Ok, well, I survived Halloween, so now it’s time to start thinking about fixing the place up for Thanksgiving.  I am on a pretty tight budget this year, but luckily, one of the best things about Halloween decorations is that some can easily be transitioned into Thanksgiving decorations so that  outdoor decor stays looking relevant.

For example, pumpkins that didn’t get transformed into Jack O’Lanterns can easily be used as the centerpiece of a display of gourds and pine cones.  Orange tree lights from Halloween can hang out for a few more weeks before being swapped for Christmas lights, and so can scarecrows.

I am also thinking about heading to the craft store and trying to make my own Autumn door wreath to complete my Thanksgiving decorations, but frankly, I tried that last year and it didn’t work out so well.  Fingers crossed that I have more success this year.

Partner-in-Climb got walloped by a nasty flu so this weekend was spent close to home. While he was recuperating in bed, I spent a lot of time online trying to get some ideas for Mother’s Day Gifts for my mom AND his mom.

I am pretty sure I am going to get my mom this awesome herb garden kit from Mountain Valley Growers. I like the idea of getting her live plants for Mother’s Day because she loves to garden, and it is the perfect time to plant in her zone. I also like the idea of getting her plants because the last time I bought her clothes for Mother’s Day, I ended up going to the Gap no less than 4 times to exchange the jeans she insisted would fit her for different sizes.

Anyway, I think I am going to get my mom the Kitchen Herb Garden because I know she loves the 6 herbs it features. I am still debating whether or not to get her a pyramid or hexagonal planter as well. She has a big garden, but I am sure she already has most of the space planted or designated for planting. If I get her a planter, at least she has the option of putting the plants on the deck or something. As long as it doesn’t mess with the overall theme of her outdoor decor, I think she will really like it.

I have been re-thinking the outdoor fireplace idea. It has been cool for the past few days, but last weekend was scorching, so now I am thinking I’d get a lot more enjoyment from something that at least reminds me of coolness, like fountains.

I tried to build one myself a few years ago, but the project didn’t go so well. I found several already constructed fountains that I really like, though, so now it’s just a matter of making a choice between them. If anybody has input or experience with any of these, please let me know!

• Water Bell Fountain
  

I like the idea of “peaceful chiming sounds”, but I wonder if that will get annoying. Otherwise I really like this fountain.

• Solar Fish Water Fountain

Normally I am not into animal themed decor, but I really like everything about this fish fountain, from the blue glazed terra cotta to the solar powered pump.

• Tri-Basin Fountain

I have been thinking that one corner of our yard would be the perfect fountain location, and this fountain seems like it would be great in a corner.

I was delighted to return from our recent road trip to find our orchids coming out of a long hibernation and our chamomile in bloom! I am most surprised about the chamomile; of all the plants I have potted recently, it seemed like it wasn’t really taking off. But I guess Miracle Gro really does live up to its name–it’s been just over a month since I planted the chamomile, and it’s already blooming! The feverfew and lemon balm are also growing by leaps and bounds as well (and yes, I KNOW i still need to do a lemon balm post!) My tropical oasis is within reach; now I just need furniture so I can enjoy it!

It was great to be on the road because it gave me a lot of great ideas for patio furniture. I can’t decide if I’d prefer a clay chimenea or a fire pit, because I can see pros and cons to having both. I LOVE the design and the Southwestern feel, but it doesn’t seem as versatile or as easy to clean as a fire pit. Then again, since we live in Southern California, there might not be that many fires, and a chimenea definitely has more stand alone appeal as outdoor decor. Maybe I should wait until the weather warms up before I make any decisions.