Around the Home: Chapter One

As homemakers, our daily to do list around the home is long.  But while we work on the necessary tasks, take the time to add simple beauty to your home.

Most days will find many of us doing daily tasks and chores around the home.  We may even squeeze a small project in, hang up some new artwork, change out our pillows.  All of these simple activities add to the beauty of our homes.

But all to often, we {myself included!} focus on the big projects, such as doing an entire room makeover.  Now, don’t get me wrong: I love those types of projects.  And it is fun to transform a whole room.  However, the little simple ones often go unnoticed by most people.  I can guarantee that those living within your walls notice these subtle changes.

And that is why I want to begin regularly sharing some “Around the Home” updates in my house.  My hope is that it encourages you to see simple acts around your home as adding beauty.  As well as pouring into those who live under your roof.

AROUND THE HOME

As I stopped and took in the little things I did to serve my family through homemaking this past month, I realized that they all took place outdoors.  Which kind of makes me happy because it shows just how much time I have spent outside this summer.

LEFTOVER PAINT PROJECT

I found some paint in our basement that was left behind by the previous owners.  {Thankful for that!}  Even though we plan to paint the exterior of our house at some point, a little touch-up until then was so needed.

〈FARMHOUSE EXTERIOR PAINTING PROJECT REVEAL〉

The foundation of our house, the entire way around was black.  And the paint was so chipped.  I used the last drops and worked my way around the entire foundation.  I started right here though, in our garden area.

〈STARTING A SUBURBAN GARDEN〉  〈HOW TO BUILD A WINDOW BOX〉

POLE BEAN TRELLIS

Out of pure curiosity, I decided to do a little experiment in our garden.  I planted dried pinto beans straight from my pantry.  I watched and waited and guess what?  They all sprouted and began to grow and grow and grow.  One day, I looked out and realized that they are pole, not bush, beans.

“Oh, James!  Can you build me a trellis of some type?”

He’s so great and set to work a few days later.  Using supplies he already had on hand, he built a trellis.  He was actually quite surprised to come out a few hours later to see the vines already wrapped around the wire.

〈BUDGET-FRIENDLY SUBURBAN GARDEN〉

A few weeks later and these pinto beans have really filled in.

But here’s the thing.  I googled “how tall do pole pinto beans grow?”  The answer was 3 feet.  So James built a 3 1/2 foot tall trellis.

I’m gonna go with google was wrong on that one!  I’m waiting for Jack to show up sometime to climb our beanstalks…

We also have tomatoes galore growing!

Along with lettuce growing out of our ears at this point.  But nothing beats walking out to the garden before lunch every day and picking a huge bowl of mixed greens.

We have also begun to harvest green beans.

BACK PORCH

It was so nice to start this summer season with our back porch looking all nice after its makeover.  We did make one change and that was switching out the insert to the storm door from glass to a screen.  James actually had to change out the screen in the frame first though.  I am so glad he took on that project because this summer, we are enjoying the fresh air from that screen door.

〈ENCLOSED BACK PORCH MAKEOVER〉

It really needed a fresh coat of paint though.  Yikes!

〈HOMESCHOOL NOOK MAKEOVER〉

Just a 10 minute project and the door looks so much better.

While we’re in here, let’s turn around and check out the new view from our back porch.

Every day, you will find this door wide open and see my kids running in and out.

GROWING SUCCULENTS

Our little succulent containers are overflowing right about now too…and it’s just how I love to see them!

〈SPRING PLANT LADY TOUR〉

OUTSIDE THE GARDEN

Let’s take a quick peek outside that gate for our final look around the home.

Along the outside of our fence, my daughter planted a mixed packet of flowers.  Currently, we have sunflowers, zinnia, cosmos, and poppies about to burst.

〈OUR BUDGET-FRIENDLY GARDEN FENCE〉

Or actually beginning to bloom…

BISTRO SET

Last year, I came across this four-piece bistro set at a yard sale.  Considering we didn’t have any outdoor furniture, I snatched it up.  Placing it right outside our garden has become a sweet spot for reading a book or eating a snack.

When I first brought this bistro set home, I spray painted the iron parts and stained the wood.  Using the quick method of spray paint waterproof, I thought it would be good for years to come.  It wasn’t.  So, I dug around in my basement to find a solution.  It might not be the appropriate sealer, but I used leftover porch waterproofing sealant.  Guess what?  It works amazing!  So much so, that I used it on our window boxes too!

〈FARMHOUSE BACK PORCH MAKEOVER〉

These months outdoors have been such a blessing to our family.  All the little around the home “puttering” has really added up to a simple cozy summer.

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