Home & Garden Blog

Seasonal Spotlight: Rockin’ Around the Summer Tree

colleen — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:56:18 +0000

What’s better than swimming in a pool, floating in the ocean, drifting down the river bend, or dog-paddling through the pond?� Having the perfect sideline seat, of course.� The perfect seat is different for everyone, and whatever your preference says something good about you!� If you’re the rocking chair kind of man, you like the rhythm of life but enjoy being on stable footing.� If you’re the lawn chair type of gal, you enjoy outdoor sports and always need a lounge chair with a low back to relax your tired back muscles after a long day of tennis, swimming, biking, croquet, etc.� But there’s a special type of person (my favorite type of person) that prefers a hammock over any type of other seating, any day.� They love the weightlessness of the hammock, which mimics the smooth rocking and buoyant ocean.� They enjoy being in a safe nook but sharing it with others, adore nature and love a good novel to dig into.� Ah, the hammock.� Mogli from the Jungle Book slept in a hammock, if you remember, and that solidified my belief that diamonds may be forever, but a hammock is where you want to be.

Top choices on hammocks just right for your backyard, porch, or poolside:

1. Complete Set Island Bay 1-Person Rope Hammock and Stand: on sale for $69.98, brought down from $129.99.� Don’t miss the chance to buy this standard hammock, the complete kit can be set up wherever you would enjoy it most: the yard, the porch, the poolside, anything.� No tools necessary; hanging hooks included.� This is a one-of-a-kind bargain!

2. Island Bay Seagrass Hammock with Stand: save big with this 2-person hammock at $179.98, cut down from $309.99! Over $100 in savings.� If swinging solo isn’t your idea of a good time, this padded hammock supports 2 people comfortably.� Made of weather-resistant fabric, this hammock is made to survive all the elements, including bodies fresh out of the pool or lake.� Hanging hardware, and pillow, included!

3. Large Summer Sunset Brazilian Hammock with Adjustable Stand:� $179.99, marked down from market price of $289.99.� This handwoven beauty is fit only for an exotic prince or princess…which you are, clearly!� Includes stand and can support up to two people.� The beautiful coloring of this one-of-a-kind product will make you feel like you’re falling asleep in a beam of the setting sun. Enjoy!

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more hammocks.

hammocks

96 Degrees in the Shade

maureen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:16:30 +0000

Has the sweltering heat gotten to you yet?� Here in Southeast Texas, it certainly has!� And although our region is known for barbecues & outdoor grilling, all I can think about is an ice cold lemonade, a cool breeze & shade.� The heat is definitely on, but these fun and functional outdoor umbrellas will definitely help.

Ballard Designs Tilt Umbrella: $359

We live near the gulf so once in a while, a breeze comes.� A tilt umbrella will certainly help that umbrella stay in place.

Frontgate European Sun Umbrella: $699 on sale (Was: $999)

Have to be different?� Umbrellas don’t have to be in the middle all the time.

Half Umbrella Grandin Road: $299

Ok, so not everybody has a huge yard, some of us have very small balconies or patios.� No problem!� The half umbrella is designed for your outdoor space!

Solar Powered Umbrella Plow & Hearth: $149.95 (Umbrella); $79.95 (Base)

It looks like a regular umbrella but Plow & Hearth’s version is the eco-friendly kind.� No need to put outdoor lanterns, this one already has lights installed in it!

So, enjoy summer & stay in the shade!

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more patio umbrellas.

Seasonal Highlight: Rocking Around the Porch Tonight

colleen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:08:27 +0000

I am absolutely in love with rocking chairs. When I was little, we used to go to this beach house and I had a specific rocking chair that didn�t squeak, didn�t wiggle, and I could tell it apart from all the other rocking chairs by a black scratch running along the headboard.� It was simple, and elegant, and perfect for right after a day at the beach because there were no cushions to get all sticky and smelly from sea salt.� I have another favorite rocking chair back at home, too, which does have cushions and is much hardier, darker, more stable�my point is, rocking chairs are divine, and there are so many different types there�s no reason to not invest in several during the summer!

Tips for Picking Rocking Chairs:

1. Think about the surface you are going to be putting your rocking chair on.� Concrete?� Wood?� Make sure the surfaces are not going to harm one another�concrete or brick is unforgiving on wooden or wicker rocking chairs, but plastic ones can hold up, and are still very stylish.

2. Think about what type of atmosphere the rocking chairs are going to be in.� Covered porch?� You can go for that nice unfinished wood look.� Outdoors, next to the pool?� No cushions, or you will be regretting it by the end of the summer

3. Consider who will be using the furniture so you can gauge quantity and quality.� Family, friends, relatives, boyfriends, children�all have different rocking chair needs!� While the little rocking chairs may be darling for young children, investing in some nice well-sized rocking chairs is so much more important, and children love them (and don�t grow out of them!) just the same.

Some top flight choices:

Check out this Pair of Dixie Outdoor White Slat Rocking Chairs at the reduced sale price of $179.99, saving 50% off market price!� This durable pair is strong enough to withstand the outdoors, yet comfortable and elegant enough to be in your favorite garden.� There is a seat pad available for extra comfort, if you desire.

Target.com�s Bolongo Swivel Chair is sumptuous style to die for!� This chair would be perfect for your elderly relatives or just for a peaceful day reading a book: the wicker supports and cushioned, high-back make this chair lightweight, seasonal and comfortable. � On clearance for $274.98, this chair should be protected against the elements so it can stay a family charm for a long time!

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for more rocking chairs.
Discounts on patio furniture.

chairs, patio furniture, rocking chairs

Outdoor Oasis Ideas

maureen — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:19:53 +0000

Ready for a mini vacation in your own home?� Not every one of us can jet set for the summer & lounge in a hammock overlooking a white, sandy beach in Aruba or sip cafe au lait at a lovely courtyard with a view of the Eiffel tower, or better yet, dine out in a cabana with flowy, white curtains in Santorini.� Try these outdoor oasis ideas & take a mini vacation just a few steps away from your living room.

1. The Bistro: Just two chairs and a table, a great book & maybe a nice glass of aged Spanish wine.�� Accessorize it with a few candles & of course the lush garden you’ve been working hard on since spring.

2. Hang patio drapes: Your porch will feel like a summer getaway with outdoor panel curtains.� Summer’s hot but it shouldn’t be that hot!

3. Outdoor dining:� When the weather is beautiful, you can dine out anytime.� Weather-resistant furniture such as teak if you would like to go modern or cast iron if you would like to go romantic is so refreshing.� Have a pergola or trellis?� Hang chandeliers, lanterns, empty picture frames with ribbons above the dining area.� Lovely!

5. Copa Cabana:� Nothing evokes a vacation more than a cabana.� This wooden one instantly takes me to a tropical place.� Scatter colorful pillows, the more the better!

6. The Beach Chaise:� Get a comfortable outdoor cushioned chaise & matching umbrella in a wonderful pattern & vivid colors, sip an ice cold lemonade & you’re in your Caribbean getaway.

Any other mini vacation ideas? I’d love to hear about them…

Image Source: fromhousebeautiful.com and flickr

Find at Smarter.com:� Shop for affordable patio furniture.

beach chair, bistro set, outdoor dining

Cool Off in the Shade - Discount Patio Furniture Umbrella

evette — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:57:17 +0000

Forewarned is forearmed. Which is why I must warn you that if the heat continues at its current triple digit rate, many if not all my posts will be inspired to ease the Summer Heat!

The umbrella to our current patio set has rusted shut. Long story short when it gets windy my Dad shut it, well rain followed the wind and eventually the bugger rusted shut. I sent my Dad a link to the following discount patio umbrellas from Overstock.com.�

This Aluminum Thermometer/Clock Lighted Umbrella adds a touch of versatile style to your next gathering–day or night.� It lights up to add a dash of whimsy to your summer nights and it contains a built in thermostat so your cranky grandparents and house guests can repeat over and over “it’s 102 degrees” !!

Was $~~225.00~~

On Sale $89.99

You Save $135.01 (60% Off)

To shop for the� Aluminum Thermometer/Clock Lighted Umbrella, click here.

Discount Patio Furniture, Overstock.com

Discount Chair Pad Sets

evette — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:19:07 +0000

If your kitchen is looking drab and you are searching for a quick and affordable way to update the look of your dinette set, one option is to swap out those ratty chair cushions!

The 2 Piece Chair Pad set featured on the left is sold by Blair.com. The striped red and white canvas adds a nautical touch to your home decor. The cushions are affordable and durable and will add just the right amount of color to your home.

Price - $19.99

To shop or to purchase the Blair 2-Piece chair cushion set, click here.

If you are searching for solid options check out the Chair Cushion set from Domestications! These overfilled chair pads add three full inches of comfy cushioning as they protect your chair seats from scratches.100% cotton with the texture of linen and classic tufting give them style for all seasons. Fabric tiebacks help keep them in place.

Price - $14.99

To shop or purchase the 2 set chair cushions from Domestications, click here.�

If neither one of these options suits your palette, then click here to shop for more discount chair pad sets!�

Chair Pads, Domestications, furniture, home decor

Sale Item - Stone Hill Tranquility Pond

evette — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:26:32 +0000

What is your garden missing? I think a little tropical recluse is always a lovely touch to any green scene. Nothing soothes my nerves after a long day like the sound of trickling water.

The Stone Hill Tranquility Pond would make a wonderful addition to any garden, small patio, deck, balcony or backyard. Water gently cascades from the top tier to the bottom, the fountain is lightweight, durable and the pump plugs directly into a standard grounded outlet.

Originally the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond costs: $79.99 but is currently on sale for: $71.99! (you save: $8.00 10%)

To purchase the Stone Hill Tranquility Pond, click here.

To shop for more discount Ponds & Fountains, click here.

Fountains, Ponds, Stone Hill Tranquility Pond

Spring Time! Check Out this Discount Patio Furniture!

evette — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:34:23 +0000

Spring is in the air! The winds are warming, my thong sandals are coming out of retirement, and I am finding that second layer of clothing pointless at dusk.

Now is the time to dust off your patio furniture, brew yourself a nice pitcher of iced tea and enjoy the longer days and warmer nights.

Check out this great deal on discount patio furniture by GrandinRoad, Affordable Styles.

The Kamea Sectional Outdoor Seating Set is a plush outdoor furniture collection that offers a diverse range of seating pieces, so you can pick and choose what best compliments your open air setting. The beauty part is each piece is only cost $99.00!

Here are the features:

Chair frames are crafted to oversized proportions for supreme comfort
Sturdy, weather-defying alder wood construction is sealed with a lustrous, four-season finish
Each seating option includes double-piped, 100% solution-dyed acrylic seating cushions

To shop the Kamea Sectional Seating Collection from GrandInRoad.com, click here.

To shop for more great deals and discounts on patio furniture, click here. �

Discount Patio Furniture, GrandinRoad.com, Patio Furniture Chairs, Patio Furniture Cushions, Patio Furniture Table

Skamper Ramp Keeps Dogs Safe

valentina — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:50:42 +0000

Lots of dogs love water, and there’s not much cuter than a swimming pooch, but a pool can equal danger for dogs. And just as you shouldn’t leave kids unattended poolside (duh!), the same goes for your family pet. While the SPCA says the number one way to prevent your dog from drowning is supervision, they also promote the use of the Skamper Ramp ($49.50), a worthy invention from Skamper Ramp Industries that allows dogs to get out of the pool safely. The design allows your pet to get a grip much better than the tiled sides of a pool, which can be slippery for a wet and tired dog. You still have to train your dog to use it, but the time spent is well worth it. It could also save an unfortunate cat who plops in, but good luck training one to use it.

Please read more about pet pool safety here.

Compare Prices on Skamper Ramps here.

dog safety, pool safety, skamper ramp

Sporty Recycled Furniture

valentina — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:39:08 +0000

Skateboarding is not a crime, and I’m not sure it should influence furniture design either. Well, not for adults anyway. But, alas, I don’t make such decisions. To the right is the Skateboard Table/Seat ($208.99) by Ski Chair. The good thing is that the top is made with recycled skateboards, and the bottom is made from recycled plastic. I can certainly get behind that, especially in a kid’s room, which is where something like this belongs anyway.

These are also made by Ski Chair, if you’re so inclined:

Red Splash Water Ski Chair and Ottoman, $499.95

”Totally New York” Baseball Bat Wooden Adirondack Chair