Outdoor Updates for the Kids

There is no time we need the outdoors more than now. And saying "go play outside" is what might keep us all sane quite frankly. So I put together some ways to entertain the kids and get them out of the house, hopefully for hours. Most of these I can speak to as real successes my children have used through the years and others that I think we need this summer! 

1. A sweet gardening kit you can paint and then watch the flowers grow. $30

2. I LOVED this table when the kids were little. Great for meals, crafts, and slime making. $167

3. This jeep has stood the test of time and can handle going in the grass. $219

4. A giant bubble wand that a kid of any age would have fun with. $15

5. An easy to use splash pad that is safe and not totally hideous $30

6. My kids loved this messy activity. Lay out craft paper, strip them down to diapers, and let them go to finger-paint town that will turn into body paint. Then hose them off. Counts as a bath! ha $19

7. When the times get tough you need the big waterslide $352

8. This play house is darling and you could paint it and customize if you want to get crafty $230

9. Pitch a tent and have them "pretend" camp in the backyard. Everyone loves a fort $60

10. The bubble wands from Disney are merchandising genius and highly entertaining. This one is close to it $25

11. This swing is super sturdy and we kept it up all year round. The kids LOVE it

12. For tennis and volleyball lovers, this net is amazing. Easy to put up and more importantly

 to break down and store. $60

xo

Erin 

Patio Updates

As things begin to slowly bloom and the sun lingers longer into the evening, is there anything better than being able to finally be outdoors? Since it appears we will be spending a lot of time at home this spring and possibly summer (eek!), updates to the patio are well worth it. And given the sales retailers are having, it is a good time to take advantage since patio furniture can be so pricey. 

I pulled some beautiful sets that are all on sale, planters just shouting for flowers, and some fun accessory items that will make you smile.  

1. This striped Target set is SO cute. And also comes in Navy $760

2. I loved this outdoor rug I sourced for a client SO much $191

3. Dying over this wicker set that is full weather proof $129-$1686

4. How chic is this umbrella? $349

5. If there was ever a time to finally put up bistro lights, it is now! Makes everything magical. $28

6. I love a zinc planter box with box woods $152-$225

7. Digging a wood tone Adirondack that will patina $77 

8. Gasped over these ceramic basket planters. so sweet

9. I love a braided rug, this door mat is darling $28

10. A white rocker perfect for evening sipping (comes in other colors) $144

11. This large white table is perfect with fun chairs $1599

12. You cannot ever tired of a perfect teak set. Love the bench for kiddies to pile on. $688

13. A classic white planter box, I have these at my house now $70

14. I love the clean design of this iron sectional. $720

15. This wicker set is the best! LOVE 

Will post on fun kids items tomorrow! Stay tuned! 

xo

Erin 

Outdoor Toys Round Up

It is almost that time of year when it is time to kick the kids outside for a good chunk of the day. Which of course is exciting, but there is some prep involved. We live out in the country and the kids get a kick out of exploring, digging in the dirt, and playing on the swing set. But, other distraction is always needed at some point. I dug through Amazon to come up with  options for us all so maybe we can kick back a bit while they entertain themselves. 

I wish that I loved bubbles as much as my kids. Never gets old. 

1. This bubble robot roams around and blows bubbles for you. 

1. I love these little sticks and again, someone is doing the blowing for you. Am I the laziest or what? 

3. I always get a huge jug of bubbles to have in stock. 

4. This is a little intense, but I feel like this machine won'e blow away and will go the distance. 

 Anything that moves usually gets a lot of play...

1. They have these swings at Maggie Daley Park (GO if you have not been) and they are so fun. The new tire swing I think. 

2. We have this roller coaster and even bring it inside in the winter. 

3. These little swivel cars look so fun (lots of colors). 

4. A classic car that gets years of play. 

5. The kids have been begging for a scooter. This one is good for the little ones (other colors) and this one for the bigger kids. 

 The kids love a little hang out...

1. This little play house is so charming. And apparently easy to put together. 

2. We have this classic little table. Great for eating, painting, play doh, everything. 

3. I am kind of into a tent this year. We tried putting our teepee outside, but was I would get annoyed having to bring it in. A tent could handle a rain storm or four. 

For the curious little one...

1. A little science experiment kit to keep them curious all Summer. 

2. Nice to switch up the usual sidewalk chalk with chalk paint. 

3. When you are expecting a crowd of kids, having a box of flying saucers around would be a good distraction. 

4. A sweet little gardening kit so they can help you. 

Sports fun and beyond...

1. Functional and cute, love this catch and throw set.

2. Because every kids loves a catapult of some variety.  

3. This is a sweet badminton, tennis, and pickle ball set.

4. A great way to get your little baseball player started.  

5. A fun set to get little ones to learn to play catch. 

A bigger investment, but hours can be spent on these tramps and bounce houses...

1. This tramp is on the smaller side, but big enough for a few kids. 

2. Great tramp for the little ones.

3. A classic sized tramp with a great net and good price.  

4. We have a similar bounce house in our basement. The kids still play in it every day even two years later. 

5. A total kids fantasy. Bounce house and Tramp in one. 

6. This combines water, a slide, and a bounce house. Killer. 

 And finally, all things water for those hot days...

1. I love a splash pad instead of a pool. They are so cold and a pain. This one would get a lot of play from toddlers. 

2. Whoever invented the water table is a straight up genius. All the water fun with no danger of drowning. 

3. This sprinkler looks fun and shoots balls out of the top. 

4. If you are going to have a pool, then go with one with a roof. 

5. This little sprinkler is great for the little ones. 

6. And this slip and slide is down right perfect for hot summer days. 

Would love to know your favorite outdoor toys! I hope this helps you out. My prime is filled up with a lot of these. Cannot wait until it is actually warm! 

xo

Erin 

Summer Wine Night

I am far from a wine expert, but there have been many glasses in my life. At this age, I know what I like and I also know when it is worth it to splurge on a bottle. Which is kind of all of the time. But, there are plenty of well priced wines that you can enjoy time and time again, here is a few of my current favorites that you can find at most markets and if you are lucky, Costco. 

Lunatic Red Wine: A smooth, very drinkable red even for those that do not like them too full bodied. 

Honig Sauvignon Blanc: I have actually been to this vineyard and was psyched to see it carried my local market. It has that bite that you would expect from a sauv, but goes down smooth. Great with summer salads. 

Miraval Rose: Picked this up at Costco and it was a great discovery. Bonus, Brad & Angelina are the owners. Makes it super fancy. ha

Decoy Zinfandel: Zinfandel (no white zin!) has seriously grown on me this summer. Full bodied, but still great on a hot day. 

I have also been looking for some wine glasses for the patio that do not look plastic, which then spiraled into this outdoor place setting. Now I want everything... 

1. Chic white beaded melamine plates from Pottery Barn $17

2. Modern bamboo tiered serving tray from Nordstrom $68

3. Gold flatware is such a fun statement. West Elm $29 per set

4. So I can relax on the patio with the kids and no worry about glass. World Market $13 for set of 4

5. Block print is on my radar right now and this tablecloth is gorg. Furbish $70

6. Pretty outdoor tumblers from World Market $4 for set of 2

7. This is such a cool take on the lantern. West Elm $29 (on sale)

8. Obsessed with this copper pitcher from West Elm $29

What wine is your fav find right now? Would love to hear. 

xo

Erin 

Patio Prep: Outdoor Chairs

The Adirondack chairs that we had out back died last summer and it is time for some replacements. We have black iron patio furniture that is not my favorite anymore, but can withstand any weather and never has to be brought in or covered. So it stays. This is what it looked like last summer. 

That bench has also been relocated to our mudroom, which was seriously needed. At this point I can barely even decide what kind of chair let alone what style I want. But, here is what has peaked my interest. 

Serena & Lily / Terrain

Both of these options would have to be stored indoors most of the time, but I love their vintage feel. The beach chairs are something unexpected too. 

Ballard / Pottery Barn

The chaise is a great option because we do not have any of them right now. The Ballard chaise would hold up in any weather and I love the lines and simple design. Plus I can have a custom cushion made in a fun fabric. Or do I just go back to the classic Adirondack? 

Crate & Barrel / West Elm

I love this more modern take on the Adirondack. Plus, it would be nice to have a wood element out there. The rustic feel of the West Elm chaise also goes very well with the style of our house and a nice juxtapose to the furniture we have now. 

Think I am leaning towards a chaise. Once we get our landscaping under control for the Spring (sometimes I love all the land we have and sometimes I want to cry about it) I will know more about budget, which of course drives all of this. Both the wood option and the iron one would look great and my head is already swirling with fabric ideas. Stripes? Solid with Piping? Ikat? Yep, something else to torture myself with. 

Any other great outdoor chairs you have come across? 

xo

Erin 

Outdoor Decor

With the interior of the house in a state that I like (for now) and the fact that I have put off decorating until I settle in more, I decided the patio needed a little love. We have a large space to entertain and enjoy and the privacy we have now is fantastic. We moved a patio set that we had at our previous place  and I used a few things I had along with some new items to set up two areas where we can sit, relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the summer. 

I wish I could say I planted those flowers, but picking them up from the local nursery (thanks Mom!) was just as satisfying. The teak bench was a wedding present from our dear friends with a plaque engraved with our wedding date. 

The black set was from our previous house, as well as the umbrella. I found all the fun blue and white cushions from World Market. 

I am obsessed with these outdoor ottomans. Perfect as a place to rest your legs, a tray for drinks and candles, or another seat. Also from World Market. 

Did you know you can bring in (sad) pots you already own to your local nursery and they will plant them for you? I did it with the blue pot on the right and had them plant all my favorite herbs. The rosemary tree smells amazing. Need some bigger planters for this entry, but figure this will be great for this summer. 

Now if the temperature can go below ninety-five, I can enjoy it  during the day again. It will be fun to have a party soon and take advantage of the space. 

xo

Erin