We all enjoy time outside taking in the sensations of nature. But there are times when that can be a real challenge; as summer ends and colder wet weather arrives, the outdoors can become less inviting. Then, when winter brings snow and ice, you probably just want to curl up inside with a warm drink in your favorite chair. Even in the summer, there are days when it’s just too hot to spend much time outside, making you want to retreat to the cool of an air-conditioned room. So what can you do to ensure you keep enjoying nature, even when the elements seem to be against you? Read on for five creative ideas to do just that!

Space Heaters

Spending time on the patio is one of the best parts of summer, and you might not want to let go of the experience when the weather starts to turn cooler. A great way to carry on using your patio is to purchase an outdoor space heater. In the past, these were inefficient appliances, but technology has moved on, and you can heat your patio nicely without breaking the bank. Outdoor space heaters come in three main types. These are:

• Gas Patio Heaters. These are available in a range of styles and designs, so you can pick them to match your decor as a wall heater, parasol heater or heating lamp.
• Electric patio heaters. This type of heater is very versatile and can direct the heat where you want it, as well as being easy to control. Some even come with sensors, so they switch on when you walk out onto your patio.
• Solid fuel heaters. These come in the form of fire pits or log burners. They look amazing but aren’t as easy to control as electric or gas heaters.

Of course, the heater won’t keep out the worst of the kind or rain. For that, you need some retractable screens, which we will discuss later in this article.

Add Some House Plants

You don’t have to limit your plants to your garden; there are lots of houseplants that can bring greenery into your home, as well as colorful flowers. In addition, there are many plants that improve the air quality in your home. If you want some functionality, too, why not add a small herb garden to your kitchen? As well as improving the taste of your meals, herbs smell great and brighten up the room. If you want something that’s easy to look after, you can always get ferns, peace lilies or spider plants, which also all do well in rooms with less light.

Exercise Outside

If it’s too cold to sit on the patio, you can always warm yourself up with a bit of exercise. If you have kids, a kickaround with a soccer ball is fun for all the family and will warm you up nicely, as well as being an excellent way to keep fit. Installing a basketball hoop is another great way to engage all the family. If exercise by yourself is more your thing, you can put in some bars to do pullups, do pushups on the patio or even bring your weights outside.

Nature Decor

Even if you don’t have a green thumb or time to look after plants, there are other ways to bring nature into your home. Natural materials such as wood or stone bring a sense of the outdoors into any room. If it suits your style, you can decorate your kitchen cupboards with images of flowers and plant life. Art is another way to bring nature into your home; pictures of landscapes are popular, as are works showing vases of flowers or garden scenes. Finally, if you want plants without the need to care for them, artificial flowers and plants are much easier to care for, only needing a quick dust every now and then.

MotionScreen™ Motorized Retractable Screens

If you really want to carry on enjoying the patio without being subjected to the elements, Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta’s MotionScreen™ motorized retractable screens are the way to go. The screen mesh will keep the wind and rain at bay and trap heat and should the weather change quickly, you can raise or lower them at the touch of a button. On cooler days, you can always add a space heater and continue enjoying your patio.

Our screens are manufactured in Plano, Texas from the best materials and custom-made to suit your space. This is also backed up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and you can choose from one of seven colors to suit your style. If this sounds like a great idea to you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the past year, everyone has spent more time at home. Many families have struggled to maintain a schedule or order with kids learning virtually and parents working from home. With summer break fast approaching, parents probably feel concerned about entertaining their little ones through the summer months without school. However, with a bit of forethought and creativity, this summer can be fun and relaxing for the whole family. If you’ve run out of ways to entertain your kids at home, here are some ideas to keep them entertained all summer long.

Build An Obstacle Course

You’d be surprised how simple it is to build a backyard obstacle course with things you already have at home. Set out hula hoops, pool noodles, plastic slides, jump ropes, and any other outdoor toys you can think of. Show your kids how to maneuver the obstacle course and set different challenges. For example, have them go through backward, on one foot, while singing the ABCs. They’ll get invested in the competitive aspect and keep them active in the process.

Draw A Town

If you have a driveway, have your kids create a miniature map of roads, houses, stores, and other favorite places on the concrete with chalk. Then, they can bring their toys outside to navigate the town. It’s a great way to foster creativity and is a multi-step game that will keep them busy for several hours.

Throwback Games

Don’t forget about your favorite childhood games. Teach your little ones and their friends about games like SPUD, kick the can, hopscotch, kickball, capture the flag, and others. These games are classics for a reason, and just because kids have electronics and distractions doesn’t mean that they won’t enjoy them as much as you did. You’ll probably surprise yourself by how many memories these games bring back — they may even encourage you to join in the fun!

Provide All Weather Protection

One of the most important ways to keep your kids outside during the summer is to make them as comfortable as possible. When sunburn and bug bites get in the way, kids often opt to be indoors where it is comfortable. By installing solar screens, patio shades, and porch screens, you can protect your kids from UV rays and pests and ensure that they don’t risk their health or safety. Many of these are available in motorized screens and retractable screens, making them a valuable asset to your home, as well as a way to protect your family. You’ll likely find that the whole family wants to spend more time outside when unbothered by harsh sunlight glare, mosquito disturbances, and other outdoor annoyances that drive many people indoors.

By making your yard, porch, and patio more livable, you give yourself more room to breathe. The last year has not been easy on anyone, but it has arguably been hardest on parents who cannot send their kids to daycare, school, or play dates like normal. While some summer programs may open this year, there will be significant pressure on parents to provide summertime entertainment.

To ensure that you and your kids have a fun and stress-free summer, you should begin your plans to install your screens and shades today.

Summertime is a special time of year. No matter where you live, the chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine can quickly boost anyone’s mood. Many people love summertime for a ton of different reasons, but there is no denying the attraction of a good old-fashioned summer barbecue. After the year we’ve all experienced, this summer’s barbecues are bound to be extra-full of good times and memories. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that you host the best cookouts on the block.

Set Up Games

Sure, barbecues are an activity on their own. However, few can resist the pull of a set of ladder golf or bags. These activities can get the party started and give your guests options to move about while the food cooks. Bring out your favorite card or board games for later on when guests may feel like sitting but still need something to do.

Create a Signature Drink

Researching and mixing up a new cocktail or mocktail is a great way to make the party feel extra-special. The mixture doesn’t have to be anything fancy, and there are thousands of online options for every taste. Most guests will at least try one, and it may even become a crowd favorite.

Bring Out The Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is great for kids, but you’d be surprised how many adults enjoy doodling too. Especially if you have a cement patio or sidewalk in your yard, encourage your guests to draw a little something to commemorate. If you don’t have such an area accessible to you, setting out some markers and adult coloring books or sheets of plain paper can inspire more fun and creativity than you may realize.

Buy Food Options

Everyone is on a different diet these days. Whether we agree with it or not, it’s good to make sure that your bases are covered when it comes to food. Buy some grillable veggies for your vegetarian friends, and set outside dishes like fresh fruit, chips and salsa, or a vegetable platter as well. Those with dietary restrictions can feel at home, and you’ll give your other guests a wider array of options than simply a hot dog or hamburger.

Provide Shade and Bug Protection

One of the best ways to ensure your barbecue is a hit is to make sure that your guests are protected from harmful UV rays and disease-carrying pests. By installing patio shades, porch screens, and solar screens in your yard, you can be sure that your guests always have the option to feel comfortable and safe at your barbecues. These perks add value to your home and make your outdoor living space even more enjoyable. You’ll certainly spend more time outside with the peace of mind that these screens bring, and they’ll take your barbecues to the next level for this summer and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for motorized screens, retractable screens, or shades for your home, the time to install is now. Summer may not be here yet, but it will be soon, and it is best to prepare now. After all, no one can throw a quality barbecue with last-minute planning.