It’s crazy to me that Labor Day is this weekend! As the unofficial end of summer, I really hate to see this holiday arrive. However, it’s also a wonderful reminder to soak up some sun while that’s still a comfortable option. Seeing as summer doesn’t officially end for a few more weeks (and fall is actually a really lovely season to spend time outside!), I’d say it’s still okay to invest a little time and energy into one last warm-weather hoorah with a few budget-friendly backyard purchases.
Image via paintedfurnitureideas.com
If you’re anything like me, the ideal backyard should be the perfect balance of serenity and celebration. It should be somewhere that you can both host fun gatherings and also enjoy a quiet evening under emerging stars. This Backyard on a Budget Pinboard (which inspired this entire post!) from Goodwill Industries of Alberta (Edmonton) has so many really unique ideas for functional décor across lots of different styles. It also has great tips, like how to paint plastic yard furniture, that will allow you to simply polish up a few older pieces without having to completely redecorate. This is a great place to start if you’re looking for a little inspiration!
Image via ohmy-creative.com
Another really fun backyard DIY idea is this darling drink display that Susan of the blog Oh My! Creative mentioned in her list of 22 gorgeous Goodwill makeover projects. An antique chair without a seat may appear hopeless in the thrift store aisle until you realize that with only the addition of a galvanized tub it can quickly become a charming centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen display during an event! I know what you’re thinking: “But what do I do with the darn thing after the party is over?” There are so many options… Pot plants in the bucket, use it to display your favorite yarns in a craft room or clean rolled up towels in the bathroom, in your home office it could corral odds and ends. No matter where it settles in your home after the summer has passed, it is sure to be a conversation piece!
Image via instagram.com/goodwillboston
And because the end of summer just wouldn’t feel right without a few more S’mores, I give you this quirky sweatshirt spotted in a Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (Boston) store and shared on their Instagram account. The nights are cooler now as we approach fall, so while you’re stargazing in your newly spruced yard space, this will be just what you need. Pair it with some sporty leggings for a flexible (read: comfortable) look so you can cash in on the athleisure fashion trend even if you’re not headed to the gym (who says s’mores aren’t healthy?).
Best of all, while you’re shopping at Goodwill® for your backyard bonus pieces this Labor Day, you’ll be helping others within your community who have had barriers to finding employment become empowered through work. On an annual basis, more than 261,000 people in the United States and Canada find employment as a result of Goodwill career services programs. That is only possible because of the kind people like you who donate to and shop at Goodwill retail stores. Thank you for promoting the power of work!
