Outdoor Living in Style with Cost Plus World Market

While I'm thankful for every square inch of outdoor space that we have — plenty of yard, a large deck downstairs and a smaller, but still very usable deck upstairs — we've never been able to fully capture the feeling of outdoor living.

We love entertaining and having people over, as the open layout, ample seating options and fully-stocked playroom makes hanging out indoors quite easy. But once you step out the sliding door? Just not all that thrilling.

I have dreams of filling the emptiness with furniture and decor that are neutral and casual, while also adding in bursts of bright colors in things like accessories, pillows and decorations that are pleasing as well as welcoming.

My new favorite place to shop for just the right pieces, big or small, is none other than Cost Plus World Market and their unique and beautiful furnishings for indoors as well as out.

We were only a mere few steps inside Cost Plus World Market and, as usual, my eyes weren't sure where to look first. We've often stopped in to browse the selection of items available or to see which products were currently being featured in another of their amazing deals, and I was far from disappointed on this trip.

With 25% off on many of their Mother's Day promotional items, I happily headed over to browse the shelves and see the large collection of jewelry, women's clothing, items for pampering, items for relaxing... what more could a mom want?

I've always loved the affordability of shopping at Cost Plus World Market as well, as you can easily stop in for a gift or for an item for your own home and know that you will find one well within your budget.

I was drawn to this display of extremely soft, luxurious-feeling scarves and assumed I would see a price tag similar to those in other stores (somewhere around $24.99). Instead, I turned over the card and was shocked to see $9.99!

Pulling away from shopping for myself, we headed over to the many displays of outdoor furniture, happy to see that it was a featured special as well: 20% off select items. No matter if you are shopping for large or small, there is something for everyone!

I was near-giddy over the fun and chic accessories that I could see working perfectly with our style. Big Sister E was sure we needed a Yellow Pig Serving Platter...

I completely agreed with her! He's adorable!

...and I had to hold myself back from filling our cart with every item off of the displays of outdoor lighting and colorful accents.

But when it came time to make a decision, the quality wood furniture, comfy cushions, colorful umbrellas and more was the proven way to bring fashion to the outdoors (for less)!

After browsing them all, we took into account the amount of space that we were trying to fill and our need for being able to collapse and store our items during the long, cold, Midwest winters. It wasn't long before we settled on the wonderful Bistro Table & Chairs Collection.

While I had plans to take this set immediately home and get to work styling it and deciding what the perfect accessories would be to accompany it (I already had a mental list of my favorite cushions, rugs, lighting and decor right there from World Market), we hit a snag when the Bistro Table was nowhere to be found.

Even though the very friendly store staff searched and searched (after having verified on the computer there there was one in-stock), it ended up an unsolved mystery. Although I was slightly disappointed, I know that waiting another two weeks for the table to come in won't be a problem.

Plus, we didn't head home completely empty-handed and have already started to get a feeling for how our cute new sitting area is going to look.

In fact, with a little help from the Cost Plus World Market website, a little imagination, and a bit of squinting, I can start to picture just how quaint and perfect this little set it going to be for us.

Now I just have to wait for the call to let me know that my Bistro Table is available and I'll be able to head over and pick it up... and have an excuse to do a little more shopping so that my decorative accents dreams can become a reality thanks to World Market!

Want to get an idea of just how much you're going to love Cost Plus World Market? Visit their website to browse their beautiful selection, latest ad, and to find a store location near you. You'll also want to connect with them on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with the latest and greatest... as well as to be a part of their Facebook giveaway: Cost Plus World Market is giving away two $50 gift cards once they reach 500,000 fans!

If that isn't enough, World Market is currently holding a fantastic sweepstakes in which the grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to Rio de Janeiro! Even better, one lucky Facebook fan will win a $100 gift card to Cost Plus World Market every single day — it ends May 18th, so don't miss it! Go enter!

This shop has been compensated by Cost Plus World Market, but all my opinions are honest and my own.