Three years later than planned, we finally have updated our home’s curb appeal; replacing the front pad, sidewalk, and significantly rejuvenating the landscaping.
Like many things, the pandemic threw a wrench in our plans. During the summer of 2020, no one was vaccinated, and we were mostly staying home and social isolating. The following spring and fall, we tried to work with contractors and nurseries to even come and bid on the cement and landscape projects.
Last year, the service providers we had “hired” failed to show up — mostly due to a shortage of workers. It was extremely frustrating! We had saved for the home improvements for some time and were ready to go. It didn’t help that there was a cement shortage and costs had risen on everything.
Last January, we were able to secure and schedule a cement contractor to replace our 38-year old home’s original front pad. He also replaced the OmniStone walk — weed control had become a relentless chore. Happily, the crew showed in April, as planned. It was just days after we returned from nephew’s Charleston wedding, and Netherland’s vacation to see the Tulip Fields.
A few weeks later, I noticed a landscaper at my neighbor’s. I walked across the street and asked for an estimate. We hired him on the spot, and the work was completed in late June. We are delighted with the results, and have been watering ever since lol! Come take a look at our improved front curb appeal.
Today, I’m taking you to urban Philadelphia, to see my youngest son’s back deck and rooftop garden. D purchased the 1920 rowhouse nearly two years ago, during the pandemic.
Prior to the move, he rented a third-floor, walkup in an 1800’s building that had been converted from a carriage house and stable to condos. During the pandemic, his one-bedroom unit did double duty as an office. And, there was no balcony for fresh air or to grow plants. Feeling confined to the apartment, he went on a search for a home with more living areas, room for a dedicated office, big kitchen, outdoor space, and the ability to have a dog.
However, D also loved the walkable and vibrant Fairmont District neighborhood. So when he finally spotted the listing for a 100-year-old rowhouse — just blocks from the carriage house — he jumped at the opportunity to be a homeowner!
Over the next year, D created a little backyard oasis and rooftop deck on the third floor of the rowhouse. In both areas, he enjoys spending time outdoors, playing with the dog, tending plants, barbequing, and entertaining family and friends. An accomplished cook, D also created an urban rooftop garden where he grows herbs and vegetables to incorporate into fresh, healthy meals.
Just like his big brother, then living a few hours away on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Today is part two of their story that began in, Bountiful NYC Urban Garden: Up on the Roof.
Taking you up on the roof to see my son’s’ urban garden on the wraparound terrace of his Manhattan penthouse in New York City.
I had planned to share this last year, but the summer got away from me! For happy reasons. First, I was training Whiskey, my Energetic & Playful Scottie Puppy. And, instead of sitting inside at the computer editing photos and composing posts, hubby and I were enthusiastically out and about.
We spent late May and early June visiting family and friends in Philadelphia. That included a Memorial Day gathering where we experienced how Using a Smoker Grill Enhances BBQ. Mom came back to Pittsburgh with us for the rest of month. Then, over an extended July 4th holiday visit with our sons , we enjoyed a baseball game, amusement park, dining out, and fireworks.
Come August, we headed to Washington D.C. There we went to an old-fashioned county fair, the Warf Marina, and an ABBA tribute concert at Wolf Trap National Park. Finally on Labor Day, we flew to California, exploring Sequoia National Park,Kings Canyon, and Yosemite.
Now with a broken finger and after prolonged period of Covid isolation, I’ve found the time to show off my eldest’s vegetable and herb urban garden. Come up on the rooftop for a bird’s eye view!
As part of this month’s craft blog hop, I’m sharing two DIY ideas that incorporate a vintage teacup — or two.
First, is a fun project to embellish a planter or garden. The second, is a quaint way to decorate a chandelier. It’s also great for displaying a vintage teacup collection. Or, as party decor for a tea or Alice in Wonderland Theme Party, as I did.
Both are simple to do, and are more assembly than crafts which require special skills, materials or tools.
In all, I’ve included a total of nine different garden, home and party decor ideas. Each incorporates, or is inspired by, a vintage teacup.
Any of these crafts could also make a lovely birthday, holiday or Mother’s Day gift. Perhaps you even have some pieces of grandmother’s or a great aunt’s china, or vintage teacup collection? Maybe some are chipped, cracked, stained, or missing a matching saucer? Consider repurposing them into a gift for daughters, nieces or other family members and friends!
On the covered back deck, is a whimsical pair of lighted, candy cane Christmas urns.
Depending on the weather, I usually put them together right after Thanksgiving. I imagine many of you will be stringing lights and decking your own halls this coming weekend — if you haven’t started already?
Like many, the inspiration for this holiday project came from an image I saw on Pinterest. So, it seemed appropriate to share how I created the candy candy Christmas urns in this month’s Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop.
Hosted by Erlene of My Pinterventures, the hop’s intent is to motivate all to not just pin, but act on the idea. You’ll find links to lots of great projects, recipes and ideas by other bloggers at the bottom of this post.
It’s a simple five-step process to put together the candy cane Christmas urns, and one you can easily apply to any holiday decorating theme.
With a little pre-planning, it’s a simple process to create a beautiful pair of reindeer Christmas planters. They look wonderful greeting visitors throughout the holiday season and into the month of January.
This is the third year I’ve decorated black urns on either side of the front door. Reindeer planters compliment other outdoor Christmas decorations; including a trio of animated deer and large front-door wreath.
Because there is no overhang or front porch, the planters often are covered with snow. We just had a white Christmas, and now freezing temperatures are keeping the snow from melting.
I’ll just leave the reindeer outside, until the weather is more agreeable. Then, I’ll pack the reindeer and decorative ornaments away until next year.
Today I’ll show how I created the reindeer Christmas planters in five easy steps, with a few helpful tips and list of materials. (more…)
Thanks for buzzing by! I'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment.
Hi! I'm Debbee, a maker of all manner of things, who likes to incorporate themes into craft projects, holiday and seasonal decor, table settings, and parties. My friends call me, the Queen of Theme lol!
Home is the suburbs of Pittsburgh, but I also enjoy exploring the world with my husband. We raised two wonderful sons and are now early retirees.
Subscribe Today!
The Buzz
Receive email messages when Debbee publishes new posts
Thanks for following Debbee!
Meet Whiskey
Meet Glenfiddich "Whiskey," a brindle coat Scottie and full of vim and vigor!
