FYI

My NEW blog address is
bj-sweetnothings.blogspot.com

and I have a link to where you can receive
SWEET NOTHINGS posts in your EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Please go to the NEW BLOG.
thanks, bj

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

It's a little bit SHADY...

I just LUV ordering something off the net..
I love anticipating that BIG BROWN TRUCK delivering something cool to me.
I ordered the COOL THING inside this box about  a week ago,
it was delivered 2 days ago so that is FAST DELIVERY.
LOVE IT.
There's just something about a man with a power tool in his hand that
can set my heart a'racing....
...and how excited I can get when that sweet man
gets out a whole lot of other tools to do something
FOR ME....
He is measuring, cutting, swearing a little, re-measuring and cutting some more..
I, on the other hand, am busy bringing him cold drinks and a snack or two.
....smiling from ear to ear all the while.
I have been wanting a pretty BLACK and WHITE awning forEVER...
YUM #1

nOt  for shade...
my house faces NORTH...no problem with the sun glaring in.
I just like the looks of an awning...
*shhh, I am thinking he MIGHT have got it a  little low...
might need to raise it a tad bit...shhhhh
Mr. Sweet cut a HEE UUUGH  Buford Holly  down under these windows
It was 40 years old and SOOO UGLY..
Now I have to find something pretty to plant there...a shade lover.
I'd love something lacy and airy...
what could it be ?
THEN
*shhhhh, I haven't mentioned yet to Mr. Sweet....
I want a pretty window box..
AND....he we need to move that hose holder so it isn't sticking out like a sore thumb...
...ever noticed how ONE thing calls for 1500 more??
NOW, this hose holder from BALLARD DESIGNS...
I like !
...but, at $160 bucks, Mr. Sweet can make us something very close.
YUM #2
and one like this is nice but it would just fill up with leaves and all kinds of other stuff..
I am thinking that when we get something PLANTED here..the hose holder won't be so noticeable.
I think the black, trimmed in white, is just another little charming touch
that makes my cottage a tad bit different from all the rest of the OLDEN tract houses on the block.
NOW...if I can just get that hose holder moved...
and a window box full of beautiful shade loving plants...
YEP...once again, CHERRY HILL COTTAGE
is my inspiration.
THIS photo just KNOCKS MY SOX off.
YUM #3

Oh, I know I have a long LONG way to go to get there...
Around here, we have to take baby steps to get to where we want to go.
Now, you might know that I would LOVE to have the stripes on my awning.
They were quite a bit more pricey than the solid black.
I have been told I could paint the awning with canvas paint from Sherwin Williams.
I'm too scared to do it so I am liking the white trim JUST FINE. :)
but I can see a long, pretty window box here..
some kind of pretty shrubs beneath the windows...
It's very PLAIN VANILLA right now ....
but....
I'LL GET THERE...
JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE.
 I have a little COTTAGE CUTENESS going on right now...
YUM # 4
 a vintage something or other picked up in the alley....
 ...a basket of faux flowers, greeting you at the front door..
SHELIA says we must be true to our fauxs
and LUV them with all our heart and soul....
You DID say that, RIGHT ?
 ....a special HAND PAINTED mailbox that
I would marry in a minute.
YUM #5
You would be surprised to see how this looks after
MY PLANS COME TOGETHER...
don't you just love it when a plan comes together..?..me, too...
and THEY WILL !
 Now, don't ya'll forget to make this
SUNSHINE CAKE
aka ORANGE BUNDT CAKE
MY YUM # 6...
yes, I know, it's supposed to be your TOP FIVE but
what's a girl to do if she has LOTS of YUMS ?

This is the PERFECT time to make one,
get out the ORANGE SHERBET...
some Mandarin oranges and pecans and
BOY HOWDY...!
If you want to try it, go HERE for the delicious recipe.
Thanks so much for coming to see me today..
sure hope you'll come back soon...
and when I get something pretty growing here..
and a window box,
I'll be sure to let you know.
XOXO bj
I am linking with:
OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY
GOOD LIFE WEDNESDAY
TOP 5 YUMS WEDNESDAY

42 comments:

Lynn at Cottage and Creek said...

Hi BJ! I LOVE your new awning ... it looks so good and your porch looks so inviting. Beautiful job. You've inspired me to buy more plants. Come visit Cottage and Creek and see my Ramsigns house number sign. It's WONDERFUL! It brightens up the facade so beautifully. Thanks so much for your generosity, BJ. Have a blessed day.
~Lynn

Red Couch Recipes said...

I actually thought it WAS a planter box that he was making -- not an awning. I think the awning really spruces up your window. Can't wait to see the new planter boxes. Joni

Patty Marker said...

The awning looks great. I can just picture the window box spilling over with flowers. Your front porch already overflows with cottage charm. One thing at a time right?

NanaDiana said...

Bj- I Love your new awning and I love that you have a guy that can put it all together for you! Awnings just add so much, don't they? I would love a big one over our back patio because the sun really burns in that area during a lot of the day...but I LOVE that you added yours for looks and not for light control! I popped over and checked out your inspiration blog too...but I could not figure out how to sign up to follow. Will have to pop back over.

Have a great night-xo Diana

Lori said...

Looks great and the black and white is so you.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Knowing you and your great drive and ambition you'll have that window box up by tomorrow! LOL!

I love your sweet cottage and the awning is just the perfect touch.

hugs
Sissie

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...
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Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
deb said...

Your awning looks awesome, as does your front porch! MM that cake look yummy too!

So glad you like my post. I thought it was great as well. Thank you for adding it to your sidebar ♥
*hugs*deb

Vee said...

The new awning looks great! I understand that you think it's a little low, but where can your poor hubby put it to get it highter? Perhaps in morning's light, it will look fine to you. Yes, I can see the window box and the small shrubs beneath. It is already just as cute and cozy as can be and it'll be even sweeter when you've worked your wonders.

We're looking for a new hose holder. I can not abide the Better Homes and Gardens wind-up thingy I have now. What a pain in the keister and ugly? *shudder*

Sue said...

Oh I just love it! There is something about a house with awnings...my grandmother's house had them and I've loved them ever since. I can just picture that window box now (filled with red geraniums??). I'm just starting to dip into blogging again a little bit. I can't seem to focus on anything...my brain cells aren't quite working but I wanted to get around and say hello!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Love the black awning, BJ. I really want an awning that rolls out over my hot deck, but hubby just won't do it. I guess an umbrella will have to do. I featured your table today in my highlights post.

Debby said...

I love the black awning. Very nice touch. I agree that a flower box would be perfect. Your home looks really "sweet".

Stacey said...

That looks fabulous BJ! Awnings really add a cottagey look to your home. Now lets see...you could plant nandinas or an oak leaf hydrangea there. The oak leaf might be a little unruly for the front of the house.


Hey did you see Tina mention the other day that her cottage has just been painted? I can't wait to see it.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

BJ, I love the black awning! And if I might suggest, I might stain the window box (when you get one), black too! My hubby made us all new window boxes last year (9 of them) and we stained them ebony, and I LOOOOVE them! A suggestion for a plant that is lacy and will come back each year is a cinnamon fern. We have some that are about 4-5 feet tall and GORGEOUS! But, they would die back in the winter so that might not be what you are looking for. A pretty Japanese maple would be really nice. Aren't I just FULL of ideas,LOL!!!!! XO, Pinky

Blondie's Journal said...

I am loving your new awning! Great choice! If you do a window box, maybe you could paint it in black and white stripes!

The cake looks yummy. And I am a big fan of Simply Orange juice...I think it is the best!

XO,
Jane

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

The new awning looks wonderful BJ! I can just see the new plants and the window boxes....charming!
Hugs,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Amazing makeover, I lake it!
Your husband did a good job.

Have a nice day,kisses:)

Pondside said...

There will be a rash of awnings being ordered as a result of your post!
It looks beautiful and I think window boxes would be perfect.

Lynn said...

Your new awning looks great BJ! Love the Sunshine Cake too, and here I sit with a cuppa and no cake... gotta fix that:@)

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Beeeeejjjjj! The awning looks great! They add so much. I have three red ones on the east side of the house and I LUUUUUV them. Can't wait to see the window box :)
xoxo
Me

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

OOps! Make that the west side of my house. Typing before 6 a.m.! :)

Donna said...

Your black awning looks great! A nice accent for your lovely home. I think a window box would be perfect filled with lots of flowers.

~Donna

Theresa said...

I have a Mr. Sweet too and I am so thankful for him! I LOVE your awning and I can visualize the window box filled with shade-loving plants!

Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

Shug said...

Hi there BJ.....I love your new (brown truck) delivery...The awning is just perfect!
Our guys really love it when we have certain chores that only THEY can do...so go ahead and let him know that he is the only one that can build those beautiful flower boxes that will make your heart jump!
I'll bet he will jump right on it!

Hope your day is filled with great happiness...BTW, Daughter #1 left this morning headed out your way..This time our granddaughter will be playing ball...

hugs,
shug

Madeline's Album said...

Love your new awing it is awsome. The plans you have for the window box and some plants are great. Have a blessed day. Madeline

Marlis said...

Love the new awning... looks so good with the black shutters and all your other goodness on your porch! Happy Wednesday! blessings, marlis

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Love the way you can have fun, with all sorts of things. And with all sorts of planning and doing little bits at a time.

I've said it before, but it bears repeating... This ability to find fun in life, is one of the things which keeps you young-at-heart!

And fun to visit!

~♥~

Ricki Treleaven said...

Very pretty awning :D

Julie said...

I love the new awning!!! I have always wanted to put those up at our farm as well. I have to go back and see where you got it.

Anyway - wanted to tell you that Don and I are going to go on a cruise to Alaska.. just like you did. Any advice for us??

jeanne said...

Good morning bj, I LOVE all of your yums too. The awning is beautiful and your ideas for finishing the look sound good to me. The window box is my fave. I love your brick home and the way you have made it so welcoming. Your brain must always be on speed dial. I always love the things you accomplish. You really are a wonderful decorator. Girl, when you get an idea you run with it. I so admire your energy. If we would stay home more I might be able to get more done. HA!

Love you, Jeanne

Debbie said...

I love the look of an awning, too, and the striped ones are my favorites. It has a cottage look to it.

Now, a man with a power tool around here gets my heart racing too, but it's usually because I'm racing around to clear a path from his destruction.

Kathleen said...

Love your new awning! Mr Sweet is kind to hop to it. I would be asking for days!

Beverly said...

Ooh, it looks wonderful. And, I don't doubt for one second that you will make your vision come true. You have that special and magical touch.♥

Julie said...

Hi BJ - where did you buy your awning?

Also - what do I need to pack for our trip.. ha ha. We got a great deal on a mini suite - so yes, we do have a wonderful balcony. I would never go on a cruise without a balcony room... to many beautiful things to see and photograph!

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

Love the awning and that porch!!! Great Post BJ!

Julie Harward said...

You always have something fun going on at your place! Love it, it all looks so nice and so does that cake! ;D

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your new awning is indeed YUM! It is the perfect touch on your pretty house! ♥

abeachcottage said...

What a beautiful porch you have, it is so welcoming. Love your awning, looks great! Thanks for stopping by BC Good Life Wednesdays and joining the party.

Kathleen Grace said...

I love how you and Mr. Sweet are such a great team! You make the plans and he makes them come true for you:>) The awning is beautiful, and I can just picture that window box full of pretty flowers underneath it!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

So funny! When I got to the images of your place - just below the one of the Ballard Design hose container - I INSTANTLY thought of Tina's Cherry Hill Cottage. I'd say your home sweet home is displaying just as much charm as hers, these days! ;)

Blessings,
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

BJ, I just got your e-mail about a picture of oour window boxes. I will get a picture tomorrow and send it to you. What is your e-mail? The one I use most is szpinky@aol.com Thanks! Pinky