Patriotic Front Porch

Today I went to Lowes on a mission. A mission for our front porch. Enter these urns from Lowes.  They were these basic grey urns that I loved. And man, were they heavy. I had some cheaper black plastic ones before but the height of those just was not cutting it. So, here's a view from Instagram {@homebyally} of the BEFORE/AFTER of these urns. To me, they were basic when I saw them but the price was right on at under $20 each. I grabbed some cheap black gloss spray paint and took em' home along with some pretty green ferns to put in each along with two small American Flags. 

So here's the view from the front yard looking directly onto the front porch. 

 

I found the small half moon damask outdoor rug at Ross for only $6.99 so I had to snatch it up. I actually would like to have a 3x5 out there with some sort of patterns to bring some interest to the entry.

I always forget the names of these flowers but I love them! I bought this hanging basket and hook from Lowes... and have it hanging on one of two palm trees in my front yard. 

I also had to sadly take out the hydrangeas. They just were not having it here in Florida and since these area of our front yard only gets shade for a few hours a day, they were burning up. I do plan on putting something there too as you can see with the flowers that haven't bloomed yet in the pots on the ground.

We also added an American Flag along with a solar powered light to illuminate the flag at night. If you ever have the chance, brush up on your flag code from the United States. It's pretty interesting to read all the rules, etc. and I'm much more informed now. PS-- If you plan to hang your flag 24 hours a day, at night all night... you flag must be illuminated. 

I adore these mini American Flags in my freshly painted black urns. They are both filled with huge ferns I bought from Lowes too. I just love the contrast and the simplicity of the look. Oh and before I forget... I stole this idea from my mom. Because that is ok. There mom. I know she is smiling reading this. Haha, if y'all didn't know, my mom is the cutest little blonde southern woman. Hi, mom!

Here's the doormat I was telling you about earlier. And my little piggies. 

These flowers sit beside my hibiscus flowers that are towering so quickly! I love walking up and seeing these basically flowing over the sidewalk to the front door....

I'm telling you I went crazy at Lowes the other day. Funny story. Let me tell you. I had a really cute chevron garden flag with a monogramed "S" on it for our last name. Well a lot of you knew that I was visiting North Carolina. I just recently made it back to Florida and noticed my cute little chevron flag was gone...hubby said it blew away :-( Bummer, right? So I bought this cute black "Welcome" one from Lowes... only to get home and randomly find my cute chevron one stuffed behind my work bench covered in stain! I had to laugh because I knew exactly who did it! I confronted my hubby and he just laughed and said he put it on my work bench to avoid it blowing away... accidentally spilled stain on it... because he was staining my birdhouse. Could I really be mad at him? Hint, I laughed too.

Love these hooks from Lowes to hang these beautiful flowers.

God Bless America.

Oh! And here's Mr. Squirrel above. We have quite a few Mr. Squirrels though. I can't help but feed them :O But I will not be responsible for any obese squirrels :-)

And here's a view from the end of our driveway. I am really enjoying the small changes. And it feels so much more simple and inviting now. Sometimes LESS is MORE.