Friday, June 10, 2016

Five on Friday

If you've been reading this week it will come as no surprise to you that we've been sprucing up our landscaping and getting our outdoor areas ready for summer.  We've uncovered our balcony furniture (we need to use that space more often!), landscaped our front walk and set our deck up.  One area we haven't touched in the two years since our house has been built is our lower deck area.

We debated whether or not to lay brick or add an actual deck platform but we opted for the easier route of cleaning off the platform and adding a garden area to cover up some dirt and flowers for appeal.  I forgot a before picture but this is the "getting there" picture.  Stand by for the finished product once we get our furniture in place.  And yes, that is Stella supervising inside the door.


Froyo is the perfect treat all year round but we always forget to go grab it just because.  Last weekend we were so hot doing housework out in the heat we opted to meet some family for a cooling treat later in the day - many more of these nights to come.


I'm a sucker for a pageant but I feel like I've been too busy to just sit and watch the past few Miss USA/Miss America's in the past years but Sunday it was pouring and the perfect time to just be.  Now I'm campaigning for Derek to take me the short drive down the shore in September for Miss America.

How cute is Stella?  She crawled right up to cuddle & watch too.

We usually make our California trip late summer but this year we're doing it early for many reasons and it sort of snuck up on me!  I've  been in major planning mode all week to get a game plan of what we want to do, eat, see, etc.  Although one thing I'm certain of - there will be lots of relaxing.  I think we pretty much have our favorites and new things to try down  but any Newport Beach/Malibu & Westlake Village/Beverly Hills but send any suggestions my way!

A shot in Malibu from last year's trip (dress | sunglasses | earrings)

And lastly, here's what I'm loving this week (everything is either on sale or a new arrival)...



Happy Weekend.  Cheers!

21 comments:

  1. The lower deck area is looking great-can't wait to see the finished produc! Have a wonderful weekend :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. California is going to be a nice getaway!! Love how the lower deck area is coming along! Hope you have a great weekend! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston


    ReplyDelete
  3. Cant wait to see how the lower deck area finishes up! Do you guys get sun down there?
    So fun to be planning a trip! Hope everything plans out smoothly!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You should go to Miss America!! Great idea!! Love that bow clutch!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love your outside flowers! The downstairs area will be a great place to relax with a little shade! Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. D and I had froyo on Wednesday and it was so nice! I'm like you--I never think about it. Can't wait to see how you transform your space! And you need to visit Yosemite in CA! It is my favorite place out there and they have an amazing hotel with the best restaurant. I can look it up if you need more info.
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

    ReplyDelete
  7. Getting plants and flowers is on my to do today!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That little outdoor area is so nice - the flowers really spruce it up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. yay for cali trip - that is so exciting! and i love all those picks at the end. that striped top is the cutest! oh and stella on your lap - i can't get enough :)

    xoxo cheshire kat

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the potted plants on your patio! And that off the shoulder top is so cute.

    Stopping over from the link up! Hope you can hop by my blog too!
    http://www.confessionsofanorthernbelle.com/2016/06/friday-favorites-41/

    ReplyDelete
  11. I can't wait to see how your lower deck area looks when y'all are done with it. Enjoy wrapping up all the planning for your trip out to Cali - I know that you'll plan a great vacation because you always seem to do so! Happy Friday :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Can't wait to see how the lower deck turns out! Stella is such a good supervisor :) And loving that off the shoulder top and that RM bag! Gorgeous! Happy Friday! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

    ReplyDelete
  13. get after it girl!! how fun and that bag is so cute! Saying hi from the link up :) Hope you'll stop by and see my favorites too! happy friday friend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. So glad I found your blog from the link up! Also, love that you have an entire section dedicated to Travel - such a passion of mine! I might have to check some of those posts out as my boyfriend and I are currently planning where our winter vacation will be.

    Happy Friday! Carlie - NorthernBlissMN

    ReplyDelete
  15. Stella is so fluffy I had to wonder where her head was for a moment!

    Love how the patio garden is turning out.

    liz @ j for joiner

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are going to have the best time in California.

    I love froyo too. I eat it way too much during the summer. We often take walks to the one by our house so we get a workout in and some yumminess.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can't wait to see the finished product. Have fun on your cali trip, y'all looks so cute in that photo from Malibu!

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's always fun to visit familiar areas and go to your favs! Enjoy your trip to Cali!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your landscaping looks good so far! Love that RM bag and the Kate Spade bag too. I have only been to L.A. and Beverly Hills twice.. My sister lives 3 hours north of L.A. and its beautiful. Have a wonderful trip and safe travels!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I can't wait to see the finished patio! You guys have been working so hard on your landscaping, and I love it. That striped off-the-shoulder top may have to come home to me - so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love that bow bag! It would be super fun to go to AC to see Miss America. I love watching the pageants!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete