Change is Good

i'm a summer person through and through, but i'm trying to embrace all of the seasons as much as possible this year.  i'm want to celebrate the colder weather and maximize it's beauty by finding more ways to be outside, starting with updating our deck for fall...

// the before //

it was bright and cozy, and i loved it!  i knew it would't last long and that our deck gets hammered

with weather, and it thought i could make it work.  i spent more time upkeeping it than enjoying it.

[see the full before here]

// the after //

 i started by switching out the dark heavy chairs with these super lightweight ones that are equally
as comfortable without cushions. they're more durable, leaves don't get stuck in them, and
my kids can easily move them in and out. the bonus is they also stack for easier storage.

next up was to simplify the lounge area while still keeping the cozy feel.  the chaise lounges were

still working great as one long bench, the all weather wicker is amazing and pretty much holds up to anything!  however, the cushions were way past their prime so i removed them altogether and threw down a couple pendelton towels instead. they have a great fall vibe and if they get soaked or dirty

i just throw them in the wash.  i didn't want to ditch all the pillows along the back, but i decided

bigger and fewer was the way to go.  so i bought sunbrella by the yard and made these.

these are a lot easier to grab and put away then a million little ones.

 the beautiful bright rug faded incredibly quickly and my husband got sick of tripping over it, haha - so it was time to go. the deck had turned a little green underneath, so i power washed the entire thing and what emerged was a beautiful washed out finish.  these outdoor ottomans however have held up amazingly since last year and they are still a favorite place for the boys.

speaking of favorite places... this is JUNE our little pound puppy who joined us a few months ago.
she was suppose to be a buddy for IKE, but he left us before they could even meet.
we still miss our old dogs dearly, but she has also found a place in our hearts.