Midnight at the Oasis

I have decided to try and turn my brown thumb into a green thumb.  I have had success keeping succulents alive and am now trying out some drought resistant (aka its ok to forget to water them) plants.  I bought some that flower and have put them around our porch area.  I love the color it adds.  I was out after dark repotting them last night and snapped some pics.  Check out our little Porch Oasis!

 Much like the rest of the house and outside areas, it is decorated with curbside finds and yard sale treasures.

This lamp was from a yard sale that was across the street from my house.  I had to re-wire it and it has a big crack in it, but I think its just dandy!  It looks like an artichoke hanging from the ceiling and casts a cool green light onto everything.  Lucky for me green is my favorite color, it is also said to be a calming color...maybe that's why I'm so mellow!

This abstract oil painting was a rescue from a trash can.  It is signed but not dated.  It looks kinda old, maybe its someones Mid-Century art effort.  I just couldn't let it go to the landfill so now it graces the porch.

Here is a succulent garden I made in an old enamel wash basin that was a free find.  I like to mix up different succulents in one planter, there are so many different varieties to choose from.  Sometimes if I am on a walk and see some cool succulents in someone's yard, I will break off a couple leaves, they can re-populate from just a small clipping.  Occasionally even my plants are free!

 Here are some more succulents that are in some cool old ceramic planters I got last weekend at a yard sale.

 Its getting darker now and harder to photograph!  Here is my soda pop crate installation.  I found these from the coolest old guy's yard sale.  I took some pics of his place, maybe I can make a post of it soon.  On the "shelves" are some eclectic animal shaped planters I have collected over the years.  The alligator is my favorite!

Here is a little metal sign that sums up exactly the way I feel about my humble abode!

I have made some privacy shudders out of an old bamboo dressing screen.  I just unhinged them and turned them horizontally and hung them from the porch.  If not for these, my neighbors over the fence and I would always be in each others business! The flower boxes here are old crates that have been collected and finally re-purposed.  I'm tellin' ya, I re-duce, re-use and re-cycle........everything......eventually! 

Here are some of the planties I have managed to keep alive!

Lastly, here is the perfect exemplification of how groovy and wonderful my Neighborhood Alley is.  In this glass is delicious mint from Stephanie, a stunning purple rose from Andi and a spunky marigold from my house.  We seriously have the best neighbors and community spirit here in the Alley!! 

If you lived back here with us (and I wish you all did) you would be making the most refreshing beverage in the world, all three of our households are now doing it (its a summer sensation).  Here is our favorite new fad:  Cucumber Mint Water.  It is soooooooooo good, s'pecially after a night in Ye Ole Hot Tub!  Here is how to make it:

CUCUMBER MINT WATER 

-One pitcher water

-Sliced cucumbers (about 1/2 of a big one)

-Several sprigs of fresh mint

Add cucumber slices and mint to water.  Put water in fridge - chill overnight.  Drink after a dip in the hot tub or working in the yard or yoga class or day in the park...etc...etc...

When the water itself is getting low, just add more and re-chill.  The cuc's and mint will re-charge it for several days.  

Believe me!  Its SOOOOOOO Good!  I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!  Ta Ta!