That Wistful Nostalgia of Autumn

As autumn comes to an end with each falling leaf, reluctantly, we enter into the formidable months of stick season here in Vermont. I feel a need for a heart-to-heart chat.

What is stick season, you ask?

Stick season is a term coined in the Northeast for the transition between fall and winter after the leaves have fallen and before the snow has settled onto the trees.

It’s gray and cold, and that is why so many of us look forward to our cozy snow days ahead. Join me on the Vermont Fall Foliage Home Tour post for all this past autumn’s dazzling colors!

Looking Ahead to this Winter~

Now that the leaves have fallen, we look forward to the snowy season of the holidays; however, that brisk nostalgia for the vibrance of autumn still lingers on.

Vintage Ski Lodge Decor

I’m eager and excited to bring back fresh and exclusive ideas to the Vintage Ski Lodge Decor series this winter and throughout the holiday season.

I found this old toboggan and Jack Jumpers this past week while out “Thrifting with the Gals.”

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I shined them all up with my trusty Restor-A-Finish, and they are now all ready to go for when the snow starts to fly.

I can’t wait!

Join me on the post Vintage Market Days Fall 2022 Vermont to learn all about Jack Jumpers, my newest vintage ski lodge darlings.

You may also enjoy the Eclectic Vintage Interior Design Ideas with Old Holiday Stuff post.

Split Rail Fence

We’ve done much work on our outdoor living space here at our home in Vermont over the past 2 years.

Check out these posts to see more:

How to Design a Backyard Fire Pit Conversation Set

Backyard Conversation Set and Fire Pit Patio Reveal

The Biggest Red Birdhouse and How to Easily Mount It

Vermont Fall Foliage Home Tour

And this week, we will round it all out with a rustic split rail fence just to the left of our favorite patio fire pit space. Check out the fence today in the post, 3 Reasons Why Split Rail Fencing is Always a Good Idea.

You may also enjoy the post, Unseasonably Warm in November, A Simple Neighborhood Gathering.

I love a good old split rail fence.

They remind me of the green and rocky hills of Ireland. It is very similar to some of the landscapes here in Vermont.

Here’s an old photo of me on the Ring of Kerry in Ireland in 1995. When my husband and I first met, we backpacked all over Ireland, camping and staying in B&Bs. Did you know I’m 100% Irish?

Okay, back to the split rail fence…

The rustic fence will add depth and character to this open space with mountain views.

I envision a Christmas tree leaning against this split rail fence with the Jack Jumpers, greenery, and maybe some white lights this holiday season.

See the split rail fencing today in the post, 3 Reasons Why Split Rail Fencing is Always a Good Idea.

It’s Time to Paint

Now, my friends, as we enter into stick season, it’s the best time to paint the interior of our home. A project that we have put off for far too long.

I have been testing all the blue paint colors one can imagine.

Trying to pick the perfect shade of blue is not as easy as that. Is it ever?

As I write this, the various shades of blues are illustrated all over our interior walls.

I’ve also consulted with my blue paint expert, Molly in Maine. Check out her post on blue paint colors: GO WITH THE FLOW: HOW TO CHOOSE COHESIVE PAINT COLORS.

And I think I’ve finally chosen Stardew by Sherwin Williams, which is a beautiful soft blue-gray in our home. See it finished today in the Pretty in Stardew Blue Paint | A Home Interior Makeover Before and After post.

*Colors shown on the internet are never accurate; please test color shades within your own environment before committing.

Wallpaper Up Next

I have always wanted wallpaper in our bedrooms. And whenever I think of doing it, someone always talks me out of wallpapering, truth!

But not this time!

Once the interior painting is finished, the bedrooms will be lined with lovely vintage-styled wallpaper with an old Vermont B&B in mind. I’m so looking forward to this cozy transformation.

I’m excited to be partnering with Wallpaperdirect on this project.

Here are some of the blue and white patterns I’m currently looking at for our 2 guest-bedroom and bath suite.

Do you have a favorite?

And I’m leaning toward one of these color patterns for the master bedroom.

See the bedrooms today in the post, 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn.

So, friends, we will be super busy over the next few weeks with all the painting and wallpapering going on. But it’s going to be so wonderful once it’s all completed.

Clean, fresh, and cozy for all the snow days we are about to embark upon.

During the painting project, we will reside at our home in coastal Maine and return to Vermont just after the Thanksgiving holiday, when the wallpapering will begin.

Lobster in Vermont with Burrata Cheese, Yes Please!

Oh my gosh, you guys, we had the best lunch downtown, outside in 70-degree weather on Wednesday at a new restaurant in town, Mystic Cafe. (The Old Mystic was sold and is under completely new management).

Lobster, burrata cheese, croutons, heirloom tomatoes, oil, and lemon salad. Just superb. And directly across the street from my vintage window booth at The Vintage Soul.

What are Friends For?

I love meeting fellow creators.

I thought you might enjoy my friend and neighbor’s holiday creations like her felt garlands, wallhangings, buntings, and beads she designs and sells on her Etsy shop, A Banner Year Studio.

They are super cute and decorated with mantels, coffee tables, bookshelves, and wreaths.

These white fluffy sheepskins have become a cozy Ella favorite on the porch this fall, too…

Curled next to me while I enjoy my second-morning cup of coffee on the porch.

You won’t want to miss this day before Halloween with the Sugar Glider Kitchen School with Gesine Bullock-Prada of “Baked in Vermont,” Insights from a Novice.