Decor via paint swatches

This weekend, I did a makeover on my son's room while he was visiting his dad. After seeing some things on the internet about paint swatches, I decided to paint everything. Since he is the last of four children, I had a mish-mash of different pieces in his room. Nothing matched. White walls with a few crayon marks on them....where was I when he did that?? Toys all over. Before he left, my son and I did a "game" of Keep-or-Giveaway. We often go to thrift stores, so he understood the concept of giving other kids the opportunity to play with his old toys. I am very proud of him, he gave up two large boxes of odd ball toys.
It took two days to move, paint, and organize. And it was fun!

Race cars, Disney's Toy Story, Disney's Cars and Marvel Avengers. He likes a lot of stuff. Why not incorperate them all.

The bed is an IKEA twin that came off a trundle no longer being used. The frame is not quite complete in the painting department, but it was an easy bulld. 2x12s and a piece of sanded plywood resting on a 1x1 shelf, three inches from the top. *Note to self, watch out for little dogs while painting. Hard to see, but there are little dog prints on the carpet. This room is soon to be laminate.

The dresser turned out super.

In an odd corner, small shelves display my son's Cars collection. Clean up is a snap.
The reveal was great, he was so happy. Now, he wants me to play in his room all day.
Happy Painting.

On the Farm - Spring

Several thing have been happening around these parts. Spring is here. I've been planting up a storm, weeding, cleaning the pool and watching nature work her magic.

This is this summer's Raised Bed Garden. After trying several different styles of garden, this by far, is the best for my soil, my manpower and my patience. Simple construction of low boxes are 2x6 lumber that was cut at Home Depot for free and painted with OOPS paint (see H.D. paint section and you can stumble on great treasures of paint that wasn't perfect, for cheap). PVC sprinklers that are portable and easy to fix just in case. Soon, when the weeds get high, I run the weed eater between the boxes and lay down straw.

Newly hatched Bantum Blue Silkies, courtesy of "Mama Hen" (my daughter, Miranda)

Grapes, grapes, and more grapes. Three different varieties - Green Ladyfinger, Thompson Seedless and Red Globe Seedless. Planted along the borders of my property, drip irrigation and recycled 4x4s and wire supports. I hope that one day I can make raisins, juice and have several walks in the orchard with a fist full of grapes.

Our pool is a simple one, but a vital.Northern California hits triple digits often. Tiki torches allow us to enjoy the cool water without the pests. I have been researching lifeguard chairs to sit high and over the edge of the pool, so I can get my feet cool while watching the little ones play. I hope to include construction in an upcoming blog, made from PVC pipe. Can you tell I love that stuff!!

My son enjoying his favorite veggie, RADISHES. Good thing they grow so quickly. The radishes, not the kids. In a few days, my son will be six.

I love Spring! Happy Living Outside this month.