I love fall – it is my favorite season. Have I mentioned that before? Ha! I love the colors, textures, and would always find myself crafting with Eben more during the autumn season. Gosh, I miss that! With that being said, the artwork really piled up around here. Many pieces were photographed and recycled, however there are pieces that we love so much we kept and displayed them.
Here are 4 fall inspired art projects that we have enjoyed over the year and thought they might inspire you this autumn:
1. Baker’s Twine Apple
Whenever I work with baker’s twine, it seems like I am left with a few scraps that I keep for craft projects. I recently came across an amazing baker’s twine apple project that would be perfect for those leftovers. I adore it!
2. Button Art
If you have a large button collection – this is the project for you! I love the different colors and sizes – I think it would be fun to do a set of four, one for each season, arranged on a wall together. This would be a perfect project for children of all ages too!
3. Leaf Prints
Eben loved this project because it incorporated a nature walk and pigment paints. This is a project that we tend to make over and over again each fall. It’s easy, a fun way to get our hands dirty and the perfect excuse for working together after school.
4. Alphabet Leaf Animals
Again, this is the perfect fall project for kids! It gets their creative juices flowing as they arrange the leaves into different animal shapes. I have to admit, Eben is much better at this than me – he is fantastic as seeing things that I never would. Are your kids like this?
Let’s be honest, family adventures are equal parts magic and mayhem.
One minute, you’re hiking through wildflowers with snacks packed and spirits high. The next, someone’s tripped on a rock, Olive’s (my Frenchie) stepped in a mud puddle, and Mr. Sweet Greens somehow managed to get a splinter through his glove. (True story.)
That’s exactly why I’ve fallen head over hiking boots for the KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit, a total mom-level lifesaver that’s now permanently packed in my bag, car, and RV.
Created by a fellow mom of four (so you know it’s the real deal), this kit is the perfect mix of smart design and stylish practicality. It’s TSA-approved, water- and stain-resistant, and comes with 130+ first aid essentials like burn relief, bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and even those tiny little scissors you never have when you need them most.
Basically, it’s peace of mind, zipped up in a cute case.
🌿 Why I Love It
💚 Mom-designed + travel-ready: Because no one understands family chaos better than a mom who’s lived it. 💼 Compact, stylish case: Water- and stain-resistant with trendy patterns like Tie-Dye, Woodland (my favorite!), and Tropical Blooms. 🧳 TSA-approved, Fits right into carry-ons, glove compartments, and diaper bags without taking up valuable snack space. 🩹 Loaded with 130+ essentials, From mini bandages to burn cream, it’s like having a nurse in your backpack. 🚗 Four sizes to choose from, Mini (60 pieces) to SuperKit (270 pieces), so there’s one for every adventure.
✨ 7 Everyday Adventures KEEP>GOING Was Made For
Because life doesn’t happen inside the house, it happens on the go, with messy, beautiful, unpredictable moments.
1. Mountain Hikes + Muddy Trails ⛰️
If you’ve ever hiked with kids, you already know, someone will fall. Someone will whine. Someone will ask for snacks (again and again). With the KEEP>GOING kit in your backpack, at least you’re ready for scraped knees, bug bites, and whatever nature throws your way.
2. Farmer’s Market Saturdays 🍓
Between berry sampling, lavender bouquets, and bumping into everyone you know in Banner Elk, it’s easy for small cuts or bee stings to sneak in. I keep the MiniKit in my tote, it’s adorable and functional.
3. Road Trips + Rest Stop Chaos 🚙
We’re a road-trip family. From the mountains to the coast, our glove compartment is basically a survival zone, snacks, sunscreen, hand wipes, and now the KEEP>GOING kit. Because when someone manages to get a paper cut from a map (yes, it happened), you’re prepared.
4. Picnics + Paddleboards 🏖️
Sun, water, sandwiches, and somehow… minor injuries. Between paddleboard dings and stepping on rocks barefoot, this kit saves the day every time. Bonus: it’s water-resistant, so it’s perfect for lake days.
5. Backyard BBQs + Bonfire Nights 🔥
No one plans on blisters from new sandals or mosquito bites that swell like golf balls. I set the kit on the picnic table next to the marshmallows, because s’mores and safety can totally coexist.
6. Kids’ Sports + Weekend Tournaments ⚽
Between turf burns, bee stings, and “mystery splinters,” I’ve learned it’s not if you’ll need a first aid kit, it’s when. KEEP>GOING is the MVP of the sidelines.
7. Glamping, Camping, or Cabin Weekends 🏕️
Our adventures in the Blue Ridge often come with campfires, hikes, and unexpected “ouches.” Even though Eben is grown and doesn’t camp much with us anymore, it never fails that Mr. Sweet Greens or I hurt ourselves in one way or another. OR, there’s Olive, I had to use my kit to get a tick off her on our last trip and then clean her up afterward! I love knowing I can grab my kit, unzip, and instantly find what I need (no rummaging through random Ziploc bags).
💚 A Mom-Approved Must-Have
What I love most about KEEP>GOING is how intentional it feels. Every item is thoughtfully included, the quality is top-notch, and it’s all tucked into a design that makes you want to actually use it.
And as someone who lives in a small mountain town where adventure (and nature’s surprises) are never far away, it’s become one of my favorite travel companions.
If you’ve ever found yourself with a splinter mid-road trip, a scraped knee during a family hike, or a surprise bee sting at a summer picnic, you’ll totally get why I won’t leave home without mine.
They come inseveral sizes and a variety of stylish prints, so you can grab one for your car, your hiking bag, your diaper bag, even one for Grandma’s house.
Because life’s little adventures are a lot more fun when you’re ready for them. 🌿
So go ahead, pack your snacks, fill your water bottles, and don’t forget your KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit, your future self (and your kids’ scraped knees) will thank you.
Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I start thinking less about turkey and more about twinkle lights, handmade gifts, and all the cozy things that come with the season.
This year, I’m especially excited because Eben and his girlfriend will be home for Thanksgiving break, and I’ve already got a plan for one of our evenings together. We’re going to have a full-on holiday card–making night, complete with hot cocoa, Christmas music, and plenty of creative mess.
Picture it: the kitchen smells like cinnamon and cloves, Olive’s snoring under the table, and we’re all sipping cocoa with extra marshmallows (because of course). Eben’s joking about his “artistic skills,” his girlfriend’s picking out the perfect shade of green, and Mr. Sweet Greens and I are happily organizing all the stamps like overexcited elves.
The Blissful Prints Christmas Stamp Set is so beautifully made, nine festive wooden stamps (think reindeer, trees, snowflakes, wreaths) that instantly turn a plain card into something you’d find in a boutique shop. It even comes with a 12-page idea booklet, so we can get inspired if the creative spark needs a little nudge.
And those MAKE 1 Stamp Pads? They come in colors like Brave Red, Fresh Mint, and Fir Forest, the perfect holiday palette. I already know which ones I’m reaching for first.
🎨 What We’ll Be Making
I have a few ideas up my sleeve for the night (because you know me, I can’t resist a little planning):
Minimalist Snowflake Magic – Just one crisp white card stamped with a snowflake in Fresh Mint ink and a handwritten “peace.”
Reindeer with a Brave Red Nose – A Rudolph moment, obviously. I think Eben will claim this one.
Evergreen Forest Scene – Three trees lined up in Fir Forest ink with gold pen “stars” scattered across the top.
Stamped Gift Tags – We’ll cut up leftover kraft paper, stamp them, and tie with twine. Simple, rustic, and so sweet.
Decorated Envelopes – Because it’s the little details that make the mail feel magical.
By the end of the night, I’m hoping our dining table will look like a cozy holiday workshop, half creative chaos, half pure joy.
🎁 Why I Love This Little Holiday Tradition
There’s something so grounding about slowing down and making something together. No screens, no scrolling, just laughter, cocoa, and creativity. It’s the kind of night that turns into one of those small, quiet memories that stick with you long after the lights are packed away.
And the COLOP tools make it easy to create something that looks polished and beautiful without needing to be a professional crafter. They’re simple, eco-conscious, and thoughtfully designed, just how I like it.
💌 Bring a Little Craft Night Magic to Your Table
If you’re looking for an easy, meaningful way to spend time with family this holiday season, I can’t recommend this enough. Grab a stamp set, a few ink pads, and let everyone’s creativity take over.
You can find both of my new favorites at colop.com:
I can already picture us laughing, stamping, and sipping cocoa and I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those simple, wonderful nights that makes the holiday season feel extra special.
Because sometimes, the best memories are the ones you make, ink smudges, cocoa spills, and all. 💚🎄✨
Halloween is quickly creeping up on us and it’s time to start planning. It’s a good idea to start early to prevent any last minute trips to the store to buy Halloween stuff that has a high-impact on the environment and your health. The best part about Halloween is that you can use many things that you already have in your home – things that you can use to decorate, plan a party, and use as costumes. Let’s get started with my 7 favorite ways to green your Halloween.
1. Repurpose
I’m not a fan of purchasing new for Halloween – Instead, I like to take a look around our home for things that I could repurpose into Halloween decorations. For example: I took the large glass jars that usually hold flour and sugar in our kitchen and transformed them into apothecary jars full of scary items. The idea is to get creative and use what you already have on hand.
2. Reuse
Since Halloween is our favorite holiday we have a lot of decorations that we have been using for years. I like to find my Halloween decorations at our local thrift stores or we make them ourselves. Since these decorations are only used in October – I don’t feel the need to buy new decorations every year saving us money and saving the environment. Other ways to green your Halloween would include reusing costumes, swapping with a friend or using pieces from an old costume to make a new one.
3. Do It Yourself
When Eben was little, Mr. Sweet Greens made a spooky picket fence and tombstones for our front yard. These were made using salvaged wood that we saved from a construction dumpster and no-VOC paint. He has also made two tombstones for our front yard – this time using a salvaged wooden palette that he found in a dumpster. Again, you want to get creative and find new uses for items that are no longer being utilized.
4. Treats
When it comes to Halloween candy – try to go organic and buying less is always better. Yummy Earth has a great selection of lollipops and gummies that fit the bill. If you are going the chocolate route, choose chocolates that are fair-trade and organic, if possible. And when it comes to candy packaging, you want to choose the candies that are minimally packaged.
5. Party Supplies
Almost every when Eben was little, we had a Halloween party – some things that I did to keep the party as eco-friendly as possible: using cloth tablecloths and napkins for the table, skipping the disposables and using our every day dinnerware and making the food ourselves, rather than purchasing pre-packaged items. When it comes to treats for the kiddos, we kept the goody bags minimal and try to chose the most eco-friendly items to go inside.
6. Pumpkins
I love a pumpkin patch! We choose to visit our favorite organic pumpkin patches to pick up pumpkins and gourds. We enjoy spending the entire day at the farm supporting the local farmer and community. The idea is to think local when it comes to picking your pumpkins, support a local farm rather than picking up the pumpkins at the big-box store. And don’t forget to bake the seeds for a yummy treat and use the pumpkin for baking when the holiday is over.
7. Bag It
There is no need to purchase a new Halloween trick or treat bucket for your child each year. I understand that your child wants the Star Wars bucket that matches their Halloween costume – believe me I have been there. If you do purchase one, it should be a one-time purchase, choose a bag that can grow with your child or use a reusable shopping bag or a pillowcase. Eben received a cool pillowcase-like Halloween bag when he was a baby – he used it every single year that he went trick or treating!
Hey, sweet friends, ready for a fun weekend in the High Country? 🎃 Whether you live in Banner Elk or are just stopping through, here are my top picks for things to do, and yes, the Woolly Worm Festival and Valle Country Fair are must-sees! P.S. The photo above is Eben’s college!
🍂 Fall Vibes + Local Flavor
Before we dive into festival fun, here are a few low-key, charming things you can sprinkle into your weekend:
Hike a nearby trail — the leaves are peaking, so get outside. Grab a trail map and head up to a scenic overlook or along a creek. I recommend Crab Orchard Falls, Hebron Falls or the Profile Trail at Grandfather mountain.
Stroll downtown Banner Elk — pop into locally owned shops, grab a coffee, perhaps stop at a gallery or two. I recommend the Banner Elk Trading Co, Apple Hill Farm Outpost, and if you are coming down from Beech Mountain, Fred’s General Mercantile.
Visit a local winery or farm — for a relaxing afternoon with good views and even better sips. (Pssst, there’s a post on my site about Banner Elk Winery.) Sweet Greens
Scenic drivealong the Blue Ridge Parkway — the fall colors are peaking right now, it’s a drive you won’t forget!
I’ll give you more ideas in the weekend itinery below.
Now, let’s talk festivals!
🐛 Woolly Worm Festival — Banner Elk, Oct 18–19, 2025
This quirky, much-loved local tradition returns October 18 & 19 in Banner Elk.
What to Expect
Worm races — participants race woolly worms up a 3-foot string. The champion worm on Saturday wins $1,000 and the honor of “predicting winter.”
Craft & food vendors — over 150 booths with artisan goods, fall treats, local fare, and more.
Live music & entertainment — enjoy local bands, children’s activities, and the festival vibe.
Kids’ zones & fun extras — bounce houses, games, and family-friendly attractions.
Tips & Logistics
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.–4:00 or 5:00 p.m. (varies by day)
Admission: About $8 for adults, $5 for kids (6–12), and free for 5 & under.
Parking & traffic: Expect lots of cars. Many parking areas will charge $5–$10, and proceeds often benefit local groups.
Be early — get a good parking spot, register your worm (spots fill fast), and enjoy the festival before the crowds peak.
🌾 Valle Country Fair — Valle Crucis, Oct 18, 2025
If you’re up for a one-day deep dive into mountain culture, head to the Valle Country Fair. It’s held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What Makes It Special
Crafts & artisans — juried exhibitors showcase handmade goods: woodwork, pottery, textiles, and more.
Mountain food & cooking — think Brunswick stew, barbecue, chili, apple cider, and homemade jams. You may even catch apple butter being made live.
Musical performances & local flavor — bluegrass, gospel, country, clogging, storytelling, and more on multiple stages.
Family fun zone — pumpkin bowling, face painting, crafts, games, and alpaca visits are among the highlights.
Details & Tips
Admission: Free entry; parking is $10 per car (higher for buses/vans).
Location: On NC Highway 194 (between Valle Crucis & Banner Elk), across from Holy Cross Church.
Direction tip: You can bypass some Banner Elk traffic by taking back roads as suggested by local guides.
Proceeds: All proceeds benefit community outreach, nonprofits, and local needs.
📅 Sample Itinerary for the Weekend
Here’s how you might plan your time:
Time
Saturday
Sunday
8:30 a.m.
Grab breakfast in Banner Elk
Morning hike / slow start
9:00 a.m.
Arrive at Valle Country Fair (opens)
Head to Woolly Worm Festival
9:00–12:00 p.m.
Fair browsing, crafts, food, music
Worm races, vendors, kids area
Noon
Eat lunch at the fair, enjoy stage acts
Lunch at festival or in town
1:30–3:30 p.m.
More fun, apple butter demo, kids activities
Final worm race & live performance
Late afternoon
Scenic drive home or stop in town shops
Wind down with a cozy dinner or quiet hike
If you stay local in Banner Elk, you’ll have flexibility to pop in and out of festivals, squeeze in a hike, or enjoy downtime between bursts of activity.
🎯 Pro Tips from Sweet Greens
Bring cash & small bills — some vendors are cash-only.
Dress in layers — mountain mornings are cool, afternoons can be sunny.
Pack a small reusable bag or tote — you’ll want to bring home crafts, preserves, or local goodies.
Don’t forget your camera or phone — the fall colors are stunning right now.
Plan for traffic — leaving early helps avoid bottlenecks, especially between events.
Check for pet rules — many festival sites do not allow pets. (For the Wooly Worm Festival, pets are not allowed.
