Wishful Thinking

I've been thinking about the warmth of spring and summer. I'm tired of this cold, dreary weather. Here in the deep south, it's been an unusually cold and wet winter. I'm normally a fan of cooler weather, but this is just too much. I need to get out in the sunshine and spray paint something. I am ready for green grass, flowers blooming and dinner outside. So, today I looked through my pictures to find something that reminded me of warmer weather. Now, come summer you might have to remind me to be careful for what I wish!

Paperwhites

I bought Paperwhite bulbs and intended to plant them early enough to enjoy their blooms during the holidays. But, it was after New Year's before I got around to getting them planted. And, now a few of the bulbs have already started blooming. I'm glad I waited to plant them. Our house has felt so empty without all the Christmas decor. So, this has been just the touch needed to brighten things up around here.

Something Pretty

Oopsie! I did it again. Took a little bloggy break, that is. Not on purpose, though. Well, I'm really going to try to get back in the swing of things so my sweet mother and sister will leave me alone (ha, ha!). Anyway, I've been making some lists (I'm a total list person) of projects I want to complete and possible posts. I've even set some goals for the new year. I hope you'll check back to see how that goes. Later this week, I'll even show you some of the fabulous gifts I got for Christmas. For today, I looked through all my pictures and found this pretty one. It's not new, but it made me feel good on this cold, cold day. Hope you have had a great Monday!

Diffuser Reuser

I am not the best at recycling in the traditional sense of the word. However, I think I do my part with all of the furniture I have upholstered and all the junk I refurbish and repurpose. A recent repurposing trick I discovered is to reuse a reed diffuser container for a small bud vase. Once all of the fragrance has evaporated, you can wash it out and add a pretty little flower. Most of the containers are small and pretty, making the perfect little vase. Here's what one of the containers looked like as a diffuser. And then below is how I used it for a bud vase. So, that's how I'm doing my part to reduce, recycle and reuse!

Twofer

Last week I bought a grocery store bouquet of flowers and was able to make two arrangements. I was thrilled. It felt like I got the most for my money or more bang for my buck-a two for one kind of deal. Here they are in all of their blooming beauty.

An cheerful little arrangement with yellow and lime green.

A more elegant arrangement.

Contain Yourself

I love plants and flowers, but I'm not too much on yard work and sweating. So, for me container gardening is a great option. I've been wanting to try a container like this for quite awhile. I recently found just the right container (at TJ Maxx). I planted a few plants and hung it on the wall in our carport. Even the hubs likes it.

Here's how it looked empty. Then I filled it with moss along the sides and put a little piece of coconut liner down in the bottom. After that, I just put my plants in place. When doing container plantings I try to have layers. That helps make the container visually pleasing. For this container you'll notice the taller plants (Coleus) in the back and then the flowing, vine like plants (Creeping Jenny and St. John's Wort) towards the front. Another thing to remember is the temperature and sunlight tolerance of the plants. All of these do well with part sun which is perfect for the carport since it is shaded for much of the day. 

Friday's Favorite: Frugal Flowers

Flowers and greenery are an easy and cheap way to add that special touch to your home. I love using different types of arrangements in my decor. It's even better when you can shop your yard! Some of my most favorite arrangements have been the ones I put together with branches and blooms from my yard. Even simple stems of leafy greens look amazing when paired with a pretty vase. Here are some of the arrangements I've made using clippings from my yard. 

Azaleas from the spring

Branches of lemon-lime colored leaves (these will last practically forever like this-all you have to do is change the water periodically)

Magnolia leaves mixed in with cedar and grocery store carnations (this was an arrangement I made for Christmas)

Knock-out roses mixed with gardenias and greenery (a simple summertime arrangement)

So, the next time you need to spruce things up on the cheap, check your yard and bring the outdoors in.

The Shabby Nest is hosting a Frugal Friday party today. Check out her site for more frugal decorating ideas.

 Happy Friday!!!

Spring Fling: Front Porch

To celebrate the arrival of Spring, I thought it would be fun to do a week long series on all the little Spring touches around our house and yard. So, welcome to Spring Fling week! 

This weekend I planted geraniums and ivy in the planters on the front porch. I love the bright red and green. What a cheerful addition they are! The sign says it best-Fabulous!

Hope you'll come back tomorrow for House Tour Tuesday: Spring Fling edition!