Our Outdoor Oasis

Happy Cinco de Mayo! One of you lucky readers has another reason to celebrate today as the winner of the Rustic Giveaway... check <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-rustic-giveaway.html">the Rafflecopter widget</a> to see if it's you!<br /><br /><br />Speaking of celebrations, we had a big one this weekend—our Housewarming party. If you've been following me on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennasuedesign#">instagram</a>, you may have caught my post right before the festivities went down...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-ash/10245933_1415238382081578_1769212563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-ash/10245933_1415238382081578_1769212563_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />Everyone seemed to have a great time and the kitchen performed like a champ. It's built to entertain—we love that it's able to easily accommodate large crowds (over the course of two days) and come out of it unscathed and ready for more. I predict lots of summer gatherings and holiday parties this year!<br /><br />If you're wondering about that deck photo, I'm here to explain. We've been making some improvements to the backyard over the past few months which I haven't covered yet. Unfortunately I don't have a proper before picture, but here's one from when we were house hunting. This was basically the extent of the view...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM1d6j4Hyx9c-1t3JX2pflv3YqQavlRg4UFXThYW-FhAT47CuqjrfCJiseRi1d3PAtPSF94K1aZ8QybK_EeDy24NwscfxAj1PQ1tMiOYhqTbrXNekrlahAn0Y3jQ1JB_34jcKeXwiAc4j/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimM1d6j4Hyx9c-1t3JX2pflv3YqQavlRg4UFXThYW-FhAT47CuqjrfCJiseRi1d3PAtPSF94K1aZ8QybK_EeDy24NwscfxAj1PQ1tMiOYhqTbrXNekrlahAn0Y3jQ1JB_34jcKeXwiAc4j/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />On the left were trees that blocked most of the mountains on that side. I wasn't able to take a pic before Brad started cutting them down—here's a mid progress shot after he had cleared out a few:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupzHis-5hf9GE1MVVJFfWqG3fqs2zGnPbLeiGXZidlw3QEpi7lABszPoZriF7Ys3-bKjBInWH4AXpRxbsGI-M6jgfIBlTautf1Sg_IAh-wG9t3UzcMur0P5r7cUtotD_wK_fY8zjhjv1r/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupzHis-5hf9GE1MVVJFfWqG3fqs2zGnPbLeiGXZidlw3QEpi7lABszPoZriF7Ys3-bKjBInWH4AXpRxbsGI-M6jgfIBlTautf1Sg_IAh-wG9t3UzcMur0P5r7cUtotD_wK_fY8zjhjv1r/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Here's the man in action:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6_jPeXarnzS4fq88KlVENx7-1zGfDC2JZ1o4N69UmNJXOSHtGwEnUaqLqIP0xTUjvmx39vXyqTqLHpwKPDpojavJIrdsfEHjd0-0ohJ3fov1gu5qWSxQf-sYbD7b6cnEGKUgwA7Vz5wg/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6_jPeXarnzS4fq88KlVENx7-1zGfDC2JZ1o4N69UmNJXOSHtGwEnUaqLqIP0xTUjvmx39vXyqTqLHpwKPDpojavJIrdsfEHjd0-0ohJ3fov1gu5qWSxQf-sYbD7b6cnEGKUgwA7Vz5wg/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The freshly dropped foliage caught the attention of our deer friends.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQGitb8G-E41B3v9DjamtcwhnJ91ua-19uJA89ODQUsEEmXvul3gLav6VXl_iHb_aOw6KORphKMZyvzkyYG7BYYgQKs9dsci7d7JGjZmFVKBHdivVee2MsLSGIkvVOe92kUqh-jXU33SJ/s1600/IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQGitb8G-E41B3v9DjamtcwhnJ91ua-19uJA89ODQUsEEmXvul3gLav6VXl_iHb_aOw6KORphKMZyvzkyYG7BYYgQKs9dsci7d7JGjZmFVKBHdivVee2MsLSGIkvVOe92kUqh-jXU33SJ/s1600/IMG_1938.jpg" /></a><br /><br />There's a trail that runs through our backyard and we often see them running around and playing back there (the babies are adorable!)<br /><br />Brad did as much as he could by himself, but tree cutting isn't his specialty so we ended up calling in pros to finish the job. There was one tree directly in front of our master bedroom window that was really close to the house. Here's the view from my studio where you can see it blocking the left side:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnWx31OuGVrsuamvFgRX60eTdLQivJf9QAGmfv9oArfg-2Q3-eaGhFU1TrO9CGvGZj0zjiHQo944ixfoObeHQMk2AICGW1xcp_jTp1wvp1BxsU5YZ01scLJXjhShl02dhahgaocj30y92/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnWx31OuGVrsuamvFgRX60eTdLQivJf9QAGmfv9oArfg-2Q3-eaGhFU1TrO9CGvGZj0zjiHQo944ixfoObeHQMk2AICGW1xcp_jTp1wvp1BxsU5YZ01scLJXjhShl02dhahgaocj30y92/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I actually captured it coming down—you can check out the video <a href="http://instagram.com/p/lQPLAPvQz7/">here</a>.<br /><br />And now the view from the studio window looks like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5qwGUcKAmOSKb7uIVXMbvVXKRm02soowxX75Rha_QJY4VQw8-uIh5-9ZCGkvT793X1oGpiLCrNiRQTUWcisWJSM4uVlYSgQ4iX7713kEhnQwC5or0C074KdirAwY6ufdlEQ96K1EvhDQ/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5qwGUcKAmOSKb7uIVXMbvVXKRm02soowxX75Rha_QJY4VQw8-uIh5-9ZCGkvT793X1oGpiLCrNiRQTUWcisWJSM4uVlYSgQ4iX7713kEhnQwC5or0C074KdirAwY6ufdlEQ96K1EvhDQ/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Much better.<br /><br />It's a huge difference in our bedroom. The tree was blocking the majority of the view before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOR4_H6m53SmUDk3pWDgjYxgtVM-54H0bmdG3uYsNk54Bim3NmiSxD0165lT2-W5VMKlaIZOeIl-QvPUfHemghZoq0nQTYkv917fZI63qgHfDR1Bd20ELEDQUrOSkS5P9iqIhUDvmMlVv/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOR4_H6m53SmUDk3pWDgjYxgtVM-54H0bmdG3uYsNk54Bim3NmiSxD0165lT2-W5VMKlaIZOeIl-QvPUfHemghZoq0nQTYkv917fZI63qgHfDR1Bd20ELEDQUrOSkS5P9iqIhUDvmMlVv/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />and now it's wide open...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMgY8FK3uAEMMPK34b1RPpQMYg4A73w99uKkzWYn80PYLg_lkJXG47FHscsviY1p7bT369CFXF4n1kWK87Z95AgmhPa6Eq9bEXV60pKPMJmXfG63NJiQ2jdOf-7VglWxKgIpExqPVfPYC/s1600/IMG_2179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMgY8FK3uAEMMPK34b1RPpQMYg4A73w99uKkzWYn80PYLg_lkJXG47FHscsviY1p7bT369CFXF4n1kWK87Z95AgmhPa6Eq9bEXV60pKPMJmXfG63NJiQ2jdOf-7VglWxKgIpExqPVfPYC/s1600/IMG_2179.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Now that the trees were out of the way, we were able to see the backyard of our house for the first time. I don't think I've ever shared much of the backyard, so let's start with the deck. Here's the main deck off of the living room, taken from the lower deck:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTGJvh5FUsYryotYTnLbDgm1FvOiYXOxIhAbeetZSPEdDJQ8G3ohngNwhsmbVJsmVZOncclG8pjHwqKPv8x6cWN_tzeLYaAtL41tAS910YbYgiVqe-1i4uKPkiAPlxraycCivrbRX0Mdz/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTGJvh5FUsYryotYTnLbDgm1FvOiYXOxIhAbeetZSPEdDJQ8G3ohngNwhsmbVJsmVZOncclG8pjHwqKPv8x6cWN_tzeLYaAtL41tAS910YbYgiVqe-1i4uKPkiAPlxraycCivrbRX0Mdz/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's the lower deck, as seen from the ground:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr9wGXajOV7weiNqpZJbON-fUwkd5pf-8fLXFt8B5bFYhpt6iAg-EDqwpBmoTgOHlGsAQSu_5yCiAljdcYkEd2XEShcH1-u1iv4m2ubYMUboYAZ0w9J8W5v1sJ4VoOjw4B-5V8JxBW9kN/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr9wGXajOV7weiNqpZJbON-fUwkd5pf-8fLXFt8B5bFYhpt6iAg-EDqwpBmoTgOHlGsAQSu_5yCiAljdcYkEd2XEShcH1-u1iv4m2ubYMUboYAZ0w9J8W5v1sJ4VoOjw4B-5V8JxBW9kN/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I took some photos of the back of the house but they got deleted, so here's the one I have from my phone a few months back when we were doing a burn pile:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-ash/1170973_690160517707484_736822981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://photos-e.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-ash/1170973_690160517707484_736822981_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />That day was the first time we'd ever seen the back of the house in it's entirety after the trees were removed. If you're curious about the layout—to the far left is the living room, the next window over is my studio, then the guest room, and the window on the right is our bedroom. The lower levels are the main downstairs room.<br /><br />Now that the view was opened up, it was time to focus on our outdoor living space. I spotted the Ikea Arholma set and noticed that it was 25% off with the Ikea family member card, and I was sold. It was exactly what I had pictured and already a very inexpensive alternative to similar sets. So that weekend we took a little road trip to Sacramento, and just a few days later we were relaxing in it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ3neav-o8TGpEYG__1eMUhojnQk1etqilFsOU0bME9V_8VcADa93XYkLn64ISPHOb3lZNFKsaoqZwnwy825m4o6REFr9uR4dL-pp3kk0sRBMd58i8F-xOrxVuMVwP6JwekXMnVP2sWFB/s1600/IMG_3032-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ3neav-o8TGpEYG__1eMUhojnQk1etqilFsOU0bME9V_8VcADa93XYkLn64ISPHOb3lZNFKsaoqZwnwy825m4o6REFr9uR4dL-pp3kk0sRBMd58i8F-xOrxVuMVwP6JwekXMnVP2sWFB/s1600/IMG_3032-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEQ3chpK4MTrfq8farMjt4TkiffzgRMRpmdPz1hIoYQDK_xdofAbfkxTSaWnA_RgOkWGHjfI0b2ffZIUPHiev371FLpun9UzvOYA-GNJup6YicX_TLQTfnfxf2dEEID8cNkS8g-PKcD4D/s1600/IMG_3034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEQ3chpK4MTrfq8farMjt4TkiffzgRMRpmdPz1hIoYQDK_xdofAbfkxTSaWnA_RgOkWGHjfI0b2ffZIUPHiev371FLpun9UzvOYA-GNJup6YicX_TLQTfnfxf2dEEID8cNkS8g-PKcD4D/s1600/IMG_3034.jpg" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also picked up this <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/nuLOOM-Outdoor-Indoor-Rug-9-x-12/6006442/product.html?CID=209535">9x12" outdoor rug</a> from Overstock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOVBel3HCQS4SPoTmGHbDNIK60doGytuiq5CT8cj3Yj-RFZq9LhPeatwLJC_p0fH1y81MDS5CM5eu4tDD9ayChpscSTIco388V2YgjvHuUPGSCAulgXdnT8lXu5W_MEGd4Ae8wrlgWzjB/s1600/IMG_3037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOVBel3HCQS4SPoTmGHbDNIK60doGytuiq5CT8cj3Yj-RFZq9LhPeatwLJC_p0fH1y81MDS5CM5eu4tDD9ayChpscSTIco388V2YgjvHuUPGSCAulgXdnT8lXu5W_MEGd4Ae8wrlgWzjB/s1600/IMG_3037.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love how versatile the pieces are...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32-rRVndTrDmtAi2n5GXR-VYvcF7jWBXn7JsHYGwdL2Revw0x3-epChwVAtk6gJw8y533S9ynMQOabrjFhJouH6j59u_H4x7rG4SzT0YQq58JAo1L3xudexLWOzJ3Hc9xBj3xACj2hOo/s1600/IMG_3033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32-rRVndTrDmtAi2n5GXR-VYvcF7jWBXn7JsHYGwdL2Revw0x3-epChwVAtk6gJw8y533S9ynMQOabrjFhJouH6j59u_H4x7rG4SzT0YQq58JAo1L3xudexLWOzJ3Hc9xBj3xACj2hOo/s1600/IMG_3033.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />There's endless possibilities for different layouts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BdvSnYpX9zP2rknoqC_380m6Cg5RrD0hGxPzhe53YG7NaHeo0P5LV8XH5vSykXIuLLYca4SDLst2-meeSiXjUKa6Cz6yJkO-avB5yaNjcvQ7tV8XyXoM8uwQ1Aqc-MSF6G5ZDS0vH8vG/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BdvSnYpX9zP2rknoqC_380m6Cg5RrD0hGxPzhe53YG7NaHeo0P5LV8XH5vSykXIuLLYca4SDLst2-meeSiXjUKa6Cz6yJkO-avB5yaNjcvQ7tV8XyXoM8uwQ1Aqc-MSF6G5ZDS0vH8vG/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49oH6qNszAtnZkMiKr82jMs48bQfEkAACUQbZBThOuUjOrGX3vGquGtXQBNYQzAhpTFCQ-BbYllGIb6AGnMYC2IF4uvD-6A1G3-56VUdvH4115J07_OV75NfjJhQmuPYFLhQND2zvzW-z/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49oH6qNszAtnZkMiKr82jMs48bQfEkAACUQbZBThOuUjOrGX3vGquGtXQBNYQzAhpTFCQ-BbYllGIb6AGnMYC2IF4uvD-6A1G3-56VUdvH4115J07_OV75NfjJhQmuPYFLhQND2zvzW-z/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH2ovNLR0cKOAhN3SQzvtMLbwzVimQjYoOFRrIg-Nh4meiSFGPFnzeFzLz6SJ5Yw_WSvobg2HJ4oFtoYkEyKw5uYAlVhxo60EmElGfIBpJ4posZthwa2QAG56Y-EkLQPLtdiIC2rpqm84/s1600/IMG_3041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH2ovNLR0cKOAhN3SQzvtMLbwzVimQjYoOFRrIg-Nh4meiSFGPFnzeFzLz6SJ5Yw_WSvobg2HJ4oFtoYkEyKw5uYAlVhxo60EmElGfIBpJ4posZthwa2QAG56Y-EkLQPLtdiIC2rpqm84/s1600/IMG_3041.jpg" /></a></div><br />They're quite comfortable, too.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqXSOwdhgU5idj9acoQoejMKJl71YkERt6VG8n97Y6Fk_tcUgkgYXTgjMIQ1yWXee1n-B-VxPSWZ2QBhqNZvfdo_yvd2-Bj5a0-zrqdy7rRGZ1RgSuuWX1FWigTLn4y4LBh1OhB3XC0_O/s1600/IMG_3042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqXSOwdhgU5idj9acoQoejMKJl71YkERt6VG8n97Y6Fk_tcUgkgYXTgjMIQ1yWXee1n-B-VxPSWZ2QBhqNZvfdo_yvd2-Bj5a0-zrqdy7rRGZ1RgSuuWX1FWigTLn4y4LBh1OhB3XC0_O/s1600/IMG_3042.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I just realized I forgot to take a photo of this, but Brad wired up our flat screen TV next to the living room windows (we had it outside under our open patio in Florida), so we've been watching movies at night and playing concerts/music when guests are over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfp9DoPDgFZyk6nKGjnKqM5fQet5ldOASD2DRghIHh8itYyKEdUeHW9epwf7-LFiqqSdQZbLaoGFCCxrsj2ceAHyLsPc6XVjb1F-kkgN-swycqDWRsMMYkY4CVIKSUGdSo1ZrnFDzwfN3/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfp9DoPDgFZyk6nKGjnKqM5fQet5ldOASD2DRghIHh8itYyKEdUeHW9epwf7-LFiqqSdQZbLaoGFCCxrsj2ceAHyLsPc6XVjb1F-kkgN-swycqDWRsMMYkY4CVIKSUGdSo1ZrnFDzwfN3/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The weather has been perfectly lately, so whenever we have guests, the deck is the favorite hangout spot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsy4YMX5vxEbhlDv1ckQsSNoaPdDmZ7CxIXdnE4syCPqk4TagKdfWOTduapDS6Zg9EViXWWryHCEqv4GIgOSvcF2ep4Mww5hGmMQjwjRHJNEBK-Jrnx7dE_cMgDAVmNqIn3w2kNYLHo55/s1600/IMG_3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsy4YMX5vxEbhlDv1ckQsSNoaPdDmZ7CxIXdnE4syCPqk4TagKdfWOTduapDS6Zg9EViXWWryHCEqv4GIgOSvcF2ep4Mww5hGmMQjwjRHJNEBK-Jrnx7dE_cMgDAVmNqIn3w2kNYLHo55/s1600/IMG_3046.jpg" /></a></div><br />Here's a shot from the living room looking out...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tJxpPKhitsO7FHmYIrMLHaQyILqHdh-XQiXxgUqCyH3ysShUhdAOBl7oU7m8yJ4QXakLKfjmPYwNVOVxeutBfrPxu1bbQmICRwytvgq5XJrLsEVpQCio8CcIh5cgym2ctEEIwQPa9xq_/s1600/IMG_3048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tJxpPKhitsO7FHmYIrMLHaQyILqHdh-XQiXxgUqCyH3ysShUhdAOBl7oU7m8yJ4QXakLKfjmPYwNVOVxeutBfrPxu1bbQmICRwytvgq5XJrLsEVpQCio8CcIh5cgym2ctEEIwQPa9xq_/s1600/IMG_3048.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Yes, we finally have curtains! There's actually been several updates in the living room which I'll be sharing on Thursday. But for now I'd better get back to catching up on work (and recovering from this weekend...) Enjoy your week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Our Outdoor Oasis

Happy Cinco de Mayo! One of you lucky readers has another reason to celebrate today as the winner of the Rustic Giveaway... check the Raffle...

Read more »

Mother's Day Gift Ideas & Custom Kits | Everyday Candles & Labels are back!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOQi_NZJWWm1aHzcl_6ezgINm5mIjKze8wbrHjSubhoMOrEvxPzGC1KRc2RRD5gfGru69WxBrVtzTubc5RhHMAykKczY3ytc_T0usf1VUDZn9RXVX_NBKnud0rGnFlXGn-MbGjvGHZMNf/s1600/IMG_5717+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOQi_NZJWWm1aHzcl_6ezgINm5mIjKze8wbrHjSubhoMOrEvxPzGC1KRc2RRD5gfGru69WxBrVtzTubc5RhHMAykKczY3ytc_T0usf1VUDZn9RXVX_NBKnud0rGnFlXGn-MbGjvGHZMNf/s1600/IMG_5717+2.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F05%2Fmothers-day-gift-ideas-custom-kits.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jj-eX23J9JE%2FU2KAQSKCqkI%2FAAAAAAAAWmw%2FU7nofPU-7vs%2Fs1600%2Fmothers-day.png&description=Mother%26%23x27%3Bs%20Day%20Gift%20Ideas%20for%20Creative%20Moms"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />This is one of my all time favorite arrangements that I created for the blog - perfect for Mother's Day.  I made it when we were living in Concord and lilacs were ev-erywhere.  Everywhere.  I borrowed these blooms from neighbors and friends that had giant glorious bushes.  The entire town seemed to be brimming with lilacs.  (Step-by-step post for arrangement, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/lilac-centerpiece-in-pewter-serving.html">here</a>.) That is one of the things I miss about living in that little New England town.  But, one of the reasons I'm glad to be back home is that I get to spend holidays like Mother's Day with my family.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLM09h7AuvrZedk2YCrIGSnAEOPO0CyxY53vJzuAzabs6gAWMYHE1Gg8NSG7YNIqmoLJtwhP4trvS_nvgWggTLHkTdP5phawpRPrNLZgifxfmrOxi9zDHW561kyn87jvogwydJUTCdw9q/s1600/IMG_7174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLM09h7AuvrZedk2YCrIGSnAEOPO0CyxY53vJzuAzabs6gAWMYHE1Gg8NSG7YNIqmoLJtwhP4trvS_nvgWggTLHkTdP5phawpRPrNLZgifxfmrOxi9zDHW561kyn87jvogwydJUTCdw9q/s1600/IMG_7174.jpg" width="132" /></a>This year I have put together some ideas for great gifts for your Mom, Grandma or Mom of your Grandchildren.  Do you ever notice how Mother's Day seems to be more about Moms giving each other gifts? : )   I also have a few new products to add to your gift giving list - a new Everyday Candle and Printable Labels. <br /><br />The new Everyday Candle was made with the month of May in mind - a soft, powdery scent with hints of gardenia and lily of the valley.  It so subtle and lovely - perfect for a Mothers Day gift or for the Bride-to-be.  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaClVqAmj_5TuCoAya8aDhK-ZkOAgof-4r4Xq8pUpjqTYQzQyPLsynib0bRu3h-xS_N7YTrtV-RRi7rrbO-VWgnGcN7qPzFrMYHDdRsbhf0Af6o93xRuI7OPR1qEB6j0-2MXyT66iWlZhT/s1600/hydrangea-cupcake-kit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaClVqAmj_5TuCoAya8aDhK-ZkOAgof-4r4Xq8pUpjqTYQzQyPLsynib0bRu3h-xS_N7YTrtV-RRi7rrbO-VWgnGcN7qPzFrMYHDdRsbhf0Af6o93xRuI7OPR1qEB6j0-2MXyT66iWlZhT/s1600/hydrangea-cupcake-kit.png" width="440" /></a><i> </i><br /><i>Get Free Shipping on any order over $50 now thru Sunday, 5/4.  Code : MOMS</i><br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F05%2Fmothers-day-gift-ideas-custom-kits.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jj-eX23J9JE%2FU2KAQSKCqkI%2FAAAAAAAAWmw%2FU7nofPU-7vs%2Fs1600%2Fmothers-day.png&description=Mother%26%23x27%3Bs%20Day%20Gift%20Ideas%20for%20Creative%20Moms"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><i>Hydrangea Cupcake Kit</i><br /><br />This is one of the first ideas I introduced in the store last Summer.  I still love it, and it is still one of my most popular posts.  If you have a Mom that loves to create beautiful things, this is such a fun gift.  Be sure to print out the step-by-step instructions for her, here.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/brown-cupcake-muffin-papers-100-papers">Brown Cupcake Papers, $6</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/celebration-candles-6"><br /></a><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/celebration-candles-6">Seaside 6" Celebration Candles, $7.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/jumbo-star-tip">Jumbo Star Tip, $4</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/disposable-pastry-bag-20-bags">18" Pastry Bags, $14.50</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGv8b_6iw0vSsUVvcdCA3fLx43tUR91cYEz6kymuv-3t1c3QXwXG6BT-Sa2b060z1KDQLQK8sMr5jLuwdEvZUGiPuQ8tqpMKu1ctbRff_ClbIv3UFJwWc5EWRTJyLf9nyoLaILLTMBdoS/s1600/everday-essentials.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGv8b_6iw0vSsUVvcdCA3fLx43tUR91cYEz6kymuv-3t1c3QXwXG6BT-Sa2b060z1KDQLQK8sMr5jLuwdEvZUGiPuQ8tqpMKu1ctbRff_ClbIv3UFJwWc5EWRTJyLf9nyoLaILLTMBdoS/s1600/everday-essentials.png" width="296" /></a><i>Everyday Essentials </i><br /><br />When I'm giving a gift I like to give something that will brighten their day, everyday.  Little daily luxuries can be such a treat.  This collection of is perfect for anyone that loves to spend time at home, whether setting a beautiful table, baking treats for friends or organizing a to-do list over coffee.  These are things that are enjoyed everyday.<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/everyday-tags-cards">Everyday Labels & Tags, $8-12.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/cello-bags-mini-small-medium-large">Cello Bags, $5.50 - 9.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/my-everyday-candle-in-a-mini-latte-bowl">Everyday Candle, $16.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens/products/linen-tea-towels-set-of-2">Linen Tea Towels, $24 for 2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/hand-dipped-taper-candles-12-set-of-3">Hand Dipped Taper Candles, $10.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/tablet-le-pens">Tablet + LePen, $12-14</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XDTDYM1NyOSuqG_vpk6vAAFUEV-oXNpQsGYqBE7BVKFjnQOIEsSEYDH2K6mAbvMdC-QaA9hQJsGUlYCqg3dIw2C1xn31XzUSWhaH8dAI7MCjNgUYmx0qM0k91KkdFCPdFx7A-YJy1gpa/s1600/baking-essentials.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XDTDYM1NyOSuqG_vpk6vAAFUEV-oXNpQsGYqBE7BVKFjnQOIEsSEYDH2K6mAbvMdC-QaA9hQJsGUlYCqg3dIw2C1xn31XzUSWhaH8dAI7MCjNgUYmx0qM0k91KkdFCPdFx7A-YJy1gpa/s1600/baking-essentials.png" width="290" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Baker's Essentials</i><br /><br />It is such a treat to update and upgrade things that are a part of you're daily routine.  If your Mom (or the Mom of your Grandkids) loves to spend time in the kitchen, here are somethings that she might love.  <br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/vanilla-bean-paste">Vanilla Bean Paste, $12.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/white-tall-cupcake-papers-100-papers">White Tall Cupcake Papers, $6</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/parchment-paper-sheets-200-sheets">Parchment Paper Sheets, $14</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/bread-baking-baskets-2-sizes">Kraft Loaf Pans, $12.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/giant-starburst-tip">Starburst Tip, $4</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/sugars-sprinkles">Sprinkles & Sugars, $12.50 each</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLyPnM7SOyxBclxb5Tw1Do9wv0Nw1s585IzArUammHIUDcz9387Zsee1IoXeKpsU1wh2PmCTXwPoU3rITI_3qx9SnCf2ToGkThQDxycN9ENDzdeXVIO3WorXm7zcw7otGpLOFRV3OjLuh/s1600/crafter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLyPnM7SOyxBclxb5Tw1Do9wv0Nw1s585IzArUammHIUDcz9387Zsee1IoXeKpsU1wh2PmCTXwPoU3rITI_3qx9SnCf2ToGkThQDxycN9ENDzdeXVIO3WorXm7zcw7otGpLOFRV3OjLuh/s1600/crafter.png" width="295" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Craft Room Queen" Essentials : <br /><br />There is nothing more fun than to stock your craft room with fabulously fun ribbons, labels, twine and kraft boxes... imagine the possibility of what you could create!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/printable-labels">Printable Labels, $6.50 </a><br />When I first opened the store I offered custom printed labels that I designed for each individual order.  It was a little to hard to keep up with the demand, so I removed it as an option.  After several requests, the labels are back with a twist... you get to print them yourself!  You can download the templates on the product page, here.<br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/baker-s-twine-240-yd">Baker's Twine, $8-16</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap">Grosgrain, Cotton & Satin Ribbon $10-25</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-wrap/products/kraft-boxes-set-of-10">Kraft Gift Boxes, $14.50</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RXb4hEDEVKCfr4TnhGPKN6_AEkPyuwWcqU9hqgA5RbQ2LyQ92YEuiUNZtL63jgOtJKfamh4jJ_qwxCf9w2Gcss2plelPuLYkD52Xy2aUScYCpsU4F5lQ6ViG53-yPkSha65D1mzATJgd/s1600/lemon-kit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RXb4hEDEVKCfr4TnhGPKN6_AEkPyuwWcqU9hqgA5RbQ2LyQ92YEuiUNZtL63jgOtJKfamh4jJ_qwxCf9w2Gcss2plelPuLYkD52Xy2aUScYCpsU4F5lQ6ViG53-yPkSha65D1mzATJgd/s1600/lemon-kit.png" width="428" /></a><i> </i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Lemon Meringue Cupcake Kit </i><br /><br />Nothing says Mother's Day like Lemon Meringue.  Why do we Moms love lemon so much?  Maybe it is fresh and springy, or maybe because it feels like a "healthier" dessert?  These lemon meringue cupcakes would be a great gift or addition to your Mother's Day celebration.<br /><i> </i><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/giant-starburst-tip">Starburst Tip, $4</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/brown-cupcake-muffin-papers-100-papers">Brown Cupcake Papers, $6</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/celebration-candles-6"><br /></a><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/celebration-candles-6">Seaside 6" Celebration Candles, $7.50</a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/disposable-pastry-bag-20-bags">18" Pastry Bags, $14.50</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8wAit1cAsdvGxcwUBvsQWIMz13t580Z4Rl_w1Zd7F0pyRDVictPTFUMowLEt4_ZicxjjkYNN5VhyhVehgO0LdFTtK0v7bQk7Q9Zh_IkZTsA1Fj_JHR_Kfpi_HCl9DUHozh0gMpBu15yS/s1600/mothers-day.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8wAit1cAsdvGxcwUBvsQWIMz13t580Z4Rl_w1Zd7F0pyRDVictPTFUMowLEt4_ZicxjjkYNN5VhyhVehgO0LdFTtK0v7bQk7Q9Zh_IkZTsA1Fj_JHR_Kfpi_HCl9DUHozh0gMpBu15yS/s1600/mothers-day.png" width="270" /></a></div>Here is the easy-to-pin strip!<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F05%2Fmothers-day-gift-ideas-custom-kits.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jj-eX23J9JE%2FU2KAQSKCqkI%2FAAAAAAAAWmw%2FU7nofPU-7vs%2Fs1600%2Fmothers-day.png&description=Mother%26%23x27%3Bs%20Day%20Gift%20Ideas%20for%20Creative%20Moms"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Mother's Day Gift Ideas & Custom Kits | Everyday Candles & Labels are back!

This is one of my all time favorite arrangements that I created for the blog - perfect for Mother's Day.  I made it when we were living ...

Read more »

A Rustic Giveaway

<div>Happy May! It sure feels like summer here already... I'm loving the 80° shorts weather after a cold spell last weekend while our Florida friends were in town. We still had a great time showing them around our neck of the woods...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ30REBH3KFOyVJvmEh1RUj1JWFwtzge4Aj26cxMVtayCaSqyKKHmd1TjdzwzrpQC611wPQeBEsDIzNk0MWWOS1u3l-SaBDWABSqKDOFndyGkbTIlxDOSow24TbmhnAaSZkhrdn83R8yZ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ30REBH3KFOyVJvmEh1RUj1JWFwtzge4Aj26cxMVtayCaSqyKKHmd1TjdzwzrpQC611wPQeBEsDIzNk0MWWOS1u3l-SaBDWABSqKDOFndyGkbTIlxDOSow24TbmhnAaSZkhrdn83R8yZ/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwrixSqyQkmavxyPQ2BUpseldxr1a4Vdkl0VoQ9Fjp0y2uJuauWKZLWw-RgpqTc-uA9wqrsrfgAyWUN_tOC0qSq04g1kMvgf9s7KpKJtg2NxvIooXklBV2Rlt1yDPJ2NeASOSHCt9mK7s/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwrixSqyQkmavxyPQ2BUpseldxr1a4Vdkl0VoQ9Fjp0y2uJuauWKZLWw-RgpqTc-uA9wqrsrfgAyWUN_tOC0qSq04g1kMvgf9s7KpKJtg2NxvIooXklBV2Rlt1yDPJ2NeASOSHCt9mK7s/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Growing up in Northern California I never really appreciated the beauty of this place, but now as an adult living here after 10 years away from home, I get it. <i>(though I still miss Florida like crazy...)</i><br /><i><br /></i>Now it's back to work as we tackle a few last minute projects and plan for our housewarming party on Saturday. The kitchen is ready, but I'm in the middle of some living room and outdoor updates for our guests (more on that next week!)<br /><br />In the meantime, I have a little surprise for you guys. Remember this chalkboard from the kitchen reveal?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lpj5DQKnmX8D6q20qKMbRyjQCpyzdjw-iUnqQwBepA-DwxSGaR-UfOzAwH7BezmkXPTTet_n5fZodbIep0JlTaqj2iWoy7j5IpGphK_kij6j92pol4VBnPJX2gLNRfbTFYsPLoDh-6mE/s1600/IMG_2921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lpj5DQKnmX8D6q20qKMbRyjQCpyzdjw-iUnqQwBepA-DwxSGaR-UfOzAwH7BezmkXPTTet_n5fZodbIep0JlTaqj2iWoy7j5IpGphK_kij6j92pol4VBnPJX2gLNRfbTFYsPLoDh-6mE/s1600/IMG_2921.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div>This was made by the talented LZ at <a href="http://www.thesummeryumbrella.com/">The Summery Umbrella.</a><br /><br />LZ creates a wide range of handmade goods for your home using reclaimed wood.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/106801728/4-distressed-reclaimed-wood-chalkboards?ref=shop_home_active_10"><img border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/010/0/6782192/il_570xN.461879618_71lh.jpg" /></a></div><br />Everything from frames, to chalkboards, to planters, shelves and even hand painted personalized signs.<br /><br />I love this whale so much:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159052553/whale-reclaimed-wood-sign-26x12x05?ref=shop_home_active_14"><img border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/018/0/6782192/il_570xN.552268418_et72.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>and this magnet board...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/123179256/magnetic-distressed-reclaimed-wood?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/015/0/6782192/il_570xN.461881836_5tsy.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div>and this sweet custom sign:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/152481230/custom-kids-clubhouse-reclaimed-wood?ref=shop_home_feat_3"><img border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/043/0/6782192/il_570xN.504265380_rwmc.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br />What's great about this shop is that the wood comes in a variety of different color finishes and she can even custom color match. So many possibilities—I wish she was around when I was planning my wedding!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159340371/color-chip-sample?ref=shop_home_feat_4"><img border="0" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/019/1/6782192/il_570xN.562871684_4txv.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br />I'm so pleased with the quality of my chalkboard and it has become one of my favorite pieces in the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd8OHMYjegz6aZ_T8TujcoFPUX3v36pODFBSIWbIPCGEYfNlp7EAxf1cb7psNxilIVi-tLoLx1G_7_xa4_FGhoOvQdLkz4V1NoVP-6VA-AG8FRR3hbvzJnpPZxgeYflkoNsOOr8jg0bxI/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd8OHMYjegz6aZ_T8TujcoFPUX3v36pODFBSIWbIPCGEYfNlp7EAxf1cb7psNxilIVi-tLoLx1G_7_xa4_FGhoOvQdLkz4V1NoVP-6VA-AG8FRR3hbvzJnpPZxgeYflkoNsOOr8jg0bxI/s1600/IMG_2862.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />You can pick up your own oversized chalkboard at her Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186064360/large-distressed-reclaimed-wood?ref=shop_home_active_6">here</a>, or if you're feeling lucky... how about a giveaway?<br /><br />Up for grabs is your choice of one of the following:<br /><br /></div><div><b>Two 8x10 prints of your choice from <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/">jennasuedesign.com</a> </b>(up to $20/ea) <b>framed in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119656032/8x10-reclaimed-wood-picture-frame?ref=shop_home_active_1">8x10 reclaimed wood frames</a> in the color of your choice</b><br /><b><br /></b>-OR-<br /><br /><b>$75 shop credit to The Summery Umbrella</b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesummeryumbrella">Etsy</a> or <a href="http://www.shop.thesummeryumbrella.com/main.sc">Website</a>)<br /><br /><b><br /></b>You can enter 3 ways:<br /><br />1) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thesummeryumbrella">The Summery Umbrella</a><br />2) "Like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesummeryumbrella">The Summery Umbrella</a> on Facebook<br />3) "Like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign">Jenna Sue Design Co.</a> on Facebook<br /><br />Simple as that!<br /><br />The winner will be announced in Monday's post—good luck!<br /><br /><br /></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/604dd72/" id="rc-604dd72" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>

A Rustic Giveaway

Happy May! It sure feels like summer here already... I'm loving the 80° shorts weather after a cold spell last weekend while our Florida...

Read more »