Memorial Day weekend is usually when most of us start potting plants, if we haven’t already. You may have family and friends coming over, so it’s time to give the deck a little TLC. The best way to do this is with a visit to your local nursery. Give your deck or patio a little extra something with a few fun D.I.Y projects. You can even get the kids involved in the fun.

Create layers and texture with this striped plant stand. Tutorial HERE.

Get the kids involved with growing herbs by creating these fun ombre labels. Tutorial HERE

Give your outdoor space the feel of a French market by planting in baskets. photo via architecture digest

Turn an old shipping pallet into a vertical garden. via home depot

With Memorial Weekend on the way, we are thankfully headed straight for Summer, fun and celebrating the great outdoors. For some seriously cool DIY outdoor cushions, check out this creation at Jesi Haack Design.  These cushions make for cute, comfy seating and as you can see from the picture you can use them on even a plain picnic table so you can easily pack them up and bring them camping, to ball games or picnicking at the park.

Happy DIYing!

-Lacey

Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who served and died for our country. I know it’s a time for my family when we reflect on all of those who have passed and we miss dearly. In my home I have little memories scattered into my decor. I have my Grandfather’s ash tray with a a deck of cards on it, as well as a book of his love letters to my Grandmother displayed on my writing desk. Guests who stay with us get to snuggle each night with a quilt handmade by my Grandma with love. The chest my TV sits on once stored my Grandmothers china. I know all of us have special tokens from passed loved ones. Whether it’s a bible, pair of gloves, eyeglasses or matchbook it should not hide away in a drawer. Work these special items into your decor, so they can be a constant smile or triggered memory. Here is some inspiration for creating memory decor in your home.

Do you have a special token in your home that brings you happy memories?

Xo – Annie

Display vintage letters, photos or keys on a tray in a Guest Room or Study. photo via Etcetera by Sibella Court

Create a memory shelf of photos, books and any small items that use to be in Nana’s home. photo via lonnymag

Display on your entry table Grandpa’s ash tray,  matchbook or lighter. photo via lonnymag

Frame the shrug Nanna wore to her engagement party. photo via lonnymag

….. and display her sewing buttons on your dresser. photo via Bowerbird by Sibella Court

….with her perfume. via lonnymag

When you think about party decor for your Memorial Day bash, you are probably thinking red, white and blue and rightfully so! Add pops of patriotism with these colors and here are a few ideas on how to go about it in a lovely way….

The Flag via whatkatieate.com

Streamers and twinkle lights via stylemepretty.com

Banner via loveandlavender.com

Pinwheels via marthastewart.com

 Paper Decor via armelleblog.com

Food to fit in with the Patriotic Decor…..

via armelleblog.com

 via bhg.com

via www.armelleblog.com

via marthastewart.com

I hope you’ve been inspired!

Happy Memorial Day Planning!

-Lacey

Memorial weekend has almost arrived! What are your plans? I am so excited to hang by the lake with family and friends. A really fun way to enjoy the water, food and friends at the same time is with an old fashioned clam bake. I have provided you with the inspiration, essential items needed for the table and a one pot recipe to have you on your way to celebrating Americana style.

Do you have a food tradition or recipe for Memorial Day weekend?

Xo – Annie

photo via gallery.ru

Plate It – This Rika Plate has me thinking of bubbles and water.

Fold It – “Tie” in a nautical twist to your table top these napkins.

Sip It – Enjoy a cocktail with Roco Blue Glass and Mason Beverage Jar.

Arrange It – Visit your local farmers market for a fresh cut bouquet to add to your table.

Cover It – Add a festive flare with this Americana Stripe Tablecloth.

Serve It – Display what you have prepared on this Raza Platter Collection.

Pot It – Prepare and serve lobster the traditional way with this Midnight Blue Lobster Pot.

Crack It – All the fun is in the cracking, so don’t forget the Lobster Crackers.

Cushion It – Add patriotic pop with these Flag Lumbar Pillows.

Light It – Set the ambiance by  hanging candlelight lanterns.

Bake It – Don’t forget why we are all here…for a clam bake, so don’t for the one pot RECIPE HERE.

This book guide from Children’s Book Guide is a great reading list of the best chapter books that your kids can read over the summer. Most of them are classics and not gender specific. Keep your kids busy, while keeping their minds sharp while they are out of the school routine. Get creative with encouraging reading and some ideas to that are to take them to see the movie or play when they finish. Or for littler kids, you can put on a puppet show of the story or even dress up as the characters. The adventures can be endless this summer without even leaving your home.

Happy Summer Reading!

-Lacey

You can find a short summary of these books and MORE at childrensbooksguide.com.

Boy oh boy is it hot outside and this has my brain thinking pool side. I always gravitate to art that has water in it. I find it to be very calming and interesting at the same time. I was immediately drawn to these paintings by Samantha French. Her underwater paintings are my favorite. Visit her Etsy shop to see her beautiful works HERE.

Xo – Annie

For the perfect gift for your gal pals, sisters, daughters, moms, etc, you must check out the beautiful art of Irena Sophia. I have looked through nearly all her work on her Etsy site and think of so many of the lovely ladies in my life as I do. She has an elegant, beautiful, simple, innocent style that would make a truly unique and special gift.

Happy Etsy Shopping!

-Lacey

Works of art pictured here come from Irena Sophia Etsy Shop