Don't you just love a day when you step outdoors on the front or back porch to take in the air and sip coffee or a smoothie, with your morning prayer and private thought for the day, in serene surroundings? This is before the typical adrenaline-filled workday sets in.
Porches are blank canvases to be personalized reflecting the taste and habits of the owner in so many creative ways. The first step is to tie in a color scheme together with furnishings and art objects, just as you would inside the house or apartment. Use hurricane lamps, pretty lanterns, solar lights, citronella candles, string lighting, etc., to set the mood. for lounging and chatting. Potted flowers, succulents, fresh herbs, ornamental vegetables, or other botanical offer aroma and beauty at minimal cost. Recycle anything from an old rubber boot to terra cotta pottery and crockery as a container for displaying these growing treasures. Keep in mind that strawberry varieties will grow well in containers, sweet potato vines and cabbage hybrids are amazing potted ornamental plants, and the aloe vera plant is one of dozens of low maintenance healing plants. Tablecloths and napkin linens and bamboo mats or coasters add the textural element to cozy tables in conversation areas; canning jars are still ranked with me as ideal for lemonade and iced tea sipping. Never be shy about comfy cushions for chairs and assorted weather resistant throw rugs. Stencil the porch floor or steps with designs. Having a cookie jar or tin of brownies on deck for random nibbling comes in handy for impromptu porch guests and neighbors (porches are so social). Make sure to snag a couple of sturdy trays for transporting beverages and an airtight container for savory sandwiches or such. It is mandatory that these trays also be attractive. Another porch "must-have" is a decent corkscrew and chilled wine glasses (no explanation necessary).
If you have the free-spirited swagger about it, march right out the back door or side door of the house and politely set up a real, honest-to-goodness clothesline. That's right, I said a real clothesline. Properly secured to withstand a frisky breeze or two, a clothesline will quickly dry or freshen sheets, towels, rugs, table linen, clothes, comforters and bedspreads while you keep your electric bill under control. Fill a tall spray bottle with one part liquid fabric softener, one part liquid starch, and one part water; generously shake the bottle and evenly mist clothesline items. Go ahead and give household curtains the same light wash, misting, and line dry treatment. Get a generous supply of clothespins and definitely check the weather report. Keep your dryer appliance for rainy days or whenever you're in a rush. Kids can easily help with this as a chore. Compare the difference in your previous electric bill and gloat about the savings you pocket! This is a smart way to save energy, save dollars, and be retro chic at it's best, folks.
Once you have the dry clothes off the line, save some more money and fire up the outdoor grill for more than just occasional barbecues. Any cook worth their salt has cast iron in the kitchen; so bring it to the grill and get busy. Scrub potatoes clean and lightly oil the skin. Snuggle them together in that preheated skillet. Rinse and season meat, fish or poultry; let stand in marinade of your choice for at least 15 minutes while you set the grill or smoker. Arrange the potato skillet on the hot grill first, followed by the entree in another cast iron skillet. . If you want to cheat a little bit microwave the taters for ten minutes prior to putting them on the grill. Close the lid and kick back on the porch chaise or swing to indulge in a watermelon-lime Margarita or mojito till time to toss up a crisp, green salad. AHHHH... for the finale, grilled peach or pear halves topped with ricotta, toasted almonds, and a light drizzle of honey for dessert. Eat right on that gorgeous porch of yours because life is too short to miss the moments. Since you gotta pay the mortgage, enjoy every stick and brick of your house! A good looking porch retreat, a country fresh bed, and a fire grilled supper - It's what you deserve out of life.
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