Saturday, June 9, 2012

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

15 comments:

Deppen homestead 1862 said...

Carol~ Beautiful porch~ looks so cozy~ they landscaping is pretty~ and love the bike~
wonderful job~
smiles
Teresa

Sheila said...

TFS your wonderful Americana pictures of all your new goodies! What sweet friends you have. I looked at that tree of Denise's and it was already sold. ;-)
Your porch and yard look great and that bike, oh my!!!
Blessings,
Sheila

Jessica said...

Great Americana pieces. I love how you've decorated your house!

Penny said...

Just beautiful!! Everything is great, but that bike..... Oh My!!! I have a 3-wheel bike that was my MIL's..... am waiting for it to rust-up like your's, then it will be perfect!! TFS your pics!!

The Bear's Blog said...

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your beautiful thank you. I have so much fun sending prezzies to you - and to think, our friendship began over one of your precious fall "witch mouser's.

Your home is beautiful, if I had just seen pictures but didn't know who lived there my first guess would be YOU. You have a wonderful gift for decorating.

Heaps of Hugs ♥

The Book Barista said...

Carol, everything looks so wonderful! I love how you have the stars displayed...they certainly found a good home. But that bike has to be my favorite...awesome idea!
Blessings,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Carol on all of your winnings! You are the "luckiest" girl, I know! I love your all of your Americana things and your front porch! I especially love the old bike that you have in your flower bed! ;)

ChRiS said...

dang you won alot of great things congrats!!!! i loveeeeee Americana my great room has been Americana for 12 yrs.

TheCrankyCrow said...

Well my dear Mouse-Maker Extraordinaire....!! What wonders you do post! Congratulations on all your new "treasures" - gifts, giveaways, and otherwise....You have been truly blessed. And your home - what a wonderfully, cozy place that seems to be. When can I move in??? ;o) Hope all is well in Mouseville...I've missed you. Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Sandi @ The Primitive Skate said...

Congratulations on all your winnings, Carol! Love them all. Your Porch is Beautiful and I Love the bike! Hope your having a wonderful weekend. Take Care!

sandraallen260@centurytel.net

Shirlee said...

Your home is indeed welcoming but I'm not surprised ... you are such a lovely person & your home reflects that : ) Love seeing all the patriotic decor. I really need to dig mine out before fall gets here : )

Jody Wakefield studio said...

Wow I love this post and all your wonderful goodies! I love your charming home, it is absolutley adorable! I love the americana decor and Abby looks quite happy. LOL! The yard is great too. I especially love that dress on the wall, what a mood it has. Okay miss Carol, I did not know it was your Birthday.... I also see your winning streak has not stopped. SIGH... thanks for such a fun post.

Hugs
Jody

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

Oh Carol - I love your home and all your goodies! I'm coming right now to sit on your porch and chat! You have certainly been adding to your Americana things lately! Uncle Sam looks quite happy in his little chair.
Blessings friend.

Mary said...

Wonderful post Carol, Love all your new treasures and gifts..Happy Belated B-Day if I missed it. How sweet and very generous of Joyce to send you one of Denise's beautiful trees. I can see why you love them so much, I own one of her Halloween trees and it's just amazing as is all her trees...she really puts alot of detail in everyone of them. Your home and gardens looks so beautiful and welcoming. Would love to be able to sit a spell and chat on your front porch with you :) Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.....
Hugs Mary

Matildan Jaana said...

Greetings from Finland.You have sooo wonderful mouses! I like your house too.