Great balconies are a blessing to have, especially in New York City (especially in this pandemic era). In my previous Manhattan apartment, my balcony became a part of my daily routine. I enjoy spending time on my balcony with my journal and a cup of coffee in the early mornings and hosting friends on the balcony on the cooler days of late summer and early fall. When I moved into my Brooklyn apartment, the 7-by-9-foot balcony was almost twice the size of my Manhattan balcony. I knew I wanted to style it and make it my own, so this summer I’m starting a DIY apartment project and transforming my balcony into a cozy oasis.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly tiny balcony upgrade, here’s everything you need to transform your outdoor space.
Plus Size Outfit of the Day: Overalls
Dig into your next DIY project wearing these comfy plus size overalls. These straight leg, relaxed-fit bib will give you the comfort to move and 8 functional pockets featuring chest pocket with pencil division; Hammer loop & key loop keep your tools handy. The reinforced double needle stitching is super durable for yard work, gardening, flower arranging or redecorating with ease. These plus size overalls are so comfortable that I bought it in pinstripe too! For a perfect weekend yard work look, pair it with your favorite t-shirt and sneakers to complete your look. For reference, I am 5’10, I wear a size 18 bottom, size 14 top and a size 11W shoe.
Buy It! Women’s Plus Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Bib Overalls – Dickies, $47.99 (orig. $59.99); amazon.com
The Best Nude Lipstick for Dark Skin
One day, I will do a full swatch review on the Chanel Rouge Coco lipsticks, but for now let’s just say I am obsessed with this formula so much that I even wear it to bed! They’re calling this the ‘ready to wear’ lipstick, it comes in 24 shades and my understanding is that each lipstick is named after someone who was close to Mademoiselle Chanel, the people who called her Coco. So cool, right? Anyway– The formula of these lipsticks are the most hydrating I’ve ever tried. I’m wearing the color “Suzanne” which is the best nude lipstick I’ve found for chocolate colored dolls like me.
Buy It! ROUGE COCO ULTRA HYDRATING LIP COLOUR – Suzanne , $42; chanel.com
Interlocking Wooden Deck tile (Snapping Deck Tiles)
I was inspired to do wood floors for my New York City balcony by Alvin Wayne’s Small Cool Space for apartment therapy. After looking at a few patterns and shades, I decided to go with the Hanalei Eucalyptus Interlocking Wooden Deck tile in Red Brown. Snapping deck tiles (sometimes called interlocking deck tile) is a do-it-yourself product perfect for renters and homeowners. This flooring provides a classic, elegant look for outdoor decking projects big and small. You’ll be able to quickly build any unique outdoor living space by simply snapping the deck tiles together. My favorite part is that I was able to do all of my flooring without using nails, glue, or a hammer. Most importantly, it is sustainable and reusable – just simply snap and unsnap the deck tiles on one floor and re-snap them on another floor! I was able to build my floor within a matter of hours and enjoy it right away. And my glue, screws, and hammers stayed in my little tool box! These tiles are 100% Eucalyptus – a very durable Hardwood, that is very dense; so it quickly repels water, and its natural oil combats and repels wood eating insects.
Buy It! Outdoor Eucalyptus Interlocking Wooden Deck Tile – Ashley Furniture, $70.99 (box of 10 tiles); ashleyfurniture.com
How to do Yard Work with Bad Knees
This knee pad can help alleviate discomfort. I use them during exercise, prayer or gardening– it gives my sore knees perfect cushioning. Order a jar of my skin softening doll butter and I’ll send you a complimentary a pair of knee pads as a gift with purchase (while supplies last!)
Buy It! Doll Butter, $28 (use code KNEEPAD for a complimentary pair of knee pads while supplies last); cocoabycece.com
Sustainable Patio Furniture
Next in my small balcony transofrmation process is getting some outdoor furniture. I am doing my best to be sustainable and find vintage pieces, so I stopped by city foundry and I found an adorable set. I’ll show it to you very soon.
Thanks for reading and watching! I hope you found this post helpful.
CeCe xx
