DIY Outdoor Drink Holder Tutorial

Good afternoon!

Friday the 13th - anyone superstitious? My husband and I actually got engaged on Friday the 13th and we've been married almost 19 years. So it is a lucky day for us!

Anyway, today's post is for something that I think 'can' be quite useful (no pun intended). How many times have you sat in your yard and had a drink in your hand and no where to put it? I know it happens to all of us. Well this cute drink holder solves that problem!

I'm sure you have figured it out by now that I like projects that upcycle or repurpose every day items. This one is no different. A simple tin can turns into an outdoor drink holder - not only something useful and cute, but it also keeps a can out of our landfills!

Do you need one? Well, here's how to make one for yourself - just follow my link:

DIY Outdoor Drink Holder Tutorial

Thanks to positivelysplendid.com for the tutorial!

Hope your Friday is fantastic (even if it is the 13th)! See ya soon.

Freestanding Trellis - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Hey everyone! Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!


Just me with another thing to add to your honey do list for outside!


I like many of the projects at Lowe's Creative Ideas and this one is no different. It is unusual and seems fairly easy to make. I just love climbing flowers like morning glories or clematis - don't you? This trellis would be perfect for either or both!


Check it out here!

Freestanding Trellis - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Have a wonderful day! See ya soon.

DIY Mason Jar Solar Lights

Good morning!  

Have you been tackling all your outdoor to do list items? Well, I just might be adding to that list! I came across this project on pinterest and thought you might like them as much as I do!

I have to admit that this is the first time I have seen the technique of coloring the jars with Mod Podge, but I really like the way they look. It is very simple and has a great result.  The jars look good day or night!

I was thinking that these would like nice setting on your tables outside as well. So that would give you another option as opposed to hanging them. Well, if you want to know how it's done - follow my link!

Solar + Mod Podge = AMAZING

A big shout out to Amanda at thehandmedownhouse.blogspot.com for sharing her tutorial - thanks a bunch!!!

Hope your Saturday is sunny - see ya soon!

DIY Concrete Bench

Good morning! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

As a homeowner there is always something that needs done - remodeled, repaired, and/or removed - all for the sake of improvement. Of course, you need to be independently wealthy to do some projects! That's why I'm always on the lookout for relatively inexpensive DIY projects. Today's post fits that to a tee!

Ample outdoor seating can be a problem. Or you have a space that just isn't right for patio chairs. Well, whatever the reason - this project will help. I believe I came across this on pinterest and I want to pass it along to you.

As soon as I saw it I knew it was something that I wanted to put in place in our backyard.  We have this strange space between our deck and the garage man door that is just awkward.  Plants won't even grow there - so how bad is that? This concrete bench is just what is needed in that space!!  It not only solves that weird space, but gives us extra seating at the same time and will be the beginning of our new patio area that we want to do! 

So, if you have the need for more places to sit comfortably or have a strange space this just might be what you need to do too! Follow my link!

Budget Friendly Bench

I like the look of the rocks but I don't think that will be part of our plan. Also, I am thinking that painting the concrete blocks would make this more appealing to the eye! (My hubby says you can paint anything and after almost 19 years of marriage - I believe him!) 

I'm wondering if I can figure out a way to get some matching foot stools, too. Hmmmmm.......it would be nice to prop your feet up, huh? I definitely want to keep with the whole concrete block or weather proof materials. 

I'm hoping this project can come together over the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed).  I will take pictures as we go and post them when we have it all done!

Have a great Wednesday - see ya soon!

Buggy Birdfeeder - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Good morning!

It's been a long time since I posted, hasn't it? Sorry about that. I was spending a good bit of my time online looking for a car since one of ours died. No shame really since it was 10 years old! We've replaced it and now Mom has a new taxi!!

Anyway, today's post is a project that caught my eye at Lowe's Creative Ideas and I knew I would pass it along to all of you.  I have to admit that I have a soft spot for the birds and these feeders are just too cute.  It would be a nice project to do with your kiddo(s)! Check it out here:

Buggy Birdfeeders

Have a good over the hump day!  See ya soon!

DIY Wooden Floor Mat — Lowe’s Creative Ideas

Good afternoon!  Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Our weather here in North Carolina has been downright summer like - with temperatures in the 90's already.  Thankfully we had a cold front come through this weekend and now it's feeling more like spring.  But today's project is good for any season!

I love the look of this doormat.  The colors would just make your porch come alive!  The project information at Lowe's states that the project is about $30 to complete, but I think you might spend a little more if you didn't have the paint already. Also, as one of the people who commented - I would put squares at the ends to cover the bare rods and give it a more finished look. 

Want the scoop? Follow my link!

Wooden Floor Mat — Lowe’s Creative Ideas

I think that even a solid color would look good - what do you think?

Have a super day - see ya soon!

Dig Drop Done - A Must for Spring

Good morning!

Here in NC we are having a very mild winter.  We recently enjoyed temperatures in the low 70's.  It is evident that the temps are warm since I noticed that my daffodils have come up and are starting to bud. Even for North Carolina, I think it's a little early for that!

All of this brings me to today's post.  I happened across a terrific site for planting and caring for bulbs.  With spring right around the corner, the timing couldn't have been more perfect.  So I knew I had to pass it along to all of you!  Go here to see what it's all about:

Dig Drop Done

I promise you won't be disappointed that you took the time to go! Wonderfully informative, fantastic inspiration as you can see above and even videos! Check it out!

Have a great day and we'll chat soon.

DIY River Rock Door Mat

Good Afternoon!  I so apologize for being a bad blogger lately.  I've been preoccupied with other things and sadly my blog has suffered for it.

But today I want to show you a project that is pretty cool.  It is a river rock doormat!  The tutorial is brought to you via oneprettything.com and says also that it could be made and used as a bathmat as well.  I'm not too sure about that aspect but I am thinking it would be a nice doormat.

Want one?  Go here to see how easy it is to make your very own!

River Rock Door Mat

The tutorial uses black stones, but I really like the natural ones like above.  Regardless of your own personal preference to the type of stone used - this is an easy project with a beautiful finished result! Wouldn't you agree?

Have a fantastic Thursday. See ya soon! (I promise.)

Backyard Scrabble

Good morning! I hope that everyone had a safe Halloween and got lots of goodies.  

I adore this time of year. The weather is crisp in the morning and gloriously temperate in the afternoon. If I could just find a place that has this weather all year round - boy, I'd be one happy gal! Even our little guy even seems to prefer this fall weather. 

We recently introduced him to the game 'Words with Friends' (it's interactive scrabble, if you've never played it) that can be played on Facebook and even our smartphones.  He's hooked, to say the very least. And truly, we are pretty happy about that!  It is a terrific game to increase his vocabulary and spelling skills which will in the long run improve his reading. So when asked, we will always play the game with him!

Shortly after his introduction to the game I game across this outdoor version. It is quite unique and would certainly be a nice way to spend a few hours together. Wouldn't you like to have a scrabble board in your backyard? I seriously think I would!  So if you're like me, follow the link to see how:

Backyard Scrabble - Sunset.com

Can't you just picture yourself with a tall drink and a good friend? Awesome!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!  See ya soon!

DIY Giant Jenga Tower

Good Monday morning!  I hope that everyone had a very nice weekend.

This time of the year is my favorite.  Not only is the color pallet one of my favorites, but the weather is just glorious!  We had some brutally hot weather this summer as did a lot of you.  Now that the temperatures have become more moderate, it is very nice to spend time outdoors.

With a 9 year old boy, I am always on the look out for interesting and different things to do.  I came across this outdoor game and just fell in love.  I think we would have a blast playing this version!

I did some research and found that I could buy one of these sets (in fact, amazon.com has one with several links to outside sites that have them as well) but I think they are a little pricey.  I know that making a set would be much more cost effective.  So, I went about finding the instructions and sure enough instructables.com has them - step-by-step even! Go here to get them:

Giant Jenga Tower:

I am 5'2" and my son is about 10 inches shorter than me, so I'm thinking we might need a step ladder to play this game... but, it sure would be fun to see how high we could get it before it falls!!! 

Have a fantastic Monday - see ya soon!!!

DIY Hanging Daybed

Good Afternoon!

I really really want one of these!  Enough said......

Summer Dreams... of a Hanging Daybed

OMG - another thing for my hubby's honey-do list.  LOL!

Have a great day!  See ya soon.

DIY PVC Cabana

Hello everyone! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!

A while back I was searching how to make a porch swing and came across this cabana.  As I said a few posts ago - it seems as though PVC is the new thing!  I've read where it's like legos for grown ups - how funny!!!  I think this would be great to have but even better with some type of cover over the top for shade.  If you want to build one or know someone who might, go here to check it out:

Step-by-step: DIY cabana - Sunset.com

Doesn't it look cozy?  I also like the patio stones and pea gravel.  Hmmmmm - might need to add this to my hubby's honey do list - LOL!

Have a great day!

Recycled Plastic Liter Bottle Birdfeeder

Good Afternoon!

My hubby's 2 week vacation is over (bummer) and it went really fast!!!  We were lucky enough to get tickets to see Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the IMAX in 3D last Friday - It was awesome!  Then we went to Adventure Landing and played miniature golf and laser tag, drove go karts, and played in the arcade.  Cristian really enjoyed himself and did not want to leave!

We're still working on our laundry/pantry room, but I've been snapping pics along the way.  I'll be posting it when it's all done.  That pretty much took up the entire vacation time but is going to be well worth the time and effort!  The plumbers and electrician have been here and now we just have a few things to do to get it completed.

A few days ago, I came across this project and it is very cute if you're a bird lover.  I'm always looking for ideas for feeders and this one seems very easy to make.  Check it out here:  Garden Craft: Recycled Bottle Birdfeeder

Simple, cute, and inexpensive - thanks so much Centsational Girl!!!  Love it!

Have a wonderful Thursday.  See ya soon!

Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder - CUTE

Good Afternoon!  Happy July 5th. 

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July festivities.  We had an awesome time at the baseball game in spite of the rain!!  The game was delayed but it stopped raining just long enough for the fireworks to get shot off - and they were amazing!!  Then it rained again for just a little bit and finally the game resumed. At 12:53 am this morning it was a tie at 5 to 5.  They called it and will finish it this evening at 6:15 pm.  We were a little disappointed not to see who wins, but all in all we had a great time!!  Thanks heavens that my hubby is on vacation this week since we didn't get home until about 2:30 am!!!  Tired today? You bet. Worth it? Absolutely.  The kids even want to make this our tradition!

Anyway, on to today's post!  As you can probably tell, I really appreciate upcycled, recycled, or repurposed (whatever you want to call it) projects.  And this one fits the bill.  Isn't it cute?  I love hummingbirds and every year wait anxiously for their appearance.  They are feisty and bold and so much fun to watch!  So now I can have a new feeder to add to my growing collection!  Want one too?  Check it out here:

Artsy VaVa: Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder  Thank you Artsy VaVa!



Cute, Cute, Cute!!!!

I've been working on a table leg Uncle Sam and unfortunately it didn't get done before the 4th. I'm hoping to finish him this week and that way he can be displayed the rest of this month!  When I have him done I'll show you the finished product!  He's been really easy to make - I just ran out of time!

Have a super Tuesday!  See ya soon.

Patio Paver Planter Box

Good Morning!

Well, it's July 1!  Where did June go?  It went by so fast, didn't it?  My hubby is on vacation for 2 weeks starting Sunday and I know he can't wait!  Then again, neither can Cristian and I!  We have some honey do things that need to get done but we want to do some fun family things, too!  We're starting off with baseball and fireworks on the 4th - can't wait!  We're thinking about some time at the lake - a few days of sun, boating, fishing, and relaxing!  Maybe even a day trip to the beach - who knows.  Nothing is written in stone right now and we plan to just play it by ear.

Today's post is something I'd really like to add to our outside list of things to do!  I think it is ingenius!  How many times have you bought a big pot only to have it be ruined after a few seasons being in the elements?  Too many times, right? This planter box solves that problem! Check it out here:

Under The Table and Dreaming: Patio Paver Planters

Love how easy this will be to make!  Don't you?  Then, let's get to it!

Have a wonderful Friday - see ya soon!

Patriotic Wreath - Completed PVC Kid Sprinkler

Good morning!

Well, the 4th of July is quickly drawing upon us.  It's makes me sorta sad because it has always felt like summer was half over (at least it felt like school summer vacation was).  But I love this holiday not only for what it signifies but red, white, and blue - just love those colors.

I'm wishing I had time to get this wreath made before Monday but I just don't see it in the cards.  It definitely will be done before next year for sure!!!  If you want to make one for your self just go here and check it out:

Burlap & Denim Ruffled Patriotic Wreath  Thanks to mmscrapshoppe for the awesome tutorial!

Also, we fixed the water gun problem last night on the PVC Sprinkler - it changed the design a little (surprisingly it made the structure more stable) but Cristian is happy and that's all that matters!  Here's the finished product and I know it will insure many hours of cooling!

Have a terrific Tuesday!  See ya soon!

Our DIY PVC Kid Sprinkler

Hi, everyone!  Here are the pics from our handiwork yesterday!  We are still making minor changes but it's pretty much done.  Not quite as fancy as the Family Fun Magazine version but it sure does spray the water - that's the whole point - right?

Check it out - 

All the supplies to build our sprinkler!

One side assembled!

Second side assembled!

Almost done!

Oops - hose problem!

Trying to fix hose problem!

Minor adjustment and up and going!

Dad and son getting cooled off!!!!!

Cool sprinkler close up!

See the misters?

Set up with tarp and pool at the end!

All and all, this was a simple project.  The hardest part was finding the piece to connect the hose!  My hubby cut the PVC while I assembled. We decided not to add the sponges and lawn chair webbing but instead added the round sprinklers and spray misters. The water guns were a great idea but we haven't quite worked out the kinks in our design - but I have an idea that just may fix it!  I'll post that when we have it done.  

But in the meantime - Cristian is loving it!!!  In fact, he's outside at this very minute having a blast!

Hope this inspires you to build your very own for your kiddos!  Have a terrific Monday - see ya soon!

DIY - Build a Firepit

Happy Saturday!

I'm adding yet another outdoor project to my hubby's honey do list!  If you are like us, you enjoy time outdoors.  Wouldn't you love to have a firepit area?  I know I would.  Since we are in the planning stages of putting in a patio, I'm really liking the idea of adding a firepit!

I came across this post the other day and I'm totally inspired now to do this (I just hope hubby is too - LOL!)  Go here to check it out: Building a Firepit...

Lovely isn't it?  Happy building and see ya soon!