Tackling the Back Patio

I finally have a reason to join up with Tackle It Tuesday over at 5 Minutes For Mom because *ahem* I actually tackled something recently. Ok, it was really a couple months ago, but I just now "tackled" writing the post - hey, that's 2 tackles in one - LOL!!! This is thrifty too {read along to see just how thrifty!}, so I'm linking up to Thrifty Thursday at The Purposeful Mom!

Right outside our back door is an area of the patio that would be good for sitting and enjoying being outside. So we put a bench there a long time ago. And then junk accumulated. And then dead leaves and weeds accumulated. And then spiders moved in. And it was not a nice place to sit. {And believe me, it looked worse than the pictures are able to show.} So we ignored it.

For a long time, I wanted to fix up this little spot and when I found out my dad was coming for a visit, it was the perfect time! I got my son to help and we pulled everything out and cleaned everywhere first. As far as deciding what to put in the area, I gave myself a rule - I was not allowed to purchase ANYTHING to put in the spot - not even a $1 thrift store item! I had to "shop" from my own stuff, even if it wasn't quite what I envisioned. {Let me tell you - it really helps you to be creative.}

We still had our old table and dirty plastic chairs sitting off to the side from before we bought a decent patio set, so I decided to use those to give us a place to sit. We cleaned them up and then I searched the house and my own donation boxes for items to use!

Aahhh - not a designer look and not all perfectly coordinated, but so much better than before! On the chairs, I used dish towels that I had stored because they don't match my kitchen. And the tablecloth combo is actually an old twin fitted sheet that had been stored and a shower curtain from a previous home! Kiddo and I got it done in time for my dad's visit and we sat out there several times to play games and eat.

The perfect spot for an afternoon game with my son and my dad! :) I'm so happy with how this tackle turned out, but more happy that I never even spent $1 on it!!


Have you tackled anything lately? Do you like to "shop" your own house when decorating?

If you feel the need to "tackle" stopping to smell the chocolates in your day, you can subscribe to my blog right here. :)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed day friends!