DIY in the backyard .... one day late.

Sorry folks, I couldn't help myself, it was the most beautiful day of the year yesterday and the sun was calling out my name.
But I do love sharing the diy's that inspire me, so it's coming to you one day late. This one is all about enjoying life in your backyard, on the patio, balcony or deck.

The perfect outdoor table via stylizimo blog.

Just add tea lights and spend all evening outside via here.

You didn't think I would pass up on another pallet diy, did you?

A modern birdhouse for  a little backyard entertainment via curbly.

Willoughby Design Barn

This simple steel structure got a major make-over by the talented firm el dorado inc. - based in Kansas City. The rustic old beams throughout the barn balances out the smooth metal perfectly. We would love to buy an "off the rack" steel building and give it a total up-grade, ours would have reworked shipping containers wrapped around it for some added dimension and a place to hang out on summer days. And yes it would be sitting pretty right next to that old log home & farm house I want to revamp. Hey, a girl can dream can't she?!
via- Architects List

Collected just launched!

Collected is a new online lifestyle magazine founded by LA-based interior designers and bloggers, Krista Schrock and Jessica Comingore. I know I'll be obsessively waiting for the next edition, I devoured this edition so fast I almost ate my laptop ; ) Here's what this fab duo have to say about their new baby:

"Collected will encompass an array of design, including interiors, graphics, product and packaging, as well as travel, fashion and food—all of the things we love and live with everyday. We look forward to sharing our discoveries with you and hope that you find as much inspiration as we do in the beauty of living simply."

I know I won't be the only one obsessing.

49 fab and fresh picture books

i couldn't post yesterday (or most of today) because blogger had to work on some maintenance issues but i must admit it would have been a late posting anyway. i just wished i had figured that out before i went through all the trouble of trying to get a post out at all, ugh, disappointment, frustration, darn blogger. but i'll make it up to you with two post for today!


 for anyone out there who loves children's books or is on the hunt for a good book to curl up and read with your little one, well then this is the list for you: 

49 brilliant picture books from the past 5 years as chosen by award winning illustrators

via my lovely friend Jane via playing by the book. 

 

Bosworth Hoedemaker Puget Sound Island family retreats.

What a relaxing place to enjoy family and friends, if I had my very own compound (like these) I would probably start a cult just so I wouldn't ever have to leave ; )
The photos consist of two separate compounds Nettly Wood Compound & North Puget Sound Compound.  via Bosworth Hoedemaker and Architects List.

DIY... in your office.

my hubby is moving into a new office space and i can't wait to get my hands on it. here are a few eye catching design touches that i think would make a distinct impact in any space. let's hope i can make his office look as fab!

now most of these are just for reference and won't have a diy tutorial connected to it, but i know you're clever enough to figure it out ; )

Rad rope wall by the talented Morgan via The Brick House

Eye popping racket display via Whitcomb & company.

I was checking out their amazing furniture but the rackets made me drool!

Brilliant use of old pallets via curbly.

yeah, the whole firm is filled with them!

Fantastic pencil bench but be sure to put your pencil back eraser side up! via here