Blue porch ceilings and giveaways around blog land

Hi there! Don't you just love these porches! I shot them while visiting a nearby neighborhood. I just love the quaintness of them. There's such a neighborly feel to them. But you better like your neighbor since they all adjoin one another. I can picture ladies talking with one another over the porch railings, passing a cup of sugar or a recipe.

I love the painted light blue ceilings. There are many thoughts as to why you would want to paint your porch ceilings blue. One idea behind these pretty blue ceilings is that it serves as an insect repellant. This was true back when Lye was a key ingredient in milk paint. Lye is a natural insect repellant. However today Lye is not an added ingredient to paints. Another idea behind these soft blue ceilings is that it extends daylight hours with its reflective qualities. It is true that blue is a calming color and who doesn't like the idea of sitting on a porch rocking chair and watching the world go by; reflecting or chatting with someone special.

One of my favorites ideas behind Southerners painting their porch ceilings "Haint blue" (a soft blue-green) is because it was thought to keep the restless spirits of those whom had not moved on, at bay. Their grandmothers painted their ceilings this color so generation after generation has adopted this tradition.

Okay that was my little tidbit for today. Now on to the giveaways I mentioned.

I noticed on my blog dashboard that some of the blogs I follow are hosting giveaways, so I thought I'd share them with you. Who doesn't love to win something, right?

The first is a lovely friend named Angie and she is offering a $20.gift certificate to her etsy shop to celebrate her birthday. On her blog Artangel, you'll see some of her pretty work. She paints, makes gorgeous collages and is infatuated with hearts.

The second giveaway is being hosted by Handmade Bits and Pieces. She has upcycled some pretty vintage buttons into bobby pins. She's so clever.

Dreamy Whites is also having a generous giveaway. She is offering a $200. gift certificate to her online shop. if ou haven't visited her shop, you should do so. She makes very pretty items.

PB's Art Studio is also offering a gift certificate to her shop. She is a wonderful illustrator. See for yourself.

Flea Market Style is also hosting a slew of giveaways this week. I love this magazine! They are such a fun group of people, offering fun ways to revamp your flea market finds and adding them to your home decor.

Southern Hospitality is also hosting a giveaway for a $50 Target gift card. She has a fun blog with lots of decorating
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So go have some fun and try your luck!