Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Roundups on Remodelaholic
In case you've missed it, I've been sharing decor round-ups over at Remodelaholic for the last year. Here are some of the fun topics I've shared over there. Check them out if you're looking for inspiration for your next DIY project. And let me know if there's a topic you'd love to see in the future!
Monday, June 16, 2014
5 Additions for Optimal Outdoor Living Spaces
I was approached by Zillow about sharing some great ways to take your outdoor space to the next level. I think they've come up with some great ideas, some of which I am keeping in mind while B and I decide what to do with our own back yard. Read on!
By Jennifer Riner of Zillow
The summer season hasn’t officially started in the U.S., but homeowners aren’t waiting until June 21st begin barbequing, sunbathing and throwing backyard parties. The weather is warming up and gardens
are in full bloom, which means it’s time to take advantage of the beautiful climate before the cold hits
once again.
All year long, homeowners relax in the comfort of their living or family rooms. This summer, consider
spending that valuable time outside in a do-it-yourself (DIY) outdoor living space.
To create alfresco living rooms, consider the following necessities.
high-quality pieces made specifically for exterior use. Cushions should be removed and safely stowed
during inclement weather or in the off-season to avoid wind and water damage. Homes in Florida and
other warm climates might allow owners to use large exterior furnishings all-year round, but still be
cautious during the rainy months to avoid soaked fabrics. No matter the location, avoid using indoor
furniture on the patio, even in clear skies. Sun rays fade paint and damage finished surfaces used on
traditional furnishings.
and exterior accent rugs. Consider investing in outdoor light fixtures such as string bulbs, tiki torches
or wall-mounted sconces. Otherwise, outdoor entertaining ends after sunset. With some dim exterior
mood lighting, guests can continue to socialize and mix without carrying flashlights or mingling in the
dark.
evenings, feature portable or built-in hearths as patio or deck focal points. Or, build DIY fire pits
with retaining wall blocks, steel pit rings, metal grates, some sand and gravel. Concrete blocks are
inexpensive, but deteriorate more rapidly than other high-quality stone alternatives. Don’t forget to dig
drainage holes in the center of pits and fill with gravel to eliminate overflow during storms. Always have
buckets of water or extinguishers in close reach to keep residents and guests safe while pits are in use.
Whether purchasing or building fire pits, add the cozy feeling typically absent from landscapes. Rather
than bundling up or venturing back inside when the weather turns chilly, light fires to enjoy comfortable
temperatures no matter the time of night.\
unexpected downpours and harmful sun rays. For rustic appeal, opt for natural brown woods like oak or
cedar. White pergolas complement traditional and colonial homes best. Driftwood or reclaimed beams
match beach houses well. Regardless of material preference, large outdoor additions including pergolas
and decks should blend stylistically with shutters or siding. Hang plants, wind chimes and sheer curtains
for an organic, bohemian look.
convenience in the warmer months. Instead of eating on-the-go, enjoy some wine and light summer
salads in the fresh air. Avoid slumping over on sofas or armchairs by investing in standard dining tables
and chairs for outdoor dinner parties. With structured seating, guests don’t have to rest plates on their
laps or risk spilling drinks due to a lack of counter space. To best repel bugs, place citronella candles
around dining tables or safely in table centers where they won’t be bumped. Nothing ruins a dinner
party more than finding bugs in the appetizers.
Homeowners on budgets can still create livable backyards by using online classifieds to find previously
owned outdoor furniture at low costs. Either purchase or repurpose pieces to match personal styles.
Exterior living rooms should allow residents and guests to enjoy nature while benefiting from the
comforts and amenities of home.
By Jennifer Riner of Zillow
 |
| Source: Boyenga Team |
are in full bloom, which means it’s time to take advantage of the beautiful climate before the cold hits
once again.
All year long, homeowners relax in the comfort of their living or family rooms. This summer, consider
spending that valuable time outside in a do-it-yourself (DIY) outdoor living space.
To create alfresco living rooms, consider the following necessities.
 |
| source: Scout & Nimble |
1. Comfortable Seating
Outdoor seating should feel as plush and comfortable as indoor lounging options. Therefore, invest inhigh-quality pieces made specifically for exterior use. Cushions should be removed and safely stowed
during inclement weather or in the off-season to avoid wind and water damage. Homes in Florida and
other warm climates might allow owners to use large exterior furnishings all-year round, but still be
cautious during the rainy months to avoid soaked fabrics. No matter the location, avoid using indoor
furniture on the patio, even in clear skies. Sun rays fade paint and damage finished surfaces used on
traditional furnishings.
 |
| Source: Domino |
2. Weather-resistant Accessories
Alfresco living rooms incorporate both functionality and style. Use fun and fresh prints via throw pillowsand exterior accent rugs. Consider investing in outdoor light fixtures such as string bulbs, tiki torches
or wall-mounted sconces. Otherwise, outdoor entertaining ends after sunset. With some dim exterior
mood lighting, guests can continue to socialize and mix without carrying flashlights or mingling in the
dark.
 |
| Source: Sunset |
3. Cozy Fire Pits
Fireplaces are great inside because they provide extra warmth in the cold winter months. For breezyevenings, feature portable or built-in hearths as patio or deck focal points. Or, build DIY fire pits
with retaining wall blocks, steel pit rings, metal grates, some sand and gravel. Concrete blocks are
inexpensive, but deteriorate more rapidly than other high-quality stone alternatives. Don’t forget to dig
drainage holes in the center of pits and fill with gravel to eliminate overflow during storms. Always have
buckets of water or extinguishers in close reach to keep residents and guests safe while pits are in use.
Whether purchasing or building fire pits, add the cozy feeling typically absent from landscapes. Rather
than bundling up or venturing back inside when the weather turns chilly, light fires to enjoy comfortable
temperatures no matter the time of night.\
 |
| Source: Design Sponge |
4. Decorative Pergolas
Pergolas help delineate air space and shape warmer exterior rooms. They also protect residents fromunexpected downpours and harmful sun rays. For rustic appeal, opt for natural brown woods like oak or
cedar. White pergolas complement traditional and colonial homes best. Driftwood or reclaimed beams
match beach houses well. Regardless of material preference, large outdoor additions including pergolas
and decks should blend stylistically with shutters or siding. Hang plants, wind chimes and sheer curtains
for an organic, bohemian look.
 |
| Source: Rex Kelly |
5. Structured Seating
Dining outside in the summer brings enjoyment back to regular mealtimes, otherwise rushed forconvenience in the warmer months. Instead of eating on-the-go, enjoy some wine and light summer
salads in the fresh air. Avoid slumping over on sofas or armchairs by investing in standard dining tables
and chairs for outdoor dinner parties. With structured seating, guests don’t have to rest plates on their
laps or risk spilling drinks due to a lack of counter space. To best repel bugs, place citronella candles
around dining tables or safely in table centers where they won’t be bumped. Nothing ruins a dinner
party more than finding bugs in the appetizers.
Homeowners on budgets can still create livable backyards by using online classifieds to find previously
owned outdoor furniture at low costs. Either purchase or repurpose pieces to match personal styles.
Exterior living rooms should allow residents and guests to enjoy nature while benefiting from the
comforts and amenities of home.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A look back at 2012
I like the idea of reflecting back on all the fun things that happened last year. I suppose most folks would be highlighting posts they shared throughout the year. Of course my blog is still young, so there isn't much reflecting to do yet. And this also will probably not entertain anyone but me.
But I won't let that stop me.
Here's what I did in 2012.
I'm sure we did something interesting in January. I couldn't find any photos from January and can't seem to recall any awesomeness. All I could dig up on Facebook is that B and I got rid of a ton of things on Craigslist, Ebay, and Freecycle. I think we began digitizing the thousands of CD's we have. We're far from finished. We both worked at record stores back when such things existed and must have kept every crappy album we ever bought or snagged a promotional copy of. And I now resent our teenage selves for hoarding music.
Moving right along.
In February, we visited New Orleans. I'd been once before and was excited to experience it with B.
We spent our days exploring without much planning. It's our favorite way to see new places.
In March...ok, I don't remember March. I'm sure it was splendid. Apparently, in March we ate quiche, because that was all I could find a picture of (I'll spare you that one). I do actually recall it being delicious and that it was roughly based on this recipe.
In April, one of my favorite ladies had a great low key bachelorette weekend which involved great food and wine and hanging out in Napa, as well as a wedding-invitation-assembly line. The invitations were based on the flora and fauna of St. Helena and were maybe the most exciting thing any guest had ever received in the mail. I hope I'll be able to share them here soon.
In May, our cat Rasputin attempted to recycle his little brother, Julius. (I'm sure other things happened then too, but I failed to document them.)
In June, my mom came to visit and we drove down to Sunset Magazine's Celebration Weekend. We had fun checking out some of the decor ideas and eating avocado honey ice cream from here.
The month was capped off with the most beautiful Napa Valley wedding of my previously mentioned friend. She had really thought of every detail and it felt very much an extension of her and her groom.
In July, we spent the 4th doing the most patriotic thing we could think of and went to a baseball game.
We did the second most patriotic thing afterwards -- drank disgusting red white and blue shots with my college aged brother.
In August, our neighborhood participated in National Night Out. I had fun, but most of all I loved the idea of it. It was the type of thing I had imagined we would do once we owned a home.
Then we jetted out to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a region that was new to us, for a friend's wedding. It was goregous up there. Having lived quite close to the Pacific Ocean all of my life, it was hard to wrap my head around the idea that Lake Michigan was actually a lake. It seemed endless and ocean-like.
Our visit was short, since we were headed down to Chicago. Neither B or I had ever spent much time there outside of the airport, so it was fun to go exploring.
In September, we went camping in Big Sur with friends.
In October, we celebrated our anniversary at Chez Panisse.
We also celebrated Oktoberfest and half a dozen birthdays of friends and family. October is a big month 'round here.
In November, we flew south to check out Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA.
We ended with a visit to my folks in Atlanta. While we were there, we visited Stone Mountain and Senoia, the little town where they film Walking Dead. Incidentally, it was also the home of the Southern Living Idea Home, so we toured that too.
And then it was December. I participated in my first blog challenges, which was really fun. We got in some time with lots of family and friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was a great way to end the year. As Julius reminded us, hanging out with those you love is the real gift. Or something.
If you made it this far, thanks for stopping by!
But I won't let that stop me.
Here's what I did in 2012.
I'm sure we did something interesting in January. I couldn't find any photos from January and can't seem to recall any awesomeness. All I could dig up on Facebook is that B and I got rid of a ton of things on Craigslist, Ebay, and Freecycle. I think we began digitizing the thousands of CD's we have. We're far from finished. We both worked at record stores back when such things existed and must have kept every crappy album we ever bought or snagged a promotional copy of. And I now resent our teenage selves for hoarding music.
Moving right along.
In February, we visited New Orleans. I'd been once before and was excited to experience it with B.
We spent our days exploring without much planning. It's our favorite way to see new places.
In April, one of my favorite ladies had a great low key bachelorette weekend which involved great food and wine and hanging out in Napa, as well as a wedding-invitation-assembly line. The invitations were based on the flora and fauna of St. Helena and were maybe the most exciting thing any guest had ever received in the mail. I hope I'll be able to share them here soon.
In May, our cat Rasputin attempted to recycle his little brother, Julius. (I'm sure other things happened then too, but I failed to document them.)
In June, my mom came to visit and we drove down to Sunset Magazine's Celebration Weekend. We had fun checking out some of the decor ideas and eating avocado honey ice cream from here.
The month was capped off with the most beautiful Napa Valley wedding of my previously mentioned friend. She had really thought of every detail and it felt very much an extension of her and her groom.
In July, we spent the 4th doing the most patriotic thing we could think of and went to a baseball game.
We did the second most patriotic thing afterwards -- drank disgusting red white and blue shots with my college aged brother.
In August, our neighborhood participated in National Night Out. I had fun, but most of all I loved the idea of it. It was the type of thing I had imagined we would do once we owned a home.
Then we jetted out to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a region that was new to us, for a friend's wedding. It was goregous up there. Having lived quite close to the Pacific Ocean all of my life, it was hard to wrap my head around the idea that Lake Michigan was actually a lake. It seemed endless and ocean-like.
In September, we went camping in Big Sur with friends.
We also celebrated Oktoberfest and half a dozen birthdays of friends and family. October is a big month 'round here.
In November, we flew south to check out Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA.
We ended with a visit to my folks in Atlanta. While we were there, we visited Stone Mountain and Senoia, the little town where they film Walking Dead. Incidentally, it was also the home of the Southern Living Idea Home, so we toured that too.
And then it was December. I participated in my first blog challenges, which was really fun. We got in some time with lots of family and friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was a great way to end the year. As Julius reminded us, hanging out with those you love is the real gift. Or something.
If you made it this far, thanks for stopping by!
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