Front Porch Goals

I have always wanted one of those fancy front porch entryways that I see on Instagram.  You know the ones?  With lots of enormous planters with beautiful, colorful flowers.   And a bench with pillows for lounging and the layering of an indoor rug with an outdoor mat.   Those are my #frontporchgoals. 

That is is not what I have.  I live in Arizona.  It's extremely hot and dusty.   The only flowers that survive (my) front porch are succulents that flower.   Pillows and indoor rugs would last like five minutes in the dessert -- if the sun doesn't get them first, the numerous dust storms eventually will. 

Therefore, this is what I have:

It all starts with a lovely wreath.  Doesn't it always start a wreath?  It does for me.   And this one I got at Pier One. 

And these Chrysanthemums from Costco are amazing.  They are so vibrant and fragrant and beautiful!   Add some faux pumpkins and all of a sudden its fall!

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I think in years to come it will get a bit more elaborate but for now, I think it looks good enough for someone else to think it's #frontporchgoals. 

 Streetview not as impressive as close up......

P.S. This year I completely skipped Halloween decor.   I know. 

Project Two - Kitchen Curtains

Project number two is complete!  Well, sort of.   I still have to hem the curtains because initially I wanted them to puddle on the ground, but then I realized with cream colored curtains it wasn't the best idea.   So I pinned them, now I just need to hem them.

I know neutral colors are not everyone's first styling choice but it's always been my favorite.

I love how clean and polished it looks.   Eventually I'm sure I'll try patterned curtains in a popular color but for now I'm loving this look.   

We've had this table for about 12 years now.   It's soon to be replaced with a new table and a round rug.  Also, I have a plant coming in to fit in the the corner that will add some lovely green color to this corner of the kitchen.

Next up is Project Three: master bedroom curtains!   

Project One - Living Room curtains

A before picture:

An after picture:

And an in-between picture:

I bought a curtain rod that extends to 144" from the Home Depot.  The picture above shows the rod about 80".   The picture below shows it about 95".   I extended the sides to about 10 inches on each side of the window which I think looks a lot better.  I was able to widen the curtain just a bit without compromising the size of the window.  

I'm really pleased with the quality of the curtain.  It's called the Tibast from Ikea.   It's 98" inches long so it worked really well on that wall.   And because I love neutral colors, I am so very happy with how they look.   

Project two is next weekend:   curtains on kitchen windows.

I'm going to post.....

A video!   How is it that I just realized that I could post videos on my blog?   For the next few months posting a video might be easier than posting pictures.   I want to be able to capture my before and after's but taking pictures is time consuming.   With all the unpacking (almost) done, I have been able to focus more on decor and this will be a great way to capture all the fun changes.  It will also help me remember specifics about new purchases.  

This is a test:

I think I'm going to like this SO much better!  At least for the next few months!