Kimberly Aardal was nice enough to write up some tips for us on keeping cool during these over the top hot months.

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.

Fans. Indoor ceiling fans are in widespread use, because of the efficient way they keep the air circulating. Ceiling fans can provide a similar service when used on a porch. Add a couple of wood rocking chairs, and you’ve set the stage for relaxation in an outdoor room. Freestanding fans can be set up on the patio or in the garden to supply a breeze in sultry weather.

Misters. If you’ve ever stood near a fountain on a hot summer day, you know how refreshing a light spray of water can be. Water misting systems take the concept to the next level, employing cutting-edge technology to deliver a cooling spray without creating puddles. The flash evaporation of water droplets is the key to cooling you down without drenching you. Whether for a small area, like a patio, or for a large backyard, a water mister is always a welcome addition to any family gathering or garden party.

Shade. Temperatures drop dramatically in shady spots, but not every yard is blessed with mature trees. Various types of structures can create shade, from a pergola to a vine-covered trellis, from a gazebo to a canopy. A large patio umbrella will shade a picnic table or patio area. Awnings shade windows so that they don’t create radiant heat by magnifying the sun’s rays. Ultra-violet light can cause fabric and other materials to deteriorate rapidly, so shade will extend the usability of your outdoor furniture.

Pools. There are many kinds of swimming pools that offer cool relief from a hot afternoon. A sunken pool is the most expensive option and will make your home a popular destination, especially if you have teenagers. Raised pools are a less expensive option and still provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. For those on a budget, even an inflatable kiddie pool is enticing on a hot summer’s day. Situate the inflatable pool in the shade and fill it with cold water. You may have to compete with the kids and pets for this perfect location for a quick cool-down.

Color. Dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it, so decorate your patio and garden in whites and pastels for maximum heat deflection. Light colored roofs lower cooling costs in warm climates, so keep that in mind when replacing or repainting your roof.

Aeration. Cross-ventilation makes for a breezy summer. Look for ways to ventilate porches and other outdoor structures. When erecting a canopy, make sure not to place it adjacent to a fence, but allow room for air to circulate. Ventilation is important for clothing, too. Synthetics such as acrylic and polyester retain heat and prevent ventilation, so choose natural materials that breathe and are loose-fitting for maximum comfort.

Hydration. Your body needs to perspire in order to cool down, and it needs water to create perspiration, so don’t forget to drink plenty of H2O while you’re enjoying the outdoors. Caffeinated beverages act as diuretics that actually drain water from your body and can cause dehydration, so coffee, tea and sodas should be consumed in moderation on hot summer days. If you find yourself overheating, try some external hydration by treating yourself to a quick, cold shower.

Relaxation. Activity generates heat, so an effective technique for beating the summer doldrums is to slow down and relax. Whether napping in a hammock, reading in a rocking chair, or watching the world go by from a porch swing, you’ll cool down when you slow down.

Keeping these factors in mind will allow you to venture forth on hot summer days without losing your cool.

As the author of EveryDayRockingChairs.com, Kimberly Aardal writes reviews and informational articles from her home in the mountains of Colorado. In the wintertime, she looks out over beautiful scenery from her indoor rocking chairs, but in the summertime, she keeps her cool on the patio, sitting in her favorite white rocking chair.

Photo by All Oregon Landscaping

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.

Outdoor Fireplace

In some ways, outdoor fireplaces offer more variety and options than indoor fireplaces. They’ve come a long way from a recessed area in the wall where you just burn wood. And outdoor fireplaces aren’t just small, round pits anymore, either. Sure, those are still available. Fire pits come in a wide range of sizes, and may use wood or gas for fuel.

If you really want to go all out, consider having an outdoor fireplace built on your patio. The hearth and mantel can be constructed to match your patio surface, whether it’s concrete, stone, or tile. Glass doors will allow the warm glow to light your outdoor living area while keeping the fire contained, but they can be opened to expel more warmth on chilly nights. Like the fire pits, outdoor fireplaces can use either wood or gas. Most gas fireplaces are now built to mimic traditional wood burning fireplaces, right down to the crackling sound of the flames.

Patio Furniture

When putting together a comfortable, stylish outdoor living area, patio furniture is essential. The big box stores will have some available, if you don’t mind plastic and vinyl. To feel just as at home outside as you do in your house, leave the disposable pieces at the store and visit a specialty retailer to invest in a set you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

Wood furniture is stable, sturdy, and with thick cushions to complement it, comfortable. But not just any wood will do. For furniture to stay outside and not succumb to the elements, it needs to be durable and able to withstand all kinds of weather. Teak is the best way to go for beautiful, long lasting patio furniture. The wood is known for its durability and maintaining its beauty even after being exposed to sun, rain, and wind. A few other good choices are cedar, cypress, and alder.

Cushions also should be made of quality fabrics meant for outdoors. Most outdoor fabrics can withstand getting slightly wet, but ensure you dry them off afterwards. You’ll also want to store them properly over the winter or in extreme weather so they last several years.

Mosquito Control

There’s no point in setting up a beautiful outdoor living space if it’s going to be so overrun with mosquitoes and other pests that you, your family, and guests can’t enjoy it. Part of creating an inviting outdoor activity area is including plants and flowers that will provide color and be aesthetically pleasing. Try placing some potted plants and flowers around your patio that are known to repel insects naturally, such as marigolds and lemon grass.

Plants will only do so much to keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay, though. Don’t leave your enjoyment, and your health, to chance. A flying insect trap like the Mosquito Magnet is a surefire way to keep pests away from your outdoor living area, with no extra gardening required. If your patio or deck is large, or you plan to extend your activity area into the yard, two traps may be ideal. Learn how the Mosquito Magnet works to see how to set yours up, then enjoy your back yard, worry – and mosquito bite-free.

Gas Grill

It might be fun for the kids to roast marshmallows over the fire pit, or in the outdoor fireplace you set up, but to really enjoy an outdoor meal, you need a grill. Grills of all sizes are available, from tabletop hibachis to commercially rated built-in units. You haven’t gone to all the trouble of building a beautifully appointed outdoor area to enjoy it alone. You’ll no doubt want to entertain in the comfy space you’ve created, so you’ll need a grill that can accommodate enough food for groups of people.

If you opt to have an outdoor fireplace built to match your patio, consider taking it a step further and having a custom grill built in as well. It will save your having to store a portable grill, and will maintain the flow and ambiance you’re creating in this outdoor area. It will also free up more patio space for furniture, creating more seating and allowing you to accommodate more guests, or just leaving more space for your kids to play without worrying about them running into a hot grill.

When you invest in a few outdoor essentials, especially built in features, you’ll not only create a comfortable, beautiful space to enjoy, you’ll increase the value of your home.

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 a few small occasional tables in cocktail party fashion. Alternatively, you could create a casual picnic feel, by placing various size rugs under shady trees for relaxed dining.  Remember to get comfortable patio cushions for your guests to relax on.

Set up a main buffet table with a sumptuous selection of entrees, side dishes and salads. Have plenty of ice-cold drinks on hand for guests to serve themselves at leisure. You could fill a wheelbarrow or wine oak barrel full of ice and drinks for a novel effect. Similarly, a large crystal bowl with sparkling punch and floating summer fruits is a timeless classic that always goes down well.

Table Setting

An outdoor table setting should be simple but still elegant. Dress up the table with colorful cloth napkins and napkin holders. Place your silverware in ‘self-serve’ containers and experiment with a mix of bright colored plates and dinnerware. Make your centerpiece bright and summery. A sturdy container displaying gerberas, impatiens, or bowls of fresh fruit, all make a bold statement. Alternatively, several small glass bowls filled with candles and flowers add an enchanting touch for evening soirees.  The right patio umbrella will really set off your table.

Alfresco Dining

The foods you choose for your alfresco feast need to suit the outdoors. Grilled meats, pasta dishes, chicken wings, and salads all work well, and are still delicious at room temperature. Remember to place your buffet tables in the shade to prevent the food from spoiling. Likewise, only bring out the fresh salads and creamier dishes, just before your guests are ready to eat.

Party Lights

No party is complete without lighting. Create a magical mood with strands of fairy lights draped through the trees, shrubs, and over your patio shading. Similarly, groups of candles in small glass jars or vases look romantic. Strategically place them in protected corners, windowsills or displayed on tabletops. Additionally, gas or oil-filled tiki torches add a dramatic effect. Set them up through your garden to create meandering walkways and separate little outdoor relaxing areas for your guests to enjoy.

Outdoor entertaining can be delightful and simple with just a bit of planning and a few personal touches. Make this summer one you can enjoy outdoors entertaining your friends.

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.

1. Completely redesigned the site using the Magento E-commerce engine.  A great choice and a great set tools for our customers.  Now we have a much simpler checkout and sign up process, and we now accept PayPal and are working on accepting Google Checkout soon.
2. Our shopping guides, help and answers (FAQ) and this blog with our own customization of the Wordpress using the Thesis Theme.
3. Expanded our fabric offering.  We now carry 60 outdoor fabrics for cushions and 40 Sunbrella fabrics for our patio umbrellas.

We hope you enjoy the new design and a new era for CushionsAndUmbrellas.

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 umbrella in Natural with the middle accent in Dolce Mango.  What a beautiful combination it came out to be.  We added jockey red wood bench cushions, and couldn’t be happier with our decor.  Kathie on your staff was very helpful, she actually talked us through our outdoor decor, and helped us make the right decision.  As soon as we received our products, my wife and I put them up.  What a change!  Kathie was right, the right patio umbrella becomes a centerpiece in the patio.   My wife feels like the quintessential homemaker.  Thank you so much!

And thank yo for those kind words.