If the Sky were a Paint Swatch, it'd be called U.P. Spring Blue

Originally this blog piece was going to be about temperatures warming up and the frozen lake reappearing in it's free moving form, but upon driving out to thrift stores, taking in the views of the sky, and letting my thoughts come and go, I realized there is no other area I'd like to be, for me, my son, my family.

The night before, Bits looked out the window and saw two deer walking through the front yard.

During the day, when he wasn't running, running, and running, he walked, face turned downward, searching for acorns (Mommy prefers to find pinecones, of course).

Yesterday, on our drive along US 2, a coyote (I think it may have been a wolf, but don't want to make such a strong claim) came walking across our driven path.

I was driving a little askew as my eyes and camera took in the pure sky. The shade of blue in the sky was so appropriate for the brisk spring U.P. day. I found fabric at the thrift store close to the exact color in the sky, it must have been saved for me to find.

It was one of those days, where I wasn't quite dressed for the temps., but the day itself made me think about all that this quiet area of the U.P. really has to offer.

Sneak Peek: DIY Centerpiece

So what will be adorning my thanksgiving table this year (besides the food of course)? I've come up with these do-it-yourselfer, inexpensive, right on trend centerpieces. The big style ideas for the season are everything that's earthy, natural, and especially "environmentally conscientious".

Here's what all of you recycling, thrift store shopping, young and old hipsters will need:

glass bottles (recycle bin)

burlap or some other fibrous fabric (thrift store)

ribbon

shallow glass dish

pine cones

acorns

branches

driftwood

pebbles

screw eyes

dowel rods (pre-cut, prepackaged @Walmart)

paint

old paper

sewing machine

drill

hot glue gun

Burlap was pinned to size around glass bottles from the recycling bin. The burlap was sewn to fit, and any raw edges were tucked in or under the bottles and glued in place.

Pine cones and driftwood were drilled in the bottom and then dowel rods were twisted into the holes. Some pine cones and acorns were painted green, not at all necessary, but adds a pop of color. Acorns and mini pine cones were drilled using a small bit and screw eyes were added. These were then dropped onto the branches.The branches were from a scraggly tree that I trimmed in the backyard.

Pebbles were added to a shallow round dish and then you can add a small tea light later.

Add personal touches with special paper, fitting your colors and style. Be careful not to overdo the ribbon.

Now not everyone will have to get as involved with the entire method. The main point here is that there is no need to spend oodles of money on professionally arranged centerpieces when you may already have beauty to gather from your own backyard or home.

*If any of you are inspired to make a DIY centerpiece, don't hesitate to share in the comment section below and if you can post a pic. (not sure if you can) please do!