Bringing the Outside In...

As I was taking pictures for my spring blog posts, I realized just how many "things" meant for outdoor decorating I actually use indoors. At first I thought it was because we are currently in the midst of spring, but I realized that most of them are inside all of the time. Maybe it is because they are rusty and chipped that they appeal to me. Perhaps it is because they just feel casual or peaceful. Whatever the reason, I love them and I find myself decorating this way more and more.

I LOVE these sconces (in truth, they are plant holders) given to me by daughter #3. I actually loved the first ones she gave me so much that when she happened upon two more (in a garden shop), she bought them as well. Two of them are still outside and two are here flanking the large mirror in my living room. I don't mind at all that they are rusty, weather stained and primitive - in fact, that is probably just why I am so drawn to them.

These are just a few of the things that I saw right away. Most of them can be found somewhere in my house pretty much all year long. You see, the more weather beaten, chipped and rusty, the better. Next time I have an empty spot I am going to remember to go "shopping" outdoors - maybe you should too! Stay tuned.

One Room to Go!

This is really the last of the spring. Spring is really more of a feel in my house than an exact design theme. On to the family room...

I kept the mantle simple with an iron garden gate, garden statue and finials. I added the PB pot full of green flowers, a garden quote on a piece of slate and my newest goody - the carrot box full of carrots. The box was an Easter gift from daughter #3 and I love it. Because it is spring themed, I can use it now but definitely have plans to incorporate it into an Easter vignette next year. I can just see it now with several bunnies hanging nearby!

Really not much to talk about in this room. I promise, my next decorating will hold much more excitement! I will soon be on to 4th of July. Since this holiday comes so soon in the month, I usually start putting it out the first week in June. That way, it can be up at least a month. Too much work for anything shorter! Stay tuned.

Paybacks...

This is the time of year that I feel as if my hard work in my yard is truly paying me back. The weather in Florida does allow so many things to grow and stay green all year long, but the summer heat can be a bit brutal and if you are not watering constantly - which we are not because of restrictions - things can get a bit droopy and dry before your eyes.

But, spring sees all of my perennials coming back to life and blooming like crazy. I love to garden, but I have a very large yard - almost a full acre and much of that yard is set up as structured garden areas. That is all my doing so I take full blame. Like I said, I love to garden. I love to spend full days out there and "get my hands dirty". I love to wear myself out. And, this is the time of the year that I can truly then sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labors. Of course, I have to do it quickly because those darn weeds are back before I blink but, never-the-less, here is what my yard is giving me today..

The first of soooo many gardenias ready to bloom.

Sweet smelling jasmine.

 

 

Yummy lavender

There are lots of other buds ready to pop. If you came to visit tomorrow, the show would be different. Think I will definitely make some time today to sit outside a bit and "smell the roses" - that is, if no more of those pesky weeds appear. If they do, you can probably find me on my knees but that will be O.K. also. Stay tuned. 

Busy Weekend

We have had a lovely week culminating with the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Arts Festival at our grandsons' elementary school. We got to hear each of the boys sing, see their artistic endeavors and fill our tummies with yummy food and ice cream.

And since it is done but simple, I thought I would show you the kitchen. I guess the feeling here is a bit more of the wine theme than spring but, it is the kitchen. I don't mind a few "food" items thrown in here and there.

As I said, we're keeping it simple for spring but watch out...things will "explode" for the 4th of July. Off to St. Pete for a family filled weekend! Stay tuned.

"Green - the New Black"

I must say that I totally love the new, "minimal" (for me) look of my house. I guess less clutter in "stuff" really does feel like less clutter in your attitude. Still not going to say that I don't miss some of my "surfaces" but I have survived. It is still a bit challenging for me to decorate for each new holiday/season but I love green so much that I am really doing fine with the spring decor.

Let's head to the dining room next.

I have a number of "go to" things that I use for a centerpiece when I have nothing else to use here - most specifically the long wooden box I made and the old sugar mold that holds 12 candles, flowers, whatever. I love both of them because they run down the middle of this table and can stay there if we decide to actually eat at the table as well. BUT, the last several years I have put out lots of nests with eggs and birds on my "now absent" hutch. Plus, I have lots of small fern plants that I used to nestle on the hutch or on the "again now absent" shelf over the doorway. I just couldn't see anywhere to use all of that "springness" so I decided to put it all together in a centerpiece. I started by filling a cloche with moss balls and sitting it on a pedestal. Then, I used an old wicker tray as a base and filled another of my self constructed coconut fiber nests with a bird and more eggs and sat it on a larger, lower pedestal. I really love to buy lots of "things" in black because I use ALL of them for Halloween but they can also be put into service any other time of the year. Because I have so much black furniture and...because "they: say every room needs some black to anchor it, these items just blend into the background. No one really notices them and they give so many heights and decor opportunities to your decorating. Then, I filled in the empty spaces with 4 of the small ferns. Kind of looks like a bit of the forest - just perfect for spring!
 

Even though daughter #3 is now my decor adviser and keeps telling me to purge, every time she is getting rid of something, she always asks me first if I would want it. And, since she has such good taste, I almost always say yes. This architectural piece is the latest case in point. I always loved it on her mantle and since it fits my 2 "must-bes" - rusty and big - I quickly said yes. Right now I love it here on the side board next to my two new chunky candle holders but know it will find its way to many spots around my house in the months to come.

Once again I am trying for a mix of the season with the Mediterranean feel of this room with the wine items, olive jars, etc. And, it is all pulled together with GREEN. I love springtime! Stay tuned.