Tuesday, June 5, 2012

a little goes along way

Our Family lives with a limited budget,

so to update and refresh around the house,

we take old and make them new.....


I just reuse the same furniture,  of course...

but work to add dashes of new color...


I found this basket at the thrift store

and added color...


You can even start with small flowers (due to cost)

because they will begin to fill your containers in about two weeks.

Also, you can see where I added live flowers at the base of the old silk palm..


I planted this clematis in honor of my grandma, 

because she had one that grew on the edge of her porch,

and she would count the blooms every year...

This plant grows back every year and adds so much beautiful color.

If I lived in the south,  I would plant a confederate jasmine....  I love the scent they put off

and their look is out of this world...

but up north,  it dies off each year... sad huh? well... anyways!!!


I also use things from the house...

that I am tired of, inside.....

I then move it outdoors, because if it ruins,  it doesn't matter...

 
Also,   pick up things from yard sales,
 
I got this vine for 2.00 and it adds life to the porch
 
It is important to me that my home is a place
 
of comfort and it is inviting for those that come and visit....
 
I have worked to make my out side area the same way...
 
What does your home reflect of you??
 
It doesn't take much,  just a little TLC and a little color....
 
Go for it!
 
Love,
 
Catrina

Friday, June 1, 2012

Memorial Day, what is this day for?


I know Memorial day was this past Monday,

but due to circumstances in life...

I want to make sure everyone understands what Memorial Day is all about.

Some say it began with the North after the Civil War and some believe the South...

But it doesn't matter, what matters is that we honor the reason for the day.
What exactly is Memorial Day?

All I ever knew living at the beach was lots of traffic and a day off of work.

When our family moved north about 10 years ago

I was truly integrated into what Memorial Day was all about.


Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868.

Flowers were placed on the graves of the confederate and union soldiers

at Arlington National Cemetery.


Today,  we honorarily place the wreath,  then.....
The Color Guard then gives the 21 gun salute 

for those that have given their lives defending our country and our freedom.


Over the years this holiday has come to represent

cookouts,  days off of work,  family gatherings,

hot dogs, hamburgers and picnics.....



but this day is for people....

 it is for us.....



This is not just about people from decades ago....

This is not just about bygone wars.....

This is about people today....


This is about families today.....


This is about protecting the freedoms of our children today....


This is about being able to live in a free country today....


This day, Memorial Day,  is a day to remember those that have given and those that are continually giving of their lives to protect the freedom we take for granted. 

Love,

Catrina