When Beauty is Right Outside Your Backdoor

I have a sever case of wanderlust at the moment. I am itching for an exotic trip somewhere - anywhere - that is different and pretty and adventurous. All that time living overseas spoiled me and has me wanting to live overseas again, or at least take fun trips. Sometimes we are so used to our surroundings it's easy to forget how lucky we have it, or how beautiful our own backyard truly is. Last night was one of those nights I was reminded.

 

I had curtains, a cool dresser, and a few others things to deliver to the shed and on my way realized what a gorgeous gorgeous summer night in the country it was. The perfect temperature and beautiful skies. The corn is high and green, the yard and trees look amazing, it was peaceful. Such a way of God saying hello you don't have to travel thousands of miles for beauty or relaxation. It is right here in your backyard if you just take the time to stop and appreciate it.

 

 It would have been the perfect night to sit on the porch and read a book. Just soaking in the fresh air and sun setting. Sadly I had errands to run but I am forcing myself to go spend a night or two in the shed quite soon. I need to learn to relax more, allow myself more downtime at home not only on vacation.

Winter wonderland Weeked

A few weekends ago while we were cheering on the Creighton Jays at a basketball game it started to snow. At the time they were predicted maybe four inches. My parents suggested I should come home with them and hibernate in the shack with a fire and movies. I figured why not. It has heat, we just got the sate light installed so endless tv options, I had a book I was reading, and lots of cozy blankets, plus wine and snacks.

I woke up the next morning to way more than four inches of snow! But man was it gorgeous. I love when it snows out in the country. Everything has the pretty blanket of white and it sparkles.

It had snowed all night and was still snowing pretty heavily. Big gorgeous flakes. Without a doubt I was grateful it was Sunday and I was in no hurry to get anywhere.

Instead I decided might as well throw more logs ion the fire, find a few movies (as the sate light quit working), and relax with some wine. Quite the perfect snowed in Sunday. Don't worry I didn't drink even half of this wine!

 

 

I easily could have stayed snowed in another day or two. Was awesome to not have anywhere I needed to be and no "chores" to be done. Nothing to do but truly chill. So glad my parents fixed this adorable shack back up. I'm always so proud of my dad and brothers that they built this from scratch. It's the perfect easy hideaway when needed.

Adding a Little Christmas Cheer to the Country Shack

 

My dad and brothers actually built this adorable country shack years ago as a “playhouse” of sorts. Now that it’s all fixed up and habitable we thought it would be fun to spend Christmas eve cozied up inside by the fire watching movies.

 

I decided this warranted a few decorations to make the shack more festive. Luckily there are an abundance of cedar trees growing wild that I was able to snip some branches off, plenty of pines to gather cones from, and discounted poinsettias at the store.

I might still add a tree or string of lights but we are close to ready for a snuggly Christmas Eve movie night after the Christmas Service.

Shed Crushing

 

The country shed at my parents is still very much a work in progress. I'm not afraid to admit I did NOTHING on it for several months.

However, now that I found out the fireplace actually works great (my dad hates real fires and initially claimed it was broken....) I am motivated to finish the sprucing so I can enjoy some cozy weekend nights snuggled up.

I did manage to sneak away from lives duties last weekend for a few hours of relaxation and to add a few new touches.

Next up is hanging curtains, a bit more furniture, finishing the baseboards, and some art or wood in the bedroom.


My new girl crush Sarah Schneider not only has the camper of my dreams she also has a very very perfect shed, of course stocked full of anthroplogy goodies.

 

Because of her I did buy that cute turquoise bar cart from Ikea.

What do you all think? Do wood to match the wall of the shed upstairs in the bedroom area as well? It looks cozy in Sarah's place (first name basis is totally normal right, I'm not a stalker or anything....).

I do wish my almost perfect shed had a bathroom - game changer that would be! Probably not all that difficult to add as there is electricty and water right nearby.

All the photos of Sarah's amazing place are from her website Love, Sarah Schneider. Follow her on instagram for all kinds of cuteness.

The Shed Progress

 

Progress is being made on my future weekend getaway. This lovely shed is undergoing some much needed TLC after several years of neglect and a little storm damage.

 

I can’t wait to get the walls painted, new flooring installed, and fill the place with furniture and accessories.

 

It’s just so peaceful out in the country and will be a welcome break from the hectic daily race known as life.

 

So far it’s been mostly all tearing out of old dirty carpet, furniture, and patching up damaged walls. However, Sunday when the sun finally came out after a thunderstorm filled morning I did take some fun gold spray paint to the deck chairs and planted a few colorful flowers in a new pot. Can’t wait to fill more  pots full of flowers for a true county oasis.