Simple, suple looking bags from renneslechateau

We need to give our yard some love big time.  One of the main problems is that the concrete slab best suited to hold the patio furniture is up against the very ugly tan stucco wall of our neighbors garage.  I have been racking my brain for a way to pretty it up, preferable with a wall of plants.  Then I see these two posts in one week, Mouse spotted the first wall in Mexico, and Chelsea the second image on ffffffound.  

Now, how do I take this concept and make it fit our preference for a more modern styling and an, um miniscule budget?

Did I say something about a party? Turns out, it's hard to find documentation of a good party.

Oh well. There were moscow mules, champagne, peonies, friends, family, kiddies. At the end of the night there was a sister asleep in the guest bed, a mom asleep in the main bed, a husband [sitting up] asleep on the couch, and five best friends of one girl from different states, different eras of a life, all together. Giving um, drunk piggy back rides in the yard.

I do not look so badass on my bike, I'm pretty sure.

More amazing work by Scott Pommier

After finishing up my latest little project, I spent the weekend nesting big time.  I ended up pairing most of my new containers with all of my lichen and moss finds that I have been collecting.  

I added to our wall of framed images, but I am not allowed to buy the Ribba frame from Ikea any more.  I think I already have too many of the same one. 

And I decided to try out a couch cover.  On the recommendation of a friend I bought these great blankets, bed spreads? [also from Ikea]  It took three of them to appropriately cover the couch, but they were only 10 bucks each.  They have a wonderfully thick and textured canvas like feel. 

 

See? Ben approves. Obv.

Let's add to the list of the daydreams uprooting and replanting in Vauban, Germany....

"Vauban, Germany, is an affluent new suburban community that differs from traditional suburbs in many respects. The most important difference is that cars are forbidden on most of Vauban's streets, and houses cannot have driveways or garages. Though not quite car-free, Vauban, a district of Freiburg, near the Swiss border, is a highly "car-reduced" suburb."

"Biking and walking are the principal means of transport within the community. A tram that runs down the spine of the district connects Vauban to the train station and downtown Freiburg .... residents who wish to own a car can do so, but must must generally park it in one of two municipal garages at the edge of town. So for most errands, it's easier to walk to the store than to walk to the car. Also, spaces must be bought, for about $40,000. The garages are also home to a car-sharing service, which car-less residents rely on for things like weekend ski trips."

"To make sure that residents can live in Vauban without a car, it is a "mixed use" community: stores, banks and restaurants are sprinkled along the main street of Vauban, and that street is within walking distance of all homes. In many traditional suburbs, houses are in areas that are purely residential, according to zoning laws. Stores and banks are often distant, requiring a car ride."

"Many people move to Vauban not for environmental reasons, but because they feel that a car-free environment is far better for children. Indeed, children are everywhere! With no cars on the streets, many residents call Vauban a children's paradise, where youngsters wander from a young age in safety. Even some residents who say they miss the convenience of a car at their doorstep have concluded that it is worth the tradeoff."