Sunday, May 9, 2010

Our Front Porch and Blue Hour Mosaic

Well another week is about to start again and I am linking with 4 parties:
Susan of http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com is hosting Metamorphosis Monday.
Sally of http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/ is hosting Blue Monday.


Mary of http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/ is hosting Mosaic Monday.

And last but not least, Marty of http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ is hosting Tabletop Tuesday.
Don't forget to visit our hostesses and their participants to see many creative posts and makeovers.
This is our front porch. I have never done anything to it since we moved here 3 years ago. This is how it always looked like all these years.
I saw some rockers advertised at Big Lots. Yes, Big Lots, lol. And they were only $80 each. I went to see how they looked and actually liked them. I thought they were heavy enough, so I bought 2.
Then I saw a matching settee. I thought to myself I better bring my hubby there to look at them because if he likes them, he will pay for them instead of me. Ha! ha!
I took him there after work and sure enough, he liked it and liked the chairs too. He thought my mom would probably like sitting on the chair. So we bought the whole set. Too bad they had no coffee table (sold out) so I am using my old bamboo, actually end table. I plan to stain it darker but just have not gotten around to it.
When I started taking pictures, I realized I still had my Christmas mat in front of the door. I told you, I have neglected this part of the house since I am always working in the backyard. Anyway, I bought a new mat from TJ Maxx for $7. I moved my bike planter from the back.
There are the rockers. I moved the green garden stool from the back deck. See the red roses blooming?
I had a tea cart which was just sitting extra inside the house so I took it out and put it in b/w the rocking chairs.
I also moved this fuschia hanging planter from the back.
I bought this small rooster mosaic table from Ross on sale for $13. The sun is reflecting on it making it hard to see the design.
I already had these 2 bird cages. I hang one on the chain where I normally put a hanging planter. A friend of ours gave us the plant which I transplanted in that big pot, for our birthday.
I had a lot of fun accessorizing the tables. I moved those bamboo stools from inside the house and added candles on them. I am using faux candles so I can just leave them on at night.
And this is how our front porch looks now.



I do have real candles too but I only light them when I am out there.

Lastly, I would like to share the pictures I took during the "Blue Hour". I took a pic while the sun was setting and waited until after to start taking more pictures and these are what I came up with. Pretty cool, I think, considering that the sky looked gray when I took them. The sky matches the pool, doesn't it? Thanks Susan for educating us about the blue hour.
Thanks to the lovely ladies for hosting these wonderful parties.

And I thank you all for coming by and leaving comments. I hope you all have a nice week!

BTW, if you want to sign up for my giveaway, leave a comment at
http://christineshomeandtraveladventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/300-posts-giveaways-favorites-and.html

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI Christine! The front of your home is so lovely and your porch! It's beautiful! Your new porch furniture is so nice and I do love how you've put everything to gather. I think I like it better not to have everything matching! I would love to sit out here with you and sip something cool!
Happy Mother's Day and be a sweetie,]
Shelia ;)

BernieH said...

What a fabulous job you've done ... I just love it and I'd be tempted to sit out there day and night!

Just love those rockers, that mosaic table and your tea cart is fantastic.

The Charm of Home said...

Your home is so pretty! I just love your front porch!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Looking good Christine. You've transformed your porch into a place of beauty where visitors are going to love to sit with you.
I would. :-)
I'm going to have to try a blue hour photo - yours turned out amazing.

Mary said...

Oh, that looks so wonderful, Christine -- comfortable, beautiful and inviting! Thanks for sharing at MM. :)

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Christine,
I love what you did to your porch! It looks like a lovely place to sit anytime of day!

Debbiedoos said...

Christine sometimes I am amazed at the awesome things Big lots has. Your front porch looks awesome! How do you take such nice night photos? I love them!!~

A Garden of Threads said...

What a lovely place to sit in the evenings or for coffee in the morning. It looks wonderful, great job:)

Snap said...

Your front porch is lovely. I'm off to Big Lots tomorrow to see what I can find! I usually drop by to see what discontinued yarns they have ... have to keep the yarn well stashed! :D

Sue McPeak said...

I had such a nice rest on your lovely porch. Your home is lovely, and you did a great job with the decorating.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I'm sure you and your family will be using that front porch now...It looks so inviting...

Anonymous said...

Oh, Christine, what an inviting porch. I love it. The wicker is so rich and lovely looking. It makes me want to stop by and visit with you. You always do such warm and inviting decorating.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

What a pretty place to sit, relax, with something good to drink, good company and conversation. I have those same swirl toparies on each side of my sliding glass doors. The original lights went out last year, and they were to hard to take off, so my daughter put a new set on top of them for me.
Hope you had a great Mother's Day.
Glenda

Mary Lou said...

Do you just stand in the front yard and look at your house and wonder what took you so long? It's gorgeous.
PS I wouldn't paint the table darker..just me.

Cindy J. said...

Christine, your porch is just beautiful.. I love the front of your house too, I don't think I have ever seen a pic of it's front. Wow you are sure the bargain hunter!!! Hope you had a wonderful mother's day. Love, Cindy

Kathysue said...

Oh Christine I am so glad you gave your front porch your special touch. It looks like the perfect place to sit and rock. I would love to have a porch as big as yours. Great Job!! Kathysue

Lady Patchy said...

you did a wonderful job to your front porch .they look lovelier now .

Johanna Gehrlein said...

You are a women who knows how to make a comfortable and inviting home.
Greetings, Johanna

Stacey 18 said...

You have a lovely home. The outdoor setting looks lovely, so does your pool. Nice work!

luna said...

WOnderful place and home and photos!
Happy Blue Monday..Luna

Lynn said...

Looks great! I love the brick and the candle holder that says "celebrate today", really cool!

Daniela said...

What a lovely home you have, lucky you :)

Carol at Serendipity said...

Your porch looks wonderful - inviting and comfortable.

Carol

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Christine, your porch looks beautiful. And, to tell you the truth, I like the coffee table you already have...it's more interesting to me to have it be different...not matchy-matchy. In fact, it really adds to the arrangement! So, well done - it's so inviting! Linda

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Hi Christine,

Wow, you've been busy! I had to laugh about your Christmas doormat - time does have a way of slipping away from us!

Amanda

SmilingSally said...

I love this front porch, Christine. That one large plant in the right corner (hosta?) caught my eye. Happy Blue Monday.

Amber said...

Stopping over from Between Naps on the Porch. Beautiful front porch! Your home is gorgeous! I love the brick and the windows. I really like the bamboo table with your new chairs and loveseat. :)

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Beautiful mosaic of your porch, Christine! And I love your blue hour photos! I haven't tried that yet! Your pool looks like something out of a magazine! I'm off to check out your giveaway. I seem to always be knee deep in diapers and bottles these days...so far behind in the blogland! lol Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

Anonymous said...

What a great 'makeover' for your (great) house. And w/o much ado it looks really nice! I think I'll have to find out what this blue hour stuff is too. Enjoyed your post! Thanks, Jenn PS thanks for stopping by!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Christine,
NOW THAT is a porch to die for!! I LOVE everything you did and how you arranged it. I can just imagine sitting out there with a cup of tea and a good book!!
Debbie

Ann said...

Christine, First I must say that I love the bones of your front porch. It is so pretty and then you went a dressed it all up with such great furniture and adorable accessories. Now it all looks fantastic!!

I hope you have a wonderful week~
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel

Anonymous said...

Christine,
You have been busy as a bee....Love..love your new rokers and the sets. Just beautiful! I expecially love the way you put everything in place....the scenery of the sky and the pool...It's breathtaking...WOW! Hope you had a great Mother's Day...Hope you have a great week...katherinerllen

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Christine, I love your brick floored front porch. Love the wicker you bought. Your front porch looks like an old plantation's porch.

Marice said...

you have beautifully maintained your lovely porch :) everything is falls in the right place :) thanks much for sharing this to us!

u may view mine here

Cindy said...

What a wonderful job you have done decorating!!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh what a transformation....it looks like a wonderful place to go out have a nice cup of tea....after having a delightful swim in that delish pool!

Hugs,
Spencer

PAT said...

Christine, I love your beautiful front porch.

Those rockers are wonderful. Wish we had a Big Lots nearby.

Unknown said...

Christine,
You really made a statement with your porch, great job. You have a beautiful home! I love the way you mixed everything together, it looks so comfortable and inviting.
Thanks for sharing.
Sandy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Wow Christine, you really did do some fabulous decorating. I love the furniture you bought and you have accessorized it just beautifully. Your home is so pretty and you have really created such a warm and inviting entry. Isn't it fun to sit there and enjoy all the beauty around you. Thanks so much for joining the party. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Big Lots, you say? Those are great looking, Christine! I love them on your porch {love your porch, too}.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love that front porch Christine with the pavers and pillars! You did a fabulous job on the decor! I love the rockers and all your pretty plants and lighting, it looks just grand!
Cindy

Sue said...

Wow-you changed the entire look of the house. I bet you wish you had done that sooner, it is so pretty out there.

I really can't wait to try to get some blue hour shots. My "to do" list just gets longer all the time.

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

Very inviting it looks so warm and cozy.... Everything is just beautiful. Keep inspiring us.

Divamom said...

All I can say is "WOW"!!! :o

Be Blessed!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Christine, I love what you did with your front porch. I so need to get going on mine. Thanks for the inspirations! Love that teacart! It's all so wonderful! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Your front porch looks wonderful and has given the "house" that "homey, welcoming" appeal. Well done. And your blue hour pics are good, too. I still haven't captured that yet. ...Karen

Decor To Adore said...

What a clever and creative tablescape. I adore a cozy porch. Well done!

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hello Christine,I love your beautiful porch! It looks like perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea! I love things I can find at Big Lot's too. Thank you for sharing.
Hugz,
Kim

Beth said...

Christine, What a tranquil and beautiful setting! I love your new rockers. Love all your accent pieces. You truly have an eye for design! The red roses are gorgeous and I love your blue hour photos by the pool!
Beth

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi, I just wanted to stop back by again and thank you for visiting and leaving your comment on my vintage rose centerpiece.
Hugz,
Kim

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just lovely girl...I really can see your sweet mama sitting out there with her BIG ole smile...love the blue hour shot by the pool...I pray all is well in your world today my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

DesignTies said...

Such a beautiful porch, Christine!! Definitely a lovely place to sit and watch children play in the neighbourhood - and visit your neighbours as they pass by!!

And your blue-hour photos are FAB!!

Yes, that pencil-crayon fence would be very fun for a children's play area... but NOT in my front yard!! ;-)
Victoria

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW! Christine your home is elegant and charming all in one! You have really created a welcoming front porch. Precious chairs and the night views are amazing. Wonderful job! *Smiles*

Melissa Miller said...

Once again I have to tell you I LOVE the "blue hour". ~WOW!!!!

Dolores said...

I love the red brick on your beautiful home, but the walkway and porch made of brick is outstanding!

Your porch is so pretty and inviting....the furniture is perfect!

Donna said...

Hi, Christine,
Sorry, I didn't reply. I was out of town, and then I actually forgot.
I plan to be at your party. I'm going back to read your post to see what else I need to do. Right now, I gotta go watch "V" :)

D

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

Hey Christine,
Your porch looks so beautiful and welcoming...I love it!
Your pool looks so pretty at night too. I'm off to catch up on what I've missed at the rest of your posts :)
Hope you have a great week.
Big Hugs,
Queenie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, your front porch looks so pretty - looks like a wonderful place to relax and chat. Your rockers and your other furniture look so inviting. I tried some blue hour photos too. Yours turned out great! laurie

Unknown said...

Your Home is so pretty and your porch is so inviting. I can just see sitting there with a cold drink and chatting. Very relaxing! :)

~Liz

Diann said...

Hi Christine!

Your porch looks wonderful! Very inviting! Okay, I am going to take a seat and enjoy some tea and listen to the birds on your porch for a few minutes. so, don't mind me over there sittin! :)

lvroftiques said...

Oh my gosh Christine! I can't believe you found that furniture at Big Lots!! I don't know what I expected but I didn't think it was going to look sooo great! It just transforms your front porch into another livingroom! (Glad your hubbs liked it too *winks*) Your mom is going to love it! Isn't that cool about the blue hour? Vanna

Dena E's Blog said...

Wow, what a gorgeous home!!! The pics are just great!!! I am trying to figure out how so many of you have lots of comments at your blogs and then there are a few like me who only have a few on Blue Monday's. What do I do wrong??? Tomorrow will be my 4th or 5th one and I am confused as to what to show and what or how to say things. Any advice is greatly apperciated if I am not being to forward...I do enjoy the blogging and had hoped to make some special friendships along the way too.
Again your blog and pics are super but as I saw, I am not the only 1 who feels happy here ;0)
Iowa Hugs from Dena

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