Curb Appeal

I blame/credit this project on my dear friend Alissa. When I was showing her a picture of our house when we were closing on it she said something along the lines of, "So, what color are you going to paint the shutters?" My reaction? "I kinda like them." Well, I got to thinking about it and looking at other houses and decided the answer to her question--black. And boy did it make such a difference! I love it!

 

 Before

 After! The black really pops with our fresh, black mulch.

I do have to brag on my amazing yard boys! Seth, his brother and friends have spent countless hours fertilizing, mulching, planting, trimming, laying rock, etc. It's incredible what a little TLC can do. This is one of our front flower beds that was a disaster just weeks before. Now just waiting on these begonias to sprout up!

The side of our yard that was out of control before. Nice and neat now. Even the neighbors keep commenting on their beautiful work!

My favorite "room" in the house!

Ok so it's not technically a room! BUT, it is home to some of my favorite things. I'm enjoying spending time out on our porch with the weather lately. I've had a green thumb and planted these beauties!

 Not sure which I love more, the planter (from Home Goods) or the petunias?

 My hanging basket!

 Sweet Mother's Day gift from Knox (and Seth)

 

Rosemary, Cilantro & Basil. Any recipe suggestions?

 

AND, our red adirandack chairs with new pillows I made!

 

I bought 14" pillows and a yard of outdoor canvas fabric. See Martha Stewart's how-to if you've never made a pillow before! Don't be intimidated, this is such an easy and affordable project!

 

 I love this fabric so much I considered putting in our living room. But it's just too perfect for outside! What do you think?