Fro m Gril l to Chill Tips for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space

Summer is the season for outdoor living. It's the time of year when we want to take advantage of the warm weather and spend as much time as possible outside. And what better way to do that than by creating a functional and fun outdoor living space in your backyard?

reating an outdoor living space can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning, it can be a fun and rewarding project. The first thing to consider is the layout of your backyard. Do you have a large, open space, or is it more enclosed? If you have a large space, consider dividing it into different zones, such as a seating area, a dining area, and a play area for kids. This will help you make the most of your outdoor space and create a flow that works for your needs. If your space is more enclosed, focus on creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Next, think about the amenities you want to include. For adults, a great addition is a bar or outdoor kitchen area. This allows you to cook and entertain without having to constantly run inside. To ensure your outdoor kitchen is functional and fully equipped, consider calling in the professionals at Gold Seal Plumbing to help with connecting running water. They can ensure that everything is properly set up so that you won’t have to rely on a garden hose for water. And why stop there? Add a custom fire pit, like those created locally by Kalispel Metal

Products, to create a cozy atmosphere on cool summer nights, or a hot tub or swimming pool to soak up the sun and get in some relaxation. For kids, a swing set is a classic, but you can up the fun with a trampoline, above ground pool, or even a sandbox (which can also be adapted for a game of horseshoes). Having something for the kids to do will keep them entertained while you enjoy the “rest” of the space.

When it comes to seating, comfort is key. Invest in outdoor furniture that’s weather-resistant, but also comfortable enough to lounge on for hours. One popular option for summer seating is outdoor lounge chairs. These are typically made of weather-resistant materials like wicker, teak, or metal, and often come with cushions or padding for added comfort. Another option is outdoor dining sets, which are great for hosting summer dinners or barbecues with family and friends. Signature Design by Ashley, available through Complete Suite Furniture, offers patio cushions wrapped with all-weather, fade-resistant fabrics, and outdoor dining tables and chairs made with rust-proof aluminum frames, treated wood, recycled plastic, and moisture-resis- tant resin wicker.

Don’t forget about lighting. String lights, lanterns, and torches can all add a warm, inviting glow to your outdoor space. Consider installing solar-powered lights along walkways or in the garden for added safety. A well-lit outdoor space can be enjoyed long into the evening.

Finally, add some greenery to your outdoor living space. Plants not only add beauty, but they also provide shade and privacy. Consider planting trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your yard, or adding potted plants to your seating area. A well-manicured lawn can also add to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.

Creating an outdoor living space is an investment in your home and your lifestyle, and it’s a project that can be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue for family and friends or just chilling out with a beverage and a good book, your backyard oasis will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Experience the joy of a summer campout in your own backyard with a custom fire pit from Kalispel Metal Products.

Outdoor dining made perfect with Signature Design by Ashley essentials, available exclusively at Complete Suite Furniture. Elevate your alfresco experience with top-quality patio furniture and accessories for a memorable dining experience under the open sky.

MOM'S CUSTOM TATTOO & BODY PIERCING

At Mom’s Custom Tattoo & Body Piercing, the art of tattooing and body piercing is more than just a business, it’s a family affair. Beth Swilling, the mom in Mom’s, is an artist who has been applying her skills to the human body for many years, while her daughter Shandra leads the piercing and jewelry side of things. Together, they have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where customers feel comfortable and safe.

While tattoos are often seen as a form of self-expression, Mom’s sees them as living conversation starters. “Tattoos walk around the community, starting up conversations between folks. They may never learn each other’s’ names, but they will know about the art and know a little bit about each other,” Beth says.

Mom’s commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the best tattoo and piercing studios in the Inland Northwest. They have also expanded their offerings to include “Mom’s Crystal Corner,” a space where customers can explore a range of spiritual and wellness products, including crystals, tarot decks, and affirmation decks.

Mom’s Custom Tattoo & Body Piercing has become a beloved fixture in the Inland Northwest community, known for prioritizing quality, safety, and creativity. From stunning body art to spiritual wellness products, Mom’s is committed to providing a memorable and meaningful experience for all who visit.

hat can we do to keep Spokane’s pollinators thriving? Because their habitats are shrinking, we can redesign our residential yards with that crucial partnership in mind.

Plant Wide Flowers

Plant sturdy, nectar rich flowers like daisies, marigolds, lavender and peonies so pollinators will have room to land and feed as they spread common pollens that stick to their bodies as they travel. Pollinators seem to prefer yellow and blue flowers, so look for wide flowers in those hues.

Late Bloomers

Many of our most popular flowers have a short season for blooms, but our pollinators need to feed most of the year. So consider planting flowers that bloom in the summer and the early fall, in addition to your spring blossoms. Flowers like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, asters, chrysanthemums and goldenrods can bloom far into fall.

Smell the Sweetness

Pollinators are attracted to the smell of sweetness. So why not plant fragrant flowers and shrubs to lead them to your friendly domain? Honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender and roses have a sweet smell we can all appreciate. But common herbs like sage, oregano and basil also attract pollinators with their essential oils.

Consider Clover

Are you tired of cutting your grass— not to mention the cost of watering it to keep it green? Consider ground cover that attracts pollinators. Clovers seldom need to be mowed and require far less water, after they’ve been well rooted. They are green and fragrant and help sustain our pollinators.

Water, Water Everywhere

You could place hefty pails of water everywhere, and still not offer your pollinators a safe place to drink. Why? Deep water placements drown more bees than they assist. So consider placing shallow water sources throughout your yard. Break resistant plates weighted with a heavy rock are a good and inexpensive place to start. Add sticks as escape routes, in case your pollinators slip in and need a path to safety.

If you opt for shallow bird baths, be sure to flush and replace the water often to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching in the water. Or add a water feature with movement, so the eggs aren’t laid in the first place. We want to please our pollinators, not grow our mosquito populations.

Think Organic

When you fertilize your lawns, be thoughtful. Many chemical enhances products are deadly to pollinators, so look for organic options whenever possible— natural mulches, for example, can enrich your soil without endangering wildlife.

Winter Shelter

Many pollinators do not fly south during the winter. They hibernate in safe places and wait for the spring to emerge once again. So make it easy for them to nest in your yards. Clearing leaves and downed trees may have been the norm in generations past, but experts say raking your leaves is not necessary for a healthy lawn. So leave the leaves—ignore the broken branches and offer safe haven to pollinators who need it the most.

When you’re tempting pollinators to visit your yard, don’t forget the hummingbirds. If you’ve ever seen a hummingbird in flight, you won’t be surprised to discover they have an incredibly quick metabolism. As a result, they need far more food and water than other birds require to be healthy. Make it easy for them to find, and they’ll visit your yard year after year after year.

Here are a few tips to draw them to your hummingbird haven.

1. Think red. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so plant red flowers, paint your outdoor furniture red, tie red ribbons to the branches of your trees and bushes. Red is a “welcome’ sign for hummingbirds.

2. Hang red hummingbird feeders in your yard in safe places predators can’t access. Space them at least four feet apart so the birds can establish their own feeding territories.

3. Make your own nectar and never add red food coloring. Simple recipes made with ordinary sugar and water are available all over the Internet. But be sure to clean your feeders often so mold won’t make your visitors sick. .

4. Remember, hummingbirds need protein along with nectar. Skip insecticides. Hummingbirds eat spiders, fruit flies, mosquitos, and gnats. Make it easy for them to feed by not using chemicals.

5. Be sure there is fresh water available for your hummingbirds to drink and bathe in. If the water is deep like a pond or pool, be sure to create an escape aid, like a branch or a textured board, so the birds won’t drown if they fall in.

Nectar Recipe

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biological Institute offers this simple recipe for making hummingbird nectar at home.

1. Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water— for example, one cup of sugar with 4 cups of water.

2. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Do not add red dye.

4. Fill your feeders with the nectar and place them outside.

5. Store your extra nectar in your refrigerator.

6. Clean your feeders every other day to prevent mold.