Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The Summer Holiday

From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the red, white and blue shouts, "Summer!"
My porch got a simple makeover to give it a 'camp' feel.  (Click here to see before pictures.)
We hang the flag for all to see from the lake.  July 4th is the biggest holiday on Lake Wylie and is usually kicked off with a boat parade.
I purchased this antique fishing creel (eBay) for my kitchen, but it was too large.  I moved it to the porch and filled it with some hydrangeas.
The pillows have been collected through the years.  I bought the red and beige madras pillows on the couch from the Ralph Lauren outlet last year.  They are from the 'Lake' collection.  A couple of quilts cover the rust colored cushions, that would otherwise, clash with the red, white and blue.
The green plaid pillows in the chairs are also Ralph Lauren.  I probably purchased these over a decade ago.  The small burlap flag pillow was a recent purchase from World Market. 
I found the 'Happy Campers Live Here' sign at Cracker Barrel.  I bought it for my son who asked to sleep on the porch, no less, twenty times from late May to early June.  The weather was surprisingly pleasant for South Carolina, so we set up 'camp' here on the porch. 
The oak card table in front of the couch was found at a flea market, which I love because it is easy to take down or put up in this space. I don't know the history of it, but it is marked underneath with a date of 'August 14, 1883.' We use it just for that; playing cards...uno, slap jack, speed, go fish, etc...The copper bowl holds the many deck of cards.
I made the 'Lake' pillow from my grandfather's WWII military blanket.  It had so many holes, so this was the perfect way to up cycle it and to keep this great piece of memorabilia. 

I found this pillow at a shop in Charleston, SC, but I have seen it at some on-line shops, as well.

The green and white check tablecloth was given with a large picnic basket by my mother as a wedding shower gift twenty years ago.  The chair cushions came from IKEA last year.  A minnow pail holds my plant.  The lantern craze has settled here, too.
The summer holidays are marked by boating and swimming.  We take canoe trips to the island marked in the photo above.  It is called 'Goat Island,' and while it doesn't host any goats, it is home to many egrets and geese who frequently nest there.
Early in the morning on this holiday, we packed a picnic and headed to the island, before the ski boats, jet skis and fishermen flooded the place.
Goat Island, Lake Wylie, SC
Once we arrived, we had a simple scavenger hunt consisting of an eggshell, a feather, a clam shell, a pine cone and one piece of trash.  My daughter's friend, Sadie was the first to find all.
After our hunt, a swim and an early lunch, we headed back before the waters became too rough!
I hope you are enjoying your summer break!  We have had a great summer, and for once, I don't feel like we have been 'too busy!'  We have traveled a good bit this summer, but when we are home, the lazy days of playing cards and enjoying the outdoors have made for a nice break for the kids.  School will start before we blink!


Thanks for stopping by!


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36 comments :

Unknown said...

Your porch is so pretty! I love the colours and textures, and the camp feel. What a great space and lucky you to have room for so many furniture pieces. Enjoy your family time!

Cassie Bustamante said...

it looks like the perfect place to hang out all summer long!

Simply Handmade Farmhouse said...

beautiful porch....

Anonymous said...

Christie, I love reading your blog! Your beautiful spirit shines through and is reflected each time you write and post! You seem to have a passion for compassion, and such a beautiful heart! I would love to just sit and chat with you for a spell sometime! Your love for Christ and desire for your children to know Him is so refreshing...your spirit seems one of sweetness,gratefulness and humbleness, and your children are so very blessed to have such a mother as yourself! My son is 24, and when reading through your blog at times, it reminds me of all the wonderful memories we had 'growing up' together...time passes so very quickly...Blessings! Pam

Susan said...

Your porch is so gorgeous! I love plaid anything, but especially pillows, blankets and quilts. I hope you and yours have a great rest of the Summer, too.

Leslie said...

I feel like I've been on vacation just looking at your lovely pictures! Your porch is like a dream, I can't imagine having a view like that every morning! I grew up about 15 minutes from the lake, but you really have it made! I love the flag pillows and all the unique "finds" you have scattered around the porch. I'm glad I'm not the only one to leave out red, white and blue past the 4th!
Blessings,
Leslie

Christi said...

What a lovely "camp" porch! Enjoy te rest of your summer!

Christie said...

Anonymous, thank you for the kind words! Although, I am sure my husband, sisters, and friends would dispute! I am much more unorganized than the pictures I present. That is the difficult thing about a blog. I have a desire to seek the beauty that the Lord has given; to teach my children to dig for it and to share it with all of you. The thing is, sin surely lurks close by, but it is not pretty! It is difficult to post the not-so-pretty momments of life, and in there lies the challenge. Difficulties exist in all of our lives, so it can be a challenge to present a blog without seeming fake or disingenuous. What you don't see is that I have a short temper at times and often stand in my laundry room grumbling. At times, I can be self-deprecating and at other times, full of pride. So, having said all of that, I offer myself some grace that I am a great big ugly sinner! I relished your words and then had to smack myself back into reality!
Your kindness means so much, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts! It is certainly my readers who give such great encouragement to me! Thanks to all of you who visit and take the time to leave a comment. Blessings, Christie

Sheri said...

I adore your red/white/blue. Your porch is so cute - love it - I don't blame your son, I would want to sleep there too :) Have a blessed week.

tawn said...

Christie, Your blog has such a way of opening hearts and minds. You have such a way with words and pictures. I truly enjoy reading your delightful blogs and I come away with so many ideas. My husband and I are now empty nesters (which I must say I am not a big fan of). Our older son lives next door and they are expecting our first grandchild in October, so I really do hold on to many of your ideas. Thank you.

Sarah said...

Christie, your lake home certainly has an incredible view. What a wonderful spot to spend time. I'm with your son, I'd ben on that porch 24/7. Love all the red, white, and blue details. We have that going on around here all summer too. I was thrilled to find the burlap flag pillow at WM. I bought the Union Jack version too.
Will look for the other one you showed that you picked up in Charleston. I like it too.

Anonymous said...

Your porch is beautiful and screams SUMMER..

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh I just love your porch and the camp style decor! You did a great job and have some beautiful pieces. The card table is a wonderful piece. It looks like you're having a great summer. Enjoy! Blessings, Pamela

Unknown said...

This is so pretty! My favorite is your lake pillow...anything sentimental melts my heart!

XO, Aimee

Keeping It Cozy said...

I love your porch! The touches of red give it that perfect "camp" feeling. Love that antique fishing creel and the pillow you made. How special!

Maureen Wyatt said...

I love this porch so much I had to join your site and I've pinned this! ~ Maureen

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Stunning porch! Very cozy :) I'm following you back on Pinterest as well as your blog here through GFC. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment! Would love if you'd follow back ;) Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

Deserae said...

OMG!!! Your porch is sooooo heavenly....it looks like the perfect spot to spend a summer day just lounging around?!?!?!Just beautiful....I am so envious!!! LOL
~Des

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a beautiful, cozy place to relax...

Paula@SweetPea said...

I think I could spend all day lounging on your porch and enjoying that pretty view. The way you've decorated it is perfect for summer.

Anonymous said...

Sounds as if you're busy with your sweet little family. It's a wonderful time when you're kiddos are sweet and innocent. I'm sure you stay busy trying to stay one step ahead of them as you plan your days and balance the responsibilities of your home.

Glad to see your recent posts. You uplift us all and we miss you when you're not able to post.


Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Kay - North Central Texas

Kris said...

I love your Patriotic porch overlooking the lake!
I am a lake gal!!!
I miss your posts!!
kris

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Love your campy porch! I'm your newest follower and I've got some catching up to do.

melissa @ daisymaebelle.com said...

Wow! I want to spend some time on that porch! It all looks so beautiful! I love the collection of pillows with the quilts!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Christie, I am so so so happy to be visiting! I have missed you dear one!
Your camp style porch could not be better done!It really does have that old-time feel of a summer camp. What a wonderful mix of furniture and textiles! That fish lamp is perfect!
I love the pictures of the boat and the water too!
I am so glad you shared this with us at TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!
XO

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Beautiful porch! I love all the Ralph Lauren pillows.

Dee

Lynn said...

What a great post of Americana! Your porch is so inviting and I love the Happy Campers block:@)

Anonymous said...

Christie, your porch is gorgeous, as are all of your pictures. I love your happy camper sign!!

Elegant Economies said...

Can see why you are happy campers...beautiful porch!

A Southern Preppy said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! I loved it before and after so, in my opinion, you got it just right both times.

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Looks amazing and very relaxing~Cheers Kim

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

I love your porch!

Twigs and Twirls said...

Lovely !!

Anonymous said...

I love the pillows!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

So absolutely charming!! I just adore the red, white and blue and the way you have styled everything- so gorgeous! :)

Anne said...

Christie your porch looks beautiful. It's so festive for the summer months. Looks like you had a great time on the island. I'm your newest follower. =)

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