Heather Bullard

Oh My, This is Random

 
My fall decorating is absolutely pitiful. You're looking at the extent of it so far. I have no idea what's come over me but I can't muster up the energy to go all out this year. Anyone relate? I've never been big on Halloween decor but have always decorated for fall. Perhaps there's still time to snap out of it.

 
Apple picking was on our agenda this weekend. It was a bit rainy and so fallish & cozy. The Man and I went to an apple tasting which is very similar to a wine tasting where they start with the most tart and work their way up the sweetness scale. Surprisingly, we liked the tart apples and bought a 1/2 peck of "Big Greens". Not to be confused with Granny Smiths or so I was told. In any case, they were delish!

 

Last month I bought these antique French agriculture bonds at a flea market and have been meaning to frame them. I've been working on a gallery wall of French photos and ephemera for what seems like f.o.r.e.v.e.r. One step closer to finishing now.

 
And here's a hodge podge of the miscellaneous tidbits I've picked up on my travels...

• Antique price signs to use as cheese markers and drink signs for parties.
• Ticking pillows, actually bought 4.
• Very large zinc wire basket. Use to be determined.
• The letter "H" just because.
• Vintage comb carrier and metal wash wringer sign for laundry room. Currently in reno phase.
• Hooks and bits for said laundry room.
• A dozen marble eggs to make my chickens jealous.

Which reminds me...is it about time for a Chicken Chronicles update?

The Arrival of Autumn

 
While I was on location in Minnesota I had the chance to stop by the Bachman Idea House. It was chock full of fall inspiration and imaginative vignettes & displays. My friend Ki has been working with them for the past year transforming the property into a place for homeowners and gardeners to gather creative seasonal ideas. Here's a peek at some of my favorites...

 

 

Since I have the pleasure of being home for nearly two weeks before my next shoot I plan on thoroughly enjoying the following fall activities:

• Apple picking and pie eating with The Man
• A visit to a pumpkin patch
• Working in my garden which happens to be a disaster
• Finding a new area rug for the family room
• Stopping by Starbucks for a Skinny Vanilla Latte
• Decorating the front porch
• Digging out my old holiday magazines and buying a few new ones
• Late night walks in the crisp, cool air
• Making soups. Lots of soups.

How about you? What fall favorites have you been enjoying? I would love to live vicariously through you! 

The Charming South

Since we last had time to visit I've been flying all over our great nation working on stories for FMS. With a deadline fast approaching it seems my frequent flyer miles are racking up. One of my favorite locations was Charleston, SC. I absolutely LOVED the history and charm of this city.

And I found our perfect farmhouse. There's only a few problems....

1. It's been abandoned for years.
2. It's on a deserted Navy Base.
3. The government owns it.
4. It needs about a zillion dollars in renovations.
5. It's in Charleston.

  

Above is the porch of one of the neighboring homes so you can see what I mean when I say renovations. But wouldn't it be a wonderful place to sip a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? And below is a photo of the next door neighbors. Apparently this is where they film the show Army Wives. I've never seen the show...any of you recognize it? Would the wives make great neighbors?

Hands down my favorite thing about my visit was the seeing all the old ironwork. Sigh...we don't have fencing and gates like this in California. They made my heart pitter patter. If I had the strengh (and room in my luggage) I would have ripped them right out of the ground and brought them home with me.

 

 

I hope I get the chance to go back someday and spend more time wandering the neighborhoods, old city streets and take in more sight seeing. It surely is a magical place.