Weekend Beautification

I’m not one to start off a post with a complaint, but have I mentioned how tired I am of this cold, dreary spring weather?  It hasn’t been very warm in Kansas City this spring, but things are green and growing nonetheless.  Thank you Lord Baby Jesus for that!  However, I am ready for some consistent warmth already.  In the spirit of coaxing Mother Nature out of her hibernation, it was time to do some outdoor beautification this weekend.
I made this wreath about 6 weeks ago, but am just now getting around to posting it.  Moss seemed to be ever-so-popular in decor this spring, so I wanted to do something using the bright green color that I love.  I adore the mossy letters that were flying around the internet… still want to make one of those… but ended up with this creation instead.  I used a $5 grapevine wreath and about 1.5 packages of reindeer moss.  I hot glued the moss to the wreath, and kind of weaved it around the vines to help secure it.  Then I added a few butterfly embellishments.  I like the way it looks against our dark blue door.  Very easy!


I wanted to create a bit of a cottagey look for our front porch this summer.  Playing along with our little red adirondack vignette from last year, I added some pots to the front for some extra color.  Sorry for the slanted picture… iPhone photography at its best :)


Let it be known that while I really like some gardening stuff, I am SO not beyond buying those premade planter fillers from Lowe’s and other garden centers.  They make quick and easy work of potting plants and they look good all summer long.  This year I purchased my plants from Lowe’s and the local Kaw Valley Greenhouses.  If you can find Kaw Valley plants in your area, go for them… they are gorgeous!

Succulents are all the rage these days, so I couldn’t resist this sturdy looking fellow for our patio table centerpiece.  They don’t need much water and I think the whole thing has a cool architectural look to it.

      I loved this sign I saw while buying some flowers.  It made me haz a chuckle.

CAN YOU SAY SUCCULENT???  Why yes, yes I can.
Some other little projects included planting some petunias in the little planter boxes on our deck, and also potting some herbs.  I did pot some herbs for the outdoors (basil, greek oregano and rosemary) – but I also wanted some for the indoors as well.  I have read all sorts of good things about having plants and fresh flowers in the home, plus I am always wanting for fresh herbs when I’m cooking.  And who wouldn’t want a little herb garden on their windowsill?  I bought several of these pots on our last trip to Ikea.  I love the little designs on them, especially the thyme design in the middle.  I use basil, thyme and parsley most frequently, so that’s what I planted indoors.  I can’t say I’ve had tons of luck with indoor plants in the past, so we’ll see how these dudes do in my kitchen.  So far I am loving the extra color and freshness they bring to the room.

Have a great week!