Bucket Full of Fun

Spring has sprung and I've never been happier. I was in desperate need of warm days and sunshine afternoons spent outside lounging. Now that it's here, it's time to pack away the coats and winter fun and create my spring bucket list. It's bursting with bright activities and seasonal adventures you'll want to do yourself. Here's my list of springtime must dos!

1. Entertain Outdoors: Spring is the perfect time to host an outdoor soiree. The temperatures aren't too hot and the flowers are in full bloom creating natural decor.

2. Go Custom: I'm tired of searching for the perfect service pieces. Now that I've discovered Martha Stewart Glass Paint, I plan on creating my own pieces for every occasion.

3. Clean It Out: The front planter bed at our house has been suffering for quite a while now. It's overgrown and a little ratty looking. I can't wait to get in there is a pair of sheers and make it look fresh again. It's the ultimate form of spring cleaning if you ask me!

4. Take a Bike Ride: I'm from a coastal town and bike rides around town are what we do best. Living in a city that is a bit spread out makes that hard. But, this spring, I'm determined to bring bike riding back. Watch out Tallahassee, me and my bike are coming for you!

5. Shop the Farmer's Market: I love hitting the farmer's market in the spring. It brings out more vendors and fresher fruits and vegetables. I can't wait to see what interesting treats they have and to create some fresh yummy dishes to share with you.

6. Grow a Green Thumb: I am notorious for killing off plants. It doesn't matter what kind of plant, it instantly dies in my care. But, this spring I'm determined to take a fresh approach to things and start small with some fresh herbs.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Outdoor Living {Patio Redo}

We've lived in our current place for just over a year now and I've wanted to do something with our back deck since we first moved in. It's not a big space so creating a functional, multi-purpose outdoor area was our biggest struggle. We wanted a place to entertain, grill out, eat, relax, and of course brew beer. Oh, and don't forget the extra storage we desperately need! The trick was being able to fit all of this on a deck that measures 7.5 ft x 10 ft. See, I told you it wasn't that big. After a year of creative thinking, we finally managed to accomplish all of our goals! Rob and his dad built the bench that spans the one side so we could maximize the space. It also doubles as storage for Rob's brewing equipment. Since the cushions can come off, he can use the top of the bench as work surface for outdoor brew days. The table in front is perfect for hosting parties because it doubles as a cooler (awesome!) and works for sharing meals al fresco on cool nights. With the grill against the banister and the addition of some beautiful buds, we've finally created an area that we both want to hang out in!

Essentially {Summer Soiree}

It's that time of year again! Time to bust out the charcoal and bug spray because summer soirees and outdoor entertaining are here again. It has to be one of my favorite times to entertain. Yes, the weather may be ridiculously hot but the sun shines a little brighter and it makes me smile just a bit bigger. While you may sweat just a bit, all the Vitamin D you are absorbing just puts you in a better mood. At least it does me! While the official start to summer isn't for another couple weeks, I've got summer fever and I'm more than ready to share my summer soiree essentials with you. Here you go!

1. Watermelon: The signature fruit of hot summer days. Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, watermelon reminds me of backyard cookouts and seed spitting contests as a kid. Embrace the fruit while it's fresh and incorporate it into recipes like watermelon salads, spritzers, and cupcakes! 

2. Fresh Flowers: They certainly do brighten up any table! Not only that, when fresh picked from your front yard, they add a personal touch that most parties lack.

3. Patterned Plates: Like these melamine ones from Target, patterned plates add vibrancy to every meal.  Melamine is perfect for outdoor entertaining as well because of it's inability to break. Drop it, step on it, or have guests throw them at one another, there is nothing this plate can't handle!

4. Homemade Lemonade: Just like Mom used to make. Lemonade is one of my all time favorite refreshing beverages on a hot summer day. I'm dying to try a blueberry lemonade! 

5. Beach Umbrellas: You don't have to be on a beach to get into the umbrella action. Try staking one in the back yard and laying under it pretending you are on a tropical island somewhere. This striped yellow one is sure to brighten up any backyard grill out and provided some much needed shade for your guests! 

6. Grill: Of course I saved the best for last. No summer soiree is complete without a grill. Grill cooking is some of the easiest, fun cooking I've ever done. Nothing beats coming home from a long day on the beach, firing up the grill, and cooking every aspect of the meal atop charcoal (or gas if you prefer). Some of my favorite gilled recipes include salads, kabobs, and peaches for dessert!