Holidays & Gift Ideas, Outdoor Living Spaces

What Dad Really Wants for Father’s Day but Won’t Admit It

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We might assume that Dad wants to man the grill on Father’s Day and spend the entire afternoon engaged in “fun” activities chosen by the kids — the Slip ‘n Slide comes to mind.  Really, though, Dad just wants to hang out and relax in the midst of a little peace and quiet.  I know, that doesn’t sound very “Dad-like,” but when pressed, most Dads would choose peace and quiet for their once-a-year special day.

Rocking ChairHere comes another surprise… give a dad the choice between relaxing on the couch or in a comfortable rocking chair, and I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts he’ll pick the rocker.  Why?  Rocking in a rocking chair is one of the most soothing activities around.  It’s free (which is important to dads), it doesn’t take a lot of energy to keep it going, and it puts Dad on the fast track to relaxation-ville.

Plop that rocking chair outside on the porch, and Dad has the best view around — at least while he’s still awake.  Watching nature is another one of life’s cheap sources of relaxing entertainment, which Dad can appreciate.  There’s drama (dog chases squirrel); there’s comedy (bird poops on neighbor’s car); there’s mystery (what is that rustling in the grass?).  Before he knows it, Dad is fast asleep and dreaming of rocking gently in a boat on his favorite lake.

So, when it comes time to ask Dad what he wants to do on Father’s Day, don’t mention the Slip ‘n Slide or volunteer him to cook up dinner on the grill.  Instead, offer him the luxury of peace and quiet and a couple of hours on the porch in the rocking chair.  He’ll feel truly appreciated and utterly refreshed.  Happy Father’s Day, Dads!

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Combat Sweltering Heat with A Cool Mist

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Misting Fan

More than half of our country is currently undergoing a heat wave. With no breaks from the sweltering heat in sight, you might be looking for ways to stay cool while outside. Traditional fans are good for an enclosed porch or patio, but would be a waste of energy poolside, in the garden, or in other open areas. You can change that with a misting fan. Similar to a “misting station” at your local zoo or amusement park, a misting system can turn your stylish fan into a refreshing oasis or coolness. The combination of the fans breeze and the fine particles of water will instantly cool your skin and provide relief. In fact, most misting fans can cool the surrounding air up to 30 degrees. You will not become soaked, only slightly dampened, meaning that you will stay comfortable not matter what attire you are wearing. Welcome the heat of summer with soothing relief.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas, Outdoor Living Spaces

Light Up the Night with Decorative Patio Lamps

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Catalina II Patio Lamps         Starlight Lanterns

Outdoor rooms are the best place to spend time on cool evenings during summer, whether alone or with company.  When daytime temperatures soar, it’s a relief to look forward to more refreshing air when the sun goes down.  Proper lighting is a priority, though, when you’re spending more nights outside on the patio or deck.

When looks matter, decorative outdoor lamps are the ideal choice for providing lighting in your outdoor spaces because they are safer than indoor lamps.  With weighted bases, weather resistant materials, and weather-proof grounded cords and plugs, outdoor lamps are perfect for use on decks, patios, and in outdoor rooms.  Their stylish designs complement indoor as well as outdoor decor, though, so they can be used effectively and beautifully in interior spaces, too, if desired.

Taking advantage of the cooler evening temperatures this summer can be more meaningful when enough light is available to do more than just sit and relax.  Enjoy a book, work on a hand crafting activity, or share smiling conversation with family and friends.  Shedding a little light opens up more possibilities for your outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Replicate These Multi-Million Dollar Backyards!

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1721 Coldwater Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Photo by Coldwell Banker Previews International

I recently read an article titled Pools, Patios, and Gardens to Die For which featured some pretty spectacular homes. The $25 million Aspen, CO home includes a patio, heated pool, and breathtaking mountain view. For ONLY $4.8  million, you could go with the Beverly Hills home with a custom fire pit, pool, and hot tub (pictured above). These homes and backyards are gorgeous, but they are also out of the price range for most Americans. Recreate these scenes at your own home with the products below!

  • Steamer Deck Chairs are a beautiful way to lounge pool side. They will create a similar look to the Aspen home’s pool area. They offer a multi-position back, beautiful durability, and exceptional strength in their Eucalyptus frame. They will last for years and are a great investment. Add your favorite cushions for colorful custom look.
  • The Malibu home mentioned in the article above ($3 million) features an sprawling garden and impressive greenhouse. Create a stunning garden at your own home with the addition of pergolas, garden arbors, and hobby greenhouses. Flowering and lush green plants will create an eye catching escape.
  • Love the pirate ship play house in the Westlake Village home? Add a wooden swing set with tons of features to create fun and adventure for your little ones. A rope ladder, monkey bars, rock wall, telescope, steering wheel, and spiral slides will encourage creative play and healthy exercise year round.
  • Custom fire pits, like the one in the multi-million dollar Beverly Hills home, can cost thousands of dollars to install. Produce a warm, inviting atmosphere on your patio with an easy to use, pre-built fire pit or fire bowl. They are affordable, durable, and easy to operate.

Steamer Deck Chairs Hobby Greenhouse Kit Swing Set Kit Fire Pit

Beach Accessories, Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Living Spaces, Portable Fun

Add a Little Swivel to Your Sunbathing

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Swivel Beach Chairs

Sun worshippers — how many times during your outdoor tanning sessions do you have to get out of your beach chair, pick it up, and move it to keep up with the position of the sun?  It’s no secret that the sun moves across the sky continually throughout the day, and sun worshippers everywhere must constantly adjust the position of their chairs to compensate for that movement.

Achieving a tan that is even in color on all exposed parts of the body is the summertime goal for many beach bums and swimming pool lovers.  It’s a constant hassle, though, to keep adjusting your seating arrangement.  Sunbathers who fall asleep or become engrossed in a good book can end up with a lopsided tan that is difficult and time-consuming to remedy.

The smart solution comes in the form of a Swivel Beach Chair.  Lightweight and easy to carry, the swivel beach chair allows you to plop yourself down by the poolside or on the beach and simply turn yourself to follow the sun as it moves overhead in the sky.  With a swivel beach chair, you never need to get up to adjust the chair’s position.  And, turning away from the sun is just as easy when you’ve had enough.