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Hi! If you haven't been here before, allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Sara Duckett. I am 32 years old and one of five girls in my family. I am happily married to a handsome, slightly older (37) man named Josh. We live in Orange County, California with our pup Hannah and two kitties, Mason and Annabelle. I am very close to my family and consider my sisters and their husbands my very best friends. We all hang out quite often.

About two years ago, I decided to start an online shop, selling home decor and accessories. At the time Josh and I had been struggling with five years of infertility and I needed a positive distraction. I am a big time shopper (especially online), and thought it would be a dream job to help other people shop just as much as I do! And so Sadie Olive was born. (Sadie Olive being the name Josh and I had picked out for our future daughter). I enjoyed this part time venture until I lost my full time job in the mortgage industry in August of 2007; when I then decided it would take more than one passion put to work to pay the bills around here.

Sadie Olive Design allowed me to keep up with the boutique while helping others start their own online businesses. It provides an additional creative outlet for me and connects me with many new friends and colleagues. I continue to do both businesses, and love it!

Both business have been a dream come true for me and have opened the door to many opportunities I would not have known otherwise; including the honor of being featured in a few magazines. Our home was featured in the March 2008 issue of Romantic Homes Magazine, the Fall 2008 issue of Budget Decorating (A Woman's Day Special Publication), and the Fall 2008 issue of Dovetales (A Boston magazine). My design business has also been featured in Artful Blogging Magazine, the Fall 2008 issue.

For those of you lucky enough to work from home, you know that is has both it's advantages, and it's disadvantages. I get bored sitting alone in my office day in and day out and some crave human contact once in awhile. That is where my passion for photography comes in. I love being behind a camera and capturing those small moments of beauty that often go unnoticed throughout the day. My interest in subjects changes quite often, but my love for taking pictures will never change.

Sadie Olive Photography is a new venture for me, it probably gets the least amount of my attention (I'm juggling quite a few balls here), but it is the most fun of all my hobbies. I truly believe that if you follow your heart and live your passions, they will shine through for others to see. I hope that you find this blog, and my photos worth peeking in on every now and then.

october

Friday, October 2, 2009

I adore the month of October. I always have. It probably has to do with my birthday being in October, but I also think it’s for a few other reasons. It is the month that finally makes me feel like fall is here. The smell outside seems to change somewhat and it just as that “smell” of autumn. The breeze blows fallen leaves around and makes that soothing sound outside my window at night. The night air allows me to cozy up under my covers and feel safe.

I am dying to start decorating for Halloween. But I am going to be at the Irvine Valley College Flea Market this Sunday and my house is a mess getting prepared for that. I have promised myself that Monday is the day I will start to decorate. (Or maybe Tuesday since I am taking the day off for my birthday). I have a few ideas floating around in my head that I am hoping I can pull off. I just need the display space to be able to! (My house doesn’t have many “display” areas believe it or not…)

halloweenI have some new finds that I’m so excited to use this year to decorate with. Sheet music, old photos, vintage baby props, and a bit of whimsy. I love the old masquerade mask I found (above) from 1966, I’m thinking it will make it’s way into my idea somehow… Maybe a few pressed leaves….

What kinds of things do you do for Halloween decor this year?

Posted in inspiration

by Sadie Olive

29 comments

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November 19, 2009 - 1:28 pm Mitzi Curi - Your vignettes are so lovely. I adore your understated color palette, and how you use things in unexpected ways. Of course your top-notch photography really steals the show. Thanks for all of the beautiful inspiration!

November 2, 2009 - 5:27 am El - I love the sheet music idea and I think your blog is inspirational and beautiful!

October 23, 2009 - 12:39 pm Rebecca - October is my daughters birth month as well and her favorite of all (even more than Christmas). We just celebrated her 15th on the 20th with and autumn inspired cake that she allowed me to designed for her. I felt really honored since she usually has detailed instructions. ;-) I also love the image of the Masquerade mask ~ I have been working on designing Prom centerpieces with a Masquerade Theme for my sons class.

October 22, 2009 - 8:12 pm Erica Darmstadt - What is it about October babies, gathering must be in our make-up! I love all of your new treasures, and your photos continue to amaze me! Happy Birthday! Erica

October 20, 2009 - 8:44 pm Lisa Sommers - I have sent a link to your blog to a few people that I know will adore your ideas and photos. Thanks for sharing your talent! Your baby carriage, you thought it was missing something...some old hat millinery would be a nice touch on it!

October 7, 2009 - 1:27 pm Paula Lyon - Have a great birthday...may your layers be plenty! Paula

October 7, 2009 - 1:40 am Jill - Happy Birthday to you! Mine is in October too, and I love having an autumn birthday. We're waking up to temps in the low 40s where I am, so I think fall is here! yay!

October 6, 2009 - 11:16 pm Adrienne - Back just to say happy, happy birthday to you!!!

October 6, 2009 - 7:20 pm Chandra - goody! I know you hear this often, but I really do enjoy and adore your blog. Your photos, ideas...all so gracefully put together and poised. I LOVE October, too! It is my favorite month as well and there are days when I can barely contain my excitement! I found this amazing dead branch that is about 8 ft. tall. I am going to "pot" it in an urn and hang crows and white baby pumpkins from it...while sugar-gumballs and dried moss are scattered around the base. A fun and new color combo for Halloween that I have just discovered is to incorporate my orange hobnail glassware and pumpkins with the aqua that is within my home. I think it will be a very debonaire combination! Of course I love the classic muted tones of Halloween as well: earthen white, inky black, rusty orange...Can't wait to see your pictures!

October 6, 2009 - 3:30 pm Gabrielle - sara, it was so nice to meet you the other day at the flea market. you are as adorable as you seem on your blog. I hope it went well for you. I saw one thing an crusty verdegris urn I may go back for next month and see if it's still there. If you have that link to the etsy shop with the fan I'd appreciate it. love your style. gabrielle

October 6, 2009 - 1:38 pm Rebekah - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Wishing you a wonderful year - the best yet!!!

October 6, 2009 - 1:33 pm Katie - Happy Birthday my fellow Libra buddy. :) Hope your day is full of suprises! xoxo

October 6, 2009 - 1:00 pm Jerri - A little birdie named Tara said it was your Birthday...just wanted to stop in and say Hope it is very HAPPY! Love your blog and the the beautiful things you share!

October 6, 2009 - 12:40 pm tracey - Happy, happy, happy birthday sweet Sara! You are one of the most talented people I know! Thanks for all of the help you have given me this year...hope your day is wonderful!!!!

October 6, 2009 - 10:46 am KarenSue - A little bird(Tara) told me it was your birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Hope you have a wonderful day.

October 5, 2009 - 1:23 pm victoria silva - Sara, Happy birthday to you Sara... may this be your best year ever! As for Halloween...I decorate with fresh pumpkins... and put out my collection of beautiful handmade Halloween decorations by local artists... and of course a broom by the front door! Much birthday love to you, Victoria with feminineliving.com

October 5, 2009 - 3:50 am Mary Frances - Wow! My birthday is October 5th as well!! I turn forty nine tomorrow, and my son, Nicolas, turns 25 on Tuesday, the 6th...yes, I was in labor on my 24th birthday...the best birthday present EVER!! I suffered two miscarriages before, then had my daughter 21 months later...on Father's Day...another gift my husband rates as his best...I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years later...at 27...I am fine, use a cane now, but have remained active, employed, and enjoying decorating, but especially for Halloween...lots of skeletons...happy ones...to honor my Mexican heritage and the Dia de los Muertos...love your blog...it introduced me to the wonderful, warm, world of blogging and all of the loving, compassionate women out there who love life, decorating our homes, and our families...and send our faith and prayers out to each other in joy and sadness...isn't it wonderful to be an October birthday? I wear my rhinestone tiara when we go out for my birthday dinner...what do you wear? Mary Frances

October 4, 2009 - 9:03 pm Vicki Meer Mejia - Hi Sweetie! Your mom probably told you we've found each other again. So happy to reconnect with you all! Your website is awesome. I'm so impressed!!! I opened "Cowgirl Boutique", here in Norco, a couple years ago. Quite a challenge! You'll have to share your experience with me. Look forward to catching up with you. Hope you have the happiest of birthdays! xoxoxo

October 4, 2009 - 8:50 pm Susie Harris - I cant wait to see what you come up with. Happy Birthday to you too~

October 4, 2009 - 7:37 am Gena - Well looks like you in for some fun times - in my mind, it is after all the only way to cope well with the chilly weather ....

October 4, 2009 - 7:12 am Layla - Ooh! Sheet music! I've got tons of that! Thank you for the inspiration! :-) Happy Birthday too...I hope you have a magical and memorable day! Layla

October 4, 2009 - 5:02 am Dandy - What a lovely picture. I have a collection of pumpkins that I put out... I'm looking to add to my collection this year.

October 4, 2009 - 12:03 am Adrienne - I can't wait to see what you do. I always put out white pumpkins. I also love using black feathers. I found a great black feather wreath and I think I will pair it with my white pumpkin this year. Also thinking of using some vintage photos too. Hope you have a wonderful b-day! Good luck at your show. Adrienne

October 3, 2009 - 6:42 pm LeahC - My daughter loves October, too...just like you, she has a birthday this month! Love that mask; it's as old as I am, does that make me vintage? Hope your birthday is somethin' special:)

October 3, 2009 - 5:44 pm jen r sanctuary arts - Halloween is my fave holiday! I want to decorate, take a few ghost tours in the city and get things all creepy! I am into skeletons this year and reindeer moss.. I think it makes it creepy and natural! Didn't you hang clock faces from your chandelier one year?

October 3, 2009 - 12:53 pm Karen Cannon - have a greaat time at the flea market! love that baby shoe! the whole display looks great together! I never really decorate much for Halloween but I think I'll start this year...I'm inpired by your post!! Xo Karen

October 3, 2009 - 9:37 am tiffaney jewel - Ooh I have 2 of those Operatic Anthology books!

October 3, 2009 - 5:03 am julie - We don't do Halloween so much over here [Australia] so I am always thrilled to see what you are all up to. Such a great holiday and i'm sure you will do it with flair.

October 2, 2009 - 11:48 pm Jackie - Happy Almost Birthday! Love, love, love that picture - such pretty things! I decorate with lots of white and gray pumpkins and some vintage Halloween stuff - I have some really cool things I got from Wendy Addison's open house last year. Have fun and good luck at the flea market!!

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