Black Friday shopping led me to my local Michael's Arts & Crafts where almost all of their holiday accents were 50% off. I was able to purchase everything pictured in this wreath (including the wreath itself) for around $6. The crazy part about it!? They were selling almost the exact same wreaths already made in the store for $24!! I added a small string of lights I already had and paired my completed wreath with an old sled I picked up for $6.25 at a thrift store in late summer. This vignette can be used indoors or outdoors.

Following up on my previous post, Trimwork Makeover::: Part 1, I wanted to show you an update of how things are looking now that it's complete. My dining room is still unfurnished. I'm not ever sure I want it to be a dining room, but the trim looks so LOVELY I will enjoy the space whatever it may become.

Here are the before and after photos. As always, click on any image to enlarge detail.

Coordinators for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show contacted me about sharing with my readers DIY tips to prepare your garden for the winter so it's blooming in the spring. The show experts have put together a brief list of DIY tips for all of the green (or not-so-green) thumbs out there. I found the information to be very helpful and I think you will too! 

FALL GARDENING TIPS FROM THE PROS AT THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW:

1) Continue to water your plants and lawns in the fall, as we tend not to have the rainfall in the fall that we do in the main gowning months.  Plants need to stay hydrated just like humans .This allows the plants to properly retreat to their winter states.

2) Remove annuals from flower beds and add them to compost.

3) Clean up planting beds and prepare them for spring plantings.  Make sure you remove this year’s annuals and turn the soil.  It will make it easier to turn the soil in the spring.

4) Think about having your soil tested now so you can add things to amend it for healthier soil in the spring.

5) Split and replant perennials and /or share them with friends.

6) When removing summer bulbs such as dahlias and gladiolus, plant spring bulbs in their place such as tulips and daffodils.

7) Consider planting bulbs in different directions to naturally delay their bloom time and stagger blooms for a longer season. For example, plant the lowest layer on its side to the right, the next on its side to the left, and the final upright.

8) When raking leaves, shred them before making compost layers with them or using them as mulch.  It helps the layer of leaves to decompose more quickly, and in using them as mulch, it allows the soil to breathe better.

9) Using leaves to protect perennials and shrubs planted late in the season can help them if the winter is harsh.

10) Prepare pots on your porches for fall plantings.  Consider removing everything and cleaning your pots before planting fall items.  At the end of the fall season, cut off plants and add holiday greens and branches before the pots freeze and it becomes too difficult to insert the pine and branches.

If you live in the Chicago area and want to go, below is some helpful information:

ABOUT THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show,  is the iconic Midwest horticulture and landscape showcase, will again green the shores of Lake Michigan when it returns to Navy Pier from Saturday, Mar. 5, through Sunday, Mar. 13.  Show hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and until 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. 

Visitors will be inspired, educated and motivated as they are treated to the best in landscape design and see the latest in sustainable and green products.  Themed, “The Sport of Gardening” the show’s 30-plus gardens will again spotlight top Midwest landscapers, growers and garden designers. 

Tickets can be purchased online now at www.chicagoflower.com or at the door. There is no service charge when ordering online. Adult tickets are $15 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. Tickets for children aged 12 and younger are $5 every day.

While at my local thrift store, I found a $10 mirror with a unique top detail. I added some heirloom white spray paint, sanded the edges and rubbed on some mocha glaze to give it that old distressed look. This is an easy way to brighten up outdated, dark wood or faux wood pieces.

I had a few planters in spots that were too shady to grow mums. Jab a few sticks in the dirt of the planter, layer with leaves and add a few pumpkins on top. I actually hot glued the pumpkins together just to make sure they stay stacked!

A great way to "up-cycle" old candle holders. Add a bit of spray paint and wrap with some dollar store jute. Cute and great for fall!

This easy little project makes a decorative plate more personalized. Great for your own home or as a gift. Homegood's has a wide selection of display plates and nice variety of seasonal plates as well. 

Doing NYC in a day is a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. The city is so big! It's hard to pick and choose what sites to see and what shops to visit. This past Saturday my sister, a couple of friends and I ventured to the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market in New York City. We found so many great, unique finds, we vowed to go back knowing we could easily spend an entire day sifting through furs, jewels and antique home decor. It was definitely an experience for those who enjoy a good flea market.
(Click on images to enlarge)

For more information visit the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market website. Here is what the site had to say about this popular city flea market:

"Named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market sets the standard for distinctive vendors, where collectors and top-notch hagglers including the fashion éclat, artists, celebrities, tourists, and residents shop the market for antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, mid-century modern items–including home decorations and furniture–jewelry, and more.