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.

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! 

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.

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.  

Compare Prices on Skamper Ramps here. 

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

This combo is very stylish and would be a nice place to park yourself on a Sunday evening. The chairs have a Mission style charm about them, and that little tray table will come in handy. You can put a glass of wine and a cheese plate in between you and a loved one if you take my advice about Sunday.

Folding Bamboo Table and 2 Chairs, $144.99 (list price: $169)

L to R: Kilcher St. Croix $139.99, Hinkley Tiki Bamboo $104.90, LampsPlus Bronze Pole Light $219

Normally, these lights wouldn’t be my style, but since they’re for the great outdoors, I like them.  The first two are path lights that would look great posted in a front walkway, while the third is a portable pole light that you can move around at your convenience (I’m thinking it would be good for a back patio).  I’m into their tropical feel, and I adore the illuminated pineapple on the first one.  Sweet.

The whole shebang retails for a $530.77, but Every Hammock has it for $414. They also throw in free shipping, which is always a major plus.

That’s why I’m hoping this hanging basket from CobraCo will help the situation.  It’s only about $8, and if I place a couple of them in areas that get shade and sunshine, flowers should start blooming in no time, providing a colorful contrast to the rest of the yard.

Here’s how to make the most of a hanging basket:

• make sure the basket is secure and can hold all the contents
• use lightweight, high-quality non-soil mix that’s specifically made for potting
• add water-holding crystals if the potting mix doesn’t already have them
• make sure the lining is all natural, like the liner above which is made of coconut
• add plants to the basket in layers–fill it up a few inches of soils, place the root bulb atop the soil, then add another layer and more plants–and place them close together to get the effect of fullness
• water the basket, making sure that the non-soil mix is evenly moist
• keep your basket looking fresh by removing dead and dying flowers regularly