Round 'Em Up: Patio Plans

When we first moved into our place in Pasadena, one of the features I was most excited about was the little piece of space right outside the back door. It's not much to look at- the grass died long along and there's an old planter box that's falling apart, but I knew it could make a perfect, though tiny, patio.

{Via}

For our anniversary we decided to buy a patio table and chairs as a gift to ourselves. I found a vintage Brown and Jordan set for less than $100, and they even offerred to deliver it. We were sold! It's pretty cute- similar to the one above, but ours still has it's glass top.

We cleaned it up a little and set it out in our little dirt patch and started enjoying meals outside, but never got around to turning it into a real patio, unless you count hanging up some lights.

Now that summer is approaching again, I'm back in patio planning mode and scheming about all that we can do with the space. The yard work and gardening that needs to be done is a bit daunting to me, but once that's taken care of, the fun part begins- accessorizing. Here's a little of what I've been dreaming about...

Clockwise from top: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

I was originally thinking of doing black and white with the yellow table set, but thanks to that pillow up there, and some feedback from a few of you on Instagram, I decided on a brighter palette instead- yellows, turquoise, colbalt blue, and kelly green. Thanks for saving me from my black and white addiction everyone! 

All the color will be a great accent for the vintage yellow of the table and it will add a little more interest to the space, which faces a drab tan wall. (Though I'm also scheming on ways to hide that wall with greenery).  

Are you dreaming of summer? What are you most excited about? 

Round 'Em Up: DIY Valentines

In what is now an annual tradition (this post last year was wildly popular), I thought I'd share my favorite Valentine's Day DIY's.

Love these arrows and quiver from Sugar and Cloth! The way to my heart is definitely with arrows. Ashley even incorporated date night ideas into the craft, so they're more than just a valentine.

This printable astronaut valentine from Dandee Designs is great for kids, kids at heart, or if you happen to know an astronaut. (Ha ha).

With this big blizzard making it's way over the east coast, these handwarmers from Armommy would be a welcome valentine. Armommy even has the fabric you see for sale, or you can use your own.

For some old school charm (at least for those of us born pre text messages and email), these junior high love notes from Assemble are perfect! Plus, you probably already have notebook paper and pen.

An easy, and useful valentine, these rulers from Thompson and Spring would be perfect to send off to school with the kids since they'll meet even the strictest food/allergy policies.

When I first saw these honey stick valentines from Smile and Wave, I actually said "genius" out loud. Brilliant and cute. That Rachel is so clever!

A project that might take a bit more skill, but will be useful long past Valentine's Day, these heart coin purses from Fabric Paper Glue are made of leather, but you could substitue a heavy vinyl if leather's not your thing.

Lastly, my very favorite of the bunch- this awesome gilded dinosaur valentine from Lovely Indeed! You may not know this, but my husband and I love dinosaurs, and we even have a collection of dino toys that we pick up whenever we win tickets from skee ball. This clever, but easy dinosaur would definitely be a hit in our house. This one would even work for the Valentine's haters in your life (since he's eating the cute little hearts), right?

What are you making for Valentine's Day this year? I've been working on a few string art projects which I'll be sharing on Monday. Tonight we're having a little V-Day get together with some friends so I'm headed off to get all the last minute details taken care of.

Have an awesome weekend!