Category Archives: Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor Living Spaces

Easy Way to Cover Outdoor Furniture

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Outdoor Patio Furniture Cover

As much as I may want to enjoy my backyard patio, deck, and garden year round, sometimes the weather just gets too cold, or too hot, for comfort. Last year when it was finally time to head for the indoors, I pushed and pulled my patio furniture under my porch and some into my garage.  I can hardly make room for my car so I don’t know what I’m thinking trying to store furniture in the garage too.  There is really no great place for me to store bulky furniture and so each year I watch the rain and snow age it a little more.  By the time I have to buy new furniture because the other is worn out I could have protected it with a cover and saved money in the long run.    Your patio furniture may be weather resistant and able to withstand tough elements like ice, snow, and torrential rains, but you can extend the life of your outdoor furniture by covering each piece with a high quality, durable Outdoor Furniture Cover.  Make sure to buy Protective Covers and  NOT slip covers.  Protective covers are meant to help protect your outdoor furniture and accessories from harsh winter weather. I also found out that these covers are not meant to be form fitting.

In the long run I believe outdoor furniture covers will cover alot more than just my furniture.  They will cover my wallet too because I won’t be shopping for more patio furniture!

Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Time Stands Still With Outdoor Fireplace

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Outdoor Fireplace

I want more time in my life to be still, quiet and spent with my family.  “Time” is so precious and unless I consistently review my priorities it can slip away just like that.  I can talk about priorities all day long but until I take action they are just words.

Certain environments create more of an opportunity for reflection and quiet conversation.  An easy one for me has been to purchase an outdoor fireplace.  They come in a variety of styles and sizes so finding the perfect one for our home was easy.

Sometimes after dinner as the sun sets we will gather around the fire and talk about our day.  My kids usually ask if we have all the makings for smores.  And if we don’t they are happy to roast marshmallows or just sit back and watch the fire.

What a challenge to make time with my family a priority and when I do the reward is always instantaneous.

Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor Rugs – Versatility and Beauty

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Want to spruce up your outdoor room, patio, or deck?  An outdoor rug just may be the answer.  Outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers like polypropylene, also known as olefin, are extremely strong and weather resistant.  They are also resistant to stains, mildew, and fading, making them a practical choice for any outdoor space.  Outdoor rugs give a softer, more comfortable indoor feel to any outdoor area.

Today’s outdoor rugs are really beautiful, too, boasting decorative borders and patterns that rival any indoor rug.  In fact, many people choose to use outdoor rugs in their indoor spaces because of their durability and visual appeal.  Use a smaller rug as a welcome mat and a larger one underneath the dining room table to define the space.  Outdoor rugs are ideal for busy entry ways, hallways, kitchens, and living areas, too.  Cleaning an outdoor rug is a breeze.  Spray the rug with a hose and allow it to air dry.  Tough stains require only a mild detergent and warm water for cleaning.

Whether used in outdoor or indoor spaces, an outdoor rug can significantly improve appearances as well as invite more frequent use.

Outdoor-Rug-Scene-Small

Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

How to Maintain and Care For Outdoor Furniture

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How to Maintain Outdoor Patio Furniture

Some types of outdoor patio furniture can be quite expensive to buy but if maintained properly can last a lifetime.  Many of the wooden furniture products sold today are already treated with protective oils and stains but alot of people don’t realize that maintenance should take place annually.

Certain kinds of wood furniture such as cedar, redwood, oak, and pine must be treated with a preservative to prevent decay, which can occur rapidly if exposed to harsh weather environments. Protecting this wood furniture with a water-resistant stain, protective oil, or polyurethane is also recommended. Your local home and garden store should be able to assist you.

Outdoor wood furniture should be cleaned once a year. Mix one tablespoon of bleach, five tablespoons of a gentle dishwashing liquid, and a gallon of water, and softly rub the surface of your wood furniture with a soft bristle brush. Wash the solution from the furniture, and allow it to dry completely in the sun. Repainting or re-staining wood furniture could be indicated at this time to cover and protect any worn or damaged areas.

The lifespan for any wooden patio furniture depends greatly on the type of wood used and the weather it is exposed to.  Using waterproof protective covers  when your furniture is not in use is strongly advised to keep your wooden patio furniture in good shape.  Outdoor wood furniture makes a quaint, charming, and nice addition to any backyard, deck, patio, or garden, and with care, it will continue to make a great impression for years to come.

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Living Spaces

I Need A Hammock Break

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Hammock Break

School starts next week and my children are getting ready with new school supplies and books.  Their new shoes will be free of scuff marks for at least a week and their toes will have some wiggle room for a while.

I have been busy planning carpools, grocery lists and everything in between.  The hustle and bustle of every season is actually exciting because change brings an energy of anticipation.

I plan on taking a long hammock break before I dart off in a million different directions next week.  My backyard is a safe haven for me and I am usually energized when I spend time there.  In fact, a hammock nap is on the top of my list.