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I just remembered that I promised you guys a summer update on my patio! For those of you new to the blog this is what our patio looked like before I started on it. It was the world's smallest concrete slab!  Isn't it just pitiful? 

So I built some planter boxes and turned it into this fantastic private book nook back in May!

But my Mandevilla have grown up a lot so here is a updated look at the patio! 

Ahhh!  I love the Mandevilla!  I am going to try to winter it this year (fingers crossed!)  I think accidentally got two different kinds.  This one on the right is more bushy, while the one on the right is a climber!   I LOVE the climber!  (Shh - don't tell the others it is my favorite!)

It has been a little too hot to enjoy the patio a lot over the summer.  However, on some days when the sun has gone over the house and it isn't too humid, I can sit out there with some Caribbean music on my Ipod, read and pretend I am miles away! 

There are several projects that went into this patio.
  • The gorgeous Lattice Planters - the first thing I ever built.  (Yes - I built those out of lumber with my own two hands!  You can too!)
I am looking forward to it getting just a little cooler this fall - I might neglect you guys a little as I start spending more time out there enjoying a book!  Or I guess I could figure out a way to rig up the computer out there!  Hmmm - I wonder if my wireless will work?  There is only one way to find out ...  

What about you?  Do you have a favorite outdoor space that has just grown up beautifully over the summer?  Or have you read any good books I might want to put on my list?  Lemme know!  


P.S. I am looking for guest posters as I will be out of town on and off for the next couple weeks! Send me an email if you are interested in guest posting.

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21 frugal friends said ...

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said... @ August 22, 2010 at 8:32 PM

Oh, you've made it such a cozy and inviting spot to go and sit and relax. Hopefully the weather will cool off soon and you can really enjoy it. Love the planters. Hugs, Marty

Oh, My Darling said... @ August 22, 2010 at 8:38 PM

I love the transformation! The mason jar lanterns are especially amazing!!!

Mary said... @ August 22, 2010 at 8:42 PM

Cute and your plants look good!

Mary
From Virginia

Anonymous said... @ August 22, 2010 at 10:13 PM

Hi Jess! Oh, your patio is so nice! As the weather cools down hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it more. It's been the hottest summer ever all over!
Thanks for popping in to see me,
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Erin said... @ August 23, 2010 at 7:45 AM

This is great! And I love that you have a reading spot to enjoy! I am with you, fall hurry up! I just read The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, it was good!!! But too, it depends on what you like. I am an avid reader, birds of a feather?

Extra! Extra! Blog All About It said... @ August 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM

LOVE the transformation. The planters are amazing. I so wish we had a garage (currently in a condo) so I could build. Love the PB mason jar lantern knockoffs, too. Clever!

XO,
Kimberly

Marilyn Holeman said... @ August 23, 2010 at 5:58 PM

What kind of things would you like to read on that beautiful patio?

Anonymous said... @ August 23, 2010 at 11:25 PM

looks great!

MrsHull said... @ August 24, 2010 at 8:57 AM

Oh my, it looks wonderful. What a perfect place to spend a late summer evening. Pour me some tea, I'm coming right over.

Anonymous said... @ August 24, 2010 at 4:39 PM

That is one heck of a makeover! I love how it turned out. I've stumbled this post for ya. :)

Unknown said... @ August 24, 2010 at 5:47 PM

Those trellis planters are fantastic! You've created a little oasis! Just wonderful.

A Whole Lotta Magic said... @ August 25, 2010 at 3:06 PM

So cute, Jess. Love it!

Sue
xo

Marilyn Holeman said... @ August 29, 2010 at 8:15 PM

Have you read any of Diane Mott Davidson's books? Goldy is a caterer who finds killers. Good recipes, too.

Also, an OLD series by Dorothy Sayers, if you can find them, are the Lord Peter Wimsey books. (She died in 1957!)

I also like Dorothy Simpson's Inspector Luke Thanet novels. She has some nice descriptions of interesting interiors, along with the mysteries.

The last two are British, the first is American. You should try to read each of them in order, as the characters develop.

Hope I helped you find someone new. Happy reading!

Cristen Eacret said... @ March 11, 2013 at 3:01 PM

I have a question, why not extend your patio to make it bigger? I can see that you have a lot of vacant space and I think that you should extend your patio. It's beautiful now, but if you extend it and add a few more to it, it'll be even more prettier! If you can spare the funds, you can also add some patio covers too so you can enjoy your patio even during the summer. It's most beautiful to sit outside and breathe some fresh air.

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