It’s 9:50pm as I sit down to write this and it is currently 55º outside. Coincidentally, that was also the high for today. It’s very unusual for Southern California to still be experiencing (cali-)winter weather. Our springs and summers are usually indistinguishable.

I know I promised updates on our living room a whiiiiiiile back. But you can blame this post from Coco&Kelly for making me realize how lacking in color this room is. In trying to find a cohesive color scheme, the entire room has become a giant gray blob. I believe the style in your home (as in your wardrobe) should be a reflection of those who live in it. And none of us are gray blobs. But its not too late and I’m trying to find the perfect pieces to focus on when looking for change. Maybe just a simple change of drapes or rugs to switch between different seasons. We shall see.

So while that works itself out, I’ve been focusing on our deck/backyard. I’ll be having a small get together later this month for my mom’s birthday and hope the weather will allow everyone to enjoy the view from our deck. Remember this post from almost exactly a year ago? Yong and his brother, Mark, made a huge dent in that jungle. But it all went to waste when we neglected it for the rest of the year. So we’re back to square 1. Or square 0 rather, since its grown more than ever with all this rain we’ve been having. Yong did attack it this morning while I got my butt kicked at the gym (and recovered for a few hours after) and got about 1/3 of the yard looking proper. And apparently he’s feeling good enough to go at it again in the morning. We’re also considering hiring professional help for the rest of the job.

While that gets done I’m prepping decor for the party. Here’s what I want to have ready (for the party at least). Obviously, the entire thing will be an on-going project.

Very basic mood board. The dining set has already been purchased and is on it’s way. As well as the vintage red lantern (I had to!). The Adirondack chairs we already own but need lots of love, so I’ll be sanding them down and giving them a few coats of red paint. Cushions, deck chairs and white side table are from Ikea and I hope I can pick those up next week. Mason jars for drinks/candles will be on their way Amazon.com soon. I haven’t decided if I want to invest in tumbler cups and table linens yet. Maybe down the line, unless I find some crazy deals before then. We’re on a deadline this time so before and after pictures are in order. Wish us luck!