That sun came quickly and the heat was not far behind. We have already hit the mid to high 80’s and it’s only May. Be prepared for a warmer summer. Most were not ready last year, so I hope you took note of what worked and did not for you during that last heat wave as you will need to use that knowledge to get you through this summer’s heat wave, because we all know it’s coming. Most stay in where it’s is cooler. Some go outside to enjoy the weather. You may not have the time to go far, so you stay in your yard. Do you have a yard to enjoy yourself or family time in? Do you want to do something to your yard so you can enjoy it? Always wanted that porch/patio but never took the step to get it started? These are all questions we can help you answer. You may have the yard but what to do with it is the question. Want to enjoy it more, give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004
There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.
When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.
There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.
Trivia Question:
Q: What is the name of the longest floating bridge in the world and where is it located?
Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
(Where are my winners at?!)
With spring coming to a close in a couple weeks and summer right around the corner, some people are already booking trips to be away from home for the weekend. Some people are choosing to go out far, others are staying close to home. This is a little hike to enjoy if you are deciding to stay home, but would like to get out for the day. This is Meadowdale Beach Park. Stroll through the park’s corridor on a one-mile nature trail. Experience the sounds of the adjacent tumbling stream as it weaves its way through the giant trees of the old forest. The stream, which is home to various aquatic life, including freshwater fish and migrating salmon, forms a small marine estuary as it empties into Puget Sound. View various bird species in their natural habitat on a hike through the forest. Or comb the beaches and enjoy the breathtaking views of the distant Olympic Mountains. Meadowdale Beach Park is a beautiful 108 acres and was designated a “hike in” only park by the public when it was built.
Spring Into Action: 12 Backyard DIY Projects To Get the Most Out of Your Outdoor Space
[realtor.com: Brittany Natale]
What better season than spring to try your hand at some DIY backyard projects? The combination of warmer temperatures and increasingly longer days makes it the perfect time to get crafty. Plus, if you put these tasks in motion now, your backyard will be all set once summer hits.
These easy-to-do upgrades can help you get the most out of your outdoor space and make your backyard much more exciting to spend time in. From homemade pallet furniture to painted “rugs”, here are some expert-recommended DIY projects that will quickly boost the appeal of your backyard.
Switch Out Mulch For Decorative Stone
Elevate your backyard landscaping by switching out mulch or pine straw for decorative stone or river rock. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, says stones not only look better but they’re easier to clean as well.
“It’s also a one-time investment, whereas mulch and pine straw have to be retouched up every year,” says Clayton. “So you actually make money on this landscaping enhancement.”
Create Your Own Outdoor Bar
If you want to make your backyard the place to hang out this summer, install a crafty outdoor bar.
Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer and founder of Arsight in New York City, says you can build a bar with pallets, plywood, screws, and paint. You can also shop for inexpensive outdoor bars online or at your local home goods store.
Decorate your bar with string lights, signs, and plants for a personal touch. Be sure to keep it stocked with drinks, glasses, ice, and snacks when friends come over.
DIY Pallet Furniture
If you have any leftover wooden pallets, you can easily transform them into design-forward backyard seating.
“Pallets are versatile and can be repurposed into outdoor furniture,” explains Richard Callahan, owner of El Paso Artificial Grass & Turf in El Paso, TX. “You can easily design a couch or table.”
To do so, Callahan says to first sand them down, give them a coat of paint, and assemble them to your desired size.
“Then add some outdoor cushions to complete,” he says.
Create a Small Sanctuary
“Create a mini sanctuary by putting a chair or two with a small table in a corner of your yard or balcony,” says Heather Evans, a master gardener based in Bristol, RI. “Surround them with native plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.”
Evans shares that she’s partial to Adirondack chairs.
“The untreated cedar ones age to a beautiful gray, but even plastic ones are comfortable,” Evans says.
“Creating planters out of car tires is one DIY project that never seems to go out of style,” says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters Madison in Madison, WI.
Kazimierski points out that tire planters are incredibly versatile-you can decorate them however you’d like-and easy to assemble.
“It also prevents tires from ending up as waste, so it doubles as eco-friendly,” Kazimierski says.
Want to give your backyard a quick refresh? Paint your patio tiles.
“All you need to do is mix floor paint with Valspar latex,” says Mariya Snisar, the head of interior design at Renowell. “Of course, you will also need to clean the tiles first.”
If you want the new paint job to last longer, Snisar recommends applying a primer layer before painting.
“Instead of replacing your dingy outdoor rug with another one that will likely only last a few season, consider painting a faux rug directly on your deck or patio,” says Beth Martin, an interior designer based in Charleston, SC.
You can do this by purchasing paint and a paint stencil.
“This easy and budget-friendly weekend project will last for years,” Martin says. “You’ll also never have to wait for a soggy outdoor carpet to dry after a storm.”
Want to beautify your landscape without making more permanent changes? Two words: lightweight planters.
“When you choose lightweight planters, you can move them around to chase or avoid sun,” says Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at The Home Depot. “Container plantings also bring more attention to your backyard and whatever feature you want to accent.”
Bring game night outside by investing in patio furniture made for games like poker and chess.
“During spring and summer, outdoor games can help you add a little more entertainment to your backyard,” says Fishburne.
Pea gravel patios are a fun (and affordable) way to spruce up your backyard using little effort.
“Not only is it a great way to add a new outdoor gathering spot, but it’s also an easy project that even DIY beginners can handle,” says Jake Eicher, the national sales representative at Portella. “With just a few materials, you can transform an unused corner of your backyard into a relaxing oasis.”
Pick up outdoor cushions that match your landscape if you’re looking for an easy way to make your backyard look more put-together.
“Treat your backyard like a room in your home,” says Fishburne. “Pick out a few pillows in shades coordinating with containers and flowers.”
The best part: The weather-resistant fabrics hold up all season long.
Set yourself up for a summer full of afternoon catnaps by hanging a hammock. After everything is installed, be sure to put some finishing touches on it.
“Add some pillows and blankets to make it cozy,” Kropovinsky says.
The Best Broccoli Salad
Time
Prep 20 Mins. Total 1hour 20 Mins
Ingredients
Dressing
Directions:
ENJOY!!!