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. With a covering for rainy days and outdoor heating
available, it can be used virtually year-round. Although just
a simple oven and grill can change the way you live, a sink
with running water and an added 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.
In the Comfort of Your Own Home
Office
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from
home? The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re
dressed in your pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work.
You need a place that’s organized, designed well, and in
which you feel comfortable. Chances are, you may also need
a degree of privacy to do your best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is
lighting. Many studies demonstrate that natural lighting is
best whenever possible, and results in more productivity
among workers and a more positive attitude toward the
work itself. Lighting can have a profound effect on your
mood and can even influence your hormones. A good
overview of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen, a
business growth, efficiency and marketing consultant, at
AndrewJensen.net.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is
not possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead, and
try to avoid harsh fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two,
along with a picture of the outdoors, will help transform a
windowless area into a more inviting space. Warm colors
such as reds, yellows and orange will also help warm up an
otherwise dark office area such as a basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with
cabinetry where office supplies and files can be tucked
neatly out of sight. Shelving that is custom-designed for
the way you work can transform even a tiny space into an
efficient work area. Having cabinets and shelves that are
suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal of
frustration and overwhelming feelings of disorganization.
A designer and expert carpenter can help you get the most
from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your
house to dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean you
can’t have a dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be
transformed into a workspace with the right planning,
and the whole office can be put away at day’s end by simply
closing the closet door.
If you have even less space to work with, try a wall-
mounted desk that can be extended when in use and
collapsed flush with the wall when it’s not. Cubby holes
built into the interior wall area can also provide places for
storage in a tight space. A creative builder can help you
make the most of your available space.
If your work area is not separated from the rest of your
home and building a wall is not an option, there are still
attractive ways to define your space. For example, tall
wooden shutters can be linked together with hinges and
painted any color to create a private area. Though not
soundproof, they can create an intimate atmosphere of
privacy when needed for oneself or seeing clients. Tall silk
plants, such as a series of ficus trees, can also be used to
divide the space.
Don’t skimp on your office chair! It’s likely a place where
you will be sitting for several hours every single day. Make
sure it’s comfortable and provides plenty of lumbar support,
in addition to being an attractive addition to your office.
Visit Spine-Health.com for some helpful suggestions on
choosing the right chair that will work best for you.
Bathroom Beauty
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.
Besides just being a place to “get ready” to meet the day,
it’s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a
long week at work. Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to
relieve stress and help tired, overworked muscles. With tons
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shaler
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spring 2019
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