Whether you have a small balcony or a large yard, you will need to have a place to sit and relax. Here are some ideas of creative seating for your outdoor space!

COVERED

Not only does a covered seating area protect you from the harsh sunlight, but it is instantly more cozy and intimate. If you do not have a covered patio or a pergola, here are a couple of options.

You could build a bench with posts and then add fabric as a cover. I love how sturdy and permanent this option is.

This option also uses fabric and seems so rustic and romantic. This could be applied for a permanent covering or as a temporary solution for a party.

STORAGE

If storage is something you need, benches are a good way to serve both your seating a storage needs. This is on my to do list this summer since I have four boys who have endless outdoor toys! There are so many options for every style.This white one has clean lines and is so fresh.

There are even easy DIY plans available if you want to build one yourself. You can add more of your own personal touch and be creative on the use of materials.

STONE/CEMENT

I love the look of a stone bench. And with added cushions and pillows it can be a comfortable place to hang out.

And if you want a DIY version, why not try using cinder blocks instead. It is kind of like building blocks for adults!

Another idea I have seen used a lot lately is to pour a cement bench. Some are large square seating areas and others are round. It is a modern take on outdoor seating.

RECYCLED ITEMS

I love using items that might get tossed out to make something new. So I thought these next ideas were really fun.

Old tires can be given a new life as a hanging bench. I think they would be cute as ottomans or side tables as well.

And while bathtub sofas may not be for everyone, they certainly would be a conversation starter! Look at the items you already have and think of new ways you could use them. You may have outdoor seating already and you didn't even know it.

PALLET

Pallets have become a popular building material lately. And with wood becoming scare in some areas, it is good that we have this option. Pallet benches makes me want to curl up with a good book.

When you think of pallet furniture you may think of something rustic but they can be transformed into any style!

ECLECTIC

I love bringing things together that may not belong together and finding a way to unify them. Paint is a fabulous way to do that. I bought thrift store chairs and painted them all a different color. When painting wood chairs,make sure they are clean, sand them a little, prime, and then paint using a quality paint that will adhere. You may want to seal them as well with a weather proofing sealant.

This same idea is applied for metal chairs. If you are painting metal make sure you use a wire brush to remove all the lose paint and rust. Use a metal primer and then a paint meant for metal that will be outdoors.

There are so many choices for outdoor seating. Make sure and pick something that fits your own unique style. Add some sunshine, a cool drink, and you are ready to enjoy your outdoor space!

want to know that my clothes are actually getting clean, before I jump on the bandwagon!

The 4 basic ingredients of homemade laundry detergent are Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Fels-Naptha bar soap. I also added Oxi Clean and doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil, to give it a little extra cleaning power, and a delicious citrus scent. Check out my full post to see how/why each of the ingredients work to create the best, most effective laundry detergent. Click here: http://askannamoseley.com/2013/05/the-best-h...

Edit: This detergent can be used in a front loading washing machine, there are instructions if you click on the link above. It is also safe to use if you have a septic system, I researched all of the individual ingredients and they are all safe to use. My sister has been using this for years on her septic system and she has never had any problems.

#diy #homemadecleaner #laundrydetergent #budgetfriendly

but I have to be careful as my husband is legally blind and any light hurts his eyes. does anyone have any ideas that would look nice but be "cute" or is this even still done anymore. please help... I am moving soon and really cant afford to buy new certains for our new place and want to do SOMETHING!!! thanks sooo much!!!

with your kitchen scraps? Vermicomposting is the answer and , even better,a worm bin is efficient when you're continually adding new material, unlike your outdoor compost pile. Composting at home in a worm tub is most suitable for smaller families and apartment dwellers, or can be used in combination with an outside composting method. A well-tended worm bin shouldn't smell, so some people will keep them in a kitchen cupboard if they're short on space or just want it handy for adding their kitchen waste. The garage or basement are also possible locations for your worm bin. (Note: do not add animal waste, bones, fats or meat to your bins or compost piles. That will make it smell and draw unwanted visitors!)

Follow the easy steps below to set up your own worm bin and begin vermicomposting at home. Set the finished lidded bin on a couple bricks on a tray to collect any drips. You will keep plant matter out of the landfill and have the benefits of compost and compost tea for your houseplants, worms for feeding birds and pet reptiles and going fishing, too!

See my blog post at http://ourfairfieldhomeandgarden.com/diy-pro... for more composting information and worm sources.

#Gardening