Child, your living's easy.

Summertime.  It's the first day that it has been gray here in a good long time, and it's much needed.  I never thought I'd say that about this place.  I think it's time to reflect on the amazing weather that we've had here.  Sunny and hot [too hot for work without AC, but nice for laying in the park].  That's the way summer should be.  Sun, sand, tan [but wear sunscreen!].

So here's a pretty little patio area to relax in on one of those lovely, hot summer days, mojito in hand, some classic rock on the radio...

from My Home Ideas

What an adorable little patio area.  Love the mix of color and pattern.  If I wasn't such a plant murderer [and we actually had some outdoor space], we could grow some little palms outside [our neighbors have some], and then I'd have somewhere to stick that gorgeous little parasol in.  See below for where to buy.

In the UK:

 1. Darla Picnic Damask Green Quilting Fabric by Tanya Whelan, £10.99 per meter at HobbyCraft.co.uk; 2. ALVINE FLORA Cushion, £19.99 at Ikea; 3.  Pink Square Slab Seat, £23.99 at Cargo; 4. Natura Rug, £52.99 at therugseller.co.uk; 5. ÄPPLARÖ bench, £59.99 at Ikea; 6. CURCUMA Potted plant , £9.99 at ikea; 7.  Vintaged Rose Plant Pots, £39.50 at Graham&Green; 8.  Brightly Coloured Embroidered Cushions, £28.50 at Graham&Green; 9.  Embroidered Gypsy Caravan Cushions, £32 at Greaham&Green; 10. Traditional Chinese Floral Fancy Blue Paper Parasol, £9.99 at ebay.co.uk.

In the US:

1. Home Decor Fabrics-Waverly Harmonics Essence Leaf, $17.99 at Jo-Ann's Fabrics; 2. Vintage Embroidered Bird Pillow, $22.95 at Pier1; 3. Floral Paper Parasol w/ Green Rings, $7.95 at paperlanternstore.com; 4. Seventeen Flirt Bubbles Rug Collection - Pink, from $49.99 at Target; 5. International Caravan Acacia Patio Trinidad Bench, $139.99 at Walmart; 6.  Floral Relief Planters with Saucers, $9.95 at Crate&Barrel; 7. Potted Agave, $39.95 at Pier1; 8. Floral Cotton Pillow, $19.38 at Pier1; 9. Marrakech Decorative Pillow, $19.99 at Target; 10. Casabelle Ottoman Cushion, $44.95 at Pier1.

And the sun's trying to come out...