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Sunday, May 31, 2009

PORCH PARTY!



Today I am joining Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday and Rhondi at Rose Colored Glasses who is hosting her own birthday celebration at Porch Parties all over Blogville. Please drop by both of these lovely blogs.
Saturday, our children and their spouses and all of our grandchildren were swimming at our house, and my husband was grilling, so I decided to make things a little more festive.





Since we were going to be eating outside, I wanted to try the "floating table" that Kathleen at Kathleen Ellis showed us. If you didn't see Kathleen's directions for a floating table, you need to go look. Kathleen's table is stunning, and she's having a "floating table" event on June 5th. I'm going to be honest about it, this is my third try at this! I did one for a graduation dinner we hosted for our niece and nephew last weekend, and changed it to use it for Memorial Day last Monday. Kathleen made it look so easy, but none of mine have turned out as pretty as Kathleen's. I do think you need the icicle lights, and I didn't have any of those. (That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!) Of course, when I started setting up my floating table, all of my family members wanted to know why I was making such a big deal out of a family cookout. You can just imagine the laughter when I told them it was for my blog! They were whispering about my blogging addiction all night! (Oh the shame I suffer for the sake of blogging!)




I used a beach theme, so I used sandbox sand to disguise the light cords.


The little sand castle is a candle holder, so that added another element of light to my table.


Don't forget to go to Little Red House and see Mary's lovely Country Living Mosaic and get links to the other mosaics in Blogville and go to Rose Colored Glasses to attend the lovely party on Rhondi's porch and to get a list of all of the porch party participants today. Thank you so much Mary and Rhondi for letting Blogville join these fun events.


~~~~~~~~~~


You may have noticed that I have modified my blog name. When I started this blog, I really thought it would be all about bargains, because I'm all about bargains...well, I'm all about bargains AND chatting! (I'm just going to pretend that you haven't noticed that I do not have a shortage of words-yeh, and I'm going to pretend that you aren't laughing out loud right now too!) So now, my blog name is "Bargain Hunting (and chatting) With Laurie. Please don't run away screaming! This title modification does not mean I'm going to do even more chatting on my blog. It just means that I am acknowledging that I already do a lot of chatting on my blog.

As always, thanks so much for your visit. laurie

76 comments:

KBeau said...

Well, that is just stunning. I did notice your blog name change. Blogging is definitely about chatting. It's what we seem to do best. I'm going to have to check out that floating table thing.

Deb said...

Beautiful mosaic & porch!

Domestic Designer said...

What a beautiful table. I like your new name! Have a wonderful day!

Four Paws and Co said...

Love the blog dress & your newly modified name. Chatting with you is always a pleasure!

Your floating table is awesome! Great idea with the sand.

Fantastic pictures! Hubby is understanding about blog events & pictures, son is kind of, but my visiting friend said she didn't see the point of taking pictures of something you're not going to use. Needless to say, there were some rather heated discussions & hurt feelings... Some people just never understand us bloggers. ♥ Diane

Pug1 said...

VERY nice...luv the floating table! CHEERS! Michele

Mary said...

Wow, Laurie, what a feast for the eyes!!! I love all your mosaics. :) And you have certainly done a wonderful job on the floating table! Thanks so much for joining the fun at Mosaic Monday. :)

Carrie said...

Well I for one enjoy your chatting...it is charming, informative and always so interesting.

puddin07 said...

Laurie, I love the new name, I love chatting with Laurie! The table is gorgeous! As Always, you are so clever and talented! I have spilled cantaloupe juice on my keyboard! If anyone knows how to fix it, please tell me in these comments. The only thing that seems to be affected is the space bar. DH will kill me, and I don't blame him! Love Ya! Connie ,

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Laurie!

I think it's great that you have the gift of gab! I think it's great to have a story to go along with your photo's! I wish I was better at it!
You did such a great job on all your mosaics, but the the lit beachy theme is totally inspiring!! Great job!

Have a wonderful day!
Sherri:)

Daryl said...

Those are just wonderful

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

I think your table gets my "WOW! of the day" award (although I don't really have such an award -- but if I did -- I would give it to you!) and I love both -- your bargains and especially your chats!

Simply Debbie said...

Dear Laurie,
I love that you chat...you are very,
very funny at times and very inspirational. I sure enjoy your stories.
Your floating table was beautiful
a great big hug...thanks for inviting me.
you're the best.
hugs and love
debbie

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Laurie,
Always so creative and imaginative!!! I hope it rubs off on me;)!!!

Your floating table is stunning...I wish I could see it in person!!! All of the mosaics are wonderful!!!

I think the addition to your banner is perfect!!! One of the things I look most forward to is chatting with you!!!

Have a wonderful day, sweet Laurie!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Stacey said...

I noticed your name change. :) We love chatting with you so I'd say the new name works!

Your patio is gorgeous! You have so much energy to get things done.

Kathy said...

Laurie your floating table looks magical and your mosaics are stunning, I saw your name change and I love chatting with you too, happy Monday, Kathy.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Wow...you certainly nailed these two parties...love all your mosaics...but that floating table is a show stopper...applause...

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Oh, I just LOVE your floating table! That is the first one I have seen...how did you do that! That would be stunning for Ashley's 16th Birthday in August! Yours is beautiful!!! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Melissa Miller said...

Laurie how pretty everything looks. :)
Your rockers are charming!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Laurie, you did a wonderful job with this! It's just delightful! Thanks for sharing this lovely tablescape and your pretty porch with us. BTW, I'm in love with those twig rockers, too!

Happy Porch Party...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Melissa Miller said...

I do enjoy "chatting" with you by the way. Smiles....:)

Marina Capano said...

Hi! wow! just beautiful pics! what a nice flowers collage!

regards!

xoxo

Rebecca said...

That floating table is just the coolest thing! Thanks for sharing. Come on by and visit my porch.

Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Laurie this is just so great. I love the sand theme and it looks fantastic. I noticed your lovely new blog header right away. It is always a pleasure to visit you.

Rhondi said...

Hi Laurie
What a creative way to light up the table. It looks wonderful. I like the twig chairs you have too.
Thanks for joining the party.
Hugs, Rhondi

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, I love your floating table. I think it is just gorgeous. You did such a great job with the beach theme. Your sand and the shells are so pretty and the sand castle light is stunning. I also love the flowers elevated on a pedestal. Everything does seem to be floating. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Cindy said...

I like the look a lot! I like using lights. Thanks for the idea! I have these white corded/red,white, and blue lights...July 4th thoughts! Change your blog name all you want, we don't need to be and do the same all of the time. My blog is a little psychotic, like me. I love decorating, gardening, cooking, parenting, and am in recovery with Al Anon. It's just a weird wacky way for me to organize and display all these parts of me.

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
Isn't that neat! I LOVE it. I haven't seen anything like that and I think you did a great job. That was a great theme because you had the sand castle and the shells and all...I don't quite get how you do it. I suppose you need to start with a glass table top?...hmmmmm...its a magical mystery to me.
Love it.
I know how it is when I'll be someplace and all of a sudden I'm in a panic..hold it..hold it...I need to get a picture!!!! and then when I say its for my ... blog....I feel silly. Well...they just don't know..do they? huh?

have a lovely evening
Judi

Ginger said...

Your table looks perfect. Great idea.
I noticed the change in your blog name...I like that.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I had noticed the name change & I like it! Your floating table turned out fabulous. And I can totally relate to the "blogging" comments. Everytime I take a photo now, hubby says "Its for her blog" and then he rolls his eyes. Some people just don't get us!

Joyce said...

Love the floating table
Joyce

Kathleen said...

That looks great, Laurie..
I almost forgot about Kathleen's floating table thing...I have to think about it..
I don't have icicle lights either.. Glad you reminded me..
Love your mosaic too...very beachy!
And your name modification is very appropriate!
I got some cute bargains today at Pottery Barn outlet..

Celestina Marie said...

What a awesome floating table. Your blog is wonderful and I really enjoyed my visit. I too understand about chatting, blogging and taking pics. Everyday revolves around elements to post.
So glad to find you and see you again soon.
Have a great week.
Celestina Marie

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I love the mosaic, Laurie.

I haven't tried a floating table. Yours is beautiful!!

SmilingSally said...

I think that floating table must have looked so exciting at night!

Skoots1moM said...

gr8 pics...
love your porch
:)

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

ahhhh look at your porch.. so beautiful.. with stunning flowers all around! bliss

have a great week!

Unknown said...

Oh your table turned out just great!
Very impressive!!

I think I have had to take it on the chin a couple of times, myself, about the blogging opportunities... LOL :)

I'm sure that if you are like me ... it didn't slow you down too much! :)

~Liz

Candy said...

Just like a day at the beach without the sand in all the wrong places.
Great welcoming porch scenes and I like the way you put them together.

Enjoyed!
Candy

Cass @ That Old House said...

Wow -- that floating table is amazing. I laughed at your family laughing at YOU for the blogging; I have to admit to a bit of teasing from my hubby and daughters, too! Howard says that "nothing surprises him" now!

Great mosaics -- love the floral one! (Also love that twig furniture -- gorgeous!)
thanks ... Cass :-)

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

laurie, I love the floating table. It is beautiful!
Hugs, Terrie

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Laurie girl! you are so funny! I like the new name! I've dressed my blog in a new summer frock myself!
well, I don't know what the other floating tables look like but yours looks divine dahling! Did your family think you were doing it for your imaginary friends?!?! You have a blessed day! Lauralu :)

Tootsie said...

what a beautiful post...the photos I am sure don't even do it justice either!!! good job!

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Laurie,
I love your beach theme floating table. I'd like to try a beach theme tablescape soon, but I'm still lacking on some accessories. I used to think I had too much stuff, but ever since I started blogging, I realized that I don't have enough stuff! Well, stuff worthy to take pictures of! I did notice the change on your blog name. And please, chat away! Your chatting always brings a smile to my face!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OMG,OMG,OH MY GOSH!
The table is so awesome Laurie! I just am in amazement of your talents! I love your new header and I love that you like to chat. Tell your family that Cindy said that you are an incredibly talented blogger, I bet they know that already! Everything looks so beautiful! Where do you get the energy???? Oh, and how do you make pics big like that? I am stumped. Hugs, Cindy

Beverly said...

Laurie, your table is absolutely stunning. I know Kathleen will give it a medal. I did see her post, and I do plan to give it a try one of these days.

And, your mosaics are wonderful.

Thanks for inviting me to your porch party.

Kammy said...

Wow Laurie - I love your floating table....it is just beautiful ! I bet the guests were in awe ! I also love your flower pictures ! Love your blog so, chat all ya want - we are listening or should I say reading !! LOL !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Rue said...

Laurie, honey, you are crazy! That floating table is gorgeous!! I never would have atempted anything like that and you did! So stop and just bask in the glory ;)

Oh and my family just looks at me and shrugs when I pull out the camera now. Yours will probably do the same soon LOL

xo,
rue

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Noticed the name change right away! Chat on girl! The floating table looked amazing...I would have been thrilled for all the extra effort....what do kids know anyways???? Have a great week.

The Muse said...

laurie....you have left me speechless!

the blessings of your talent shines in this post!

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Well I don't know about you...but I think your table came out magical! It's beautiful Laurie! You did good!! Oh also...I just wanted to update you on my sister Estela... she is doing remarkably well. Actually today I am driving her into Los Angeles for a follow-up. Our family is very thankful for all the prayers and I thank you for including her in your prayer list. She hopes to be back at work soon! The Lord hears all our prayers! Hugs!

Bo said...

Hi my sweet friend chatty Laurie...LOL...I'm loving your blog header. Your floating tablescape is GORGEOUS!!! I see I have really been missing some good visits while I've been "beauty-resting"...and I hope to get back into the swing of things when we get back from Colorado...See ya later, ;-) Bo

the pleasures of homemaking said...

I had noticed the "chatting". I didn't think it was there before. Like the new header too.

I don't know....that table looks pretty fantastic to me! I think you did a beautiful job on that!

Manuela

Merrie said...

Oh my gosh that is so beautiful! My family laughed at me too- but my husband set about mowing the lawn and getting a new propane tank to help me get ready.
This is my first visit to your blog and I love it. Your prayer list is great too. If you dont mind I think I will join it. Thanks for posting!

xinex said...

Love the floating table, Laurie! How did you do that? It's so pretty! Love your new blog look and you always make me laugh. LOL! Beautiful flowers and porch!...Christine

Anonymous said...

Oh Laurie your floating table looks fabulous!!! I remember seeing the one on Kathleen's blog- yours is just as lovely to be sure!

I like your name change- chatting is such a fun part of all this- just wish I had more time to do it these days!!

blessings
mary

Tomarie said...

Hi Laurie!
Your table looks unbelievably beautiful!! The lights look so charming and ROMANTIC...oh la la!! :-)
It's so nice visiting your blog again! I'm sorry to have strayed for so long. :-) I have cleaned for 5 solid days...the house was a wreck!! Going camping this weekend and then hope to just Relax in blogland again!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your header!! Ahhhhh...just love vintage!
Love ya! L~

Dixie said...

I like the addition of the "chatting"... and I love your new header...

those lights are soooo pretty and the sandcastle... you know me... blue and white - my favorite!

as for my porch... sure was a lot of "stuff".. huh... LOL

Anonymous said...

Oh Laurie, I am so enchanted with your blog. I always giggle and laugh as I read it and wish I knew you in person. I think we would have a blast out bargain hunting. Your floating table is something else and I am running over to the other blog to find out how to do it. It seems I have missed a lot lately. Come back for a visit. I posted all about the beach trip. :0 xo Lynn

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie! I love your floating table...so pretty! And I had noticed the name change and I agree! About family opinions of bloggers...when my SIL pointed out to me that there was no salt in the shakers when I actually used one of my tablescapes, my daughter said, "That's not for us...it's for the blog." lol Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Kat said...

Laurie, this is just beautiful! I think you did a wonderful job. I cracked up about the "blogging jokes" from the family. I almost never go anywhere without my camera anymore, but forgot to take it with us when we took Cait out for her birthday dinner. When we sat down on the deck overlooking the lake, Cait asked why I wasn't taking pictures for my blog!! Have a great week. Kathy

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Laurie...girl I am loving that table WOW!! and another WOW!! its just stunning my friend..and don't you just love family that don't understand blogging...its like I will cook something for Foodie Friday get the plate all done ready to snap a picture and Len will take a bite out of it...it's like hello that not to eat yet..ha ha!! May you have a great day my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

xashee's corner said...

i LOVE your table setting!! but which one didn't i LOVE!!??! There weren't ANY that i didn't LOVE!! LOL you are so very CREATIVE and talented when it comes to LOVELY tablescapes! Thank you so very much for sharing such inspiration! Have a SUPER day, Laurie!! :)

Tammy said...

Wow! How beautiful, welcoming and fun! I love every detail! :)

Unknown said...

I love, love, love that sandcastle! It looks so pretty with all the fairy lights. Great idea!

Kim said...

Laurie, after seeing pictures of the inside of your home, I just knew the outside would be spectacular as well and I was right. What a statement that table makes! I just love it and will have to zip over to that other blog to get some more ideas! Thanks Laurie and have a great day!
Kim

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, thanks so much for joining our Cloche Party. It is scheduled for Fri. June 19th and Mr. Linky will be up on Thurs. the 18th by 8 pm. Some of the ladies are also going to show their apothecary jars that they decorate, so please include those too if you want. Tell all your followers so we can have a really good turn out. I think it will be a lot of fun. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

Evening, Laurie! Oh, I think your floating table is wonderful! I hope you punched all of your relatives in the stomach! The nerve of them giggling and whispering about your table for Blogland! :)

Now I love your new look and like your new name. Bargains are good and so is chatting! We're gals afterall!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Soosie said...

Laurie Eve..love the Beach theme and the floating table thingey! You are a quick study!
Like the new blog name and layout..very cute and appropriate..
Thanks for your inspiration..Susie

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, the floating table is so unusual and so pretty. All of your pictures are gorgeous. How much fun! Linda

Anonymous said...

The table looks bbbeeeaaauuutttiiiffuuuullllll :-) I also like the name "floating table" :-)

Ooohhhh your family may be giggling 'bout your obsession but I'm sure they did enjoy your presentation and love the thought that you made this gathering extra special :-)

Li

santamaker said...

Laurie, you have elevated the art of tablescaping to new heights, girl! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE , love , LoVe it!

Cindy J. said...

Laurie your floating table in your wonderful yard is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.. oh such a gift we have been so blessed to witness..and you know that I have always loved chatting with you. My dh is doing so well, things are much better. Love you dear friend, Cindy

Connie said...

Laurie, Don't ever stop chatting !!!
You have such interesting stories and, btw, I love your table in the sand. You really must have a great imagination. I wish you had time to finish your story, but in due time.
Yes, I realized I hadn't been posting any "creations", mostly because of my lost printer. So I am not wild about the new name, but it's mine. I am having a problem with the code, now, and really don't want to go there. ~~ have to insert
some and I fear I will send the blog off into another planet.
Thanks for visiting.

nikkicrumpet said...

Even if I am a non-dish girl....I still know enough to see that your created MAGIC!!!

Lady Katherine said...

Love the floating table! I take the sandcastle, I think you did so good! I missed this and wanted to do it! I even bought a few things for it. Oh, I so behind! Laurie it turned out lovely. Love those chairs on the porch.

Miss Janice said...

I absolutely LOVE your floating table and your flowers are gorgeous! I noticed the change and thinks it's perfect:)