Category Archives: Outdoor

Cool A Roo Sail Shades Offer Sun Protection With Style

14 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by in garden, Outdoor

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Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Cool a Roo Shade SailFor the past year I’ve been wanting to get an old sail and hang it over my deck which is southwest facing and doesn’t get a drop of shade throughout most of the day. Awnings can be nice, but I just don’t feel they suit our house and I love the idea of a big triangular sail shading half the deck. But this week I came across the Cool A Roo Shade Sail and was seriously impressed.

The Cool A Roo Shade Sail is made from weather and UV-resistant fabric and comes in triangles, rectangles, and squares ranging from 9 feet long to an 18-foot square. And it comes in lots of great colors including several shades of blue as well as orange, red, yellow, green, slate gray, black, beige, and others so there’s a color to suit your decor.

In addition, the prices start low–much lower than your typical umbrella for the smaller sizes and even the larger ones are very reasonable compared to installing an awning. The 9-foot triangular Shade Sail is $35 (but you can get it for even less at Casa.com, and the largest one is $475. So if you’re looking for great looking and reasonably sun protection on your deck, check out the Cool A Roo line of Shade Sails. They’re perfect for a modern loft or a nautical beachside retreat.

Gorgeous Bouquets Straight From the Garden

08 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by in garden, Outdoor

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Dahlias, Peony Bouquets

My garden is filled with my favorite flowers–peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, lilacs, iris, and more, and I love sitting out back and admiring their beauty when it’s each of their turns to bloom. I very rarely cut them unless there is a special occasion to but I also love having fresh flowers in the house. The problem is that there never seems to be enough of them (especially the peonies!) to enjoy them both inside and out nor enough time to enjoy them, but I’ve turned a corner this year.

I’m vowing to not worry about what the garden looks like and just make beautiful bouquets to enjoy indoors at least once a week for myself…and others too. Yes, pretty soon you’ll be seeing the C&B Farmstand setting up shop in my front yard, and I’m so excited. I hope to have it up and running by next weekend, and you can be sure I’ll let you know about our opening day. Until then, take some time to stop and smell the peonies.

If you like gardening, you might like these:
 Dahlia Bouquet
The Peonies Have Popped
A Beautiful Fall Wedding in the Berkshires

5 Unusual Things to Grill This Summer When Entertaining (Thanks to Williams-Sonoma)

07 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by in Kitchen, Outdoor

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Gourmet Grilling, Grill Tools

As I was perusing the Williams-Sonoma web site yesterday in search of great Father’s Day gifts (for a story on Parentables, not for my own husband or father–sorry guys) I was totally inspired to get creative on the grill this summer. Honestly, I tend to leave the grilling to my husband, but I am capable of it (shhh! don’t tell him). But these grill tools might have me running to the grill every time we have people over this summer.

For one, the meatball grill basket. I mean come on! How fun is that? I have a feeling that these might be a sought after appetizer, and of course I like that they’re cute and I can find a fun way to serve them.

Next up is the quesadilla grill basket. I love a good quesadilla (they have cheese and I have a cheese tooth–it’s simple math), but I wouldn’t think to put them on the grill because that seems like a disaster waiting to happen when it comes time to FLIP! But clearly that is no longer the case.

Have you ever had a grilled potato? They are delicious, but the way I’ve had them is rubbed in butter and then wrapped in tinfoil. This potato grilling rack looks like it might be a healthier, but still appealing alternative.

You don’t often hear of a lot of people serving meatloaf these days, but I’m a fan every once in a while. I even have a meatloaf pan, and at one time I would make it once a month or so (it’s one of the only ways I find ground turkey tolerable), but I never considered grilling meatloaf, and I imagine that this would be quite delicious. Add it to my list of things to try out!

And lastly, the mini pizza tiles so that you can make personalized grilled pizzas to everyone’s liking. Grilled pizza is a big deal here in Rhode Island where it was quite possibly invented, and you can get some really good dough around here, but I’m always a little nervous to throw it right on the grill. I’m certain these would have me creating the next great grilled pizza masterpiece (at least in my own home).

Suddenly I feel like some invitations need to be sent out! Which grill tool are you most excited to try?

Outdoor Shower Makeover on a Budget

31 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Bath, beach, D.I.Y., furniture, garden, Inspiration, Outdoor

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galvanized bucket, gardening, gutter planter, ideas for updating the outdoor shower, outdoor shower, striped shower curtain

A few years ago my brother built us this outdoor shower.  We already had the hot water hook up and it only cost 75 bucks for the parts and installation!  It has been invaluable for rinsing post beach and I find having a rinse is the most refreshing part of my day.  I hadn’t really cared as much about the way it looked as the functionality of the unit, that is until I used it for the first time this season.  We installed it with no shelving or stool.  Only a few towel hooks.

It’s pretty empty and devoid of character.  So I decided to revamp it!

I adjusted the slate tiles and added some tropical plants.  There is an old cast iron gutter that lines the house and is not actually functioning as a gutter these days. I had the idea a few years ago to turn it into a planter box and this was the perfect excuse to give it a shot.  I lined it with a straw mat and filled the bottom with stone and some potting soil.  I added plants and some top soil and the planters were complete.  I  chose plants that were happy in partial shade and also in high moisture.  I also chose plants that will grow and drape over the side.

outdoor shower with gutter planter

Lastly, to solve the shelf issue, I looked online at all the options out there.  Most were super pricey and we like the idea of having something either re-purposed or handmade.  It dawned on me that we had a galvanized bucket sitting around and it would make a great shower caddy/ towel holder!

There you have it, an outdoor shower makeover that cost very little and looks a whole lot better!

If you like this post, rinse and repeat with some others:
 Upcycling the Office with a Nautical Touch
Spring is Coming! Create a Garden Journal
My Favorite Day of the Year

Oilcloth: A Little Retro is Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining

28 Monday May 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Outdoor, Tabletop

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oilcloth pillows, , , retro tablescapes

‘Tis the season for outdoor entertaining so I must dicuss one of my obsessions:  oilcloth!  Reminiscent of an era gone by – my grandmother had an oilcloth table cloth that was used for everyday meals as well as many rounds of gin rummy as I got older – oilcloth is still very practical today because it is a durable and wipeable surface, and it can add a splash of fun kitsch to any decor.  Currently, my oilcloth splashes are in my tote bags, cosmetic cases and my daughter’s lunch bag, but after finding a couple great shops that sell cut yardage in addition to finished oilcloth goods I am considering adding an oilcloth table cloth into my party closet.

Historically oilcloth was made with a heavy canvas or cotton fabric rendered waterproof with numerous coats of linseed oil; today plastic (PVC) or vinyl is woven into cotton and is far less time-consuming.  Most oilcloth is imported from Mexico and this tangerine inspired table cloth above would be perfectly on trend this summer!  Whether it’s oilcloth or laminated cotton, this old-school accessory is prime for modern day:  outdoor entertaining, a breakfast nook, children’s art tables and more.  Have a little fun and go retro in a fresh way!

There are so many uses for oilcloth today due to crafty oilcloth fans and the modernization of oilcloth production allowing for a wider variety in finished yardage.  If you are intrigued, then check out Modern June’s Sewing with Oilcloth book, Martha Stewart’s Oilcloth Crafts, Wipe Easy Tablelcloths for modern cut yardage, or just search the web and you’ll find a plethora of uses for oilcloth.

Image Sources:
Coquelicot from Provence, Mexican Sugar Skull, Oilcloth Moth, Modern June, Pink Chalk Studio, Modern June, Martha Stewart

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Fiestaware:  Color for the Table
Catherineholm For Less
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Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!

27 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in Inspiration, Outdoor

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color formula for International Orange, Fireweed color by Sherwin Williams, Golden Gate Bridge, Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge

In the year of Tangerine Tango, it must be said:  Happy Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!  Not only is the Golden Gate Bridge 75 years strong, its shade of orange vermilion is an international icon.  Since we are celebrating all shades of tangerine this year, let this bridge further inspire you to use orange somewhere in your decor.

Note:  ”International Orange” can grace your home if you bring one of these formulas to your paint store:  PMS 173 (CYMK = 0%, 80%, 94%, 1%), PMS 174 (CYMK 8%, 85%, 100%, 34%) or Pantone 180 (CYMK 19.4%, 77.9%, 79.6% 3.6%).  The closest off-the-shelf paint color that Sherwin Williams has available is “Fireweed” (color code SW 6328).

 What I love most about “International Orange” is that depending on the time of day or vantage point or weather story, the color of the bridge looks different.  This must be the largest chameleon in the San Francisco Bay area.  Enjoy!

If you are near San Francisco the celebration starts today, May 27, 2012 and there is something for everyone.

Image Sources:  Herald Sun, , California 4 Travel, About

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Happy Birthday Fenway Park
Tangerine Chairs for Outdoor Pops of Color
Color Your Bookshelf

Tangerine Chairs for Outdoor Pops of Color

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Furniture, furniture, Outdoor

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bistro chairs, chair, outdoor seating, tangerine, tangerine chairs, vintage Eames chairs

designed by Lotta AgatonOnce Amy has all of her Eames chairs painted in tangerine I envision the impact will be as striking as the dining room above.  Not only is Amy refurbishing iconic chairs, she is one of many embracing this glorious pop of color.  If it is too much of a color commitment inside of your home, then consider adding your shade of tangerine or orange in the great outdoors with extra seating.

Any one of these chairs would be a cheerful addition to your summer entertainment space.  Enjoy!

Image Sources:  Orange Owl Modern, Anthropologie, TK Collections, Grand In Road, YLiving,

If you like this post, then you might like these: 
 Colorful Plantations Chairs Perfect for Lounging
Escape in Porch Living
Tangerine Dream Follow Up

How to Protect Your Strawberry Fields Forever

21 Monday May 2012

Posted by in garden, Outdoor

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gardening tips, Growing Fruits and Vegetables

Ok, so this might not be our most glamorous post, but an essential part of any home is its garden. We love growing our own fruits and vegetables, but there are two things about it that frustrate me to no end. One is that there is never enough space to plant everything, and the other is that the bunnies and other critters are always getting to my garden before I do. But this year we’re fixing both of those problems. Over the past two weekends, my husband has expanded our vegetable garden by rototilling a large section behind our garage and enclosing it with wire fencing. It’s not fancy, but it does the trick, and once all of the plants get planted and grow in nobody will be looking at the wire and posts anyway.

While that will keep the bunnies out of the garden, it doesn’t help with the birds. Every year I get so excited to pick strawberries, and every year the birds eat them all before we can pick them. So my husband created the above enclosure for them which still allows the sun in and let’s us easily reach in to pick them when they’re ripe. He cut four pieces of PVC tube to about 8 inches long and then hammered them into the ground in each corner. Then he inserted two long white flexible tubes into the black tubes crossing the garden on the longer axis and creating in arch. He attached chicken wire across the two arches for the length of the garden, and then on the sides he affixed netting using twist ties. I might still catch a bird or two in there if they figure their way in on the side, but overall this should greatly reduce the stealing of our strawberries and I look forward to having several nice big juicy bowls of berries in about a month.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
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Best Beach Chair

18 Friday May 2012

Posted by in beach, furniture, Outdoor

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beach chairs

The weekend forecast is mid-70s and sunny. Right now the temperature is just about perfect and visions of days at the beach (my most favorite days of the year) are dancing in my head! The most essential summer item in my book (next to good sunscreen for my fair-skinned family) is a great beach chair. At the end of last year my chair broke so I’m due for a new one. While I love color, especially in the summer, I want to have my staple items be crisp and classic so I’m thinking of a nice white beach chair like this one from Brookstone. Last year I stopped buying beach towels and started buying a pile of bright colored Ralph Lauren bath towels (from TJ Maxx of course) to use for the beach. Their lime green color means we can always quickly spot them when the kids run out of the water and there’s never any question as to who’s towels are who’s when we’re at the beach with a bunch of friends. They’re just the right pop of color to make our beach days even brighter. With Memorial Day just around the corner, this weekend is a great time to get your beach gear in order so you can get out and soak up the sun in style this summer!

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Chic Finds for All Ages from Land of Nod

15 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by in Accessories, bedding, Bedroom, Furniture, Kids, lighting, Living Room, Mudroom, Outdoor, rugs, textiles

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Kid's beds, kid's storage solutions

Many of you who have children are probably familiar with the fun and stylish kids’ catalog Land of Nod. But as I was perusing the catalog at the palace of catalogs (a.k.a. Pamela’s house) so many things caught my eye for more than just the kid spaces in my home. To start these chevron baskets come in bright and bold colors to add a pop to any room and come in a set of three nesting baskets. I love baskets with tops so that you can really hide things away.

I also am loving these Canvas Mega Sorters. Last week at Brimfield I found a vintage canvas mail bin that I thought would be great for mudroom storage, but I didn’t buy it and ever since I’ve been obsessed with finding something else that would fit the bill. With three storage compartments this will allow me to separate my son’s, daughter’s, and husband’s hats, mittens, shoes, and whatever else they keep in the mudroom. And at $25 it’s even more irresistible. The big question is should I get it in navy or orange?

Also, in the basket category are these great looking Load Bearing Storage Baskets and Hampers.

turquoise bed

I love the Jenny Lind style beds and in this turquoise color they are just fabulous! It also comes in white and raspberry in both twin and full sizes. This bed is perfect for a beach house guest room!

yellow bedding

The Animales Grafico Bedding would make quite a statement on the turquoise bed, but it would also be great for just about any other bedroom in the house too.

colored poufs/stools

The Tuffet Seater is woven around a metal frame and can be used indoors or out. It would be great stacked on the patio for extra seating.

And for a little bit of glamor, these hanging mirrors are perfect for a powder room, entry, or bedroom.

The Squares to Spare Lamp adds a touch of modern chic to any room in the house…and comes with a rainbow of shade options to really customize your look.

And don’t forget to put something stylish underfoot like the 100% cotton Magic Carpet Rug.

So the next time you’re looking for some fun and colorful decor items (that also happen to be really affordable) consider turning to Land of Nod for big design even though it’s geared towards our littlest inhabitants.

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