{Fun Outdoor Decor}

With all of this gorgeous warm weather we are having, my family and I are finding ourselves outside more. My outdoor space needs some work. {Seriously} If I said it was "sub-par," that would be too kind. Hubby and I have been looking for a new patio set for two years now and no luck. So recently I've tried looking at other outdoor spaces to find a little inspiration. I thought you may like to see some inspiring outdoor spaces as well...Here are a few that got me jazzed.

I love how this furniture is painted in different colors, but because they are all subdued and centered around a neutral table it works. I love the candelabra with the funky candles too...

I love this wicker furniture painted in fun patterns. It just screams summer, fun & ease to me...

Mmmmm. It doesn't get much better than a hammock does it? I love the paper lanterns and colorful pillows. It looks ready for someone to just plop down and stay a while...

Outdoor spaces need a few accessories too and I love this glass lantern...

I hope you enjoyed some of the things that inspired me. If you're looking to update your outdoor space, or would like to see other suggestions like these, visit Better Homes & Gardens.

Kacey R.

teen driving safety

june 1-7 is national teen driving safety month...

according to the national safety council, traffic crashes are the number one cause of teen deaths. the top factors contributing to those deaths, inexperience, speeding, cell phone use, texting and alcohol. here are a few tips to help you keep yourself aware and your teen safe...

require your teen to wear a seat belt and be prepared to bring down tough punishment for breaking the rule. seat belts are the single best injury preventer available.

seems like a no brainer, but NO cell phones while driving. eliminate as many distractions as possible...so make your teen aware of radio surfing and playlist changes on the iPod...and how that takes their eyes and mind off the road.

take your happy pills...and spend time, lots of time, with your kid driving. experience is priceless. and practicing in the real world with real situations will provide your teen with invaluable experience to handle situations. experience is a skill builder.

set a zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use and decide before the drivers license what the punishment will be and make it very clear.

know who your teen driver is planning on taking along and keep the numbers low. the more people in the car, the higher the incidence of distraction and thus, the more accident occurrence.

set a curfew...and stick to it. teens driving at night with passengers are 4 to 5 times more likely to crash than those driving alone during the day.

and finally, do what you say and say what you do. your example speaks far louder than your words.

danyele @ a thorn among roses

father's day treats

father's day is just around the corner...and it's time to start thinking about fun and useful gifts for dad.

a handmade, leather key chain...for the "first man i loved". tell me that won't break daddy's heart!! {leather made nice on etsy}

rock star cufflinks just about say it all...and they are super fun and handmade.
from eternally linked on etsy {$36}

does dad have golf on the mind and you just can't find it in you to get him one more set of golf balls? how about some super fun flip flops...$39 {amazon}

dad have a sense of humor...well, this cowboy-esque drink holster is fun for parties, tailgates or for when dad's grilling...and i bet he doesn't have this one already! {red envelope}

a kindle is the hot, new item! read just about anything on the fly...newspapers, journals, books...and it's hip. ($359 at amazon)

sizzle it up in style with this grilling branding iron for dad...it will bring out the inner cowboy in him, and you can just sit back and enjoy the fruits of his grilling labor.

danyele @ a thorn among roses

grilling tips

the summer is here...and the grills are a smoking!

here are a few grilling tips to live by according to our fab miss martha stewart and martha stewart living...

• bring steaks and pork chops to room temperature before grilling them. keep fish and chicken refrigerated.
• season foods generously on BOTH sides with fresh salt and pepper {and seasonings of your choice}.
• preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• when searing foods, always keep the lid open.
• don't flip food often or move it around...it makes the flames flare up and chars your food.
• let steaks, chops and chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving {grilling is exhausting}.

grab that "kiss the cook apron and grill it up!!
danyele@ a thorn among roses

{Outdoor Living}

I've been wanting to spruce up our outdoor area. And while I will be on a major budget just tweaking here and there, it sure is fun to dream a little isn't it? I actually found these pieces in an unlikely (to me) place. Wal-Mart. Yes, you read right: Wal-Mart. Ladies & Gents, let me tell you good ole Wally World is stepping up their game. And with Site to Store Free shipping how can you go wrong?!

Here are a few pieces that I think would make someones outdoor area simply divine...

This DayBed looks perfect for lounging....

Throw this candle filled screen behind it to create a little lighting for that book you'll be reading into the evening...

Then pick up a few of these Hurricane Candle Holders - on CLEARANCE - for $9.00!

To put on this lovely little coffee table. Which will also be holding all of my snacks and drinks...

If you're looking to update your outdoor space, don't be afraid to look at Wal-Mart. They really do offer some really great pieces. I'll have a few more outdoor decor ideas coming your way soon, so stay tuned. Until then, swing on by my blog and see what else I'm up to!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Kacey R.

devo anyone??

want a quick and fulfilling daily devotional?

our daily bread is bible based and pertinent to our everyday lives...and you can read it online, download it to your PDA, listen to it online or even go old school and order a free devo book that they will mail.

another great resource available online that my hubs and i have used for years, is the oswald chambers devo, my utmost for his highest...you can read a few of these HERE.

if you have a fav christian author, like max lucado or beth moore, many of them have their own websites that you can read devos there too...go spend some time in god's word. find some renewed strength.

danyele @ a thorn among roses

Living a Colorful Life

Add a few colorful plates to your walls.

Set your table with colorful dinnerware

Brighten any room with a colorful lamp

Add a Colorful Chair to your room.

Bring a little color into your life!

xoxo, Cathleen

designbycathleen.blogspot.com/