Patio Obsession

As soon as I can take the dog outside, minus a coat, my patio obsession begins. This obsession is real, I’ve talked about it before, here.

When do they open? How early do they open? How many are within walking distance?

How can I decorate my patio? Where can I find that perfect outdoor rug? One with color and pattern and all the feel of spring.

I’ve been pinning patio inspiration for months. Just waiting for those sales to spring up!

I have finally acquired almost all of my new patio pieces. A side table or so may still be on their way… But an almost complete and perfect patio sits waiting to  greet our Minnesota summer.

Not much can add to my perfect patio, except the perfect snack! A simple cheese plate, enhanced by Blue Diamond Nut Thins. Have you tried these guys ? I had not previously, and they are delish! The perfect accompaniment to a wedge of double cream brie 😉

I can’t lie, I even had them for breakfast the other morning…..

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Side note: Bets on whether or not I ate that entire wedge by myself…?

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Nut Thins.

The First Patio Day

It is a Midwest thing. if you enjoy 60 degree winters, you will never understand. But when the first real spring day hits; when the sun is actually out to play; the city comes back to life. This day, is the First Patio Day.

The First Patio brings out the city.  And I mean the entire city.  People are walking, the dogs are out, the motorcycles are back, the top is down.

Where has everyone been?  Well hiding from the cold, silly.  Hermiting and hiding under layers.  Scarfs, hats and really attractive body length coats.  Hiding in apartment parties at night; calling a taxi for an 8 min walk.  Trust me, you would too.

But not today.  Not on the First Patio Day.  The streets are full… the restaurants are full..   its like a fight for an open table. In the sun.

Prepare for a wait, as even the servers are not use to the sun.  The sun is a stranger, making his first appearance.

No one quite knows how to handle it. From shorts to dresses to an outfit that almost shows your unmentionables; we are not quite sure how to dress. It may have been approaching 70 degrees, but as happy hour draws to a close, so does the almost 70 degrees.  But it is the First Patio, so we forgive those outfits not quite yet appropriate.  And we’ve all been hiding under layers, so our ghost white skin is dying for some vitamin D.  So we forgive and look away.

The First Patio is a Midwest phenomenon…

Even the new Thai Restaurant, that lacks a patio, celebrates the First Patio, with a beer on the doorsteps as you wait for takeout.

 

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HAPPY FIRST PATIO DAY!!

 

Grow those Onions

I am daydreaming of an urban garden.  One that sprouts up on my little patio. If spring ever arrives that is……

But I know zero about plants. Nada. I can’t even keep a basil plant alive. Fail. But still, I am bound and determined that this will be the year I successfully create that patio oasis, with flowers, veggies and Mr.Yucca tree. (my one straggling survivor from last year) Yes I call him that. HIM, I know he’s a male.

Thanks to Pinterest, I’ve decided to take baby steps… you know, re-grow my own green onions. This may be my most ridiculous post to date, yet I don’t care. IT Worked!!!! Buy a handful at the grocery store, throw the unused root part in a cup of water.  Simple. Even I can follow those directions.

They grew, those suckers actually shot up and grew. Who knew?  Bursting with pride over here.

Its the little things… really.

Go grow those Onions, it might make you happy.

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 What “little things” make you happy??