It’s Wednesday!
Today is also the MAY edition of LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). It’s often a random little assortment of topics.
In January, we looked at our coffee bar areas.
In February, we looked at our love languages.
In March, we looked at a perfect night in.
In April, we looked at our fridge and pantry.
And today, we’re looking at our OUTDOOR ORGANIZATION!
Over the years, Andrew and I have developed a rhythm about what’s considered “his area” and “my area” of the house…and I would say that for the most part, I handle the inside stuff and he handles most of the outside stuff. So, the daily chores of emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, tidying up, etc are all things I do and then watering the plants, picking up the dog poop (gross but true), taking care of all the yard maintenance/tree trimming/plant stuff is all him. (Side note: I feel like I am the winner here because I would much rather fold a load of laundry than have to figure out what perennial does best in heat and then buy said plant, put it in the ground, water it and make it sure it looks great.)
No one will be surprised that Andrew is a stickler about his yard looking nice.
And since he was raised on a farm, he still considers his “morning chores” part of his daily routine.
And since he’s so Type-A, our yard is pretty immaculate.
And if something ever happens to Andrew, I’m going to have to move right away as I would ruin the yard within the first week.
Here are some pics of things that Andrew does to keep the yard stuff “organized” and then below, I’m answering your questions from last week’s Yard Update post with other bits of info about our outdoor space.
We keep all of our pool “stuff” stored in this bin right here…
…we bought this bin at The Home Depot years ago, and it’s super durable and holds a ton…
…pool noodles, goggles, balls, water toys…all of that stuff goes inside.
We keep our sunscreen and bug spray…
…right here in this cabinet on the patio.
…see the cabinet back there under the ACK letters? That’s where it is! Speaking of which…
…our letters come from the Etsy shop Saw & Steel!
We store our towels and un-opened pool floats…
…here in our pool bath along with other sunscreen. I had someone ask me where I liked buying my pool/beach towels and my answer is always inexpensive places. We do have some cute monogramed Pottery Barn Kids towels, but for the most part, I like picking them up at Costco, Target, Walmart and places like that.
We buy…
…all of our pool floats (the bigger the better!) on Amazon 🙂 .
We also just bought…
…the most amazing pool noodles on Amazon too! We’ve had a bazillion noodles over the years, but these are our absolute fave!
So, that’s a little organization…
…last week, in my Yard Update post, many of you left questions about our outdoor space (and the big sliding door) that I said I would answer today.
WHERE DID YOU GET THE RED ADIRONDACK CHAIRS?
We are obsessed with those chairs!!! We’ve been buying them for several years at The Home Depot, and they’re very inexpensive! They are super comfy, they’re very light, they’re durable, they last a long time, the color stays vibrant even out in the heat, they’re easy to stack up…I could gush all day! They come in other colors, but red is our fave.
WHAT MATERIAL IS THAT AROUND YOUR POOL AND PATIO?
We have travertine around the pool and on the patio as the flooring!
HOW DO YOU CLEAN YOUR PATIO FURNITURE/TABLE?
We clean off the table, bar area, etc before we eat out there with our normal household spray cleaner and some paper towels. Super easy. After we eat, we wipe the table off and then Andrew always uses his outdoor blower to blow off any remaining crumbs. We have lots of rules about how kiddos cannot eat or drink on the white furniture…and we just kind of hope for the best. Was buying white patio furniture our brightest idea? Nope. We just really like the way it looks…so we’re hoping for the best!
WHERE IS YOUR PATIO FURNITURE FROM?
All of our patio furniture is from Restoration Hardware (the loungers, table, chairs, sofa…it’s all from there!)
DO BIRDS/BUGS/RODENTS/REPTILES COME IN WHEN THE BIG DOOR IS OPEN?
This was the #1 question from last week’s post and the answer is…right now, it’s not a problem, Other than the occasional fly, we can leave it open for several hours at night while we eat/grill/watch TV on the patio/enjoy the weather without any problems. We don’t leave it open and unattended and at some point, I assume the mosquitoes will start creeping there way up and we won’t be able to leave it open…but I have a feeling the heat will be the real reason why we stop opening it during the summer. Right now, I think we’re in the sweet spot for enjoying the weather and having the inside/outside space open.
WHAT SHRUBS ARE PLANTED THERE FOR PRIVACY?
They’re Emily Bruner Hollys and Live Oaks.
WHERE DID YOU BUY YOUR SWING-SET?
The brand is Gorilla Playsets!
HOW OFTEN DO YOU BRING YOUR CUSHIONS IN?
We bring them in during the fall, winter, early spring and store them stacked vertically in the garage on a high shelf area. When the weather starts to get nice mid-spring, we’ll bring them back out and then really, for the most part, we leave them there unless we know a big storm is coming and then, we’ll bring them up to the patio just during the storm.
WHAT KIND OF HEATERS DO YOU HAVE IN THE CEILING?
They’re Infratech!
So, that’s a bit about our outdoor yard and organization! Next month on Let’s Look…OUR SUMMER BUCKET LISTS!
If you blogged along with us today, don’t forget to link up at the bottom.
One last little thing…
…when we went to Mexico last week, I was so excited to use my Colleen Rothschild Discovery Kit! I’ve blogged about this before, but it’s travel-sized containers of her most popular products, and it was PERFECT for packing! It would also be perfect for trying out a variety of her products before committing to the larger sizes. Right now, she is having 25% off site-wide with code FAM25, so I wanted to let you know! This is not only my favorite skincare line, but my mom’s too! This is a great deal right now!
Have the best Wednesday, friends!!! xo
Elspeth says
Your backyard and space is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Lisa N says
Love how the grass grows right up to the tree trunks. Most yards have either roots that stick up above ground or grass that won’t grow right up to the tree, maybe for lack of sunlight. Is there anything Andrew does to get that look?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmm…I don’t know! I”m going to ask!
Sheaffer Sims says
I LOVE YOUR BACKYARD. THE END. Oh wait, not the end. You need to get some pool saddles! They are awesome! They allow you to “sit” in the water!!! Just search “pool saddles” on Amazon!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhhhhhh! Looking them up now, friend!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You’re so organised! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Susan Crivella says
Those noodles are the best! We usually get them at Costco!
Melissa says
What does ACK stand for?
Always enjoy your posts and especially your recipes. You’re my “go to” when I can’t think of what to make for dinner!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the airport code for Nantucket! And THANK YOU!!! That is the sweetest thing to say!!
Mary says
what do the letters stand for ACK?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the airport code for Nantucket!
Gretchen says
Love! So…. pool towel management? Do kids use a new towel everyday? Or do you have a place to hang and reuse? Even after 17 years of having a pool the HUGE loads of wet towels sometimes get the best of me! Thanks in advance!
Mix and Match Mama says
It depends. If we know they’re swimming the next day, they lay them over the chairs on the patio to air dry…if we’re not sure when they’re swimming again, I’ll wash them. It gets me too 😉 !
Barbara says
Your backyard is beautiful, and so organized. What a fun place to enjoy your weekends.
http://www.pixielanebarbara.substack.com
http://www.pixielanebarbara.com
Mallory says
Here’s a random question: what does ACK mean/stand for? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the airport code for Nantucket!
Leslie says
What does ACK stand for?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the airport code for Nantucket!
Julie Carrell says
Where do you store your big floats? that is my issue.
Mix and Match Mama says
They float around in the pool all summer long…at the end of the summer, we let all of the air out and kind of fold them up and put them in the garage (fold the best we can).
Brooke says
Where did you get the cabinet that you keep the sunscreen in or is that a built in? Love your back yard! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Aww! Thank YOU! It’s from Pottery Barn…we bought it a few years ago, so it’s not a new find.
Terry says
What do your patron letters stand for?
Mix and Match Mama says
ACK is the airport code for Nantucket, MA 🙂
Cathy Boulanger says
Where is your pool bathroom? Garage? House or in the yard? Would love to see a photo of that.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s in our house but there’s a connecting door to the patio as well!
Sue says
Your home is beautiful Shay! Would you please share the brand and size of your sliding patio doors? I’m considering do the same and I love how yours looks when it’s open. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! I need to ask Andrew!
Erika Slaughter says
I spy a bald eagle pool float that Tab will LOVE!
Lucy Bertoldi says
I’m nuts over your backyard- it’s splendid! Thanks for the info about where to get some of your stuff- I’m especially interested in the ceiling heaters- what a great idea! Love this post!! Thanks for hosting- Have a great rest of the week:)
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!! I wish I could invite you over!
Jennifer says
This time of year is so funny. You’re swimming & your yard looks luscious & beautiful….and here I am in Colorado Springs, snow falling & no leaves on my trees yet! Jealous! It should not be like this in May! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Just FYI: I’m jealous of you Colorado folks about 9 months out of the year 😉 .
Amy says
I work in the medical field, so had a good laugh… 🙂
perineal
I think you meant perennial.
Just helping a sister out!
xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
oh gosh! See? That’s why I can’t be in charge of the yard ;)!
Danna F says
I just want to be young again like Madeley and swim in the pool with the coolest floats! Your backyard is so inviting!
Beverly says
Love your backyard! Do you have a Blackstone grill? A girl I follow does the best outdoor meals on hers. Now I want one! https://www.facebook.com/1063386500/videos/10223613565301547/
Mix and Match Mama says
We don’t! Looking it up!
Courtney Odom says
We love our black stone – so fun for cooking breakfast & dinner. I can see this being something you & Andrew would enjoy.
Kristen Cole says
My husband has an obsession with our lawn as well!! So I know what you mean… I’m not allowed to cut the grass because he is afraid I will mess it up! HAHA!
Wendy Wilson says
Thank you for sharing! Your backyard (and home) is gorgeous! Do you mind sharing how you clean your outdoor white cushions? We have some and am needing some ideas. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, we’re just spot treating. The fabric on these couches are pretty amazing. They’re wearing really well!
Nikki says
We’re installing Infratech heaters on our new porch! The building process has been slow and not-unpainful, but we’re so excited!
Anne says
$40 for a pool noodle?!?!? No wonder it’s called WOW.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes but it will last you waaaaaaaay longer than the cheaper ones and it holds a lot of weight (instead of one person having to use multiple noodles).
chelsea says
you can usually find them at Costco or your grocery store sporting goods section for a little bit less expensive, but I agree they are worth it. I love them!
April says
Where is the cabinet for the sunscreen from??
Thank you so much for sharing your space with us!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a Pottery Barn cabinet from years ago!
Shauna says
What chemical did you get in your eye and how did this happen?! Just want to make sure it isn’t something I’m doing everyday too!!! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I was opening a new product and when I took the little foil tab off the top there must have been pressure in the bottle because it kind of flew out and hit me right in the face. I’m not going to say which product because it was sincerely my fault for having it pointed at me and not away from me.
Kim C says
Your backyard and patio are one of my favorite areas to see on the blog! I’m not-so-patiently waiting for a patio out our kitchen door — I have lofty ambitions so it’s taking some time to get around to ? Everything about your house is so inviting ❤
Allie says
We are in the process of building a pool and I was wondering how deep your swimming pool is!? We have also cleared land to put in a batting cage and didn’t know if you had anymore pictures of your batting cages. Thank you so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
At its deepest, it’s 5.5 feet! If you’ll email me exactly what pics you’re looking for on a batting cage, I can see if I have some to send you!