deal of the summer

I think I just got the deal of the summer.

A little while ago, I decided that my lovely, large, lounge chair was just too big for my deck space.

Of course, I bought it before the deck was even built. That was a rookie mistake and I should have known better. But it was a good deal I found at an end of summer clearance sale and it perfectly matched my other patio furniture.

Anyway, now after living with it for a bit, and adding in an awesome patio heater last year, I was finding it a bit unwieldy for the space.

And I hardly ever sat it in. Probably because I’m no longer much of a “laying in the sun” kind of girl. Too worried about my skin these days!

So, yesterday, I posted the lovely lounger (and puffy, comfy, brand new cushion) on Kijiji...and voila, it sold in a couple of hours for the low price of $125.

Now, what to replace it with....? I thought about replacing it with a smaller, comfy chair and compact footstool...nice for reading.

But then I realized that my other patio furniture is already awesome for reading, chatting, hanging out. Why would I need another chair??

Finally, I decided that what I really could use was a small dining table and a couple of chairs. I hopped on line and couldn’t find a set that I liked for my $125 budget.

This morning I decided to swing by the Superstore, in case they had something of interest.

Ahhhh...the superstore. Here’s why I love you. The Joe Howe Drive store is huge and has great home decor stuff. They have quite a selection of outdoor furniture this time of year as well.

I immediately spied a bistro set that was EXACTLY what I wanted, but didn’t think I would find one I could afford right now. This one was priced at only $99.99!

Of course, after tracking someone down, they didn’t have any left, but were hoping to get more for this weekend’s no tax sale.

I tried to convince them they should sell me the floor sample, but it was a no go. They suggested I try the Bayer’s Lake store and took my info to call me when they got new ones in, “if they could”.

Sigh. Now what to do?

As I made my way through the cash with a couple of other things, that same person tracked me down and said that he talked to his boss, and they would sell me the floor sample after all. Yay!

Imagine how much more thrilled I was when they sold it to me for ½ price!! For just under $75, I got the bistro set and two cushions that would tie it all together with my existing furniture. They even loaded it into the car for me.

Final stop was the Dollar Store to pick up three small accessories that would complete the look for $5.

Grand total....$80. So, I actually made money on the whole deal!

Been sitting here at the table thinking about how great a deal I got, how it fits perfectly in the space, how it opens things up on the deck and makes it feel bigger, and writing this blog, while sipping a nice cold iced tea. (It is only 1 pm after all.)

Can’t wait to have dinner outside tonight!

Best deal of the summer, I think.

And if you want a set like this, be sure to go to the superstore on the weekend so you can get it tax free! It won't be as great a deal as mine (smile),  but it's well worth it!

 

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For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

spring has sprung..!

Well…somewhere, spring has sprung. Actually, tomorrow is the first official day of spring, so bring it on, I say!

Time to start thinking about spring and summer and your outdoor space. Whether you are starting from scratch, or looking to freshen up your outdoor space, there are lots of options.

Maybe too many options. But don’t get overwhelmed. Approach it as you would any other room. Find a jumping-off point and build from there.

In my case, I already have furniture for my soon-to-be-built outdoor space. I bought it two years ago at a wicked end-of-season-sale. And so far I’ve only used the chairs from the set. I can’t wait to put it all out on my new deck this spring (see reno chronicles).

The furniture looks more like indoor furniture than outdoor, with dark rattan bases and comfy white cushions. Two chairs, a small sofa and a coffee table/bench. Ohhhhhh…I’m excited to see it all come together.

But, that’s just the starting point. I’m going to add a few other things to really make it sing….more on that later.

If you need a little inspiration, check out these pics…some of the things I’m lovin’ so far this season are the tons of more natural looking pieces like this side or coffee table, woven planters and gardening bench (wouldn't this make a great bar?!)

For pops of color, think about more functional items like a heavy plastic serving tray, a colorful watering can, or a metal ice bucket.

Consider your vertical space as well…why not hang (or lean) a great outdoor-inspired mirror in your space? It’s more unexpected, will reflect light and greenery, and will help really pull your space together for a completed look.

As for me, the little red bird citronella candles came home with me and will serve as my “just a little rouge”! A pop of color and a little touch of whimsy…how perfect!

Oh…and if you’d rather put a big hit of spring indoors instead, there are some fabulous chairs you can enjoy all year long!

Just remember, chose a starting point, and slowly build from there. Choose your direction and stick too it...try not to buy up everything you think is great or cute, but stick to your plan. Then throw in a little something unexpected.... and sit back and enjoy every minute in your outdoor space.

(Note: everything pictured here came from Winners/Home Sense)

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com

do you patio?

Oh, yeeeah...it’s that time of year!

The time of year, when we all flock outside when there is a sunny day. Time when our eyes can barely adjust to the brightness, but it feels so good to squint. Time where we actually start to remember what it feels like to be in flipflops. Time to think about enjoying a bbq and perhaps a favorite drink or two while relaxing in our outdoor space.

Time to clean off your deck or patio to get rid of winter’s remains. Time to pull out all your hastily-stored patio furniture. And time to…uh-oh…time to realize that things are looking a bit boring, plain and tired…?

Not to worry! This is the very best time of year to do something about it! As with all the new and wonderful outdoor furniture (see last year’s blog), there are new and wonderful outdoor accessories to give your space an instant boost.

Check out beautiful cushions and throw pillows made from weather-proof fabrics, a huge selection of acrylic pitchers, glasses, plates, bowls and serving trays. Some of these are so lovely, you may consider picking up a few to use inside all year round! Try a fun and colorful vinyl tablecloth to spruce up your table.

And don’t forget some solar lights or lanterns to add ambience to your outdoor evening adventures. Add some life with a few strategically placed plants in chic new planters.

A little something unexpected adds a nice touch of whimsy too (although I was kidding about the garden gnome...they are creepy). You may also want to think about grabbing a propane heater to extend your patio time this season...all last year models are on sale now!

The best part is that none of this will cost you very much. All of the beauties pictured here are available at either Canadian Tire or Tag.

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com