Bootlegging...

So you may think today's post includes a secret recipe for how to create some good ole Alabama Moonshine, but since there are now much more tasty options for creating your afternoon toddy, I figured I would share an oh so easy project for repurposing your bottles.....after they're empty of course!

With Spring in full force, it is time for the inevitable Spring Cleaning...I have a bittersweet relationship with Spring Cleaning - on one hand I typically do not care nor have the time to clean and reorganize all of the closets and spaces that have been neglected during the cold winter months, but on the other hand, this time of year gives me the chance to reorganize, refresh and get rid of things I no longer need or have been worn to the very last thread.

Today we will be focusing on storing all of those fabulous boots to make room for the sandal months ahead...

Do your boots look like this?

If they do, then I have the perfect solution....and it all starts with that empty wine bottle.

Make sure you have at least two empty bottles to start with - size or shape really doesn't matter.

I had some knitting yarn, which I used to wrap the tops of the bottles and make a loop at the top for easy pulling.  You don't have to use yarn, but I just thought it added a pop of color and softened the bottle a bit.

Drop the bottles in your boots, and you have yourself a pair of custom boot fillers!  Before this I was using plastic bags to hold the shape of my boots and make them stand upright which made a mess and wasn't very effective - now I have no mess and straight boots!  All ready to be stored until next Fall!

I also found when choosing which wine bottles to use in which boots that some bottles fit better in some style boots than others.....my short, fat bottles were a better fit for my moccasin boots while the tall, slim bottles were better for the cowboy boots and knee-high suede boots.

Also, if you aren't a wine drinker, then really any bottle will work for this project.....olive oil comes to mind....

Now get to organizing that closet!!

Create a Refreshing....

SPRING TERRACE

Spring has FINALLY arrived, and if you are like me, you can hardly wait to freshen up your outdoor terrace to welcome the warm, breezy evenings ahead.  I did a little sprucing up on my back porch earlier this week - where I will be enjoying the weekend with a crisp glass of chardonnay and a good book.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I have currently been reading through Jennifer Boles recently released book, In with the Old, and I have been flooded with inspiration.  From orangeries to garden stools, I want it all - so this is exactly what I am using for inspiration in my guide for creating a refreshing Spring Terrace.

1. Potted Orange Tree

I am still on the lookout for this lovely fruit tree, but another alternative that I think is equally as lovely is the traditional topiary which you can find at just about any nursery in your area.

2. Garden Stool

Found some for under $100 locally at Home Goods in Birmingham & 

Southeastern Salvage in Irondale

3. Sisal Rug

Another bargain find... 8x10 for under $100 available at a Big Lots near you!

4. LED Twig Branches

Also currently available at Big Lots & now on sale for under $10!!

* Try mixing these in with fresh greenery or just drop them in an urn &

 let them speak for themselves!

Who says outdoors can't feel like an extension of the inside of your home?  After all, your terrace will be the spot where you will be entertaining, cooking bar-b-que, sipping coffee in the mornings or wine in the evenings or even taking a cat nap for the next few months..... 

I certainly think it deserves to be just as comfortable and welcoming as your favorite indoor space, but this doesn't mean you have to break the bank having custom drapes made - this is why we turn to painter's drop clothes!

Painter's drop clothes are an extremely cost effective way to soften the space around a screened-in porch or deck while holding up to the elements outdoors - they are also extremely easy to find..just check your nearest hardware store!

Image via House Beautiful

Add a few large grommets with a tailored hem and you have yourself an elegant and custom look at a fraction of the cost of custom drapery panels.

Now, if painter's drop clothes just aren't for you, and you really want to go above and beyond, then you must incorporate a folly,  a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, etc found especially in England in the 18th century, into your outdoor space.

Image via Dering Hall

This stunning folly, designed by renowned architect Bill Ingram, mimics a tartan tent & doubles as an outdoor pavilion.  I was so inspired by this design, I created my own vision of how I could recreate the look on a much smaller scale and of course within a budget.

Sketch via Cotton + Quill

Incorporating Cotton + Quill's textiles from the newest Terrace Collection, I used Shu Te's Chintz in Mint to create an awning with a pair of panels offering an inviting yet intimate seating area.  Pile bold pillows on a classic iron couch flanked with a pair of garden stools to create a lounge-worthy space.  

This would also by an opportune time to add that orange tree or topiary and create a garden right on your porch.  This look is ideal for a sunroom as well.

Side View of Seating Area via Cotton + Quill

Now, get in Spring Cleaning/Decorating mode and make it your weekend goal to create an outdoor space worthy of spending many of your days and night over upcoming months!

Happy Friday & Here's to the WEEKEND!