SEASONS Archives - not a trophy wife

Pottery Barn Bar Carts for the Home & Patio

April 16, 2018 by laura 2 Comments

Hi everyone! Is it warming up where you are this week? We got some much-needed snow on Friday and the temps quickly warmed up for the rest of the weekend. We spent the weekend at college fairs for our son. And, all of this college talk got me thinking about cocktails on Friday (Thursday)! And, with our renovated backyard, I have my eye on a few Pottery Barn bar carts for the home and patio.

Up until last summer, I never thought about bar carts. I remember my mom used aluminum, folding television trays for her bar cart so guests wouldn’t stain her newly installed Formica countertop.

In full disclosure, I intended to share a variety of sites with bar carts, but I could not move my mouse away from Pottery Barn. It turns out, Pottery Barn has a nice selection (and price point) so today is all about the Pottery Barn bar carts for the home and patio.

No affiliate links, just a good oldfashioned helpful link. Oh, and many of these are on sale.

Pottery Barn Bar Carts

The Tristan Metal Bar Cart has come along way from my parent’s metal t.v. trays.

Source: Pottery Barn

When pulling a few inspirations for bar carts, never start with Pottery Barn, because it just sets the bar high (no pun intended). But stick with me, because I found a few options if you are in the market for a bar cart. Let me know which ones caught your eye. I’ll share my favorite bar cart at the bottom of the post.

It’s hard to call the Chatham Outdoor Bar a bar cart, but it pulls up on the website when I search bar carts. This one is on sale on the website. See the link below.

Source

Don’t want that large of a bar cart? It’s kind of pushing it by describing this one as a bar cart.

This option for a bar cart includes a removable stainless tub for drinks. It’s also at Pottery Barn and it is on sale here.

Mobile Bar Carts

If you have a small budget or a tiny living space (or postage size deck) here is a smaller and more affordable option. My daughter had her eye on this bar cart for her tiny (Denver) apartment.

My only issue with this mobile bar cart is with our 90 pound-ish Berner. She requires a generous turning radius to navigate tight corners and this bar cart might take a spin on those wheels.

Pottery-Barn- Bar-Carts-for-the-Home-patio

Source: Pottery Barn

Source

Here is the Abrego all-weather wicker cart. This one is $699 which sounds like a typo. I think I could rig up some wheels on an oversized basket and call it an all weather-wicker bar cart. Judge for yourself.

Source

The Abbey Oval Bar Cart is a little fancier than my tastes, but it would be darling in so many homes. Again, my Bernese mountain dog could upend this cart with a slippery paw. She is a hot mess most days. Which explains why I need a cocktail by Friday.

Source: Pottery Barn

I will be back to share more affordable options for tiny spaces and budgets. Do you have a favorite Pottery Barn bar cart?

My favorite cart is the Chatham Console. It’s narrow and lighter which makes it easier to relocate in or outside depending on the time of year.

Look what showed up in the mail today; the Pottery Barn catalog. The summer catalog had a few additional options for bar carts too. Now, I may need to sit down with a glass of wine and peruse the catalog.

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Weekending in April and Prom

April 7, 2018 by laura 4 Comments

It’s Saturday and I am missing my voice after a fun prom night with the parents of my son’s best friends. Here is one of my favorite photos of my son and one of his best friends and their dates (and my son’s date’s younger sister)! Are you following this? It was a rainy, snowy day, but the rain stopped long enough for prom photos! My son and his date are the bookends in this photo. April and Prom in Denver means a strong chance of snow, rain and cold temps! But, it did not stop the fun.

Sharing Weekending in April.

More photos later, but this is a favorite taken by my son’s date’s mom! My son and his date went as friends. Or as his older sister points out they are in the friend zone.

Here’s what I am crushing on for Weekending in April. Did I find you? Hope you have a fun weekending in April.

This has nothing to do with decor, but if you are low on Vitamin D here’s a list of foods to eat.
Do you struggle with how to decorate a bookcase? Me too. Here are a few easy ideas.
I think Michael’s blog is my new favorite blog to follow. If you visit will you say hi from me!
I love following Katie’s favorites on Friday. And, the fact she has the name “preppy” in her blog title is just an instant connection.

I got some fun news when I was contacted by Scripps-Network for this image on this project.

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Target Dollar Section Finds

April 6, 2018 by laura 2 Comments

Well Target, you did it again. You stocked the dollar-ish section with the cutest finds for spring. The dollar section is the one department we can’t click and ship from a handheld device or tablet. Can we all agree Target is a field trip for us girls (and guys) of all ages and stages? A field trip to Target is perfect; a climate-controlled environment, clearly marked bathrooms and a Starbucks in most of the stores. And, the Target dollar section is our version of the gift shop.

To be fair, we can let the dads sign up for the annual Zoo Day field trip …three days before school gets out for summer.

After a whirlwind college trip that began in Charleston and ended in Atlanta, I needed a Target fix when we got home. And, my most recent field trip to Target did not disappoint.

Look what I found in the dollar section. I think it was $3.00 and I am kicking myself for not buying more.

It’s a fancy blush hue glass mister with gold/bronze accents. There is so much cuteness in this mister.

And, it works. Sometimes the dollar picks turn out to be “you get what you paid for”outcome. But, this Target dollar section find is sturdy with a copper/bronze, dainty handle and a pump to spray my plants (or my face). wink

It’s back! This next dollar section find is back. I bought this fedora last year and wore it all spring and summer. I received so many compliments on this $5 dollar find. And, when I shared that I bought it at Target in the dollar section I got the same response from everyone, “I love Target.” Instant connection.

And, this hat is still in great shape. With its low price it’s a great one to toss in a travel bag because if it gets lost or left behind, like my fancy flat-iron, it’s not a budget breaker.

Sidenote: The hotel found my flat-iron and shipped it back to Colorado after our trip to Scottsdale last spring.

This find was not in the dollar section, at $5.99 they were close enough. And it wouldn’t be a field trip without a visit to the Home section. I found these pretty, girl, pastel file folders. They are part of the Chip and Joanna collection and they are so pretty with their spring colors.

They might motivate to keep my desk organized.

Finally, if you want to shop Target and get free shipping with cart totals of $35.00 click for free shipping.

The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a (very) small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

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Weekending in South Carolina

March 31, 2018 by laura 2 Comments

Hi Everyone! Today is about our trip to South Carolina. It was a college road trip. But, weekending sounds so much fancier. We met our older son in Hilton Head and planned to watch a few of his singles and doubles matches during his college tennis tournament. But with rain and/or rain delays, we decided to leave early and head to Charleston. Let me say; it’s always hard to say goodbye to my kids (at any age). We wanted to check out the historical town and tour the College of Charleston. Our older son’s teammates snapped this photo before we left Hilton Head.

Weekending in South Carolina

Do you know who is a famous graduate of the College of Charleston? Here’s a clue; he was one of Rory Gilmore’s boyfriends on Gilmore Girls. And, you may be wondering how I know the answer to this clue? Google. My son Googled famous historians (celebrities) who attended the College of Charleston.

The answer: Rory Gilmore’s boyfriend, Logan Huntzberger.

And, the flowers were everywhere in Charleston.

and I got a little sidetracked with …

the doors.

And these carriage entry doors…

Speaking of doors… I am obsessed with Stacey’s front door.

And, here is a fun read all about Instagram’s Guide to Charleston’s doors.

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How to Up-cycle a Wreath to a Spring Centerpiece

March 26, 2018 by laura 3 Comments

Between Spring Break and Easter, I am falling behind on my Spring-Easter decor. With Easter, right after spring break, I want to get my dining room table set up this week. Did I mention I am hosting Easter dinner for 20+ family members? Today I want to share how to up-cycle a wreath to a spring centerpiece.

This up-cycle wreath to centerpiece idea happened because of the spring winds along the front range (Colorado).

Trash cans left out by the curb end up in the neighbor’s front yard… three houses away. Patio cushions blow under the next door neighbor’s trampoline.

And, that is what happened to my spring wreath last year. The eggs got some air and crashed onto the patio steps and the grapevine garland was dangling from our Aspen trees like Mardi Gras beads.

By the time I rescued the wreath, it was on life support.

It’s not like I needed a centerpiece. My basement looked like the stock room at HomeGoods and maybe the clearance section of a Pottery Barn outlet.

And, I got an idea and grabbed my favorite Decor Steals, oversized metal tray and placed the grapevine wreath over it to hide the rust stains. From there, I scattered eggs and grapevine around the base.

I added the cute bunnies and a vase in the center to anchor the wreath. I love it! And, I am so excited to host Easter dinner with my new buffet; a place to keep the Christmas plates.

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How to Add Easter Decor in Minutes

March 23, 2018 by laura 1 Comment

The calendar says it’s officially spring. Is it spring weather where you live? We are headed to South Carolina for college visits and to watch our older son in a college tennis tournament! #gotommies So before we leave I wanted to get a few Easter decorations up because we host Easter dinner this year. Here’s how to add Easter decor in minutes.

My children are teenagers now and although I (I mean the Easter bunny) brings Easter baskets (bags), my decor has grown up too. Less Easter decor is more my style. Knowing we had spring break plans, I wanted to keep the Easter decor simple.

And, instead of using the traditional, plastic grass I used everyday greenery.

The Easter eggs pop against the greenery and when the chocolate eggs have been inhaled, the greenery stays. And, the best part of using everyday greenery, there is no cling wrap strength, faux grass stuck to the carpet and rugs.

Once I figured out the (faux) grass situation, I decided I needed faux eggs. A few years ago, when the Easter egg hunts were replaced with brunch after mass, I donated bags of plastic eggs.

I found the best selection and prices at Hobby Lobby. Who knew? The checkout line is maddening, but the selections are amazing. I guess the finds are worth the wait.#snarky

I found a fun egg garland at Marshalls. For the past week, it was sitting in my favorite wood crate because I couldn’t figure out what to do with it. But I love the speckled eggs.

I used a little-shredded “grass” for this cute little bunny I found at Marshall’s. I added a pink ribbon to give her a cute outfit. Hmm…I think I might switch the shredded paper for greenery.

I shared these cute bunny prints. They are so cute! And, add fun Easter decor that extends into spring. And, these framed bunny prints are mobile. I move them around every other day. Sounds like a bunny on the shelf idea.

And, here’s a trick to bulk up my centerpieces, wreaths and Easter eggs. You might have caught it in some of the photos. I add grapevine to everything; nests, tablescapes and wreaths. I keep a stash of grapevine wreaths and sections of grapevine for all my staging tricks!

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Budget Friendly Framed Bunny Prints for Spring

March 14, 2018 by laura 7 Comments

It’s bunny time! Both in our yard and house! When I found these cute animal prints at (one of my) favorite online decor stores, I knew I could make inexpensive spring decor. Of all the animal prints available, the bunny prints were hands down my favorite! A side bonus was I got more mileage out of bunnies than let’s say, Easter eggs. Do you know what I mean? I picked two versions of the bunnies and created two budget-friendly framed bunny prints for some much-needed spring decor.

Wait until you see this cute bunny face.

How can you not smile when you see this face? Email me on the details of where I found the bunny prints

When I ordered these prints I knew I wanted the shadow boxes to give a little depth to these framed bunnies.

I purchased two 9×9 gray finishshadow boxes at Michael’s. Framed prints are budget friendly because the frames can be reused for seasonal prints. An added bonus is they stack nicely in a closet.

I didn’t want both bunnies centered in the frame. I wanted to offset images in a frame or a photo. What is it called? The rule of 1/3rds?

This little bunny bum looks so cute. I placed him on this new hutch in the dining room.

I positioned him under the floral arrangement so he has some shade. wink

I have not figured out where to put this bunny. Right now he is chilling on the mantel in the family room and he is the first face family and friends see when they walk into the family room. Makes me smile.

The Dedicated House

The Vintage Nest Blog

Jann Olson

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Weekending Finding Joy in the Everyday

March 10, 2018 by laura Leave a Comment

It’s the weekend. We have a few dinner dates with friends so I need to pace myself with food and drinks. wink My new year’s resolution was to focus on finding joy in the every-day.

Finding Joy in the Everyday

What shows are you watching? We are watching This is Us. Can you believe next week is the season finale of This is Us? What did you think of this season?

Ken Olin, the executive producer responded to one of my tweets a few weeks ago. He’s pretty vocal politically on social media so I replied to one of his tweets like, “… can’t we all just try to find one thing in common.” His response to me was a photo of his family’s Bernese Mountain dog, which meant he had read my Twitter profile because Berner fan (the breed) is in my profile. Finding joy in a little tweet.

Here’s my Chloe. She was also the reason I was slow to finish this project. This 90+ pound four-legged, furry family member brings us joy every day!

Speaking of Chloe! I get at least one bottle of Chloe wine from girlfriends when I host a girls night. I love the wine, but more importantly, I love how my friends know Chloe.. well then again, the whole neighborhood knows Chloe! She is often mistaken for a bear. PS. I am not suggesting to drink wine to find joy…

If you have a few minutes to watch a powerful story of grace and redemption click here. It is an amazing story from 60 Minutes. I promise it will bring a smile and joy to your day. Promise. Leave a comment I would love to hear what you thought about it.

Did you see Joanna Gaines’ 2018 paint color picks here? You know how much I love navy…Hale Navy. It brings me joy too! It’s now on my almost, finally finished dining room walls.#joy

Oh and this cookbook brought me serious joy when it arrived on my doorstep last week. You can order a copy here. (affiliate link)

I found a little joy when I captured this photo. I think I shared it last week, but it’s a favorite photo. What brought you a little joy this week? Enjoy the fun of weekending.

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Patricia Heaton’s Spring Cleaning Cookies Recipe

March 6, 2018 by laura 3 Comments

Patricia Heaton is in my kitchen. Yep, the actress known as Debra Malone of Everybody Loves Raymond and Frankie Heck in The Middle is in my house. Over two-plus decades Patricia Heaton raised four boys, starred in two (now syndicated) series and married to her first husband. And in between work schedules and four active boys, she found comfort and joy in her kitchen; two feelings I rarely feel in my kitchen. And then as if all of that was not enough she published a cookbook and I found Patricia Heaton’s Spring Cleaning Cookies.

I think my love for her stems from the feeling that I see a bit of me in her and the characters (moms) she plays. And, I am sure her audience feels the same way. Have you seen her cooking show, Patricia Heaton Parties? I love her honesty and the cooking tips behind her recipes. And, she includes friends and colleagues in each episode.

I pre-ordered Patricia Heaton’s cookbook via her social media and received a signed copy from Frankie… I mean Patricia. With her signature in my copy of her cookbook, it’s the closest I will ever be to Patricia Heaton. So I take comfort with her hanging out in my kitchen on my farmhouse shelves.

If I start talking to her I might need a little help.

Over the weekend I had a chance to ~~sit~~ stand and flip through the new, unstained pages of her new cookbook. I landed on her spring cleaning cookies recipe. She had me at spring cleaning and cookies. And, just like the title suggests the ingredients were in my pantry. And, it was an excuse to clean out the crushed bags of potato chips and M&M bags held together with rubber bands.

The add-ins for my spring cleaning cookies included 1/4 full bags of seasonal M&M’s and an almost-empty bag of Kroger potato chips.

I added a few semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance the milk chocolate M&M’s. wink

SPRING CLEANING CHOCOLATE CHIPS

It’s what I like to call a dump and dough recipe; you dump the ingredients and bake the cookie dough.

Patricia suggests finding a balance between the salty and sweet add-ins for this recipe.

My son guessed the salty add-in after a few cookies. They were a hit with my husband and son. I froze a dozen to have on hand when my son’s friends come over and the squad looks for something to eat.

PATRICIA HEATON’S SPRING CLEANING COOKIES RECIPE

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Patricia Heaton's Spring Cleaning Cookies

Author: Patricia Heaton

Recipe type: Cookies

Ingredients

1 STICK UNSALTED BUTTER
1/2 CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
1/4 CUP SUGAR
ONE EGG ROOM TEMPERATURE
1 TSP VANILLA
1 1/4 CUPS FLOUR
ONE TSP BAKING SODA
PINCH OF SEA SALT
2 1/2 CUPS MIX-INS (TOTAL) COMBO OF SALT AND SWEET

Instructions

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350
LINE BAKING SHEETS WITH PARCHMENT PAPER
BEAT THE BUTTER AND SUGARS UNTIL SMOOTH. ADD EGG & VANILLA
MIX IN FLOUR, BAKING SODA & SALT.
ADD THE MIX-INS AND STIR TO COMBINE
DROP DOUGH BY DOUGH SCOOP.
BAKE 11-14 MINUTES DEPENDING ON A CHEWY OR CRISPY COOKIE

These spring cleaning cookies are an easy, quick recipe.

Oh, and if this recipe got you in the mood for some spring cleaning in the kitchen check out this tip on how to organize the cleaning products under the kitchen sink; no tools required.

And then make a batch of Patricia Heaton’s spring cleaning cookies.

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Mason Jars and Matches and a Printable

March 5, 2018 by laura 3 Comments

Here is a fun, easy idea for your home or a hostess gift. I almost always give candles as hostess gifts for parties during the year. And, I fell in love with the concept of vintage matches. So it only made sense that I combined mason jars and matches for this fun decor or gift idea. Oh, and there’s a printable sheet at the end of this post.

I purchased a 3 pack of the small matchstick boxes at the grocery store.The boxed matches are located in the seasonal/holiday aisle at King Soopers (Kroger). I used the small, short mason jars because the matches fit perfectly into the short jar. If the lid doesn’t secure to the jar just take a few matches out to get a tighter fit.

For the striking papers, I cut out the strike paper from the boxed matches and taped it to the bottom of the mason jars. I have also used sticky velcro on the bottom of the mason jars.

Click here for a 2″ label printable on a sheet 8 1/2 x11 label or plain paper. And, if you want an easier way to decorate mason jar and matches I used wrapping paper during the holidays.

Linking to:

Merry Monday Link Party

Sweet Parrish Place

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Pottery Barn Bar Carts for the Home & Patio

Pottery Barn Bar Carts

Mobile Bar Carts

Weekending in April and Prom

Sharing Weekending in April.

Target Dollar Section Finds

Weekending in South Carolina

Weekending in South Carolina

How to Up-cycle a Wreath to a Spring Centerpiece

How to Add Easter Decor in Minutes

Budget Friendly Framed Bunny Prints for Spring

Weekending Finding Joy in the Everyday

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Patricia Heaton’s Spring Cleaning Cookies Recipe

PATRICIA HEATON’S SPRING CLEANING COOKIES RECIPE

Mason Jars and Matches and a Printable

owner & contributor | not a trophy wife

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