1960's Retro Waterfall Waterfeature

I love the 1960's and 70's. When looking through an old 1967 Sunset Book, I saw this great water feature. Even back then water features were popular. I remember in the early 1970's my Uncle had a waterfall at the back of his property. So I guess everything old is new again. The one pictured above would be great to build with red brick or mayben even stained concrete blocks. Easy square grid layout, the height gives it a great water sound. What a great family project.

Rock Fountain - Make in a day!

Here is a picture of an easy to make Rock Fountain. You can make this in a day. All you need is a large container for the rock bubbler to sit in, an inexpensive small flow fountain pump, and a great looking small rock. Drill your hole in your rock, insert your pump tubing, and place pump in bottom of container and place appropriately and enjoy. This is a great project to do with kids. Dig a hole and put your container in the ground and place small rocks all around, this is a great look at an entrance to a home, or as a surprise in your garden. Your birds and wildlife will love it.

The Long Long Trailer - Retro Movie Friday

Since it is summer and lots of people are taking road trips, it seems appropriate to talk about a great old classic. The Long Long Trailer starring, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. A Great classic the whole family can enjoy. Great at home with popcorn, or on the road to your own destination. Retro Movie Friday.

Curtains for a Patio or Portal

So you need curtains for your patio/portal. The ones pictured below are from Wal Mart and are polyester, they have been outside in the southwest sun year around now for 4+ years. They make a great romantic addition to any patio/portal. Easily put up with simple copper plumbing pipe. The pipe will patina to a great brownish color, and the curtains slide easily on them. So what are you waiting for? Get started.

Lighting a Patio or Portal -- Globe Lighting

Here in the beautiful southwest on Route66 -- Portals are the rage. Patios in some parts of the world, Lanis in other and here Portals. They all serve the same great purpose, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. A great cocktail wouldn't hurt either. So what are some creative ways of lighting them? We have installed globe lights all around the top of the portal. They give it a nice glow in the evening, good enough to eat buy, but not so glaring that you can't have a romantic evening. Take a look. Globe lights are available at your favorite home improvement store, discounts stores, and even at Christmas which is when we actually bought these. Yes, we did enjoy them lit with a little snow falling. Inexpensive and easy to install. They also come in a multi colored, which I have seen on various restaurant patios. However, I liked the clear. So this weekend, do something for yourself and dress up -- light up your patio. The curtains.......that's Wednesday's post.

Printable Candy Bar Wrappers - Great For Grads and Father's Day

Here is a great idea from Rachael Ray Magazine. Printable Candy Bar Wrappers. Go to Rachel Ray Magazine and search "sweet-talkers". Or you can experiment on your own computer and printer, any card making program will do, (it really is super easy). Maybe upload a photo of you and your dad with a cute message and wrap it around his favorite candy bar. How about little mini ones with a saying and picture of a graduate sitting around in bowls at a graduation party. Just, use your immagination. Enjoy.

Fishing - Father's Day - Great Movies

Man's Favorite Sport with Rock Hudson is a personal favorite of mine. With Father's Day coming up it would be a great gift along with maybe a new fishing pole -- or his favorite cocktail. Love the revolving bar in that movie. Are there still any revolving bars anywhere? I know there are buildings where the whole top moves, but what about just an interior portion? I will have to look that one up. So, while I am looking start getting ready for Father's Day, June 21.

Fire Pits - Fireplaces - Chimineas

I love fire pits and fireplaces they really dress up a backyard or patio. So if you are looking for an inexpensive way to dress up your patio or backyard, look for a chiminea. They are small fireplace type units. The one I have I use with sand and candles on my patio. It looks cozy and keeps the bugs at bay. Chimineas are all over, you can find them at your home improvement stores as well as garage sales and flea markets. So put a little fire in your life.