A Front Porch Swing

I recently read an article about how people never use their front yards.  We spend thousands & thousands of dollars on the upkeep & maintenance of our front lawns, but they're just for show - everyone congregates in the back yard!  Doesn't that seem like such a waste?  

When I move into John's place, we'll be sharing not only a small back yard, but also a front yard.  With a front porch.  This might sound weird, but I'm obsessed with front porches.  There's something about a big front porch with a rocking chair, or better yet, a porch swing* - that makes me feel right at home.  Like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a chilly evening.  I love them. 

No this picture is not of where I will be living.  Isn't it pretty though? 

*John will tell you that I will not shut up about the porch swing.  I am totally in love with them, and I just can't seem to stop thinking of how perfect his front porch would be with one!  

There's nothing better than sitting on your porch with friends and just talking - maybe a little escape from a noisy party, or just a spot to be alone and watch the world go by.  Maybe have an iced tea/lemonade and curl up with a good book in your rocking chair.  Or better yet, a mimosa!  :) 

Even better??  A thunderstorm.  Sitting on your porch under a blanket with a warm cup of tea or cider, listening to the rain fall.... heaven.  

I found a bunch of pictures on weheartit.com to try and illustrate these feelings.  Also to get ideas on how to decorate my own porch / backyard. ;) 

Napping on a front porch swing?  Yes, please!!

 

I love the colors in these (above and below).  So bright and happy - just the way I love to decorate! 

 There's that rain I love so much!  I wouldn't even mind getting a little damp.  So beautiful.

Whoa, whoa - and entire BED on the front porch???  My mind has been blown.  If I felt safe enough to do this, I would.  I think I've seen too many scary movies though. ;)

 

I adore this one too!  Porch swings facing each other?  What more could you ask for?  Oh, and the beautiful beautiful beach too.  This one reminds me of our Pawley's Island trip - of course we had rocking chairs instead (which still hold a place in my heart)!

This one would be great if the plates were filled with PIE and not cigarette butts.  Of course, I do think it's funny how people seem to use their front porches a lot more when they are smokers!

Mmm-hmm!  That's iced tea right there!  My mom used to make Bourbon Slush all the time when I was a kid.  My parents would eat it out of a glass with spoons on a hot summer day.  I think that's the reason why I love Whiskey Gingers so much - they have a similar taste, and I'm pretty sure that was my first experience with alcohol.  I don't think that recipe is exactly the same as the way my mom made it, but luckily I have her recipe at home.  Maybe I'll share it with ya someday. :)

I'm so excited to have a front porch of my own!