Porch Sittin'

We have a screened-in area under our deck that is the perfect spot to be when the weather is as hot as it's been lately (well I take that back, hanging in the basement in front of a fan is the perfect spot in the house haha - but if you want to be outside this is the place, it's shady and no mosquitos). We had outdoor furniture and a table with chairs already, but it wasn't really "done" and every time I go down there I wish it was fixed up...so I finally did it.

Moved the furniture around to make it cozy, added pillows and plants, outdoor lamp and big clock on the wall. That all helped but the best part is the lights we strung on the ceiling. We put up this plastic sheeting stuff on the ceiling to keep the debris and rain from coming thru the deck above so we can't put holes in it to hang anything - I really, really want to put a swing out there but no way to attach it! - so I stuck a bunch of those Command hooks up there and after a couple failed attempts (you really need to clean the surface good to get them to hold) finally got them to stick and then I just hung up some indoor/outdoor Christmas lights back and forth over the seating area. This has made a huge difference in how the space feels, especially at night (I don't have a good picture of that - the metal ceiling makes the light glow even more). I absolutely love the screened porch now! Little changes can make such a big difference.

A couple other cute things - got a few paper lanterns from a dollar store to hang from the ceiling (also using stick on command hooks), and put a bench cushion over 2 dining chairs to make it look like a bench when the chairs aren't needed.

one year ago today: fidget stress balls. 

For some reason the video isn't working for that post, but use your imagination for what they look like - little squishy balloons! 

Gnome Facelift

My Grandma had 3 old gnomes in her garden for years; my sister and I inherited them and even though they aren't in good condition anymore we both love them and have them on display...just in different ways. Jen has left hers alone (in all their faded glory haha), but I decided to give mine a facelift with a fresh coat of paint - I could have just freshened up the peeling and fading paint to return it to its original look, but instead I went sort of modern and painted it all one color. This is gonna sound strange, but painting over his creepy little face was slightly disturbing I have to say!

I know it's hard to part with gifts and memorabilia from special people, but I'm a firm believer in the idea that it's ok to change the thing to fit in with your decor or taste - better that than getting rid of it or leaving it in storage because it isn't "you". The memory or intent is still there, but change it if that is better for you. You could change the upholstery on a piece of furniture, paint an old table or dresser, reset a piece of jewelry, reframe pictures... I think the person you got it from would be happy that you are using it instead of storing it away! So if you are holding onto something just because your Grandma gave it to you, but you wouldn't in a million years display it, think about if there is a way to change it up and make it useful. I guess I should point out that if it's a genuine priceless antique you might not want to alter it and risk decreasing its value - but Grandma's gnomes are only of sentimental value!

before his facelift - look at that creepy little smile!

I gently scrubbed off as much dirt and old paint as I could, he wasn't perfectly smooth though before I painted him - and it totally didn't matter. Using a foam brush, paint 3 coats of craft paint allowing each coat to dry before adding the next coat; after it's completely dry I sprayed it with clear sealant so he can go outside without the paint washing off - if you are leaving it inside then you can skip that step.

after - I think he's so much cuter like this.