So I've been on maternity leave since the beginning of June, which means I am home all day (or most of it). Thankfully, the show Yard Crashers is on the DIY Network in marathons during the day, and it has given me plenty of ideas of what else we can do to our backyard. Yes, Hubs has already built the deck, pergola, boardwalk, a beach-inspired fire pit and the beginnings of the landscape area, but we have a pretty good size yard, and the possibilities for the rest of it are endless. :)



Here's what the deck looked like prior to the outdoor bar being built:


Notice the table and four chairs with the blue umbrella? There are a few reasons we decided to replace that with a corner bar.

First, I felt like it was too much furniture, and it didn't really go with the white wicker love seat, tables and chairs. Second, with the exception of a few dinners, it was rarely used. Third, Hubs covered the top of the pergola, so there was no longer need for an umbrella.

We have yet to make any additions to the south side of our yard (eventually, it will be used for a kids' play area for Bryson and Mason). When we do, we'll be able to sit at one side of the bar and watch them play. The other side of the bar faces west so we can enjoy these fabulous sunsets.


Inspired by pins like this, here's how the outdoor bar came together: