More Red, White and Blue...

I saw this fabulous finial with the flags in a catalog last Summer and when I saw it again this year, I couldn't pass it up.  Our dining table is so big that it needs a bigger centerpiece than most tables. 

The crackle finish on the post is perfect with the aged flags.

I also got this arch that has five flags.

The top of the shelves has a grouping of my Patriotic collections.

This bird house sign is on our back door to the screened porch.

We've have new chairs for our table on the screened porch ordered.  As soon as they arrive, I'll show you our screened porch decorated for Summer.

Gretchen

Be Patriotic All Summer Long...

Summer is the perfect time to decorate with red, white and blue and this year I've added more to the outside.

I've been searching for just the perfect bunting and I think I've found it.

What do you think?

Later this week I'll show you my red, white and blue inside the house.

Gretchen

Updating My Bargain Sofa...

Don't you love these big chunky legs on my sofa.  Well.....it didn't start out that way.

Remember my sofa that I bought at Overstock.com for $400.  Well, the only thing I hated were the legs.

They were modern and ugly and not even real wood.  I found these chunky ones at Amazon.com and they look much better.

I love this sofa but it was just missing that little touch.

Since Mr. Bird Nest is out of town on a trip, I installed the legs myself.  How long do you think it will take him to notice them.  I'm thinking.....never.

Gretchen

I Couldn't Help Myself...

First, let me thank all of my readers who requested Zinnia seeds for their gardens.  I hope you derive as much pleasure as I do each year when I gather bouquets for my house and for family and friends.  Your seeds have all been sent.

 

I told you I just couldn't help myself.  When I spied these bird knobs in a catalog I had to have them for my kitchen. 

I know I don't have many doors left since I've opted for many open shelves but that may be a "good thing".  This way my kitchen isn't overwhelmed by my new knobs.

Every time I think I'm done with my kitchen I find something to add.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Gretchen

It's Time For My Annual Zinnia Seed Giveaway...

This was my Zinnia garden last year.  I harvested seeds from it and I am having a giveaway as long as the seeds last.

Comment on this blog and then e-mail me your name and home address to gretchengerg@bellsouth.net .  I will mail you seeds for your garden. 

Happy Planting!

Gretchen

Master Bath Update...

Recently, I mentioned to my husband that a friend had a hand held sprayer in her bathtub and said I thought that would be nice.  The next week, I had a spray in mine.  But it didn't look quite like this.

My tub looked more like this.

When we redid our bathroom, we talked about putting tile around the tub but didn't know who to call. 

I called my son Rick to see if he could recommend someone and all he said was "HELLO, how about me"?  I didn't even know he knew how to tile.  Sometimes he doesn't tell me this stuff because he knows I'll find a project for him.  Smart kid!!!

This was the tile minus the grout.  I chose simple subway tile with a charcoal gray grout.  (Less cleaning, I hope.)

This is my favorite part of my soaking tub.  The relaxing part....

So, when you wonder why I haven't blogged in a few days, it's probably because I've been soaking.

Gretchen

$3.50 Quick Kitchen Update...

We just completed painting our kitchen cabinets inside and out.  In the process of preparing, I decided to try to find a way to make the cabinets look more custom.

For about $3.50 each at Lowe's, I bought these corner brackets.  I removed the hardware and used Super Glue to add them to the cabinets.

The brackets just add the extra dimension the cabinets needed.

I've only got three doors left on top.  I wonder when I'll get tired of those too.

Mr. Bird Nest loves just grabbing a glass when he wants one.

There are still a few brackets left.  Hmmm...I wonder where they could go?

Gretchen