First of all, I need to announce the winner of the Lowe’s/P&G Summer Done Bright prize box! In my 5 1/2 years of blogging, I have never had #1 win, but LOOK:

The first commenter won! Congratulations, Kathleen! I’ll mail out your prize box as soon as I get your info.

Second of all, we have BIG news around here.

We are moving our family of 7.

Across the country.

To Utah.

At the end of this month.

* this post is sponsored by Lowe’s and P&G, but all pictures and experiences are 100% mine *

Our deck was screaming for a good cleaning and facelift. It has been neglected for 3 years since we moved in, and we decided it was time to get to it. This is after a round of power washing:

Here is our mantel decked out for summer in a classic patriotic theme:

to all of my U.S.A readers~how I love Old Glory! Wave it proudly today :)

Here are some more splendid stars and stripes:photo source: Pottery Barn