Archive for the ‘Outside’ Category
January 27th, 2010 | No Comments | Posted in Decorating, Outside
Midsummer Light found on Artecnica.com
While reading through one of my new favorite magazines (it seems since the baby arrived, magazines are my new friend. I can’t get far enough into a book before the baby starts squalling.) I stumbled across a website called artecnicainc.com. Basically, this company carries a variety of “art” from multiple up-and-coming artist in the Los Angeles area.
Anyhow, there are several pieces that I found very interesting such as this cool retro spinoff clock called DaDa. What really took the cake was this awesome “Midsummer Light.” I think this awesome hanging light fixture would be so pretty if you were having a evening outdoor party. It is pretty whimsical with it’s cascading curtian of flowers and leaves. I think it is just cool. What do you think? You can take a look at all of the colors and more info here.
Tags: cool lighting, light fixtures, lighting
October 15th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Outside, Repairs & Renovations
Modern House Numbers
Who decided that all house numbers need to be ugly? These Modern House Numbers carried by Chiasso offer a stunning alternative to the cheap home store numbers.
These numbers are created to replicate the art deco timeframe. Modern and durable, these would make a beautiful addition to an older home. Add a little detail to your home with some new house numbers.
September 30th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Entertaining, Fun Time, Miscellaneous, Outside
It seems Fall has crept up on us again! Now is the time to enjoy cooler weather, beautiful colors from the trees, and a good ole corn maze! Every year, fields across the country become winding trails of tall corn stalks.
Memphis Corn Maze at the Agricenter
This year there are several in the Memphis, TN area (where I am from.) The theme for this year is “Exploring the Wolf River.” You can find out more information about the Memphis Corn Maze at the Agricenter by going here.
Also, here is a link to The Maize a company who does these all over the United States and Cananda. You can look up your local corn field maze from their website. So, pack up the family and check it out!
Oh yea! One more thing! Closer to Halloween, the corn field maze becomes “haunted.” Contact your local maze for more information!
Tags: corn field maze, Fun Time, outdoor
September 3rd, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Go Green, Miscellaneous, Outside
Bamboo
Everyone knows the basics about Bamboo. Originally found in Asia, Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth. Bamboo can grow up to 24 inches a DAY.
Due to the quick growth and reproduction of Bamboo, its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. It is pretty common to see people boasting “bamboo floors” in their homes. However, there are many things Bamboo can be used for.
Other uses for Bamboo include:
- Medicine. In Chinese medicine, Bamboo is used to treat infections and made into tonic for respiratory diseases.
- Culinary. The shoots of Bamboo are edible and frequently found in Asian dishes and broths.
- Culinary Tools. You can find Bamboo kitchen utensils and even serving dishes made from this resource.
- Textiles. Bamboo can be transformed into cloth and it has also been made into paper.
- Musical Instruments.
- Construction. Bamboo can be used to construction homes to bicycles!
Click here to learn more about the possibilites of Bamboo!
Tags: Go Green
August 16th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Cooking, Kitchen, Outside
Insulated Ice Cream Container
Last weekend, Laura made some of the best homemade ice cream that I’ve ever tasted. It tasted great and had the perfect consistency. Honestly, I think it was heaven sent.
I’ll try to get her to post the recipe here soon.
Meanwhile, I’ve found a cool insulated ice cream container. It would be absolutely perfect for taking some of that great homemade ice cream on a picnic!
It costs $12.95 at spoonsisters.com
Via: Totally Tabletops.
Tags: ice cream, insulated ice cream containter, picnic
August 11th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Go Green, Outside, Repairs & Renovations
Cylinder Solar Light
Who said that solar panel lights had to be ugly or expensive? This beautiful outdoor light from Chiasso.com is both functional and modern.
The best part about installing a light like this one is there is no electricity to mess with and it works fully on solar power. It is made to resist rust and built to survive the elements outdoors. At $44.00 – it won’t break the bank!
You can get one here… once they come back into stock!
Tags: Go Green, light fixtures, lighting, solar light
July 27th, 2009 | 2 Comments | Posted in Go Green, Outside
Turn a Soda Bottle Into a Bird Feeder
Love the birds?
Have a soda bottle?
If you answered yes to the questions above, you’re in luck!
With this Soda Bottle Bird Feeder, $15 at Design Within Reach, you can recycle any old soda bottle into a bird feeder that is pretty damn cool.
Get one of these, and the birds will love you too!
Tags: bird feeder, birds
July 25th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Decorating, Outside
Laura and I recently walked through the Home Depot looking for some cool house numbers. (You know … the address numbers, that make your place easier to find.)
Anyway, we were anything but pleased with the selection of numbers that we found there. They were all very similar, and all very ugly.
So, after a little Internet searching, I’ve come up with some alternatives that’ll be the coolest numbers on the block!
Just click on the image to go to the vendors website.
Neutra House Numbers from Design Within Reach. Retails for $48 each.
Stainless House Sign from Abode House Signs. Starts at £22.50. Unfortunately, I haven't found anyone that makes these cool signs in the USA.
5" Futura/Clear Anodized Numbers from West On. Prices vary by size and finish.
Window Film Numbers by Brume. Price varies by size. This company is also in the UK, however, if you're in the US, you can probably get something similar made at any good local sign shop.
Tags: house numbrs, house signs
July 23rd, 2009 | 2 Comments | Posted in Cooking, Fun Time, Outside
Oustanding In The Field
I just stumbled across a post on another blog about a dining experience called “Outstanding In The Field.” The pictures seemed interesting, so I decided that I needed to learn more.
Basically, “Outstanding In The Field” is a dining tour that travels the world (although most of their stops seem to be in the US.) They assemble local farmers, artisans, producers, and diners, for what appears to be a fantastic outdoor meal. The meals appear to take place outdoors most of the time, and are usually on a farm, vineyard, or at some other interesting location. Additionally, the meals are most always prepared by a well-respected local chef.
Think of it as a super-high-class picnic, where you don’t need to bring a basket!
I was a little dissapointed to find that they don’t have any 2009 stops in or around Memphis, so that rules out Laura and I participating locally. However, they are stopping in Atlanta this September, so maybe it would make for a good excuse to take a road trip to see my sister that lives there.
If you’d like to attend, you can make reservations through their website. Be forwarned though … it’s a little spendy. According to their website:
The price of the dinners range from $180 to $220 per person, which includes a five course meal with wine pairings, all gratuities, producer discussions, and a tour of the farm. Prices are determined based on location remoteness, the chef’s menu, producers’ needs, necessary staffing, and total size of the event.
Tags: dining, food, meals, outstanding in the field
July 21st, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in DIY Projects, Decorating, Go Green, Outside
DIY Floating Buoys
While surfing the net, I came across the website instructables.com. This website is a Do-It-Yourself type site that gives your instructions and ideas for some very unusual crafts.
One of the most impressive projects were these DIY Buoys. These floating buoys are made of plastic water jugs, a piece of wood, some rope, some foam, and a hand full of tools found in the toolbox. The website includes a full list of needed items and step-by-step instructions.
Once made, you can use these in a lake as rock markers or beach markers. You could also spice up your outdoor pool party by placing candles on each of them.
They remind me of floating daisies. They are quite whimsical in my opinion! If you have made these before, or have a cool DIY idea, leave me a comment below!
Tags: DIY buoy, hip floating candle holders, hip homeowner
