Whatchadoing Wednesday

We've been busy, I promise.

PATIO

The previous owner had a hot-tub on our spacious patio and tiled the area around it.  So when the hot-tub was removed, there was a weird lay of tile. 

Before

See the dark blue brick in the left corner.

After

We pulled it up.  There's still some glue we need to chip away, but it looks much better. 

Gus, you are so handsome.

Before

There were minimal weeds that I pulled in preparation to plant something nice.  Still working out that plan, as I'm not quite the horticulturist. 

After

 But the patio does look much more presentable and we are enjoying spending the sunny afternoons out there.  (Hurry up spring, I'm craving you bad!)

FRONT PORCH

Minimal work, but it made quite the difference.

I researched the hardiest (semi-good looking) plant to put in the new pot we bought for the front door.  Please everyone say a tiny prayer that I may be able to keep these 'mother-in-law tongues' from dying.  If not, I'm going to be the weird lady who puts fake plants in a pot on the front porch.

This is the fabulous new door-bell plate that took us a week to install.  Sometimes the smallest projects can ruin a marriage... thankfully, James and I decided a door bell plate was not worth it.  We re-convened days later and the finished product looks really nice and polished. 

And we also have this old speaker system at the left of the door.  It doesn't work, but I didn't want to take it off and try patching the stucco.  So I spray-painted it bronze and it definitely hides much better than the bright nasty gold it was previously.

I know they look small, but as new homeowners... every project we encounter is normally our first.  Which means it usually takes twice as long and double the frustration.  BUT we are learning so much and are really proud of our accomplishments, even if they are weak.