Spring Patio Refresh

When the first warm days of spring arrive, I can't wait to get outside and prepare a space to enjoy all of that fresh air I have been craving. I usually begin with our covered patio. When BJ's® Wholesale Club asked if I would like to use some of their items to refresh my space for spring, I jumped at the opportunity.

My husband and I headed to our local BJ's and had fun perusing the outdoor decor/furniture aisles. We appreciate shopping in stores where we can grab some new outdoor decor AND pick up the milk and orange juice that we always seem to need with 3 growing boys in our house. I was especially glad to have him along because he helped me haul the big new rug that we selected. We decided to start our refresh with an outdoor rug. Our old concrete patio has acquired a few cracks and this rug really helps to camouflage that.

I like the texture it adds with the natural colors. I enjoy how it really dresses up the space and makes it feel more cozy - more like an outdoor room than a patio. I think our sweet pup, Dax, agrees and has found a new outdoor napping spot. :)

We also picked up some new planters. I love the look of the stone on these planters.

They add such great color and texture to this area. I added a couple of potted ferns by simply plopping them into the new planters. So easy! The beige "knitted" look planter is also a new find from BJ's. It reminds me of a cozy knit sweater. Just perfect to help cozy up our patio.

I also grabbed the striped bag to add another pattern to the space. We are always on-the-go at time of year so this bag will certainly be put to good use this spring.

I kept a majority of the area open and uncluttered because with 3 boys and 2 dogs, there is a great deal of activity happening in this space each day.

I love to garden so new clippers are a must each year. These are such a pretty mint green color and they came in a package all together. I am so looking forward to peony season and cutting my own bouquets to bring indoors. And let's not forget about the lilacs. I think I can smell them already.

There is nothing quite like the new beginnings that spring always brings. And now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to head on out to our "new" covered patio and relax for a few minutes with the pups. Happy spring!

Disclosure: BJ's® Wholesale Club provided items for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

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Easter and Spring Break Recap

Hello and Happy Monday! It's been a whirlwind of events around here but I am not complaining. This past winter felt incredibly long and s-l-o-w to me so I am glad to be surrounded by the flurry of activity that spring has brought our way. We spent a few days in the mountains last week while the kids were off for spring break. There was still some snow around but it was melting fast. Temperatures reached into the 80s while we were there. It was a pleasant reminder that summer is just around the corner.

As you can imagine, all of that sunshine led to rapidly melting snow. It was the height of mud season. The picture below is at the entrance to our family's property. We had to park there, put on our mud boots and walk trudge to the house.

Our friends were all posting pictures on Instagram of fabulous beach vacations and here we were in the mud. I had to laugh at the difference. I took a picture of my feet submerged in the mud. See, I told you those Hunter boots weren't just blog props. They definitely get put to good use!

Here's a picture of Dax basking in the spring sunshine on the melting snow.

Anytime we can be all together is a good time to me. We visited a nearby waterfall which was rushing with spring overflow. The sound was magnificent.

Our youngest son is obsessed with skateboarding so we always work in a couple of visits to skateparks wherever we go. We headed to Burlington, VT on a gorgeous spring day. 

We strolled down Church St, had lunch and stopped in a couple of shops, including this book store.

We parked by the library so of course I had to take a picture of that.

The skate park is right on the Lake Champlain waterfront overlooking the Adirondack Mts. We spent a couple of hours watching him there and everyone seemed to be so happy that spring had finally arrived.

Then we came home and had to wash away all of that mud in time to attend a wedding. We don't get dressed up like this very often so I had to take a picture to document it.

Then it was time to get ready for Easter. Which meant obligatory bunny ears for the pups. They happily cooperated...for a treat! Well, as usual, Dax was a bit happier than Keeper.
We spent the day at my brother's house on the lake. The weather was warm, the food was delicious and we had a great time. As usual, I took no pictures. Except this one, which sums it all up perfectly :)

Now I am off to get some mulch and plants for our back patio. We have been working on refreshing this space for spring and I will be sharing that soon.  I hope you had a wonderful and blessed Easter.

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Colorful Spring Dining Room & Entryway

On Monday, I shared our spring kitchen and today I am sharing the rest of this level of our home. Sometimes I struggle with what to call this space. It is our dining, living, entry and "whatever else you would like to call" it space. We live a very casual and hectic life and this arrangement works well for us.

For the table. started with a green and white striped throw from Target as a tablecloth and added a few new melamine bunny plates from HomeGoods. An old chippy tool caddy serves as the centerpiece and adds a bit of rustic charm.

I added a clearance picture from Target to the plank wall with hooks. I like how it adds a touch of spring and lightens up the whole look of the gallery wall.

Atop the mantel, I added a colorful Chinese Checkers board from HomeGoods. The paper flower garland is from the Dollar Spot at Target.

I am a sucker for these little Rae Dunn bowels and I keep adding to my collection. They are the perfect size for so many snacks. And cereal too.

I like to add a few fun items to the table for the kids and young at heart. I made a small bouquet with chocolate flower lollipops from Target.

The wire basket on the side of our island is still going strong. I still keep paper plates, lunch bags and napkins here.

Finally, a "Happy Spring" smile from Dax! Have a wonderful weekend.

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Hello Spring - Colorful Spring Kitchen

I finally got out the spring decor this week in our kitchen. We are still waiting for spring weather to arrive for more than a day or two here in NJ, but adding some fresh flowers definitely helps. And lots of color.

The green Le Creuset pot on the stove is my new favorite kitchen item. I use it almost every night to cook dinner and then I can serve right in the same pot. I just leave it out on the stove because I like the pretty green color and there is no sense in putting it away when I will be using it again soon.

 The "Hello Spring" dish towel is new from HomeGoods.

I think the radishes on the curtains add a nice touch of spring whimsy. They are made with flour sack towels from Target.

I think I might have gone a bit overboard with the spring flowers from Trader Joes, but with so many cold and dreary days I considered them a necessity. Cheaper than therapy, right?

Next up, some spring decor on the dining room side of this space.

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