Summer solstice has arrived, and you know what that means? It’s time to take the party outdoors!
If you follow me on Instagram you already have seen many sneak previews of what I’m about to show you guys today, a patio revamp.
On week days I’m running errands and cleaning house. I want to spend as much quality time with The Guy on weekends, as much as possible and not worry about chores or laundry. It can wait. Weekends are for family time, and the past number of weeks we’ve been both outside here on the patio resting after our runs together, or even having a bite to eat out here while the sun sets. It’s perfect.
Suppers on the patio, with our bistro set from O.Co made for the perfect way to end our weekend. Do you like what we’ve done with it? It was so bare before! We have been living in California over a year, and we had yet to invest in our outdoor space. I had no idea what to do with the place until I remembered when we lived in Canada we had this sweet little bistro set, and I wanted to do something similar outdoors, again.
That palm tree over there is real, mind you. Considering I kill every plant I’ve ever owned within a few weeks, I’m hoping for the best. So far so good, I bought the plant about 3 weeks ago, and it seems to be doing good thus far.
Entertaining outside in California doesn’t require too much planning seeing as the weather is predictable for the most part. Sunny skies throughout the day, with cool temp’s following dusk. All you’ll need to finish off the night is a couple of swallies, some music, and a blanket, then you’re set for an evening of fun on the patio.
Let’s chat about this UE Boom for a moment here. This portable bluetooth speaker is water resistant (it comes in a larger size that is 100% water proof, and yes you can chuck it in a pool and it won’t get damaged) isn’t that wild? This little speaker plays loud enough music to get us dancin’ and has incredible bass to it, and the battery life is good for up to 15 hours — which will bring you well into the morning if you’re having a grand ol’ party. Can I be invited to that one? As you can tell from the size of it in my hands, it’s easy to pop into your purse, suitcase or even bring it to the beach with you while you’re having a time with your friends this summer.
If I was made of money, I could buy up to 8 UE Boom speakers and sync them all together to create a completely wireless set of stereo speakers. I was chatting to the Logitech PR people at a tech event the other week, and one of the women mentioned that she used this in a family members home because their wiring system was outdated and simply placed a bunch of the UE Booms around the house for a party. Awesome, right?
The design of it is quite sleek, and they come in an array of colours including limited edition designs. The plus minus sign isn’t for decoration as I had originally though (duh moment right there), it’s for the volume. Go figure. Ha!
I bet you’ll be somewhat impressed to hear I made those floral lumbar pillows. I loved the H&M pillows but they were too large. I bought one of them anyway, and cut them down to a size I wanted, and used a lime green Ikea pillow cover to use as the backside. I’m impressed with myself, to be totally honest with you. But I wouldn’t recommend you ever using the product called heat & bond. Too much stress, and the pillows might bust apart at any minute. But for the meantime, I think they look decent.
Alfie and I have a grand time on the patio during the afternoons, I think he’s enjoying his perch a little too much. What do you guys think? I am probably being biased, but isn’t he the cutest dog you’ve ever seen?
Anyway, pop on over to my patio if you’re in the area! I might even make you a cuppa tea while you’re here :)
O.co bistro Set | Ikea ravenea potted plant | H&M outdoor rug | UE Boom | Ikea seat cushions
Disclaimer: Thanks to O.co & UE Boom for sending the items for me to re-vamp my patio in style!
28 Comments
Well… two days left until this teacher is on summer vacation and you have inspired me to tackle my patio! We built our home last year and are finishing our backyard this summer so I have lots of work ahead of me!! Thanks for the inspo- also, I NEED that UE Boom speaker!!!
@Holly: Yeah if you were to get the UE Boom, I’d suggest the larger one since it’s completely waterproof (and you can bring both to the beach and get SAND on it. Pfth! Like, whoa).
Nancy recently posted..YouTube video! 5 minute makeup challenge + mini giveaway
We don’t have a patio, but we do have a deck and it’s in serious need of some love. We need some new furniture and just an overall re-do.
My favorite part of your patio revamp is the one thing I can’t get at the store. You’re little fuzz butt! I’m in love with him.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..Gifts for Grads through Upromise
@Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle: Hahhaahhahaha!!! Fuzz butt! New nick name for Alfie :)
Nancy recently posted..YouTube video! 5 minute makeup challenge + mini giveaway
You have such a cute little outdoor space, perfect for a patio set! And Aflie looks like he is loving it :) I also kill every plant I buy, but I think palm trees are pretty resilient so I hope it has a long and healthy life! xo
Megan Joy recently posted..5 Minute Makeup Challenge | Collab with SpiffyKerms + Mini Giveaway!
@Megan Joy: They better be. I mean, we’re in a drought after all. Better not die on me!
Nancy recently posted..YouTube video! 5 minute makeup challenge + mini giveaway
LOL Alfie is a very cute dog. I love my back porch… love it. I could sit out there for hours just enjoying everything around me.
Terry recently posted..Maximum Booty Lifting & Core Activation Workout With Patricia Friberg ~Bottom Line & A Core Defined
I have patio out back. It needs cleaned up after the storms. Waiting for my son to finish sweeping all the excess stuff off. Your Patio looks really cute. i like that you added color.
Sandy KS recently posted..I use this the most in my kitchen
Alfie is just too cute! I am sure he knows it too! I love the way you set up the patio. It looks really cozy.
Christy Maurer recently posted..eb5 Anti-Aging Skin Care
@Christy Maurer: Oh I know he know’s he’s a cutie!
Nancy recently posted..YouTube video! 5 minute makeup challenge + mini giveaway
We desperately need to redo our patio. When we don’t use it a lot, it turns into a junk collector, then it gets harder to use and it’s a vicious circle.
Gabriel recently posted..Peach Jar Cakes and Creative Blog Hop
If I set up my patio does Alfie come too :-) We are moving soon and I cannot wait to update/create my outdoor living space!
You made those pillows? They are lovely. I like how they brighten up the patio and what a cozy space it is. So pretty!
Alli Smith recently posted..Inside Out Party & Puppet Show
@Alli Smith: I did! With heat and bond, LOL….it’s a bad product but I’m over it now :) At least they look pretty.
Nancy recently posted..YouTube video! 5 minute makeup challenge + mini giveaway
I’d love to make my patio more stylish and add some music for atmosphere. I spend plenty of time out there but it’s not the most comforting atmosphere for guests. Yours looks so nice!
Liz Mays recently posted..Netflix Recommendations: Netflix Just Gets Me #StreamTeam
I have been working on my patio, it’s looking good! Your dog is also such a cutie, must be so nice to have her.
touristmeetstraveler recently posted..6 FREE Must-Try Travel Apps
I love the pictures of your pup. Your patio looks very cozy. I really like those speakers too!
lisa recently posted..6 Ways To Prevent UTIs
Oh, how I wish I had a patio to decorate after reading this post. I just love the mini table and chairs with surrounding decor. It looks so cozy, even just for a cuppa tea!
Maria recently posted..Inside Out Party
Your patio is lovely. I love the little table and chairs. Very cute, cozy patio set up! I also love how much Alfie loves being included in the photos, so cute.
Jeanine recently posted..Huggies Launches Little Snugglers Plus & Little Movers Plus at Costco Canada
Aw what a cutie! Love the portable speakers – I need to look into the UE Boom since my speaker blew. Like the fact that this battery lasts 15 hours, that’s fantastic.
Maria @amotherworld recently posted..Another School Year Complete 2015
Nope, you’re not being biased. He is definitely one super duper cute dog. Really! Your patio is so nice. We love to just sit and talk on our back deck under our patio umbrella during the afternoons too.
Lynndee recently posted..Recognize the Name Herbert George Wells?
I love your patio! It would be lovely to sit there complete with music, a cold dink and a good book.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted..Be a Smart Adventurer During Outdoor Summer Activities with Sun Safety Tips
Alfie is such a beautiful model. always smiling! You gave me a great idea on what to do with our porch, this would be nice.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..My Prince Charming
I love your patio make over! I’ve been working on revamping my tiny deck for a little while and I’m going to borrow the pillow idea. I’m always finding pillows that are too large. I don’t know why I didn’t think to cut them down. Duh.
Side note. I totally was distracted the whole time by your pup. Too cute! <3
Erin recently posted..DIY Fairy Garden
Would be great to have when I’m laying out and tanned in my yard during the summer. Headphones have wires and that could be tan lines…lol Thanks for sharing this. :)
Nile recently posted..#WordPressWednesday 2015 Volume 4
I think you did a really great job, it looks so cozy. I would love to sit out there with a glass of wine.
Nancy. Seriously. This is just the SWEETEST patio space, I love it!
Carla (@charliesue) recently posted..Weekly Love Letter for Friday, July 17th