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A backyard cabana is the definition of casual sophistication.  If you’re not sure, exactly, what the modern cabana looks like… let me take you on a small and abbreviated tour of this fantastic backyard fixture.  Originally a Spanish word, a cabaña is a tropical shelter resembling a cabin. Over the years, it has become a structure encompassing vacationing relaxation; a hip and current bungalow embracing the laid-back attitude of the Tropics.  Now, almost all seaside and luxury resorts boast cabanas for socializing, relaxing, and enjoying the island atmosphere.  But, you don’t have to shell out the cash for a week long vacation of jam-packed cabana enjoyment… you can create your own backyard oasis to enjoy the sun for as long as you like! Here are five steps to consider when planning your backyard cabana.

  1. Quality: Though your cabana will be a place to leave your cares at the door, make sure to take plenty of care when choosing how your cabana will be constructed.  Using substandard materials, building professionals, or designs will just lead to a disaster and a huge headache.  A cabana that has to be worried about is a complete failure of the entire purpose, after all. The old photos of cabanas constructed of rotting drift wood may look romantic, but you won’t feel so dreamy when it collapses during a rainstorm!
  2. Materials: The materials you choose for your cabana is a vital and important decision; the aesthetics, durability, and cost of your structure all very much depend on your material choice.  Western Red Cedar is the most traditional option.  The rich wood with its aromatic qualities will completely transform your mood.  Western Red Cedar also contains a high deposit of natural oils that act as preservatives against wood decay and insect damage.  If you’re looking for a cabana that calls back the spirit of yesterday, Western Red Cedar may be your best choice.  Northern White Cedar is a similar material and possesses the same impressive durability.  But, White Cedar does carry a hint of pinkish white that sets it apart from other materials.  The eye-catching hue creates interest and a certain hint of whimsy.  Dura-Temp is an economical choice that will last over twenty years.  The plywood-based panel siding has a smooth surface that looks natural, but resists moisture, dents, checks and cracks.  It also holds paint incredibly well if you’re looking to add a bit of color to your backyard project.  Pine is another material that will take paint without any problems.  With minimal maintenance and still enduring beauty, Pine is a fantastic choice for someone looking for value and beauty.  Finally, Vinyl is the most untraditional choice that might be perfect for you! It will protect your structure from any kind of weather and is virtually maintenance free.  If you’re looking for a cabana with a bit more of a substantial and house-like look, vinyl will do the trick!

    An Oval White Cedar Cabana

  3. Shape:  Did you think cabanas only came in four-sided squares (I don’t think there are any other kinds of squares…)?  Nope!  Octagons, rectangles, ovals, hexagons and elongated hexagons with belle roofs are all viable and interesting choices for your backyard cabana. Many rectangle cabanas can have porches attached to them for a more dramatic entrance way and belle-roof cabanas give a wistful silhouette.  You will want to consider how many people will be using your cabana on a daily basis and what kind of atmosphere you’ll want to create.  Rectangular and Elongated Hexagon shapes are more likened to indoor rooms, and therefore more apt to traditional furniture arrangement.  But, Octagons, Ovals, and Hexagons will make you feel truly removed from the ordinary.                                                                                                                                                                                   
  4. Use: Don’t let anyone define how your cabana should be used for you!  A backyard cabana should be a personal retreat; so just think of the perfect place to retreat to after a long day… and decorate accordingly!  Light some candles, bask in the sun streaming through your skylights, and enjoy an exercise and meditation area.  Install a flat screen for a dynamite place to watch football games and enjoy the grill right outside the front door!  Your designs will reflect your intended use, so whether you are planning to create a serene and quiet retreat, or a neighborhood destination for get-togethers and parties, your backyard cabana can and will be a complete reflection of your style and personality!                                                                                                                            
  5. Décor: Now that you’ve decided how to use it, you get to decorate it!  Remember, the materials you use in your décor will define its style of relaxation.  Try wicker, red cedar, cherry, and teak for sophistication and elegance.  Polywood, vinyl, and coated metal all boast maintenance free properties that will keep you feeling relaxed if upkeep is just not on your to-do list.  But, no matter the material, your options are nearly endless.  For tranquil and calm get-aways, use a natural and soothing rocking motion to propel you toward peace.  A porch swing, porch glider, or a classic rocking chair all provide the proven restful motion that will naturally guide you toward more quiet thinking.  There’s a reason your mother rocked you to sleep… it’s a calming motion enjoyed by almost everyone.  Chaise lounges, though stationary, provide the same feeling of ultimate repose and pampering.  But, of course, if your heart is already set on that flat screen TV, try patio groups, outdoor sofas, comfy patio chairs with ottomans, and (of course) coffee tables and end tables for drinks and snacks! A backyard cabana is also a fantastic structure of an outdoor dining room.  Are you tired of traditional dinner parties and mediocre barbecues?  Go upscale with sophisticated outdoor dining sets, picnic tables, and even bistro sets.  Go the extra mile with a Teak Monarch Bar and high bar tables with bar stools.  You’ll wonder why people feel the need to “go out” when you can simply waltz out your backdoor to the swankiest place in town.

The materials and shape of your cabana, as well as the type of outdoor furniture you use to decorate it will define your retreat.  But, such a versatile structure is sure to fit your needs because you can design it to be EXACTLY what you want!  Doesn’t it feel fantastic? What do you have in mind; have you started planning yours yet?

See you in your Cabana!

Hazel.

Wood, or Wood NOT

Among the many indoor projects that people are working on at this time of the year, painting is one of the most common.  This is understandable, as it’s a great way to give a room a whole new look, without the expense of remodeling; and virtually anyone can do it.  For first-timers, however, the myriad choices in paints can be rather confusing.  Heck, it’s difficult enough just to pick from the millions of available colors.  Then, after you make that monumental decision, you have to figure out whether flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint, will best suit your purpose.

So, if you’re not familiar with these terms, remember that flat paint has a matte finish, with no sheen, shine, or shimmer.  Because it doesn’t reflect light, it can hide some minor imperfections; but it’s less durable, more porous, and harder to clean, than glossier types.  This makes it more hospitable to mold and mildew growth, so it shouldn’t be used in high-humidity rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, or in backyard structures that aren’t insulated.

Eggshell has just a slight hint of luster, but can add a bit more depth and warmth to a room.  Easier to clean than flat paint, it still disguises small defects, and is less attractive to mildew.

Smooth and somewhat shiny, satin paint is much more durable than flat and eggshell varieties.  Very easy to clean, and resistant to mold and mildew, it’s great for use in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as high-traffic areas.

With its beautiful, sparkling finish, semi-gloss paint is extremely durable and easy to keep clean.  It’s used mostly for trim, doors, and bathroom and kitchen cabinets; but it’s highly reflective, and will draw attention to even the slightest blemish.

Gleaming, glistening gloss paint is mainly for trim, wainscoting, and cabinets; but it can also make a home look stylish and welcoming when used on the front door.  Because it spotlights every imperfection, however, wherever, whenever, and if ever you use it, be sure that whatever you put it on has no flaws whatsoever.

Once you’re done with the indoors, you can start planning a fresh look for the outdoors.  Adding patio furniture to your porch or lawn is a great way to add an entirely new living space to enjoy.   Of course, with the thousands of patio chairs, porch swings, garden benches, swingbeds, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, hammocks, accent tables, gliders, outdoor dining tables, garden structures, and ottomans available, there’s practically as many varieties of outdoor furniture as there are paint colors!

Luckily, though, this will cause you no consternation.  Because materials can be easily split into two categories; cedar, pine, oak, cherry, teak, eucalyptus, and cypress, verses aluminum, synthetic wicker, polywood, and vinyl.  Your decision is simple: either you wood, or wood not.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

What Else Can We Do?

The tasks that await you in your yard and garden in February will depend upon where you live. However, for everyone here, in the Pittsburgh area, along with the huge chunk of the Eastern United States that just got covered with two or more feet of snow, I can make one blanket statement about your main outdoor chore now: just shovel! (As if you needed anyone to tell you that!)

Now, I happen to love all of this snow, and, for some reason, I thoroughly enjoy shoveling, which I did for more than five hours straight on Saturday. Naturally, though, there are some down sides to this weather. For one thing, it makes it difficult for wildlife to find food; so, besides filling my birdfeeders, I cleared the snow off my picnic table and put some ear corn and bread crumbs out for deer and squirrels. Because animals desperately need fresh water, too, I placed some shallow bowls of it on my patio chairs and tables.

Bird_Feeders

Unfortunately, this storm has also caused many hardships for people, leaving millions without electricity (mine has been going off and on for days) and heat. Furthermore, shoveling, which is a great form of exercise, can also be dangerous for those who are not used to heavy physical activity, as it puts a sudden demand on the heart, and causes a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, people who are normally sedentary can experience, in only a few minutes of shoveling, a rise in heart rate that’s higher than recommended during aerobics.

The situation can be made worse by the colder temperatures, which make it harder to breathe while working, thus putting extra strain on the body. Then, there are the risks of hypothermia and back injuries. Luckily, with the proper precautions, all of this is entirely preventable. For some people, that may mean no shoveling at all, while, for others, it can be a matter of making simple modifications, and going at the task slowly.

So, in my next blog, I will have some tips for protecting yourself while doing this chore. If you live anywhere in the already-dumped-upon areas, you’re going to need them, because another front is coming through, which is predicted to drop up to another foot of snow.

Yikes! It’s a good thing I really know how to shovel it!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

On Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil came out of hibernation, saw his shadow, and predicted six more weeks of winter.  No surprise there, especially since spring officially begins on March 20th, which is just over six weeks away; so it’s pretty much the same, shadow or not.

Sure, Groundhog Day is just for fun; but it certainly is strange.  I mean, what started this whole idea of a groundhog, also known as a woodchuck, or a whistle pig, being able to predict the weather?  Naturally, it began ages ago, and, like all other holidays (although it’s not actually a holiday), it’s so wrapped up in obscure traditions and folklore, that it’s difficult to pinpoint its exact origin.

As usual, when it comes to the unusual, the ancient Celts are somewhere in the mix.  In the 5th century, they believed that, on certain days, halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, animals possessed supernatural powers that enabled them to predict the weather.  In some parts of Europe, such as Germany and France, people thought that animals coming out of their dens too early would be frightened by their own shadows, and go back inside for another four to six weeks.  Often, these animals were badgers and bears.

Some also suppose Groundhog Day, which falls on Candlemas Day, to be inspired by the old Scottish couplet, “If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, there’ll be two winters in the year.”

It is widely believed that the Pennsylvania Dutch brought the old tradition to this country in the 18th century.  The first written American reference to Groundhog Day was found in the diary of James Morris, a storekeeper in Berks County, Pennsylvania.  Dated February 5, 1841, it reads:

“Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas Day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate.”

So it seems that, during the winter, people have always looked anxiously for indications of spring.  Here at CedarStore.com, the signs are unmistakable.  Instead of a rodent popping out of a hole, we have a whole bunch of eye-popping new products coming out.

60" Eucalyptus Porch Swing

Yes, we already offer thousands of patio chairs, porch swings, gliders, picnic tables, accent tables, hammocks, garden benches, chaise lounges, and teak screens.  But with these fantastic additions, we’ll have the most extensive collection of outdoor furniture available anywhere, beyond the shadow of a doubt!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As I was saying, some of the things that people do to keep warm in January include partaking of comfort foods and beverages, sitting by roaring fires, luxuriating in hot tubs, and jetting off to tropical islands.

I also mentioned that sunrooms are great places to stay warm, whether you have one that’s built into your home, or standing separately in your backyard.  But, guess what – they’re not the only garden structures that can shield you from the cold.  No-o!  Gazebos can keep you nice and toasty as well.

Now, I realize that, if you’re picturing the gazebos that stand in town parks, or the ornamental gazebos that are in many backyards, you may be thinking that I’m crazy for saying that; but you would be wrong.  Okay, okay – you’d be half right.  Sure, I may be a bit, well, let’s just say, eccentric (no, you don’t have to be rich to be eccentric!), but I definitely know what I’m talking about when it comes to gazebos!

Believe me, they’ve come a long way over the years.  While gazebos certainly can still be used for decorative purposes, or as shelters for picnic tables, patio chairs, porch swings, gliders, outdoor sofas and settees, or other outdoor furniture groups, these days, they’re available with so many features that people can actually live in them!

If you want proof, just go to GazeboCreations.com.  Right away, you’ll be amazed at our wide variety of cedar, treated pine, and vinyl gazebos, which come in all sizes and shapes.  Then, to further astound you, we’ve enlisted the services of a genuine Gazebo Wizard, who will help you to customize you own gazebo right on the site, by offering you dozens of options, including insulation, storm windows, different kinds of flooring, decorative railings, wiring, built-in benches, ceiling fans, special lighting, cupolas, several types and colors of roofing, and more.

gazebo

Furthermore, he’ll add each one you choose, instantly, right before your eyes!  Truly!

You know, I really, really hope that you do visit our site now.  I mean, after all that stuff I said about a Gazebo Wizard, if you don’t come and see it for yourself, you really will think I’m crazy!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As I said before, there are many outdoor tasks to do in January, besides shoveling snow.

Yes, I realize that there are places that never get any snow.  In fact, some people in these areas probably had their Christmas dinners at their picnic tables instead of their dining tables.  Right now, they’re doing gardening as usual, then relaxing in their Adirondack chairs, porch gliders, hammocks, or patio chairs, and having a cold one.

Then, there are regions where the temperature rarely goes below freezing, and snow comes infrequently, in negligible amounts.  Residents of these places can do a good bit of gardening now, and will have many days where it’s warm enough to sit on their porches or patios and enjoy their outdoor furniture.

However, because those of us who are snowed under right now, and dealing with below-zero wind chills, actually have to tussle with nature, I’ll concentrate on our priorities.

First, we must remember that wild animals have a tough time finding food when everything is covered with snow.  If you’re not already feeding the birds, start now (you’ll be glad you did).  Set up some birdfeeders and birdhouses where you can enjoy the show that they put on (as I am doing right now), and where there is shelter close by.  If you still have your Christmas tree, prop it up a few feet from the feeding station and use it for this purpose.

1-1/2 Quart Hopper Feeder

Its branches can also be used to cover any plants, root vegetables, shrubs, or perennials that need extra protection from the cold.  Speaking of branches, now is a good time to prune most shrubs and deciduous shade trees.  If snow has accumulated on your trees, knock it off, in an upward motion, so as not to snap any branches; and prune any that break.

You can also use this time to plan for spring.  Make a map of your garden, and list what you’d like to plant where, keeping your seed and bulb catalogs nearby for inspiration.

Oh, I forgot to mention that other wildlife shouldn’t be left out in the cold (so to speak), either; so get some inexpensive bags of ear corn for squirrels and deer.

I probably should have brought that up earlier, but (wait for it) I always like to end with something corny!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As I swept heaps of snow from my car this morning, I admit, it was difficult to think what kind of new years resolutions I should be putting in for my backyard, patio, and garden.  It seems like the days of crowding around picnic tables and lounging across Adirondack chairs to take in landscapes and gardens will never be upon us again.

But, isn’t that one of the wonderful things about gardening?  A new beginning stumbles to our feet every spring so we can try the flowers again that failed us last year, and even improve upon our vegetables that were so delicious last summer.  Gardening is a great reoccurring experiment; endlessly forgiving and always beckoning for more.

While many gardeners are vowing to pick their squash before they get too large, to keep up with weeding, or to stake their peonies and lilies to ensure they stay upright through rainstorms… my resolution is a bit more simplistic.  I want to spend more time outside, and to enjoy my time there.

It would seem that we spend all winter waiting for a day that doesn’t chill or shock us as we walk out our front door… but then we spend all summer inside our houses. Instead of spending my free time as the weather gets warmer on airplanes taking me far from home, I plan to stay in my own back yard.  Whether it’s the economy encouraging people to stay closer to home, or more environmentally conscious minds are realizing their ecological footprint grows with cross-country travel—the draw to your very own patio oasis is cost effective, family centered, sustainable, and… well… worthy of your New Years Resolution. Take more time for you and your family.

Instead of spending hours and hours (and dollars and dollars!) scheduling trips to spend time with my family, I want to have a place to casually gather without notice, without traveling, and without planning.  Though many are committing to weight loss, I’m committing to fire-fly blinking summer nights rich with the smell of bug spray and dinner on the grill.  The best table in the house will be my very own, and always open for picnic lunches and raucous dinners.  With a croquet or quoits game set up, some patio chairs, and maybe even a porch swing, I’ll be on vacation all season with plenty of activities and fun for my friends.  Let’s be honest: summer television is never worth it anyway, and the gentle breeze blowing through a gazebo or cabana is absolutely irreplaceable.  Who needs the traffic on the way to the shore, when I can just string my hammock between the posts on a pergola, and read a beach romance novel all afternoon?

a moment to treasure

a moment to treasure

Of course… I’ll also be spending plenty of days digging up vegetables, tending flowers, weeding with dedication, and creating the perfect scenery for my backyard oasis.  I’ll always mow the grass before it gets unruly and never forget to…

….I’ll never forget to have the garden hose ready when my puppy needs a bath on a sweltering day or a baby pool is looking dry, to keep the grill clean for perfect dinners “out,” keep my patio groups pulled close for get-togethers where no one has to worry about talking too loud, and always remember that my swing bed is waiting for me on the porch when I just need some time to relax.  If my flowers droop and weeds grow… my garden will always forgive me and wait until next year.  If I miss enjoying a beautiful season… that’s one thing I’ll never get back!

See you Outside!

Hazel

It’s Not Over Yet

Now that Christmas is over, we have one more huge celebration facing us, before we can finally relax. Most of us also have to deal with the chore of taking down the decorations; and, as is the case when putting them up, everyone has a different idea of the proper time for this task.

Just as some people deck the halls – and much more – even before Thanksgiving, there are those who can’t wait to get rid of all signs of Christmas. Some will have everything, including their trees, gone by the 26th; but most people will wait, at least, until New Year’s Day, unless they observe Christmas on a later date. Then, there are those who hate to see the holidays end, and leave everything up for weeks – or even months – after Christmas, which is a bit (okay, more than a bit) strange.

On the other hand, if you, like millions of others, have put a tree in your gazebo as part of an outdoor display, by all means, keep it there. Just take everything off, except the lights; and leave any other lights that you’ve put on the gazebo in place as well.

One of our gazebos decorated for Christmas at the Cedars Bed and Breakfast in Williamsburg, Va

After all, if your gazebo is not enclosed with windows, doors, or screens, you won’t have your patio chairs, porch swing, picnic table, glider, or hammock in it now, so why let it stand there looking dark and forlorn? With everything else so drab and dull in the winter, nothing brightens the landscape like a charming gazebo sparkling with lights. To make things even cheerier, leave the lights on your pergolas, trellises, and arbors, too.

Naturally, a real tree may not last the entire season; but, at least, you can easily sweep away the needles that it sheds. If it’s an artificial tree, you can leave it up for a few months, and decorate it for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter.

Now, there are those who do leave their trees up permanently, and decorate them for every holiday, major and minor, throughout the year; but I think that would take the novelty out of it for the Christmas season. Like having fireworks every weekend, or turkey every Thursday, or champagne every day, it just wouldn’t be anything special.

Of course, that champagne thing might not be too unbearable!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

A beautifully-set table is crucial to your holiday entertaining. However, unless it’s a formal affair, you don’t necessarily have to use good china and crystal; and that will be great news to those who don’t have good china and crystal. Furthermore, because some people don’t even have full sets of dishes or glasses, the even-better news is that mixing and matching tableware happens to be a big trend right now.

Actually, all you need is creativity. If you don’t have a Christmas tablecloth, you can easily turn a plain, solid-colored cloth into one, by using Christmas place mats and napkins, along with red, green, or gold doilies. No holiday plates or glassware? Get the doilies in several sizes and put them under plates, bowls, glasses, and between cups and saucers, and tie ribbons around the stems of wine glasses.

A striking centerpiece is essential as well, but, once again, you don’t have to spend any money; just use things that are already in your home or backyard. Fill a clear bowl with ornaments or foil-wrapped party favors, or use evergreen and/or berry branches, and some pine cones, tied up with ribbons. Gild some pine cones to make gorgeous place card holders.

Candles are also important, and can be of different sizes and colors. Place them on mirrors for extra shine, float votives in a clear bowl, or use your odd dishes, especially ones with winter scenes, as candle holders.

Many people have a few, mismatched pieces of Depression-era glass, which, in colors such as blue, amethyst, pink, green, gold, and yellow, will be anything but depressing on a holiday table.

If it’s a sit-down dinner, keep the centerpiece low enough so that people can see each other and converse across the table. If you’re having a buffet and people are scattered throughout the house, don’t be shy about using picnic table benches, patio chairs, folding chairs, or even ottomans, for extra seating. If you have enough space, you can even bring in your picnic table or outdoor dining set, and decorate it, too.

IMG_9976 (2)

These are just a few of the hundreds – nay, thousands – of things that you can do to make your home, your table, and your party, bright, festive, warm, and welcoming.

In fact, I hope that describes your entire holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

Kathy

A Breath of Fresh Air

As is the case with every holiday, Christmas has many traditions that are shrouded in myth and mystery.  For example, there are many different ideas about where the Christmas tree got its roots (yes, I know, and I apologize!); but, not surprisingly, they all originated in ancient times.  Evidently, a lot of cultures worshipped evergreens, because they continued to thrive in the winter.  Many celebrations that evolved from this apparent phenomenon were held around the time of the winter solstice, and involved bringing some greenery indoors.      

 The Egyptians, for instance, brought green date palm leaves into their homes, to symbolize life’s triumph over death.  During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, named in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture, people would decorate their homes with greens and lights, and exchange gifts.  The Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of eternal life, and put evergreen branches over their doors to ward off evil spirits.       

 There are tons more examples of similar festivities, from all around the world.  I don’t know about you, but this information means a lot to me; it means that the trend toward bringing the outdoors inside started a lot longer ago than I realized!  Heck, I thought that it came about when people began enclosing their porches, patios, and gazebos, and decorating them with outdoor furniture!  Wow!  Who knew?      

 Oh, well, so CedarStore.com wasn’t exactly in on the beginning of the trend.  That’s okay, because we caught up so quickly that we’re now on the leading edge of it.  In fact, we’re the premier site for outdoor furniture that’s gorgeous enough to use indoors.  We have one of the largest selections of wood, metal, and synthetic patio chairs, porch swings, gliders, garden benches, picnic tables, outdoor dining sets, sofas, loveseats, and accent tables available anywhere, in styles and colors to complement any décor. 

 Furthermore, if you want to give someone a really spectacular gift this Christmas, outdoor furniture can be the perfect choice.  It’s beautiful, useful, enduring, and quite a welcome change from the same, stale old things that they’re used to getting.  It will also be in accord with the tradition of bringing the outdoors inside, because it will really be a breath of fresh air! 

 Yours Outdoors,

 Kathy

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