We have a great backyard but I hadn’t done much with it to make it cute. It looks a lot bigger in these pics than it actually is in real life. The backyard is kind of a triangle shape, so while the farthest corner goes back pretty far, it’s a narrow yard.
Here’s the before pic. We’ve had this wicker settee and chair for a couple years. And there were just random toys here and there. I found a plain outdoor rug at CVS {of all places!} and it really defines the seating area. The white table was a flea market find last weekend. Only $15! I picked up a few outdoor pillows at Target that feel fresh and fun for summer. A simple change, but much better! I hung some spray-painted bottles from the tree to use as outdoor vases. So fun! The flowers have lasted a week out there and they look so fresh. I wrapped wire right under the lip of the bottle to create a hanger. It’s easy to do, just make sure you get the wire nice and tight so the hanger stays put! Now I want to make hangers for some mason jars to use as candle holders in the evening for some soft light. I’d like to put a large chalkboard outside and get a croquet set for summer BBQ’s. Do you have plans to spruce up your backyard for this summer?
Hi, I’m Lisa-mommy to my boys, David, 9 and Matty, 8 and wife to Steve. I create handmade jewelry and love taking pictures. Stick around and get to know us!
more on spring break {santa barbara}
May 3rd | adventures, family
A couple weeks ago we spent three nights in Santa Barbara to end the boys’ spring break on a high note. There was rain the first day but then sunshine after that. We had a ton of fun, minus the lack of sleep the first night. David has a hard time sleeping when we go out of town–especially the first night away. Usually by 1am I am desperate and exhausted and frustrated. And then I start to spiral into worry about what the future holds–and that kind of thinking doesn’t get us anywhere!
Thankfully he did much the second night and he slept wonderfully on the third night. I wouldn’t call it a relaxing getaway, but we made some great family memories!
Do you have any family getaways or activities planned for this summer? Please share!
hey locals! let’s hang out.
May 2nd | events, san luis obispo
I’ll be at Hands Gallery downtown this Friday for Art after Dark. Get the perfect gift in time for Mother’s Day! Come hang out, munch on goodies, and check out the art. Hands is located at 777 Higuera St. We will have our entire wholesale line – as well as some pieces from our online shop. Hope to see you there!
What I Wore Wednesday {same shirt, two ways}
May 2nd | what i wore wednesday
Hi friends! It’s Wednesday and I’m linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for some fashion inspiration.
The weather has been all over the place–from super sunny and warm to overcast and chilly. I prefer sunny and warm! So with crazy weather, layering is key. Today I’m showing you two ways to wear a striped tee. My long sleeved tee is from Banana Republic. The first day I wore the tee layered over a blue button down. It added interest and kept me cozy. Bits of my heart bracelet, My shop. {it’s been so popular, we can’t keep it in stock!} Scarf, Forever 21 Jeans, Anthropologie. Boots, Fossil. Then the very next day I wore the same top again but styled under a denim jacket from the Gap. Red wedges, Payless. Green skinny cords, Anthropologie. My deer necklace, my shop. Wooden bangles, thrifted. Bits of my heart, My shop. Here are the two outfits side by side so you compare. Same top, but different looks. To be honest, I often wear the same thing two days in a row. Why not? Then I don’t have to hang it back up in the closet and it cuts back on laundry. How about you, do you ever wear the same thing two days in a row?
Our big, big mother’s day giveaway!
May 1st | events
Hello friends! Mother’s day is quickly approaching and we want to celebrate YOU! One lucky winner is going to get some seriously FUN stuff! We’ve created a prize package with a Fuji Instax Camera {instant photos–super fun}, extra film, a Voluspa candle and a $100 gift card to Target for some shopping. Whoohoo!! Fun, right? Read on to find out how to enter.
We want to hear what your favorite pieces are from Lisa Leonard Designs! You can enter multiple times through Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Make sure to leave a comment for each entry.
Head over to the shop and ‘like’ one or more products in our shop and post this message (be sure to come back and let us know by commenting on this post)…
I love this Mother’s Day piece from @lisaleonard Find your favorite piece and like it to win a Mother’s Day gift set! Contest: http://goo.gl/SnOSA #i<3LLD
Pin one or more favorites from our shop on Pinterest and add the following comment…
I love this Mother’s Day piece from @lisaleonard Find your favorite piece and like it to win a Mother’s Day gift set! Contest: http://goo.gl/6YEYd #i<3LLD
Tweet the following…
I entered to win a #mothersdaygift from @lisaleonard Contest info on the #i<3LLD contest here http://goo.gl/94Es3 RT to enter!
Hurray! We’ll be announcing the winner on Mother’s Day. And if you haven’t shopped yet for your mom, grandma, sister or yourself, hop over to the shop and pick out the perfect gift!
janae hardy and lisa leonard designs
April 30th | blog friends, photography
I love the work of Janae Hardy. She’s a fantastic photographer with an incredible eye for beauty. I asked her if she would be willing to capture some of our products with her magic–and I was over the moon when she said, ‘Yes!’
So sweet, our hand-cast pennant banner with the word “love’. When you order, your hand-crafted piece will arrive in one of these little muslin bags. I love how she captured something so simple and made it lovely. Our true love cake topper makes dessert even sweeter! And the connected necklace has been a favorite since we introduced it a couple months ago. Perfect for mom’s day!
Thank you, Janae for sharing your art with us and capturing my designs so beautifully! Make sure to hop over to Janae’s blog and get inspired!
hello monday {flea market inspiration}
April 30th | inspiration
It’s Monday–a fresh start and a new beginning. Are you ready? I’m sharing pics from the Carpinteria Flea Market on Saturday where I shopped alongside
Hello inspiration. I saw so many pretty things at the flea market. Hello jewels. I would happily take you all home with me if my budget allowed it! Hello succulents. I really want to plant some on our front porch! Hello getting stuff done. Yesterday I cleaned up the boys’ room. Now it’s time to clean OUT the boys room {I want to go through all their toys and clothes.} Hello recycling. This wind chime from old silverware was adorable. Hello color. I just can’t get enough of it lately! Hello bangles. That one in the front came home with me for $5. Love. Hello old bottles. I’ve been collecting a few for a mantle re-do. Yay! Hello sniffly David. He’s home from school today. Hello pretties for the kitchen. I wanted to bring them all home–but some of them aren’t practical at all. This week’s menu looks like quinoa with roasted veggies and chicken and homemade enchiladas. Hello sparkly chandelier. I like pretty things, don’t you? Hello box full of awesome cars. About three years ago Matthias would have gone nuts over these! Hello Monday! It’s going to be a productive week. I’ve got a lot to share this week–so make sure you visit every day. There’s lots and lots of fun stuff happening.
What are you saying hello to this week? Leave a comment with some hellos or link up your own ‘Hello Monday’ post!
Winners!
April 28th | events
Hey remember that giveaway a while back? Well we have some winners for you!
Congratulations to Cindy V., Anna F., and Laura A. We’ve emailed you so we can send you your $50 gift card.
*Pictured above is the open circle necklace. Get your mother’s day orders in by May 7th {US only}
friday love {instagram}
April 27th | instagram
It’s time to share cell phone pics from the last couple weeks. I’m linking up with
I’ve mentioned David’s energy level before and how much more of it he has lately! We’ve been making a point to go to the park a couple times a week to get extra energy out. He needs help climbing up, but can slide down alone! I couldn’t resist this yellow cow creamer at Target. It came home with me for $4.99. The sky was all stripes and streaks when I dropped the boys off for school last week. So fun. Seriously?! The stand down the road has the biggest strawberries I’ve ever seen. And sweet, too! My sister has an amazing talent for watercolor. My favorite is the avacados. Dinner last week, Ground turkey chili. Yum! Play dates are the best–especially on a warm day with swimsuits and the hose. Color! When we go out to eat, David wants to drink from our cups, so we started getting him his own drink. He loves it! Mmmm, love this new necklace. Matthias picked me a bouquet of dandelions at the park. Best bouquet ever! David loves an afternoon nap cuddled up on my lap. And I don’t mind it either! Garden roses in my friend, Brenda’s, kitchen window. So pretty! Red shoes and yellow flowers equal happiness. Literally two minutes after i snapped this pic and instagrammed it, I got in the car, drove out of the parking lot and heard a loud POP!! and lots of smoke coming out from under the car. Now the car is in the shop. Red shoes plus car trouble does not equal happiness. This week I made baked sweet potatoes loaded with black beans, bacon, chives, cheese and sour cream. Heaven! Matthias wrote this on the whiteboard in our workshop. I cracked up. Love it. We’re having rain but there is sunshine in the forecast. Yes, please!
This weekend I am meeting up with Sarah for some downtime. I cannot wait. This mama needs a break! What do you have planned this weekend?
What makes your mom amazing? {part three}
April 26th | inspiration, jewelry
I have some adorable photos and an interview to share today! This is my sweet friend, Anna and her son Asher {who will steal your heart!} Anna’s a talented photographer–
so hop over to check out her site! Make sure to find the awesome coupon code at the bottom of the post. 
What has surprised you most about being a mom?
Well, there is always the true and obvious surprise….how much more I love my son than I even imagined I could. But I also am surprised at how much more inward my attention has turned towards my family. My love for my husband has grown and deepened in leaps and bounds and my relationships with my parents and siblings families are my most precious relationships. I need them so much more as I am trying to raise my family.
Do you experience mom guilt?
Yes, just this morning. I was trying to clean my bathrooms and straighten up my house. My son was whining and demanding things. I kept trying to give him things to make him happy and keep him busy so mama could clean. Guilt spoke and I realized that he was acting that way because he needed mama time. My house wasn’t that dirty and I could find time during naptime to finish up. These years are so fleeting and someday the tables will turn and I will be the whiner. I put my stuff away and sat on the floor to build a superhero hideout.
If you had all day to yourself, how would you spend it?
I would do all the things that are not easy to do towing a little one around. Before leaving the house I would remove all superheros, underwear, and kid snacks from my purse. Then off to a coffee shop for breakfast and good book to keep me company. Then some shopping…just to see first hand what fashion is actually IN the stores, not online or in a magazine. Just to flip through the racks in my own thoughts. Then I’d meet up with a friend for a lunch date and some adult conversation. I would pick the table on the sidewalk because I’m not worried my lunch date would ditch the booster seat and run into the street. Then home for a nap with no alarm and no buzzing of the baby monitor. After my nap I would take a bath and get ready for my hot date with my husband. Which includes a dinner I did not cook. Sounds so lovely, but only for a day……because at the end of the evening I know I’ll be missing my little guy.
Thank you, Anna! You are such an amazing mama.
Now your turn to share with us! What surprised you most about being a mom?
Shop for mother’s day and save 20% by entering code ‘mamalove’ at checkout. Hurry! Offer expires, tomorrow at midnight, PST. Find the mama necklace here!
Read our first interview with my nieces here.