Outdoor patio decor tips - organized and practical!

View fullsize

Summer is here, and that means getting the most out of whatever outdoor space you have. In Calgary, our summer is typically limited to two months, and even then, those two months aren’t guaranteed. It’s important to keep this in mind when decorating an outdoor space because some ideas, while they might look or sound like a good idea, might not work with the weather we can experience here in the city.

-       Establish what space there is, and what it will be used for. If the space is tiny, figure out what kind of space you want to have. A place to relax? Cook and eat food? This will help prioritize what key furniture items will be needed and where they should go. If the space is larger and can have multiple areas for cooking and relaxing, plan out what area functions best for each activity. For example, having a barbeque and eating area closer to the house is more practical because it has closer access to the kitchen inside. Also, when setting up an entertainment set, it might be best to put it in a way that either doesn’t or does get sun, depending on your preference.

-       Keep the basic furniture pieces and paint (if used) neutral or monochromatic. This way, when the items fade or become weathered, it won’t be as noticeable.

-       Make accessories and accent pieces colourful. Cushions, curtains, pillows, and table cloths typically wear out faster, so go all out with bold colours or prints, and if they fade or get old, they can easily be replaced.

-       Buy weather resistant cushions and decorations because Calgary is notorious for summer storms. Whether cushions are left out in the rain or the sun, having a waterproof and sun proof material means you don’t have to worry about replacing them as often. Furniture like couches or chairs with built in storage is also a great option for storing cushions and pillows if they are not weather resistant.

-       Utilize wall space. This advice not only works in homes, but works outdoors as well. Most backyards and patios or decks offer wall or fence space that can be used to your advantage. Shelves or cupboards can be put up, or décor accents like outdoor art pieces, hanging flower pots, and light fixtures can be added for decoration and storage options.

Ultimately, what matters is that you create a space that you can use and enjoy! [INSERT TWEET THIS LINK]

Summer on the patio – food and drink recipes!

View fullsize

The weather is getting nicer, and aside from a few days of rain and cloudy skies, there are still many days of potential sunshine left to enjoy on a patio or deck outside! To stay organized when hosting family and friends over, or just enjoying an evening outside on the patio, try these appetizer and drink recipes that are easy and time-efficient to put together and serve.

Time spent outside should be as easy and stress free as possible – don’t make more work than is necessary. Enjoy the summer while it’s here! [INSERT TWEET THIS LINK]

Not only are these Antipasto Skewers from Dinner at the Zoo easy to make, they also have just about everything in them, and the recipe can be adapted to include ingredients that a person may already have on hand:

Ingredients

• 12 kalamata olives
• 12 small balls of fresh mozzarella (get the marinated type if available)
• 12 slices of thick cut salami
• 12 pimento stuffed green olives
• 6 whole jarred cherry peppers, halved
• 12 small pepperoncini peppers

Instructions

Take 12 7-inch skewers and thread one of each ingredient item onto each skewer. Serve immediately or store, covered, in the fridge for up to 1 day.

---

Enjoy this delicious summer appetizer with a refreshing pitcher of Sparkling raspberry and lemon-aid.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh raspberries
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice, chilled
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 liter (33.8 oz) sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• Fresh mint and ice, for serving

Directions

• Place raspberries in a food processor and pulse until well pureed. Force raspberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl.
• In a large pitcher (if you don't have one large enough you may need two) whisk together water and sugar until sugar has dissolved.
• Pour in honey and mix until blended.
• Stir in raspberry mixture and lemon juice then pour in club soda and stir once.
• Serve with ice and fresh mint.

Unpack to Organize - The Office

View fullsize

An office room can be made up of multiple parts and items will all need to be unpacked and placed in the right spot after moving. From computer cords and accessories to paper clips and pencils, unpacking an office may seem like a daunting task – but it doesn’t have to be!

-       First, take stock of all of the items you have, and make sure that each item is necessary and will have a place to go. This is your chance to purge old or damaged supplies, or donate unused items.

-       Next, plan out your office space. Before moving in desks and shelves, make sure you know where everything is going. Also, determine what drawers, shelves, and cupboards will store what items, what files and folders will go in what cabinet, and if any other shelving materials need to be purchased. This plan will help relieve a lot of stress when it comes time to put office supplies away!

-       Once all of the furniture and larger pieces are put in place, it’s time to tackle the electronics. Computers can have a lot of attachments and wires, so don’t rush this step. Make sure everything is connected properly, and that cables are kept neat and organized to prevent anything from catching on them. Other electronics like a phone, printer, and lamp, can also be set up.

-       Start unpacking your office supplies with the frequently used items first, like pens, pencils, paper, and calendar. Use drawer organizers to help keep all your office supplies organized. Try to tackle only one box at a time – don’t get overwhelmed!

-       Filing cabinets and bookcases can then be unpacked, because the items typically aren’t needed right away. Any paper weights or office decorations can be added too, but remember, try to keep the decorations to a minimum, because a lot of them only invite more clutter into your space.

Creating a plan for your office space, and knowing what items need to go where before you start unpacking your boxes will make unpacking into an organized space a lot more feasible. There are a lot of different components that go into an office, so unpack step by step until the space is complete!

Moving Tip - label your electronic cords Before you take them apart. It will help you know what cord goes with each device!