If you live in a part of the world where summer evenings are in the 70-degree range, mild breezes are de rigueur, and humidity is at a solid zero percent then I am in completely and total envy. Because that is my summer dream, to work (or play) the day away and relax into a backyard oasis with perfect weather in the evenings. My current backyard is basically the size of two postage stamps next to one another, so I’ve resorted to creating a virtual oasis to satiate my longings. Outdoor Trunk is just the place to shop for such outdoor necessities, so i dug in and found some pieces I love that would make any backyard a dream.
I dream of owning a hammock some day soon, so I’m completely envious that you have the chance to win what is possibly the most relaxing piece of outdoor furniture to ever exist. And what summer is worth anything without a great BBQ set to assist with some solid grilling? That’s right, none. Enter to win both from Outdoor Trunk and then report back with how awesome they are when you win!
When all you have with you is a bathing suit and some sunnies to state your style, a beach towel can make all the difference. This summer I’m noticing tons of bold graphic options everywhere that pack a punch of color on top of it all. I haven’t made a choice yet, but think I need to soon now that summer is officially here!
One of my favorite makers carried in Design Crush: The Marketplace is Tina Frey Designs. What at first appears to be glass is actually cast resin from Tina’s hand-sculpted pieces that she makes in San Francisco. The forms of her work are inspired by organic forms found in nature as well as objects found in worldwide travels, while the colors come from translucent popsicles, candies, and jellybeans. No wonder each piece looks so delicious!
After silently stalking some Instagram friends for the past few summers, I can finally admit my obsession with stock tank pools. They’re exactly what they sound and look like – stock tanks meant for farms that can be filled and collect rain water. Once they’re brimming with H2O you can not only use their holdings to hydrate your garden and flowerbeds, you can also jump in for a nice soak! (They also make a fantastic emergency source of water.) The industrial look is really appealing to me as well as their utilitarian purpose. Some people install rudimentary filter systems, while others just let them go on their own. Stock tanks come in a variety of sizes and are relatively affordable. Seems like getting a pool just got a lot closer within reach. (You can also turn them into hot tubs!)
I’ve been mildly obsessed with rugs lately, mainly because I own four small ones at the moment and plan on needing more once I move. (Pleassssse, hardwood gods be with me!) kinder GROUND is an innovative system that turns everyone into designers with their modular carpeting. By deconstructing traditional shapes and sizes, they invite everyone to get in on the fun of creating colorful floor coverings. Choose from 37 styles of hexagons, triangles, and diamonds that show off a love of geometry and mid-century modern design.
Yesterday I shared two of my favorite summery activities with Kohl’s #DestinationSummer, and today I’m going to talk a little bit about the simple food we pulled together for our sunset picnic. I mentioned yesterday that I think simple is key – there wasn’t even any cooking involved in this spread. Summer is the best time to take advantage of the fruits and vegetables that are everywhere and so cheap and delicious and can be eaten by the handful.
I started by slicing up some pretty radishes and lightly sprinkling them with sea salt. Then I added some water crackers and butter to a platter for layering and devouring along with a ripe and ready tomato.
This is one of my favorite new afternoon snacks, sliced pink lady apples drizzled with honey. So deceptively plain Jane, but this platter emptied faster than anything else and for a good reason. They’re addictive!
Infusing water is nothing new, but I love experimenting with different flavor combinations that get me to drink more H2O. Another recent favorite is this combo of sparkling citrus water, strawberries, and lemon. I like to add so much fruit that you get a little snack at the bottom of your cup. Add some gin or vodka with a little simple syrup to the mix and kick things up a notch even.
Finish off the menu with a bowl of Rainier cherries and slivered almonds and you’re set. That’s the best part about a picnic, it doesn’t have to be a fancy choreographed affair, just set out the things you like and let the company carry the rest.
Thanks for joining us in Oklahoma City – the next stop on #DestinationSummer is Boise, Idaho with Kirsten Grove of Simply Grove! (If you don’t know her and her style already, you’re gonna love her. Promise.)
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Kohl’s. All words and opinions are my own as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!
Welcome to the Oklahoma City stop on Kohl’s #DestinationSummer virtual road trip across the USA! As someone who works long hours and has a difficult time stepping away from her inbox, I love the idea of exploring the reaches of your own town and taking full advantage of what’s right at your fingertips! While I love traveling there’s something to be said for sticking to a budget and ending the day in your own bed. Ahhh on all counts.
Oklahoma summers get hot, and they get hot fast. I’m most definitely an indoor girl at heart, so my warm weather excursions happen either early or late in the day. Avoiding triple digits is key to my summer survival! I love taking my dogs Piper and Bebe for walks, and one of our favorite places to stroll in the morning is along the paths around Lake Hefner. The lake is a fast five minutes from my house and boasts bike paths, trails, and plenty of space for kite flying. Even on the rare dreary day it’s still booming.
I like to grab a big tote and stuff it with a few toys, water for both of us, and maaaybe some snacks (for me). The dogs are generally way too busy smelling everything and eyeing up other pups to pay much attention to the toys, but it makes me feel like an overachieving dog mom so I do it anyway. (Anything for bonus points!)
Low-key outdoor evenings spent with friends are one of my favorite things about summer life, add some delicious small bites and I’m on cloud nine! It’s the perfect time to throw on a sundress and pull together a fast picnic with your favorite people. A tablecloth stands in for a picnic blanket, melamine cups and plates make great sense for the outdoors, now just add in a few throw pillows for comfortable lounging and you’ve created something special.
Starting your picnic at sunset is a stroke of genius, if I say so myself. Everyone is much more relaxed and the slow and quiet slide of the sun below the horizon lends the most beautiful mood lighting that money could never buy.
I like keeping the food small and the drinks simple. Platters are great to pile with fresh fruits and vegetables to nibble as you chat away the night. Check back in tomorrow because I’m going to share some of the small, simple food we pulled together for this particular picnic with my friend Ali!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Kohl’s, however all words and opinions are my own as always. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!
