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.

Beach Accessories, Healthy Ideas, Outdoor Safety Tips, Shade Solutions

Today is Don’t Fry Day! Make Sure That Your Skin is Protected.

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Beach Umbrellas

Today (May 27th, 2011) is Don’t Fry Day hosted by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. With summer officially beginning, this is a perfect day to remind everyone to take precious care of their skin during the blazing summer months. Approximately 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Following these easy tips and guidelines will drastically lower your chances of developing skin cancer, and, as an added bonus, keep your skin looking beautiful for a lifetime.

  • Avoid sunburns and intentional tanning. This includes exposure to the sun as well as tanning beds.
  • Use sunscreen liberally and often when spending time outside. You should use a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF when outside. People with fair skin and children should select a higher SPF. Choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum and protects against both UVB and UVA radiation. Always reapply after swimming or excessive sweating, and follow the guidelines on the bottle to reapply every few hours even without activity. (Source: American Melanoma Foundation)
  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Traditional clothing (including bathing suits) offers less than 8 SPF when wet. Unlike sunscreen, protective clothing does not wash off. Sunscreen should still be applied to exposed areas of skin. Wide-brimmed hats will offer an additional layer or shad protection to your face, and sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful rays.
  • Protect your children! The AMF reports that 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Childhood sunburns can definitely develop cancer-related damage into adult hood. In fact, 80% of  lifetime damage occurs during childhood. Always keep your children protected. SPF 30-50 is ideal for kids and should not be reserved exclusively for the beach. Make sure that your kids are protected during sporting events, outside play time, and even recess.
  • Utilize the shade whenever possible. Staying out of direct sun light can aid in preventing damaging sun burns. Trees offer a shade solution while camping or hiking. Beach umbrellas make a great option while spending time at the beach. Some umbrella materials offer more than shade. Sunbrella®, for example, offers umbrella canopies that offer 98% UV protection. This offers an outstanding level of protection that, when used with the options above, ensures that you can spend time in the sun without risking lasting skin damage.