2018 EDITION
A free outdoor lifestyle magazine from the franchises of
Outdoor Living BrandsÂŽ
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
I recently read from several news sources with great surprise that despite the dramatic weather conditions of 2017, the demand for homes in coastal areas is expanding exponentially – and inventory is short. I believe this speaks to our desire for beauty, calm and serenity as pressures of contemporary life seem to mount. Please take a pause and enjoy the content we’ve gathered for you from sources far and wide who celebrate the joys of outdoor living with us here at Outdoor Living Brands. Sincerely, Larry Spada
THANK YOU
to the following whose ideas, stories and images have been gathered here for your enjoyment. Natural Ways Price of Travel HGTV Southern Living DIY Network Buzzfeed Nordstrom Rack Consumer Reports Redbook Wayfair
Larry Spada Editor
Steve Nguyen
- Art Direction & Graphic Design
Beato Enterprises - Digital Mastering
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with our family of brands
F R A N C H I S E S N O W AVA I L A B L E 804-353-6999 ~ OutdoorLivingBrands.com
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contents Tea Time Is Never Over
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Top 10 of the Most Affordable Carribean Cruises
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New Outdoor Spaces Design Ideas for Entertaining
Easy, Breezy Summer Parties Start Right Here
As Comfortable as All Outdoors
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Avoiding Mosquito Bites When Traveling.
5 Cleaning Tips for the Summer Season
Decidedly Different Outdoor Fun & Games
How To Buy An Outdoor Grill
Cheap Chic Ways to Dress Up Your Outdoor Spaces
Sheds That Aren’t Too Shoddy
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TEA TIME IS NEVER OVER Ending your day with a relaxing cup of warm tea is a great way to make drifting off into la-la land a little easier. When most people finish their tea, they toss the used teabag into the trash with little thought. After all, what else could you possibly do with a used teabag? It turns out, there's actually quite a few things you can do with used tea bags, especially in the garden. You might want to bury those teabags instead of tossing them in the trash.
HERE'S 9 REASONS WHY
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TEA ADDS NUTRIENTS TO THE SOIL:
Tea leaves contain tannic acid and nutrients that are natural fertilizers for a garden. The bag itself is made from fiber of abaca leaf stalks. As the tea leaves decompose, they release nutrients into the soil, creating a healthier growing environment.
TEABAGS HELP KEEP WEEDS AT BAY:
When you bury your teabags in the garden, they can help impeded the growth of weeds which means less work for you!
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TEABAGS HELP WITH WATER RETENTION:
Bury your tea bags near the root of your plants, flowers and veggies to help the plants retain more water and stay healthier.
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TEA INCREASES THE DECOMPOSITION OF OTHER ITEMS:
If you are using teabags in your soil or compost pile, the acid in the tea can speed up the decomposition process of other items in the compost bin, which means you can use the compost faster.
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TEA BAGS KEEP PESTS AT BAY:
Used tea bags and coffee grounds will help keep bugs away from your plants. The odor deters the pests from chewing on your flowers and veggies.
YOUR TEABAGS CAN GROW A GARDEN:
Believe it or not, you can grow your own garden with used teabags, seeds, a plastic tray, water and a paper towel. You'll germinate your seeds with the tea bags and then plant them in the garden.
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THE SMELL OF TEA WORKS ON CATS TOO:
Sprinkle coffee grounds or used tea grounds around your garden to keep fluffy from urinating on your favorite plants too. You can do use this with indoor plants as well.
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REDUCE GARBAGE:
Burying your teabags in the garden or tossing them in your compost pile helps eliminate excess waste.
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WORMS EAT THE TEA LEAVES:
Worms can safely consume tea leaves. Once they digest the leaves they produce a more "nutrient-rich output," making your soil healthier for growing plants.
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Top 10
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of the Most Affordable Caribbean Cruises
The Caribbean is by far the most popular part of the world for cruises, and thanks to a surge in popularity of the activity, it can now be explored by those in almost every budget category. Considering it's mostly an all-inclusive holiday and the departure ports are generally near cheap and popular airports, a Caribbean cruise can be done so inexpensively that it might be shocking. However, unlike airlines that are basically interchangeable, cruise lines each tend to fit into a price category and have a personality of their own. There are 13 different cruise companies (including a few small-ship luxury outfits) that cover the Caribbean, and a scan of the following information should help you narrow your best options down to only one or two of the lines. One of the more interesting things about the cruise market is that each line tends to attract a certain crowd, so passengers are most likely to enjoy themselves if they choose the one that suits their own preferences. Unsurprisingly, the cheaper cruise lines tend to attract families and younger people, although Disney cruises are also obviously aimed at families and those start at about triple the price of Carnival. Other cruise lines are more popular for couples or older passengers or those who prefer a more formal or traditional style of cruising. As you read through the descriptions, you can probably narrow down your choices quickly, and hopefully the price range will match as well.
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Comparing the cruise lines This list comprises the best-available rates at the time of publications for 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises for the month of January 2018. Prices go up and down depending on a variety of factors, but they all tend to move together so the rankings below don't change much or at all.
The fares below are per person based on double occupancy, and government taxes, fees and port expenses are additional for all guests.
1. Carnival Cruise Lines 7 nights from: $414 per person
Miami, Florida > At Sea > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Mahogany Bay, Honduras > Roatan, Honduras > Belize City, Belize > Cozumel, Mexico > At Sea > Miami, Florida
4 nights from: $259 per person
New Orleans, Louisiana > At Sea > Cozumel, Mexico > At Sea > New Orleans, Louisiana
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2. Norwegian Cruise Line 7 nights from: $554
Port Canaveral, Florida > At Sea > Cozumel, Mexico > Georgetown, Grand Cayman > Ocho Rios, Jamaica > Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas > At Sea > Miami, Florida
3. Holland America Line 7 nights from: $589
Fort Lauderdale, Florida > At Sea > Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos Islands > San Juan, Puerto Rico > Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands > Half Moon Cay, Bahamas > At Sea > Fort Lauderdale, Florida
4. Royal Caribbean International 7 nights from: $635
Tampa, Florida > At Sea > Roatan, Honduras > Belize City, Belize > Costa Maya, Mexico > Cozumel, Mexico > At Sea > Tampa, Florida
4 nights from: $279
(Tampa, Florida > At Sea > Cozumel, Mexico > At Sea > Tampa, Florida)
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5. MSC Cruises
7 nights from: $649 Miami, Florida > At Sea > Ocho Rios, Jamaica > Cayman/George Town, Cayman Islands > Cozumel, Mexico > Nassau, Bahamas > At Sea > Miami, Florida
6. Celebrity Cruises 7 nights from: $749
San Juan, Puerto Rico > At Sea > Bridgetown, Barbados > Castries, Saint Lucia > Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda > Philipsburg (Saint Maarten), Netherlands Antilles > Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands > At Sea > San Juan, Puerto Rico
4 nights from: $399
Fort Lauderdale, Florida > Cozumel, Mexico > Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
7. Princess Cruises 7 nights from: $799
Fort Lauderdale, Florida > At Sea > Princess Cays (Cruise Line Private Island) > Montego Bay, Jamaica > George Town, Grand Cayman > Cozumel, Mexico > At Sea > Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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8. Windstar
7 nights from: $1,699 Bridgetown, Barbados > Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia > Saint George's, Grenada > Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines > Mayreau, Saint Vincent, Grenadines > Bequia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines > Bridgetown, Barbados
9. Disney Cruise Line 7 nights from: $1,806
Port Canaveral, Florida > At Sea > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands > Castaway Cay, Bahamas > At Sea > Port Canaveral, Florida
5 nights from: $981
Miami, Florida > At Sea > Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands > Castaway Cay, Bahamas > At Sea > Miami, Florida
10. Oceania Cruises 10 nights from: $1,999
Miami, Florida > At Sea > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Saint John's, Antigua > Bridgetown, Barbados > Castries, Saint Lucia > Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy > At Sea > Miami, Florida
Courtesy:
PriceofTravel
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Transform your home with
the beauty of light
FAC A D E S
LANDSCAPES
ARCHITECTUR AL DE TA I L S
PA T H WA Y S
GAR DENS
POOLSIDE
H O L I DAY S
FESTIVITIES
Enjoy our video and photo galleries at OutdoorLights.com
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New outdoor spaces design ideas for entertaining One of the most popular outdoor room touches you can explore is enclosing a gazebo or pergola in colorful outdoor curtains. These will have the effect of framing the outdoor room and creating a gentle perimeter, and they can also offer precious shade on sunny days. Another outdoor room idea is to create an arch, trellis or doorway leading to your outdoor room. This structure can give guests the distinct feeling of entering a new space, and you can add interest to the design with colorful climbing plants. Fencing is another great way to frame an outdoor room. Latticework, bamboo, weathered barn wood or even shrubs can create a stylish boundary for
your outdoor living space, and once you have these "walls" in place, you can explore decorating them with artwork that'll stand up to the elements. To protect your outdoor room from the elements, consider adding an awning in an eye-popping design. This way, your outdoor living space will be open for enjoyment even during inclement weather. Don't be afraid to add stylish accents and traditional indoor furnishings to your outdoor room. Carpets, throw pillows for furniture, and other design touches will create a welcoming feel. Just make sure they're rated for outdoor use if they'll be exposed to the elements.
Lakeside Living
Sometimes all you need is a stone fire pit, two Adirondack chairs and a lake view. For a completely natural look, nothing beats stone. Keep in mind, natural stone cost more because it is quarried has to be trucked in, adding transportation cost.
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A Charming Spot for Outdoor Dining Rustic furniture pieces add warm to an intimate backyard setting, while antique lighting allows guests to visit even after the sunsets. For those who enjoy the smoky flavors of a delicious homemade pizza, consider a brick wood-burning pizza oven.
An Outdoor Room for Fireside Chats Outdoor fireplaces create a strong focal point in outdoor rooms, and they provide warmth for those cool evenings in the mountains.
Outdoor Dining with a View This outdoor dining room offers a year-round entertaining experience with a breathtaking view. When deciding on a location for your outdoor room, consider how you want to use it.
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Pops of Color While gray stone is a classic hue for an outdoor space, add pops of interest with colorful accessories. When picking your furniture pieces, look for synthetic wicker for more durability.
Contemporary Outdoor Dining This majestic pergola features walls covered with scented herbs and fruit creating an alfresco dining experience your friends and family won’t soon forget.
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Easy, Breezy Summer Parties Start Right Here 18
Breezy Table Setting Start simple: Echo the natural beauty of a garden setting with a neutral color scheme of cool leafy greens and crisp white linens. (Our menu was even inspired by the color palette!)
Mix & match: Skip the formal centerpiece and fill glass
decanters and carafes with fresh-cut ferns and flowers such as Queen Anne's lace or oak leaf hydrangeas.
Add a touch of glam: Tuck unexpected touches of silver in with serving pieces—julep cups are a standout on the vegetable tray.
Be sure to try this appetizerdriven menu for your next summer party. It pairs well with crisp summer whites. Less truly is more with this no-fuss vibe of a wine and cheese party, but something about a big block of Cheddar feels too hearty for 90-degree days. Try this refreshing menu of chilled dip, tea sandwiches, and light salads instead.
Ingredients
Green Goddess Dip Serve this chilled dip with blanched asparagus spears, sugar snap peas, sliced cauliflower florets or baby zucchini.
3/4 cup mayonnaise 3/4 cup sour cream 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon anchovy paste 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
How to Make It Step 1: Process first 9 ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides if needed. Stir in chives; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill 2 to 24 hours. Serve with assorted vegetables.
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Chicken & Tortellini Salad Serve appetizer portions of this easy pasta salad on small tapas plates.
Ingredients 2 (9-oz.) packages refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 cups chopped cooked chicken 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It Step 1: Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Step 2: Process olive oil and next 4 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Toss olive oil mixture with tortellini, chicken, and next 3 ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Bacon-Parmesan Tassies These tasty little appetizers made of pastry shells, bacon, and Parmesan cheese will be a hit at your party!
Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 large egg 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
How to Make It Step 1: Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add flour to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Shape mixture into 24 balls, and place on a baking sheet; cover and chill 1 hour. Step 2: Place dough balls into cups of a lightly greased 24-cup miniature muffin pan; press dough, forming a shell. Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°. Whisk together half-and-half and next 2 ingredients. Sprinkle bacon into pastry shells; top each with 1 tsp. cheese. Drizzle half-and-half mixture over cheese. Sprinkle chives over half-and-half mixture. Step 4: Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Serve warm. 21
Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Endive Endive leaves serve as the perfect serving piece for this light and fresh shrimp salad flavored with green onions, lemon juice, and red pepper.
Ingredients 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, pressed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 2-1/2 cups finely chopped, peeled and deveined, cooked shrimp (about 1 lb. of any size) 1/2 cup finely diced celery 24 Belgian endive leaves (about 2 heads)
How to Make It Step 1: Stir together first 9 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in shrimp and celery. Spoon shrimp mixture onto bottom half of endive leaves.
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Gorgonzola-Grilled Pear Crostini
Grilled fruit is delicious year-round. Serve grilled pears atop a cream cheese-gorgonzola spread with roasted pecans and rosemary.
Ingredients
How to Make It
3 firm ripe Bartlett pears, cut into 1/4-inch-vthick wedges 1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons dry sherry 36 French bread baguette slices, toasted 1/2 cup finely chopped, lightly salted roasted pecans 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 cup honey
Step 1: Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Grill pear wedges, covered with grill lid, 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Step 2: Stir together cream cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread about 1/2 Tbsp. on each baguette slice. Top with grilled pears; sprinkle with pecans and rosemary, and drizzle with honey.
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Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber, cream cheese, and fresh herbs make the filling for this delightful finger food. Add a festive trim with spicy micro-greens.
Ingredients 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup peeled, seeded, and finely chopped cucumber 1/2 cup minced green onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 48 white bread slices
How to Make It Step 1: Stir together first 7 ingredients. Spread mixture on 1 side of 24 bread slices; top with remaining 24 bread slices. Step 2: Trim crusts from sandwiches; cut each sandwich into 4 triangles with a serrated knife.
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Summer Fruit Salad
Serve Summer Fruit Salad in short cocktail glasses to show off fresh mango, cilantro, and avocado.
Ingredients 2 medium-size fresh peaches, peeled and thinly sliced 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup fresh raspberries 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons Grand Marnier or another orange-flavored liqueur 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make It Combine fruit in a large bowl. Combine sugar and remaining 3 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well. Pour sugar mixture over fruit mixture, and toss gently. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.
Wine Refresher Course Here are a few tips when it comes to the wine for your summer party.
• Play up the setting by chilling bottles in a garden urn filled with ice • Remember that 1 (750 ml.) bottle of wine holds about 5 (5-oz.) glasses • Estimate that 2 glasses of wine per guest for the first hour of a party plus 1 glass per guest for each additional hour • For a wine tasting, choose 5 to 6 different wines and plan on 1 bottle of each for every 6 to 8 people
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Anyway you look at it,
it's perfection
Outdoor living room? Multi-level deck? Fireside chats? Relax. We have your back with more than 100,000 custom creations under our tool belt.
Free Design Consultation Find out more at archadeck.com
Avoiding Mosquito Bites When Traveling Summer holidays are often a time when we jet off across the globe for some much-needed relaxation and nice weather. However, there is one insect that is just waiting to spoil your holiday‌ mosquitoes! These biting insects not only inflict multiple itchy bites upon us, but they can also spread a range of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and the Zika virus. Thankfully there are a couple things you can do to avoid mosquito bites. These tips will help avoid spending endless days of itching and scratching those irritating bites.
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How to avoid mosquito bites:
1. Avoid mosquito hotspots One way you can avoid mosquito bites when travelling is to check if your holiday destination is a hot spot for mosquito activity, and in particular, the areas where the mosquito-borne diseases are more prevalent. Luckily organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and The World Health Organization, have all this information available. A simple Google search will let you see which areas are hotspots for diseases such as dengue and yellow fever.
2. Wear light colors A little-known fact is that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. This is believed to be because of the contrasting dark colored clothes provide against the horizon during dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing lightly colored clothing is a good way to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. However, it is important to note that it’s also a good idea to stay away from bright colors, as these are known to attract stinging insects such as wasps. Because of this, neutral and pastel colored clothing is advised to help prevent mosquito bites.
3. Use insect repellent When it comes to avoiding mosquito bites insect repellent is your best friend! This is because it is one of the most effective solutions. You can buy insect repellents from your local supermarket and/or pharmacy, and apply to any exposed areas of the skin. Those products, which include DEET, claim to be the most effective, but there are alternatives if you are allergic. It’s a good idea to apply insect repellent before leaving your hotel or apartment especially during the later parts of the day. Depending on the strength of the spray, apply frequently to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Always follow the product label instructions carefully.
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4. Avoid certain times of day Generally, mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn, although this may differ depending on the species. These times of the day are often cooler and less windy making conditions more favorable conditions for mosquitoes. To avoid mosquito bites, it’s a good idea to plan any activities you might have during the times of day when mosquitoes are less active.
5. Wear appropriate clothing More often than not, mosquitoes will bite on any area of exposed skin. Because of this, it’s a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Now I know this may sound ridiculous as long sleeves and warm climates aren’t exactly a match made in heaven, but this doesn’t mean you have to wear jeans and a jumper. Long sleeved t-shirts and linen trousers are both good options.
6. Remove standing water We’ve all been guilty of leaving the buckets and spades from our beach trip out on the porch or balcony. However, did you know that these can attract mosquitoes? Standing water provides mosquitoes with the perfect breeding environment! You can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes by making your accommodation less appealing to mosquitoes. This can simply be done by remembering to empty water out of glasses, mugs, cups, buckets and spades if being left outside.
7. Use an insect net How many times have you woken up to find yourself littered with mosquito bites? That’s because, when conditions are favorable, a mosquito’s dining experience can lead well into the night. Preventing mosquito bites can be done with the use of an insect net. If you’re worried about mosquitos when travelling it’s a good idea to check that your accommodation has either mosquito nets around the bed, or insect screens on the doors and windows.
8. Keep air circulated Mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers (that’s why they are more active during dusk and dawn when there is little wind). Keeping air circulated with the use of fans is a good way to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito, as it makes it difficult for them to fly near you.
As appeared on
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5
Cleaning Tips
for the Summer Season
With the fun of summer comes the "fun" of summer cleaning. We're talking outdoor tidying up for guests, scrubbing the mud off the kiddos’ clothes and all the mess that comes with being outside. Don’t let the cleaning blues keep you from enjoying the warm weather. We’ve got summer cleaning tips and tricks that will make this sunny season even more enjoyable.
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1. Garden-Ready It's time to head outdoors and get that backyard guest-ready! First on the list: gardening tools. All of your favorite gardening supplies might have developed some rust in their time in storage. Your kitchen has all the ingredients you'll need to rid your tools of rust.
2. Patio-Ready
3. Grill-Ready Backyard barbeques are back! Sunny weather means plenty of cookouts are in order so warm up that grill and get it ready for summer grilling. We've got tips on quick and easy cleaning, and how to maintain it throughout the summer season.
Your backyard patio may have taken a beating over the long winter months. Bring it back to life this summer with these cleaning tips from the pros.
4. Pest-Ready Yes, with the summer comes our least favorite warm-weather visitor: pests. They love the warm weather as much as we do. From mice to ants, here are some tips on keeping those unwanted critters away.
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5. Stain-Ready When the sun is out, the kids and pets are out ‌ which most likely means dirt and grass stains are a guarantee. We’ve got some tips on removing those tricky stains from clothing and carpet.
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Decidedly Different Outdoor Fun & Games GIANT
JENGA
Use 2x4 pieces to make a super-sized version of the famous stacking game – just be sure to get out of the way when the tower starts to fall! For a more festive look, stain or paint the short ends.
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T N GIA BEEoRNG P
Traditional beer pong, only with trash cans (or buckets) replacing the cups and volley balls (or cheap rubber balls from the toy section of Walmart or Target) replacing the ping pong balls. Leave out the drinking portion of the game if you want to play with kids.
BL ANK E T RUN
Grab some blankets and attempt to pull your partner across the lawn as fast as you possibly can. Obviously, things will be a lot easier if your partner is under 4 feet tall!
L AWN
R E T S I W T
to turn Use circular stencils and spray paint your lawn into a game board.
W K R o A D L E H G IN T
L AWN LING BOW Courtesy:
Soak a bunch of t-shirts in water, place them in plastic bags, and then stick them in the freezer overnight. The next day, hold a race to see who can "defrost" and pull on a frozen t-shirt the quickest. This is a great choice to play on a sweltering day--you'll want to keep the chilly t-shirt on even after the race is over!
Add glow sticks into ten bottles of water to make bowling pins you can use at night.
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As Comfortable as All Outdoors Luckily today, moving fashion forward usually means less is more. Here are some new fashions for 2018, courtesy of Nordstrom Rack, while supplies last..
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1 Loveappella Cold Shoulder Fit & Flare Dress A flirty cold-shoulder dress is as comfortable as it is flattering in supersoft stretch jersey with a swingy fit-and-flare silhouette. Petite sizes best fit women 5'4" & under.
$24.97
LovingOutdoorLiving.com
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Loveappella Jersey Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress
Loveappella Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress
Loveappella Print Swing Dress
Loveappella Strapless Ruffle Popover Dress
Slender straps offer extra support or tuck away for a complete shoulder-baring look on a fluid stretchjersey maxi draped with a fluttery panel at the bodice and slit up one side of the sweeping skirt.
A cold shoulder cutout accentuates a simple maxi dress for elegant flair. Features include a rounded V-neck and back, short sleeves with cold shoulder detail, an elasticized waist for comfort and a back slit.
Fashioned from 95% rayon and 5% spandex, this ultra-comfortable fluid dress is perfect for summer entertaining. With a scoop neck and short sleeves, this all-over print gem slips on overhead.
This casually classy hi-lo hem dress is strapless featuring a ruffle popover with crossover back detail. The allover print fabric completes the look with open back details and an elasticized waist.
$29.97
$39.97
$29.97
$39.97
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How To Buy An Outdoor Grill The backyard barbecue is an essential part of the American landscape. And though you may take great care in selecting and preparing the foods you serve, the success of your meal often comes down to the quality of your gas grill. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned grill master looking to replace your current grill, there’s a gas grill to fit every cooking style and budget: from portable models you can take camping to larger grills designed to feed the extended family. The former can be inexpensive, but the latter can cost more than $3,000—no small investment. 36
We have the lowdown on high heat. Consumer Reports tested more than 100 gas grills to find the best and worst. In addition to selecting a grill based on budget and size, here’s what you need to know: When shopping, you’ll want to carefully check the construction of the grill. Look at — even jostle — the assembled grill from several points to test sturdiness; the more stable, the better. Check the cart, wheels, lid, and firebox. Stainless steel carts with seamless construction and welded joints are usually sturdier than painted steel carts assembled with nuts and bolts. Wheels or casters at all four corners make a grill easier to maneuver. And wheels with a full axle are better than those bolted to the frame. LovingOutdoorLiving.com
Beyond Burgers
A basic grill is fine for cooking burgers and hot dogs, but if you also enjoy delicate fish and sizzling steaks with sear marks, look at the temperature-range scores in our ratings. They indicate just how versatile the grill is. The higher the score the better the grill is at cooking a variety of foods. If ribs or a roast are on the menu, you'll want a grill that did well in our indirect cooking tests. Indirect cooking is a great way to slow-cook large or tough cuts by placing the meat next to the fire, not over it, with the lid closed to retain heat. Check how the grills did in our indirect cooking tests.
About Burners
Recipe for Safety
Many construction considerations also address safety concerns. Again, grill stability is important because it can prevent tipping. Avoid grills with sharp metal corners and edges. Test the handle: Your knuckles or fingers shouldn't be too close to the hot lid. And though some flame flare is normal, the greater the distance between the grates and burners or flavorizer bars, the fewer the sustained flare-ups.
Keep in mind that burners are the grill's most replaced part. Burners with a warranty of 10 years should last longer than basic steel burners. A note on infrared burner claims: Infrared burners typically emit intense heat to sear and cook food, though designs differ by manufacturer. So far, no infrared burner design has stood out as better than others or better than standard burners.
Bringing the Heat
Btu/hr. (British thermal units per hour) tells you how much gas a grill uses and the heat it can create. But our tests found that more Btu doesn't guarantee faster preheating or better cooking.
A Side of Accessories
A number of accessories enhance the thrill of the grill. If you want to expand your menu and have some fun, consider a pizza oven, griddle, wok, and grilling basket.
Shopping Grills by
Size & Sizzle
We measure each grill's main cooking space, so you have an idea of how much food you can grill in one batch. We use this technique because some manufacturers include racks and searing burners when tallying their measurements. When you're considering the cooking size of your grill, remember to factor in how much space the grill will eat up on your patio or deck. Some grills we tested measured 6 feet in length. Exterior grill dimensions are highlighted in the specs section of each grill's profile page in our ratings.
Portable Grills
A perfect bring-along for camping trips and tailgate parties. Portable grills are also a suitable option for smaller decks and patios. Literally a moveable feast. Cost: $170-$250.
Small Grills
For 18 burgers maximum. Compact, non-portable grills save space and are a good option for a small cookout. Most small grills have fold-down shelves to decrease the grill's footprint, so side burners are out. Small grills vary widely in price and appearance, from painted steel carts to stylish stainless steel. Cost: $100-$2,000.
Midsized Grills
For 28 burgers maximum. This is the most popular sized grill. You'll see basic grills and souped-up models with plenty of storage and LED lights and backlit knobs for cooking after dusk. Many mid- to higher-priced gas grills have burner warranties of 10 years or longer. Cost: $150-$2,500.
Large Grills
For more than 28 burgers. Large grills usually have the biggest cooking areas. The higher-end models boast the highest-grade stainless steel and have seamless construction, thicker grates, gliding drawers, extra storage space, and more burners of better quality and longer warranty. Cost: $350-$3,200.
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siding
Refresh your outdoor surfaces to look just like new again with Renew Crew. Our unique deep-clean & super-sealing restoration process is amazing. See more at
RenewCrewClean.com
gutters
Hang Interesting Planters Upgrade a boring, blank wall by hanging a flourishing planter. These geometric brackets provide the perfect combination of natural and industrial accents, and they're just plain cool to look at. Find them at West Elm.
Cheap Chic Ways to Dress Up Your Outdoor Spaces
Bubbling Water Feature Fountains and ponds make beautiful outdoor additions, but you don't have to break the bank to get the look. Try a mini-sized version, like this one from the new QVC line by Scott Living, that won't overwhelm a small yard.
Decorate an Area Rug Forget the large outdoor area rug. Opt for a plain, inexpensive one— then grab some outdoor paint to customize to your style and taste.
Plant A Mini Herb Garden Collect aluminum cans, add an interesting color graphic, and hang along an exterior wall or porch beam. You'll have a visually interesting space, and no need to hit the grocery for fresh herbs.
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Courtesy:
Line the Garden Create tranquil order in your outdoors with this natural willow edging. You can line your flowerbeds, walkways, or lawn to craft natural-looking borders and infuse a calming detail.
LovingOutdoorLiving.com
The grass is always greener on our side.
And with good reason. With Conserva Irrigation taking care of your sprinkler system, your lawn and gardens will receive water only when they need it, thanks to our inclusion of TORO® WaterSmart® Solutions. So, in addition to enjoying a beautifully lush lawn, you’re sure to enjoy savings up to 60% on your water bill.
Find out more at
conservairrigation.com
There are sheds, and then there are “sheds.” Wayfair has three that especially caught our eye – and if you haven’t purchased from Wayfair before, you should. Their customer service is extraordinary. I had two occasions where there was a performance glitch with the products (not Wayfair’s fault) and money was refunded without asking in a split second, with respect and pleasantry. Anyway, check these outdoor storage structures out – that could also double as amazing play houses for the kids.
All three sheds feature: • No dangerous and time-consuming cutting required • Manageable panel sizes • Floor included • Weather resistant • Water resistant • Product warranty one year for defects in manufacturing and workmanship
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8 feet wide by 12 feet deep
SANTA ROSA
Sheds that aren’t too shoddy
Wooden Storage Shed
$4099
Additional features include:
• Minimum tools required • Naturally resistant to decay and insects • Made entirely with renewable resources • Decorative cedar shingle gables and 45inch cedar deck on porch • Cedar roof with shingles already attached • Accepts a wide range of finishes • Western Red Cedar construction • Three functional windows with screens and functional Dutch door • Three flower boxes • Hardware included (screws and nails) • Approximate time for set is three days • Front shingles are laid flat • Cedar • Storage capacity 410 cubic feet • Three windows
LovingOutdoorLiving.com
WOODEN
Additional features include:
Storage Shed
$4599
SUNSHED
14 feet 4 inches wide by 10 feet 9 inches deep
Additional features include:
12 feet 9 inches wide by 12 feet deep
Wooden Storage Shed
$5355 Courtesy:
• Western red cedar shingles already attached to shed roof panels • Naturally resistant to insects • Made entirely with renewable resources • Shed can be insulated using Styrofoam insulation • Accepts a wide array of finishes • French doors feature windows • Chemical free • Two functional windows with screens and French doors • Recommended foundation types: concrete pad, patio stones or cement piers • Hardware included (screws and nails) • Bathroom can be added • Suitable for living • Storage capacity 467 cubic feet • Two windows
• Minimum tools required • Naturally resistant to decay and insects • L-shaped full wall workbench, reversible roofline and polycarbonate roof window panels (one side) • Western red cedar shingles already attached to shed roof panels • Accepts a wide range of finishes • Can be used as a small guest house • Hardware included (screws and nails) • Concrete slab foundation recommended • Can accommodate a small car • Can be heated and insulated • Workbench extends along the back wall and one of the side walls • Windows can be used with an air conditioner • Polycarbonate panel skylights • Ten windows
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