September Book Review

Welcome to this month's book review.  It was a good month.....very diverse, but good.  As you guys know I both read and listen to books.  I had a request to indicate if a book is better read or listened to #hellostayce......So I will try to do that for you.......let's get started.

This first one is just a good basic story.  I think you can either listen to or read this one and enjoy it either way.




My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.  American Ella Durran finally gets her dream, to study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship plus she lands a great position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. But, of course, she meets a boy.  But not just any boy.  A boy whose life, love and secrets will forever change her.  Honestly, this is most likely the life you would not want your college daughter to experience.  But the story grabs your heart and doesn't let go.....even in the end....it doesn't let go.  If you like things set in England you will enjoy this one all the more.  There are a few graphic scenes, but for the most part the author respects that you can adequately imagine the goings on and does not feel the need to spell out every detail.  Thank you, Ms. Whelan.  I enjoyed it tremendously.

The next one I would say definitely just read it.  There's not really anything in it that requires the drama of it being told to you as an audio book.



The Sometimes Sisters by Carolyn Brown is a sweet simple predictable little story.  Every now and then you need something that is entertaining yet not emotionally taxing.This is just that.  Basically three little sisters who haven't had the best relationship are drawn back to familiar ground when a dear relative passes away.  They discover they all have secrets, they all have misunderstood each other and they need each other more than they ever thought.


Ok, there are some real suspenseful moments in this next one so I would say listen to it if you can, but you will be just as drawn in if you read it.



Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman will leave you guessing until the very end.  I liked this story but I can't tell you why because it would spoil the ending.  Let's just suffice it to say people should be smarter.  A honeymoon is interrupted when a scuba diving couple finds an interesting package, but what decisions will they make after they find it.  What decision would you make? A good suspenseful and surprised filled read.

The last book of the month could also go either way.  But first choice would be read it although I wouldn't hesitate to listen to it.


An American Marriage by Tayari Jones.....ok, I put this one in my cart.  I took it out.  I just couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not.  Well I finally took the plunge and I am so glad I did.  When you read as many books as I do you can get to very predictable plot lines.  And it seems like one person writes a book about something and then there are 2 or 3 more that are eerily similar.  Well I have never read a book that covers this subject this way.  Now it has some tough topics.  It has some harsh language.....including some racial stuff.  But it is worth the read.  A young married couple's life changes in an instant. And let's face it....all of our lives have this turn on a dime potential.  But how they react makes you consider how you would react to such a life altering event.  

So that is it for the month. Hopefully at least one sounds good to you and you add it to your wish list, your stack, your spreadsheet....or however you keep up with good books. 

As always, let me know what you think I might enjoy next.

Fall Tips and Tricks by Nordstrom

Nordstrom invited us up for a Fall Tips and Tricks workshop.....and we gladly went. We were a little concerned when we arrived and they told us the workshop was set up in the Gucci section.... yikes....all these tips and tricks may be out of our budget.  But the sweet stylist informed us there would be items from all price ranges.  We settled in for the workshop.

Some of you may consider the fall trends great news.....others may moan with dread

Here are some of the key trend words for the fall: Prairie, 80's and Bandana Scarfs.

So does that sound good or horrid to you? Well just remember all trends are best done with your own personal flair.  Here are a few options in each of the trends for you to consider.  There are lots of tops with small floral prints

Hinge Ruffle V -neck

BP Gathered Back Top

Caslon Print Blouse

And if you like denim, this is the fall for you.  Tons of jeans in every style imaginable, bootcut, boyfriend, slim fit, etc.  Also, it will be a great season for throwing a denim jacket over all the above tops and over dresses.  

If you need a good denim jacket, allow me to recommend

Helena Denim Jacket

The stylist also suggested we have great boots....and western inspired are highly recommended

Lance Block Heel Bootie

Sam Edelman Macon Bootie

And a lower heel option

Dolce Vita Pearse

And all of these can be worn with your dresses and pants

As far as the 80's go....blush is back with a vengeance

The makeup artist demonstrated this blush on several of the models

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic

This particular color is First Love.  It worked on almost all skin tones.  Notice how it is made....a darker pigment in the center.  It is designed to swipe up the cheekbone with the lighter color and then give the pop of color on the apple of the cheek with the center shade.

Here are all the color options

And who remembers these ?

Madewell Bandana

This one comes in about 7 color options.  We may have come home with 5 of them.  I even came home and found one I held onto for all these years.  I yard sale stuff like crazy but I did hold on to one and it was fun to pull it out and put it back into circulation.

And if you are not into things being tied around your neck, these also look great on a tote or a purse

Other things that we saw a lot of were long denim skirts, corduroy of all kinds and jackets upon jackets.

I am very excited to layer up and enjoy these new fall trends. Temps are falling and here we go.

See you back here on Wednesday.  Make it a great Monday!!!

Fall Table Decor (Part 2)

Welcome back.....are you ready for more fall table decor?  Well great.....because that is absolutely what we have today. If you missed part one, have no fear just click here.

Today our first table is from my friend Janet.  Janet totally rocked at this.  She did several centerpieces using the same basics but then just added things, switcherooed....and made new magic.  Here is her first look where she really went for height and symmetry....love

Then she went a little lower by removing the candle holders and adding a different floral

Then some of the candles returned and the grasses showed up.

The last look incorporated this beautiful gourd in the center

How cool are all those looks.  Janet said her table kept changing and I just loved that she took us along for the ride.  I can't pick a favorite....love them all

I also snuck downstairs to my mom's kitchen and got a few pictures of her table

She, unlike me, commits completely.  See she actually has fall plates.

And her amber tumblers and gold flatware seal the deal.

I remember growing up with full holiday tables. Whatever the season, she is 100% in.  I am glad nothing has changed.  She's totally responsible for my love of and embracing of every holiday that comes along.  Good job, Mom!!!

Now on to my friend Kim......before we see her table check out her fireplace

I love the mix of the orange and white pumpkins.

Here is a close up of the mantle

Just beautiful......

And look at the gorgeous colors she used on her table

It is like elegant, classy, subdued fall.  I love the height variance she achieved with both the candle holders and the pumpkins.  You know what I need?......some pine cones.  I always love them in decor and yet I have none.  Thanks, Kim, you have given me decor envy and yet another reason to shop!  Well done.

This next table is from our youngest participant, Taylor.  She is the blessed new owner of a beautiful custom built home.  They literally just moved in this week AND they built their table, decorated it and sent in some pictures.  I know.....youth!  Check out this lovely decor

I am in love with her color palette.  In love.  Just look at these plates and that napkin ring

The metallic spheres are that perfect unexpected touch that makes this divine

Taylor, wishing you and your sweet family many wonderful holidays in your new home.  Thanks so much for inviting all of us in the first week!

Next up, is my good friend Denise.

I was totally distracted when she sent me these because I thought her actual table was gorgeous.  And then I looked at the decor and was even more impressed.

I love the grasses in the middle and the drama and height 

And she really took her pumpkins and foiliage to each end of the table.  No matter where you sit at this table, you will enjoy some good fall decor.

Who wants to go to Denise's house for some mulled cider?  Me..Me..Me!!!

Oh and I told you guys I would show you my table with the velvet pumpkins I made.  If you missed the making of the pumpkins click here.  And here is how I put them together on the dining room table

I used a William Sonoma tablecloth I have had for years, my basic china (sorry mom), some green napkins under each plate and tiny faux acorns on each plate

I also clustered the candle holders with the acorns and used some wooden block candle holders to elevate some of the pumpkins

Here is a close up of the acorns on each plate.  I found a whole bag of them at Art & Soul on Whitesburg Drive.

A huge thank you to today's ladies - Janet, Mom, Kim and Taylor and Denise.

And thanks to you for checking in with me here on the blog.  I hope you have a great weekend.

It should be a great one because this

 is our first seven day forecast with mostly 70's!!!!

Of course, sending big prayers to all those who were affected by the hurricane.  Unbelievable damage and clean up. All the best to the multitude of folks in the path and prayers for all the crews there to help out with it all.

Fall Table Decor (Part I)

I feel like you guys get tired of hearing from just me.....so I asked several friends to share their fall table decor here on the blog......and you know what???? They said yes! So today is part one of some of my talented friends giving all of us a peek at how they do fall table decor.  Are you excited....I am!!!

First up, my sweet friend Melanie was one of the first to respond.  I was impressed that she already had it all together and was able to just snap some quick photos and send them to me. Take a look at her table

Yes, I definitely want to eat here.

I love the mix of plates and the candle variety giving the varying heights.  These are the things that bring interest....and that sweet little turkey guy sure doesn't hurt.

But here was one of my favorite things about her table.....the striped runner over the floral table cloth.  I've already told her I am borrowing this idea.  She obviously has an eye for pattern mixing.

 And she completed the room with continued fall decor on the buffet in the room.

Excellent job, Melanie!!!!

Next up, we have a table that is done with what I would call a dramatic heirloom piece.  I can only imagine that when every family member who has dined at this table thinks of this time of year they think of this beautiful piece

This is Ann T.'s beautiful table.  When she sent me this picture I said tell me all about that Turkey.  She found him several years ago at a shop in Fayetteville.  He is about 17 inches tall and resin. Here is a close up of the big guy

 You know what I love about this?  She bought it and has enjoyed it for years.  I would have seen this and thought - oh that would be fun to have and then talked myself out of it.  But not Ann.  She committed to it and now has had several years of enjoyment from owning it.  I absolutely love it and the classic taper candles.....just perfect.  I also love that she added the decor to the mirror in the room.  Ann, you have inspired me.....if I ever run into a great piece like this....I am taking it home with me.  Love your table!!!

My sweet cousin Juana also shared some photos of her fall decor with us.

She put together this fun fall arrangement for her table.

It is absolutely brimming with fall florals and leaves.

And here is my favorite part of hers......words.  I do love the incorporation of some meaningful words woven into decor.  I think this picture really sums up where her heart is

She also did a little decor in her entry way

She shared with me the whole thing was a family affair......her husband made the table and wooden box, she did some stenciling and her younger daughter did the writing.  It turned out just lovely and all the more special because of all the hands that helped make it possible.

And now look how cute my friend Lindsay's table turned out

Now take a closer look

Here is the thing.  When Lindsay and I started talking about her table she said this vine appeared at the very back of their yard.  She remembered thinking that it was a pumpkin or squash vine.  They just left it alone and it produced these tiny little pumpkins.  What? Who else would have a magic pumpkin vine at their house......only Lindsay!!! She said they got over 36 pumpkins.  I just think that it incredible.  They are just the cutest family and you can read about them on Lindsay's blog.  But just be prepared for tons of cuteness and creativity.  She rocks!!!

To wrap up today, I am going to show a little something I put together on my kitchen table

I bought my wooden box at a craft show

I just used some burlap I had on hand, filled my box with whole coffee beans, nestled in a few candles and pumpkins.  Some of the pumpkins are artificial and from the dollar spot at Target.  I mixed in a few mini- real pumpkins too.

I hope you found a few or half dozen things to inspire what  you want to do in your home this fall season.  

A huge thank you to Melanie, Ann, Juana and Lindsay for sharing their creations with us.  Come back on Friday and see round two of more great table inspirations.

See you then.