I’m really excited for the warmer weather that is headed our way. I’m ready to spend long evenings outside and have friends over for BBQs. We have a really gorgeous backyard, it’s huge, so we really needed some areas with seating and just a place to hang out. We have some seating on our porch, but the rest of the half acre has nothing. Right out our back door is a large old mandarin tree, it provides a nice shady spot. Last year, in an effort to reduce our water use, my husband took out some of our grass and added this gravel spot. I actually really love this pea gravel, it’s clean and really easy to care for.

I decided it was time to find some outdoor furniture. You know I’m a fan of the hunt, and Tuesday Morning is a great place to go hunting. I love that every time I step through the doors, there is so many new things. Tuesday Morning really has a little of everything. They carry  quality brands and designer names from all over the world. And the best part is, they are always at a great price. I found so many great outdoor pieces. This pair of white adirondack chairs jumped out at me. I’ve always been a fan of this classic shape and in this bright white finish, they felt modern and clean. And to make them even more comfortable, I also bought a couple outdoor fabric pillows.

If you are going to have a couple of chairs, you definitely need a side table to set a drink on. I LOVE this little geometric table I found. It looks adorable outside with my new chairs, but I like so much, it might make its way inside as well.

Tuesday Morning doesn’t only carry furniture, I also picked up a pretty citronella candle, a couple of pretty square terra-cotta planters, and these fun oversized mug glasses and a pitcher.

To create this little backyard living room, I brought in some new pieces and also gave some old pieces a little new life. Last year, we had a tree die, so I had my husband keep some stumps for me. I knew they could be some great additional seating. So, finally this last weekend, I took a few hours to chisel away the bark and then I sanded and sanded and sanded. Then I painted the tops of the stumps white to give a nice clean seat.

This weekend we are having friends over for dinner. I think a lot of the get together will be outside. We will light the little fire pit and enjoy this little outdoor “room”.

And if you are going to have company over, a yummy drink is a good idea, and you know I love a Mocktail! So, with warmer weather headed our way, I decided I needed a fun, refreshing drink to serve at my next get together. This Mango Jalapeno Mock-Margarita is surprisingly spicey

Mango Jalapeno Mock-Margarita

• 1 liter of mango juice (about 5 cups)
• Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
• ice
• club soda
• lime slices
• thin slices of jalapeno
• one mango diced
• Tajin

In a large pitcher, mix the mango juice, mango pieces, lime and jalapeno slices and simple syrup. Rim the glasses with Tajin. Garnish with limes and jalapeno slices.

Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• juice of 5 limes plus enough water to make 1 cup
• zest of 5 limes
• 2 jalapenoes sliced

Bring the ingredients to a boil and boil one minute. Pour into an airtight container and chill.

Right now, our citrus trees are blooming, and there really is no better smell on earth. All week, I’ve spent my evening out in this spot.

Be sure to check out your local Tuesday Morning.  I’m sure there are some treasures waiting there for you.

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