Inflatable decoration delight

Give into the yard blowups! My boys have been asking for a few years every holiday to get one of those giant yard blowup decorations. I finally gave in, and to my surprise, they are fabulous! It’s just been a few days, and I wonder about the durability in the unpredictable; today is fall, tomorrow is summer, and Wednesday may be winter, Michigan weather.

I was fighting the blowup idea so much because yard inflatables are not nostalgic, classic, or, some would say, tasteful. When I finally said I would consider one, my ten-year-old took the task very seriously. He requested to go to a few stores to look at all the possibilities, and to my surprise, he didn’t immediately grab the largest, most colorful one he saw.

I suggested we get Jack the Skelton riding a coffin sleigh. My son returned to me to earth saying, “Mom, we are not spending $150 on a plastic blowup”. I responded, “But there’s Zero, his cute ghost dog we could get also.”

When I could tell I wasn’t convincing him, we went to online research. We found a 10-foot, three-ghost blowup on the almighty Amazon for a fraction of the price. It was amazingly on our doorstep when we woke up the following day. Do Amazon workers ever sleep? Does anyone else feel guilty when the deliveries are so early?

I let my 10-year-old take the lead, and we spent that afternoon together setting up all our Halloween decorations we’ve collected over the years and the new blow-up. He conveniently took a long snack break while I tediously put up a million bats by peeling off the tiny adhesive stickers on each, but seeing his pride and excitement over this yard blow-up changed my mind. I must admit, it looks spectacular, and we have even received compliments from neighbors. I’m lucky the kid has good taste.

In a more practical sense, the blowups take up little space to store and are so easy to set up. I am wondering why I didn’t give in sooner. These decorations may not be nostalgic or classic to me, but they will be someday for my kids, who grow up so fast. My two oldest have taught me; now that one is in college, the other is looking at colleges. Just embrace the magic now while it’s there and they are home with you.

When we woke up the following day, another package was at our door. Amazon people, take a rest! It was a set of blowup pumpkins! I can see how easily people’s yards get taken over by blowup decorations. We have set a firm line that we are stopping at two for now… but there’s always Christmas!

Must have boots

What boots are in my closet? Here are a few of my go-to pairs for muddy sporting events, picking up kiddos, and nights out.

London Fog Piccadilly Rain Boot comes in various fun colors and designs. I have a pair of black with a patch of fun stripes. These are easy to slip on with fun socks and are perfect to wear to muddy spring soccer or lacrosse games.

Ugg Classic Mini II is a classic, comfortable style. I love to slip these on to run errands or pick up the kiddos. I them in grey because it goes with everything. Treat them with water repellent before wearing them to make them last longer.

Sorel Out N About III Conquest Boot is cute and comfortable enough to wear all day. In addition, these boots are waterproof and warm, and when I am writing this, they are 40% off at the Sorel website!!!

Steve Madden Over the Knee Boot can be casual or dressy. You can slouch them for fun or wear them over your knee for a sexier look. It pairs well with jeans or a dress/skirt—super fun, must-have staple.

Tom's Kallie Boot comes in various patterns and colors, like cow, cheetah, and leopard. I have them in black, but I may have to get another one now. These are comfortable, easy-to-wear boots. I usually wear these with booty socks and a pair of jeans.

Fantastic summer home finds

I love the beautiful Michigan summers where we actually get to see the sunshine for a few months. Here are some products I have found to help me maximize my summer joy.

Magnetic Vent Covers It seems my lower level is freezing in the summer while the main floor is warmer. I got a quote for about $3,000 to close off some of the lower-level vents and balance the airflow better. Instead, I found these covers on Amazon and strategically covered vents in the lower level until I achieved the correct balance.

The Original Magnetic Screen Door I added this, or instead, I watched the boyfriend do a fabulously easy-looking install to my back patio door. This allows me to go in and out hands-free while grilling and my three dogs to also come and go with the screens automatically shut behind them to keep bugs out. It’s also convenient because this door is beside my desk, and whenever I am working on something like writing blog pieces, the dogs constantly want me to let them in and out. No more!

Lintem Smart Outdoor String Lights The Saturday night before Mother’s Day in May, my boyfriend and I were casually enjoying the evening, and I said it has always been a dream of mine to install string lights over the deck. Immediately, a measuring tape came out, and lights were delivered and installed the next day! The ability to control these from your phone is nice but even better, they work with Alexa, and mine are on a timer to come on and off each night. Pro-tip, make sure you have a WIFI signal where you want them installed. We had to buy a WIFI booster. Now every night, I enjoy these gorgeous lights; I think dreams do come true!

OC Orange Casual 3 Piece Bistro Patio Set I have had this two-chair and small table set for about a year now, and it still looks new. This set has made a cozy nook on my deck to drink coffee, read or enjoy drinks and conversation while grilling. The fun, bright blue and gray cushion color combo adds an eclectic look to my outdoor space. I just noticed that the set is on sale! So jealous.

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller I have tried several mosquito repellents over the years, and this one works! Enough said.

MASTERCANOPY Patio Umbrella I have two of these nine-foot waterproof umbrellas in the light gray option. I like the sophisticated, sleek look and the pretty LED solar lights. The tilt feature is nice to keep the sun off you. The umbrella comes in a few sizes and about a dozen color options.

Best Choice Products Fire Pit Table Another product that is on sale right now! I needed a slim firepit option allowing me space to put drinks. This adorable fire table packs a lot of heat with different fire-level options. It comes with glass stones, you need a propane tank, and you will be set for cozy nights. Assembly was easy, though I will admit the boyfriend once again did this one.