Summer Patio Fun {Guest Post at The Good Life Blog}

In case you missed my post over at Darci's this weekend...
Here it is! 

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Living in the northeast, we cherish days that are warm enough to spend outside. With a toddler who loves running & playing, we spend every above-50 day outside on our deck. Our outdoor space has been the most neglected over the last 4 years (since there was plenty inside the house, keeping us busy!), and we're looking forward to some updating this summer. We need everything from a new patio set to decor, so I was thrilled to hunt around for some budget friendly patio options.

For the big pieces, this outdoor set seats SIX, and is a steal from IKEA at $399! These tables from Target are great to have on hand for impromptu BBQ's, and this umbrella from West Elm. is adorable and affordable at $109!

This set of outdoor entertaining essentials from West Elm are not only classic, but also reasonably priced. These lanterns from Pottery Barn could double as both indoor and door lighting (love items that can serve dual purposes!), and these string lights are another affordable way to add some light after dusk.\

Love these pillows from Pottery Barn (here, here and here) to add some depth and color to our outdoor space, and this rug to ground the space with with a classic pattern.

An outdoor fire pit is a wonderful way to add character and ambiance to your patio, and can be easily be done on a budget when you tackle the project on your own (Pinterest has some great links to DIY fire pits). And last but not least, one of my favorite (and cheap!) ways to add some fun to your outdoor patio? A handful of fresh flowers in a mason jar (I usually buy a package of tulips from the grocery store for $5!).

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A and I are off for a little drive this afternoon, which we both need after 2 consecutive rainy days full of tantrums and time-outs. Nothing a little trip to the closest Annie Sloan retailer (40 minutes away!) can't change!