I’ve had several people I know in person – friends and family members – tell me how much they just enjoy following along with me here on the blog and on Instagram recently and it just means so much to me. I so appreciate the people that I personally follow on a regular basis for everything that they share. They keep me feeling inspired, connected, and entertained throughout my day and learning be a better content creator myself is something I’m always working on and striving for. The idea that I could provide that connection point for someone else, that moment to check-in with something thoughtful, or beautiful, or inspiring in the midst of a busy day has just always been the biggest motivating factor for me since day one. The thought that I might be achieving that in some way as I’m on this journey as a content creator just makes me feel giddy and like I’m still on the right path. I feel like I get closer and closer to being the creator that I want to be every day and it’s exciting to think that others might be seeing that too.
I’m thinking about doing a little mudroom refresh at some point soon-ish. We added this room on to our house a few years ago and it’s definitely become one of the most well-used and functional spaces we have. There’s so much I love about the room, but there are a few things that are feeling a little worn out now and a few things that I never really got to completing, so I’m thinking a bit of a refresh would be a fairly easy project for me to work on here and there as I have the time. I’m thinking maybe a new lamp, a new cover for our trusty Ruggable runner, some new baskets for the cubbies, proper non-plastic boot trays. Little things like that.
Chris and I booked a mini trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake next week! I’ve been through there briefly once to see a play, but I’ve never actually spent any real time there and I’ve always wanted to. Historical buildings, charming shops, vineyards all around, what’s not to love? It’s only a couple of hours away and we had a little pocket of time with no shoots booked, so I just went ahead and planned it out. We’ve really just been working non-stop since we got back from Smithers this summer, so it’s time to take a break for a few days. Feeling very ready to be inspired by all the beautiful sights of the area!
We had the most lovely spooky season this year. Just the best. The weather was perfect, although the leaves did fall a bit earlier than usual this year. The kids and I had a great time decorating the house for Halloween just a week before the big day so I didn’t find myself feeling exasperated by all the stuff everywhere. We ate festive Halloween snacks and watched Halloween movies together and we even got some orange twinkle lights to put in the boxwoods outside, which we’ve never done before. Jack and his bestie ran all over town trick or treating and just got way more candy than they’ll be able to eat in a year, and Jack insisted that Kennedy help him eat it as much she can. Kennedy dressed up for a Halloween party as Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls and Jack was “Jack”ula. I did my best with his spooky makeup and he was just thrilled with it, which made me so happy. Just a very non-stressful Halloween overall, despite the fact that it was on a Monday. Looking forward to next year already!
We’re just over-the-moon proud of our Kennedy, in general, but right now in particular. We’re right in the thick of University applications right now and we’ve been going on tours and submitting forms and she’s just taken it all in stride. She’s done an amazing job of putting together her portfolio over the last few months, but she’s continuing to add to it and improve it wherever she sees an opportunity. This time can be so overwhelming for kids, but she’s making decisions about what she wants to do quickly and with confidence and it’s just so great to see things coming together for her now despite all the instability she’s faced with lockdowns happening thorought most of her high school career. There was an awards assembly at her school last month and she even took home awards for getting the highest marks in her grade last year in two different subjects. We’re just as proud as proud can be and loving every second of this season for her, and here’s the awkward post-awards ceremony family photo to prove it. 🙂
NEWS AND FINDS
-I’m not decorating for Christmas for a week or two yet, but I’ve definitely been planning and dreaming a little bit! If you’re starting to think about your Christmas decor a little too, these past posts might give you a little inspiration!
- Woodland Christmas Porch Decor
- Decorating With Foraged Greenery
- Black and White Christmas Decor in Our Living Room
- Favorite Christmas Decor Ideas from Years Past
-A couple of little glimpses from our Christmas decor last year made it into the Christmas issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style Magazine this year! I was really happy with how things came together last year, so it was nice to have some of my ideas recognized and included. 🙂 It’s on newsstands everywhere now!
-This is huge! Our all-weather Adirondack chairs are officially back in stock! They always come in and out of stock quickly because they’re such a great deal for these super sturdy chairs. They’re just the best. They’ve been sold out since last winter and they’re finally back! Grab them now if you were hoping to get some new chairs like these next spring or they could even make a great Christmas gift idea! These are a similar option I found that I also love. Still sturdy and a great deal, but a maybe a bit more modern?
-I’m saying it here: I’m committing to finishing the blog post about the equipment we use for photographing interiors. This is a post that has been in high demand for years and I keep promising that I’ll put it up, and then I never actually finish it. It’s like 80% written. So I’m declaring it publicly: I will finish it. This month. You can hold me to it.
-It was finally time to replace my favorite worn out white sneakers a few weeks ago. I decided to try something a little thicker for the fall and winter months to maybe keep my toes a little warmer when I’m out and about but don’t necessarily need winter boots. I ordered these because I thought they were cute and looked a bit more substantial than my thin canvas ones, but I was surprised to find that they’re actually some of the most comfy shoes I’ve ever had. Truly like walking on clouds. I read a bunch of reviews after they came in and discovered that they actually have quite a following for exactly this reason. Anyway, great warmer white sneakers, really cute, zero break in time. 🙂 Highly recommend, but are definitely more for fall/spring because I think they’ll be much too warm for summer.
MORE RECENTS POSTS
- Homemade Smoky BBQ Seasoning Blend
- Gift Ideas for Families
- Plant-Based Homemade Mac and Cheese
- How to Grow a Silver Satin Pothos Plant
- Halloween Sprinkle Sticks
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Courtenay Hartford is the author of creeklinehouse.com, a blog based on her adventures renovating a 120-year-old farmhouse in rural Ontario, Canada. On her blog, Courtenay shares interior design tips based on her own farmhouse and her work as founder and stylist of the interior photography firm Art & Spaces. She also writes about her farmhouse garden, plant-based recipes, family travel, and homekeeping best practices. Courtenay is the author of the book The Cleaning Ninja and has been featured in numerous magazines including Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents Magazine, Real Simple, and Our Homes.