SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
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The Great Outdoors
When the summer heats up , the prospect of slow-cooking a roast or searing some ribs is just not as appealing when you know it ’ s going to heat up your house and drive up your airconditioning bill . Take a tip from our pioneer ancestors who baked their bread and cooked their meats outdoors to maintain a cool house . This simple idea can really help keep your home comfortable during the dog days of summer , while saving you money on energy costs .
With an outdoor oven and grill , barbeques can be a spontaneous dinner idea rather than a major event that must be planned days in advance . The grilling process gives steaks , chicken , fish and pork a wonderful smoked flavor , while reducing the overall fat content .
And it ’ s not just meats that can benefit from grilling . Bell peppers , onions , zucchini and tons of other vegetables take on a wonderful flavor when tossed lightly with olive oil , wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill .
With an outdoor kitchen , grilling is not just for summer either . Having a cover for rainy days and outdoor heating available , it can be done virtually year-round . Although just a simple oven and grill can change the way you live , a sink with running water and a fridge can really make cooking outdoors convenient .
For entertaining , the outdoor kitchen offers a way to spend time with your guests while preparing the meal . There ’ s also an entire line of in-ground sound equipment and specially made outdoor TVs . The televisions are completely waterproof , and three times as bright as a normal TV so they can be viewed even in strong direct sunlight .
Make Your Bathroom a Great Escape
Though your bathroom may not spring to mind as the place to hold your next cocktail party , with the right accoutrements your bath can be a great place to hang out and enjoy life . And if you live with family members , it may be the only place in your house where you can truly be alone for a bit .
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