NEW ADDITION TO OUR PATIO: PLANTERS

Each year I'm loving our backyard.  With the new perennials and bushes planted the year before, it's wonderful to see them grow and bloom in our planting beds.

For our patio, we decided to add (ummm, I decided) another layer by accessorizing with planters.  I found these fab planters on clearance at my local West Elm Store.  They're called Cityscape Planters.  Take a look:

While I was outside, taking pictures, this lovely butterfly wanted to be captured.  I could swear, the butterfly was posing for me (lol).

 

xo,

DIY HOME PROJECT: RESTORING AN OUTDOOR TABLE

Last year we purchased a console table for our patio outside.  I wanted something that could stay outdoors and that we could place extra items that took up room on the patio dining table.  So, I found a table from Grandin Road, called the Yorkshire Table.  It came in weathered black and an ivory color.  While I wasn't fond of the black (our outside dining table has a bronze finish), we purchased it anyway because it blended better than the cream and it was the right price point. 
Here's a picture from their website:

After the summer, we neglected to put a cover on it and then old man winter hit, like no other.  To sum it up, the table received an even more, weathered look (lol).  So much so, that by Spring, the carpenter bees were inspecting the table.

This DIY seemed like an easy fix (thanks to my hubby).  My projects turn into "his" projects.

I decided to help and stripped the wood.  It wasn't working so well for me.  Not sure if it was because the day I did it, was a hot day.  It dried the stripping liquid right away.  I'll also add, this was the day I locked myself out of the house. It was just me and the table waiting in the hot sun until help came. 

This baby needs to be sanded.  Ummm, hon . . . I need help.

Mr. D disassembled the table to get into the cracks and crevices when sanding; priming and painting.  

Table is primed and ready to be painted.

We chose Rust-oleum paint in a Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze (purchased at Home Depot)

 

Here's the finished products (two coats later):

 

 

 

 

Here's a close up shot; it's a deep bronze with pretty metallic speckles

 

 

So happy with the results and thankful to Mr. D for completing yet another home project.  We will definitely purchase a cover this fall to protect it.

 

xo,

 

H&M HOME COLLECTION

I had the opportunity to visit the brand new, H&M Home store in NYC, (corner of 48th St. and 5th Ave.)   How convenient for, yours truly, since it's within walking distance from my job.  The home section is on the top level (4th floor).  As soon as I got off the elevator, I was so excited to check out all the goodies!  And, let me tell you, there were many.

The store features many products like vases, trays, candles, bedding, pillows, linens and more.  The themes seem to be a French provincial look, modern or simplistic style.  The colors are soft and neutral with a feminine touch.  Right up my alley. 

I browsed the online store before visiting the actual store.  There something about seeing it in person; you get a full appreciation and you're able to see the quality of the products.

Take a look at some of the snapshots I took while at the store:

 

Love the color of these salad size plates.

Striped pillows and cases galore, in a range of colors

Love this color combo

Colors are so soft and pretty! 

 

Vintage inspired look in a range of pastel colors

Copper candlestick holders and cake stands; black and white china;
gray lace tablecloth (grabbed one for my sister)

 

Candle teacup, colorful glass jars and decorative boxes

 

Here's what I picked up for myself and scored 25% off my entire purchase:

 

 

Glass jug (with gold rim)
Round porcelain tray dish (available in store)
Ceramic jar (small, in pink)
Metal wire basket in white
Lace tablecloth in natural white

To see more, click here to see their complete line.

xo,