flowers of all kinds are still in bloom here, so i’m soaking up the opportunity to photograph them while i can. soon i’m sure we’ll have our first frost and all i’ll have to remember the summer by are these pictures. that will be alright though, i know they will be back again next year.

photos: © bonnie forkner

wrap up: {autumn} {blooms} {flowers} {pictures} {roses} {summer}

after living in north carolina my whole life, my first california fall has been quite interesting. by this time each year i’m usually used to vibrant leaves, sweater mornings and pumpkins galore. when i ran across the images in au fil de, it instantly reminded me of our current season here in california. things are changing, yes (like it rained for this first time since may!) but we still have local strawberries at the farmer’s market and rose bushes bearing new buds. it’s quite nice, actually.

i’m sure deeper fall colors, feelings and weather changes are to come but currently, i feel as though we are in the midst of a transition. not quite summer, not quite fall. the beaches are beginning to turn chilly, flowers are just beginning to fade and butterflies and less and less frequent. i think i’ll remember our first california fall for the rest of my life.

wrap up: {au fil de} {beaches} {california} {fall} {flowers} {season}

many of you know, i’m a bit of a sucker when it comes to house plants. i wouldn’t say it’s a jungle in here, but i love decorating with unusual plants. it brings a sense of the outdoors inside, freshens up the space and gives a good punch of color to the decor. little did i know, the benefits to keeping a few house plants are immense! after doing a little research, here are a few of my favorite benefits.

- plants can help fight colds: indoor plants have been shown to reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30% (wow!)- mainly due to their effect of increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust (a whole different favorite benefit!).

- plants help to remove airborne contaminants: as we breathe the same air again and again (potentially inhaling harmful substances that are trapped inside), indoor plants help to remove pollutants including, VOCs, formaldehyde and more!

- plants can just flat-out make you happy: keeping plants inside can reduce stress and contribute to a feeling of well-being, making you calmer and more optimistic. studies have even shown that patients who face a garden view in their hospital rooms often recover more quickly than those facing a wall.

- plants can help to decrease your blood pressure: people with plants in their homes have less stress, which directly contributes to a lower blood pressure.

- plants can offer healing treatments: some indoor plants, like aloe, can be applied to skin and offer pain relief.

- plants can prevent allergies: exposing children to plants early in life can help them build a tolerance and immunity to that allergen. it basically works like a custom allergy shot, naturally.

- plants can make your brain work better: potted plants and flowers can improve your idea generation, mood, and more (i recommend having some right next to your creative work space!).

- plants provide clean air: in addition to filtering chemicals, plants also put out clean air, improving the air quality around them, ahhhh.

- plants help to clear congestion: eucalyptus especially can help clear phlegm and congestion from your system (eucalyptus is often found in congestion remedies, as well).

- plants are natural humidifiers: save some money and instead of buying a humidifier machine, just bring in a plant or two!

to see more of my indoor plants, you can read about how i made my diy terrariums, how i like to plot my planters and yes, how i even went a little plant crazy.

for further juicy reads on the benefits of having indoor plants, here are a few nifty articles: health benefits to house plants, eliminate indoor pollutants, benefits to indoor plants, nasa research of plants, green plant benefits and the best plants for improving indoor air quality.

wrap up: {benefits} {flowers} {garden} {greens} {house} {indoor} {plants} {potted} {wintry greens}

i am simply in love with the way kari herer has combined traditional pen and ink art with the soft petals of roses and magnolias. it’s just perfectly feminine, don’t you think?

wrap up: {art} {flowers} {kari herer} {magnolias} {pen} {photograpy} {roses}

napkins, you say? yes, napkins! this diy project comes to you from made and just made me so excited (get it?).  literally made from ikea napkins ($2 a bag) and twist ties, this project packs a ton of bang for it’s buck.

with so many variations- you can make magnolias, roses or even chartreuse-stripey flowers like this one! i think they are incredibly chic, and would be perfect to string above a table, decorate a wedding with or add some punch to empty wall. visit made’s wallflower tutorial for more beautiful pictures and photographed instructions to take you step by step.

wrap up: {decoration} {diy} {flowers} {home decor} {magnolia} {napkins} {project} {rose} {wedding}

this is quite possibly the cutest (and simplest) diy project i’ve seen. as featured over on design*sponge, kate takes your through this simple project step by step. just think- no wilting flowers, falling petals or browning water! granted, i will always keep fresh flowers around the house, this would be a great way to keep something fresh in those spaces where you can’t get to as often. like on a bookshelf or in a guest room? i can hear my wool roving calling my name as we speak, so i’m off to get crafty!

for the full diy instructions, click here!

wrap up: {craspedia} {diy} {felt} {flowers} {project} {roving} {vase} {wool} {yellow}

to say i’m still in shock of the natural terrain here is an understatement. it seems that every time i go out into the yard i see a rose that was just created to be put in a vase and enjoyed over dinner! since i just came in with some fresh ones, i thought i would share them with you. i hope they brighten your day as they have mine!

wrap up: {flowers} {picked} {pink} {roses} {vase} {yard}

i’m used to having flowers in my yard. it was a long (and cold) 7 months in colorado without a single boom in my yard. to be greeted here by several dozen rose bushes, fresh herbs and a trailing vine that covers the house has been more than wonderful, its been rejuvenating. things are getting back to normal. things are green and colorful once again. i picked these a few days ago and love the soft brightness they bring into the room. today, i am thankful for blooms of all kinds. what are you thankful for?

wrap up: {blooms} {flowers} {roses} {yard}