You're Welcome.

You know those ubiquitous stars that everyone has hanging on their porches/houses/garages? Well, I kind of wanted one. But, then, I kind of didn't, either. And since we are on a spending-freeze of sorts, I didn't want to pay for one. So, we decided to make our own version. It cost us $0 and about an hour. David jigsawed a star out of scrap wood, I stained it and painted it. It's a little, ehm, rustic. But it has perked up our porch in an imperfectly happy way.

 No, I don't still have my Christmas wreath still up.

 Ignore the door/doorhandle....it's next on my makeover list.

a close-up!

I like it.

What about you? Do you ever feel torn by trends that you like, yet see everywhere you turn?

Changing a Light Fixture: Back Porch

Our back porch was starting to feel neglected, but with the weather becoming slightly cooler (it's been 87 here the entire week...), we are coming out of our summer hibernation in the South and enjoying some outdoor time. Dmitri especially loves playing amongst nature. And we have been eating most of our meals on the back porch.

This has brought to my attention the forgotten back porch, and the half-finished makeover that is underway. The light fixture was such eye-sore.

The birds liked it...

But me? Not so much...

So, we replaced it with this pendant from Ikea...

 

  

And now we are all much happier and enjoying our more aesthetically pleasing porch and light fixture.

Total Cost: $29.99 - Ikea Ottava Light Fixture

Well worth it!

Back Porch: In Progress

We have been adding little pieces here and there to our home & outdoor spaces. I picked up this table and chair set 50% off at Target, and I LOVE it.

I also hung up the window frame. My goal is grow a vine up it...hopefully. And it's kind of difficult to see, but the little cafe lights are just too cute at night. Also, they help keep the bugs away! So we can actually enjoy our patio in the evening without being swarmed by bugs the size of birds!

Have you seen any outdoor accessories that you love? Maybe an outdoor rug...Ideas wanted!

If you missed it, here is our garden center before and after!

Nesting

No, I'm not pregnant. Though, arguably, I am in a perpetual state of nesting.

I meant these sweet babies...

How precious are they? This is the third nest of baby birds that I have had the opportunity to watch grow up this spring. Just one of the many things I love about our home. It's a part of nature. And we are trying to live harmoniously. Though, the spiders still freak me out.

Before & After: Garden Center

Here is the before photo....

& here is the after...

 

 

A close up on the handles

 Dresser - free from friends

Paint - left-over

Hardware - $24 from Hobby Lobby

Total cost for the dresser - $24 

If you are looking for Anthropologie-style hardware without the Anthropologie price, check out Hobby Lobby! Not only is it less expensive, it's usually 50% off! And they have some of the exact same hardware as Anthropologie!

If you missed the mirror makeover, check out this post here.