Today’s Tip

Don’t buy supermarket flowers, go outside and clip 3 different types of greenery in various shades and types.  It lasts longer and is FREE!

Katie

Outdoor Inspiration

I was over at my parent’s house this past weekend doing a little payback for all the work my Dad did on the rental house for us.  My parents are in the home stretch of a backyard renovation.  Some of my best memories growing up took place in this backyard and now I see my own children making memories here too – there’s nothing better!

I don’t have any before shots, but a lot of you reading this spent time here growing up as well and are familiar with the layout.  For those of you who didn’t, the pool area stayed the same.  Mostly the flower beds changed up there.  The main focus was on the side yard.  It was basically a flat, weeded mess.  Well not anymore…

My dad built the retaining wall and laid the flagstone path. 

That’s a vegetable garden top left

My mom’s Confederate Jasmine on the fence is gorgeous and smells great!

Did I mentioned that my parent’s did all the work themselves?!

Katie

 

What’s Blue and White with Birds Allover?

I had a very happy Mother’s Day.  Check out what my surprise was.  Yep, ginger jars!  I love them! 

And do you see the forsythia in the picture.  I have not cut new ones since I posted about it weeks ago.  Can you believe it?!  And to make it even better, the branches are rooting.  So, when I get tired of them inside, I can take them out and stick those beauties in the ground!

Katie

The After, Finally!

I bet you thought I forgot!  No, I’m just slow.  I’m finally ready to show you the after pictures of the rental house.  First, though, let’s re-visit the fireplace.  Remember the dark brick?

 And how I was going to white wash it like this…

Well, I took my two little helpers over there today and we knocked that  project out!

Here it is half-way:

And here it is finished:

It only took a couple of hours and about half a quart of paint. What’cha think?  I personally think it’s a vast improvement. 

OK, with out further ado…

(Please note that I am well aware of my need to improve my photography skills.  I’ve heard that light is your friend, but apparently it’s not mine.  Please excuse the poor pics.)

The Kitchen:

 

The Family Room:

Sorry, must have missed that exact shot.  I’ll get it next time.

Downstairs Family Room:

Bathroom:

What a difference a LOT of paint can make.

Anyone looking for a house to rent in Snellville?  I hear this one has a really great landlord ;)

Katie