on making a few more for our mantle, to string with big vintage bulb Christmas lights.

 

What do you think? Do you like decorating with nature or do you prefer store bought?

This year I'm really loving nature- can't beat free!

 

Happy knotting!

 

PS- finger nail polish remover is great for sap removal as well...the beautiful white tips on the pine cones is sap.  It's sticky, beware.

 

 

 

 

Halloween & The Pumpkin Patch

Halloween this year was sort of a flop.  Thankfully we did make it to Trunk-or-Treat or else it would have been really lame.  It should never rain when you're supposed to Trick-or-Treat.  But such, is life. 

Easton decided to be a Duck Hunter again this year.  We went back and forth between that and a Tennessee Football Player.  Duck Hunter was fine by me as we already have the necessities.  And adding a little more camo to the closet is better than wasting money on a costume he'll wear once. 

So, duck hunter it was.  He looks ready to get some ducks to me!

 

 

We also made a visit to the pumpkin patch.

The pumpkins were a bit picked over but we got 3 small pumpkins that look pretty cute on our side porch steps.  I think last year I remember thinking we needed to go earlier...maybe next year.

 

 

 

I hope you all have enjoyed your October!

Gatlingburg- Aquarium Trip

Lance is the entertainer of the family.

I'm the homebody.

About Tuesday of last week, he said "Lets go do something fun!"

We talked and decided Gatlinburg would be just the ticket to our FUN weekend!

 

We loaded up Saturday morning after my shower and made the journey to The Smokeys!

 

We stayed at the Park Vista WAY UP on a mountain!

Every hotel visit comes with a LOT of bed jumping if you travel with us!

 

 

We walked around Gatlinburg Saturday night. 

All the pun'kins were out and the strip was decorated so wonderful for Fall.

Even the old Out House. 

 

Sunday morning we got up and had a yummy breakfast at the hotel then headed to the Aquarium. 

And of course, I bought the over-priced $15 souvenir photo! 

I'll pay just about anything for a family picture! 

The Ripley's Aquarium had so much to see!

Easton was entertained for about an hour and a half.  About 15 minutes shy of what it took us to go through.  It was nice and spread out yet we didn't need a stroller.

My favorite to see are the Jelly Fish and the Sea Horses.

 

 

 

We walked Downtown a little more before making our way to Ober Gatlinburg.

We rode the tram up the mountains.  Two and a half miles UP the mountains.

Oh.  My.  Nerves.

Our guide was entertaining and the air was cool so it was a nice ride.

Easton got front view on the way down the mountain.

 

Here is the view from the top.

Below, far left, you'll see the Park Vista where we stayed. 

 

And!  NO TRIP to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to the Apple Barn. 

This time we went at about 2pm, instead of breakfast time.

Best.  Decision.  Ever.

It was the perfect time.  No wait!

Once seated, they bring you a basket of Apple Fritters with Apple Butter along with a small glass of Julep.  To say these Fritters are life changing would be an understatement.

Lance and I took one bite and just looked at each other and smiled.

They are amazing.  Perfectly crispy on the outside, covered with a sweet powdered sugar, yet soft and pillowy on the inside.  Dipped in the Apple Butter, you won't be able to just eat one.

Needless to say, we ordered a dozen to go.

Even Easton, Mr. NO DIP, LOVED the Apple Butter!

 

And they have the cutest Fall set up out front!

Someone was feeling a little silly.

THREE YEAR OLDS! 

 

And because I LOVE TRADITION, and a good comparison pic...the picture on the left is from last year. 

The right, this year.  A bit disheveled, yet a picture none the less. 

 

Make sure to visit all the cute little shops on the Apple Barn property!

I could spend ALL DAY there!

Christmas Store.  Cider Mill.  General Store.  Bakery.

It's APPLE HEAVEN!

 

 And because my man loves the Vols, and is trying to convince Easton to do the same, we had to stop at Neyland Stadium to show Easton it's grandeur. 

There was a gate open so we made our self welcome.

It's not trespassing if the gate's open right??

Once in the truck, little angel fell asleep for a good part of the ride home.

He really is a dream child, this boy.

 

Another weekend in the books.

9 (at most) more until little sister arrives.

Enjoying these last few just us three.

Four will be a new journey!

Gatlinbug {Part 2}

If you missed the first part of our trip, you can click {here} to see.

 

 We made it to Gatlinburg by supper time.

Once we found a place to stay it was dark and way past supper.

We ate at Loco Burro in Gatlinburg.

Somehow we always end up eating Mexican.

If you ask Easton what he wants, he'll no doubt say 'rice'.

If you're heading to the smokies, eat there!  It was YUMMY! 

Lance's Chicken Fajita's looked much tastier than my quesidilla! 

 

We ended up in an arcade.

Big shocker.

I don't know if it's being a boy mom, or just my boys, but we always find an arcade.

I told Lance that I thought our vacations were doomed to arcades and putt-putt.

Which ways the nearest Joann or Hobby Lobby???

 

Even though arcades aren't my thing, it's fun to watch Lance and Easton play!

 They have a big time!

 

 

After the arcade we ended up in an Old Timey Photo Booth.

This picture makes me laugh!



Lance had JUST completed his Hand Gun Carry class and had been to the gun range before we left on Saturday morning.When he got home he stressed the importance to Easton of never, ever, ever, ever touching guns.  That they are not toys.  When we walked in this little store, Easton was all kinds of curious as to WHY all these folks in the pictures were holding guns.You can imagine his surprise when we got dressed up and the lady asked him if he wanted a shot gun or a hand gun!  This picture has really sparked some questions.  I hope we didn't teach a double standard here! 

 

 

Also, no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without stopping at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge.

The Apple Fritters...DELISH! 

And.  My little love fit right in with the scarecrows!

It's officially Fall Y'all!

And we LOVE it!

 

Happy Friday!