I travel the world and am truly amazed with the sights, cultures, and people but in my eyes there is no place like home.

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30 June 2015

Patio Sprucing and Table Refinishing

Here are a few before pictures of my back patio, it's looked like this for probably 8 years or so. I need to paint that garage wall and add something pretty to help camouflage the brick.
 
 
 
Not awful and use able, I just didn't love it anymore. Especially as the cushions had seen better days and some of the paint was peeling. I found a few sets I "liked" but didn't love and I wasn't ready to spend $1,000's on new stuff I wasn't head over heels for. I decided on a whim to see what I could find at my favorite goodwill and I hit the jackpot. For less than $50 I walked away with six chairs and a way sturdy table.
 
 

I threw on the trusty painter/project clothes and set to work cleaning, polying like crazy, painting, and refinishing.


 I also finally tacked the cute potting bench that was also a thrift find a few years ago. It is now party ready. I have since added a few extra flowers for color and still need to figure out what I want for a new top.


I actually really liked the natural stain on the chairs so just added outdoor poly and recovered the seats with outdoor fabric.
 

The table received several coats of white outdoor paint. It is already chipping a little as the weather just wasn't cooperating when I painted it. But I'm letting it go as I want it to look somewhat worn and weathered. I will re-evaluate and touch up as needed at the end of the summer.


A few candles, pots, and a fun galvanized tray and I'm ready for dinner parties.

 


Last year the neighbors almost threw these gorgeous chairs away. I rescued them from the curb and love the weathered/worn look. This is how I want the table eventually. A few fun SAMs pillows, a thrifted afghan, and it's ready for s'more making.



I wish I would have taken more pictures of the whole patio blooming with flowers and herbs but this is as good as it gets for now. Amazing what a small investment and a lot of elbow grease can do to warm up a space and make it feel fun and new again. I for sure spent less than $150 total on the table project. Excited to set the table and host a dinner party.


28 June 2015

CWS 2015 - Viriginia Wins!!

 
 
 
CWS is something we look forward to every year as a family. It's great family time and friend time. For the last five years our friends from Niobrara have come to town for the first weekend.






And the rest of the week we host various friends at our tailgates.




 
 






Just a great time to socialize, enjoy baseball, and all the fun activities.


 
 
Every year I also get to take Grandpa to the UP Homeplate. Such a special event we both look forward to. I love hearing him tell stories from when he worked at the railroad and how things used to be.




This year was extra exciting as the team we were rooting for won - Virginia! For those who always ask why Viriginia. The coach, Brian O'Connor, is from Council Bluffs and comes from an amazing family.



Can't wait for 2016! Well maybe I can, my body needs a break!

16 June 2015

Missing Our Island



 


Oh beautiful gorgeous Puerto Rico I miss you. I miss your turquoise waters, laid back vibes, fresh coconuts, and endless amounts of sunshine! I kept thinking since it was summer here I could be happy with our great weather, green grasses, pretty flowers, and sunshine but nope keep thinking I really want to go visit our little house and island!




 





 
 
I want no schedule, hours to lounge on the beach enjoying cocktails or coconut water, finishing one book after another, and just unwinding. Trying to wait until winter so it's more of an adventure but may give in and squeeze in a trip before then. Anyone else crave island life even in the midst of summer?
 



 



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