Patio Pleasure

Summer is here! Well, not officially but the weather as of late has me jumping for joy and scrambling for my swimsuit. There is nothing I love more than a day spent on the beach (preference to Long Beach Island of course) followed by cocktails, chatter about the previous summer night, and grilling out on the patio. Here are some recent patio and porch faves that have me counting the minutes until my next summer weekend. Even better? If it comes with an outdoor fireplace. After all, who can turn resist a midnight s'more?

(a Charleston home with a porch like this? I'd move right in)

(shutters in a worn-out turquoise are the perfect accent)

 (pink perfection.)

 (sometimes a little oasis in the city will just have to do)

 (love those reclaimed doors!)

To add to your outdoor experience, visit the farmer's market and whip up one of my favorite easy breezy summer side dishes, courtesy of the always beachy Barefoot Contessa:

Guacamole Salad

Ingredients:

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1 yellow pepper, seeded and diced

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup red onion, diced

2 Tbsp. jalepeno peppers, seeded and minced

1/2 tsp. grated lime zest

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced

Directions:

Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalepeno and lime zest in a large boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic and cayenne better. Pour over vegetables and toss well. Before serving, fold avocados into the salad. Enjoy and happy summer!

Images via Food Network, Material Girls, Pinterest, Southern Living and Coastal Living.