There’s no doubt that the United States is a nation addicted to air-conditioning. Since the late 1940’s, when window units became available to the mass market, A/C’s have become standard equipment for modern existence. It’s almost impossible to imagine summertime without the constant hum of the condenser fan in the background. But unless you want to watch the summer season slip away from behind a window in your climate-controlled home, it’s important to find natural ways to beat the heat and get outdoors. Here are some factors that can help you keep your cool on the hottest summer days.

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Four Outdoor Living Essentials

June 3, 2010 Patio Recipes

Any home, regardless of how many features it offers, can be upgraded and improved by adding a custom outdoor living space. Go beyond a deck, pool, or perhaps a spa, and turn your patio into an area with a few comforts for the home that your family and friends will appreciate.

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Outdoor Alfresco Entertaining

March 27, 2010 Patio Recipes

Summer is the ideal time for outdoor parties and gatherings. With a sophisticated outdoor space and a little planning, you can entertain your guests alfresco all summer long.
Set Up the Space
Always start with planning your entertaining space. You will need to decide if you want your guests sitting at one large table, or standing around [...]

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CushionsAndUmbrellas Redux

March 12, 2010 Company News

It’s been a really great experience redesigning CushionsAndUmbrellas.com from the ground up.   It was time for us to take a look at what we wanted to accomplish with our site and how we wanted to improve our customers experience.  I think on of the achieved some of our most important goals.

Completely redesigned the site using [...]

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Happy Homemaker

June 4, 2009 Real Patio Stories

Jesse Brotham from Las Vegas sent this in to us.
I have to say that I’m really impressed with the quality and workmanship of your outdoor umbrellas and cushions.  Beginning with your umbrella choices, I’ve never seen any online shop offer the different covers that you do.  My wife and I chose the 9′ wood patio [...]

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Home Depot recalls patio umbrellas

June 4, 2009 Company News

The Home Depot is recalling some large patio umbrellas because they may tip over and strike consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.
Home Depot stores sold about 60 of the 11-foot beige, offset patio umbrellas in January and February. The Atlanta-based home improvement retailer said the products should be returned to the store for a full refund.

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Expert Series: Outdoor Decor tips from Kathy Passarette

May 22, 2009 Expert Advice

The woman behind Creative Home Expressions is none other than Kathy Passarette, expert interior designer, home staging, redesigner and color consultant extraordinaire.  Her articles and tips have appeared in Newsday,  Newday’s How To Guide, New York, Resident Magazine, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Denver Post and the Miami Herald.  She has given us a plethora [...]

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Expert Series: Outdoor Decor Tip from The Nester

May 21, 2009 Expert Advice

Today, we’ve got another tip from an awesome design and decor expert, the Nester!  I absolutely love her motto “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful” and reflects why she’s such a great source.

Lighting is the finishing touch in an outdoor room that transforms an every day space into an inviting retreat.  [...]

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Expert Series: Outdoor Decor Tip from Southern Hospitality

May 20, 2009 Expert Advice

This is the first in a series of quick tips from Design and Decor experts who have graciously given some great advice for our customers and readers.
Southern Hospitality is the wonderful design and decor blog featuring the work of the ever helpful Rhoda, who came to her expertise status the old fashion way, by designing [...]

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Wind Resistant Umbrellas: Spotlight

May 5, 2009 Patio Recipes

A wind resistant patio umbrella.  What does that really mean?  Some of our customers often ask that question, wondering how something like a patio umbrella can resist the pushings and pullings of natures breath.  (I know, I’m getting quite poetic)  Not exactly sure if they need one or not, we often get questions like:

What makes [...]

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