Autumn Home Tour
We’re sharing our autumn home tour and what’s saving us this season as we team up with some wildy creative ladies for 2024 Autumn Home Tour and Blog Hop hosted by Cindy of County Road 407.
If you’re coming over from Emily’s blog LeCultivateur welcome, we’re excited to have you here. Didn’t you love all the ways Emily added cozy in the autumn months?
She is so talented!
Our Autumn Home Tour Inspiration…
A few weeks ago, we left a very wet and rainy Florida to spend a long weekend in the mountains.
While it felt amazing to snuggle up each morning and evening thanks to a chill in the air, I freely admit, it also made me a tiny bit jealous sweater weather is still months away for us in Florida.
Honestly, I wish I could have bottled it up and brought it back home.
So, when we returned home and it was not only still raining but we were also experiencing localized flooding which stranded us on the island for a few days, I was *this close* to getting caught up in the, “It never feels like fall in Florida, I’m totally over hurricane season,” blues.
Instead, I decided to make a list of all the things saving us this season because I know someday (hopefully soon) we’ll be back to enjoying pink sunsets, pumpkin ice cream, mums on the porch, and all the amazing things fall has to offer.
If you’re not familiar with this concept, many years ago, Barbara Brown Taylor, an author and former Episcopal priest, coined the phrase, “What’s saving my life right now,” when she shared the idea in her memoir.
Since then, it’s become a simple way for those who feel inspired to maintain a positive outlook while staying grounded, self-aware and fully present in each season.
Although the things I’m sharing today are not literally saving our lives, they are small things that are having a big impact and helping us find glimmers along the way.
Here’s a look at our autumn home tour and what’s saving us this season…
Easy Autumn Vignettes and Décor Ideas
Like a lot of you, our schedule is totally bananas.
Truthfully, after reviewing our calendar, I was on the fence about decorating at all this year.
But then I thought back to this time last year when I fought through nearly 12 weeks of Covid and Strep and I realized that even if I didn’t have time to “go all out” it was still a privilege to be able to mark the occasion.
And while I didn’t decorate as much as I usually do, just having pumpkins in the house feels like an important milestone.
Game Days
My nephew is the kicker for his high school football team and oh my word, I wish you could see his face when he spots us in the crowd.
It’s like this heart melting grin when he sees us all sitting together with our game day uniforms on.
Gah, it gets me every.single.time. it’s so sweet.
Even with the best intentions, attending his games can be a lot to juggle.
But knowing our pod will be there cheering him on helps make meal planning a lot easier and allows us to prioritize our time together too.
It genuinely makes my heart happy knowing we get to see each other every week!
A Work Uniform
A few years ago, I gave myself a work uniform to help cut down on decision fatigue in the mornings.
While some people might consider that boring, it’s been a total game changer for me.
I don’t have to stand in front of my closet and decide what to wear anymore.
I simply grab a white tee, my favorite pair of jeans, a cozy cardigan, lady jacket or blazer, a pair of loafers or ballet flats and I’m good to go.
Easy peasy.
If you go into the office, consider using these Days of the Week Tags, they help cut down on morning decision fatigue too!
Morning Walks
This year after being on and off the exercise wagon for far too long, I fell in love with morning walks.
It’s been a great way to clear my mind, collect my thoughts, prepare for the day, and listen to a favorite podcast or catch up with my Mom.
I didn’t see a big difference at first, but the minute I get the grumpies now, I know I need to make time for a walk.
Even a short one helps!
Family Command Center
I’ve always kept a paper calendar but several years ago, I created a family command center on the side of our refrigerator and haven’t looked back.
Don’t get me wrong, I did get a little push back and even some sass when I first introduced it.
But everyone is on board now and it’s been of the best things we’ve ever created as a family.
Greeting Card Organizer
From September 1-March 1, we celebrate 12 birthdays.
That doesn’t include anniversaries, special occasions, our annual Spooky Soiree, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year celebrations, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, or anything else that might come up.
It’s a lot.
So, this year, I bought a greeting card organizer to help keep us on track and it’s been fabulous.
We simply buy cards at the beginning of each month, order gifts, and we’re good to go!
Fall Book List
Fall is one of those seasons where I truly look forward to slowing down and curling up with a good book.
Just thinking about the new titles released each September and October makes me positively giddy.
Here’s my latest list of Home Decor Books Coming Out This Fall if you haven’t seen it yet!
Hearty Bowls of Soups and Chili
Truth be told, I’m the kind of person who could eat soup and chili year round.
But my family would rather not eat hot soup on a hot day.
The minute the back-to-school season starts though, my slow cooker gets a serious workout.
It’s such a time saver!
Wooden Spreaders for Apple Butter
A few months ago, I created an at home breakfast station and included wooden spreaders.
At first, I didn’t know if they would work well for our family because they’re hand wash.
But I can honestly say they’ve been one of the best additions to our kitchen.
We use them for everything from spreading apple butter on biscuits to cream cheese on bagels.
Seasonal Mugs
While I try my best not to bring anything frivolous into the house, there’s just something about having a seasonal mug that makes me even more excited to kick off the day.
Especially on the weekends.
I work from home a lot.
So, it’s a simple way to differentiate the weekdays from the weekends and makes the mornings feel festive.
Give Me All the Pumpkin Spice
I know pumpkin spice is not for everyone, but I love pumpkin flavored everything, save for pumpkin pie.
While that first sip of a PSL each season is downright heavenly, I also love a pumpkin spice golden milk latte, a good pumpkin sugar scrub, and delicious scent of our DIY pumpkin diffuser too.
Enjoy the Season You’re In…
There are times when your plans will fall perfectly into place.
And other times, you’ll simply need to pivot.
No matter what this season holds for you, I hope you’ll be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Even if it doesn’t look quite like you had expected, at first.
I’d love to hear what’s saving you this season in the comments section below!
Up next on the Autumn Home Tour…
Up next on the Autumn Home Tour Blog Hop my talented friend, Angie of Postcards From the Ridge. Don’t miss her Fall Home Tour and Decorating Ideas!
Once you’re finished there, be sure to check out what the rest of the fabulous ladies from this blog hop are sharing.
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Beautiful tour CoCo. You add soft autumn touches to your home. I hope your niece is doing well since her surgery.
So many great thoughts here CoCo. Thanks for keeping us grounded. Your pictures are stunning as always. Happy fall! XO- MaryJo
Beautiful CoCo! Great tips! I read your email this morning too. One of the ways I have been simplifying my life is by using Google Keep. All my lists in one place and categorized – accessible at anytime from anywhere. Happy Fall my dear friend.
Your home is so beautiful. I love all the gorgeous Fall touches. Hugs and blessings to you.
Coco
You always have clever ideas. I love your post idea. Have the best day!
CoCo, I’m so sorry you had such a long slog with Covid and Strept. That will take it out of anyone. Your porch and home looks so pretty. Amazing how a little seasonal decor can lift our spirits. A pumpkin will certainly do it for me. take care and enjoy your fall season, wherever you may be. Big Hugs, Deb
CoCo, your home is always beautiful and so inspiring (those pops of pink with brown transferware 🤎🩷)! But your positivity was most appreciated as we’re in a challenging season. The reminder to find gratitude in the little things really resonated with me!
Beautiful photos and amazing thoughts here today, CoCo!! It’s still close to 90 here right now too so I can relate to your sentiment about sweater weather. But, the cool temps will be here soon enough. Happy fall, friend!
Coco, this is such a great post. It’s a wonderful reminder to notice and appreciate the little things. Thanks so much for sharing your favorite things and the images of your beautiful home.
I can see why the What’s Saving My Life Right Now is so encouraging. Practicing it would make us more grateful and I think “settled”. I wake up and thank the Lord each day. Even if it’s just for breath, a bed, and air-conditioning, I do it each day. It’s super important.
I love your sweet reminders to cherish the little things, family, friends, and making everyday life simpler.
Hope cooler weather comes sooner than later. I just can’t get in the mood to touch the outside when it’s almost 100 degrees out there. Cheers to the future with soups, snuggles, shawls, and s’mores! Thank you for joining us. I adore your gorgeous decor.
I enjoyed seeing your combinations of beautiful flowers and pumpkins, two of my favorites to decorate with! Your home looks lovely! I miss sweater weather and seeing the leaves turn color and fall from the trees! Can’t wait to get my home back in order, so I can pull out the pumpkins! We have been so dry in central FL that we are thrilled to get more rain. We finally have some mushrooms growing in our yard. Had not seen any the past two summers! Here’s to a fabulous fall!!
CoCo, I love your home decorated for the season!! I love pinks and browns together and your transferware is really pretty stacked here and there and on the teacup holder… What’s saving me this season? The fact that I have/had Covid again and bronchitis and got to be home this week to enjoy the light outside the window, do a tiny bit of gardening when I felt good, and decorate for the autumn season. Back to work tomorrow but it has been a nice break; so ready to retire and just work part-time somewhere. 😉
Enjoy your pretty home and I hope fall does come quicker for you this year. It was like that in So Cal, too. Fall happened in early December, when the leaves would finally change.
Big fall hugs,
Barb 🙂
Oh my goodness! There are so many great things in this post! I love your mindset also. It’s very encouraging! Praying for you in these floods.
CoCo you’re not just a fabulous decorator, but an amazing writer as well! I always love reading your posts, and finding new ways to be inspired. Love your beautiful photos too, and especially the outdoor table setting and backdrop! That will be the perfect spot when the weather finally cooperates! Sending big fall hugs your way!
I’ve started looking forward to my morning walk in nature, too. It gets the anxiety wiggles out and is a great time to chat with the Lord. I walk in a local campground park, through the woods and next to the lake. It’s a wonderful way to start the morning:) And I loved cooling down by watering all my flowers this summer; being in the garden always nourishes. Loved seeing your lovely home decorated for Fall; hope the temps cool for you soon! Thanks for the thoughtful words, too:)
Hi Coco,
Love how your home looks for Fall …..Just lovely!
Yes yes yes about the all the rain. WE are duly over all that rain. The last few days we have been having clouds but more sunshine and have had a few dry days and some with just a quick shower. So have had a
chance to actually sit in the sun for a few minutes……….what a joy that is!!
I don’t know if this is actually saving me, but sure enjoying our home all gussied up for Fall. I thing that does
having a lil saving grace attached to it would be a series we are watching called “DOC”. It is such a quality show with great characters and great story lines. Such a blessing to watch when you are sick of hearing about politics or just bad things that are happening…..lol It is almost like reading scripture as it helps set your mind on something pleasant and good.
Hope you are doing well hon.
Always love reading your posts.
Blessings, Nellie
I feel so much more prepared to tackle the Fall after reading through this amazing, inspiring post filled with lovely ways to celebrate Fall. Also, I simply loved your idea to head outside for a walk whenever feeling a bit tired or down. Being outside really does the body… and mind so much good!
CoCo,
I so enjoyed your home tour for fall and all the little tips and words of wisdom. I sure miss those days of sporting events. We should never take for granted how much it means to those kiddos to be supported and celebrated. Like you, I am in such a better place with my morning walk. Let me just say that I LOVE your fall uniform. Sounds like mine when I do get dressed. LOL! I hope y’all do ok with this hurricane. We are getting pounded in the Greenville, SC area. I just can’t imagine there. Praying for your safety.
You always have such wonderful suggestions CoCo, your fall home decor looks fabulous. I hope you are safe with the hurricane in Florida. I’ve been watching it unfold, and it looks terrifying. Stay safe my friend, sending prayers your way.
I adore your style!! I could sit and look at these beautiful photos all day long!!! All the fall touches are so pretty and add so much cozy!!! I love it!!!!
CoCo, I haven’t been by for a visit for such a long time, but I happened to see your comment on another blog and knew I needed to come by and say ‘hi’. I’m so glad I did… your home is as beautiful as it always is and I’m happily wandering through your blog posts.
Happy fall to you ~ Kerryanne