Now that things are warming up, we are spending more time on our back porch once again. This is an outdoor room that we just love and use a LOT! But like every other room, it needed a spring cleaning! I was amazed at how much better everything looked after I scrubbed down every inch of this space. Not sure why I’d never considered the need for a deep spring cleaning out there! Oh, I always wiped down the tables and wash the linens, but it needed lots more!
The rug and the concrete nearly sparkle now, but they were caked with dried worms and debris!
First I pulled everything out of this space except for the swing.
Using the hose, I gave the concrete slab a cleaning, using the spray nozzle on high. I had to go over it several times to remove all the dried worms (!), and bird mess!
Using soapy water, I washed down all the chairs, the swing, the posts on the porch, and the siding on the house.
I sprayed both sides of the outdoor rug. It looks brand new (see picture below). These outdoor rugs are worth the price! They really take the weather and all the elements well! I got mine at Lowe’s.
The glass door was washed.
All the summer toys were inspected, and then either put back in place or were pitched to be replaced.
My swing cushion is on its way to the laundry mat this week.
I added annuals to my containers.
Everything looks and feels so clean and inviting! I only wish I had taken a before photo, but I hope that my “after” pictures will inspire you to scrub down your porches, too!
I am looking to replace the cushions on my furniture. We store them away during the winter, but they have a weird feeling that doesn’t wipe off. Do you have outdoor cushions that you love? I’d be so thankful for your suggestions!
Later this week my front porch will get the same treatment! Do you need to refresh your porches for summertime?
It’s mid July and it’s hot and humid in the south! While we all realize that thinner summer clothes are necessary for the temperatures, we need to be mindful to keep those summer outfits classy. That does not mean we have to be dressed up on casual days, but keeping things appropriate and tasteful is the name of the game.
1. Keep it cool and covered
When tops or dresses are thin or low cut, layer a thin tank top underneath. They can be found at Old Navy, Target, Walmart…lots of places! I have them in many colors. Just make sure they’re not too scooped to cover what needs to be covered. I’ve heard of women wearing them backwards in order to achieve that!
Outfit- Thin white top with white tank and white jeans. I love adding a pop of color in the shoe when I wear white. For a tailored look, If the top is flowing like this one, make sure the pants are slim and straight. The tank underneath keeps this top from being see-through and too low in the V, as well as under the arm.
2. Undergarments should stay under!
Keeping it classy means wearing proper styles of underclothes that do just what they say and stay hidden under your clothes. Make sure your bra straps are razor back when you wear necklines or sleeves that are cut in. Again, wearing a tank top under can help hide your straps.
Again, wearing a tank under this top kept things underneath.
3. Add lighter Accessorizes
Don’t neglect accessories just because it’s hot. Wearing thin, layered chains is really a great look right now and they’re also not as hot as some necklaces can be. Find staggering lengths to wear together.
I have on three layered necklaces at varying lengths that added some style but no heat!This little necklace would also be perfect in a hot day.
Another great addition is statement earrings as another way to accessorize your outfit, but forgo the necklace so you won’t have the Gypsy look! 😉 Also, as in the white outfit above, even your shoes that add a pop of color act as your accessory!
Summer outfits are fun, colorful, and can still keep you classy and cool!
Do you need to refresh your approach to your summertime outfits? What addition will you make?
Perhaps you’ve heard the line, “When this you see, think of me.” What do you see that automatically takes you to summer? Maybe it’s the 100 degrees on the thermometer outside your window accompanied by 100% humidity, but I mean the good pictures, the things that make your heart happy!
It IS hot right now, but there are too many good things we can’t overlook. I’m asking the Lord to give me a heart of thanks in both this season of the year and in our world. That means we need eyes that look for the blessings and a mouth to speak it.
So here are a few of my summer blessings in picture form today!
Flowers!Summer chalkboard drawingsHomemade ice cream!Morning walks in the country
What blessings of summer are you seeing with your thankful heart today?
Refresh your attitude by choosing to give thanks – even when it’s hot as blazes!
With Fourth of July coming up next weekend, I thought I’d pull some of my favorite menu items from my blog and make a few suggestions for your cookout, just in case you’re looking for some new ideas!
Let’s start with the main course:
You can’t beat a hamburger on the grill, and this Herb and Cheese Stuffed Burger is one of the best! It takes the term “Cheeseburger” to a whole new level! The cheese is inside the burger, and it’s not just some cheese-flavored slab, this is an herb cream cheese, friends!
Directions In a small bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, parsley and 1 teaspoon mustard; set aside. In another bowl, combine the onions, bread crumbs, ketchup, salt, rosemary, sage and remaining mustard. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight thin patties. Spoon cheese mixture onto center of four patties; top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Serve on rolls with lettuce and tomato if desired. Yield: 4 servings. Lettuce leaves and tomato slices, optional
If you’re going to grill steaks, use a great marinade to make them even more flavorful! Here’s my go-to recipe:
Oh, and if you need a side for either the burgers or the steak, the Onion Rings pictured above are some of the best!
Golden Onion Rings Combine 1 cup plus 2 tbl all purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 slightly beaten egg, 1 cup milk, and 2 tbl salad oil. Beat together just till dry ingredients are well moistened. Coat onion rings with batter. (I prefer a vidalia onion) Fry a few at a time in deep hot oil (375 degrees), stirring once to separate rings. when onions are golden, drain on paper towels. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt.
Now, let’s finish with a refreshing dessert!
Strawberry Pizza Ingredients
Crust: 1 C flour 1/4 C powdered sugar 1/2 C butter
Filling: 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 C granulated sugar 1/4 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar and butter. Form into a ball with hands and press into a 14 inch ungreased pizza pan (I used my Pampered Chef pizza stone) I floured my fingertips to keep it from sticking and I pressed it out with my hands. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool.
Filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, vanilla, sugar and lemon juice. Spread on cooled crust. Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar and cornstarch. Simmer until thick and glossy. Cool.
Spread on top of cream cheese filling. Cut fresh strawberries crosswise to make rounds that resemble pepperoni, place on pizza and serve.
I hope that inspires you to plan ahead for a fun and delicious 4th Of July menu!
Anyone have a traditional recipe that you always fix for your family cook-outs?
I’m sitting on the front porch in my rocking chair on this 54 degree morning. I watched the sun pop up over the hill across the road. The dew on the grass looks like silver glitter on green paper. Morning sounds of people making their way to work and children piling onto buses interrupt, but don’t stop the country’s slow awakening to a new day.
Not only is this a new day, I also realize that we’re moving into a new season as August is coming to a seemingly fast halt. How thankful I am for the summer season fading behind us. It’s been full of blessings ~
Days at the ocean’s shores with sandy toes, foaming waves, bike rides on beautiful paths and breath-taking sunrises.
Cookouts, ice cream cones, meals on the patio, while the sun melted between the hills behind us.
Precious times with our twin grandsons included countless wagon rides, splashes in the the inflatable pool, watering cans, held by tiny hands sloshing their contents onto thirsty tomato plants and flowers. I remember little fingers reaching out to pluck off the ripened fruit from the vines, chalk drawings on concrete, Frisbee tosses, and cool streams from the water hose that trickled down refreshing sweaty heads.
Plenty of guests have entered our doors and filled our rooms and yard with laughter and with appetites for both good food and the nourishment from God’s Word. Heads have bowed together in prayer while we stopped conversation with one another to talk and worship the God of our lives.
I acknowledge His hand in this season of the year and in the this season of my life. He is so very good and so very generous. May this season bring about people who are my “letter of commendation” written in my heart only if being with me helps move them to Christ. What is the use of it all if that isn’t true? It would be a season wasted.
Oh Lord, please use my life. Use this new season we are approaching for Your glory.
May the Lord richly bless you as you use your days for His glory in this new season that is approaching ` and in each season of your life!
RefreshHer 