I am still getting back into the swing of things--my email is haunting me right now--while trying to soak up time with my little family before Chris leaves for his campout on Wednesday. June is a crazy month here. Especially since we have a handful of unfinished projects looming over us, too. With so much to do and, frankly, little motivation to do them, we were looking for a little fire to get us going. And then we thought, "Party!"
Every year, when we have our Halloween party, we run around here frantically finishing projects in record time. Last year we overhauled our laundry room and DIYed the paneling in the living room and the fauxdenza, all in just two weeks thanks to the party we were throwing. It's great motivation for us with an excellent reward at the end for all of our hard work. So, in the spirit of summer--we have decided to throw an outdoor movie party (shocker--so hip right now) August 2nd to not only get as many outdoor projects checked off as possible, but also because we love a good party with friends and neighbors. The original plan was to do it in July, but camps, reunions, and business trips are dotted throughout June and July and outdoor projects take a little more time than indoor ones--so August it is.
Before we can sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie on the outdoor big screen, we plan to:
- Build a Pergola over the patio.
- Excavate the garden area and plant--like ASAP
- Move the shed from the driveway to the backyard where we're pretty sure it used to be.
- Furnish the patio.
- Rearrange siding and move the patio light up higher.
- Take up all of the weeds along the side of the house and fill in with pretty plants.
- Remove grass along back fence and plant something to disguise it--Hydrangeas?
- Plant something in the front yard where we removed rose bushes. (dwarf maple tree, decorative grasses, etc.)
- Overseed the grass to choke out the remainder of weeds. (We've already come a long way in the weeded grass department!)
- Mulch the front flower and tree beds.
- Touch up the paint on the front door. (Boo.)
- Bonus--Replace patio door/dog door. (There are spaces where hot air and bugs are getting in).
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Wow I really miss the outdoors. I miss camping. You sure have a lot of projects to make. I just finished furnishing our patio this week and that’s only a single project compared to your long list of projects there, but I am already starting to complain. Procrastination is really my worst enemy when it comes to finishing projects. In 6 weeks, it is possible to finish all the projects you have listed though, with focus and hard work.
Dude, that is the best way to get projects finished! Love it. I'd also love to hear more about overseeding the grass...We have really weedy grass, but don't want to put chemicals all over it.
I'm in! and don't worry about cleaning the house before I get there. I just weeded for 5 hours today - started at 7 am and done at noon. I'm "perty" much an expert at weeding and mulching.
mom
Parties are excellent motivation! We always get a ton done then too! Good luck!
I will come pull weeds. Kole is great at it.
And I'm pretty sure you and me can move the shed ourselves too.
I would recommend growing nasturtium. Not only are they colorful and beautiful flowers but they are edible. The flowers have a peppery taste and the best part if you like spicy food are the leaves. They are great mixed in with a salad to add a real spicy kick.
Just googled it. Sounds promising. Thanks, Nick!
Girls camp is magical. my best memories as a girl growing up was always girls camp. and while I'm sure it is definitely different dealing with the drama/adult side of it is hard, but so worth it to see testimonies begin and blossom. What an experience and privilege to be apart of it. BUT--I know you're relieved it's over and you can move on to the next phase in your life!
I can't wait to see your backyard transform! and a summer party sounds so amazing right now. Um--we need to make some friends, stat!
Yes. It is bitter sweet to move on. I will miss the girls and the experience, but there is so much to focus my attention on. Fly out!
Sounds like fun! But please, please, please educate yourself about the environmental impact of releasing balloons into the atmosphere!!
http://balloonsblow.org/
Unfortunately I wasn't in charge of the balloon release--those are some horrible stats I am sure a lot of people, myself included, don't think about.
I thought the same thing about the balloons...yikes. :(
Get togethers are how we clean best :)
Fun! Parties are such great motivation! My biggest motivator is when people are planning to come visit - a party sounds similar but more customizable since you can set the date!
We invited my parents to come and visit BEFORE the party to help with the prep--which means I will be crazy cleaning the inside of my house too. Hahahaha.