Decorating on a {tight} budget part 2

Finally, here is a few pictures of the next two projects done on our {tight} budget.

Perhaps my favorite so far is our patio.



 I have spent many hours out there sitting and relaxing, reading and watching {kiddos that is}, and even drinking coffee {or tea} and having my quite time.



Before:::







I have to give all the credit for this one to my John.  He had the idea and thankfully being in construction, he has some sweet connections :)  I was hesitant about the top, but I'm so glad now I listened to the hubby.  He was right.  Especially in the summer heat.  One day maybe I'll add some sky lights or ceiling fans.  Not sure which just yet.




I'd eventually like to add a water feature on one of the empty walls.  And replace that solid black back door with a solid glass door.  John is also working on getting a firepit built in to the far end.  Can't wait for that!

{The white adirondack chairs were made by my sister-in-law's daddy- $100/each.  I love them and recommend to anyone! The black table came from Wal-Mart-$15. The lamp from Dollar General- $6. The white bench to the far left was another gift from my friend Treva.  My husband brought me the silver tub home one day from an old barn he was tearing down. The green table/plant stand came from The Salvation Army- $5.  The black wrought iron table and chairs on the other side of the patio came from Wal-Mart- $40.  The cushions on the chairs are Pottery Barn and I found those at a consignment sale for $20 for the set. The red umbrella came from Wal-Mart- $40.  All the plant stands were given to me by various people.}

And the absolute best part of having this comfy patio is the afternoon view...

Okay! Okay! I'll move on...I told you I loved it!

Anyway, the point is, it's a simple change but it's been so well worth it!


Laundry Room continued....

Remember this:::



After:::





Notice the picture:::



This is our family portrait.  Painted and autographed by John Luke.

One day we were all drawing pictures and he drew a smaller version of this picture.  I started asking him to describe what he was drawing. I was so in love with it, I asked him to paint me a portrait.



I'll give you a short description.

The larger red person on the far left is John.  If you look closely, you will see a long line going down the middle of his "body" Right under his eyes.  John Luke informed me that was his scar.  {From the last surgery from his cancer}. I'll have to get a closer picture and add on here later.  You can't tell on here, but it's amazing how much the details of the scar that he drew look just like the actual scar on John.
The next smaller brown person with red hair is John Luke.  {Not sure the reasons behind his choice of colors}.  I asked him what the line between his legs was, and yep, he said it was his tee-tee.
The largest of all with black hair is me.  I have no idea.
The blue person with yellow hair is Allie Beth.  She has enormous hands and fingers.  Again, I have no idea.
I'm so glad I got him to do this.   I will cherish it forever.


{The frame and glass is from an old deer picture John had from his single days.  I painted it with my newest favorite color Dover White {Sherwin Williams}. I added a piece of twine to the back to hang it. The row of hooks were here when we bought the house.  I bought the "Keep It Simple sign from Freds- $8.00, and the glass jar from Wal-Mart- $10.   I had the valance from our previous house.  The washer and dryer were also purchased with the house.}

Kitchen Update:::



I have been wanting a "Family Rules" sign from a fellow blogger.  Unfortunately it just doesn't fit into this budget right now so I made do with a smaller version from Wal-Mart.





That's it for now my friends :)

Happy Happy Thanksgiving!!!