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By Dave and Mary
Front Porch Appeal Newsletter
February is for Friendship
and Loving Those Around Us
Issue #99 February 2019
Hearts come in many colors
As we write this, it's nearly 70 where we live and our windows are wide open.
Cold air will return later this week, but today we're enjoying the sounds of birds and wind chimes.
This is our 99th issue, meaning next time is our 100th edition.
Dave and I have been bringing you porch ideas for over 10 years now, which is hard for us to even believe.
Those ten years have been good years indeed and YOU have made it all worthwhile.
What's In This Issue
- Free Valentine Printables from Us
- Valentine Decoration Ideas for Your Porch
- What, a Porch That's Also a Storm Shelter?
- Signs of Spring?
- Porch Handrails Are a Must
- An Inspiring Thought
- Thank You and a Beautiful Porch to Enjoy
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See our disclosure policy.
Free Valentine Postcard Printables from Us
From our perspective, Valentine's Day (February 14th) is not just for couples; you can celebrate in many ways.
While it is commonly thought of as a romantic holiday, it is also a perfect day to acknowledge friendships and family.
How about remembering your next door neighbor, a co-worker, your favorite clerk at the grocery store or just someone who needs a little lift...
To that end, the two of us designed these postcards that you can download, print and send to someone who is special in your world.
Imagine how surprised they will be to be remembered on Valentine Day.
The simple instructions are included in the download. Surprise someone with one of these cute valentines!
Or Make Your Own Valentine
Or simply get out your crayons and make a Valentine. Either way, someone in your life will be happy with your thoughtfulness.
Dave and I appreciate February because not only is it our anniversary month (47 years) but also a winter month, a season we both appreciate.
February is a good month for snuggly days near a warm fire, a pretty snowfall out your window and a delicious box of chocolates.
We like chocolate covered cherries. How about you?
Is there anything special about February that you embrace?
We hope there's something you like, even if winter isn't your favorite season.
February, being the shortest month of the year, will pass by quickly.
Valentine Decoration Ideas for Your Porch
Try Making a Mosaic Heart for Your Porch
We made a mosaic heart for our front door
The mosaic art on our front door was inspired by a fun article I saw by Rachel on "I Heart Crafty Things".
Simply by adding black paint to a bottle of white glue, you can create the stained glass look.
Pipe it on and let it dry overnight before painting the beautiful colors using watercolor, acrylic or crayons.
Whatever you wish.
Valentine cards I made last year
I had heard of this cute idea with the black glue way back last year.
I used the inspiration for making our Valentine cards in 2018, so we thought, "why not for the front door"?
We hope it gives you a bit of inspiration.
Look at This Sweet Valentine Decor
We appreciate Karen sharing her Valentine porch decor with us.
See more Valentine decorations here.
Not Too Early to Think About Tornado Season
We know it's only February but it is not too early to start planning how you can protect yourself and your family.
It is well known that no one is immune from violent storms and tornados.
In fact, they have occurred in the U.S. during every month of the year.
Southern states are typically more prone to tornados from March to May; Southern Plains from May to early June; Gulf Coast in the spring; and
Northern states and the upper Midwest in June and July.
April, May, and June historically see the most tornadoes annually.
A Porch That's Also a Storm Shelter?
Do you see the entry for the storm shelter on this porch?
Another option for a storm shelter
Springtime is when we are most likely to experience tornadoes. Not that they don't happen the rest of the year.
It's just when the ingredients come together, so to speak, to create the conditions for tornadoes.
Source
Dave and I discovered what we believe to be a very viable storm shelter for you - especially if you live in a mobile or manufactured home or if your home is built on a slab.
We really like this option as it can have a dual function in many cases.
Whereas traditional tornado shelters are typically used during a storm, this option called a SafePorch can double as your porch or deck.
Only seconds away from your living space, a SafePorch provides maximum security and safety while simultaneously adding usable outdoor space.
Visually appealing, the SafePorch doesn't even look like a typical storm shelter.
Visit our page to learn more about the SafePorch concept.
Are You Seeing Signs of Spring?
Here in middle Tennessee, we are barely, just barely, seeing a few hints of spring in early February.
Take a look at what I saw in our yard just yesterday already.
Hyacinths already popping up in our yard
As we were cleaning up leaves and hickory nuts in our yard on a balmy day in February, we came across several of our hyacinth bulbs already popping up.
We hope it's not too early as I'm sure we'll still have some cold weather here.
But for now, it's fun to see Mother Nature preparing for spring.
And then look at what we found!
On a walk near our home, we came across this beautiful golden patch of daffodils.
We met the homeowner, Howard, who told us they are called "early daffodils".
And we must agree that for February 5th, it is early to see such a lovely plot of yellow beeauties.
What are you seeing in your neck of the woods?
It won't be long, friend, before we see beautiful signs of spring like this! So hold on and be patient.
Just because!
Porch Handrails Are a Must
Even with one or two steps, someone can fall.
A porch handrail can make all the difference in the world.
Iron X Handrail Arch #4 Fits 4 or 5 Steps -(Amazon affiliate link for which we may receive a commission)
These handrails also come in the 2 or 3 step size.
We're happy that quite a few of our readers have purchased these porch handrails.
Really, a porch handrail can be invaluable.
It's something to hold onto no matter your age.
Metal handrail kits make it easy to safe-proof you porch, deck, or stoop stairs - so your porch is friendly and welcoming for climbing the stairs.
And they also look curb-appealing too.
Learn more about porch handrails right here.
Remember, it's the small things that get us sometimes.
Wishing Your Goodness
We wish good things for you
May you find blessings in your every day life. They are there even if you have to dig a little.
This is what we're wishing for you today: A feeling of goodness in your heart.
Thank You as Always
In this busy, crazy world, Dave and I sure appreciate you taking the time to read our newsletter.
Take an unhurried moment, if you like, to relax and think of enjoying the wonderful porch above.
All of us need a little pick-me-up from time to time to lift our spirits and we hope your spirits are lifted today.
Even in the darker days of winter, there's much to be grateful for and beauty in our world.
The thoughts of springtime on the porch might be just what is needed today.
Thank you for taking time out of your day for us. Sharing your time with us is a precious gift.
Till next time, friend
PS: Please don't forget to download our free Valentine printables.
We value our sponsors and the products and services they provide.
They are like family to us!
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We share ideas with one another for decorating and using our porches.
We are blessed with over 17,000 followers and would love to count you among them.
Please enjoy browsing past issues of our newsletters right here.
Take a few moments of chill time.
Happy porch sitting from your friends,
Mary and Dave
Life is short. Enjoy your porch.
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Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches.
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