Outdoor Space for 2013

I've been slacking with my blogging - and this is why....

Post-vacation fix

We've been busy (post-vacation) fixing up our outdoor space for the summer.

After we got back from our wonderful cruise, the kids were itching to swim again (as if they didn't get enough of that!) and my husband and I wanted to continue our outdoor R & R right at home!

So after unpacking, cleaning, washing, re-arranging, we are happy once again with our outdoor space!

I made a couple of changes, here is what it looked like last year...

Some switcheroos

I switched the rugs between the living and dining area and changed the Dining area orientation. That way, I could put my bar height table and chairs also in the dining area. I also moved the grill to side instead of the back - easier access still to all the food but more space for my main griller!

Brought out my old TARGET outdoor pillows for the Dining chairs

Opened up Living area

I also opened up the living space towards the Dining space for a more open and convenient set-up. Before it looked like this...

Open to the pool area only

As you can see the 2 chairs block the way towards the Dining area.

Now it looks like this...

Everyone can get into the party!

Pool still very accessible with this lay out

I also added these...

Garden shelf & Chiminea

We love to entertain and so having easy access to some essentials was necessary. I found this foldable Garden Shelf at TJ Maxx for $39. This day I had the essentials out since I was preparing for some guests to come, but I plan to put plates, cups, cutlery inside a box when not in use.

Notice too the gold lamps? Those were scores from Homegoods years ago and I just recently spray-painted them gold, it used to be like this...