Life in Focus

Backyard Spaces

Have you started planning for or working on your backyard spaces yet?

In the midst of our very unpredictable Spring that we're having, I'm doing a lot of day dreaming and planning for our backyard spaces. As I write this, I can hear the birds singing outside my window while snow and sleet are raining down on them. Seriously. So, while we wait..and wait..and wait...I'm coming up with a plan for backyard beauty...and to fight the Springtime blahs.

Last weekend, we got out to my favorite local nursery and just enjoyed the color and fragrant air of the beautiful flowers and plants. It was so inspiring and although we didn't plan on buying anything that day, we just couldn't resist the cold weather tolerant (and very vibrant) pansies along with a couple of lettuce and broccoli plants for our veggie garden. So, now they sit and wait with me on a temporary potting bench that I set up in the garage.

In addition to our butterfly/hummingbird and veggie gardens that we established last year, I'm planning a lavender garden that I'm so excited about! I would love to have enough lavender to dry and use for gifts, so we'll see if I can make that happen.

I enjoy having lots of different spaces in the yard that pull us out to explore, relax, and appreciate...places that literally give a reason to step outside. I found this as a great resource to get super cool ideas for creative backyard spaces. I love so many of the ideas and can't wait to get started!

For now, I'll keep day dreaming, planning, collecting ideas, and...oh yeah...wearing my winter coat!

Wishing you an inspired (and warm) Wednesday!

Inspired Spaces :: The Garden

I've been thinking a lot about my word for this year and how it has helped me consciously live a happier, more energetic and creative life.  I now look for this inspiration in my daily routine and have been working on surrounding myself with those things that speak to me, fill me up, and make me happy. Ultimately, I want to come home to inspiration every time I walk in the door...even when the laundry is piled high and the dishes are dirty. All of this has translated to different areas of my home that I call "Inspired Spaces".  Periodically, I'll be sharing glimpses of these spaces that I've created on my blog and would love to hear about your inspired spaces too!

Our 1st summer vacation weekend was spent watching fireworks, eating ice cream, and digging in the dirt creating our very special inspiration garden. 

We wait all year through changing seasons including very cold, stark winters to see this space come alive again with vibrant colors, sweet smells, and singing birds.  I love to see how it changes from year to year and also how it remains the same. At the end of an active summer day, it's where I usually find myself sitting with a cold drink while I soak up the inspiration and energy this little garden provides.

It doesn't take a lot of space to enjoy this touchstone to nature.  A simple pot with colorful flowers and a special adornment that you find at a flea market will do.  To sit by it daily and feel grateful is good for the soul and highly recommended!

I hope you enjoy an inspired Tuesday!