Painting Outdoor Furniture

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello and welcome! I hope you're having a great week. I am too, but the weather hasn't exactly been cooperating, and therefore, my front porch progress is only plodding along. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDXjfFL4AKOcdFgrpUR8-97zkpRm16GrSKGmEog-iTmRMHRnhGC8It9Ggn9CwJgtxUblhfUoSKc_VCMkf-nKYBbn01sVvIcbjybtZG1cfrR2aQdzkEkREj5d6SSXnA66yC0MJCPjQztg/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDXjfFL4AKOcdFgrpUR8-97zkpRm16GrSKGmEog-iTmRMHRnhGC8It9Ggn9CwJgtxUblhfUoSKc_VCMkf-nKYBbn01sVvIcbjybtZG1cfrR2aQdzkEkREj5d6SSXnA66yC0MJCPjQztg/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+019.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite Mother Nature (now known as "The Big Meanie") trying her best to slow my progress, I did manage to finally paint the rocking chairs. I had two super comfy, but somewhat faded wood rockers, which I decided would look a little better painted black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5eVNGCY-HUGMDNTF29AN0mDtnVFSoS8Iq4aoQjDPz-HgnWFTEnzM61woBTSE4RufbfqoJZ53NWEISIPvkNUiVvixxZqVmb6U_83f0y5W8vV_bYjQWOncVrx7QyG-GBFQawbyjBlHXyw/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5eVNGCY-HUGMDNTF29AN0mDtnVFSoS8Iq4aoQjDPz-HgnWFTEnzM61woBTSE4RufbfqoJZ53NWEISIPvkNUiVvixxZqVmb6U_83f0y5W8vV_bYjQWOncVrx7QyG-GBFQawbyjBlHXyw/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+002.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I sanded the chairs very lightly with a fine grade sandpaper - just to get off any grime and cobwebs. Then I wiped them down with a damp cloth and let them dry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took the chairs outside my favorite spot to spray paint in the back yard, and gave </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">them three coats of glossy black spray paint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I didn't primer the chairs, and it worked, but the paint did soak in quite a bit.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After they had good coverage, I got in one coat of polyurethane before the rain put a damper on things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6noMImMXKvl0soy3rnI6Y2gyfg2AlpadpPsl73bEps1KUNxP_0XSd1n3sAMzyUzCf_yTTxL0fszjriU6adrjuHxIj2T94yXQrm7SkH0zjRX-pAn46sFqfkSKFFnX_M8nFALMNYjE5uyQ/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6noMImMXKvl0soy3rnI6Y2gyfg2AlpadpPsl73bEps1KUNxP_0XSd1n3sAMzyUzCf_yTTxL0fszjriU6adrjuHxIj2T94yXQrm7SkH0zjRX-pAn46sFqfkSKFFnX_M8nFALMNYjE5uyQ/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+004.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have the chairs on our covered front porch, but I think I'll still give them another coat of the poly once we have a guaranteed dry day.  Either way, I'm not going to wait for The Big Meanie to let me finish my project, so I'll show you now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They look a lot better already, don't you think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-bPba-H4yXWv8Qauf1PJSIIlKkpTGgDhyO6wJC614ODPHzWCIF-v2c7PgQ5q7NCUcSkKrro-fKavkLBU_LsGHH5ozwpEREgNSSptdLay2jOUSwCDO2evAeMlki3EZhemQGlLwrTSPIY/s1600/pie+etc+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-bPba-H4yXWv8Qauf1PJSIIlKkpTGgDhyO6wJC614ODPHzWCIF-v2c7PgQ5q7NCUcSkKrro-fKavkLBU_LsGHH5ozwpEREgNSSptdLay2jOUSwCDO2evAeMlki3EZhemQGlLwrTSPIY/s320/pie+etc+032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OkCfbklDaNgcS4xLb0byzwFrSblX3NPPBrCj3WjXQYe3en_rPKPCRj4e7mF2DOPitoaIPOfOdBnYlbDGVbz3QHps8luKYP8nkhDFe-cyYQCOtfS-LUgNRzNcR9z-dT68HWbyj30yJvU/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> I really like them black.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAO1qXwn0DHU27q0oPdx_CeGbEqjwOI7fmCI-EyXx2DVQatWdeFgcC7vKgd6tH0GkmkqBZhNXpawYHirRyR_TwBrMnC9_aIMHm2fzTBxrA26uSwxuINPcHX3Ru-CtpQqnIk1OzT1OSxc/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAO1qXwn0DHU27q0oPdx_CeGbEqjwOI7fmCI-EyXx2DVQatWdeFgcC7vKgd6tH0GkmkqBZhNXpawYHirRyR_TwBrMnC9_aIMHm2fzTBxrA26uSwxuINPcHX3Ru-CtpQqnIk1OzT1OSxc/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+013.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am considering whether to paint the little café set black too. What do you think? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlFRPwj1h2zloavOLkOlkOL3MrmOEEYxSgxiQfAtXIP_wshcavL_jyDsk2ZHtQoD5wgDJHhnQyVdxkYKMoAwzf7zkcSxwfsvCT344LTpbQdQg_BqkMVlEKz23GjkfEHhsUzkwUMx0e1I/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSlFRPwj1h2zloavOLkOlkOL3MrmOEEYxSgxiQfAtXIP_wshcavL_jyDsk2ZHtQoD5wgDJHhnQyVdxkYKMoAwzf7zkcSxwfsvCT344LTpbQdQg_BqkMVlEKz23GjkfEHhsUzkwUMx0e1I/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+016.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I still have to find a couple of runner rugs that I like. I specifically need runners that wont look too dirty after the kids and a large dog run all over them! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Once I find the rugs, I'll be completely satisfied with the porch for this summer. <br />Oh WAIT, not quite! We still have to paint the front door black. Ok, so it might be a while... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDXjfFL4AKOcdFgrpUR8-97zkpRm16GrSKGmEog-iTmRMHRnhGC8It9Ggn9CwJgtxUblhfUoSKc_VCMkf-nKYBbn01sVvIcbjybtZG1cfrR2aQdzkEkREj5d6SSXnA66yC0MJCPjQztg/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDXjfFL4AKOcdFgrpUR8-97zkpRm16GrSKGmEog-iTmRMHRnhGC8It9Ggn9CwJgtxUblhfUoSKc_VCMkf-nKYBbn01sVvIcbjybtZG1cfrR2aQdzkEkREj5d6SSXnA66yC0MJCPjQztg/s320/painting+chairs+6-13+019.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5g33TxzTA_gOaHx4vpuLcZjyVBIZklXB_uaEeTAqReNB54Xn8a3CT01Pkfcd2-DU08oyORA1hitk80vXlro6gWOtrjanIodf-Sq-1n_6ZPdmViNGudcdfrQVLwug3puRTb2KBTvLzvY/s1600/painting+chairs+6-13+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> In the meantime, it's getting kinda cozy out on my porch - and notice the sun came out that night? I guess the Big Meanie felt bad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> She's forgiven. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Party Time!</span> </span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">SUNDAY</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2013/06/02/that-diy-party-19/"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">That DIY Party at DIY Showoff</span></a><br /><a href="http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">It's Party Time at Three Mango Seeds</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; 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font-size: xx-small;">Coastal Charm</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><a href="http://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Adventures of a DIY Mom</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><a href="http://romanceonadime.com/take-it-on-tuesday/take-it-on-tuesday-tiot-blog-hop-76/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Take It On Tuesday</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><a href="http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">If It's Not Baroque</span></a><br /><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-131/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">My Uncommon Slice</span></a><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-131/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> of Suburbia</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">WEDNESDAY</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=989053617&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=3245909&link=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRwcm94eS5nb29nbGUuY29tL35yL1RoZVNoYWR5UG9yY2gvfjMveUx4WmdpY3cxVkUvcm9jay1uLXNoYXJlLXdlZG5lc2RheS0zOS5odG1s&frame=1&click=0&user=0"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Rock N Share at The Shady Porch</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogshe.net/2013/04/wordless-wednesday-scientist-and-ninjago.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wordless Wednesday at Blog She</span></a><br /><a href="http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wildly Original Link Party at I Gotta Create</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://familyhomeandlife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wow Us Wednesday at Family Home and Life</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Whimsy Wednesday at Smart School House</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wednesday Whatsits at White Lights on Wednesday</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.greenwillowpond.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">What We Accomplished Wednesday at Green Willow Pond</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Under $100 Linky Party at Beyond the Picket Fence</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.southernlovely.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Show and Share at Southern Lovely</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wow Me Wednesday at Gingersnap Crafts</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thediydreamer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">From Dream to Reality at The DIY Dreamer</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Its' a Party! at A Creative Princess</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Show Off Your Stuff Party at Fireflies and Jellybeans</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://creationsbykara.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Look What I Made Wednesday at Creations by Kara</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Create and Share at The Trendy Treehouse</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thelifeofjenniferdawn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">A Little Bird Told Me Link Party at The Life of Jennifer Dawn</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://notdonegrowing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Oh What a Happy Day Link Party at Not Done Growing</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://weliketolearnaswego.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-i-learned-wednesday-53.html?showComment=1366810746854#c8570136592418367828"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">What I Learned Wednesday</span></a><br /><a href="http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Trendy Treehouse</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2013/04/wednesday-whatsits-57/#comment-3860"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wednesday Whatsits</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2013/04/wicked-awesome-wednesday-107.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</span></a><br /><a href="http://thissillygirlslife.com/wp/2013/04/two-girls-and-a-party-linky-party-no-13/#comment-1366"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Two Girls and a Party</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Party Time at The 36th Avenue</span></a><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/2013/06/flusters-creative-muster-party-25.html#comment-form">Fluster's Creative Muster at Fluster Buster</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">THURSDAY</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/05/23/thrifty-thursday-week-12/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Thrifty Thursday at Living Well Spending Less</span></a><br /><a href="http://ahandfulofeverything.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Great Idea Thursdays at A Handful of Everything</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Share Your Cup Party at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Hookin' Up with HOH at House of Hepworths</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://designeddecor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Talkin' about Thursday at Designed Décor</span></a><br /><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/2013/04/25/sharing-with-domestic-superhero-8/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Sharing with Domestic Superhero</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Live Laugh Linky at Live Laugh Rowe</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://adelightsomelife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">The Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Made U Look Linky at Made in a Day</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Creative Things Thursday at The Vintage Farmhouse</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Catch a Glimpse Party at A Glimpse Inside</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">52 Mantels</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Creative Inspirations Linky Party at Embracing Change</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.redflycreations.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Simply Create Link Party at Redfly Creations</span></a><br /><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/05/home-sweet-home-120.html"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">FRIDAY</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Simply Creations Link Party at My Simple Homelife</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://missmustardseed.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://redouxinteriors.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">What Have You Redone at Redoux Interiors</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Thrifty Things Friday at The Thrifty Groove</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Simple and Sweet Fridays at Rooted </span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span><a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Faunt It Friday at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Fabulously Creative Friday at Jennifer Rizzo</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Junkin' Joe Vintage and Thrifty Finds at The Cottage Market</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatertots and Jello</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Shabbilicious Friday Link Party at Shabby Art Boutique</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.504main.com/2013/03/tickled-pink-136.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Tickled Pink at 504 Main</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Anything Blue Friday at The Dedicated House</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Rustic Restorations Weekend Link Party at Homespun Happenings</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.funnypostpartumlady.org/2013/04/tgif-blog-hop-linky-party.html?m=1"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">TGIF Blog Hop</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">SATURDAY</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/google-blog-hop/#comment-7766"><span style="color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Google+ Blog Hop at House on the Way</span></a><br /><a href="http://cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Saturday Show and Tell at Cheerios and Lattes</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">A Bouquet of Talent Party at Life on Lakeshore Drive</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Strut Your Stuff Party at Six Sisters' Stuff</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Show and Tell Saturday at Sassy little Lady</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Get Schooled Satuday at Too Much Time on My Hands</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.foxhollowcottage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Power of Pinterest Party at Fox Hollow Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Your Great Idea Party at Or So She Says</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Overflowing with Creativity party at It's Overflowing</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://gingerbreadgem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Craft Country Cottage Party at Old Red Barn</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;">Saturday SHOW-licious Craft Showcase at Sew-licious</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: magenta; color: blue; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div>

Painting Outdoor Furniture

Hello and welcome! I hope you're having a great week. I am too, but the weather hasn't exactly been cooperating, and therefore, my f...

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Sometimes You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do...

Some days, even with the best intentions, loads of ambition (and lots of caffeine), Mother Nature has other ideas for what I'm going to do with my day.<br /><br />This week I've been working on my front porch, and on my foundation garden.  I've been painting pots and furniture. I've been planting and weeding, and mulching. My back is sore and my nails are all broken, but it's all in a weeks work. Finally, today being Friday, this was the day the porch and the garden were all gonna come together. My hubby, Big A is home, the kids are at school, and we were gonna tie it all together. <br /><br />And then we had storms. Severe thunderstorms with hail and wicked winds. We woke up this morning and it's 42 F, windy and rainy, and there's a giant tree down in our yard. So, what's <em>Plan B </em>you ask? <br /><br />Well, I thought, have the following items out on my kitchen island: <br /><br />scissors, glue gun, ribbon, pliers, hammer, 18x24 canvas, paint, glass beads, a wall decal... Perhaps I could make something, and then I came up with<em> a plan</em>, in fact, the perfect <em>Plan B.</em><br /><br />Here it is:<br /><br />I'm gonna look out the window at my hunky hubby wielding a chainsaw, while I put the on the fire, cuddle on the sofa with my cat, and wait til the kids get home. That's not a bad start to the Memorial Day weekend. And, after all, tomorrow is another day!

Sometimes You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do...

Some days, even with the best intentions, loads of ambition (and lots of caffeine), Mother Nature has other ideas for what I'm going to ...

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Front Porch Decor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello There! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and inspiration for our front porch. It's working! I feel inspired and excited. Here's my conclusion: With a little bit of work, a few bucks, and some sunshine, we're going to have a comfy front porch this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a couple of pictures of our house and front porch (they're old pix, and don't show the foundation garden we put in last year, but I'm not going out in the rain to take a new picture for you - I might melt).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGCdJcvXXihftBKzZaQhnKBCRvhAkFgGXxlzQRTcNIhsENKejwg48vdPL39t-SlpHuYWa3O4fXsM-G_S9VJNpzs_yBHwQ6OLTNqHusTu9Uf0-xg8xcIKYUdobBwA7_6MStKgtgiWuG4E/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7piXgl-3JfKOl5o2X6gLWlaD8j6jlfkDG5fvcFRp1WD6GyUkbUhTdS4rYI4ge-tEJ3ydQ50EXJrPJc7dCa31Y-qFEDQuE8zfkPrruo7nx4GijjCOhvRbF016LrvRAF8YMAxqUeMus0/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>As you can see the lattice is black, as are the shutters. (It's funny, in these pictures it looks like we could be in a development, but we're actually in the middle of nowhere land, with trees all around us!) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See, this is my front yard! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5bf1OvPGn_NYQ-Rtp29Gk6C260M-DvWDPMlDe1oSSnFZQJxS1Nb6CWFtX4qh6XjH7aJNxabrkjYfDceH2lGg3VoSZD_rHhpxSsSdLtTlKn5LcIx2t-DAqbSoks37pm_HyBr1dLd-Tis/s320/IMG_1291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Sorry, I get sidetracked.  So, the porch is pretty long and skinny, therefore, my seating options are somewhat limited. Either side of the front door there is room for a small cafe table, or a few rockers. <br /><br />The first thing I want is a couple of runner sized indoor/outdoor rugs. That's about the only size rug I can fit.  I did search around various blogs and Pinterest for tutorials on making my own rugs. A drop cloth rug may be something I could do, but with all I have goiong on this summer (weddings, birthdays, graduations) - I'm hoping to buy a rug or two.  I feel kind of guilty, but, here's one I love. Yellow is my favorite color, and I think it would look great on either side of the porch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K0N9i6KqXDH_NEMG0dxe3dDEYZGHuygrl3ylljjIX9okqSi3uujqNFqnAFRBClHtfr3CBeuzNnj9etqTJj5AlglTyma2izwMlb3SweH_EK41suqTdvzfXAKv9y18UzpzXeZW7tGRu-U/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31iKeXjqZPL.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></div><br />This porch below is about the shape and width of our porch.  I am loving the curtains. I am going to hang curtains on the far ends (not along the front). I want something breezy and colorful. I'm making my own, using fabric from the fabric store. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handmade curtain panels by Lori Lawson" border="0" height="525" hspace="12" src="http://www.front-porch-ideas-and-more.com/image-files/porch-curtains-lnl3.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I look at our front porch all I can see is the white front door. Look at me, I'm boing! (That's what it's saying to me - or maybe that's just the voices again). Anyway, my hubby, Big A, agrees that the door looks boring, and we're painting it black. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ2SbBQzg0sP1704K03QaL1jKpvd-UAbpyp1xw49azh4wA6__EWl839VQZRtU5LFx-7E3rU7HRK46Yjt79qB_gHYFTbXG0qGtzpXiSMMjNGYXwP5BP8ZJMsavqUcM1DJrvrAj8m_iGn4/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I did a little research, and found a tutorial on painting the front door. Sounds easy enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted-black-door " border="0" class="aligncenter" height="604" src="http://www.theidearoom.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/painted-black-door-2_thumb.png" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="how-to-paint-a-front-door" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How to paint your front door <a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/06/how-to-paint-a-door.html">HERE.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Another easy fix for the porch is to paint all of the pots. Whether they're plastic or ceramic, a coat of fresh paint (spray paint works), is an easy upgrade. Just remember it's important to use paint that will withstand the elements outdoors. <br /><br />I've been checking out the local garden centers. All of the different colored pots are beautiful. I'm especially drawn to the gold, but I have to admit, gold wont work for our home. Not this year anyway. Everything is so new, (we built our home just 2 years ago), the gardens are a work in progress, and the grass hasn't fully grown in yet.  <br /><br />I'm thinking the gold might be "making a silk purse out of a sows ear", as my great-grandmother used to say. I don't really know what that means, but gold would be too fancy for our home. I think black for the larger pots and some colorful little guys, would look a lot better. <br /><br />The pot below is great - just paint a large pot and put our house numbers on it. I can do that!<br /><br /><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d8/b0/1d/d8b01d4a4e117b74a70588c841919dc7.jpg" style="height: 981px; width: 736px;" /><br /><br /><br />We have two rockers, similar to the one below, which were a gift from my parents. They're natural wood, and unfortunately, they were attacked by the dog.  Hey, it's hard to tell the differece between a chair and an intruder. <em>SO</em>, the chairs get a makeover - wood fill for the chew marks, and a new coat of paint too. I think they'll look gorgeous painted black. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/736x/e8/42/cd/e842cd6ebd6afb620b789962273284a8.jpg" style="height: 460px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 360px;" /></div>To match the yellow rug, I'm thinking some yellow patterned pillows for the black rockers.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/26/02/aa/2602aabbd615e72fed07d4f96f608b35.jpg" style="height: 640px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 480px;" /></div>I like the stripes and patterns above.  I'll make my own <em>DIY No Sew Pillows.</em> (All I'm going to do is use two tea towels, glue gun the edges and fill with fluffy stuff.) <br /><br />My favorite idea, is one I used at our old house. I am going to put Hostas and Coleus in the long window box planters, and put them along the front railings. As the plants grow they create some height and natural privacy. Plus, they're pretty easy to grow, and very colorful. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/4b/86/87/4b8687b54cc62b81c070794a5f8db7f1.jpg" style="height: 552px; width: 736px;" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/8e/e5/5e/8ee55ee2c6a67634329a431bbf2740d8.jpg" style="height: 350px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 350px;" /></div>To hang them along the railing, I use the brackets below:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000LNTXUE&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />They hook over the railing, and they adjust to the width of the planter, which is handy. <br /><br />Now, in case Big A, wasn't paying attention, this is the rug I want. What? I'm just giving him ideas for my birthday! <br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fymoho-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BBM5I3A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00BBM5I3A&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br />So what are you doing for your porches. Got any cool ideas?

Front Porch Decor

 Hello There!   It's a rainy day, so I'll be honest, my job for today is scouring Pinterest and the HGTV website for ideas and insp...

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