Reader Spaces: The Great Outdoors!

I feel like I use the same words over and over when I write.  Things like "Holy bananas batman!" and "Superfab" and "Giddy excited!".  Well.  You all did it again.  You made me say those words and so many more.  Outloud.  At my computer.  My family laughs at me because believe it or not, I smile, giggle and even spurt out excited things when I work.  It's a joke around here, "Mom, you are smiling while typing again".  At first I tried to refrain because I felt silly clicking away with a permagrin, but I have learned to embrace it as a fact that I love what I do.

So when I finally had a chance to sit down and read through all of your outdoor projects from last months link-up party, you can imagine the overly excited reactions I had.  It. Was. Awesome.

Let's dive right in and recap how awesome y'all are OK?

There was such a variety of projects that were completed, but at the end of the day, they all had something in common.  You all were trying to create a place to enjoy, whether alone with a cup of coffee, or as a place to entertain with friends and family.  Anna's urban oasis photo says it all to me, it evokes a happy feeling of really enjoying the great outdoors.

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Samantha shared her story and process of finding the perfect porch swing.

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I think she scored big, and I can just imagine how amazing and relaxing it is on her front porch now.

Curtains make any outdoor space feel cozy and relaxing and like a vacation retreat.

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Darnetha shared how she added her curtains on a sweet budget.

Entertaining carts were a hit!  I love how many of you found old pieces to give new life to.

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Isn't Chaney's cart the most charming on the block?  I love the beautiful blue color paired with the pretty pink.

Angie gave her entertaining station a coat of joyful yellow paint.

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Simply delightful!

Oodles of you got the painting bug, and went after your front doors.  So many fun colors were used, including this bold and beautiful red done by Megan.

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And as you know, I personally crush over a gorgeous blue, whether teal, turquoise or navy.  Check out Jackie's door, in which she went through a bit of a process to land on the perfect shade!

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There were front porch updates big and small.  I lovity love love a sweet blue porch ceiling like the one Amanda painted.

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And how gorgeous are these black rocking chairs that Erin added to her super sweet front porch?

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The black is so sophisticated and really makes a statement.

And can you believe that Casey's front porch was once a sea of concrete?

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She DIY'd a wood porch right on top of the concrete, and the end result is absolutely jaw dropping and welcoming.

And my super gal pal Courtney, always knows how to pair the most brilliant colors and patterns, to make the happiest of spaces.  She definitely didn't disappoint when color-splashing her front porch.

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Did you know that they make faux windows for garage doors?  I didn't either, but Amy rocked my world with this incredible revelation!

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For those of you who sport a screened in porch, I would love to join you one day for a cup of coffee and laughs.  Screen porches are so charming and I have been scheming up ways to add one to our own home someday {big dreams}.  Until then, I will have to live vicariously through you all.

Jennifer's porch is one of my all time favorites.  Check out those happy, bold colors {hello green, pink, yellow and blue - fab}.  And that bar cart has me swooning like a crazy person.

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And another project that knocked my socks off is this old ladder that Deanne and Reed turned into an amazing light fixture.

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Planting your own cooking herbs is a great way to save a little moolah and enjoy delightful meals at the same time.  How adorable are these painted wooden spoon herb markers?  Even the handwriting is lovely!  So sweet!

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Looking to recover your dated outdoor furniture cushions, but lacking in sewing abilities?  Look no further, the super smart Aniko has a tutorial for no-sew outdoor cushions on her blog!

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And who doesn't love taking inspiration high-end items, and recreating them for less?  Not only do you get to customize your creations for YOU, but you save oodles of money at the same time!  I am big time crushing on the Pottery Barn buoy replicas, like these ones done by Shelly! 

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Now let's shift our attention to the backyard.  The backyard is a place for gathering, playing yard games and really can become an extension of our homes.

If you are a lover of great before and after photos, check out the deck and furniture makeovers done by Jo-Anna.  She really knows how to give something old, brand new lovely life!

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Some of you really took this outdoor challenge seriously, and completely transformed your outdoor living spaces.  How absolutely blissful is this covered patio addition done by the Mead clan?

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And this pergola of love built by Jen and her Mr.  Yeah, I can't believe my eyes either.  I hope they hire out because we need one next!

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Melissa's hubby built the most gorgeous outdoor table, and she paired it with a mixture of charming chairs to create a perfect place for wining and dining.

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Anu's patio is majorly catalog worthy.  I had to check 87 times to be sure it was real.  SO very inspirational.  I love the mixture of simple pieces and understated accessories to create a gorgeous family friendly outdoor living space.

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Becky shared the power of a happy little rug.  It really made her seating section shine!

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And last but certainly not least, my real life girlfriend, Cassie, shares the same passion for bright and fabulous colors as I do.  Especially pink.  I can't wait to visit her and check out her oh-so-happy patio space in person someday!  I can already taste the cocktails and hear the splashing pool water.... sigh...

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Although summer is quickly winding down, there is still plenty of time to snag inspiration from all of these incredible readers, and make a few more changes, big or small, to our outdoor living spaces.  A giant sloppy kiss and bear hug is going out to each and every one of you who participated and took on outdoor projects with me this summer.  I adore everything that was shared!

Did any of these joyful photos inspire another outdoor project for you?