Hey y’all! We’re so excited to be back with The White Buffalo Styling Company’s Stylin’ Home tours and honored to participate with such a fun group of bloggers!
If you’re hopping over from Primitive & Proper, welcome!
The truth is, our home rarely looks like what we’re about to show you in those purdy pics, so let’s start out with a bit of reality, shall we? Dishes are still sitting on the table as I write this, and laundry is completed once a week but only after I can bribe Jamin we almost die from a total near death experience in the form of an avalanche. It’s how we roll and that’s more than okay. I pretty much shoved a bunch of army men/nerf guns… and children out of the way to score that one photo. I mean, you’d think they live here or something.
Because it really is all about creating a haven for the every day around here, and sometimes that means we live in the middle of reality.
It usually looks more like this {And this is the clean room}
Basically, I’m just a big faker. So this time, we thought we would accompany that with a few tidbits of fun. So without further ado in no in no particular order: A few behind the scenes confessions of the reluctant seasonal decorator.
1. I was so proud of myself when I was editing in the photos because this always happens: there’s some sort of casualty a-la the Downton Abbey water bottle fiasco I usually don’t catch in the shot. For our summer tour, it was an army man. For the one before that, I’m pretty sure I misspelled a word “dashing” on the chalkboard because I was delirious.
Just kidding. It’s because I can’t spell.
2. My point? When we have a lot of pretty pics in a row, where everything looks clean I feel guilty… like I need to show you the real us. Our real home. The real me sitting in my yoga pants, squinting at the computer screen. Are they pajamas? Did I just work out? The world will never know.
So if I missed something this time, maybe just let me live in unknowing bliss, okay? I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a preying mantis being ridden by a lego man sitting in the middle of our fall tablescape.
You know. He adds to the ambiance.
3. I’m a reluctant seasonal decorator. I’m really slow. And I’ve never been one to bring in a lot of seasonal stuff. By the time I catch on to the idea that it’s fall… it’s time for Christmas. This is what my porch looked like for Christmas last year.
Halloween wreaths a-la Saint Nick were the order of the day. Wheeeeee!
4. Our neighbors think we’re crazy because I put a bunch of mums and pumpkins on the front porch last week, and then needed them for another shoot out back, so they suddenly disappeared. Because I’m cheap, and because all the mums will be dead in a week so we must utilize them to their fullest. Is anyone else a perpetual mum murderer out there? We try to keep them alive. I think it’s just where we live.
But then we left them in the back, because we will enjoy them more in their short life span, and I don’t really care. Except now there’s just the singular monogrammed stripey pumpkin and a bunch of confused bugs, wondering where their flower pots went.
5. I was shooting this area, and saw a dark speck on the ground. I picked it up quickly with my hand so we could get on with the shoot because I thought it was a leaf. Only then did I notice a not-so-appealing aroma. It was a speck of poop.
I would like to blame the dog. I really would.
6. I couldn’t finish the kitchen shot and prepare dinner, too. So I totally let them sit down and eat the s’mores while we cleaned up and then gave them fruit for dinner. I feel like that’s parental powers for canceling the damage out or something. Backwards dinner. At least the fruit was organic? Maybe there’s a reason they didn’t go to bed until much… much… later. Either way, we were the coolest parents ever. For an entire 2.5 sugar hyped seconds.
7. Our home has been invaded with tent caterpillars a-la the giant man eating pecan tree in the back that is the bane of our existence. If Jamin had his way, he would have already climbed the tree whilst juggling three chainsaws. I keep reminding Jamin that if we cut it down, some humming birds and I’m pretty sure an entire generation of squirrel families, and maybe even a raccoon or two would also perish a horrible death. I’m all, hug the trees! And then I stepped on two {tent caterpillars, not raccoons} that crept into the house last weekend from its most recent Swiss Family Robinson infestation. Oh and ps. I was Barefoot. Both incidents were Within 12 hours of each other, as said culprits basically blended into the floor. I cried. Is there anything grosser?
And then ate a s’more to drown my sorrows.
8. Yesterday was the first day of fall, and we could feel it here. The weather was so amazing we kicked the kids outside and told them not to come back a-la our 80’s childhood. No worries – they were in our fenced in back yard so no one could call the police. We even had a picnic outside for lunch, which is virtually unheard of in Alabama. So at the end of the day, I’m kinda thrilled about it all. Bring on the pumpkin spiced latte everything!
I’ll drink it whilst sitting in my yoga pants and contemplating that pecan tree.
9. I think we’re headed to an Auburn game this weekend {War Eagle, y’all} and I’ve already planned out my outfit. Because that’s like, the whole reason you go to football games in the south. That, and to eat. Duh.
Just kidding. It’s to scream at the game.
Don’t defriend me. I so need this shirt.
10. Here’s to cooler weather, lazy saturdays in warm beds, and lots of good fall {tent caterpillar free} fun!
{If you’d like to see the rest of our home, be sure to check it out here + our other fall tour here.}
But there’s more fall goodness to get you in the mood!
Be sure to check out the fabulous DIY Show Off’s wonderful home – up next!
Have an inspired day!
Laura says
Love love love everything you guys have done- your style is just so unique!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Laura!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Your home is always my favorite, regardless if it is clean or not, or if there is a preying mantis being ridden by a lego man. That made me laugh out loud. All our homes are like that and we like to fake it at times. Faking it gives me some stability.
Loved this tour so much and I could look at pictures of your house for hours.
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! I never thought of it like that, Julia! Cheers to stability! I need all the stability I can get! ;} Thanks so much for stopping by – you are always so sweet!
Jenna says
I am totally the same way with the mums and pumpkins – move those bad boys as needed – I’m too cheap too buy more!
ashley @ the handmade home says
RIGHT?! I thought it was just me. ;}
cassie says
I have that shirt pinned- it is so me, too!!!! i am with ya! your home looks amazing- the simple natural touches are my favorite like the cotton and acorns! i need to go colect some acorns. 🙂 happy fall!
ashley @ the handmade home says
YES! Must have the shirt. I just have to buy it this year. It’s too perfect! ;}
Genie says
This is just gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the rest of the homes! ;D Thank you for sharing yours – you are always so hilarious!
Deana says
love your posts- they always make me laugh!
wondering, how’s Chloe doing?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Deana! Thanks so much for asking – you are so sweet! Chloe started chemo last week via injection, and the vet saw her again yesterday – she has oral treatments this week. He said all her lymph nodes have shrunk and she’s looking great. She’s also feeling great. She’s been panting more heavily and her appetite is ferocious because of the prednisone but these are the only side effects we have seen! Checked with the vet and we are also starting the Budwig diet just a little at a time to see how she does. Since she has upper GI issues, we were a little hesitant to do much with that so we’re starting out slow. She’s also on a great dog food right now but we’ve discussed cooking for her in the future if we need to {again, slow to start because of her other issues} And because it makes me feel better, she gets her daily dose of frank every day in the land of oils as well. ;} She’s also been getting her daily dose of sunshine and fun with the kids.
I think the most stressful, upsetting part was trying to decide what route to take, and we were just so afraid the chemo would make her sick and not be worth putting her through. We’re honestly hoping she has a lot more time with us. Worth every penny and no regrets. Really grateful we listened to our vet and some sweet readers who chimed in as well. All of you guys have been so kind and supportive – it means the world!
Thank you a million times over for your sweet sweet words!
Lindsay says
Ashley, I love your fun fall home tour! And I love your tidbits of reality thrown in 🙂 Thanks for joining!
Flower Patch Farmgirl says
FAVORITE.
Keep on keeping on, lady.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Back at ya, sweet friend! HUGS!
Summer says
You guys can do no wrong in my book! I love that your home is gorgeous but SO lived in! That’s the best kind. I love you outdoor table too! Lovely tour and have a great weekend!
Emily @ 11gables.blogspot.com says
Oh my gosh! I love you! Where have you been all my life?! xox, Emily
Erica says
Sometimes I don’t even really notice your pictures bc your writing is so hilarious!! And then I look at the pictures as I scroll back up and they are really pretty too! 😉
(I really mean that in the best way possible!) love your style and maybe more so, your laid back take-me-as-I-am attitude! So refreshing!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Erica! What a sweet compliment!
Regina says
just had to comment. The other day on his way out I asked my husband to buy me a fall mum (to kill)! (because I am also a plant murderer!) Instead he came home with 6 Gerbera daisies, my favorite flower!! Now I will definitely try to NOT kill them!
Crystal @MyBlissfulSpace says
Love your home, love your unique decor, and love that you made me feel better with your dose of reality! 😉
Jessica says
Seriously love it all. My mums are fake. Gotta do what you gotta do. Keep up the great work. You always know how to bring a smile to my face. Thank you for that.
Sarah says
I love your bold use of color! And that you are keeping it real. Dude all bloggers are a bunch of fakers. It’s best we admit that now! 😉
Kerry Purcell says
This post made me smile! Thanks for sharing your real and beautiful home!
Jen says
I’m always loving what you post!! But when I saw that bowl of acorns, I thought I’d better tell you that I did that once, and then a week later, I saw them MOVING! Upon investigation, little grubs had eaten their way out of the acorns and were wriggling in the bottom of the bowl. I have three boys and they were like, “So COOL!!” but I was aghast and pitched the whole thing. Also tried sealing them, thinking it would keep the buggers in, but again was greeted with a livelier version of what was intended. So, if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears. Thanks for the great decorating ideas!
ashley @ the handmade home says
BAHAHA! Thank you for the warning. I will keep an eye out! I may have a conniption if that happened! ;} I have had all I can handle of worms right now. ;} Maybe you could bake them in the oven to kill anything before they have a chance? Which is kinda gross… baked grub-filled goodness {???!?!!}
Kathy Hanson says
I stumbled across your blog while looking at the Fall Home Bloggers Tour. I know it was published a couple of weeks ago, but whenever I get a free moment (4 year old napping..ahhh!) I try to pick up where I left off.
ANYWAY… I wanted to say, just from this post, that I love your blog, and you–but not in a creepy way. 🙂 I love your dose of reality….really wish more bloggers were like you. I am now subscribed. Thanks for making me smile, and for making me feel ok with my dirty house while I sit here and look at everyone else’s clean and tidy homes.
Wendi says
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog- most of the posts are exactly what I’m looking for.
Again, awesome web site!
Jules says
I bought mums last week and yes killed them within a week. My problem is those mums are still on my front porch. Whoops. My husband let me know last night that those dead mums on the porch are the #1 thing bothering him around the house right now. But we’ve yet to trash them. One would think they would have decomposed by now, but nope. Still obviously last year’s dead mums. With three kids who has time right? So my goal this year is not to put out mums, but trash last years!!!
And I always love your home tours (and everything else) but thanks for these keeping it real posts 🙂
Jules says
Haha that first sentence was meant to say I bought mums last YEAR not last week!
ashley @ the handmade home says
LOVE it. You keep those mums up proudly, girl! You’re in good company! ;}
Claire says
This made me laugh pretty hard! I believe that all of our homes are like this so I’m really happy that you’re publishing some real pictures… Mine looks, well, as first I thought just a bit messed up, but then I realized that it’s much more like a crazy vintage shop (I don’t know if you have the same style of them, but ours here in Vancouver look like this so you can maybe imagine… :D)
P.S.: I see that I’m not the only one who loves to have letters everywhere!