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Outdoor Dining For Summer Nights

outdoor dining

Outdoor Dining For Summer Nights

With the focus being at home these days, we wanted to create a serene space for dining outdoors. It’s a great way to entertain and utilize time outside.

Outdoor furniture can be very pricey and often the more affordable options do not feel sturdy. After ordering a couple affordable options, I realized some were even smaller in scale than normal furniture.

After LOTS of trial and error, sending items back (eek), and scouring the internet…I’ve found some winners! Here are some great outdoor pieces that can create the perfect outdoor dining space at a super affordable price point.

First, you want to ground the space with a large outdoor rug. This one HERE is neutral, durable and on mega sale.

These outdoor chairs come in a pack of 6 for $400.

The wash on this table is neutral and really pretty in person. It’s on sale for around $300 and can be found HERE. We added this umbrella for shade and it was $70.

We had such a fun night with the boys snacking on a summer charcuterie board. I’ve got some fun posts with charcuterie and treat boards. You can find the charcuterie one HEREHERE.

If you are needing more outdoor activity ideas to keep your family entertained this summer, I’ve got a post with ideas on that HERE.

TABLESCAPE & ACCESORIES

OUTDOOR DINING FURNITURE

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10 Oversized Affordable Art Pieces That Make A Statement

oversized affordable art

10 Oversized Affordable Art Pieces That Make A Statement

Adding art into your house makes it feel like a home. It’s an easy way to showcase your personality and decorate at the same time. However, finding large pieces that make a statement typically is VERY pricey.

I’ve rounded up 10 oversized affordable art pieces that make a statement and are all under $500. (Most are far beneath that price point as well.)

When looking for oversized affordable art finding pieces with lots of texture is a great place to start. They tend to look higher end and provide a lot of interest.

Here is a https://rstyle.me/+jCDvMrSULZAg3Hah7guJQg piece which features lots of great texture and is under $250.

Another amazing deal are these white plaster art pieces that are around $150 a piece or a little under $300 for a set. The set would look perfect over a couch!

Minted is a great site to find inexpensive art. The site supports independent artists and you can customize the size and frame to fit your specific needs.

You can click on any of the below art pieces to shop them.

** If you loved these art pieces, be sure to check out lots of other neutral home decor pieces, HERE. **

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Target’s New Home Collection Worth Shopping

target home

Target’s New Home Collection Worth Shopping

** Click on any of the below images to shop. **

Target has a new home collection out that resembles the bedding and bath of Restoration Hardware at an affordable price point. The collection is called Casaluna and you can shop it all HERE.

The most popular blog post to date has been the Restoration Hardware Dupes Post with furniture pieces. Now there is a perfect collection for bedding essentials, bedding and bath as well.

These chunky knit blankets are typically VERY pricey, but these come in several color options and are $79.

The waffle towels were another impressive price point for the quality. We ordered the light gray color.

This collection also features a full line of bedding essentials. From down duvet inserts to pillows. The quality of these were also very impressive for their affordable price tag.

** You can shop other great Target home finds in a full blog roundup, HERE. **

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Style Edit: Biker Shorts

biker shorts

Style Edit: Biker Shorts

The biker short trend is one I can totally get on board with. They are comfortable and super easy to wear. They have a bit of a more modest length, which is perfect when you are active or to be able to wear them day to night.

So many biker shorts have been selling out because they are such a hot item, but I’m rounding up some favorites that are currently available and sharing a few different ways to style them.

 

 

 

** Click on any image to shop. **

Option 1:

This is great for working out and then adding some quick accessories to run errands. This cami tank is a great staple piece. It’s super comfortable and a great length to show a tiny bit of midriff or you could size up if you’d prefer a no show look. There is also a great less expensive option that comes in tons of colors for $20 HERE.


Option 2:

 

Everyday casual. The key to this look is a shirt that is a bit oversized. You can roll up the sleeves if you’d like it to be a bit more polished.

Option 3:

A more dressed approach to the biker short trend. I just added a linen blazer over a graphic tee and popped on a pump. It’s simple, but comfortable and perfect for a summer night out.

 

 

** You can check out several other summer staple items on this roundup post, HERE. **

Fashion

What To Pack For A Beach Trip

what to pack for beach vaca

What To Pack For A Beach Trip

**Click on any of the below images to shop. **

When deciding what to pack for a beach trip I always look for versatile pieces that I can wear a few different ways. Since we have little ones to chase after, these are all comfortable pieces as well. I’ve got you covered in each category with pieces that can mix and match as well as go from day to night in each category.

 

 

Swimsuits:

 

Cover Ups: 

 

Dresses:

 

Sandals: 

Shorts: 

Tops: 

 

Bags: 

 

For a full round up of summer bags, be sure to check out this post  HERE. Lots of great options under $100.

 

Hats & Sunglasses: 

Fashion

Best Summer Bags Under $100

summer bags under $100

Best Summer Bags Under $100

With summer outdoor outings I love a big beach bag to hold “all the things.” Since these bags have such a seasonal look, it’s not something I like to break the bank on. I’ve rounded up the best summer bags under $100. These pair perfectly with both summer dresses and more casual looks.

** Click on any of the images below to shop the bag.**

Tan & Black Handle Palm Bag – This has great structure and is under $70.

Tan Straw Structured Bag- Hurry and grab this one while it is on sale for $45. This is the perfect neutral color, has plenty of room and is currently on sale!

Black Slouchy Tote Bag- This one is $38 and has so much room. Perfect for beach days.

Black & Tan Straw Bag With Strap- Love the long strap on this one so it can be worn as a crossbody bag.

Brown & Black Open Weave Bag- This one is under $50 and has options to wear with a long strap or a shorter bag to wear on the arm.

** You can shop several other great summer staple items, HERE. **

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Amazon Home Decor Finds

amazon home decor finds

Amazon Home Decor Finds

Since so much time is spent at home these days I have been focusing on making ours as comfortable and “homey” as possible. Design projects I had put off for months are slowly getting finished and I’ve had great luck with Amazon home decor finds. So many neutral, affordable pieces that can be mixed and matched.

You can click on any of the below images to shop them.

ightweight Pre-Washed Belgian Flax Linen Reversible Throw– This looks almost identical to the Restoration Hardware collection for a fraction of the price. (If you love the look of RH, but are looking for more budget friendly options. Check out this Restoration Hardware Dupe post, HERE.

Soap Dispenser- We love the shea in this soap, but also love the neutral design of this bottle. You can reuse this bottle over and over.

Santal Essential Oil- The best way to make your house smell luxurious. This smells very similar to Le Labo’s Santal perfume.

Set Of 3 Linen Tea Towels– My favorite of the Amazon Home Finds. This comes in tea towels, napkins or table runners.

Grey Terracotta Vase- Easy to use as a decorative piece over a stack of coffee table books or with flowers as a vase. It has great texture!

Mango Serving Tray– Comes in various sizes. Great as a serving tray or as a decorative tray.

Wick Trimmer- Love adding this useful tool next to a candle as a decorative piece. This is under $10.

Cream Jute Rug- This comes in a variety of sizes and is super affordable!

Neutral Coffee Table Books- The easiest way to style any space is with coffee table books. Two great options on Amazon HERE and HERE.

** If you like affordable home decor items, check out this blog post of Target Home Finds HERE. **

Lifestyle

Best Memorial Day Sales

best memorial day sales

Best Memorial Day Sales

Alice & Olivia – Sample Sale Up To 80% Off

AllSaints– All Sale Up To 50% Off

Alo Yoga– New Sale Up To 50% Off

Abercrombie- 40-60% Off Sitewide

American Eagle- 25-60% Off Sitewide

Anthropologie- Extra 50% Off Sale

Athleta- Summer Essentials Starting At $14.99

Banana Republic– Up To 75% Off Everything

Bauble Bar– Sale Up To 70% Off

BCBGeneration– 50% Off Full Price Items & Extra 60% Off Sale

Bed Bath & Beyond– 40% Off Outdoor

Boohoo- Up To 60% Off Everything

Carbon38– Up To 80% Off

CB2– Up To 55% Off Outdoor & Up To 55% Off Clearance

Crate & Barrel – Up To 40% Off Outdoor & Up To 50% Summer Accesories

Express- 40-50% Off Everything

Free People- $50 Sandal Selection

Frontgate– 20% Off Everything Plus Free Shipping

Intermix- Up To 65% Off Designer Sale

Levi’s – Up To 50% Off Sitewide

L*Space– Up To 40% Off Sitewide

Lululemon– Up To 50% Off

Mango-30% Off Everything

McGee & Co- 20% Off Sitewide

Nordstrom- 60% Off Clearance

Nordstrom Rack- Levi’s 65% Off, Dresses Up to 70% Off, Designer Sale

Nine West– 40% Off Everything

Overstock– Up To 70% Off 1,000’s Of Items

Pottery Barn- Buy more, save more plus free shipping- Up To 25% Off & Up To 50% Off Outdoor

QVC- Up To 45% Off

Rag & Bone– 25% Off Sitewide

Ray-Ban- 20% Off Select Eyewear

Revolve– Up To 65% Off Sale + An Additional 20% Off Sale

Saks Fifth Avenue- Buy One Get One 50% Off Select Sunglasses, 50% Off Select Jeans, Take An Additional 25% off Clearance Shoes & Bags

Sam Edelman- 20% Off Sitewide

Sephora- Up To 50% Select Beauty Products

Serena & Lily- 20% Off Sitewide

Ssense-Designer Sale Up To 50% Off

Ulta- Up To 50% Off New Daily Beauty Deals

Urban Outfitters- Additional 30% Off Sales

Wayfair- Up To 70% Off Blowout

West Elm- Buy More, Save More Plus Free Shipping & Up To 60% Off Favorites

** Memorial Day Sales are known for great deals on furniture!! There are GREAT sales on the Restoration Hardware Dupes right now…. check them all out on this post, HERE. **

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Best Target Finds: Summer Refresh

best target finds

Best Target Finds: Summer Refresh

If you are looking for a little summer refresh for your home, but aren’t wanting to spend a ton doing so..I’ve got you covered. Target has some great new home deals on neutral pieces that look much more high end than their price tag.

1. Stripe Throw Pillow & Stripe Lumbar Pillow– The easiest way to change up any space is with some throw pillows. We snagged these for our outdoor space since we bring the cushions in at night. They’d be great options to freshen up your couch as well.

2. Oversized Beach Towel– These are SO good. They are neutral, oversized and soft. Perfect as a beach towel or even to use as a picnic blanket.

3. Set Of 6 Outdoor Chairs– These are currently on sale for $400 for the whole set! After lots of scouring the internet for outdoor furniture I can tell you this is the deal of all deals. Love how neutral they are to use with any dining table or stack as extra seating.

4. Natural Rose Scented All Purpose Cleaning Spray & Natural Rose Scented Laundry Detergent– It smells SO good! It’s hard to find these cleaning type products that don’t smell cheesy or overwhelming. These are great and perfect for summertime with a light/fresh scent.

5. Plastic Tumblers- At $2 a piece these might be the best target finds winner! Great for outdoor dining.They come in 22oz or 16oz sizes and a couple color variations.

6. Oversized Candle – Honestly, I’m not typically a fan of target’s candles. They usually don’t have a strong enough scent to fill a room. However, this one looks like a decorative piece and has a nice smell. It’s still not as strong smelling as some of our nicer options, but at this price point it’s great!

7. Set Of 4 Napkins– Love the light neutral look of this napkin set and they are under $10.

8. Ivory Stripe Throw Blanket & Textured Grey Throw Blanket– Both of these are under $30!

** Click on any of the below items to shop the product. **

For other neutral home decor items, you can check out the home shop page- HERE.

Lifestyle

Cinco De Mayo – Family Night At Home

cinco de mayo recipes

Cinco De Mayo – Family Night At Home

cinco de mayo recipes

cinco de mayo recipes

cinco de mayo recipes

spicy margarita

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

While we are all spending time at home, it’s great to switch it up every now and again and celebrate the small things!

I’m a sucker for a theme night and it makes it feel special for the kids as well! This year we are doing a fun taco platter and a spicy margarita (simple/skinny version) for mom and dad!

Cinco De Mayo is a fun time to have a Mexican inspired evening as a family. The kids love being able to build the tacos themselves and choose their toppings.

Moms, you deserve this margarita now more than ever!

TACO PLATTER

You can choose items you have on hand or whatever you normally use as taco toppings.

If you’d like to keep it vegetarian, Trader Joe’s has a great “soy chorizo.” Cook with a chopped yellow onion as a great meat substitute!

Toppings:

Shredded Cheese
Olives
Tomatoes
Green Onion
Red Onion
Avocado
Limes
Salsa
Guacamole
Pico De Gallo
Sour Cream

I used cilantro and Chile Lime seasoning as garnish throughout the taco platter.

Serve with your favorite type of taco shell or over a bed of butter lettuce.

Skinny Spicy Margarita

1. Wet the rim of your glass and roll in choice of salt. We like to do Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning mixed with course sea salt. Tajin mixed with coarse sea salt is great as well.

2. Remove seeds from your jalapeños and muddle. We like to do half of a large jalapeño to muddle and the other half sliced inside or as garnish on the rim.

3. Combine 4 ounces of silver tequila with 4 tablespoons of blue agave and mix well until the agave dissolves into the tequila.

4. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice pour the tequila/agave mixture and add in 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice. (I’ve done the concentrate before and it was a fail…) Shake well.

5. Pour your mixture into the glasses with the salted rims. Garnish with limes, jalapeños and a bit of cilantro.

Enjoy!

** If you are looking for more entertainment inspiration for staying at home, be sure to check out this post HERE with backyard entertainment ideas. There’s also a spring inspired charcuterie board that you can check out HERE.