Backyard Movie Night
Embrace these warm summer nights by throwing a whimsical movie night under the stars. Gather your friends, family, your favorite flick and recreate the magic of a drive-in movie in your own backyard. See how my mom and I set up a movie night in her backyard. Here are a few tips and ideas we would like to share to make your cinema soiree one to remember.
What you’ll need:
Video Projector
Speakers
Screen (we used a white sheet)
Laptop
USB
Movie
Blankets, Pillows, Cushions, Chairs
Refreshments
Décor
If you do not own a projector, rent or borrow one from a friend. Connect your laptop to the projector and plug the speakers into your headphone jack of the laptop. Put in the feature film and make sure to do a test run before your guests arrive.
Keep it cozy by adding soft vintage quilts, blankets and comfy cushions or pillows for your guests to stretch out on. Create makeshift tables with old wooden crates and top them with candles and fresh flowers. Set the mood by adding string lights and use a fun chalkboard to display show-time details. Use a screen or pin a sheet to your garage or shed.
Of course, no movie night is complete without popcorn and refreshments. Make your own popcorn bar by adding mix-ins like, candy and pretzels. You could also make coke floats or hotdogs. There are no rules! Don’t forget your candy classics like, milk duds and licorice. Fill a galvanized bucket with ice and fun drinks. We found these cute old-fashioned soda pops at Big Lots.
There are many ways you can make this your own. Be sure to add a backyard movie night to your summer bucket list for something fun that the whole family will love.
An Eclectically Vintage Home Tour
{The Whitleys}
This month’s home tour is one that is very near and dear to my heart. See how my best friends, Hunter and Presley Whitley transform a metal storage building into a cozy abode that is every bit as functional as it is charming.
Presley is a Speech Pathologist at Pinecrest Retirement Community and Hunter is the owner of 217 Construction. Hunter designed and built this darling home from scratch, while Presley decorated it to perfection. All under a tin metal roof, this jewel of a first home packs in a full kitchen, living room, sleeping quarters, bathroom and a laundry space while still managing to seem airy and spacious.
You may have noticed that the “tiny home” lifestyle is growing in popularity as people are becoming more aware of living a simpler life. To the Whitley’s a home isn’t about size or cost, but being with the ones that they love most. They share their home with 2 precious pups, Case and Brazos. The Whitley’s enjoy spending time outdoors and grilling on the back porch. When asked what their favorite room is, they both agree on the kitchen. They say it is the heart of their home & have spent many hours sitting around their farmhouse table visiting with friends.
Presley and I are kindred spirits. We’ve never met a flea market we don’t like. She loves to decorate with one of a kind design pieces like repurposed antiques, collectibles and architectural salvage that she picks up at antique stores and flea markets. Thoughtful collections fill their home with love and character. From antique quilts, vintage enamelware and chippy furniture to vinyl records that they spend their evenings singing along to. Red school lockers that are used as a pantry and a café-like coffee station are some of the many unexpected surprises. In the kitchen, a rusty metal tire sign hangs above an antique pastel yellow farmhouse sink. Functional open shelving lined with yellow and turquoise dishes highlights a cheerful bead board accent wall. A white farmhouse table with mismatched metal chairs that Presley found in Round Top is topped with an industrial succulent arrangement. An antique dental cabinet displays their teal green record player. A vintage EmmyLou Harris concert poster they scored in Nashville hangs under a set of Hunter’s deer antlers, while a salvaged rake serves as a key & coat hanger.
When asked what their favorite junking find is, Presley’s eyes light up as she answers, “definitely the red lockers, but I can’t take credit for finding them because they were a gift from my grandmother. I love the industrial feel that they give to our kitchen. I also love our farmhouse table because it was such a sporadic find that was exactly what I had been searching for.”
Hunter adds details like rich wooden beams, exposed air ducts, and large windows that let in beautiful natural sunlight. A mix of old and new are pulled together effortlessly in the bedroom. I love how the Whitley’s use old maps, photos & family heirlooms to decorate their shiplap walls. It seems like every corner is filled with clever details that make the house feel so warm and inviting. Presley’s secret? Putting unexpected pieces to use and using vintage finds to add character. She always has candles burning and fresh flowers to create cozy warmth. Her design inspiration comes from her grandmother and mom, who also use quirky vintage pieces to add charm to their farmhouse style homes. She would describe her design style as “flea market eclectic.” She loves all things chippy & worn. “It is all about telling a story.”
If you are interested in learning more about creating your own metal building home or craftsman home please contact Hunter. The Whitley’s would love to design your home and make it as cozy as theirs.
Hunter Whitley – 217 Construction
Phone: (936) 671-9320
Email: hunterwhitley217@yahoo.com
The Dean Sisters
Spring Awakenings
Just a little spring happiness for this dreary April day:)
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Gone Glamping
I wrote a glamping article for Charm Magazine’s April issue. I thought I would share it on my blog as well, so here ya go:)
GONE GLAMPING
If spending a weekend “Glamping” isn’t on your bucket list, then it definitely should be. Combine sleeping under the stars with the amenities of a fancy schmancy hotel room & what do you get? GLAMPING- aka “Glamour camping.” This describes a lux style of camping that allows you to experience all the things we adore about camping & being outdoors without all of the hassles. Imagine sitting around a campfire with friends & waking up to the sounds of nature without having to worry about pitching a tent or sleeping on the hard ground. Escape the ordinary hotels & fall in love with these whimsical glamping get-aways located right here in Texas.
GREEN ACRES
Green Acres is a unique boutique retreat located in the quiet countryside of Elgin, Texas just 30 minutes outside Austin. It is run by a creative husband & wife duo. They offer glamping style yurts with a mid century modern, rustic vibe. The retreat also includes full access to a communal vintage barn with a farmhouse table, a modern bathhouse, walking trails, farm animals, fire pit, and hammocks. Whether you want to unwind or be adventurous, this is definitely the place for you.
www.greenacresatx.com
FREE SPIRIT FARMHOUSE GLAMPSITE
This one wasn’t in the magazine article because I found it too late, but I just had to add it to the list! I found it through a friend who stayed there & I am completely in LOVE. Free Spirit Farmhouse is a lovely retreat that is only 3 miles from Enchanted Rock. I adore the bohemian eclectic farmhouse style. You will stay in a 14X16 canvas safari style tent that sleeps up to 8. Owners say that you will be able to see every star in the sky. And how cute is that bathtub!? I definitely plan on taking a girls trip to stay here soon! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10379049
EL COSMICO
I dream of taking an American road trip to Marfa, Texas & staying at El Cosmico, a 21 acre modern-day nomadic campground. Equipped with contemporary amenities and cool design elements, stay in a Sioux- style tepee, a Mongolian yurt, a safari tent or a renovated vintage trailer. Feel freedom in the wide-open spaces of the high plains desert & experience the culture of Marfa, Texas. This campground is designed perfectly for all wanderers and travelers who want to experience nature and the desert in an artsy way.
www.elcosmico.com
THE DIXIE DAISY
Do you daydream about taking a cross-country road trip in an airstream or remodeling a vintage camper? Check out this retro airstream that has been completely renovated to perfection. It is the perfect place for a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature. This cozy retreat is located along the banks of Smith Creek on 10 beautiful acres, just 3 miles from Wimberley. Owner says, “Grill up a yummy dinner with your honey and dine al fresco on the large deck, take a morning stroll along the creek, turn on the string lights for some mood lighting, take a dip in the hot tub, enjoy your morning shower under the trees in the private, spacious outdoor shower (room for two!), and end your day relaxing by the fire with an ice cold beer. This is the life!” Check out their site- they also have three amazing cozy cabins!
www.vacationwimberley.com
SAVANNAH’S MEADOW
Wander through the lavender farm & find a perfect spot for a picnic. Sleep in a cozy tree house with tree branches running straight through it. Located off the beaten path in Celeste, Texas, this is the perfect place to get away from the busyness of everyday life.
CYPRESS VALLEY CANOPY TOURS
Branch out this summer and stay in a magical eco friendly tree house just 30 miles outside Austin. Channel your inner child as you zip line through the cypress trees and climb into your tree house haven. Reconnect with nature as you wake up closer to the clouds and marvel at the scenic views. Nestled above a beautiful creek and waterfall, these tree houses are taking outdoor adventure to a new luxury. Experience nature in style with a romantic canopy bed, hammock, wrap around porch and waterfall-filled tub. They also offer romantic gift packages, perfect for anniversaries & special occasions. This is a great way to enjoy nature in an eco friendly way.
www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com
SINYA ON LONE MAN CREEK
Located 5.5 miles north of the quaint town of Wimberley, sits Sinya, a safari inspired glamping retreat designed perfectly for comfort and enjoying the great outdoors. The African constructed safari tent, named after an orphaned elephant, is perched atop a ridge overlooking Lone Man Creek. Far from roughing it, this getaway offers chic eco friendly amenities such as energy efficient air conditioning & heating, a king size bed with goose down pillows, and a century old claw foot tub. Spend your mornings sipping coffee in a hammock or exploring nearby hiking areas. Venture into Wimberley to swim at the Blue Hole Regional Park, eat some yummy grub, do some antique shopping, or tour local wineries. This retreat is a dream & what makes it even cooler- part of the business profits are donated to elephant and welfare charities.
We hope you get a chance to stay in one of these nomadic glamping retreats. Because now staying in ordinary hotels would be boring:)
Charm magazine
“You will meet many types of people in your life. You will meet delicate flowers, raging oceans, quiet forests, towering mountains and colorful skies. You will meet thunderstorms, you will meet lighting. They will knock you down, they will leave you breathless. You will meet sunrises, you will meet gardens. They will give you light, they will take you on adventures. Explore them. Get lost with them. They all have something different to teach you. – r.a.s”
I feel honored & privileged to work with East Texas’ local lifestyle magazine, Charm. I have met the most incredible group of people who inspire me to love & dream & live abundantly. They have been such a blessing to work with. To many more adventures!
A DIY Succulent Centerpiece
“I grow plants for many reasons; to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience. For novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy of seeing them grow.” – David Hobson
Although I’m not much of a green thumb, I adore flowers, plants, nature and watching things grow. There is certainly a grace about gardening that I can’t explain. Since I was a little girl, I watched my Mother & my Grandmother Pearl in their gardens & flower beds. They were so passionate, with their hands covered in dirt, eyes like the sun & hearts full of patience. They both looked as if they were one with nature. I thought it was one of the most beautiful things.
Today I am sharing a succulent centerpiece made from a galvanized chicken feeder that I found on one of my antiquing adventures. If you aren’t familiar with succulents, they are one of the coolest plants on earth! They are beautiful, interesting and low maintenance, needing very little water. I can’t think of a reason not to love them. Below I listed steps to making this awesome centerpiece. It would be amazing on a farmhouse table or used as wedding decor but let’s be real- it would be amazing anywhere;)
SUPPLIES:
*1 galvanized chicken feeder
*A variety of succulents
*Potting soil
*Rocks or sheet moss
*Electric drill (for drilling holes in the bottom of feeder for water drainage)
Step one:
Once you have your supplies, drill a couple of small holes in the bottom of your feeder so that water can drain.
Step two:
Fill the chicken feeder about 3/4 full of potting soil.
Step three:
Place succulents in the feeder, making sure there is enough soil around each plant. Top the soil with sheet moss.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
After you plant the succulents, water them until the soil is damp. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Set succulents in the sun for best results.
If you aren’t the “do it yourself” type, no worries. I am selling these! But note, quantity is very limited! Email me for more info:) Happy planting!
Valentine’s Day Round-Up
Hey loves! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I spent this beautiful Monday morning sipping my coffee, doing laundry, catching up on chores and browsing through some of my favorite blogs. I found so many lovely Valentine ideas. I thought I would share the cuteness with y’all. What are some ways that you going to let your special someone know they are loved this Valentines?
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How delicious do these DIY eclairs look from Camille Styles Blog?! Ahhhh!
I have a serious obsession with Anne Rifle Bond’s stationary brand, “Rifle Paper Co” and to me Valentine’s day screams florals. I would totally buy someone a gift just so I could use this precious wrapping paper!
These tassel balloons from Love Garlands on etsy are awesome!
These sea salt truffles from Lolli and Pops are to die for!! So is taking a trip to their candy store. I love the timeless vintage feel.
I don’t know about you, but buy me some pretty flowers and I will be your best friend forever. These peonies make me so happy! I’m also a sucker for rananculus. Image via pinterest.
Throw a beautiful valentine party for all your friends! Image via Magnolia Rouge.
Breakfast in bed anyone? Image via Pinterest.
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Loving this classic makeup look by Amanda Steele for valentines day.
I’m digging this eucalyptus heart wreath via The Earnest Home. It’s simple and pretty.
I am a sucker for stationary and cards! How fun are these designs from Belle and Union Co?! Even better, they are from TEXAS:)
Mail out some cute cards with these vintage stamps from Underwood Letterpress!
Heart nails? Okay!
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image via pinterest.
Check out this Valentines day gift box via Waffles and Honey!! Swooning over here!
Give your hubs this cute coupon for a free makeout sesh;)
It’s Valentines. Does that mean I can wear a flower crown and dye my hair pastel pink? Because, I totally will! Image via Ciara Richardson.
A Workout Playlist
Rev up your workout with this upbeat playlist!
