Hello, friends! We are thisclose to the long weekend…can you feel it?! I’m so ready for the extra day off, and hope you get to enjoy one, too. And even though Memorial Day is the official kick-off for Summer, my kids have been swimming for the past six weeks! Mama doesn’t venture in until the water is a little warmer, but the backyard is spruced and ready for a Summer of fun. Let’s tour, shall we?!
Ever since Carmel showed us her amazing potting bench last year, I’ve been dying to have something similar. The corner by the back door (it leads to the recently remodeled Pool Bathroom) is the ideal spot, and my procrastination patience finally paid off when the World Market Potting Table went on sale!
It was fairly simple to assemble, and fits the nook by the back door perfectly.
And while it’s marketed as a potting table, lets get real…I’ll be using it as a drink station, party zone and all-around catch-all for backyard gear. It sits near the barbecue grill, so it will get a lot of use when we’re cooking out, too.
The bucket is perfect for icing down drinks, and the flip-up leaf provides more surface space.
We added a small hook for a hand towel or hats, and a bottle opener for the fancy drinks. Honestly we don’t have glass bottles around the pool much, but it’s fun to pimp out store-bought furniture for a more custom look.
The bottom shelf holds towels so there’s hopefully no more tracking through the house with wet feet, and the bucket holds sunscreen, bug spray and goggles.
What used to be a sad little corner with nothing but the dryer vent and piles of crapola, is now a cute and functional spot!
In case you missed them, read about the Lacquered Stripe Pots, the Reclaimed Bucket and Adding Texture & Character to a Builder Grade Door.
And while I’m still not ready to subject myself to a bathing suit, the rest of the backyard is ready for the season!
I decided to keep things simple this year, and chose only plants that are proven heat-tolerant….Lantana, Vinca, Sweet Potato Vine and Esperanza. And by keeping the flowers only yellow and white, the effect is much cleaner and gives a bigger impact in the small backyard.
This is my first time trying succulents outside and in direct sun, so fingers crossed.
I chose yellow since it’s so vivid, and much of the decor is already yellow…like the No Sew Outdoor Pillows and Vintage Birdcage.
Our New Fence is holding up great and aging beautifully. So far we have no plans to stain it since we love the natural look of the aging cedar. And honestly, who wants to freaking stain a fence when it’s already 90-degrees outside?! Not this person!
I’ve tried three years to plant in these containers, but have yet to find something that can withstand the heat coming off the brick and the all-day sun. Any suggestions? If not, the Esperanza will be 7-feet tall in another month, so I’m willing to look the other way.
The DIY Convex Sunburst Mirror looks as great as the day we hung it, and hasn’t budged from this spot. So that’s our Backyard Tour, everything is blooming and the pool is open…what time shall I expect you? Bring Fritos, please.
What are your big plans for the weekend? Have you braved a swimsuit yet? Thank goodness our backyard is fenced, because I need some sun on my jiggly, blue legs! Happy Weekend, lovebugs!
I love the table/ drink station idea!!! And I also LOVE LOVE LOVE that fishy planter with a plant pouring out of his mouth!! Very cool!!
Your backyard looks fabulous, and I particularly love your new potting bench/drink station! How awesome!
I've been venturing out on the back deck next to the girls' blow up pool. It's not super glamorous, but it does add a little glow to winter-white legs. 😉 Now, we're headed to the NC mountains for Memorial Day week! 🙂 xoxo
I love it! What a clever–and functional–use of the potting table. That is something I'd do with it.
I'd bring Fritos, but they don't sell them in Scotland! Nor do we have outdoor pools. It never gets hot enough. We're having record high temps right now though. It got up to 72* yesterday! Heat wave!
Love the little potting bench area! I just turned my outdoor bar cart into a potting bench and it's so nice to have all that stuff near the garden (although it can easily be turned into a drink station again too!) http://www.keller-creative.com/2012/05/monogrammed-garden-cart.html
I haven't braved a suit yet because, like you, I wait until my pool water is warmer….usually June.
Loving how multifunctional that drink station is! And, I'll be over ASAP with Fritos…. frick, why did you have to remind me how much I love those things?! I'll also have some Cheetos on hand for good measure 😉
I LOVE your backyard! You have a done a wonderful job!
Off to World Market to be the worlds biggest copy-cat! I've got an expanse of brick wall on my deck and this would make an awesome serving station. Our neighborhood pool opened last weekend for a preview weekend so I took my 4 & 6 year old. Because there were only 3 other families there, I wore a two piece. I'm pretty sure my reflective mid-section caused temporary blindness for a few poor souls.
I love the new potting bench/drink station! Your entire backyard looks like the perfect place to soak up the summer! Forget the fritos- I'm bringing the margaritas! 😉
Such a fun backyard! So envious. Love the potting bench. SO funny. I looked at it an thought, "Oh, score. They found one with a bottle opener and hook.!" What time is the party starting. I can BMOT {bring my own towel}.
Love love love the potting bench/drink station! What an awesome idea!! And very functional for summer!
drink station for sure!
Love the drink station!
Totally inspiring! So ready for pool parties! 🙂
Totally fab! I want to come to your backyard Cassie! I'll def bring the Fritos and maybe some Pina coladas…olay! Loving the drink station!!!! Can we make Mojitos there???
xoxo, Sarah
http://hellolovelydecor.blogspot.ca/
Love it all, and that potting/sun and fun table is awesome!!
I love your potting bench- I would be tempted to keep it brand spanking new and only serve tasty beverages off of it 😉 We are on the NC coast and have hot, dry weather. Mandevilla did amazing for me last year so I picked up another one of those for our deck! (and I pair it with sweet potato vine for contrast).
Oh my this is just gorgeous! Enjoy all the summer days with it.
XO
Kristin
Oh my this is just gorgeous! Enjoy all the summer days with it.
XO
Kristin
Wow! So nice! How do you do it all, with your children and being pregnant? You look so cute by the way, your bump is way cute in that striped shirt!!
LOVE it!!! It's perfect for that spot!!!
I also love that you used the word Crapola!!! 😉
Lots of Love
Ashli
I was just eyeing that World Market bench! Too bad I don't have an outdoor space for it, boo!
I am never ready to brave the swimming suit, darn long winters and lots of eating!
What an inviting backyard! Gorgeous. And I love the drink station table. Cute and functional.. perfect! Happy Memorial Day weekend!
xoxo,
Rachael
What an inviting backyard! Gorgeous. And I love the drink station table. Cute and functional.. perfect! Happy Memorial Day weekend!
xoxo,
Rachael
I guess I'm one of those rare people who always reads comments – I'm very confused by "Cindee". Two days ago when you posted your outfit inspiration she mentioned you being pregnant – thought it was a simple. mistake because of your cute flowy top. But today?? Really? Now I think she's just snarky. Either she (a) cant read and hasn't noticed you've never made a PEEP about being preg or (b) she just thinks she's funny. Ashli of Mini Manor addressed nasty comments directed toward bloggers – its just ugly and, I think, done by basically miserable people. So, Cindee, just go add another "e" to to your name and turn your snark onto small children and animals….(okay, I was a bit snarky there and I'm sorry but I just don't like cyber bullies).
hummm Lindley, maybe she's read a lot of blogs and she's gotten confused as to the writer?? I dunno..
anyway – Cassie! Love the project! and I love how you have the pool areas fixed up. We are hangin in our n'hood this weekend at the pool. So ready for the three-day weekend. Enjoy!
We're trying to get our pool ready and the water clear for the weekend! You are inspiring me with your outdoor decor. I love that pottng bench and styling. Have a great one!
Nancy
powellbrowerhome.com
Your yard looks great!! The potting bench/drink station turned out so cute!
Lindley! I can't believe how cruel you are! I truly thought she was pregnant and feel terrible now. Thanks a lot for assuming the worst. Just because you are used to trolls trolling you doesn't mean everyone who makes a simple mistake is one. Get lost! Sorry, Cassie. 🙁
If all I have to do is bring over Fritos to hang out in that fab backyard, then I am on.my.way!!! It looks absolutely fantastic, Cass! And I've been completely crushing on yellow lately!
P.S. Am I terrible for thinking that sometimes commenters are just hilariously strange???
Aubrey, I hope you don't think I am "strange" it was an honest mistake and I am sorry.
What an absolutely awesome backyard. I love love love it!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
The backyard looks great, and I LOVE your new potting bench. I thought Carmel's was great last year, too, but haven't found the right spot or a way to make it work for me…yet. I'm inspired to think on it some more after seeing yours! We have been enjoying our pool – especially after a long weekend of soccer games. It's one reason I love living in Texas!
This bench is such a great idea.
YOUR BACKYARD LOOKS AMAZZZING!!!!!! You are making me what you rearrange our trip & for US to come to Texas!!! 🙂 I LOOOOVE the potting table/drink stand! SO cute!!!!! Maybe you can spruce up my deck while you are here 🙂
YOUR BACKYARD LOOKS AMAZZZING!!!!!! You are making me what you rearrange our trip & for US to come to Texas!!! 🙂 I LOOOOVE the potting table/drink stand! SO cute!!!!! Maybe you can spruce up my deck while you are here 🙂
aw man, orange crush & chlorine make me MISS texas in the summer! i would love either/both of those right about now! 🙂
Your backyard looks so great, Cassie. LOVE the potting bench/beverage station! I'm dying for something like that; all in good time. Thanks for sharing all your pretty ideas!