Snow Day

 I am really just posting this here to mark this rare occurrence. We got a couple inches of snow here in N.C., and it's been years since that has happened. I snapped this pic of the shed in the backyard. The children were overjoyed and truthfully,  I loved it too. How was your weekend? Did you get snow too? xx

It's Summer Time Y'all!

How is everyone? I don't know about you, but I am so happy for the warmer weather and nature is showing off right now; greenery abounds!  We're officially on Summer break-yay!! and most of my time is now spent in the garden. I was thrilled to see that the thyme and some other herbs I planted last year survived the Winter and are thriving. Even the kale made a comeback! Now to this picture above, do you remember when I redid the patio? It's still holding up and I haven't had to repaint the door at all. You can see what it looked like before below.  For this project, I extended the concrete area, then painted it with outdoor Porch and Patio paint from Home Depot. I also painted the screen door in that pretty coral color. Are you working on any outdoor projects? 

before image

 

Recovering from Hurricane Florence

You've probably heard about the devastating hurricane Florence that hit North Carolina over the weekend. We were right in its path and are grateful we didn't experience any damage. However, that is not the case for many and although the hurricane has passed, many are still in shelters waiting to go home, roads/schools are closed, areas are still flooded, and even more devastating are the lives that have been claimed. 

We are so grateful that all we have to do is clean up debris from our yard and my thoughts and prayers are with those who were less fortunate.  Here is a great article on NPR that outlines how we can help those recovering from Hurricane Florence. xx

image: source

September is Here But It's Still Hot

It's September but it still feels very much like Summer here in North Carolina. It is HOT!! I'm a Summer loving girl but I am actually looking forward to the cool down that comes with Fall.  xx

image: photographer: Matt Vogel, Telluride, Colorado 

Outdoor Living

After the harsh Winter we've had I can't wait to enjoy the great outdoors this Spring. I know some of you are still getting snow... Hopefully, these outdoor spaces will still make you as excited as I am for Spring. 

anthropologie

xx

images: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Dreaming of Spring

I can't be the only one who is beyond ready for Spring. This Winter has been the coldest ever and the boys have been sick on and off the entire time. Yes, I dream of Spring, i am ready for Spring. Also give me all the cacti. xx

image: tumblr

11 Pinterest Worthy Outdoor Spaces to Inspire

According to the weatherman, we have a cool down headed our way and by a cool down, I mean we will be in the 80's instead of the 100's.  So this weekend,  I am looking forward to slathering myself in some kind of mosquito repellant and spending more time outdoor. Hence today's post- such fabulous outdoor spaces! 

 pinterest

decorfacil

Happy weekend everyone! xx

images: 1- vogueliving, others not noted in post- marieclairemaison

Our Screened in Porch Gets a Makeover

 Hello friends! How are you? I've been soaking up every luscious moment of Summer and also getting some projects done. Today, I'm going to show you my screened in porch makeover. I love how it turned out! Above is an after picture.

 Here is a before for reference. To the right, there used to also be a pool table that took up way too much space. That was one of my hubby's grand ideas but I was able to get him onboard to remove it and now it's sitting in our garage. Anyway, once it was removed, the space already began to feel much lighter. To the left, I had a little sitting area that I had carved out for myself.

 There is also an elliptical that I used in the mornings to exercise while I listened to the birds chirp. As you can see, there was a lot going on out here! With this makeover,  I wanted the porch to serve just one purpose and that was for an additional area to entertain or just for us to lounge.

After we cleared everything out, the hubby pressure washed the space to get it ready painting.

The first thing I did was to paint the concrete in a concrete stain. I used Solid Color Concrete Stain by Behr in Silver Grey.

via pinterest

 For the walls, I planned on repainting them in a similar coral color like the one pictured, but the color was not available in an exterior formula. I didn't want to go with the interior version since it's the screened in porch and it's exposed to the elements. The color would for example fade very quickly...

I decided to repaint in the same color (Benjamin Moore Snuggle Puss) since it is already available in an exterior formula and I still do love the color.  If you look at the before pic further up in the post, you'll see the difference since it's been repainted. It's much brighter and much more vivid.

 I also repainted the wainscoting.  It was originally a creamish color and didn't go with the concrete stain, so I repainted it in Benjamin Moore Simply White.

I had the blue chair already and  recently bought the other one. They were both bought from TJmaxx.  The rugs and other accessories are from 'me shopping my house' and reusing items. Also, of course, a porch makeover is not complete without lots of plants.

this pic was captured by Lea Hartman

This side remained the same except I also repainted(in orange) the table since it had faded.

And that's it friends. I've already spent so much time out here. I also love the mood of the space in the evenings when the string lights are lit- so cozy. xx

Welcome Spring

Happy first day of Spring! xx

image: pinterest

DIY Boho Tent for Fall Outdoor Entertaining.

Fall is almost here and many of us can't wait to enjoy the much cooler weather outside-no mosquitos and unbearable heat, just you and a nice fall breeze chilling with friends and family. I love finding creative ways to use my backyard for entertaining and I love tents.  I usually find a sturdy tree with branches that can withstand the weight.  Here I used thrifted pink and orange sheets that matched the sheer curtains i already had. They were hand tied to the branches at the top and I used  officemate silver binder clips  to hold them in place. For additional boho vibe, I layered some of my exotic rugs on the grass, added lots of throw pillows, hung a thrifted macrame plant hanger and paper lantern , brought in some blankets, snack and my zen Buddha and my boho tent was ready for the spotlight.

Happy Thursday friends! xx

* This post may contain affiliate links

pics-Lea Hartman for Design Addict Mom

Tropical Vibrations.

via

It's no surprise that the tropical landscape is a favorite of mine since I was born among its lushness in Jamaica. I am loving the tropical vibrations of all of these spaces adorned with the quintessential banana leaf and palm tree tropical plants. 

via

Have a lovely day everyone. xx

10 Ways to Embrace Red, White, and Blue this July 4th.

ralph lauren home

Do you incorporate patriotic touches of red, white, and blue into your decor for July 4th? I actually love the idea of adding splashes of patriotic colors for July 4th in the decor although I mostly go all out with the colors on the outside...

 lonny

 designed by Miles Redd -housebeautiful

housetohome

bloglovin

apartmentsilike

pinterest

pinterest

I already have my patriotic outfit too though it's not as fabulous as this one! Happy long weekend and Happy 4th everyone! Be safe. xx