Outdoor Movie Night at the Country Cottage

Remember the fab DIY circular patio and firepit I shared last year? Well, it got a serious upgrade in the form of an outdoor movie theater set up this season.



You will have to excuse the less than stellar image. The truth is, we were having too much fun out here and I just never got around to taking a great photograph.  But I think you can get the idea.

It's not something they keep up permanently but rather bring it out when the situation calls for it.  I think Aggie's first viewing of the Wizard of Oz was certainly occasion enough.

For those that are curious about the details, the projector is a refurbished home theater projector.  I was really shocked how clean and crisp the picture was even with the ambient light around the patio in the form of the outdoor string lights.  The only downside to this projector is that the built in speaker isn't great so my brother uses a separate speaker instead which worked perfectly.

As for the screen I had just assumed they would hang a white sheet up between the trees.  Little did I know that a sheet just won't work very well b/c the light goes right through it so they were going to need something a bit more heavy duty. They used this portable projector screen, added heavy duty grommets to the edges and built a frame out of pvc pipe that was easy to put up and break down as needed.

With the fire roaring and everyone kicking back in the adirondack chairs, it's a pretty amazing set up.

Move Over Man Cave, Share a She Shed

Honestly, I find the term "man cave" sort of irritating despite being guilty of using it often enough. So when I saw "she shed", I mentally put a finger down my throat.  But if you can put aside the cliche, it's worth a drool to admire a few of these beauties.  Add this to my list of things my imaginary country house must have.



via BHG , sunset mag, this old house

Instead of a she shed, I'd love a space where I could DIY and make a complete mess without having to worry about destroying my house while being inviting and well lit.  A colorful pegboard full of tools perfectly hung, shelves of paint cans, a little hidden speaker to listen while I work and a comfortable chair.  What about you?  What would you find in your dream she shed?

Obsessed: Party Barn

I will be the first to admit: I'm very much a city mouse and that isn't going to change.  But anyone who knows me well knows that should I ever cast off city life in favor of country expanse, there are a few must haves in my imaginary country house.  One of those things is a party barn.  (Granted, if I move away I will have no one to party with me in this party barn but allow me my fantasy)





So when I stumbled upon this VRBO listing, I had to share it because it has that perfectly cozy rustic vibe that would make for some beautiful celebrations. Just take out the beds and this is the perfect party barn. Now if I could just fit this in my Brooklyn backyard!