The finished product....

...finally!

I have to say I really liked how this came together. I did things on the "cheap" side because The Accountant is tired of seeing money fly out the door. He asked that I not personally try to keep the economy afloat.

So with his request in mind, the only new thing I purchased was my new favorite 4th of July item.

Then I used an old canvas shower curtain, cut it up and just wrapped the seat cushions to the wicker chairs. I searched for new cushions but didn't want to spend $70-100 each when I knew this is a seasonal change.

These are some old shutters I had in my basement. My dear friend Mary had seen them on the side of the road, picked them up and gave them to me saying, " I know you will find a use for these some day." Well that day arrived yesterday.

This is my old lamp shade. It has been beaten to death as it flies throught the neighborhood during wind storms. I washed it up and gave it a new life with the addition of some antique bedspread trim.

The next challenge was finding the right size table for my new creation. The small side table was not what I had in mind and again since this is seasonal, running out to buy a new one was not an option. (although I really want to find a permanent one)

So this is an old wire laundry basket I purchased to hold blankets in the winter months. I know it's not a real table but for this occasion it fits the bill. Just have to remember to remind The Accountant...don't put your glass of wine on it.

Off to find some more pieces around the house.... and look what we have.

So with these pieces in place I am getting closer to the finished product.

Add a floral arrangement created last week..


Now what to do about this side of the porch...
...oh yeah I forgot about our favorite rocker!

Take a step back and take a deep breathe....

Looking good at night...

...and in the morning light

The only regret I have is having fresh potted flowers, but with the fact we will be gone for a week it was not a practical decision. I also know the minute the red, white and blue flowers will have to go to make way for my late summer colors and eventually the fall!
Come join me for a glass of wine and watch the neighbors pass by.
Happy 4th of July to you all and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Thank you Victoria

Welcome to all of Victoria's readers to my little slice of the world...I hope you enjoy the visit. Stay a while, browse a little and I hope you come back as I am always coming up with something new...
Thank you to Victoria for giving me this opportunity to meet new people and to build a stronger relationship with old friends. It is a blessing I will cherish forever.
Good luck with the give away, I am excited to find out who the winner will be!
Tomorrow I will have the photos of my finished porch project. Wow it took a long time!

I am so sorry for my absense

Life seems to be moving at the speed of light...with the kids home for summer I find my time spent much differently than during the school year.

I have tried to come up with a program to keep the kids minds active and keep their bodies active as well. This puts much emphasis on the word try as I find the days drifting in so many different directions.

All in all we are having a great time together and its about to get even better. Friday morning, bright and early we are headed to my favorite place in the whole world...WHITE LAKE BEACH. Its a tiny lake in central Wisconsin where my family has descended upon for the past 50+ years.


As a little girl I ran the beaches, as a teen I met all kinds of cute boys and as a mom I am enjoying the memories made with my own children. This small resort is not posh but it has character beyond anything you can imagine.

The sandy beach is lined with small, antique cottages that have been update just a smidge. The restaurant and bar are just steps away from the cottages and the kids favorite game room is just a little further. The kids can wander and not worry about strangers because every year the same people come back for the same week.

We have grown up with all the families that come to this place each year for the "week of July 4th". We have had many births and unfortunately many passings but each year brings us together again to celebrate the love we have of this magical place.

So during the next week, I will be on the beach but I will have my computer. I am going to write about all the wonderful things that happen and have happened over the years. I want to share this part of my life that is so special to me and while doing that I will have an even more enjoyable vacation because I will have a journal of these things for all to enjoy.

From too cold to too hot...

....Chicago summers never cease to amaze me. Not just last week we were wondering when it was ever going to warm up. Well, that answer has arrived.

Can you say HOT...

Thanks to the kindness of my neighbors, the kids have been swimming everyday.

My latest project brings me to my front porch. I started last week and find myself stuck in the middle of it. Can I just tell you, I love power tools.

I sanded the southern yellow pine down and started applying the marine varnish...one coat on and now I can't do a thing. Either it's too hot to apply the varnish or the rain makes it too wet.
Not sure where to go with this one but I have to put the furniture back because it looks so naked and that is not my style. So, in order to pass the time, shopping for the look will help.

I picked this up on Etsy at Apron Strings and Quirky Things.

This adorable pillow from Flax and Spindle.
I am going for the patriotic theme so there will be flower arranging today...
in my nice cold basement.
I know the minute I get everything back in place with a new design, the weather will cool off and I will be able to add the next two coats? Whats a women to do.

Keep cool...

Final Pictures of the Journey....

...sit back enjoy the show and be inspired.


























Want to host a party???

Summer Lovin!

My favorite part of summer has to be NATURE. The kids and Maggie have so much fun watching all the animals around us. Tonight's show...FROG DATING.

When I say close I mean really close. Maggie gets as close as she possibly can.

This frog did not move for at least 5 minutes while Maggie sniffed him, the kids stared in awe, and I ran to get the camera.
The big pond is across the street and our little pond is in the empty lot next to us. My guess is this fella was looking for his girlfriend who was croaking to beat the band while he hopped across the street.

Too bad the date was cancelled ... this fella was going back to the big pond where hopefully he would not have the same fate as so many of his friends. Frogs+Road+Cars=Disgusting....catch my drift.

Brief interuption of the "journey"

While catching up on my blog reading tonight, I discovered Matthew Mead has a new website that offers so many unbelievable ideas. I own all of his books and use them constantly for inspiration.
I am not sure if I am going to do this correctly..but when I saw the icebox treats I almost fell for the Strawberry Cheesecake...I must learn more them and how to make them asap.
Enjoy the site, I know I will and I also know I will be subscribing as well.