Backyard Update II

As I mentioned a few posts back, we are re-doing our backyard. We have a good size yard but it was very shady and the mosquitoes would eat us a live within a minute of being out there so, we hardly went out.  We also had a water drainage issue from the yard being so un-leveled, no grass, and the fence was falling apart. Here is what is looked like before.

The yard really opened up by cutting down a tree, moving a couple trees back near the fence , and removing the small side fence that the previous owners installed. A newly installed patio also made a big difference.

And here is what it looks like today.

A good pressure washing to the fence did wonders.

My golf loving hubby and my brother installed a small putting green where the playground used to be. If you are interested in creating one, these are the instructions we followed.

Though we are not quite done, it has been so nice to finally enjoy our backyard. My daughter and her friends have played soccer in the grass a few times. Our nephews have had fun on the putting green. The baby and I have been able to sit out on the back and get some morning sun. We have even had dinner on the patio and surprisingly the mosquitoes haven't been bad. I am not sure if its just because it is early in the season or if having less shade in the backyard has helped cut down on the mosquitoes. We shall see.

The next steps are putting up a hammock I bought a few years back, installing plants, and building a fireplace.  I will continue to update you as we progress. If interested, below are links to the cushions and dining set I bought, along with a few other items I plan to purchase to finish off the look.

hammock // cushions // table & benches // white stool // umbrella // aqua pillows // floral pillow // tray

Until next time, lovelies.

Fall Patio Refresh

Fall is my favorite season.  Hands down.  I could have sworn someone was burning leaves outside the other day (ahhh that smell!) and my heart nearly skipped a beat.  Pumpkins, foliage, scarves, football, chili...I love it all.  But one of my favorite things about fall days are the temperatures--when it's a little cool in the mornings and evenings but perfect during the day.  Yes, that's what I'm dreaming about.  So even though we're still having temps near 100, I can't help but fantasize about relaxing on the patio during those cool, autumn days to come.  

If you're like me though, your patio may need a little love to revamp it from these long summer days.  And now is actually a great time to give your patio a little refresh.  Stores are ready to move out seasonal merchandise, which often leads to great deals.  You can use much of what you may already have and give it an update with a few key items.   Here's what I'm dreaming of for my patio facelift:

one /// two /// three /// four /// five /// six /// seven /// eight

1. Cafe lights add instant charm and give the perfect nighttime glow.

2. Pillows are one of the simplest ways to update a space, especially with one as beautiful as this.  Use your existing summer blues and add in some warmer tones and patterns to compliment them (see number 4).

3. Black and white stripes.  You. Can. Never. Go. Wrong.  Sophisticated and classic without being too stuffy.

4.  See number 2. :)

5.  These red tumblers are the perfect color for fall and the "seeded glass" looks so real you'd never know they are plastic!...which means worry-free for accidents!

6.  I've had a fire pit on my wish list for quite some time now.  I love that this one is open on the top AND the sides to offer the maximum heat for those chilly nights.  It's also great for s'mores and ambiance.

7.  You need a good tray for serving your drinks and food in style, and this one fits the bill.

8. Plants (and planters!) bring life to a space.  I love the unique shapes and heights of these offered at Crate & Barrel.

It doesn't take much to really transform your patio and make it a space where you'd love to spend time this fall!  

I've shared my favorites.  What's on your outdoor wish list this fall?

Outdoor Spaces

It has recently felt like fall here in sunny Pensacola. This beautiful weather has inspired me to get out doors and spruce up our back yard. Since we moved into our house a couple years ago, our backyard has been on the bottom of our list of priorities. 

One major issue we have with our backyard is the lack of privacy. From our backyard we can look straight into our neighbor's bedroom.    

I have always longed for an outdoor fireplace with a hearth. Not only would it be a pretty focal point, but it could act as a privacy wall.  The hearth could double as additional seating for outdoor gatherings or a great place to display pretty accessories. 

Here is what  I have in mind. 

fireplace  // lantern // blue pillow // fuchsia pillow // hammock // table // chair

Now just to implement it.