Cozy Spot For One Spring and Summer Deck Refresh

If you need some personal space, a retreat for one… or just want to escape from it all, while staying close to home — like right in your own back yard, or on your deck or patio, then I’ve got just the thing for you! My new super deep, comfy~cozy Egg Chair is the cornerstone of my whole deck refresh. Can’t wait to show you how awesome it is. But beware, ya might not wanna get up! 

Hello and welcome to my sun deck! This cozy little spot is right off the kitchen and the sun room, on main level of our home. It’s where I hide all my Spring & Summer flowers from the deer, and where my potted Hydrangeas and Clematis live year round. You won’t see them in today’s post because they are still pretty much sticks at this point, but they are there, tucked away under the windows. Waiting for their time to shine! 

Creating an outdoor oasis, cozy spot for one Spring and Summer deck refresh! 

Okay, so today I’m going to get very personal.

I want to talk about taking some time & making a space for ourselves! Something as moms, wives, and just plain women… we often fail to do. 

I’m just now discovering how important this is! When I got my March assignment for Better Homes & Gardens and it was centered around the outdoors, there were so many choices I had as to what direction I could go, and what I could showcase and share with you. 

Over the years, I’ve tried really hard to keep you all in the front of my mind when making my selections. Working with BH&G isn’t all about me, I feel like it’s so much about what I can share that might be useful or of value to you! Taking cost, versatility and how many people will likely be able to take something away from my post that they can use or incorporate into their homes, are some of the things I take into account. So I try to be as broad and inclusive as possible. Normally.

This time though… I got a little selfish. Yikes, I just typed that out loud! But here is my thinking on that… we truly do need to fill our cups. And guys… my cup is just about feeling empty. This last year has been so trying. I thought fighting cancer was hard. And it was, but it was somehow different. It was my only job. I was laser focused on that, and caring for Austin. Everything else was eventually done, but there wasn’t a sense of urgency.

Since my knee replacement it’s been a battle to walk, and work (with deadlines no less)… and feel like a productive part of this household. Keeping it up, and clean and feeling like I’m contributing, all while trying daily to make it a priority to give myself grace (which is not easy!) and to be kind to myself and not let depression sneak in. I’m mentally exhausted. And my poor body is trying it’s best, but rest is essential right now. I have to do a lot of stopping and elevating. Which I fight, because I’m at heart a pusher and a doer. 

So I thought to myself, why not make a nice spot for me to enjoy the coming seasons and my favorite time of year? I feel like I missed so much last year with my recovery, and I plan on soaking in every petal and bloom! As soon as the nurseries open and I can buy some goodies to plant! So far the flowers have been illusive. So I’m pretending with faux for today’s post.

So in the spirit of self care… 

I bought myself a new egg chair.

It’s like a garden throne. I can’t wait to be surrounded by all my plants. I often use this deck for breakfast and I plan to take some nice leisure time out here on warm Spring mornings and breezy Summer afternoons! And it’ll be a comfy spot to stop and sit when I deadhead my plants and flowers, or I’m out here hand watering. 

We’ve got the two lower decks where our big outdoor sectional, the fire pit, Adirondack chairs and our dining set are located, and no one every sits up here when we’ve got a crowd… so I figured why not claim this and kind of make it mine? I plan to add two smaller scale chairs up here in case Jimmy & Austin want to join me, as soon as I get them cleaned up and freshly spray painted!

And I’m on the hunt for a weather proof occasional table. I love my little electrical spool but it won’t hold up to Spring showers and gusty winds, and we’ve got both coming for sure! There were big plans to add some of the cafe lights up here but… in true Pacific Northwest fashion, it went from bright and sunny — to sprinkling as I was finishing grabbing pictures for you guys! So my styling and fun were cut short. 

I didn’t even get to wait for twilight to show you the lanterns lit up.

These are the best battery operated candle lanterns I’ve ever had — the candles stay white looking when turned on, instead of that super golden yellow color. And, they flicker. I just love them. And you can use them indoors or out, and the whole candle section comes out in case you want to use real ones, or add a vase and fill them with stems or blooms! You know how much I love… let me hear it ladies! “Versatile”.

Lastly, I grabbed a new indoor outdoor rug in a classic B&W stripe. It’s so nice to be able to add on to the things I’ve been collecting over that last few seasons. It’s a perfect match to my black & white Ibiza stripe umbrella. Which I forgot to pull out, darn it!

I like being able to slowly build, because I can’t always afford everything at once, but it all coordinates! It’s easy on the feet too. I love to be barefoot, but we have a wood deck and this allows me to have worry free naked feet. Also, it’s bigger than my old one. I actually might switch and try this BIG one down on the lower deck since it’s a larger space. It’s super light and very easy to move around. Love that they roll up tight and are easy to store over Winter too. 

There is still time for the finishing touches though, that’s the great part about getting things cleaned up and starting early. 

Want to create your own little outdoor oasis too? 

Might I suggest:

• A comfy spot to sit, the more cushions the better in my opinion!

• A place to prop up your feet. This encourages relaxing & lingering. Provides more room for a pet in your lap as well. Also encourages lingering. (wink wink)

• A light blanket or throw to case away early morning or evening chills.

• A stable flat surface: perfect for setting down your phone and really taking in your surroundings. Also good for snacks, wine, water, a good book or magazine!

• As many plants & flowers as you can can manage!

• Lighting: in the form of outdoor lanterns, tabletop tikis and torches (citronella is often a good idea!), cafe lights and solar powered accessories. 

• A water feature would be lovely if you can swing it. 

• Music if you can! Otherwise, you can let the birdies chirp for you. 

— What would you need in a little outdoor oasis of yours? 

I hope you enjoyed today’s project! I don’t do much that’s just for me. I’m very frugal and skip so many indulgences in favor of saving for our future and living a debt free life. But I’m learning that sometimes, it’s okay to do something nice for yourself. It can even be a very healthy thing. I hope you take the time to offer yourself care and kindness, however that looks to you. Blessings, Shannon

PS: I have a bone scan tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll have some kind of update to share soon. Not having any real news is why I have not shared my progress as I’d promised to do before my surgery. Not because I’m trying to be mysterious or secretive. lol. You guys know I’m an open book. 

I’m thrilled to continue being a part of the Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart team! I’ve been shopping the line at Walmart in-store and online for years now, sharing my personal picks, and how I use them here in our home as well as down at The Little Cottage. I’ve had so much fun making my selections and styling them up, and sharing them, and I love that you all seem to love it too! The quality & style of Better Homes & Gardens paired with the affordability and accessibility of Walmart is so perfect! I’m always extra excited to share these sponsored projects with you. As always, I’ll link to each product at the bottom of the post for your shopping convenience. Some links may be affiliate, that means I may make a very small commission to help offset the costs of running my site if you choose to buy something, but you’ll never pay a penny more for it.

SOURCES:

• Better Homes & Gardens Ventura Outdoor Egg Chair  [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Ibiza Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug  [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Ibiza Stripe Umbrella [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens White Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Lantern 8 inch  [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens White Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Lantern 10 inch  [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens It’s So Good To Be Home Pillow [click here]

• Better Homes & Gardens Fringe Throw, sold out

If an item isn’t listed here, please inquire in the comments and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

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Get ready & excited for Spring & Summer with even more inspiration. And room for a crowd! 

• My favorite, versatile (and best priced!) outdoor sectional [click here]

• Outdoor Prep – extras, lighting & easy entertaining ideas [click here]

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