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Friday Favorites - Staycation

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I’ve been enjoying a real luxury for me this week….a staycation. That doesn’t mean I’ve been sitting around though…ok, maybe a little sitting, but a lot of doing! Here are some of the things I’ve been able to cross off my now, slightly shorter, to do list! Remember, just click the highlighted description of the item if you’re interested in learning more info!

I’ve been wanting some new light fixtures for the outside of our house since….we moved in to this house in 2003! One of those things that always took a back seat to bigger projects. Not this week! New light fixtures by the front door, garage and back patio door are a welcomed and easy makeover to our homes exterior. Yay!

While we’re on the topic of the front, I also wanted to make sure I had some new containers and flowers to make the front more welcoming. I found some new urns at the local garden center, then decided to blend shades of soft pink and purples.

Have you seen this little digger from my friend, Roxanne DePalma? It made digging holes, scooping potting soil, and filling in the containers so much easier!

For some of the bigger gardening challenges, nothing beats the Spearhead shovel.

I was able to dig out random hosta plants that pop up, divide some of my day lilies and dig nice deep holes for some new plants I put in to the landscape.

And for a final clean up, the coconut palms broom makes sweeping things clean a breeze!

By the way…if you need some new outdoor furniture for your deck and patio, this set I designed for ATLeisure is now on clearance..and shipping is included. Just had to share!

I started putting out the little accents that I love to look at as well. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of our indoor/outdoor luminara lanterns. These are the biggest version of a lantern we offer.

I like this size for outdoors, because no matter what the size of your deck or patio…the openness of outdoors makes garden accents feel smaller, so for something to make an impact, you need a larger size.

I also love our outdoor clock…a funny thing to love, I know, but it really is handy to be able to just glance up at any moment and know what time it is. Practical, practical!

I gave this Bliss XXL chair a test drive this week too. I actually bought this one for our place at the beach, but I wanted to see if I liked it enough to order a couple for home too.

The answer is a resounding YES! These really are well made, comfortable chairs…and I love the oversized comfort too.

Now, to the indoors….where I started to put out some of my favorite spring touches. I swap out this console table with the seasons.

The birdhouse is something I made for a You're Home with Jill project, and the pedestal plate is by Irish potter Colm de Ris (now on clearance!)

I like keeping a picture of my Dad here, so I can see him every day.

What I didn’t realize until I was home every day, is how dirty my floors are! I guess I just look past it most days…but not when I’m here day after day! I’m so glad I invested in this cordless and powerful vac from Dyson.

I bought it because of all of the attachments…and I use all of them. Remember, we have 2 BIG dogs! This quickly pics up dog hair through out the day, I love the mattress attachment that really sucks up the dander you can’t see from deep within the couch cushions, and the flexible crevice tool is awesome to get under and in-between tight spaces.

Here’s something else I’ve really enjoyed on my staycation…breakfast!

A breakfast that is unrushed, every morning. Between my Keurig for a french vanilla cappuccino and sourdough toast or a wheat bagel perfectly toasted in my Breville toaster …I’m in heaven.

Just a word on the Breville toaster…this is the BEST toaster ever.

My favorite feature is the “bit more” button…when you need your toast to brown just a “bit more.” I’ve had it for over 4 years, and absolutely wouldn’t use anything else.

Finally, the best part of my staycation has been being available all day and night to my family. Trevor has been down with a concussion for the past month…and was just cleared to return to baseball and school this week. We celebrated with a blizzard at Dairy Queen.

But I was there…from the last doctor’s appointment, to the relief hug as we left the doctor to the smiles having ice cream…I was there with my son during a really important time. I’ve been home every day after school to catch up with Kylie too…time I often miss because of my work schedule. Sure, a beach vacation is always fun and wonderful….but these moments with my kids far outshine an island any day!

So, that’s a look at what I’ve loved on my staycation! Have you ever done a staycation? What was your favorite part? I always love hearing from you, so I hope you’ll let me know!

Oh! Isn’t the gingham shirt I’m wearing cute?