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Life Under the Shade

Inventive Ways to Use Toothpicks After the Party

Toothpicks are lean, mean, household-helping machines! You can light candles, make appetizers and paint furniture with little more than a box of toothpicks. Try one of these four toothpick tricks: 1) Make Caprese Pops. This appetizer might be simple, but it’s also fresh and delicious! Before the summer party season ends, throw a dinner soiree and impress your guests with these colorful, easy-to-make caprese pops. All you need are cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, lemon zest, a little bit of olive oil, parsley and, of course, toothpicks! Compile your pop and then stick it with the wooden pick. 2) Clean Your Phone. […]

How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture During All Seasons

Over time, weather – good or bad – can do serious damage to your patio furniture. A little wind, a lot of precipitation and too many direct rays can all turn your expensive patio set into a ramshackle pile-o-rust. Regardless of what type of outdoor furniture you use, it’s important to know how to properly care for it in any conditions. Wondering how to protect outdoor furniture from rain? Need advice on how to clean your outdoor cushions? And does outdoor furniture need to be covered? At Eclipse Shading Systems, we’ve got you covered with simple answers to all your […]

How To Decorate Your Patio on a Budget

Dinner under the stars is one of life’s simple pleasures, and that’s why we think creating a beautiful outdoor dining space shouldn’t break the bank. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform your yard, patio or courtyard into a space fit for a feast. Plus, creating a little incentive to dine at home can save you a ton of money in the long run – the average American family spends $4,000 a year eating out at restaurants! Here are six budget-friendly patio décor suggestions: 1. Know the role. Instead of letting your outdoor space become a social catchall zone, […]

How to Clean Your Outdoor Lights

Outdoor lights can ward off burglars, prevent falls and even add charm to your yard, but not if they’re covered with dirt. The dirtier your lights are, the less illumination they’ll provide, so clean ‘em up! Here’s how to make your lights shine bright: What You’ll Need: • screwdriver • two microfiber or soft cloths • old toothbrush • dish soap How to: Note: Outdoor lights come in all different shapes and sizes, so if you have an owner’s manual for your light fixtures, check it first for instructions on the best way to clean your particular fixtures. 1. Cut […]

How To: Clean Up the Backyard Without Breaking Your Back

According to Reader’s Digest, over 30% of people would rather upgrade their outdoor living space than go on a weeklong vacation. So take an hour and spruce up your backyard, deck and patio. You’ll be ready for whatever spontaneous outdoor parties come your way! 1. Clean Your Plastic Lawn Chairs: To rid your plastic chairs of caked on dirt, spread foam shaving cream onto the furniture to soften the dirt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then hose the furniture down to rinse away the dirt. 2. Clean Your Grill: Fire up your grill for 10 to 15 […]

5 Budget Friendly Ways to Entertain on Your Back Patio

Hosting a backyard soiree is a blast, but sometimes it can be a struggle to find fun entertainment ideas for your guests without spending a ton of cash. This year, throw a fun and festive bash on the cheap! Take advantage of these five low-budget ways to entertain in your backyard. 1. Throw a Popcorn Party No shindig would be complete without a few delicious snacks! If you’re new to backyard entertaining, try throwing a “popcorn party.” Set up different flavors of popcorn and allow guests to serve themselves, buffet style. Here are a few of our favorite recipes to […]