On Garden Pond...

Remember when I was pondering a few months ago?

These are the ugly 'befores."

We had to move a pond due to another project 

and I was definitely  not  "all in" on the work involved.

My husband reallllly wanted a pond at this end of the porch still 

(there's another little one at the other end of the screened porch)

where he could hear the trickling water sound from "his" chair on our beloved porch.

So I grumpily began moving the liner and pump from the previous location.

I was determined to use what we had laying around.

After a few changes in layout plans I hit my stride and it went together very quickly. I had to build a small 'retaining wall" from some pavers we had hauled home years ago when a house nearby was having a concrete driveway poured to replace the creamy gold pavers that had been there for over 40 years. 

They gave them to us and we have used them for so many projects.

Then I filled the area with dirt left from the Boules Court project (here)

and here (the lights make it!)

I used the pavers from the previous pond and a firepit project. They are not exactly the same color. As soon as it cools off a bit I will paint them with a buttermilk concoction

 and try to grow some moss on them. 

I love moss in the landscape and I think it unifies different finishes and things that look too new.

I had the two large pots and the one in front hanging out in my potting area. I divided some hostas and a few other plants and started planting.

I also bought a few plants from the  clearance area in the Lowe's garden Center. (No sponsorship here. Just a tip that they mark plants down to a dollar or two and all they need is some water and maybe a little fertilizer)

I bought the butterfly bush from in front of my Kroger for $4.99 and put it in the largest pot. It has doubled in size. 

I couldn't plant until I got back from my mission trips and things have filled in quickly.

#gooddirt

So this pond barely cost a thing to install.

Bargain plants filled in with some TLC.

And the trickling sound is relaxing when we sit on the porch.

So if you are pondering installing a small pond, I say go for it!

National Thrift Shop Day!

I saw on Instagram earlier that it is #nationalthriftshop day.

That's a holiday I can get behind!

So in honor of the day I decided to post about one of my "newest" vintage finds.

 My husband actually found this wicker couch. 

In perfect condition.

 For $45.00

He sent me a picture and I loved it and then I said don't get it.

 I really didn't have a spot for it. It's big and solid and heavy.

 The cushions needed to be recovered. 

You can't keep buying fabulous vintage wicker if you don't have a place for it - said no one ever. 

But I did. And then I was sorry all night!! I won't do it again. 

#pinkypromise

I told him I made a mistake but it wasn't meant to be because I'm sure its gone. 

Trying to be philosophical and self - soothe. 

(Didn't really help but I was trying to be an adult about it.)

But he went back the next morning, it was there and he got an over 50 discount so- tada!! 

It was mine for under $40.00!!!!!!

Then last week before we had a large group over I decide to stay up half the night 

and make some slipcovers for the cushions 

which were in good shape foam-wise but the fabric covers were not good at all.

Here's a pic taken at 11 p.m. as I was getting started. 

Porch light is all the light to be had for the photo op!

So it was late, last minute and, oh yeah, I don't sew.

I'm a sewing faker. 

#truestory

#confession

However, we have the internet and I found this amazing tutorial and I followed it.

I used a drop cloth from Sherwin Williams that I had on hand - cause, you know, midnight.

I couldn't believe how amazing the tutorial was.

 It was quick

 ( I still have to go back and finish the handstitching on the back. A few still have "temporary" safety pins. It was midnight on Thursday before we had forty people for dinner on Saturday, so... pins) and I think they look amazing.

And worked a lot better for me than the $45.00 plus fabric quote I got per cushion when I started pricing "real slipcovers!" 

And then since I was in a major time crunch I decided to pull down my "stash" and make envelope covers for some IKEA pillow forms I had on hand!

#thisishowiroll

This vintage beauty is big - stretch out and nap big. 

Don't worry- I sprayed the cushions with wrinkle relaxer before everyone came over. :)

#thisishowiroll

Thank you Thrift Shops for existing!!

I'm glad you got your day!!

PS. Can you spy Biscuit in a couple of pics??

He is our porch dog. He loves it out there!!

more from my iphone...

If you need us for the next two weeks...

We have our feet propped up, fans blowing straight at us 

( It's been over 95 waaaay too often), 

appetizers made and the Olympics on the porch TV!!
(and, yes, the cords are unattractive but necessary to get Rio on our porch!)

This IG account has the most colorful, fun, eye candy posts!!

#porchgoals

Trying to stay out of politics and controversial world events 

but maybe if we all practiced this quote everyday then things would be better. 

And I might add, if you don't think you see something beautiful to mention about a person then keep quiet!

Went to a cool burger place the other night with these three beauties. 

Girl talk and catching up.

Moxie Burger, if you are in Roswell or Marietta, is delicious!!

And they have GF buns and a turkey burger!!

Major props on that.

(And can I just say that the young lady on the left is wrapping up an internship at the CDC and the young lady on the right is on scholarship to College of Charleston? And they both took a week off from studies and summer jobs, etc. to do a week of mission work.)

And Mollie graduated a year ago in July. Wow!! Time flies.

The reminder showed up on FB's Time Hop last week. 

We celebrated with a Low Country Boil. 

We are gearing up for another one when it cools off a bit because I bought shrimp when I was in Charleston a few weeks ago!!

And the Boules Court got lights this past week so things are looking up in our backyard.

 I blogged about the early stages and it wasn't this pretty!

We've already had a ton of fun on it - our Honduras Mission Team had a reunion Saturday night and the court got plenty of play and the porch was full of fun people and good food. And it was hot ( like Honduras hot!!)

(Isn't the ladder an attractive touch? We have a little  somewhat large roof/storm damage issue going on.

 UGG! Two steps forward, one step back!)

I finally got my pelican print framed. I've had it for ages... I like big shore bird pictures. 

What can I say?

It has ended up in the Black is Back Library - for now.

 I intended it for another spot but we are liking where it's perched for now.

And I found a fabulous bamboo dresser for a steal on a thrifting app on my iphone. 

 It got a little cleaning and a glossy coat of paint last week. 

And last but not least...

A copper flamingo punch bowl!!! 

WHAT????

Talk about coveting something frivolous!!!

I can't stand how awesome that is.

Oh, the frozen punches I could serve out of that!!!

#excusetopartyeveryweekend

more from my iphone...

If you need us for the next two weeks...

We have our feet propped up, fans blowing straight at us 

( It's been over 95 waaaay too often), 

appetizers made and the Olympics on the porch TV!!

This IG account has the most colorful, fun, eye candy posts!!

#porchgoals

Trying to stay out of politics and controversial world events 

but maybe if we all practiced this quote everyday then things would be better. 

And I might add, if you don't think you see something beautiful to mention about a person then keep quiet!

Went to a cool burger place the other night with these three beauties. 

Girl talk and catching up.

Moxie Burger, if you are in Roswell or Marietta, is delicious!!

And they have GF buns and a turkey burger!!

Major props on that.

(And can I just say that the young lady on the left is wrapping up an internship at the CDC and the young lady on the right is on scholarship to College of Charleston? And they both took a week off from studies and summer jobs, etc. to do a week of mission work.)

And Mollie graduated a year ago in July. Wow!! Time flies.

The reminder showed up on FB's Time Hop last week. 

We celebrated with a Low Country Boil. 

We are gearing up for another one when it cools off a bit because I bought shrimp when I was in Charleston a few weeks ago!!

And the Boules Court got lights this past week so things are looking up in our backyard.

 I blogged about the early stages and it wasn't this pretty!

We've already had a ton of fun on it - our Honduras Mission Team had a reunion Saturday night and the court got plenty of play and the porch was full of fun people and good food. And it was hot ( like Honduras hot!!)

(Isn't the ladder an attractive touch? We have a little  somewhat large roof/storm damage issue going on.

 UGG! Two steps forward, one step back!)

I finally got my pelican print framed. I've had it for ages... I like big shore bird pictures. 

What can I say?

It has ended up in the Black is Back Library - for now.

 I intended it for another spot but we are liking where it's perched for now.

And I found a fabulous bamboo dresser for a steal on a thrifting app on my iphone. 

 It got a little cleaning and a glossy coat of paint last week. 

And last but not least...

A copper flamingo punch bowl!!! 

WHAT????

Talk about coveting something frivolous!!!

I can't stand how awesome that is.

Oh, the frozen punches I could serve out of that!!!

#excusetopartyeveryweekend

The 25 mph Wicker Bar

 That title makes you wonder doesn't it?

So here's the story:
(and some "styled up" images at the end!! #potential)

Several weeks ago I found a wicker bar on the app Offer Up for literally nothing.

I messaged the listing party because Mollie absolutely loved it.

Remember she's living at home right now and 
90% of her life is in a storage unit a mile from our house. 
She's saving to move downtown but it is ridiculous to find anything affordable in  ATL.

The guy messaged back. Yes, the price was correct.

I messaged back that I wanted it get it for my daughter but it happened to be the week I was in charge of a mission fundraiser yard sale at church.
 I was literally camped out at church nonstop.

The guy messaged back that he could meet me in a public parking lot
 after my loooong yard sale hours.

I messaged back that it looked like I could get there in 35 to 45 minutes.

We agreed on the place and time.

The time: Friday afternoon about 5.

Have you ever been in Atlanta at 5 pm???

Crazeeeee!!

I was late. He waited.

It missed fitting in my car by l inch. For real.

(Won't it be fabulous when she has a place to put it 

and get's it all stocked and accessorized?? It's going to put the trendy bar cart to shame!!)

My husband was out of town. I had driven forever to reach the meeting place.

I had a comforter in the car.

The guy was willing to follow me to the next parking lot so I could buy rope to tie the wicker bar to the top of my car. 
Probably won't tell my husband this part.

No rope at the store. I bought the only package of bungee cords
 they had for an outrageous price.

It was somewhat secure after we hefted it on top of my car and used our limited number of bungee cords.

The plan was for me to drive to the Wal-Mart .5 miles down the road and buy more bungees.

Long story short:

I finally got some cord and another bungee 
and personally tied that thing up like a roped steer.
That's the picture I should have taken!!!
(Remember this thing was practically free + cost of bungee cords!! Who knew?)

And then in crazy Friday afternoon traffic I started home.... at 25 mph.
 It was a bit precarious up on top.

People were nice. I hit the side roads with stop and go traffic and I made it home.... eventually.

If you were waiting for someone to get home on Friday night and they were late and told you a tale about a little white car with a gigantic wicker bar that is so awesome tied to the top of the car and driving so slowly, too, and made traffic slower than normal then believe them.  
 It's true.
 But the bar is a amazing. Mollie loves it and some of those ATL commuters were checking out that awesome wicker monstrosity on the roof of the car. 
#wishingitwasstocked

Look at the possibilities:



Found on Pinterest but originally from my beloved Stuart Membery 


(via)
Mollie's bar isn't elephant shaped but how could I not share this image?
 It's perfect from the coral lamp to the fact that it's a huge wicker elephant.






 via

Location. Location. Location.
*Have bar ( and bungee cords). Will  travel to your waterfront location.


via

Black rattan is never wrong.


via

This one is from Wisteria and was originally $500.00.
Even with the added cost of bungee cords I paid so much less. Like less than 1/10.