Fall Mantel

allie • September 18, 2012

With Whimsy opening in a little over a week (!!) I’ve gotten a little excited to get my fall up.  I’m usually early on fall anyway because I like to start Christmas early.  Surprise!  So, I’ve been working and tweaking and crafting on my fall for the last couple of weeks and I think I finally have it about all done.  I’ve also had a little nesting in a different sort not sure what kind of time I’m going to have once Jules comes, extra incentive to have the house ready:)

I am just so loving having a mantle, a first for me, and I haven’t gotten to decorate it yet for fall.  I changed up the look a bit by taking down my big wood round mirror (just for the season) and lightening it up a bit.

one thing I love about fall is that you can go outside and cut down a few branches and have a great new look. Free for nothing. Doesn’t get much better than that.


I also cozied up the fireplace area a bit with bringing my lamp over from the living room, my chair from my bedroom, and purchasing a new rug from Overstock. I love shopping my own house:)

And yes, I did have the fireplace on today:) I made Ryan light the pilot for me once I found out it might freeze at night. What a good guy:) And since it was only 66 degrees in the house this morning, it was a bit necessary. Ryan told me 65 was the magic number….compromise:)

Another angle. The rug was my splurge after the last Whimsy sale. But it actually was very reasonable. I found one on overstock that had great reviews, was super plush, and was square! This space is a bit akward since the fireplace isn’t centered with the wall so a 6’7″ square rug worked great. And it’s a great rug to lay down on, super comfy. I’m always nervous buying online, but when the price is right, the reviews are good, and it’s exactly what you’re looking for, it’s worth the chance:)

Happy Fall!

By Allie Lundeen August 27, 2025
Favorite links of the week
By Allie Lundeen August 20, 2025
The most loved links this week
By Allie Lundeen August 14, 2025
The Oaks final outdoor reveal
By Allie Lundeen August 14, 2025
I pulled off the biggest surprise I've ever done... I can't believe it!! So a little back story - 17 years ago Ryan sold his prized possession, his 1991 Mazda Miata, to help fund a much needed mini van for our baby on the way. After I got pregnant I quit my job and we went from 2 incomes down to 1 income. We knew that a 2 person convertible just wasn't practical and that the finances could be used in a better way. So we sold it... Fast forward 17 years and it all comes back full circle. I put my 17 year old son Tate on the task of finding us a Miata that looked just like dads, and he blew it out of the water. He found the perfect car on Facebook Marketplace In great condition! He drove almost 3 hours to pick it up with a buddy and pulled off the best surprise ever!!! Also to note Tate has never driven through the Twin Cities or Driven a stick shift on any road besides a gravel one close to the cabin. BUT he was confident and crushed the challenge!! We stored it for the night and gave it to him the next day! I think Ryan's reaction says it all (watch the mini vlog below!) Our "19th" anniversary isn't until November but what fun is a convertible if you can't drive it in the summer, so we gave it to him early and are so happy we did! *make sure to read until the end for a good laugh ;)
By Allie Lundeen August 12, 2025
Favorite links of the week
By Allie Lundeen August 7, 2025
Boys room switcheroo
More Posts