Cleaning & Decorating Inspiration: Real Talk

Today’s agenda is all about prepping the house for a cozy evening with friends. We had some spooky cocktails to whip up and a whole lot of decorating to do! If you’re ready to get some decorating inspiration, grab a pumpkin spice latte, put on a feel-good movie, and let’s get started.

We’d just returned from the most romantic Canadian getaway that honestly felt like a Hallmark movie! I loved every minute, but when we got home, the house was a bit of a mess. Summer decorations were still lingering, and bins were everywhere, but we pulled it together because our besties were coming over. It was time to hustle and make this place sparkle!

While Andre tackled the garage, I had my trusty vacuum in hand, cleaning up and getting everything prepped. My new vacuum is a lifesaver! It’s half the price of a Dyson and even has a mop feature—perfect for tackling hardwood floors and tile. Side note: wearing shoes while cleaning has been a game-changer! My feet were killing me before, so if you're cleaning or decorating for a long time, trust me—wear shoes.

At one point, I had a bit of a stress moment. You know how things pile up and you start feeling overwhelmed? That hit me hard. So, I decided to take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. Nature is such a great way to reset when life gets hectic. Sometimes, a simple breather is all you need to come back refreshed and ready to tackle everything again.

After that much-needed reset, it was back to decorating. The mantel came together beautifully, and I even transformed the guest room into a cozy reading nook!

If you’ve been following along, you know I love making themed cocktails, especially for Halloween! The night before, we tried Disney’s famous Poison Apple-tini recipe. It was a hit, so we made them again with our friends. Let me tell you—it’s as delicious as it sounds!

If you’re into festive drinks, you have to try this one! I rimmed the glass with caramel (the kind you use for ice cream) and green apple drink mix that glows in the dark—yes, really! The drink itself was a mix of apple whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, and Sour Puss (a Canadian classic). To balance the alcohol, I added sparkling apple cider, and it turned out chef’s kiss. If you’re feeling inspired, give this cocktail a try!

Sometimes, life gets chaotic, but it’s okay to take breaks and give yourself a little grace. Whether it’s a day full of cleaning, decorating, or hosting guests, remember that it’s not always perfect—and that’s totally fine! I love sharing the real moments with you all, and I’m so grateful for this community. You make all the hard days worth it.

Until next time, stay cozy and enjoy the fall vibes!

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