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!

Let's Get Crafty {DIY Wreath}

Ever made your own Christmas wreath? Neither had I till this past weekend. Jonesing for some long over due craft time, I decided to get crafty this weekend and take our Christmas tree trimmings and turn them into a wreath for the front door. The best part about doing this is you can make the wreath as big or as small as you like. And seeing as my Christmas decoration philosophy is the bigger the better, I went big. Here's what you'll need to do to make your own!

::Supplies::

{1} Tree Trimmings

{2} Scissors

{3} Zip ties

::Instructions::

{1}Gather your tree trimmings and lay them flat.

{2}Begin to layer branches

{3}Secure branches with zip ties

{4}Continue to layer and secure until you have a line of desired length. Note that the longer the line of secured branches the bigger the wreath. 

{5}Take the two ends of the branches and join together securing with a zip tie to form a circle.

{6}Trim branches to make a more concise circle.  I had to trim most of mine from the center of the wreath because it looked a bit just like a solid circle and not a wreath.

{7}Attach a bow and hang from the front door!

What is your favorite holiday diy? Let me know. I'd love to try it out! 

The Perfect Gift {Lover of Outdoor Living}

With such gorgeous weather in Florida almost all year round, outdoor living is just as important as indoor living. But that's not just true in the Sunshine State. So, this holiday season, give the gift of gorgeous outdoor accessories to the lover of outdoor living in your life! Here are 5 of my favorite outdoor options.

{1} Rope Tree Swing: Bringing back memories of childhood right? Even if you don't have kids, this tree swing would make an amazing addition to any backyard. Personally, I would still swing on it!

{2} Seed Bombs: These seed bombs were first made to improve run down urban areas in Cincinnati, but now they come in packs specific to your area of the country. The best part is all you have to do is throw and grow, as they say. The seeds are already surrounded by soil and worm compound. Perfect for a non green thumb like me. Plus, the packaging is incredibly cute!

{3} Ceramic Fire Bowl: Hello gorgeous! I love how chic and modern this fire pit is. The color is gorgeous and I love the river stones surrounding the flame. Since this fire bowl runs off of gel fuel instead of logs, no smoke blowing around or lingering fire smell!

{4} Wine Barrel Cooler: This item really needs no explanation. It's a cooler made out of a previously used white oak wine barrel. Perfect. 

{5} York Sofa: This high back teak sofa is great for lounging around. Fill it with pillows, grab a book and cocktail, and relax!