MY LOVE OF AMERICANA...A BIRTHDAY PRESENT, SOME GIVEAWAYS AND PICS OF OUR SUMMERTIME FRONT PORCH DECORATIONS. Be warned...this is a picture heavy post.

I hope your summer is off to a blazing start with plenty of sunshine, picnics and family fun!  We are having hot, dry weather right now.  Too hot for this old gal, so I will hibernate for a few days till things cool down just a bit.

I have a very strong affection for anything Americana; and with that said would love to share a few of my summertime decorations with you.  A few weeks ago I received an early birthday present from a very dear friend, Joyce, of  THE BEAR'S BLOG.   Joyce and I have become close blogging friends and it is my wish that someday we will be able to meet.  But until that time, I am blessed to know her and cherish our friendship.  Anywho....I have been wanting a seasonal tree from Country Creations by Denise for the longest time.  Well, a couple of weeks ago, guess what showed up at my back door.....an Americana tree that Joyce had sent to me for my birthday.  I tell you, it is beautiful!  An amazing little tree with tons of Americana goodies displayed from every branch.   I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  Thank you so much, Joyce, for remembering this ole gal!!!

If you have never been to The Bear's Blog, make sure you check it out.  You are in for a real treat, and I am sure you will enjoy the life and antics of Prudence Bear.  While you are there, make sure you check out Joyce's Shabby Chic Gift Shoppe for some beautiful, unique handmade creations.  She does amazing work with a keen eye for detail.

I have been wanting to add an Uncle Sam doll to my collection for quite some time.  While blogging one day I happened upon a picture of the cutest Sam doll on Wendy's blog, RAVENWOOD WHIMZIES.  I contacted Wendy inquiring about the pattern but was pleasantly surprised when she offered to make me one of my own.  I was so tickled and excited and must tell you that he is even more charming in person.  I think you will love him too.  Underneath the jacket, his little shirt has rows of ruffles.  Such detail she has put into this adorable doll.  He is a whopping 36" tall and fills the little stool just perfectly.

I entered one of Brenda's giveaway from THE RUSTY THIMBLE a couple of weeks ago and was tickled to death to find out that I had won one of her wonderful Americana pillow tucks.  As many of you may already know, Brenda is such a generous person and makes beautiful, prim-perfect creations.  The pillow tuck is just adorable and I had the perfect place to tuck it in and display.  Thank you soooo much Brenda!!  I just love it!

About the same time, I was notified by Kim of COUNTRY THYME PRIMITIVES that I was blessed to win her first blog giveaway.  It was three Americana stars that were handmade and painted with cute banners on each one with a different saying.  I also ordered two pillow tucks from her etsy shop that are also adorable.  I have them displayed on my bench along with my sweet Abby; a doll made by the talented, Miss Jody from SWEET BEAR CREEK WHIMS.  If you would like to check out Kim's etsy, you can do so HERE.  Thank you so much, Kim, for your generous giveaway!!!  I just love everything.

 

And last, if you aren't already tired of looking at  pictures....is a couple more  of our front porch which has been a work in progress for the past couple of years.  I love to garden and are very prone to make changes and additions  each year until I am totally satisfied with the outcome.  Sometimes, I think I drive my Mr. Wonderful a little lulu...heehee!

The first is a pic of a 1953 bike that now holds  my wave petunias.   Although the tires are flat and the bike rusted, I have fallen in love with it.  (Reminds me a little of myself....heehee!)

And last, the front of our house and porch.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my picture tour as much as I have sharing them with you.  Until next time.....

BLESSED LAZY DAYS OF SUMMERTIME!!!

hugs!
Carol