Hi there! It has been an absolute WHIRLWIND trip for me, and I’m barely able to keep up. Thankfully, Jenny from Evolution of Style is here to help me out! She has a impeccable taste, a beautiful home, and great ideas! I know you’ll love her just as much as I do! Enjoy!
Hello JaG readers!
My name is Jenny, and I’m from Evolution of Style. I’m so thrilled and flattered to be guest posting today, as I’m a huge fan of Chris’ blog, and have been for years.
With summer in full swing, we’re all spending more time outside, so why not make sure your outdoor spaces are as pretty as your indoor spaces? And no, it doesn’t need to break the bank! I think the key is spending money on investment pieces, and then bringing in some thrifty finds to complement them.
Let me illustrate.
These adirondack chairs greet you as you approach our front door. They were a serious score at Goodwill and I originally painted them white. Recently, I freshened them up with some glossy black paint.
I challenge you to resist the adirondack chairs. So classic and timeless.
Our back porch is a great spot for outdoor entertaining, and I’ve pulled it together with a mix of investment pieces, as well as some great thrifty finds. I found our outdoor furniture at Joss & Main. While we did spend some money on them, it was still far less expensive than what I’ve seen in stores. So, still, a great deal.
The potting bench was a major Craigslist score – $50! I spruced it up with some paint, and removed the original sliding doors to add the made-by-me-cafe-style curtains that disguise the shelves that serve as extra storage.
This is what it looked like before – great bones with lots of potential!
This side table was a yard sale find for $10. I sanded it down and restained it in a deep, rich stain, and it now provides another place to rest a drink or a book, while chilling outside.
The pillows are from Frontgate Outlet. I love the pattern and the little bit of punch that they add out here.
I have mason jars filled with sand and tea lights that are great when you’re sitting outside with friends and need a little extra light without attracting a bunch of bugs.
Now, you can’t have an outdoor party without some easy outdoor appetizers, right? Summer is all about keeping things fresh and light, and this delicious dip hits the mark perfectly. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and the best part is that it’s quick and easy! It’s great with chips, or add it to some grilled chicken as a healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
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1 can steam crisp white corn (I used Mexican corn because it’s all I had on hand, and it works too)
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1 can of black beans
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1 jar of salsa
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lime juice
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 diced avocado
Rinse and drain black beans. In medium sized bowl combine black beans, white corn and salsa. Squeeze 1-2 tsp. lime juice and mix. Add chopped cilantro and diced avocado to taste. Serve and enjoy!
Thanks again to Chris for asking me to guest post! I hope you’ll stop by and pay me a visit at Evolution of Style!
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When I was in college, I found a pink adirondack chair at Goodwill once (and a little table to go along with it) but I never ever thought of painting it a different color. The plastic got pretty dirty, and I didn’t bring it home from college with me. Now I wish I had – I love your idea of painting a chair and making it look brand new! LOVE your curtains disguising the storage space. Really, this looks like the inside of a house, and not the outside. A space you’ll enjoy. Thanks for the tips and ideas here! You’ve inspired me to try harder on Craigslist… with your lovely finds.