During my recent visit with my sister in Farmington, Michigan, I spent one morning photographing some of the older houses that drew my attention. Today I am sharing a charming home with shade trees and flowers. I like the landscaping and the warm color of the exterior. The photo below also shows part of the blue home next door. Read More
Author: Carol
I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.
Autumn Is A Second Spring, Free Autumn Printable
Despite the date shown on the calendar, I feel autumn begins after Labor Day. I start looking forward to the change in temperature and the cooler days. Here in Florida, it’s still really hot, but up north, leaves turn and make a colorful display. I miss that.
Brown Birds & Boston Fern
Getting Ready For Fall
Usually I go for simple decorating; sometimes it is just a household plant. Today I am sharing a favorite late summer early fall look, a cream and brown graphic runner and a house plant, a Boston Fern. It is coming to the end of summer, and I am getting ready to travel north to visit family in Michigan. My friend will come by and water my houseplants while I’m gone. After months of bright, humid heat, a break up north is a treat. I often go in August. The break gives me incentive to finish the hurricane season, as I look forward to the cooler temps of winter. This pretty table will welcome me home.
Read More
My Favorite Things,Today I Choose Joy In A Handmade Vintage Jewelry Frame
I love to surround myself with things that I love for their beauty and their emotional significance. My decor is built on a collection of items that I was given, bought, or inherited. My collection was started many years ago and includes furniture, paintings, and other items that remind me of my family, friends, and my faith. New decor is added and discarded as my taste changes, but the collection of favorite things remains. One of my favorite items is a frame decorated with vintage jewelry made for me by a friend for my birthday.
White Periwinkle or Vinca, My Gift From God
Back in spring 2014 when I first began landscaping my yard (Spring in My Developing Front Garden), I planted yellow wildflowers on the side garden next to the sidewalk. In the middle of the summer, I saw a little white flower on a long stem peeking out in the large mass of yellow wild flowers. It looked like periwinkle (vinca) but it was white. I had seen lots of purple periwinkle and had planted some in the front yard. Read More
Grilled Watermelon with Feta and Mint
One of the prime pleasures of summer is ripe, juicy watermelon. Watermelon is not only delicious but also very nutritious. As I wrote last summer, (Watermelon’s Great Health Benefits), this red fruit is filled with antioxidants, lycopene, vitamins, and minerals. As a matter of fact, ripe watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes. It is low in sodium, calories and fat. What could be better than healthy food that has great taste?
In The Garden At The End of June, Kiss N’ Tell Orange Hibiscus
Last fall I planted two beautiful hibiscus, Kiss N’ Tell, in the front garden planters. They have wonderfully tropical orange petals with deep burgundy centers. The botanical name is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It was sold by Home Depot as part of the Hisbiskiss line. The 6 to 7 inch blooms stand out nicely against the foliage of this shrub. I had hoped the small plants could be in the large container until this fall when I would transplant to the back yard against the fence.
DIY Tablecloth and Curtains From Thrift Store Remnants
Last winter I purchased a bag of unused remnants at a thrift store. Besides several small pieces of various patterns,there were two pieces of deep blue material with sunflowers in two coordinating designs. I loved them and thought one piece was large enough to make a summer tablecloth.
Read More