Category Archives: Innovative Solutions

Beach Accessories, Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Take Recycling to the Next Level and Look Good in the Process

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Classic Adirondack Chair

You’ve reduced the amount of stuff you buy, and you recycle what you can, but do you go that next step and make a point to buy products made from recycled materials?  A little online research can lead you to find most anything you need or want made from other people’s recycled trash.   Patio furniture is a good example.

Recycled patio furniture can certainly be made from reclaimed wood or with bits and pieces salvaged from retired patio furniture.  But, recycled plastic is a better choice for outdoor furniture.   Furniture made with recycled plastics, such as that which is produced by Poly-Wood, has exceptional resistance to corrosive substances, oil and fuels, insects, fungi, salt spray, and other environmental stresses.   The furniture does not absorb moisture, so there is never a worry about rotting, splintering, or cracking.  Poly-Wood’s recycled furniture pieces resist all harsh weather conditions, and they never need to be painted, stained, or water proofed.  It doesn’t hurt, either, that this recycled patio furniture is stylish, sturdy, and comfortable.

Recycling your plastic bottles and containers is only one part of the process.  Making the effort to buy products made from recycled materials is another crucial piece of the process that some consumers overlook.  Luckily, it’s getting easier to find recycled products, like patio furniture, and the variety of products available is increasing. According to Earth911’s Plastic Recycling Facts, the plastics recycling business has grown significantly in the past few years.  In fact, “more than 1,600 businesses are involved in recycling post-consumer plastics.”  Using products made from recycled plastics ensures that a hefty chunk of those milk jugs, water bottles, and food containers from which we can’t seem to escape are put to good use.

Innovative Solutions, Shade Solutions, Storage Solutions

Temporary Garages Expand Your Space

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Temporary Garages
Winter weather can be harsh, and with so many things to protect, you can quickly run out of outdoor storage space. Cars, boats, campers, recreational vehicles, and even lawnmowers all need a dry, protected space to be stored for the winter. If you are lucky, your garage will hold one or two of these things. Where does that leave the rest of your tools and toys? Temporary garages might be the solution that you are looking for. Available in a wide range of sizes, they offer rugged protection against rain, snow, wind, UV rays, and other environmental factors. Steel frames and durable, long lasting cover materials make sure that your structure will last many years. They come with doors to offer complete protection. Expand your storage space and create enough room for ALL of your favorite outdoor things!

Indoor Living Spaces, Innovative Solutions

Sneaky Solution: Patio Heaters in Disguise

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Decorative Patio Heaters

Staying cozy and warm on the back patio or deck on chilly days and nights can be as easy as cranking up the Patio Decorative Patio HeatersHeater.  That delicious warmth makes December dinners al fresco an inviting idea.  With their traditionally sleek and contemporary appearance, though, patio heaters don’t always appeal to homeowners who like to maintain a consistent decorating style in their outdoor spaces.  The smart (and sneaky) solution is a patio heater that looks like a beautiful floor or table lamp.

Rather than using propane or natural gas, decorative patio heaters are usually electrically powered, so hiding unsightly tanks or hoses is not an issue.  With weather resistant hardware, the lamp-style patio heater is intended for outdoor use, but some models can also be used safely indoors.  Either way, this patio heater blends beautifully into the existing decor rather than standing out as an unwanted focal point.

Holidays & Gift Ideas, Innovative Solutions

Create a Unique Thanksgiving Feast!

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Thanksgiving is less than one week away! Fun, family, and food are sure to make your holiday a wonderful experience. Thanksgiving food staples are sure to be on your family’s table. Sweet potatoes, stuffing, and the oh so important turkey not only satisfy your stomach, but also your soul. This year, why not try something different with your turkey? By cooking your turkey using a non-traditional method, you can get the same comforting feelings of Thanksgiving and a delicious meal while creating exciting new memories and traditions.

Electric Smoker

Smoking your turkey will create an amazing flavor and super moist meat. Electric smokers cook food more evenly than a traditional charcoal grill. They maintain a constant temperature that’s easy to control so hot spots and flare ups are never a problem. By adding smoker flavor bisquettes, you can impart the subtle flavors of everything from apple to pecan (and even bourbon!) into your turkey. Smoking is a slow process that you will find very rewarding. Smoked turkey is so delicious that it will surely become a family tradition for years to come.

Turkey Rocket Roaster

The Turkey Rocket Roaster is another fun alternative to traditional cooking methods and is great even if you are on the go this holiday season. It is a unique chamber that acts like a dutch over, cooking your turkey quickly and evenly. It uses charcoal to heat and creates that delicious, smokey flavor, but cooks in 2/3 less time than traditional methods. You can cook a 14 pound turkey in under 2 1/2 hours. This is much less time than regular grilling. It is lightweight but heavy-duty.

No matter which method you use to prepare your Thanksgiving feast, remember to take a moment to be thankful for all that you have. This is a perfect day to let go of all the things that are wrong in your life and focus on the positive. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Indoor Living Spaces, Innovative Solutions

Smart Solution: Outdoor Rugs for Cleaner Kitchens and Dining Areas

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Outdoor Rugs for Indoor Use

One of the most common places to find an area rug inside the home is in the kitchen or dining area.  Whether that rug is under the dining table, next to the kitchen sink, or at the door that leads outside, there’s little doubt that it sees a good deal of action.  Spills, splashes, and dirty shoes add up quickly to create a dingy rug that looks like it always needs a wash.

Smaller area rugs purchased in a big box store don’t usually wash well and tend to fall apart after just a few times in the washing machine.  Larger area rugs require spot cleaning or the rental of a steam cleaner.  To get the job done most effectively, homeowners find that hiring a professional carpet cleaner is sometimes necessary.

A smart solution for this common dilemma is to replace indoor area rugs with Outdoor Rugs.  Outdoor rugs, while initially intended to help dress up outdoor spaces, have enormous potential as indoor rugs, too.  Today’s outdoor rugs have beautiful designs that complement just about every indoor decor, and, because they can be used outdoors, they are waterproof, incredibly rugged, and easy to clean.  Spills and dirt wipe away with a damp cloth, and particularly dirty rugs can be taken outside, squirted with a hose, and left to air dry.