Just because summer is fading doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Today I’m sharing some practical decorating tips to create cozy ambiance on your patio, deck, or porch. The gorgeous colors of fall provide free decorating outside which is a plus if you have lots of trees and bushes around…
Are you enjoying the longer, warmer days? It’s so refreshing to wake up with the sun and the song of birds outside. And for many of you, the sound of cicadas can be heard, as well. I haven’t seen any cicadas in our area yet (knock on wood). Just a few towns east however, they’re…
This past weekend was all about gardening and sprucing up our outdoor spaces for the warm months ahead. My front porch was embellished with hanging baskets, some potted violets, impatiens in the window box, and a container at the foot of the steps filled with deep pink geraniums and blue and white lobelia. Today I’ve…
As we head into May, warm breezes are becoming more frequent as the days slowly grow longer. Some of you are probably starting to spruce up your outdoor living spaces. I cleaned my Adirondack chairs, swept the deck, had my pond cleaned, and started pulling up the woods that are populating the yard. I love…
Normally I feature some type of decorating inspiration on Saturdays, but today I’m in the mood for the outdoor beauty of fall. I thought you might enjoy soaking in the spectacular vision of autumn’s artistry to start your weekend. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy scenes from Mother Nature herself and see how…
Are you ready for crisp, golden days with a wonderful palette of color everywhere you turn? Garden centers are putting out their mums and pumpkins and gourds will soon follow. I bought a few mums yesterday to replace some faded flowers out by the pond. While I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, I’m…
Most people add a garden shed to their yard for added storage, but today’s sheds are often aesthetically appealing, as well. Today I’m sharing a fun collection of this must-have outdoor building that will expand your storage options and create a new focal point in the yard. Rather than just plop a shed in the…
We have a spot at the end of our very long driveway that I’d like to transform into a patio. I’ve got some ideas whirling around in my head to make the space livable and pretty. If you’re also looking for summer patio decorating ideas, consider these inspirational photos. Add color and comfort. This beautiful…
While I typically think of June 1st as the beginning of summer, the season doesn’t officially begin until June 21st – the longest day of the year. In anticipation of the arrival of summer solstice, I’ve rounded up several examples of pretty porches to provide inspiration for sprucing up your porch . An easy way…
Summer is my season! I love the energy of the earth buzzing with blooms and the activity of nature. Everything feels so alive and vibrant. It’s this dynamic spirit that motivates me to continually work on our yard and garden spaces. I’m all about an outdoor oasis and a stylish patio or deck is the…
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…
