April | End Notes

To think that we’re already four months into 2021 is just beyond belief! Even so, I’m still not finding my groove yet, both within my life and work schedule. Perhaps it’s because, during the past several months, the hubby and I have been tirelessly working to complete the renovation of our gremlin backyard that we inherited when we purchased the house into a beautiful vacation resort. I suspect between all the unfinished projects going on at the same time right now and wanting to get it all done before summer comes has a lot to do with my equilibrium feeling off-balance. That’s why I’m not-so-secretly thankful that our spring weather suddenly took a turn to fall-like temperatures with a little bit of icy air to it. I’m actually grateful for that since it’s prolonging the cooler days which I feel is buying us some time to finish up that backyard space once and for all, just in time to enjoy it before the horrid heat of summer comes. Hopefully.

We still are waiting for items we’ve ordered over a month ago to come. We also still need to get a few major pieces to get it all completed, including a few more plants. But we’re getting there slowly but surely. Overall, I have to say, the month of April though hectic and pretty tiring, was still a pretty good one. I got to shoot something exciting, tackled a good number of DIYs for the backyard, including one major one that I cannot wait to share! In the meantime, I thought I’d share some of the things currently on the shopping list. Weekend plans: you guessed it! I’ll be working in the backyard, writing a couple of thank you cards that are way overdue, and re-style our fireplace mantels for the new fresh season that I’ve been wanting to do since spring began.

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1. Finding the perfect outdoor patio umbrella in the right style and size is taking a lot more sourcing than expected. Either the styles I love only come in smaller beach sized umbrellas or the ones that are in the perfect size I’m looking for are nowhere near what I’m envisioning to go in between our backyard lounge chaises. I loooove this “Pacific Pagoda Umbrella” but besides its insane price tag, the size is too small for what we need. Love this one, even though it’s still not in the right color or size, but its distinctive aesthetic is close to the vintage style I’m after. And the style of this one is oh so good! Again, the width of the umbrella falls short from what we need. But, they are definitely on the contenders list. Worse yet, the shipping dates are pretty far out for a lot of these companies.

2. I’ve been eyeing this “Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser” for a while now. I really love the elevated touch of the leather cuff details on it. It makes an ideal addition to any room and would add the perfect balance of texture and warmth.

3. There’s something about a pretty woven tote bag. This year, might be the year I score my very own, excellent for groceries, hauling picnic goodies, or simply to display. And a pretty summer tote wouldn’t be complete without a cute pair of slide sandals.

4. It’s been a long while since I’ve been on the market searching for the ideal brightening serum that also brightens hyperpigmentation and sun spots. I found some that I fell in love with because of the way they go on and how silky they make my skin feel, but I’ve yet to find ones that do what they promise – that is, to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots. I know that’s a tall order but I have a hunch that product is out there. I just haven’t found it yet. I’ve heard/read good things about Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum. It claims to do all the things I’m wishing for in a product, so I’m going to give it a try. I’ll report back.

5. Something that I’ve not upgraded in over a decade and have been itching to, is our day-to-day plates. These hand-painted, porcelain ones caught my eye. Not only because of the style and color combo, but how beautiful they look when stacked.