Heading Outdoors

It's heating up here in Memphis (it's actually over 80 degrees today), so it's time to prepare for mojitos on the balcony. Not to mention, Memphis in May has rolled around, so we're expecting to host a few house guests soon. But we can't have people walking up to our spot with it looking like this:



This just hurts my heart.

And as a result, I've been on the hunt for some outdoor inspiration, and boy, did I find it!

Our space tiny, but I want to be able to seat four people.

Lots of plants will help bring some life to such a dead corner.

Definitely, going to need some mood lighting for ambiance.

I want to keep the furniture neutral, but bring in color through the plants and accessories.

I've already started picking up pieces for our little balcony, so stay tuned for all the outdoor progress. Do you guys have plans for your outdoor spaces? Is the weather cooperating?  Do tell.

Xoxo,

Coco

photos via my Pinterest



DIY: Coffee Table (Photo Dump)

It's reveal time! My latest DIY is ready for it's close up. Be warned, this is NOT a tutorial. If I made this table again, I'm almost positive that the process would be different. But you do get to see a lot of pics of how things went along!

So...I started with a big (3 ft X 3 ft) scrap piece of plywood that I've been hoarding for over a year now (the big piece on the bottom).

I had a design in my head, and I went for it.

But, I changed my mind and went and rented one of these...

I cut a bunch of pieces of wood and then I got this...

Here I am giving it a coat of Zinsser Cover Stain Primer.

When it came to choosing a paint, I new I wanted a high-gloss, lacquered look. Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook raves about Rustoleum's Oil Based Protective Enamel, so I thought I'd give it a try in Gloss White.

Let me take a second and just profess my love for this paint...  [cue the smoke machine and a Barry White soundtrack] THIS STUFF IS AMAZING! Yeah, it stinks to high hell, but you get over it as soon as you notice all the brush strokes melting away into themselves, leaving behind a shine that invokes singing! I'm so excited to use it on EVERYTHING! But, any who...

I present...HER...

I think she's kinda special.

Look at that shine.

She makes me so happy.

Xoxo,

Coco

P.S. If you'd like your own custom piece, made by yours truly, just shoot me a holler! Email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram...pick a place...I'll be there! : )

Mother's Day Wishes

1. Sarah Francis Kuhn Camera Strap in "Classic" Black & Gold (photo via MadeByGirl) - Where I go, my camera goes. Well, at least it should. I'd be highly inclined to grab it more often if it was adorned by this beauty. The buttery leather and cool chain would feel a lot more luxurious around my neck or slung across the shoulders.

2. Makita 10"Compound Miter Saw - Do you know how many coffee tables & bookshelves I could knock out with this thing!?! I, definitely, don't mind the thought of having to store it in my section of our closet. Wonder what the hubs would think... (c;

3. Cocoa & Hearts Colors 119 Canvas - Yeah, it's sold for now, but I'm sure another can be created. This would be the perfect addition to our ever-growing gallery wall, pairing well with our own little Picasso's works of art!

4. Wrist Soiree Tassel Bracelets - I already have one of these and am itching to get every single color! The pink, blue, yellow & green would be the perfect additions for Mother's Day.

5. Living Social Deal for Splash Cleaning Services - Now what mother wouldn't want someone else to take over the cleaning for a change? This one is a no brainer...hope the hubs is paying close attention!

Xoxo,

Coco