Category Archives: Shade Solutions

Beach Accessories, Shade Solutions

Get Ready For The Beach With a New Umbrella

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Beach Umbrella

I am super excited that my family and I are beginning to plan our annual family beach vacation. There is nothing like the smell of salt water in the air and the sand beneath my toes. However, as I have become older, baking in the sun all day doesn’t seem like as good an idea as it used to. Besides the painful sun burns that ruin the remainder of your vacation, you also have to worry about the risk of skin cancer and premature aging! Yikes! Besides stocking up on sunscreen, I am investing in a beach umbrella this year. This way, I can enjoy my days at the beach without the intense direct sunlight that I normally endure.

Beach Umbrella

There are beach umbrellas out there to fit every kind of beach goer, from the occasional user to the seaside business owner. Casual vacationers will love the light weight, aluminum poles that are easy transport. These poles are often fully adjustable without ever having to remove the pole from the sand. Commercial, break resistant fiberglass poles are built to withstand high winds and everyday use. Both are made to hold securely in the sand and adjust to give you the exact position you are looking for.

No matter what type of pole you prefer, the canopy of my umbrella will definitely be made of Sunbrella fabric! This material is amazing. It is fade resistant, weather proof, and super heavy-duty. The material provides great UV protection. When made with wind vents, they have also been shown to stand up to winds up to 50 miles per hour. Beach umbrellas with Sunbrella made with this material are sure to last for years to come.

I can just picture myself now: toes in the sand, relaxing under my beach umbrella. I will be able to enjoy the sun and surf without the intense heat and harmful UV rays. My skin will thank me for me years to come!

Environmentally Friendly Ideas, Innovative Solutions, Shade Solutions

Green Windows — Solar Window Shades Save Energy and Money

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Solar Outdoor Window Shade

Outdoor Solar Shade

Saving the planet may seem like a daunting task, but when we take small steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we can move closer to our goal.  One easy way we can do our part to reduce greenhouse gasses, while simultaneously cutting home energy costs, is to install solar shades on the windows and doors of our home.  Ideally, the windows or doors in question would be those in which the sun shines directly at some point during the day, but even windows or doors that do not receive direct sunlight can benefit from solar shades, also known as sun shades.  Outfitting our home with sun shades will keep inside temperatures down, reducing the need for air conditioning.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), “Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S. for all purposes at a cost to homeowners of over $15 billion. This translates to roughly 140 million tons of carbon dioxide” (http://www.aceee.org/consumer/cooling).  That’s a lot of “green” going out the window, so to speak.

Solar shades are a practical solution because, for one, they are not black out shades; they do not darken a home and keep out all light.  Solar shades allow light and air to filter through, but, at the same time, they can reduce a room’s temperature by up to 25%.  Cooler temperatures inside mean more “green” — in other words, more money in our pockets and a healthier environment.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces, Shade Solutions

I’m Ready For Some Shade Sail Shade

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This past Fall, sadly, I had to remove and cut back a good portion of the enormous century old oak trees I had in my backyard.  Living in east Memphis, TN, I am used to the over abundance of trees and the shade they create.  Although I was sad to lose some of my big trees, it has really opened up my backyard.  I have even planted grass seedlings which are now sprouting in 2 areas of my yard.  I am in the process of creating a better backyard atmosphere.  The first thing I am doing is putting  in a few Shade Sails. I have found shade sails to be an interesting and decorative way to “fancy” up my yard.  I am amazed at how easily they fit into almost any backyard setting, and how easy they are to install. They are great around the pool offering the kids a well deserved break from the blistering sun as well as shade contiuing from what I already have from my existing trees over to the side of my house.  I now love sitting on my porch with a nice cool drink, grilling tenderloin for dinner.  So much that I even Twitter about it…  @KarenMR, and @backyardcity.  Recently, I also purchased new outdoor patio furniture and the shade sails provide UV protection for my new furniture and whoops almost forgot….myself and my kids.

School is out in about one week, and I am so glad I have most of my outdoor decorating finished.  We are going to have a great time this summer enjoying our own backyard.

What’s In Your Backyard? Tell me about it……

What's In Your Backyard?

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Living Spaces, Shade Solutions

Save Energy by Using Solar and Patio Shades

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Premier Rollup Shade

Exterior window shades are the ideal product for reducing temperature within your home. The best ones to invest in  are made with unique knitted all weather fabric because they block up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays yet still allow air to flow through. This breathable fabric not only significantly reduces temperatures behind the window shade, but still allows just the right amount of light transmission to ensure you can always see what’s happening outside.

You won’t have to compromise on appearance if you find the right ones. Some add a designer look to your windows, porch or patio and the price is very reasonable.

Some window shades are easily raised or lowered with a smooth action roller clutch mechanism designed to provide a smooth, even roll even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Premier roller shades come with tie downs in the bottom rail so you can easily secure your blind especially during those windy days.  Other designs roll up with a simple cord.

Most exterior shades are made to withstand harsh weather conditions and clean easily.  I recommend them  because they are a  great investment and will add style and sun protection for your home.

Shade Solutions

Classic Roll-Up Sun Shades

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Coolaroo Sun-Shades

Sun shades block the heat and UV Rays without blocking the view!  A unique design blocks up to 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and allows breezes to flow through to significantly reduce temperatures.  Most roll-up sun shades raise easily like blinds with a pull-cord and cam.  High density polyethylene fabric is treated to withstand moisture and natural temperature extremes.

Choose from great looking design patterns and colors!