From Bad to Worse to Incomplete

We bought our home for one reason only...well, that's not entirely true. We liked the house for several reasons but the biggest draw was the backyard. It was huge!

But it left a lot to be desired. Every single bush had been shaped into a rectangular hedge. The rotting bar-be-que was at least fifteen years old and the mauve-pink tile (that perfectly matched the paint and floor tiles throughout the interior) HAD to go! We've tried to update some of these things since we moved in four years ago but it still wasn't exactly what we were hoping for.

What is that, you ask?

We wanted an outdoor nirvana. Comfy couches surrounding a fireplace where we'd snuggle up and drink wine with friends as we watched the kids play chase. A dining room table enough for six that sits underneath a great chandelier. Music. Lighting. Landscape. Oh, and a well stocked refrigerator that our future teenager daughter and her friends will steal beer from.

We hired a contractor who was a friend of the family (don't ever, ever do that) who assured us he'd be able to find a brick to match the existing brick. Fail.

Plan B was to take the brick up and replace it with stone. It was spring break and the sleeping teenagers next door were greeted with the sound of a jackhammer and a saw cutting each brick from the ground. The neighbor on the opposite side of us, peeked his head over the fence and told the guys doing the work that we should have just ripped out all the concrete instead and start from scratch. He may have been right. But we were kind of feeling the whole roadside bomb approach instead.

We took out a small portion of grass to put in the new leisure lounge and fireplace. It's secluded and wonderful but it's also freezing-ass cold. The wind literally whips between the neighbor's house and ours. It was so incredibly cold the first night we used the fireplace that we had to use blankets and wear Ugg boots to ward off any hypothermia.

It slowly came together. This didn't help it get finished any faster. Really?

We still have some paint work to finish up and unfortunately some other finish details that we're not thrilled about. I'd like to hang some drapes to block the crazy-hot morning sun we typically get, throw pillows, and more landscaping!

But, the fireplace we really wanted turned out kick-ass. Kick-ass cold, but kick-ass!

What do ya say? After dinner drinks at our house? Have any good tips or suggestions on where to find nice outdoor accessories that won't break the bank and can withstand a dog and a toddler?