Yesterday I talked a little bit about my upcoming patio makeover that we’ve started working on.  I hope to have it done by September. ;)   Actually we really are working hard to have it ready for Summer fun.

Patio View

A shot from just after we moved in…

I tend to find design ideas all over the place – window shopping, magazines, other people’s homes and, of course, I have been scouring the internet and Pinterest for a lot of inspiration too.  Some of the inspiration I’ve found for our patio comes from the Novogratz Brasil Collection over at CB2.  I am in love with all of the bright colors and the easy, relaxed outdoor styles.

botao-stripe-sectional-ottoman

The designers: Robert & Cortney Novogratz

You can see from my “Patio Inspiration” board on Pinterest that I have pinned several items from this collection.  This Figueira Swing chair matches my patio color palette perfectly – so fun.  It just looks like the perfect place to relax and read a book outside.

figueira-swing-chair-1

“We love the versatility and relaxing vibe it instantly adds to any space.” - Robert and Cortney Novogratz 

I couldn’t agree more – there is something about a hammock or a swinging chair that just beckons people to “sit here” and relax.

Oh, and this “Luli” table lamp?  This is too fun.  Such a “quirky monkey” indeed.  I maybe need more monkeys in my life.  They make me smile.

luli-table-lamp

It’s always fun to look around and find inspiration and – even if a room or living space makeover is not immediately in the works {or the budget!}, it’s nice to dream and plan and stay inspired in the meanwhile.

And speaking of inspiration – I know that sometimes just getting away and experiencing new places and sights can be a huge creative boost {not to mention a heck of a lot of fun!!} for many people, myself included.   So I have some exciting news to share – right now you can enter to win a trip of a lifetime for you and 3 friends!  A one week stay at the vacation home of CB2 collaborators Robert and Cortney Novogratz in beautiful Trancoso, Brazil!

Now I don’t know about you, but I would love a getaway and this sounds fabulous!

Not to mention,  10 other lucky winners will receive a CB2 giftcard worth $100 along with a personally signed copy of the book “Home by Novogratz”.
This sweepstakes runs from May 2nd through June 3rd so head on over to win HERE.  Good luck!!

I’ love to hear about any projects you are working on too.  Where do you find inspiration for your home makeovers?

 

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This is a sponsored post on behalf of CB2 for Social Spark. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

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Hand Painted Seashell Pillow with ALittleClaireification.com #DIY #Crafts #Beach

Summer is just around the corner…  Lazy days with puffy clouds rolling by, the sounds of laughter from the kids and their friends playing in the pool, the smell of good things cooking on the grill, the patio fans slowly spinning overhead…

With all of this in mind, we have started a little makeover project on our back patio.  I’ve been doing a little painting and working on little bits at a time and can’t wait to show you once we are done.

One of the things I have been working on are some fun pillows to add to this outdoor living space.  My hand painted seashell pillow was easy and VERY budget friendly  - I used canvas painter’s drop cloth and a thrifted GoodWill pillow!  I’ve included a little video tutorial for you here.  I hope you enjoy it! :)

And here are a couple of seashell pattern printables you can use to create your own seashell pillow stencils for any beach inspired pillows or whatever you might want to create!

Hand Painted Seashell Pillow with ALittleClaireification.com #DIY #Crafts #Beach


Hand Painted Seashell Pillow with ALittleClaireification.com #DIY #Crafts #Beach

Are you changing out any decor or doing anything to get your home ready for Summer too?  I’d love to hear all about it.

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Linking up here:

Alderberry Hill, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Craft O Maniac, Feeding Big, Piggy In Polka Dots

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Best Of The Weekend {Week 4}

by Claire on May 18, 2013

Best Of Weekend with ALittleClaireification.com #inlinkz #party #linky

 

Happy weekend, my friends!  And you know that that means – it’s time to party over here at A Little Claireification {and you can even wear your jammies}!  I am looking forward to seeing what you all have been working on so link it up and stick around and make some new friends while you are here.

If you missed the Fabulous Features from last week’s party you can check them out HERE.  A whole bunch of awesome-ness. If you were featured, be sure to grab a BOTW button towards the bottom of my sidebar.  If are new to the party, welcome {!!} and here’s what you need to know.

The party starts every Saturday and will be open through the following Tuesday at midnight PST and then I post features every Thursday. [click to continue…]

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Best Of The Weekend Fabulous Features with ALittleClaireification.com #DIY #Crafts #recipes @alittleclaire

I hope that you all are having a GREAT week!  Thanks to everyone who came by and for those that linked up at the party – so many great posts once again and here are the Fabulous Features from this past week.

First, it looks like we all want to save money when we can – the most clicked on link was “Organize Those Coupons” by Life After Empty Nest.  I organize my coupons exactly the same way – one more reason I love Sharon!

21490968i_01 [click to continue…]

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Making The Most of A Disney Cruise Vacation with ALittleClaireification.com #vacation #disneycruise #disneyparks @alittleclaire

Does anyone else have the Summer vacation bug?  Beachy days.  Mountain hikes.  Maybe just some lazy reading on the front porch?  Whatever your idea of a perfect Summer vacation may be, there is something about the warmer weather that gets me in the mood to just veg out for a week or so.  As long as I’m with with my favorite people in the world I don’t really care where we go.

I’ve mentioned that The Teenager is heading off to College this August so there is quite a bit of preparation {both financially AND emotionally!} over the next couple of months.  When we came across another amazing deal to take the kids on a three night Disney Cruise a few weeks ago, we went ahead and jumped at the chance since I doubt we’ll be going very far this Summer! {please note, this is NOT a sponsored post}.

This is part one of a three part series on my top tips for making the most of a Disney cruise vacation. [click to continue…]

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Best Of The Weekend {Week 3}

by Claire on May 11, 2013

Best Of Weekend with ALittleClaireification.com #inlinkz #party #linky

 

Another week has gone by so fast.  First, to all of you Moms out there HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!  I hope you get pampered and loved on just like you deserve to be because you are AWESOME and loved!

If you missed the Fabulous Features from last week’s party you can check them out HERE.  Once again so many great, inspiring posts and ideas.  And now it’s time to link up one of YOUR favorite posts! Once again I can’t  wait to see what you all have been writing, creating, cooking, DIY-ing and more! [click to continue…]

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