Saturday, April 23, 2016

Refreshing the Sun Porch

Hello Friends!

I've been away for awhile because my mom has been in and out of the hospital since early February. She ended up having several procedures and, ultimately, open-heart surgery. She is back home now and is gradually working her way toward recovery...it's been a tough journey for her.

Most of the projects at my house had been suspended during this time, but I've managed to erratically peck away here and there. Our sun porch has been beckoning for me to clean and bring it back to life after a long winter's sleep. It's always nice to move the houseplants from dry indoor rooms with limited sunlight, back out to the sun porch with its bright light and humidity.

Here is the first area I have been puttering with. We have a table and 4 chairs in one corner that we occasionally eat at during the summer months.


You may remember the pea art from a previous sun porch post. I lowered it on the wall a little and hung this wall plaque above it (which used to hang in our master bath.) I tend to move accessories around the house frequently to keep things looking fresh.


This obelisk-shaped candleholder from HomeGoods caught my eye right away. I love its architectural quality and decided that a plant would look perfect in it. You all know my history with houseplants...it's not pretty, haha. My daughter, on the other hand, is a genius with cacti and succulents. She has inspired me to try these and has given me a few tips on how to care for them (or rather how to neglect them, which they seem to prefer, thank goodness.)


I found these old garden tools at my favorite local antique shop a couple of years ago and brought them out again to give that garden feel to the porch. Even though I have a brown thumb, a gal can pretend, right? ;)


The view from our porch is verdant and lush with spring blooms right now. Luckily, our neighbors have gorgeous yards! I'm going to give the gardening "thing" my best shot again this year. I always have BIG plans...


Soon, I'll be sharing the rest of the sun porch décor. I hope you'll stop by next week for a visit!

Julie



Sharing with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Amaze Me Monday, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, The Scoop, At Home with Jemma, A Delightsome Life, French Country Cottage, Thoughts of Home, Shabby Art Boutique

22 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your mother Julie, wishing her a speedy recovery! I love your little sun porch vignette, those vintage tools add so much charm. And a house plant that you just ignore sounds right up my alley. xo

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    1. Thank you for the well wishes for my mom, Sally. I sure hope I can keep these succulents alive, haha! Hugs to you :)

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  3. Hi Julie, I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. Your sun porch is so charming and I am coveting those garden tools! Happy weekend, friend!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia. Hopefully Mom will make a good recovery over time. The garden tools have been a fun decorative accessory in my garden-themed sun porch :)

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  4. Julie,
    I too am sorry to hear about your Mom. It sounds though that she is blessed to have you around to help her. That makes all the difference in the world on her recovery.
    I love this project, by the way, I think I mentioned it on IG:) Pinning!
    Jemma

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    1. You are a sweetheart, Jemma. I am an only child, and my mom and I have always been close. Her time in the hospital and at home recovering have given us more precious moments of closeness and great talks.
      I'm planning to show the rest of the sun porch in a few days, if things go well ;)

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  5. Loving what I see on your porch. The candle/plant holder is such a great piece. You certainly have pretty views from your porch.
    Mary Alice

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    1. Those views are all thanks to our neighbors, Mary Alice ;) Actually, this is one of the things that drew us to the house in the first place. This sun porch will be a nice selling feature someday, too. Thanks for stopping by today!

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  6. Julie, you are so blessed to still have your sweet mama. Cherish every minute, I wish I still had my little mama, not a day goes by that I don't wish she was here. And I love what you have done to your sun porch, can't wait to see the next adventure. I've also been "spring cleaning". Whew!!

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    1. I do feel blessed to have my mom with me and living nearby, Jo. I know there is a day in the future when I will be without her and will miss her dearly. Moms are so special, aren't they? Thanks for visiting today :)

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  7. You are doing what all supportive daughters do=
    first things first.
    Your sun porch is lovely!
    I am so glad you shared this at our Garden Party!


    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  8. Pretty sun porch Julie. So sorry to hear about you mom. Hope she has a speedy recovery.

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    1. My mom is doing a little better. Thanks, Kristi!

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  9. I hope all goes well with your mother.

    How fun to have the cute garden tools.

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    1. Thank you, Carol. And thanks for the fun party!

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  10. Love the old garden tools! Thank you so much for linking up to the Garden Party.

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  11. Julie, so sorry about your mom. I hope she has a speedy recovery! Love the new piece from Home Goods and the old garden tools. I always pick them up when I run across them. In fact I brought one home from South Carolina and hubby said, "Don't you have enough of these?" No, never enough! lol! Yes, neglect is the best medicine for succulents. :) Thanks for sharing with the Garden Party.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Jann, I don't think the husbands understand our decorating "needs" at all, haha. I'm hoping to have some luck with these succulents. My gardener's ego needs it ;). Thanks for your well wishes for my mom.

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