It’s Day Three of the Blogger Block Party! Today we are sharing a little bit of everything…porches, decks, a little summer fashion and some outdoor dining…Whew!
First, let’s head over to the NW and pay Vanessa a visit!
Welcome to Oregon! No, you’re not seeing things…that is actual BLUE SKY behind my house!
It may not last long so let me quickly show you around my outdoor spaces. We just got a new lawn put in this year and my hubby couldn’t be happier. They told us that we had about 12 different varieties of grass and that the Horticulture school would probably love to come out and take a look at the “experiment” we had going on in our yard!
Come a little closer and you are on our front “porch”. I still have big plans for this space (painting the trim being one of them), but in the meantime I did a quick makeover just using things from around my home.
I wanted a little table but didn’t want to spend any money. So I pulled out this big planter and added a glass top that goes with those inexpensive round “decorator” tables.
I have about 5 of these stashed away and now I’m glad I held onto them!
Instant Table!
And now let’s head out back to our deck! There were plans to remove the old deck and replace it with a 2-tiered one this summer but…well…we bought a car instead. Isn’t that the way life goes?
So, it just got spruced up a bit and filled with plants to help cover up as much of it as possible!
And just because I love Jenn from Green Door Designs, I’m doing something I never thought I would do. I’m participating in her Summer Fashion Party and actually sharing what I wore yesterday. Yikes!
Most of the day I spent in my “grubbies” as I worked in the yard and around the house.
But we did have to go to a Birthday party in the afternoon so I had to put on non hole-filled-covered-in potting-soil-clothing and here is what I wore.
Ummm…this will probably be the only time I do this so…here goes!
That picture isn’t just hazy from the photo editing…that is one dirty mirror in my kid’s bathroom.
One more reason not to do this very often…who wants to clean the mirror every time!
I’m pretty much a walking TJ Maxx Billboard with this outfit. Everything (except the bracelet) was purchased there right down to my Steve Madden sandals and my $12 bag!
My hubby must have liked that I wasn’t wearing sweats for once because he made me one of my most favorite summer meals last night. We may not have a fabulous pizza oven like Miss Judy but he manages to make this scrumptious pizza on our regular ol’ grill.
The recipe for this Grilled Pizza with Sausage, Peppers and Onions and Oregano Ricotta is a Bobby Flay specialty and can be found here.
And now, I’m heading down the block to visit Heather. If only it were as easy to do in real life as it is in Blogland!
Hey there’s some blue skies here in Kentucky too!
Believe it or not we haven’t seen a lot of this so far this summer. Usually the South is sunny and hot this time of year but I think Vanessa decided to share some of that Northwest rain with us because we’ve had more than our share of rainy days so far…I’m ready for the hot, lazy days of summer to arrive permanently! We always host several summer parties at our house and spending the 4th of July with us has become a tradition for many of our friends. This year is no exception! In honor of the Summer Blogger Block Party I wanted to deck my front porch (heh. pun intended) out a little more than I normally do.
Of course it wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a ginormous flag out front!
I think my favorite spot on our front porch has to be my porch swing…we wrote it into the contract when we bought the house: MUST LEAVE PORCH SWING! Did you spy my herb garden basket that the girl and I made a few weeks ago? It decided to get in on the patriotic act too with a few small flags! It’s doing really well!
I added a few quilts to the back so on a chilly evening we can curl up out here and watch the fireflies in the woods! They put on an amazing show every night…it’s like nature’s own fireworks! I often find the girl curled up here with Bear swinging in the breeze and it makes my heart happy!
Here is where you will often find Bama Boy and me on a summer morning. We love to come out here and drink coffee together and watch the world wake up
You can get a glimpse here of my no-sew patriotic pillows! They add a nice touch of the 4th without being too over the top.
This summer I decided to add a little more seating to my front porch since we often have several people wanting to sit out here during a party. I added this little table I’ve had hanging around forever in this empty corner by the front door. I found these two faux wicker and iron chairs at Family Dollar for $13 each and thought they matched perfect! Now it wouldn’t be a party in Kentucky without some Ale 8!
Ale 8 is a regional soda and we were introduced to it when we moved to the Bluegrass State. I love to keep a bucket of drinks on the porch and deck during a party so our guests can help themselves!
We often end up with a pile of muddy shoes and flip-flops on our front porch as the neighborhood kids traipse in and out for popsicles and a glass of lemonade. I like to provide a basket in the summer for them to put their shoes in. It keeps my porch looking nice and Bear from stealing a flip-flop or two, or three…
Well it’s time to head on in out of the heat. I can offer you a glass of sweet tea or how about one of Bama Boy’s special mojitos? I’ll be sharing the recipe on Friday at my Fresh from the Garden post! If you decide to stay awhile, you can join us back out on the front porch tonight where we can sit by the candlelight, listen to the cicadas sing their song and the fireflies dance!
My front porch…my favorite place to be!
P.S. I’ll be teaching you how to make that no-sew 4th of July pendant banner next week so stay tuned!
We are sharing this post with Kim from Savvy Southern Style for her Porches and Decks Party, Jenn at Green Door Designs for her Summer Fashions Party and Judy at DIY by Design for her Outdoor Cooking and Dining Party! You can also join Kara over at Elements Interiors and share your DIY Summer Projects! That’s a whole lot of parties on the block people! Thank you for joining us on this leg of the Blogger Block Party now head on over to the parties above and link up!
And another shout out to all of our fabulous sponsors!
Thanks for joining us today on our porches and decks at the Fence,
This post is partying with:
Wow! You both have gorgeous homes! I really enjoyed seeing your front porches & deck!
Fabulous! You look so cute Vanessa. Your home is gorgeous.
Both of y’all have wonderful homes and porches.
Your porches both look wonderful! Vanessa, I know you were happy to see that blue sky! Heather, I want you to know that it really made me smile to see the photos of Ale-8. One of my college roommates was from Mt. Sterling, and she introduced me to Ale-8. My aunt and uncle live in Lexington, and they brought be a carton when they came to my wedding. I had Ale-8 for breakfast on my wedding day, 26 years ago today! 🙂
They both look fantastic!!!! I wish that my house sat on that piece of land with all those beautiful trees… God Bless America
Pattie
Well aren,t you the cutest thing!
I love both of your outdoor spaces, makes me want to come over, hang out and drink all your wine!
Both of your homes are so welcoming! I love the outdoor spaces. Vanessa, you look adorable & I love your sandals!
they both look gorgeous! 🙂
Vanessa, I love your outfit. Both porches are really pretty!
I love both your homes!! So gorgeous! Vanessa, your outfit was so cute!! Love the sandals and the purse – and Heather, we’ve had our fair share of rain here in TN too! I’m not complaining too much though, our poor lawn and landscaping needed it! But I’m ready for some sun!
Both of your homes and porches look fantastic! Vanessa, you outfit is very cute! I hate taking photos of myself as I’m always running around in a tank top and shorts with my hair up and no makeup!Even your toes look pretty!
Hi Vanessa & Heather,
You both have lovely homes. Your landscaping & lawns are just perfect! Especially against a Blue Summer Sky!!
Have a Great Summer!
All the Best,
Christine
Simply gawgeous, my dear.
What fun! You girls are both so different in looks and in your home decor and home “personality” but BOTH have the same big loving,generous heart!
Both porches are just amazing. How wonderful to see some blue sky in Oregon…and some NOT SO HOT days in the South!! Thank you both for sharing here..that party is phenomenal, isn’t it? xo to you both-xo Diana
Simply wonderful! And the Personality bursts forth in the porches! Visiting from SSS!!
Blessings!!
Love the porch swing with all those pillows. It is all very cozy and ready for the 4th.
You two both have beautiful outdoor spaces. I could spend some leisure time in the NW or in Kentucky, especially on that porch swing.
Thanks for hosting this awesome party all week. I’m having a great time blog hopping. ~ Sarah
Thanks so much for the shout out…btw I think your pizza looks very yummy. Better photo than mine for sure.
Both are gorgeous. LOVE ’em!! I recognized the Kentucky girl right away. Ale-8’s are a force to be reckoned with around here. 🙂
Loving your outside spaces ladies!! Vanessa awesome idea on making a table!
Just beautiful. How patriotic…I am thinking classic and comfortable. ha…no wonder I like them.
Bee-youuuu-tee-ful homes, girls !! WOW !! Vanessa, your entry is full of grandeur and your back deck looks so inviting. (You look beautiful, too!) What time is dinner? And, I’m DROOLING over the pizza … I’m going over to check out the recipe in just a sec! Heather, your front porch is sooo inviting … I can see why you asked (or was that demanded?) that the porch swing stay! Again, thanks to you both for organizing such a fun and successful blog party! xoxo
Both of your outdoor spaces are so lovely. Heather, I love the swing. I can see why you wanted it to stay. Vanessa, you look adorable! Oh and posting a pic of your yummy grilled pizza….so not nice of you to do to a pregnant lady lol! I am hungry now…again!
Oh my goodness your homes are just gorgeous!! I love your area Vanessa and I love the table idea. You are so adorable, TJ Maxx has some great things. Heather your porch is wonderful, so many spots to choose from to lounge on a summer afternoon.
Thank you for sharing!!
xo
Wow, you 2 rock your spaces! Love that grand entry, Vanessa. It’s formal but very inviting, just like you. Your deck area is truly lovely.
That is an incredible front porch. I don’t know why front porches aren’t as popular in other areas of the US like they are across the south. Yours is so warm and lovely. It’s easy to understand why it’s a gathering place for family and friends.
You both have such great porches and outdoor spaces! Love that porch swing! I want one too!!!
Hi ladies, Both of your homes and porches are beautiful! I love the porch swing and Vanessa you are just so cute! If I looked like you I would be doing the What I Wore party each week.
Hugs,
Sherry
You have a lovely porch… really nice home.. its neat..very nice..
The front porch serves as the face of the home. It is important that you embellish it with the right accents in order for it to exude a friendly and welcoming vibe. With these wooden swings in place, you and your visitors will be immediately greeted by the beautiful and cozy seat as you open the gates of your home. Their lovely designs, superb construction and excellent finishes will surely capture the interest of people walking by.
Outdoor Swing