I have gone on a lot of trips in my life and there are two things that I learned right away: don’t over pack, and always organize the suitcase. These two basics allow me to relax fully from the flight out of town to the cab ride back home. I learned that just a slight change in my packing habits can go a long way, and ultimately help me have a better time while on vacation. The best part about travel is focusing on the things that truly matter. The less complicated your packing is, the less you have to deal with on a day to day basis, especially if…
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Get Inspired: How You Can Start Using Green Energy Today!
Solar Power is More Accessible Than Before Just a few decades ago, the thought of going off-grid while still enjoying modern appliances and indoor plumbing seemed like a utopian plotline in a science fiction novel. Within the past few years, however, huge leaps in green energy technology and community movements that promote sustainable lifestyles such as tiny living, natural building, and the societal shift toward being environmentally friendly have shown that the dream of a sustainable future powered by clean energy is a new and exciting reality. Even better, as solar products gain traction and demand continues to rise, solar technology has improved to the point that entire homes can…
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Affordable Design Ideas for Backyard Resort Vibes
Going to a resort is all about getting comfy in a place that you adore! Why not treat your patio–and yourself–to a makeover that makes you feel like you’re in the tropics year-round? Below are easy and affordable ways to create a resort vibe in your own backyard. Color Palate An easy way to bring resort vibes to your backyard is to add colors that evoke the feeling of your favorite vacation spots—bright whites for fresh linens, vivid azures for the color of water, and shades of green to evoke lush, tropical plants. Everyone’s palate will look different! In the inspiration below, Southern Living uses a base of bright white…
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The City Farming Movement is Thriving – And You Can Join It!
City Farming? Huh? Even just a decade ago, many people thought that city farming was impossible – lucky for us, that isn’t the case! It turns out that there is a thriving movement of city farmers who produce a large amount of food despite their limited space – and they love it! Beyond the delight of digging your hands into dirt and watching sprouts grow, producing your own food is a smart idea because you can control the manner in which your food grows, including soil quality, pesticide use and waste control, just to name a few of the many benefits. Whether you have a bit of land to spread…
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SUP Boarding is the Next Big Thing: Start Your Adventure Now!
Rising Popularity SUP Boarding, or Stand Up Paddle Boarding, is gaining popularity in the US and all over the world with participation rising each year. In fact, SUP Boarding is currently the fastest growing water sport in the world. While certain groups of people have used similar forms of stand up paddle boards for centuries to travel between villages, fish and simply have fun, it’s only been since the early 2000’s that SUP boarding has entered American consciousness. This sport has such a wide appeal because it is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Even better, small passengers such as children and dogs can come along to…
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Bougie on a Budget: Backyard Ideas for Lounging Like Royalty
Whether your slice of the outdoors is a small humble patio or a large manicured garden, you can create a posh space that looks and feels luxurious with just a few affordable additions. To begin, select a couple feature items to build your design around—patio furniture, sun shades, and other large pieces are a great place to start. Once you’ve chosen your favorite centerpiece items, integrate your personal style by embellishing with patterns, pillows, plants, art, chachkies and anything else that elevates your experience. Go ahead and live it up (you deserve it!) and enjoy the following design ideas to help you create a lavish (and affordable) patio space. …
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Wedding Tent Ideas for a Fraction of the Cost of Rentals
Tents and gazebos not only keep your guests happy, but greatly enhance the aesthetics of your event. Bring your wedding or outdoor party to the next level by setting up a party tent, which you can decorate with lights, fill with seating, and embellish to complement your theme. When I was planning my own wedding, the cost of wedding tent rentals was one of the most stressful items on my list. It turns out that you can buy a wedding tent for a fraction of the cost of tent rentals. With just a bit of imagination and a fun supply of inspiration, you can create a beautiful event tent that…
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DIY Inspiration: 10 Ways to Use Wire Mesh
Do It Yourself’ers take notice – this is for you! While most people don’t think of wire mesh when considering craft supplies, there’s an expansive amount of projects and applications for this unique material. Below we’ve selected 10 DIY projects that you, too, can create – all you need is a little imagination, inspiration and a roll of wire mesh to get started! >Check it out: ALEKO Wire Mesh 1/10: Home Office Memo Board This modern-styled memo board is ideal for your desk space; hang inspirational quotes,…
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Nine Tips to Increase the Curb Appeal of Your Home
When you increase the curb appeal of your home, you not only create a space in which you love to spend time, but also give yourself the opportunity to express your personal style. It doesn’t have to cost of a fortune; even small adjustments can have a huge impact on the way you experience your living space. Below are nine things to consider when improving curb appeal and ultimately creating a home that is entirely customized for you! Driveway Gates One of the most dramatic changes you can make to the exterior appearance of your home is adding a driveway gate with a matching fence. This idea is at…
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Choosing the Best Sun Shade Product for Your Home
Adding a cover to your patio area, whether it’s a retractable awning, a simple shade sail, or a freestanding pergola, will increase the usable square footage of your home and give you the opportunity to spend more time enjoying the outdoors. Below we have highlighted ALEKO’s three types of sun shade options; it is our hope that you find the coverage that is most ideal for your home. Retractable Awnings ALEKO Retractable Awnings Awning Origins Retractable awnings are a traditional favorite for sun and rain protection. The first known awnings originated in the Middle East and Africa, where people hung woven fabrics and animal hides on poles to escape the…
