As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, I look forward to setting up the outdoor furniture. We bought a cute little set from an import store a few years ago when we added a front deck. The furniture is comfy, cozy and easy to keep clean. Setting it up feels like playing house. I’m not sure I ever really grew up. 😉
At the time we bought the set, we also picked up a grass-styled mat to unify the pieces. After three summers of outdoor-living, the mat is looking tired. We could certainly make do for one more year, but while shopping for summer dresses I found this:
Outdoor Rug by Gaiam
The mats are hand-woven from strands made with recycled plastic. They’re reversible, too! The materials mean they are rot and mildew-resistant. Simply clean them with a hose.
The all-weather ‘rugs’ come in five different styles and two sizes. I hemmed and hawed over two of them, but finally settled on Tropical Stripe. Woodland Forest was the first-runner up.
Unexpectedly, the mat arrived with a burlap storage bag. I have a thing about bags, so it tickled my knees when it slid out of the box. It really is the little things that make our day, don’t you think?
I can’t wait to roll out the soda-pop mat, then gather our furniture around it. All summer long friends and neighbors stop by. I linger on the deck to open the mail or to read my book. We sit out there in the evening with a glass of wine or tea.
Counting the days…
What symbolizes the changing season for you?
Gardening Nirvana 
Gorgeous rug! I’d say setting out the patio furniture as well. And then I am so tired I have to have a long sit. 🙂
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LOL! Yes, it is a lot of work, but in the end, you have a lovely place to sit down. Makes it worthwhile doesn’t it?
🙂
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I need to get one of those for my deck. Spring usually means giving the 40+ year old lawnmower hubby paid $500 for 15 years ago the onceover.
(Horrible sentence but I’m leaving it as is LOL)
Spashionista (Alicia)
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Wow, that is quite the lawnmower! I used to have a push mower and a weed whacker thing for the edges. We now have a friend that takes care of our lawn which is such a treat. Mowing (or more accurately edging) were my least favorite chores. I like pruning, weeding, digging, planting, watering…but I hate edging. Not sure why.
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Love the one you chose! This year it is going to mean setting up the new trampoline (the girls can’t wait!)
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Oh what fun!
Thanks for commenting, Betsy.
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Great colours! That’s going to really anchor your patio so nicely. I’d love to have a rug out on the deck here, especially since it’s not in very good shape paint wise. But I guess I should wait. mmmmmm….to be outside on the patio, feels good….well I’m there in my heart anyways.
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You’re here in your heart, but soon your feet will be touching down on that mat. I. Can’t. Wait!!!
I’ll probably wait till early April to set things up. Still trying to remain optimistic that we might catch up on rainfall.
Hugs Boomdee xxoo
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Oh geez, I know, I’m still pinching myself Alys. It’s been just a joy planning this visit. I usually miss my kitties so much while I’m away, so it will be quite nice to be loving up yours while we’re hanging out. Love those hugs…..back at you my dear. xoK
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🙂
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Repairing the lawn mower and tidying out the barn is always ours. I love that mat, fab colours and it’s great that you can just hose it down to keep it clean. I have 2 mats that I got from Ikea that are similar but they too are really tired looking now. Sadly, last time I went to Ikea they had stopped selling them so I think a search on ebay may be in order!
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Don’t you love eBay and the like? There is no end to what you can find it seems.
I ordered this mat online as well…nothing like it in town that I’ve seen. Our sales tax is so high in the Bay Area, that ordering online, even with shipping, is often a bargain.
Repairing the lawn mower and tidying the barn. That sounds very woodsy and lovely. Ah, to have a barn. Wow!
Thanks for commenting, Eleenie.
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