Sharing Shadymont, My Mountain Cottage

A couple weeks ago, I made a trip to Lowe's and bought a fern, a shepherd's hook, and a new hummingbird feeder, some succulents, and a few more items.  Once I returned home, I got busy rearranging the front porch, and sprucing up the little garden area near my front steps. I moved these adirondack chairs to the end of one side of the porch and used the old cushions in them.  Adding the table provides a place for a nice cup of coffee, or a cool drink. The rockers are in their usual spot, but I added new cushions.  I also added a citronella candle, and an arrangement in my old well bucket.  This bucket is the one we actually used when I was a young girl.  We had running water, but if the pipes froze in the winter, we could still "draw" water from the well, and this is the bucket we used.  (I know that information, ages me somewhat, but whatever.....right?) I switched out the Patriotic wreath for this turquoise one until July when I'll switch

This visit to the lake hasn't been as hot as normal for mid-August, so we've been able to sit on the front porch quite a bit.  I recently found this nice table at Rite-Aid for $30.00.  It's just perfect for the porch. I'd love to find a couple more like this for the home in the mountains.  We need at least 2 more of these.  It's extremely sturdy, especially for the price! You can see I visited the Dollar General.  Bought this little stacked wire pumpkin decorated for Fall for $7.00.   I thought it was so cute! Miss Duckie has had a little face lift.  She used to be all brown, with blue and mauve hearts and letters saying "Welcome Friends".  She looked rather country. BEFORE The aqua paint fairy got hold of her, painted her all up, and gave her a new look! See those ruby red lips!  Look at those long lashes!! AFTER She's all ready to welcome guests.  She even has a new design on her body!   I used a stencil,

I had a coupon for a free Valspar paint sample from Lowe's, so I went in yesterday to choose a color.  I got a very pastel pink color.  While in there I went to look at the clearance items in the outdoor section of the store. They had put several of their garden statues and other items on sale.  Lucky me!! Look what I bought for $9.99.  It is very well built, and is fairly heavy, and y'all know how I love birds and cages.   It was regularly $19.99, so if you need/want one, now is the time to go in and grab one before they are gone.   I added it to my plant area on the screened porch.  I'm still loving my ladder plant stand. The stand where I placed the cage looks like it was made for it. The birds look realistic.   I'm thinking the cage would look great in a fall vignette, too. Sharing at: Home and Garden Thursday Share Your Cup Thursday Show And Tell Friday @  My Romantic Home   Frugal Friday @  Shabby

During the summer months, I move my indoor plants to the screened porch where they really thrive.  I try not to over water, but usually water about twice a week when it's so hot.  This summer my Anthurium has just thrived.  Right now it is just full of blooms. It has been sitting underneath the ladder where it gets the benefit of the blowing rain, and drips from some of the other plants higher on the ladder, and I think that is why it has so many blooms.  It normally will only have about 2 at a time. Here you can see how full it is, and all the blooms. This plant came as a cutting from a friend/co-worker of mine.  It has done so well! The blooms look waxy.  There are about 2000 different species of these plants, I discovered. My Christmas Cactus is thriving, and so full! The plant in the top pot is a clipping from my periwinkle.  It died during the winter, but came back strong in the spring. The succulents are doing well.  I p

While shopping for kitchen curtains the other day, I came across this great cushion, and knew it would be a perfect fit for the porch swing at the lake house.  I was definitely on a red kick that day, but I really like the pop of color it adds to the porch. Those "big ole" green striped cushions had been on the swing, but they were so big, and slipped everytime I tried to sit on the swing.  They are a perfect fit for the cheapo white chairs though, and make them look better. While at Rite Aid today, I bought a table for the porch, and moved these two chairs. The table was a great bargain at $29.99.  It was the last one the store had.  It is great quality and quite heavy.   I spray painted this old wooden goose, and dressed her in this hat that belonged to my MIL.   I had some pieces of an old floral garland, and hot glued them to the hat. She waits beside the door to welcome friends!   Come on by and we'll have a glass of sweet ice

You may remember the bi-fold door (below) that I painted and waxed and placed in the corner of the dining room.  I had another smaller bi-fold door in the basement that needed a makeover too.   I mixed some gray paint with plaster of paris and water to make some chalk paint.  It has just a hint of gray. I painted the smaller with it, rubbed on some dark wax, stenciled a tree design (using the same stencil I've used on numerous projects), and our street address number on the door, and stood it on the front porch.  I placed it behind this turquoise table and added faux mums to the clay jack-o-lantern. Just an additional bit of fall decor for the porch. I already had all the items, so no money was spent.   ~~~ This arrangement was a gift from my sister-in-law.  It stands between the front door, and the french door entrance to the dining room. I'd love to run up on some new cushions (clearance) for the rockers, but I'll probabl