September is here! And even though it’s not officially Fall yet, football season has started, pumpkin-flavored everything is hitting the stores, and the days are getting shorter. For me and my house, that’s close enough!

Growing up in South Florida, we didn’t have fireplaces. But apparently Northern Florida thinks they’re North enough to demand fireplaces. I am completely baffled by this architectural choice – we don’t use ours, ever.

My absolute favorite thing about the fireplace is the mantle. Why? Because it gives me a surface to decorate! I am completely in love with my fall motif. I opted to go with the scarecrow/straw theme. (The Tommy Tuberville signed Auburn Football made the cut this year — War Eagle!) On October 1st I’ll add a Jack-O-Lantern scarecrow and on November 1st I have a totally adorable stuffed turkey that says “Gobble til you Wobble”. I also plan on trying a Pinterest-inspired pine cone garland. If I get around to it (and it’s successful), I’ll do a how-to.

I found my decorations at Michael’s. The bird painting is one that I did at The Emerald Cork, a BYOB painting studio. Disclaimer: I have not been paid or sponsored by Michael’s or The Emerald Cork.