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Strathwood Folding Hammock with Storage Bag

Features:

• Hammock stretches on ultra-sturdy frame
• Material is 100-percent 600 Denier polyester
• Powder-coated, 100-percent steel frame resists rust
• Comes with pillow and carry/storage bag
• Hammock measures 92.8 by 39.4 by 26 inches; 250-pound weight capacity

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(ARA) - Autumn. The very word conjures up colorful images, comforting impressions and cool feelings of a restful season. With the cooler temperatures that autumn brings, now is the perfect time to finally realize the relaxation you have been promising yourself all through the summer months. And what better place to relax than in the great outdoors.

When choosing outdoor leisure products, things to consider include comfort, color and durability.

Trends in Comfort

Trends come and go, but in the area of comfort for the outdoors, one item has been in fashion for over 100 years. Neither new nor splashy, the traditional hammock is the symbol of outdoor leisure recognized by all.

“No other outdoor furnishing can provide the comfort that a hammock does with its ‘floating on air’ design,” states Laurie Rudd, creative director of The HammockSource, manufacturers of Hatteras Hammocks and The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock. “The comfort of a hammock is found in the construction of either the hand woven rope style that hugs the body or in the fabric beds made of quilted layers.”

With the major improvements to the comfort of weather resistant ropes and fabrics, a current trend is extreme durability coupled with the softness of natural fibers. One example is DuraCord fiber. Although man made, this fiber is fade, stain and mildew resistant and repels water. The best part: its as soft as cotton.

Trends in Color

Color is not often the first thought, but today’s hammock is not your grandmother’s cotton rope hammock. “Colors are exploding in various hammock styles including ropes and fabrics,” states Ginger Woodard, PhD, associate professor in the College of Human Ecology at East Carolina University. “With the advancements in non-fading solution dyed yarns, colorations are unlimited.”

“This autumn, hammock color trends include cool blues and natural warm honey browns. Vibrant yellows and reds are also showing up taking their cue from the changing foliage. Making a comeback this season are silhouette design fabrics with high contrast black and off-white creating floral to geometric patterning. Outdoor also continues to welcome the olive greens matched with warm deep burgundy,” states Rudd.

Trends in Durability

Autumn is best enjoyed in the out-of-doors. However, life outside for furnishings can be harsh no matter the season, making durability the goal of all outdoor leisure products. In a hammock, these include everything from the hanging chain to the materials that make up the bed of the hammock.

“Zinc plating over heavy duty steel is preferred for long hammock life,” states Bill Russo, president of Nags Head Hammocks, of N.C. and S.C. “This finish keeps the installation of the hammock safe as well as long lasting.”

Wood components are trending toward naturally durable outdoor woods such as cypress or Brazilian teak, known as Cumaru. “The trend in ropes or fabrics for outdoor durability include designer materials like the DuraCord, that can withstand the elements while also being easy to clean with a bleach and water solution,” states J. R. Pelletier of internet retailer, The Hammock Company.com. Low maintenance is a priority in outdoor products year-round.

Trends in Relaxation

Autumn is the perfect time to lie back, relax and watch all the beauty and wonder of the season unfold. A hammock makes for the perfect vantage point for this and by following the latest trends, you will realize enjoyment that will never go out of style.

For more information visit www.hatterashammocks.com; www.nagshead.com; or www.thehammockcompany.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Technorati Tags: cotton rope hammock

(ARA) – When you first moved into your house, you probably took advantage of the luxury of being able to park your cars in the garage. Now they’re sitting in the driveway or in the street, and you don’t even open the garage door anymore. So what changed?

If you’re like most Americans, you fell into the trap of turning your garage into an oversized storage shed. Now there are so many of your belongings packed inside — boxes filled with knickknacks, old mattresses, unused furniture, the tractor, lawn tools, bicycles, etc. — you can’t even walk around the space anymore, much less find something you need.

Garage organization projects are one of the fastest growing segments of the home renovation industry. According to an April 2005 report by the Rockwell, MD-based market research firm Packaged Facts, homeowners spent $800 million on garage organizing products in 2004, and $1.25 billion on garage and shed storage products combined. The report projected that spending on garage makeovers would grow to $1.59 billion in 2009, making it one of the fastest-growing segments of the home-improvement industry.

If you’re planning to renovate your garage, start by taking inventory of what you own. You’ll likely find there are a lot of things you can simply give away or throw away. Next, make a list of what’s left and start considering your storage needs. Here are some solutions for the most common things people keep in their garages:

* Bicycles can be hung from hooks nailed to the ceiling or rafters.

* Ladders can be leaned into corners or hung from peg boards.

* Garden tools can be hung from peg boards or stored in tall cabinets.

* Power tools can be stored upright in cabinets or on shelves.

* Fertilizer, gasoline, paint cans, oil, poisons and other hazardous chemicals should be stored on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet out of the reach of young children.

* Loose tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, levels, etc., can either be hung from peg boards or stored in drawers.

When it comes to cabinets and shelving, you’ll find a lot of options, ranging from coated metal wire shelving and particle board cabinets to furniture-grade cabinets and hardwood shelving. If you’re looking for a storage option that is built to last, check out the offerings from RhinoStorage by RSI, a new entrant to the garage storage arena.

All of the cabinets and work benches they offer have been protected inside and out with Rhino HardLine, a sprayed-on polyurethane-polyurea that is the same finish which makes Rhino Linings truck beds so tough. Among the benefits they offer are durability, sturdiness and security — all factors that are of the utmost importance in a garage.

The line includes a variety of wall and base cabinets that are lockable and come with such storage options as metal drawer boxes and adjustable 3/4-inch thick shelves. There’s also a 60 inch long worktop surface that can be placed on top of the cabinets or secured to a wall.

“Our partnership with RSI is an ideal way to extend the Rhino reputation for providing the toughest and most durable protection in the industry beyond our core truck bed liner business,” says Pierre Gagnon, President and CEO of Rhino Linings USA, Inc. “Rhino Linings have been proven in millions of pickup trucks, and now customers can experience the same level of unmatched durability and long-lasting protection in their garages and workshops.”

Rhino Storage by RSI cabinets are available exclusively at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores across the country. For more information, log on to www.rhinostoragecabinets.com

(ARA) - As the leaves start to turn, most homeowners put away their lawn and garden equipment as they wrap up landscaping projects before winter sets in. However, fall is actually a great time to start landscaping projects, because a beautiful lawn and garden next year starts with preparations this fall.

Every year, a lot of time, money and effort is devoted to the pursuit of a beautiful and well-maintained home landscape. According to the 2006 American Time Use Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend an average of two hours per day on lawn and garden maintenance.

While a beautiful yard won’t magically appear out of thin air, there are ways you can better utilize the time, money and energy you spend on maintenance. Keep these tips in mind when tackling the landscape for fall and winter.

* Rake and clean up leaves. If left scattered on the lawn, grass won’t come up as well in the spring. Don’t worry about removing leaves from plant beds, they actually help insulate and feed plants during the winter months.

* Clean out rain gutters and make sure water will flow away from walkways and driveways, which could ice over and become hazardous in the winter.

* Shut off water to all outdoor spigots to prevent pipes from freezing.

* Plant perennial flowers, ground covers, spring bulbs, trees and shrubs in early fall so they have time to establish strong and healthy roots. Some of the best sales on perennials are in August and September when greenhouses are trying to close out their inventories.

* Mulch your plant beds, except iris rhizomes, which are prone to rotting. A layer of organic mulch will help roots get established before the ground freezes solid. Mulch also helps to retain soil moisture and prevent future weed growth.

* Find accessories or attachments that enhance the equipment you already own. Zero turn mowers and ATVs have become versatile landscaping machines with the abundance of new attachments now available.

Take for example, the SnowSport ATV Plow manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company. This utility plow is made specifically for ATVs and can be used 365 days a year for not only landscaping projects, but also snow removal. With a SnowSport ATV Plow a homeowner can easily level, spread or push dirt, gravel and snow anytime of the year. You don’t have to worry about your lawn with this plow, because it is specifically designed to be turf-friendly.

However, your lawn and plant beds may not be the only items that need to be readied for winter. If you live in a rural area, the maintenance of a gravel driveway may also be on your fall to-do list before the winter winds start to blow.

Mark Jacobson, a retired teacher from Spiritwood Lake, N.D. knows he faces the daunting task of leveling his steep gravel driveway every fall to get rid of deep ruts left by rainstorms and water run off.

“I wanted something that would make the job quicker and without the back breaking work of shoveling the gravel. When I came across the SnowSport ATV plow I thought it was a perfect fit for my project. Besides, in a couple more months I can use it to plow snow out of the same driveway,” says Jacobson.

The SnowSport ATV Plow is available in five different blade lengths and has a three-point angled blade, which allows users to maneuver those hard to reach areas in the yard and driveway. The blade connects to your ATV by a 1 1/2-inch interceptor that slides into a front mount, so there’s no tricky wiring or complicated install. The blade is made of corrosion resistant anodized aluminum, making it easy for anyone in the family to lift on and off the mount. The blade also features a one-inch thick rubber cutting edge designed to improve scraping ability. For more information on the SnowSport ATV Plow or to find a dealer near you, call (888) 463-6214 or visit www.snowsportatv.com.

Technorati Tags: landscaping projects, lawn and garden

(ARA) – A fence can be one of the hardest working features of your home. The right fence will define your space, create privacy and shade, and retain its beauty while standing up to even the harshest weather.

The perfect fence will also reflect your commitment to living “green.”

Before you design or build your fence, you should consider certain questions that can help ensure that your fence complements the character of your home. Are you defining a boundary or shielding yourself from unwanted noise? Which views do you want to keep or block? What activities or traffic patterns occur in the area? Would planter boxes help convey the mood you want?

Whether you are building a utilitarian, hard-working barrier fence or sprucing up the front yard entry to your home, a redwood fence can do the job in style.

Redwood can capture the feel of the great outdoors and is naturally resistant to insects, fire and decay. It’s easy to work with so you can add intricate details and personal touches so your fence reflects your style. You can also choose from a variety of finishes to give your redwood fence the exact color and look you want.

Redwood lumber comes in several grades to help you get exactly the look you’re after. Posts are generally made from 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 Construction Heart grade redwood that contains knots and durable heartwood. Fence rails, which run horizontally, are most often 2-by-4 or 2-by-6. Standard fence boards are 1-by-6 but can be custom-cut to the pattern of your choice.

Remember to pay attention to detail. For example, gates often become the focal point for a fence and can enhance an entryway. A trellis or pergola over a gate often provides the perfect accent.

Using redwood for your fence can create a distinctive appearance, and it is a sound environmental choice, too. Redwood is a renewable resource grown and harvested to the highest environmental standards in the world. Plus, choosing redwood can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Redwood forests are among the most efficient scrubbers of greenhouse gases on the planet. Because redwood is the fastest growing softwood species in North America, redwood trees excel at absorbing the greenhouse gas carbon from the air. When redwoods are harvested, the carbon trapped by trees is stored in the wood that becomes your fence or deck. Harvested sites are always replanted, so redwood forests will endure and clean the air for generations.

Redwood works for just about any style fence you can imagine. Lattice fences feature a light and delicate design that can be readily pre-fabricated in square or rectangular frames. Picket fences are usually no more than four feet high and make excellent decorative boundary markers. Board-on-board fences make wonderful “good-neighbor” fences because they look the same on both sides, and panel fences provide solid barriers.

Regardless of the style you choose, redwood’s natural beauty holds up well in all types of weather. Left alone, redwood fences will take on a distinguished gray look. The California Redwood Association notes that protecting your redwood fence with a water-repellent finish that contains a mildewcide and sun-blocking ultraviolet inhibitor can extend its life.

Good fences do make good neighbors, so it is important to consider the view from both sides of your redwood fence. Some fences look wonderful on your side, yet present neighbors with a less appealing view. Other designs look equally attractive from both sides. A friendly talk with your neighbors can lead to a design that pleases all parties, and they may even be willing to share the cost of materials and labor.

The California Redwood Association offers a 16-page booklet, Redwood Fences for All Reasons, free online at http://www.calredwood.org/ref/lit.htm. It includes dozens of idea-starting color fence photos which are accompanied by how-to details and material specifications. It also contains a construction guide that takes the do-it-yourselfer through every step of the designing and building process.

For other project plans and redwood information, log on to www.calredwood.org.

This bird bath fountain is definitely for the birds. Direct sunlight transforms this large Fountain / Birdbath into a freestanding, recirculating fountain. With carved turtles, leaves and dragonflies on the podium and basin adding to the overall charm, birds and birdwatchers alike will enjoy it for seasons to come. Approximately 29″ tall with the basin being 21″ across.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars FOUNTAIN LOVER July 9, 2006
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This fountain has met all me expectations and more. It holds alot of water, so it only needs filling every couple days. It has a new electronic piece that helps it run on partly cloudy days. It assembles very quickly. I had it up and working in less than 10 minutes.

5 out of 5 stars Solar Bird Bath-Great Buy! June 11, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I put it together in just a few minutes and it began to work instantly! It works very well in the full sun to partially full sun. It has enough of a water sound that you can enjoy it if you sit nearby. We placed ours at the edge of our patio and the birds love it! It looks great as a regular bird bath when the sun is not out. I was very pleased with the price as well!

5 out of 5 stars Great product June 11, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

My husband and I finally agreed on a bird bath when I found a solar powered model. He didn’t want a plug in and I wanted a fountain. This is the best of both worlds. We live in a northern state, and fully realize that direct sunlight is not always possible. We have been very pleased and surprised at how well this product works and how easy it was to put together. We love it!

5 out of 5 stars Solar birdbath August 2, 2006
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I am very pleased with my solar birdbath. I wanted a small fountain and did not know they even came solar powered until I saw it on line. It only runs when the sun is directly on it but I really like it. Beats plugging it in

5 out of 5 stars Happy with Birdbath July 24, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

The Country Gardens Bird Bath arrived less than a week after it was ordered. Instructions were very clear and informative. The bird bath was easy to install, and remains fairly east to maintain. Just be sure to put in a very sunny location.

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Do you have any good backyard landscape ideas? This is one of the key elements to having a beautiful home. Not only do you want to keep your house looking stellar on the inside, but you want to be sure the curb appeal is at the right level as well. How can you go about this you may ask? Well, the truth is there are many ways to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal. Landscaping is certainly one of the biggest. Folks pay attention to what your yard, bushes, and trees look like throughout the year. This is why you always see your neighbor manicuring his lawn three times a week. It’s a big deal in middle class suburbia. So, what do you intend to do to your lawn and trees next?

When it comes to backyard landscape ideas, I must admit that I have a few. Now, I definitely wouldn’t call myself a “yard” kind of guy. I’ve never been too into the whole trimming, pruning, watering and mulching routine. I just haven’t hit that spot in my life yet I guess. I am more of a “the lawn is mowed, therefore everything is done” kind of guy. Does this sound familiar at all? Maybe you are the same way, or maybe your spouse is. Regardless of what I fail to do with backyard landscape ideas, so many other people do them and do them to the fullest. I see perfect lawns, trees, and hedges around my neighborhood. I’m almost inclined to ask them to do my yard as well. Hey, they obviously like it a ton. I might as well add to their happiness.

For backyard landscape ideas it is always prudent to hop online. This is a wonderful source that will literally provide you with free backyard landscape ideas. How awesome is that! The first step however is to determine what you want done with your spot of land. Do you want to install some bushes along the side of the driveway? Or maybe you’re looking to plant a few trees to add privacy to your yard. Either way, this can be accomplished in no time at all. The key is simply knowing what you’re doing and purchasing the right materials before beginning. Once you have everything in order, you backyard landscape ideas will come together nicely. Get online now and search for ways to enhance your area.

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There’s a family that lives down the street from us in a small green house. For the longest time, we didn’t know who lived there, but then one day we found out in a rather unfortunate way.

It was an early Saturday morning in mid-summer. As usual, I got up first and went downstairs to enjoy my coffee and the daily paper, gathering strength for my busy day. I was just sitting there reading, when I thought I heard one of the kids call out. I tiptoed upstairs and peeked into each bedroom. Neither of my kids had stirred - both were sleeping soundly and undisturbed. On my way back downstairs, I heard the noise again. I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I looked out a side window and peered over the roofs of our neighbors, including that small green house. But I couldn’t see anything amiss, although I could now distinctly hear a baby crying.

My brain was racing - could it be a cat meowing that just sounded like a baby? But no, I was sure that I was hearing a baby’s anguished cries. I just could not figure out where it was coming from. Both of my children were fast asleep in their beds.

The sound started getting clearer and clearer. That was one very upset baby - I started to panic. I ran to the front door, ready to run down the street to find the source of the sound. And there in front of our house stood a little, dirty baby boy in a soggy diaper!! This was crazy!! It was 6:00 in the morning. There was no adult around - this baby - he couldn’t have been more than two years old - was walking down the street all by himself!

I didn’t recognize the boy as belonging to any of our close neighbors - of course, we had only lived in Winnipeg for a few months, so that wasn’t entirely surprising. I was completely baffled and didn’t know what to do.

I approached the crying baby, speaking soothingly, when I saw a front door open across the street. My neighbor ran across the street, shaking his head. With a look of disgust, he told me that this was the second time that little baby, had been found wandering the street in the early morning. My neighbor explained, that this poor little boy lived in that small green house with his alcoholic mother and her two older girls. He took the crying baby by the hand and walked slowly down the street, to that small green house, leaving me with a feeling of helplessness, disgust and utter sadness.

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• Fits Strathwood 6-foot and 9-foot umbrella poles
• Constructed of 100-percent steel that’s powder-coated to resist rust
• Base features attractive embossed leaf design
• Minor assembly required
• Umbrella stand measures 19 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 40 pounds

Customer Reviews:

Solid stand, simple/clean looks.   July 17, 2007
3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Not much to say here. This umbrella stand does what its supposed to do. The two knobs/set screws are very easy to tighten by hand and they do a great job of keeping the umbrella securely in place. The base is very heavy and keeps everything from tipping over; even in the wind.

I used this as part of my new patio (see customer photos).

One thing to note. Make sure to wipe it down good before using. The inside threads of the tube have a lot of grease in them and some may have come out. I imagine this is to prevent rusting.

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(ARA) - The summer solstice has passed, the days are getting shorter and soon the fading sunlight will serve as a signal for the leaves to start turning color and fall from the trees. But just because Mother Nature is preparing for her winter slumber doesn’t mean you have to do the same.

Instead of packing up your patio furniture right after Labor Day as some people do, there are a few simple things you can do to maximize your outdoor enjoyment.

* Add Lighting
As the days get shorter you’ll need to add outdoor lighting so you can spend time on your deck or patio enjoying the crisp fall air well into the evening. Determine which areas of your deck need brighter lighting, and which to downplay with softer light. Place candles, lanterns or outdoor lamps on tables or consider low-voltage landscape lighting, which is both energy-efficient and affordable.

* Add Warmth
Because along with the shorter days will come cooler temperatures, you’ll need a source of heat too, and may want to invest in an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Many manufacturers now offer self contained fireplaces and fire pits you can set up on a deck or patio. These offer not only warmth and coziness, but a place to roast marshmallows and cook outdoor meals as well. While most are wood burning, some operate on gas and can share the fuel line with other outdoor appliances.

* Protect Outdoor Living Space from the Elements
It would also be a good idea to protect your outdoor living space from the elements with the addition of a retractable awning. These protective coverings instantly create a relaxing mood that can be easily extended over the deck when needed, then rolled away when not in use with the push of a button.

“Retractable awnings are one of the most versatile additions you can put on a home. They offer shade from the sun, shelter from light rain and falling leaves and the ability to prevent harmful ultraviolet light from shining into your home and fading furniture and carpeting, all while at the same time giving your home’s exterior a distinct look,” says Larry Bedosky of Durasol Awnings, a New York-based business that manufactures custom-made motorized retractable awning products.

His company’s SunShelter Series, for example, comes in a wide variety of style options with over 200 vibrant 100-percent acrylic fabric colors and patterns to compliment any décor. They can be mounted on virtually any flat surface or even on a roof when limited mounting height is available. An optional drop valance allows a section of fabric to be lowered from the front bar, providing additional solar protection from early morning and late afternoon sun.

If you live in a windy region, an optional wind or motion sensor is available that allows awnings to automatically retract when wind speeds reach a predetermined level, preventing awning damage. For those who live in hot climates, a sensor can be added to allow for automatic operation determined by the sun’s strength.

Bedosky points out that one of the best things about retractable awnings is that they are maintenance free. “When winter does finally arrive, all you have to do is push a button, watch them roll up and walk away,” he says.

To learn more about Durasol Awnings or to locate your local dealer, visit www.durasol.com.

By taking the time to update your outdoor living space now, you’ll be able to enjoy your time outdoors significantly longer than you did last year. If Mother Nature goes easy on us, you may still be out there enjoying the space after the first flakes fly.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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