Time for fall, time to freshen up

CINCINNATI - Time for Fall…

Last week it was 90 degrees outside, but today there' s a little crisp in the air. Suddenly, my thoughts turn to apples, bonfires and cashmere sweaters.

It's fall, officially and in my heart. Time to get rid of the spring stuff in the house and pull out the pumpkins.

Just about anyone who knows me, really knows me, knows that I am restless when it comes to my home. My husband says I change throw pillows like I do toilet paper rolls. And, well, he's kinda right. I like to change things as the seasons change. I like to "freshen up a room." Last weekend, I decided it was time to change the paint on the windows (just painted 2 years ago). I felt the paint was too creamy. I wanted something crisper, like a crisp white French-cuffed shirt. So, I grabbed a can of paint and went at it. (No, it's not done yet, but I'll get there).

But before I went on a painting rampage, I did what I felt was required of me. I gave the house a thorough cleaning, ditched all the spring pinks, greens and yellows from the living room and brought out the fall decorations. Not too much. I didn't go bananas. Just a throw pillow here, a squashy pumpkin there.

And man, it felt good. It felt great to get that accomplished, plop on my couch and revel in the season that's upon us. So go to the storage closet, grab some (not all, you don't need everything) items that scream fall to you and place them around the house.

Don't have something that makes you happy, here's an idea that might work for you: Painted Pumpkins.

Decide on a word that screams the season to you In my case, the word is "beware", but it could be "autumn", "boo" or even "thanks".

Head to the craft store and buy multiple "fake" or "craft" pumpkins (for example, six for "beware" -- or three for "boo"), some acrylic paint and paint brushes. Paint a letter on each of the pumpkins. It doesn't have to be perfect, just an expression of you. But remember, don't make the letters too small. That will not make the statement you're hoping for.

Once dry, place the spelled out word wherever you want, on a mantle, up a staircase, on a protected porch (or spray the painted pumpkins with a protective clear coat if they will be in the "elements").

Ta da. You have instant seasonal success!

Send me your fall decorating pictures and ideas, or if you complete the project, your pumpkin picture. I'd love to see it (and share it) on "Living it".