When I say “ultimate decks” I’m not strictly referring to outdoor living spaces with grandiose decks. I simply mean any sized deck that suits your personal needs for enjoying the great outdoors! While some of the decks shown are gorgeous and expensive, others are smaller and equally as charming. Photo by Artistic Concrete Surfaces  …
One of the most important things to me about spring, summer, and fall, is getting outside as much as possible. Here in the Chicago area, we’re cooped inside all winter and I feel like a caged animal waiting to be released into the wild. I’m not fan of winter and don’t enjoy being outside if…
Over the weekend I wandered into the local coffee shop and heard one of the staff say she’s ready for fall. In my mind, I immediately responded “No, I’m not ready to let go of summer!” I love fall, but I love summer even more. This time of year is always bittersweet for me to…
August is one of my favorite months of the year – second to the month of June when I get to do most of my planting around the yard. In addition to vegetable and flower gardening, I greatly enjoy water gardening. In fact, my backyard pond is my favorite spot in the yard because it…
Dining al fresco is something I love doing during the summer months. Whenever hubby and I make a lunch or dinner reservation at a local restaurant, we always try to get a table on the patio. Dining outside at home is also pleasurable – especially if you have a shady spot. Here’s some outdoor dining…
Yesterday I visited our local nursery and garden center and it got me thinking about ways to improve my outdoor spaces, which is something I’m always pondering. This in turn inspired me to share this sweet little Alabama courtyard deck and she shed photographed by Kayla Stark. Photo by Kayla Stark  The focal point…
Is there anything more wonderful in a home than a screened porch? You can be outside without fighting off bugs. Breezes blow and birds are chirping, all while you sip some iced tea or lemonade. Take a moment to enjoy today’s collection of pretty porches. Photo by MPR Architecture Porches can provide a lot…
I debated about sharing this post on my blog since it talks about an uncomfortable topic – the end of life and choosing your final resting place. After giving it some thought, I decided my recent experience on the topic might be helpful to others. If you’re like me, you don’t like to think about…
When September rolls around I know that this could be the last month of fully enjoying my koi pond. The fish continue to be active, the waterlilies are still in bloom, and plants around the pond are fully grown (and looking a little messy if I’m being honest). Days by the pond are always moments…
Are you ready for crisp, golden days with a wonderful palette of color everywhere you turn? The heat is on this week in our area (over 90-degree days) and I find myself longing for cooler days (somewhere in the lower 70s). I’m already thinking about how to create some fall curb appeal using my favorite…
Today I’m excited to share an affordable outdoor kitchen idea by DeGoey Designs that also happens to be quite pretty. I’m definitely filing this space away for next year’s outdoor plans. We just added a new paver patio area and I think a smaller version of this kitchen would work perfectly in that space. (This…
It’s June and what means cozy to me this month is enjoying an outdoor summer evening. Finally the nights are warm enough to be outside well past sunset. And when you’re out past dark, you need a bit of lighting in the garden. Here are some great ideas for illuminating your nights. (This post contains…
Today is Memorial Day and while we honor those who served our country, we also enjoy time to rest and reflect on this holiday. Hopefully you get to enjoy time on the front porch enjoying this last day of May. I rounded up several examples of pretty porches to provide inspiration for sprucing up your…
Who can resist a garden swing on a gorgeous summer day? I know I can’t. Swinging under a big shady tree is a great way to cool off, and I’ll bet you’ve got the perfect spot in your yard to enjoy this simple pleasure. Here’s a few outdoor swing ideas that are perfect for adults…
Three years ago we had our garden pond installed in the backyard. After adding it, the plan was to incorporate a deck, a new privacy fence, a gravel patio for a dining area, and another patio just outside the back door. We’ve managed to get all those ideas implemented over the years except for the…
Is there any piece of outdoor furniture that says “summer” more than quintessential Adirondack chairs? Seeing one reminds me of lazy days on the beach, or laid back evenings gathered around a toasty fire. I instantly think “vacation” when I see a photo of one. Hopefully these examples will do the same for you. (This…
