Coastal Collective Co.

Our PNW Beach House Patio Makeover Plan

Coastal Interiors, Edesign, Home Blog Posts, Home Decor, Our Home, Our Beach HouseAnneke McConnell

Our beach house is relatively tiny and living in the Pacific Northwest Seattle area means that when it's warm and sunny outside, you want to make the most of it!  Updating our patio space for the Summer has been "on deck" for awhile now, and I'm so excited to share more of the transformation on Instagram as this plan comes to life! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

1. The patio is an extension of our home and where we spend A LOT of our time during the Summer months June-September. The weather is typically between 70s and 80s and perfect for playing outside, beach activities, walks, kayaking, boating, outside dining, etc.

 

2. We LOVE to have people over to hang out, eat good food, let the kids play, etc.  Updating our patio dining area has been HUGE on my wishlist for the past couple of years, so I'm pretty excited about this new outdoor dining set to welcome family and friends alike. With the added space, we can host larger groups than other times of the year when it's gray and rainy outside.

 

3. We're a "down to earth" kind of family and things can get messy, so whatever we planned for the patio had to accommodate fishing activities (the fire pit area is also where we'll need a spot for bait boxes, coolers, etc. as we come and go during launching).  Our kiddos and their friends are also often running across the deck from one house to the next or from the beach side of the house to the street/back lot side. Sand is flying, rock treasures abound, etc. and so I've been brainstorming design ideas to make this patio a happy balance between a "beautiful and calm oasis" to "family-friendly fun zone". :-)

 

Some of the items in today's design we already own (like the outdoor sectional) and others are on order slowly arriving one by one.  This will definitely be completed in a few phases.  

Let's dive into the design plan for the three different sections of the patio: the lounge area, the dining area, and the fire pit area (also right off the boat ramp and multipurpose utility area).

*this post contains affiliate links.

 

BEACH HOUSE PATIO LOUNGE AREA

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BEACH HOUSE PATIO DINING AREA

Beach House Patio Makeover
 

BEACH HOUSE PATIO FIRE PIT AND UTILITY ZONE AREA

Beach House Patio Makeover

Foldable adirondack chairs were a MUST for this space since we need to be able to move everything out of the way for fishing gear at different times. 

 

There can definitely be more components when it comes to an outdoor space since they may be multiple "zones" you're working with.  This kind of feels like three rooms in one. :-)  We're excited to share the process and how it all comes together, and hopefully it inspires you and gives you ideas for your own patio or porch space!

I'll share updates as we move along (hopefully writing more too)! It's crazy town here at the end of the school year!! xoxo

 

 

From the Beach,

Anneke

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PLACES I SHOP AND RECOMMEND:

Serena & Lily

Joss & Main

Pottery Barn

Nordstrom

One Kings Lane

ASOS

Revolve

DSW

......just to name a few!

 

 

Disclosure: This website participates in affiliate programs. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Cutest Striped Tote for Summer

Handbags, Gift IdeasAnneke McConnell

A big thanks to all of you who jumped on board with this next month's Mom Boss Book Club book!  It's a good one!!

As for today's topic, anything with navy stripes and I'm 100% there, especially when it comes to cute coastal totes!  This canvas striped handbag from Kate Spade is perfect for Summer!  It's called the Washington Square Mega Sam in a rich navy stripe, and comes in other patterns, as well as a smaller version.

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The material is so nice! Let me give you a quick "tour" of this cute and functional handbag. :-)

It is pretty spacious on the inside and also has plenty of pocket space with the two outside pockets on the front, interior pocket with a zipper and interior side pocket.

 
 
 

What I love about this tote is that it has a casual vibe to it, but it can truly be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  It would also make a great mother's day gift, graduation gift, baby shower gift (as a cute back up baby bag), etc.

 

The sides close together on top with simple tie strings.

 

CURRENT KATE SPADE FAVES

 

From the Beach,

Anneke

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**A big thank you to Kate Spade for providing this handbag for review!

 

PLACES I SHOP AND RECOMMEND:

Serena & Lily

Joss & Main

Pottery Barn

Nordstrom

One Kings Lane

ASOS

Revolve

DSW

......just to name a few!

 

 

Disclosure: This website participates in affiliate programs. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Mom Boss Book Club: Essentialism

Mom Boss Book ClubAnneke McConnell

Hello there Mom Bosses! It's Book Review time for our latest read and this past month's book is one of my all time FAVORITES that I first picked up a few years ago. It's not too often that I keep a book in the front of my bookshelf to read over and over again, but this one is a MUST for reading repeatedly.

If you're new here, WELCOME! Once a month for the Mom Boss Book Club, we go through a book together based on Personal or Business Development.  If you haven't joined yet (it's FREE), I'd love to invite you to join us!  One book per month - that's it!

I understand how life can get crazy, and busy, and tiring, but if there's anything I wish I would have prioritized more when our kiddos were younger, it would be reading for my own continued education, and not just Red Fish, Blue Fish or The Berenstain Bears for storytime. ;-) Just 10-15 minutes per day is all you need.  Join us below and give it a try for a month!

 

Now if there's anything a Mom Boss knows, it's that discipline is crucial to success.  In Greg McKeown's book Essentialism, he tackles The Discipline Pursuit of LESS.  

Discipline.

It's not most people's favorite word. It's difficult to follow through consistently. But oh so rewarding. 

You see this quote from the book here below??    ........it's the truth. (And YES. I write in ALL my books!)

 

If you don't prioritize your life and/or business, someone else will.....your boss, your spouse, partner, co-workers, kids, heck....even strangers.

Your life will be played out somehow or another.

I remember the very first time I read through Essentialism a few years ago, saw this illustration below and regretably thought, "That's EXACTLY how I feel." The photo of "energy" represented on the left.  My energy being "wasted" in a sense.  There was so much I need to learn.

 

I felt....

Scattered.

Pulled in a million directions.

Burnt out.  

Tired, but unable to Relax.

Overcommitted.

Experiencing decision fatigue.

Feeling unaccomplished.

....and more.

 

I wanted to move more to that vision of energy and movement on the right, and go from feeling those things listed above to:

Energetic.

Clear Minded.

Accomplished.

Balanced.

Focused.

Purposeful.

Calm and Joyful.

Spontaneous.

More Engaged as a Listener.

....and more.

 

This is all very possible.

It has taken me a lot of time and patience (years to be honest), but I absolutely believe in a balanced "essentialist" lifestyle, and I think the BELIEF of it is the first step.

At some point I realized I couldn't keep letting life "happen to me" and live reactively, but had to rise up and take responsibility for living a more proactive life....one choice and one step at a time.

These habits, skills, and decisions are most definitely NOT a one time thing. We learn, implement, slip up, slide, and rededicate. It's a PROCESS, so be gracious with yourself and others!

 

Here is the Essentialist Model in a nutshell:

Essentialism Book Review for Mom Boss Book Club

>>>>What side do you relate to more right now?

Honestly, if I could take a photo of every tidbit of advice, relatable stories, and more from this book, it would quite literally be almost the entire book.  

I highly recommend it, and if you implement even a quarter of what is shared in Essentialism, I believe your life will be better for it!

Essentialism Book Review

 

NEXT UP......

 

The next book for our Mom Boss Book Club is going to be The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey To Self-Discovery.

"Ignorance is bliss - except in self-awareness.  What you don't know about yourself can hurt you - and your relationships, and how you make your way in the world" (from the back cover of the book)

Life and business is all about relationships, so it only makes sense to tackle the understanding of personalities! I've found the Enneagram to be one of the few personality type systems to help me better understand myself, my spouse, and others.

I hope you'll join us!

 

 

From the Beach,

Anneke

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PLACES I SHOP AND RECOMMEND:

Serena & Lily

Joss & Main

Pottery Barn

Nordstrom

One Kings Lane

ASOS

Revolve

DSW

......just to name a few!

 

 

Disclosure: This website participates in affiliate programs. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

5 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Gift IdeasAnneke McConnell

The older my three kiddos get, the meaning of Mother's Day tends to change year by year.  Of course the gifts and pampering are all nice, but you truly start to cherish the fleeting TIME you have with your kids while they are growing up and still home with you. Granted our kids are just 8, 10, and 12, but its going by TOO fast.  Any moms or dads relate to this?!

With that said, here are some ideas to make your mom (or mama friends) feel extra special and loved this Mother's Day. Remember, all moms are unique in their interests, and YOU know her best!  Trust your gut instincts!

Flowers are wonderful (always!), but maybe she really would like that compound miter saw (my DIY friends) or a boat tour or a mother-daughter (or son) date with you.  If you've never read The 5 Love Languages I HIGHLY recommend it for a better understanding of what makes a person feel loved. 

Here are some Mother's Day gifts to consider!

 

1. Photo Books.

One of my FAVORITE gifts we gave our moms, grandmas, and great-grandmas when the kids were younger were photo books. I was a very tired mom of 3 little kids and getting photos printed and handed out often ended up last on the to-do list.

Instead of flowers for all the moms, we spent about $25 each for photo books with nice linen covers and the reaction from each of them was priceless. Finally photos of their grand babies! Haha!

One place to create photo books is Shutterfly and there's still a little time left to get 50% off hardcover photo books!

 

2. Perfume

If you know her favorite, go with that! A few of my favorites and recommendations are Chanel Chance, Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue, and Victoria Secret's Heavenly.

 

3. Jewelry.

I mean really.......unless you KNOW your mom doesn't like jewelry this is a no brainer.  Whether it's classic diamonds and fine jewelry or fun pieces for Summer, there's a plethora of options.

If you're looking for some finer options, I'd recommend looking at jewelry by David Yurman and Julie Vos - this link bracelet is so gorgeous!  For lower priced jewelry high on the pretty scale, my go-tos are BaubleBar and Panacea Jewelry.

 

4. House Cleaning.

I don't know too many moms who wouldn't like a little (or A LOT) of help with the cleaning around the home, so if they don't have house cleaning services already, just trust me on this one........gift them House Cleaning Services. They will love you FOREVER - and literally every time they get that bit of help, they'll remember you and your thoughtfulness.  Better yet, plan one-on-one dates with your mom on the days her home is being cleaned. I'd say that's a win-win!

 

 

5. Handbags, Shoes, or Accessories.

Again, you know your mom best! What can you splurge on for her that she wouldn't for herself? A new pair of sunglasses? A summer handbag? Some fun new sandals and a day to getaway together?  Here are some ideas to get your started!

 

 

I hope this helps you find the perfect gift for your mom, sister or sister-in-law who is a mom, mom friends, etc.!

 

HOVER AND CLICK ANY ITEM BELOW FOR DETAILS

 

From the Beach,

Anneke

Follow along on Facebook

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Follow along on Instagram (interiors)

Follow along on Instagram (diypaintedfurniture)

 

 

PLACES I SHOP AND RECOMMEND:

Serena & Lily

Joss & Main

Pottery Barn

Nordstrom

One Kings Lane

ASOS

Revolve

DSW

Amazon (my go-to for books and kitchen/home essentials. One of my fave books is Essentialism!)

......just to name a few!

 

 

Disclosure: This website participates in affiliate programs. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.