Flipping the Deck

This is our deck.

  It was in pretty bad shape when we bought our house and has been on our "To Do List" ever since we moved in.

Obviously the boards were well worn and hadn't been taken care of for quite some time.    

But there were other things too.  Like the railing, or lack thereof.  We had a lot of work on our hands.

The first item of business was to close up the side.  It had been left completely open and critters were becoming a problem for us.  So, my awesome hubby bought some latice and went to work.  Love the way it turned out! 

Then he started flipping the boards.  Literally.  It took hours and hours and hours and HOURS.  But, the underside of those boards was like new. 

There were only a few boards that had to be replaced.  

And after all that hard work, it was so pretty!

Next up was beefing up that railing a little bit.  We'd been looking online and finally found a pattern for how we wanted it to look.

And this is what we came up with.  We are in love!

I just can't get over how different it looks.

This last weekend, we stained the entire thing.  It feels like it took all summer!  

 But we are sure happy with the results. 

Spring Swing

Isn't this lovely!? 

I want one in my backyard!

Happy Spring

Sweet September Sundown

Perfect time of year to be outdoors at sunset.

Filling the new night with your own lights. 

What I wouldn't give for a backyard that was fun to spend time in right now! 

In the sweet september night. 

Where every night can feel like your own private party.

Backyard Inspiration

{Centsational Girl} really is amazing isn't she!

I mean, are you kidding me with this backyard!?

I want it so bad!

This is just such an inviting outdoor space!

I love it!

Visit {Centsational Girl} for all the details on how to make your own space just like this one.

St. Patricks Day Wreath

I love love LOVE this idea!  Here's what you need.

Step 1: Make a shamrock out of wire.

Step 2: Make some bundles using clippings from your bushes (boxwoods are best).

Step 3: Attach the bundles to the shamrock shape using wire.

I'm kind of in love with the way this looks!!  Such a cute St. Patrick's Day decoration!!!  Visit {Blue Sky Confections} for all the details.

Outdoor Dining

Isn't this pretty!?  I love that long, weathered wood plank in place of a table runner!  It just adds something extra.  Something old, and natural.  I really love the way it looks.

Love the giant old lantern in this one and that weathered wooden bowl.  Lovely. 

Such sweet little milk jars used as hurricanes for candles - Again I love the old mixed with the new here. 

So elegant. 

I love the idea that an old suitcase can be used as a picnic basket.  I wanna come! 

However, I am a big fan of actual picnic baskets as well.  There is something so charming about them.

Such a pretty juxtaposition between the polished silver on the tray and the rusted metal of the table and chairs.  It's just charming. 

I really love the use of burlap as a tablecloth in this setting.  And the mason jars used for flower vases is pretty cute, too. 

What a lovely picnic!  Oh, summer!  You are so fun.

Summer Movie Night

This just looks like the perfect summer night activity!  Wish I had a backyard like that!!  I love the hanging basket lights and those awesome lounges.  Of course, the giant movie screen is pretty awesome too - easy to make using wood for a frame and a white sheet, stretched across it.  Looks like tons of fun.

The Jones's Backyard

Never has the phrase "keeping up with the Jones's" meant so much!

Check out this awesome backyard they've created!

Seriously. 

A gorgeous sitting area with a cute pergola above. 

And so many pretty plants surrounding it!!

A little stone walkway leading off to the right. 

To a cute little table! 

Framed by a cute little bunting and surrounded by paving blocks. 

And to the left of the seating area,... 

A playground for the kiddos. 

What a beautiful backyard!!  I'll be taking notes to use on my own yard someday.

Visit {Jones Design Company} for all the details.