Backyard Simple

 http://pinterest.com/pin/104568022567495571/

Thanks for getting to know the ladies of LH a litle better this week.  Here are some tid bits about me, Seana!

1.) Would you rather live in Narnia, Hogwarts, Middle Earth, or Neverland?

I am a big believer in magic, Hogwarts here I come!

2.) Who was the last person you hugged?
My son, he gives the best hugs, you can literally feel the love coming off of him

3.)You have a ticket in your hand, where is it going to take you?
That's easy, I'm going to Forks Washington to see the rain forest.  That area has to be the most beautiful place, and so peaceful. I want to experience the sound of the waterfalls, the birds, and see all that green for myself.  It's a place I would like to take my family, to do some family things hiking, fishing, and visit the Quileute Reservation for a drum circle. It's also a place I would like to visit with my three girls, Deirdre, Christine and Tamar, to experience all things Twilight.

4.)Who is one blogger you know you'd be BFF's with in real life?
Mastin Kipp, no doubt!  That man does not even know me, but each day when I read The Daily Love, it's like he is emailing me directly.  We would have lots to talk about, as I am on the path, have learned a lot, but still looking for guidance.

5.) What is your favorite animal and why?
Dogs.  I have two rescued dogs from Puerto Rico, they have forever changed my life.  They are inspiring.  They give love so absolutely unconditionally.  They are always here when I need a hug, they seem to really understand what I am saying, they never criticize or judge.  Just absolutely beautiful souls.

6.) First job?
Papa Gino's! That was a fun time, met one of my BFF's Melanie there when I was 15.  Still love her today after 23 years.

7.) Any tattoos?
Nope.  I have seen some really great art work but I'm too chicken to do it myself.

8.) Toughest challenge and what you learned from it?
Being a mom.  This has been a real struggle for  me.  I came into it with absolutely no skills what so ever, and a belief that I would never be good enough.  But I learned that no matter how not perfect I believe myself to be, my babies still love me any way.  Love rocks!

9.)What activities keep you centered?
Honestly this is a daily struggle for me. I often feel frustrated, overwhelmed and stressed out. so I'm still sort of trying to figure this one out as I go.  But sitting with my back against a tree, taking deep breaths, doing things around the house, laundry, dishes, etc, seem to help.  The best though, is snuggling up to read with my kids, so comforting.

10.) Ten years from today, you will be?
In the best health of my life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I will be living my dreams and loving life with my family and friends. I will be doing things to help others who are struggling as I have.


Now onto my fave kind of party! Backyard simple.

http://pinterest.com/pin/104356916335552475/


I really like to keep things simple.  I used to get crazy and go overboard with everything when it came to throwing parties.  If it wasn't like the perfect vision I had in my mind, I would be devastated.  Then I realized that get togethers are really about enjoying the company of the people you are with.  I am also not a fan of creating more waste, or spending tons of time cleaning up. 

So I like the basic, summer pool party.  You can use real table clothes and napkins that you can just launder after. Real dishes and utensils that can be washed in the dishwasher.  Serving fresh fruits and veggies, salads, cooking on the grill, and even asking everyone to bring a dish helps.  This way set up and clean up is easy.  You haven't spent tons of time cooking and setting up, and you haven't spent a lot of money on disposable items. Yes, the cloth variety can cost some dollars, but you can check the local thrift store, Christmas Tree shops, etc, for some good deals.  They will certainly pay for themselves in no time.

http://pinterest.com/pin/266275396688380308/




You can jazz up your table settings with fresh flowers that you picked, a bowl of water with a floating candle, or a lantern.  It doesn't have to be expensive. I think simple is actually more elegant.  You can use plain white Christmas tree lights for decorating your backyard.  You can put these on everything, trees, shrubs, tables, or pool fences. You probably even have these just lying around in the garage, basement, or attic.

http://pinterest.com/pin/104356916335590404/



The kids can run around outside, swim in the pool, squirt each other with water, swing or slide,  it's cheap entertainment.  I would show you pics of my back yard but it's not exactly ready for a summer party yet.  So Enjoy these lovely shots from pinterest, there are lots of great ideas there.

There are no limits to what you can celebrate in your back yard, what about a movie party? Twilight marathon anyone?

http://homedesign.marthastewart.com/2011/07/8276.html


Please forgive any errors in this post, I wrote it while my son was on my lap, constantly asking in my ear, if we can plant the terrarium my mom sent him yesterday. LOL!


        What will you be celebrating in your back yard this summer, any good ideas, please share!

                                                                 Seana