Loving Outdoor Living 2017

LOVING

2017 EDITION

Outdoor Living

A complimentary outdoor lifestyle publication from the fine franchises at

Outdoor Living BrandsÂŽ

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

No matter how you slice it, I love spring and summer. By the time March rolls around in the South, signs of the rebirth of nature are all around, despite the annoying yellow dust of pollen.

In gathering interesting and somewhat different content for this, our fourth issue, I wanted to step out of a more conventional news tone, focusing of fun things like fashion made from recycled materials (page 14), where in the world to eat that is unique (page 40), and how to cool off during a family outdoor gathering (page 36).

As for me, I’ll be heading to the Carolina beaches again this year with my growing family due to the shorter drive time from Charlotte and our increased familiarity and fondness of the sand and waters there.

THANK YOU

to the following whose ideas, stories and images have been gathered here for your enjoyment.

Bassenian Lagoni Architects Belgrade Better Homes & Gardens BuzzFeed Chicago Tribune Chipper Hatter Food Network Forbes Good Housekeeping Grandin Road HGTV House Beautiful Naturopathic Physicians Pottery Barn ProGalleries Remodeling Guy The Happy Housewife Trip Advisor Steve Nguyen

I hope you enjoy this volume and wish you and yours a magical summer together, happiness, good health, safety and love.

Larry Spada Editor

- Art Direction & Graphic Design

Beato Enterprises - Digital Mastering

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804-353-6999 OutdoorLivingBrands.com Franchises Now Available

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ARCHADECK DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

WINNER

2016 Archadeck Design Excellence Award Grand Prize Winner Harold Cross - Archadeck of Central Iowa

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CONTENTS Tiny Houses That Live Big in the Great Outdoors

7

Herbs are the Spice of Life

10

Fashion Recycles, From Trash To Flash

Summertime First Aid Solutions, Naturally

Top Summer Color Paint Palettes & How To Use Them

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Summertime Dining Takes The Easy Way Out

Affordable Fun For Family Getaways From Trip Advisor®

Outdoor Rooms That Rise To Any Occasion

A Family Picnic Game To Make Your Next Reunion A Fun Fest

Make Over Your Summer In Style

The 10 Coolest Places To Eat In 2017

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36

22

38

26 40

16

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TINY HOUSES THAT LIVE BIG IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Tiny houses don’t necessarily mean tiny outdoor living spaces. Tiny house dwellers treasure details like rooftop decks and front porches because their interior spaces are limited — but those spots are just as lovely for those of us who don’t eat breakfast three feet from where we sleep. Outdoor living room, anyone?

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And speaking of outdoor living, feast your eyes on this multi-level wooden beauty, nestled among the trees, courtesy of HGTV. An angle stairladder leads to a tiny house with beautifully large windows to capture the natural vista. Three wired fences add to the breathtakingly simple yet functional design.

When space is at a minimum, it’s all about clean lines for form and functionality. As seen in this stunningly quaint living area, following a direct line of vertical feng shui this welcoming area is accented with one-direction hardwood floors, white walls, and touches of black and gray accents.

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A world without mosquito bites.

That’s our legacy.

In 2004 when we created the original Protective Barrier Treatment to eliminate mosquitoes, did it ever occur to us we would kill millions of mosquitoes with more than 3,000,000 treatments delivered to date.

Don’t settle for less. Get the Squad.

The only good mosquito is a

dead one.

MosquitoSquad.com

WHEN IT COMES TO GREAT FLAVORS,

HERBS ARE THE SPICE OF LIFE

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The right herb can really make a recipe.

Whether it brings brightness to a beverage or spice to a sauté, herbs are invaluable, flavorful add-ins when it comes to healthy cooking. With the warm months upon us, growing your own herbs is a great idea. Not only is it a low-cost hobby (which can save you money on high-cost ingredients), but it also brings the season’s freshest flavors right to your windowsill.

But how does a novice grower begin? There are so many things to consider—what to grow, how much light, water, and soil, which pots and plant food.

If you’re starting from seed, check your seed packets for space recommendations. Also make sure your herbs are getting the optimal amount of light. This doesn’t always mean as much light 11

as possible, just the right amount for the herb you’re growing. For example, while sage grows well in full sunlight, chervil prefers full shade. It is all too easy to over-water or over-fertilize herbs.

Herbs tend to need less water than expected and too much fertilizer may ruin the taste. Rely on the soil to tell you when to water. If it feels or looks dry, chances are your herbs could use some moisture.

One more factor worth considering is the lifespan of your new herb garden. If you prefer to plant once and reap the benefits each season, opt for perennials like chives, fennel, thyme, mint or tarragon. Annuals are shorter lived, blooming for one season only. Dill, basil, chervil and anise are all annuals. Regardless of your choice of herbs, keep one more tip in mind: Trimming the tops or leaves stimulates growth. However, never trim away over a third of the leaves—this may be detrimental to your plant.

Easy-to-grow herbs include chives, mint, parsley and bay tree (bay leaves).

Mint grows quickly and easily, but beware—it needs its own space, as it can become rather invasive.

Chives are great starter herbs for several reasons. They do not need much light and grow quite quickly. To start your own chives, uproot a handful from an established plant. Make sure not to tear the roots! Place them in a pot half-full of soil and cover with soil to just above the roots.

Parsley is likewise quite easy, but not as fast. The most difficult part is germinating the seed, which may take a couple of weeks. After that, parsley is slow and steady, needing little maintenance or light.

Tip: Add a touch of unique favor to your homemade tomato sauce by placing fennel (anise) stems into the pot while cooking. Discard before serving – or puree the cooked fennel and mix into the sauce when it is fully cooked.

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ANISE FENNEL LovingOutdoorLiving.com

When God said,

“LET THERE BE LIGHT,” we think he was talking to us.

FAC A D E S

LANDSCAPES

ARCHITECTUR AL DE TA I L S

PA T H WA Y S

GAR DENS

POOLSIDE

H O L I DAY S

FESTIVITIES

Enjoy our video and photo galleries at OutdoorLights.com

FASHION RECYCLES, FROM

TRASH T FLASH Guerin College Prep senior Sam Stocco tapped into his passion for fashion this year. Stocco helped organize and create outfits for the Guerin Prep Project Greenway 2017 Fashion Show in the Guerin auditorium.

"I wanted to get super involved, since it's my senior year," he said.

"After school each day, I would go to the fashion lab and work on my designs."

Guerin teacher and fashion show organizer Suzanne Giacotto said the inspiration for the show came from materials that could be recycled.

Giacotto explained that the students created clothes from pop tabs, water bottles, repurposed clothing, old T-shirts and scarves, newspapers and other recyclable items.

Sophomore Rodrigo Gonzalez said he made a skirt out of a pillowcase.

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"One student created a pop tab belt that took her 40 hours to complete," Giacotto said. "The students learned to love their clothes without having to refresh their wardrobe."

"I made a summer dress with pop tabs and beer bottle caps, and I glued them on a dress," Stocco said.

Giacotto said that around 50 students signed up to be a part of the show, which included designers, models, sound and music, makeup, lighting and more. The fashion show was considered an after-school activity, with several students staying after their classes to complete their clothes. Some of the students took their pieces home if they were in extracurricular activities after school.

Junior Paige Hudson, who was also a show organizer and designer, said that her inspiration came after visiting China. One of Hudson's pieces was a men's suit that she gave a more feminine look for women.

"I saw a pair of pants in China that looked a little more baggier than we usually wear," she explained.

"During this fashion show experience, I've learned that I love fashion and I love creativity."

"Fashion has always been an interest of mine, along with these students," she said. "I think this fashion show was a beautiful marriage between saving the planet and fashion."

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SUMMERTIME FIRST AID SOLUTIONS, NATURALLY

Summer is quickly approaching with its sunny weather and fun outdoor activities. Along with summertime, comes the possibility of insect bites, poison oak rashes, injuries, and sunburns. Even with these possible “risks,” you don’t need to stay cooped up indoors. Homeopathy offers safe, natural remedies that can put your mind and your body at ease this summer.

Stocking your medicine cabinet or first aid kit with certain homeopathic remedies keeps you prepared for common summer ailments.

Homeopathically prepared remedies are commonly available in health food stores and many drug stores and are safe for people of all ages, including children and seniors. These all-natural medicines are easy to use, do not have side effects, and do not interact with other medications. They can be used day or night without causing drowsiness or stimulation.

There are numerous homeopathic remedies for first aid. Below you will find some of the top remedies to keep on hand this summer.

ANACARDIUM Watch where you step to avoid an uncomfortable rash. Hiking and camping is on many people’s list this summer. Be sure to look out for poison oak and poison ivy on the trails. Some people are more sensitive to these plants than others, and if you do end up with an itchy rash, try homeopathic Anacardium.

If the rash continues with no reduction in itching or swelling, switch to Rhus tox.

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Too much fun in the sun can often lead to sunburns. Preventing sunburns with sunscreens, hats, and other cover-ups is essential. In case you miss a spot and still get sunburned, try applying Aloe Vera gel or Calendula spray to the affected area. In addition, homeopathic Cantharis can be taken internally to help soothe the pain and promote healing.

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LEDUM Bugs are unavoidable in the outdoors. Avoid synthetic insect repellants that are full of harmful chemicals. Instead, choose natural essential oils such as neem or citronella oils. For bee stings and insect bites, homeopathic Apis melifica can provide relief when there is pain, redness and swelling. Ledum is helpful for insect bites and stings when the skin is punctured and the affected area feels cold. If you have an allergy to bees, do not delay treatment, seek healthcare immediately to prevent an anaphlactic reaction.

All-natural relief can soothe minor injuries. For minor scrapes and cuts, use topical Calendula ointment, salve or spray. Calendula heals and soothes the skin and is anti-microbial. An alcohol-free spray is convenient and easy to use, but, also, it does not sting like other alcohol-based products. For deep wounds, visit an urgent care center or emergency room for proper wound care. Once a deeper wound is beginning to heal, you can apply Calendula to help speed the recovery.

CALENDULA ARVENSIS 17

SUMMERTIME

DINING TAKES THE EASY WAY OUT

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds ripe tomatoes 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon

(from about 3 pounds watermelon with rind)

2 small cloves garlic 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 small zucchini 1 small loaf French bread 1 cup lump crabmeat salt pepper

DIRECTIONS

In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse tomatoes, basil leaves, vinegar, 4 cups watermelon cubes, 1 clove garlic, 1/3 cup oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until pureed.

Set medium-mesh sieve over medium bowl. Pour watermelon mixture through sieve, pressing on solids to extract all liquid; discard solids. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight. Place chopped zucchini and remaining 1 cup watermelon in another bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight.

Watermelon & Crab Gazpacho This chilled soup delivers a fresh taste of summer, combining in-season produce like watermelon, zucchini, tomato & basil.

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To serve, cut remaining clove garlic in half.

Lightly rub cut halves on bread slices. Brush remaining tablespoon oil on bread slices.

Toast in toaster oven or broiler until golden brown and crisp.

Divide soup among 4 serving bowls. Top with zucchini, watermelon, and crab. Garnish with basil leaves. Serve gazpacho with garlic toasts.

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Spiced Ratatouille with Coconut Grits

Coconut milk turns plain grits into a creamy, slightly sweet base — the perfect balance for this medley of late-summer veggies.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium eggplant 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 small red peppers 1 medium onion 3 cloves garlic 1-1/4 teaspoons ground coriander ½1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 12 ounces summer squash 2 medium tomatoes 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 can coconut milk 1 cup old-fashioned grits

DIRECTIONS

Sprinkle eggplant with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let stand 20 minutes; wring liquid from eggplant with paper towels.

In large saucepot, heat 2 tablespoons oil on medium-high. Add eggplant; cook 5 minutes, stirring. With slotted spoon, transfer to bowl. To same pot, add peppers, onion, garlic, spices, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 4 minutes, stirring. Stir in squash, tomatoes and remaining oil; cook 10 minutes, stirring. Add eggplant. Simmer 10 minutes.

Stir in vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, heat coconut milk, 2 1/4 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to boiling on medium-high. Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low; cover. Cook 27 minutes or until grits are tender, whisking often. Serve immediately with ratatouille.

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Chilled Salmon with Green Olive Sauce This wonderful chilled salmon tastes even better than it looks. Here’s an elegant meal good enough for company.

The best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium bulb fennel 4 skinless salmon fillets salt and pepper ¼1/4 cup dry white wine ¼1/4 cup water 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt 1/4 cup pitted green olives 1/4 cup packed finely chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

In 8-inch by 8-inch glass baking dish, arrange fennel in single layer, then place salmon fillets on top.

Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt. Add wine and water to dish. Cover with vented plastic wrap and microwave on High 8 minutes or until fish just turns opaque throughout.

If making ahead, remove and discard plastic wrap. Place new sheet of plastic wrap directly on surface of salmon, cover dish with another sheet of plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. If serving immediately, with slotted spatula, transfer salmon to paper towels to drain. Let cool to room temperature. Reserve sliced fennel in baking dish.

Meanwhile, in bowl, combine yogurt, olives, chives, lemon juice, oil, and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover; refrigerate up to 2 days.

To serve, divide fennel among 4 serving plates. Top with fennel fronds, then salmon and sauce. Garnish with chives and whole olives.

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Barbecue Chicken & Cheddar Burgers

Topped with microgreens, thinly sliced fresh apples and sharp Cheddar cheese, these burgers are sure to be the hit of the party.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 pounds ground chicken 1/3 cup barbecue sauce 3 green onions, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons canola oil 4 slices sharp Cheddar cheese 4 whole wheat buns Thinly sliced green apple Microgreens

DIRECTIONS

Combine ground chicken, barbecue sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper. Form into four 1-inchthick patties.

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat canola oil on medium; add patties.

Cook 7 minutes per side or until cooked through (165°F).

Top each patty with 1 slice sharp Cheddar cheese; remove from heat and cover skillet to melt cheese.

Serve on whole wheat buns topped with green apple and microgreens.

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AFFORDABLE FUN FOR FAMILY GETAWAYS from TRIP ADVISOR

®

As families start planning their summer vacations, many popular US travel destinations will see an influx of visitors.

Regardless where you’re going this summer, you’ll likely take a few things into consideration before booking that perfect family trip. Do you want to be on the beach soaking up the rays, boogieboarding, or strolling the boardwalk?

Maybe you fancy a more adventurous endeavor in the mountains, where hiking, biking, and kayaking offer the ultimate outdoor thrill. Or, possibly a romantic city escape, spending your days sightseeing, shopping, and dining on fancy cosmopolitan treats.

Whatever experience you’re seeking; there’s no doubt you want something affordable. Summer vacation may be the only time of the year your whole family gets to go somewhere together. If you can save on accommodations and lodging, that means more money for enjoying yourselves while away.

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Phoenix

If you’re looking for some tremendous vacation bargains and love the heat, be sure to check out Phoenix, Arizona .

Phoenix receives sunshine during 85% of its daylight hours – the most of any major metropolitan area in the US, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Summertime is hot, but many rentals come with a private pool for cooling off. At a manageable average of $682/week for a two-bedroom home, this desert city is one of the country’s most affordable summer vacation spots.

Naples

If you want to be in the center of summer action, check out Naples, Florida. The chic classic city has it all. Offering possibly the best bang for your buck, a two-bedroom rental goes for an average of $753/ week. You’ll be in the center of the action; nearby the historic downtown district, a unique art scene, high-end restaurants, shops and nightlife, plus family-friendly attractions and entertainment.

Cocoa Beach Surfside Beach Silverthorne

The pristine beaches steal the show in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where sea turtles, dolphins, whales and incredible sunsets all offer stunning photo ops. If the vacation rental savings aren’t reason enough to visit Cocoa Beach – just $905/ week for a two-bedroom home – the attractions and family-friendly endeavors won’t disappoint.

Historic restaurants and a world-class pier offer plenty of entertainment.

Surfside beach, South Carolina is a lesser-known beach that is finally getting its due. A popular fishing pier jets from the two miles of pristine oceanfront where families can hop aboard boating excursions, surfing trips or just a romantic sunset stroll. Experience the beauty for just $950/week on average for a two-bedroom vacation home. That’s one of the most affordable rates you’ll find this summer.

This one is for the adventurous at heart. Does whitewater-rafting sound like a good time?

How about a backpacking trip through Colorado’s picturesque hills? Or zip lining high above the trees as the summer sun illuminates the land below? If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank, Silverthorne, Colorado is the vacation spot for you. You’ll find beautiful two-bedroom homes for just $1,089/week on average, much more affordable than Colorado’s busier destinations like Denver, Boulder, Breckenridge, Aspen or Vail.

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La Quinta Tired of shopping online? Then shop ’til you drop in La Quinta, California , with a range of boutique shops and top national retailers. Outdoor dining is a must under the picture-perfect views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

The city is inspired by health and wellness and has a lively arts scene, too. It’s also labeled as a premiere golf destination in the US. Save money by opting for a vacation home over a pricy hotel, with two-bedroom summer rentals costing just $1,145/week on average.

Lincoln City, Oregon, is such a

Lincoln City

summer hotspot that it’s winning awards that you most likely never even knew existed. Named “Kite Capital of the World” by KiteLife Magazine, the seven miles of sandy beach is often filled with bright kites of all shapes and sizes soaring through the air, taking advantage of the summer breeze.

Rent a two-bedroom beach house for just $1,161/week.

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OUTDOOR ROOMS

THAT RISE TO ANY OCCASION

The most respected designers and home makeover specialists will tell you that sometimes it’s the simple addition of a few beautiful outdoor elements that can be transformative.

AN OUTDOOR ROOM FOR FIRESIDE CHATS

Outdoor fireplaces create a strong focal point in outdoor rooms, and they provide warmth for those cool evenings in the mountains.

Photo courtesy of Mega-Bergerac.

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What’s your fantasy backyard look like?

Outdoor living room? Multi-level deck? Fireside chats?

Relax. We have your back with more than 100,000 custom creations under our tool belt.

Free Design Consultation Find out more at archadeck.com

POOLSIDE PL AY An umbrella is a great option to shade your outdoor living spaces. Also, consider awnings, canopies and gazebos to keep your guests comfortable on sunny days. Photo courtesy of Room and Board.

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COURTYARD DINING A full-service outdoor kitchen and dining area invites a crowd.

In a sheltered backyard, large French doors with transom windows above can provide access while allowing natural light into your home.

SIMPLY CHIC Turn your dull concrete slab into a fabulous backyard focal point with a clean mix of color.

To define the space, face some seats toward your house. Photo courtesy of Room and Board.

LAKESIDE LIVING Sometimes all you need is a stone fire pit, two Adirondack chairs and a lake view. For a completely natural look, nothing beats stone. Keep in mind, natural stone costs more because it is quarried and has to be trucked in, adding transportation costs. Photo courtesy of Chipper Hatter.

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OUTDOOR DESTINATION Greenery adds softness to a hardscaped outdoor design.

Choose plants that are well-suited to your area and give them plenty of room to thrive in big pots. This example from Bassenian Lagoni Architects on ProGalleries proves the point in this stunningly classic courtyard design.

A CHARMING SPOT FOR OUTDOOR DINING Rustic furniture pieces add warmth to an intimate backyard setting, while antique lighting allows guests to visit even after the sun sets. For those who enjoy the smoky flavors of a delicious homemade pizza, consider a brick wood-burning pizza oven. Photo courtesy of Wood Stone Kopke.

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The Color:

EXOTIC ORANGE Where to Use It:

Vibrant orange is an instant energizer in any space.

Ghislaine says the color works well when you’re seeking a warm feel but want a punchy impact. If an orange sofa is out of your comfort zone, opt for a small accent wall in the zingy hue. A wall decal is a great way to get a temporary taste of this exciting color.

The Color:

CRISP WHITE Where to Use It:

Like laundry draped across a clothesline, a brilliant white can give any space a fresh, clean look. Use white as a neutral backdrop, and then accessorize with accent pieces in your favorite colors, or create a monochromatic design by enveloping the room in an all-white palette.

The Color:

SUNNY YELLOW Where to Use It:

Hello, yellow! This bright, happy color can't help but bring a smile to your face. Artwork and accent pillows are two simple ways to let the "sunshine" in to your room. To make the color pop even more, pair it with a soft neutral, such as gray or white.

The Color:

SOFT GRAY

Where to Use It:

Interior designer Anastasia Faiella deems this dreamy shade of gray both classic and versatile. Bathe your kitchen or living room in the hue, or create a bedroom retreat with the calm, breezy color. “I love that so many other colors work perfectly with gray and how it can go cool or warm,� Anastasia says. Its fresh feel and look make it an easy choice for summer.

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The Color:

COBALT BLUE Where to Use It: The Color:

CANDY APPLE RED Where to Use It:

Sparking memories of freshly-candied apples at old-fashioned fairs, this shade of red is perfect for a dining room. “Choosing a nonprimary red is much more attractive to our eyes, as it is complex,” explains architect and designer Alan Metcalfe. Alan says the powerful hue stimulates appetite, productivity and passion.

Bold yet playful, cobalt blue makes a statement without feeling abrasive.

Interior designer Ghislaine Viñas says the dynamic hue works great for home offices. “To get more comfortable with color, start in a small room and learn to relax and play with color,” Ghislaine says.

The Color:

SEAWORTHY CORAL

Where to Use It:

As one of the sea's most vibrant hues, coral is a standout shade no matter where you use it. Accessories are a natural fit for this accent color, whether it's a pillow sham or a throw for the foot of the bed. For a bigger statement, why not add an unexpected twist by pairing this punchy color with white for a striped ceiling?

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The Color:

KELLY GREEN

Where to Use It:

Mimicking the color of verdant summer foliage, Kelly green is full of life. “The color mixes well with other summer hues like blue, pink and yellow, so it's a great fit for the season,� says interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn. He recommends pairing the bold hue with plenty of white and lots of natural light, so it reads true to its values.

The Color:

WATER'S EDGE BLUE Where to Use It: No matter

where you live, nothing is as inviting as a cool body of water on a summer day. Get the same feeling in your living areas by immersing the room in this cool shade. For a dramatic effect, use the color on upholstered pieces, drapery panels and accessories.

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Please forgive Mother Nature.

We have.

DECKS • FENCES • PAVERS • PATIOS • SIDING • CONCRETE

Before

After

Before

After

We all know how wicked she can be. Forgive her turbulent temper with Renew Crew, the deep-clean and super-seal rejuvenation treatment that will keep your outdoor surfaces looking just like new.

See more at

RenewCrewClean.com

Making Wood & Hardscapes New Again.

DIY DUNK TANK

A FAMILY PICNIC GAME TO MAKE YOUR NEXT REUNION A FUN FEST

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Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Take some wood and cut out a target.

2. Use hinges to attach the target to a seperate piece of wood that is attatched to the tree/fence.

3. Take more wood and cut out a platform for a 5-gallon bucket.

Make sure the bucket is well attached to the bucket platform.

4. Use hinges to attach bucket platform to a seperate piece of wood that is attched to the tree/fence.

If you’re looking for an insanely fun way to put some family fun sizzle in your summer, you’ve come to the right place. Make your own dunk tank! The hotter the day, the more volunteers you'll have for the hot seat.

Cabinet Knob

5. Use washers, a latch, a doorknob or some other mechanism to hold the bucket to the target. The latch will hold the edge of the bucket in place.

5. Run PVC piping up the tree/fence to serve as an easy way to fill the bucket.

6. Sit person in front of the bucket and throw tennis ball at target.

Target

Hinges

Knob holds Bucket in place PVC

Attach to Tree Bucket

Water Fill Hose

Hinges Platform

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MAKE OVER YOUR SUMMER

instyle

After you clean up after the doldrums of autumn and winter, it’s time to spruce up for the beautiful days ahead. A nice start is the Holly Dining Table crafted from classic wicker and sized to accommodate six dining armchairs. A tempered glass top is a convenient and polished final touch, designed to make dining and cleanup afterwards more convenient. It is built on a sturdy, but lightweight aluminum frame for ease in rearranging.

Synthetic wicker delivers added durability in the elements, fade-, stain-, and all-weather resistant. Some assembly. Perfect with a set of our Holly Armchairs, sold separately, online at

If blooms of pastel colors are more to your liking, check out Grandin Road’s Piccadilly Dining collection, always ready for the best outdoor parties, anytime. Sweetly sculptural and fairy tale pretty, this special collection has vintage appeal, but is updated in the freshest colors. Mix or match five unique chair options (four side chair styles, one arm chair style) as you like. Place them around the table of your choice: a classic rectangle style (designed with a hole for an outdoor umbrella), or a tea partyinspired circular table with a pedestal base and curved splayed feet. Then start your guest lists. All pieces are made of mixed wood, as if you found them in your favorite antique shop.

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Should you be in the market for a bench to welcome visitors to your front porch, Pottery Barn recalls how English country estates are known for their meticulously planned gardens. Their Teak Garden Bench design replicates a classic bench from these gardens, and is crafted of teak to withstand the seasons. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of iced tea or a book. Crafted of premium Grade A teak, it's a dense hardwood that’s ideal for outdoor furniture because it’s rich in moistureresistant oils. It’s kiln-dried hardwood and mortise-andtenon joinery provide superb strength and durability.

Another favorite of ours is the Indio Porch Bench from Pottery Barn. Embrace the beauty of the great outdoors with the rustic look perfectly balanced with a chic slatted design for effortless casual style. It’s built on a smaller scale so you can entertain anywhere, even a townhouse patio or apartment deck. Crafted of sustainably harvested mahogany certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and hand-painted with a weathered grey finish. Kiln-dried hardwood and mortise-and-tenon joinery provide superb strength and durability.

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THE

10 COOLEST

PLACES 1.

TO EAT IN 2017 Now that we’ve shared some great recipes and information on growing your own herbs, you may be thinking it’s time to eat… out.

Here are the 10 “coolest places” to eat, courtesy of Forbes.

Chef’s Bar at Machneyuda, Jerusalem

“If you’re from Israel you know this restaurant,” says restaurateur and sommelier turned professional bon vivant Kristian Brask Thomsen, host of the threeday gastronomic blowouts known as Dining Impossible. But it deserves wider attention. On a steep side street by the city’s bustling food market, Machneyuda is the creation of Israeli Iron Chefs Krav Sakinim, Asaf Granit and Uri Navon, alongside Jerusalem’s “slow food” champion, Yossi Asaf. “They realized a dream of serving guests ‘happy food’ in an extremely fun-loving dining experience, combining seasonal cuisine with a homey interior featuring china from one chef’s grandmother’s house,” says Brask Thomsen, who also provides marketing support for chefs (not these). “Add loud music and staff and guests dancing on tables, and you just might have the most memorable eating experience of the Middle East.” Ask for a bespoke evening at the Chef’s Bar, where one of the principals will curate a custom made tasting menu.

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2.

The Dysart Petersham, London

Restaurant critic Andy Halyer, who claims to be the only person to have dined at every Michelin three-star in the world, recommends the Dysart as a hidden gem, thanks to its young chef (Kenneth Culhane), off-the-beaten-track location and quality cooking. In his first review, he praised the place’s transition from “pub that does food” to “restaurant with a bar,” saying his meal was “quite a revelation…. Despite the lack of fanfare, the standard of cooking is extremely high, and there are certainly worse restaurants with Michelin stars. In these days of overhyped central London openings, it is great to find a place quietly turning out lovely food.”

3.

McCrady’s Tavern, Charleston

Southern star Sean Brock’s latest gets raves from James Beard Award–winning journalist Matt Goulding, a chief editor of the influential Roads & Kingdoms and the author of Grape, Olive, Pig: Deep Travels Through Spain’s Food Culture. The new revamp of Brock’s legendary Charleston institution, set in a 1778 Georgian town house, includes a high-end tasting-menu restaurant upstairs and a “more relaxed but no-less-astounding tavern below,” he says. “You’ll find Brock’s obsession with historical cooking filtered through a mixture of familiar flavors and innovative technique— tater tots with sour cream and caviar, Thomas Jefferson’s macaroni (given an umami lift from kombu), bone marrow stuffed with escargot. The new McCrady’s reaffirms Brock’s status as one of the most talented and soulful chefs cooking in the U.S.” 41

4.

La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill, Mexico City, Mexico This buzzing Guadalajara import, created by Claudio Javelly, Alejandro de la Peña and cool cat Chef Tomás Bermúdez, has “taken the Mexican capital by storm,” says Brask Thomsen.

“High or low, lovers or families, indoor diners or out—all are having a fiesta from 1 p.m. on: drinks clinking, music playing, cigarettes on the sidewalk.” And ice mountains of top-quality shellfish from the Pacific coast, as well as New Orleans–style po’boys, a novelty in the D.F. “Imagine a laidback but upbeat version of Balthazar in New York City, but in Mexico City and way more fun.”

5.

The Cellar, Anstruther, Scotland

The young chef (Billy Boyter) at this longtime restaurant has been operating for two years with just one person helping him, and he’s already won a deserved Michelin star, notes Hayler. In his recent review, he summarized the best dishes (crab with heritage carrots, hand-dived scallop with duck ham and kohlrabi) and the small, relaxed dining room’s charms: “Service was friendly…and the wine was left within reach,” which “felt entirely in keeping with the environment.

Overall, the Cellar was a most enjoyable experience.”

6.

Bros,’ Puglia, Italy

“Floriano and Giovanni Pellegrino have done what many young chefs do these days—they’ve wandered the culinary world, doing stages everywhere from Noma to Martin Berastegui in northern Spain,” says Goulding. At Bros’, “they’ve synthesized their diverse experiences and filtered them through the ingredients and traditions of their native Puglia to create one of Italy’s most ambitious and important young restaurants. (The fact that it’s in Lecce, a limestone city of knee-trembling beauty, doesn’t hurt.) Everything they serve is smart, mature and deeply delicious. Linguine with pistachio butter and colatura (Italian fish sauce) is the best dish I’ve eaten all year.”

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7.

Back Kitchen Table at Osso, Lima

“A butcher shop with no intention of becoming a restaurant became a restaurant because of a wooden table in a back kitchen with walk-in freezers,” marvels Brask Thomsen. The front restaurant now is “atmospheric,” with a wide range of dishes, from a 240-day dry-aged Kobe beef to a full meat tasting menu, and an impressive wine list with many “pearls” by the glass. Still, “it’s what’s happening in the back of Osso that should have your attention. This is where Renzo Garibaldi has for the past two years been holding clandestine dinners around a single large wooden table for no more than eight guests at a time.” Initially, they were his friends, including Peruvian stars like Gastón Acurio and Mitsuharu Tsumara, but within weeks, Garibaldi began getting calls for reservations. “When someone like Gastón pushes you in this direction you have the responsibility to try.”

8.

Tempura Matsu, Kyoto

“Michelin may have shunned this restaurant, but I liked it more than some of the grand three-star places in the city,” wrote Hayler of this family-owned establishment a 30-minute taxi ride from central Kyoto. Now run by the son, who worked with Alain Ducasse and Grant Achatz, it has transcended its roots as a simple tempura shop and become a destination for kaiseki kappo with premium ingredients like Tsuiyama snow crab, linecaught tuna from Aomori and lobster from the Seto Inland Sea. “This was an impressive meal, a modern take on kaiseki dining that is not afraid to break with tradition yet still respects it.”

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9.

La Nave de Sake, Barcelona

“This is a very cool concept that will continue to evolve,” says Goulding, who is based in Barcelona in part for the dining scene’s high quotient of amazingness. “In a city that has seen it all, La Nave de Sake is a truly unique dining experience. Run by heavyweight Argentine chef Sebastian Mazzola, the former creative director of Albert Adrià’s restaurant empire in Barcelona, and sake whisperer Sussie Villarico, it has turned an old industrial space into one of Spain’s greatest clandestine dining experiences. Mazzola is a master technician capable of concentrating outrageous amounts of flavor and texture into tiny packages, which he rolls out in nightly tasting menus matched to Villarico’s collection of rare and esoteric sakes. It’s less a formal restaurant than one of the world’s greatest dinner parties thrown for locals and out-of-towners alike.”

10.

AOC—Aarø & Co, Copenhagen

“It’s not often you walk into a mansion with two Michelin stars and find that it smells just like home,” says Brask Thomsen. (Full disclosure: He has represented the restaurant for several years.)

“But walk through the doors of AOC and the smell of wood smoke and reduced bouillon of Jerusalem artichokes hits you like a double shot of aquavit; a hunger-rousing welcome for anyone who loves good food.” Rather than dragging guests on his own ego trip, chef Søren Selin creates “artistic, curious and playful menus while always maintaining a high comfort and yumminess that keeps your palate safe,” and champion sommelier and restaurateur Christian Aarø’s superior knowledge of wines results in “tantalizing flights that embraces the old, young, conservative, edgy, conventional and organic wines in great storytelling.”

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