summer bucket list

Today, our first day of summer vacation, and we're not wasting a day crossing an item
 off of our summer bucket list!

via

Our kitchen chalkboard...

We're having a Paintball Birthday Bash, including a sleepover with teenage boys...
that's what you mom's of cute little guys have to look forward to! :)

Tomorrow we'll be crossing off a Colorado Rockies' game,
there will be more throughout the summer as my boys are big fans.

Did you notice I get to meet a blogging friend in person?!
Cathy couldn't be sweeter or more fun, I can't wait to meet her.

I'm hoping to carve out a little time to start on my next project,
stop by on Monday and I'll give you the scoop.

Have the BEST weekend,
go cross something off your summer bucket list!

copycat challenge

The first time I did a copycat challenge was last year at Christmas,
when I copied Pottery Barn's outdoor decor for our home.
It dawned on me that the Pottery Barn beverage center was the inspiration for my
potting bench redo that I shared here, and it would be fun to join the Copycat Challenge again.

My version of the Pottery Barn Beverage Center

Pottery Barn Inspiration

We use it as a beverage server most often.

 The idea to use a garden pot as wine bucket came from Pinterest, I also included

beverages in a raised pot sitting on the deck. I was late to join the Pinterest bandwagon,
but you can check out my Entertaining board here.
You might remember I shared my collection of wine glasses at this fun party!

BEFORE (yikes!)


AFTER

Stop by Debbiedoo's and check out the inspiration!

doggone display

You may have guessed by my photo on the sidebar I'm a big dog lover.
 I'm thinking we need to add a portrait to our decor...

houzz.com

designsponge.com

designsponge.com

houzz.com

roselandgreene.blogspot.com

hgtv.com

bhg.com

stylebeat.blogspot.com

planbredesign.com

elledecor.com

diynetwork.com

bhg.com
Do you have one? 
Are you a fan or do you think I'm a crazy dog lady?

(I've had a few friends ask...if you're an email subscriber and you want to view my blog page just
 click on the title 'simple details' after you've opened your email message and it will take you directly to it.)

decked out...

...and ready for summer!

Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Ours was packed... a soccer tournament,

a fun birthday get-together with neighbors, a visit to my parents, dinner out

at our favorite new restaurant, (Tellers in Applewood), and yard work! 

Today I'm sharing some updates to our deck and patio for the season.

front flagstone patio

  the easy monogram pillow done with a sharpie

around to the back deck, the settee from the garage sale,

I finished the new cushions over the weekend, yay!

the other side of the deck, our dining table, I made the black and white pillows last

year, the fabric is indoor/outdoor, we leave them out in the hot sun and weather all

 summer. They've held up really well. I coordinated them with the front patio, the
hammock and now the settee to keep it all cohesive.

and tucked in the corner my favorite new potting bench, after it's facelift

BEFORE

Two of our favorite traditions for kicking off summer

turning on our fountain...

 and putting up our hammock

We're ready! Bring on the BBQs!

Don't miss tons of outdoor inspiration at Mission Possible

memorial day

in honor of those who have fought for our freedom
simply...thank you

Arlington National Cemetery
March 2011

scrabble tile fun

Last week when I found my settee at the garage sale I also scored a Scrabble game,
it's been on my 'thrifting list' forever and was $1.

One of my favorite ways to use the tiles is on a shelf in my kitchen...

it's fun to change up the sentiment and the possibilities are endless!

Here's more inspiration...

as a place card

homes.ninemsn.com.au

magnets on the fridge

houzz.com
christmas decor

 
della creations

personalize a photo - this would be a fun gift - think father's day!  

zitzmanfam.blogspot.com
clever  pillows

 indulgy.com

diy drink coasters

intimateweddings.com

more drink coasters

craftinagreenworld.com
on a gallery wall - your family name would be nice

happytogethercreates.com
special occasions

tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com

Hope you've been inspired to have fun
playing around with scrabble tiles!

potting bench reveal

It's finished!

AFTER

BEFORE

Oh my goodness, isn't it amazing what we don't notice when we live with things
a tad too long! That was plain UGLY!

I added a vintage hook on the side.

The rusted frame before sanding and using Rustoleum Metallic Matte Nickel

followed by Metallic Aluminum and rubbed in a bit.

Thank you to my thoughtful neighbor, Karen, for the beautiful bouquet of peonies!


 I found this can of Minwax Water-Based Wood Stain in my basement.
The color, Antique Jade, was exactly what I had in mind.

It was from 2001, I just mixed it up well and it was fine.
After applying the stain, I distressed it lightly with sandpaper.
I like the matte finish and rustic look, so I'm leaving it as is until I see how it weathers
before adding any type of sealant.
 

Remember when I told you about this deal at Home Depot


Here are two I purchased, trimmed and potted in my urns.


Although I've called it a potting bench, we use it as a buffet and beverage
station for get togethers more than anything.
Next week I'll show you a new idea I ran across and how I set it up for beverages.
In the meantime I'm going to enjoy the nicer view on that side of my deck!

 Uncommon Slice of Suburbia's Tuesday Treasures here
Home Stories A to Z Tutorials & Tips here

Southern Savvy Wow us Wednesdays here
The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday here
At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday here