How to go from Yucky to Awesome (Backyard Edition)

Step one: Dig some holes


Step two: Put posts and cement in aforementioned holes


Step 3: Say "Hi" to the neighbour cat (a.k.a. Tinga's new boyfriend)


Step 4: Add boards to aforementioned posts


Step 5: Plant more flowers


Step 6: Painstakingly assemble a BBQ


Step 7: Add a gate


Step 5: Find a home for the BBQ


Step 6: More flowers!


Step 7: Check out the new fence


Step 8: Start planning backyard parties!!!

But it looks so good in Portugal!!!

I have heard this argument several times in the last few weeks since we've returned from our two week vacation to Portugal. You see, Ian has been bugging me to tile the front of our house....and I keep shooting him down. As much as I love that virtually every building facade in Portugal is covered in amazing tiles I somehow don't think it would work here. Now just because I won't agree to tile our house, doesn't mean I can't enjoy the beauty of the tiled buildings that so inspired him. Here's a couple shots from our trip.







This photo is of the oldest restaurant in Portugal, The Tavares Restaurant. Waahooo Family History!

Back to Work

Well, we still haven't managed to get any pictures on the walls and the basement is still full of unpacked boxes but we are super happy and comfortable here in our little house. We've even started upgrading a bit with a new TV, new mattress and a new couch (on order still). What I've really been itching to get to though is the backyard. It's been a long time since I have had outdoor space to work with and so far, it's seemed pretty daunting. Thankfully, my parents are masters when it comes to creating a beautiful garden and they brought their expertise and muscles over today. It's not much to look at yet but I am beyond excited.

Before


And After (still a work in progress but soooo much better)






In other news, while my grandparents were in Portugal, the family pitched in a gave them a whole new kitchen! It was an awesome surprise. My grandmother's cupboards were jammed packed with stuff that she'd forgotten about and most of those items got piled up in a spare room rather than put back in the new kitchen. I did insist on saving one special item though. It's an owl cookie jar! This little guy now lives in my kitchen. I think I might use it to hold wooden spoons and stuff since I never bake cookies.