DIY THANKSGIVING CENTERPIECE

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Fall is such a wonderful time of year. From the turning leaves and chilly temps, to the good food and even better company--what's not to love? Unlike other holidays (looking at you, Christmas) Thanksgiving is super easy to decorate for. All it takes is a few simple fall accents to make your home Thanksgiving ready. In fact, you can even recycle your Halloween pumpkins while doing it!

Here's how to make a gorgeous centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table using a pumpkin and some fresh mums:

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If you have an un-carved pumpkin leftover from Halloween, now's the time to give it new life. If not, head to the supermarket or your local farmer's market and pick up a medium sized pumpkin. While you're there, look for some mums or your favorite flower in autumn tones. Cut these down so the stems are about 2-3 inches long. 

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Next, all you'll need is a skewer or other sharp pointy object. Use this to poke holes in a ring around the stem on the upper 1/3 of the pumpkin. Doing so flower by flower will allow you to better space the flowers and ensure that you've got full coverage. Keep adding flowers until you achieve a full, luscious look.

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How easy was that? The great thing about this arrangement is that it will last. Since the holes in the pumpkin are so small, the pumpkin will not rot with the same speed of a carved pumpkin. Make this arrangement a few weeks before Thanksgiving using fake flowers so you can enjoy it's beauty all the way up to the big day. If you want to use fresh flowers take three minutes out of your busy cooking schedule and pop the flowers into your pumpkin. SO EASY!

FAILING AT BREASTFEEDING

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Sometimes things just don't work out like you had hoped not matter how much you pray or how badly you want it. 

Even with a second chance at breastfeeding I'm left with the same outcome - my body is just not able to produce enough for what he needs. It has been two months since I had Levi, and for two months he has been so hungry. He was gaining weight just fine at the beginning, but I didn't realize that nursing every hour to every two hours when they are two months old isn't normal. I finally started pumping and realized I was only making one to two ounces. At this point he needs about three to four ounces per feeding, so I would definitely say he was hungry.

I finally gave him a bottle of formula and he scarfed it down like he had never had milk in his life. It was so sad and I cried. I felt like a terrible mother for not knowing how hungry he was. I felt like a terrible mother for not being able to exclusively breastfeed. I was just overwhelmed with sadness and guilt.

The thing is that I've been in the place before and I promised myself I wouldn't put my heart through it again. I promised myself that no matter what I was going to do what needed to be done, and if that meant formula that's okay. It's just knowing the breastmilk is the healthiest thing for my child and not being able to give it to him KILLS me.

I feel embarrassed every time I pull out a bottle in public and instantly my mind is filled with a bunch of excuses of why I can't breastfeed so that I can defend myself to random strangers. So dumb, right? Have you been here too? At my church there is a "nursing room," so does that mean I can bring a bottle in there or not. Why can't it just be called a mother's room? 

But you know what?! Levi is so, so happy. He is babbling all of the time and he is sleeping so much better. And you know what else, I'm still breast feeding for five to ten minutes to give him that tiny ounce to two ounces that I have, and at least it's something. But even if I didn't have that I'm just happy I have a healthy baby, and I'm so thankful that I have formula. Imagining my child starving and failing to thrive because my body can't do its job right is a horrifying thought.

I'll spare you all of the visits with my lactation consultant and the triple feeding and the herbs, etc. I did it and it didn't work and who cares, right?! At the end of the day I am at peace with knowing that I'm being the best mother I can be. That's all we mothers can do, and I need to remember that every day. Perfection is not something to desire as a parent. Peace is, and that's what I have today. And that's perfect.

PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

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Hello! Leah here, Alex's assistant, and I'm bringing you this week's Pinterest look for less. As a college student always on-the-go, I'm loving the sporty look featured in this top performing pin. My personal style is very eclectic and I'm a big fan of mixing and matching different looks to create contrast in an outfit. For example, give a simple, pastel look some edge by throwing on a black leather moto jacket. Then, add some classic white sneakers to complete the "cool girl" vibes. Adidas Superstars are having a big moment, and while you could shell out $80 for the real deal you can also head to Topshop and grab a similar pair for half the price! Here's how I managed to pull together this look on a college budget:

Look for Less #4

Romwe Moto Jacket - $35

Uniqlo Crewneck - $8

Chicwish Skirt - $37

Topshop Sneakers - $35

Amazon Purse - $29

Total: $144

There you have it, all for under $150! I'm a firm believer that you don't have to shell out big bucks for major style. In fact, I challenge you to recreate whatever pin you've been swooning over lately. Share the results with us by tweeting us @AVEstyles!

RECYCLING PINTEREST CONTENT

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Need some really good news? Well, here it is. Pinterest is the one social media platform that rewards you for recycling great content. In fact, you SHOULD recycle your pins. Why and how, you ask? 

If you have created timeless good quality content, tell the world! Chances are you have grown your following and your new followers haven't seen all of your entertaining tips or amazing fudge recipe. Don't keep the secret to yourself! Share the wealth my friend!

You might be worried about losing followers if you recycle a pin. Have no fear, this isn't Instagram. If it has been six months or more since you have shared this pin and it's relevant to people's lives, by all means don't hold back. I promise you won't lose followers. 

So, how do you share it? Should you repin it to the same board? Upload the image again and make a new pin? Add it to a new board? Great questions! I recommend repinning your original pin from last year, changing the description a bit and adding it to whatever board makes sense. Ideally, I would recommend pinning it to a different board because you may reach a new audience with this pin, but sharing it again on the same board won't hurt you either. 

I hope I have made your day much easier on you. Have fun recycling! 

See more photos from this fun collaboration with Lone Flag, click here.  Photography by Ale Vidal

PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

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In need of a new go-to fall look? This week we’re swooning over the subtle menswear influences from this chic pin. I love the way her classic oxfords and cream blazer are paired with more bohemian accessories like her floppy hat and suede booties. (Although, the look would be just as cute with loafers or a menswear fedora!) This just proves how important it is to have great, flattering basic pieces in your closet that can be styled with whatever you’re feeling at the moment. Don’t be afraid to do something unexpected.