Tag Archives: Outdoor

Transform Landscaping with Outdoor Lighting

February 07, 2024   Matt

Transform Landscaping with Outdoor Lighting

Your enjoyment of your home increases exponentially when you have a beautifully landscaped yard. Whether you’ve nurtured your home’s landscaping with your own hands or hired a landscaper to create your slice of paradise, you no doubt experience pride and pleasure when you see dappled sunlight peeking through the trees or the riot of colors your perennials lend to your garden in the morning light.
Increasingly, homeowners are going to the next level with landscaping, and are investing time and money in outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting enhances both the appearance of your home and your landscaping, as well as the enjoyment you and your guests experience when you entertain outdoors.
Typically, outdoor lighting focuses on focal points in the yard, though it can also be used as security lighting. Bill Locklin, owner of Nightscaping, the preeminent outdoor lighting company, suggests using 12-volt outdoor lighting to bring out the features of large trees, specimen plants, architecture, and water features. His suggestions include the following:
Large Trees: If the tree has open growth, let the light spill down through the leaves and branches, creating interesting shapes and contrasts in highlight and shadow. If the tree has full foliage, like some pines, try cross lighting or using a grazing light. If your focal point tree has an interesting bark texture, try grazing it to accent this feature and add a greater element of visual interest.
Specimen Plants: Consider hanging plants as well as ground plantings for focal point lighting. Try to throw shadows of smaller plants on walls and other surfaces for added effect. Bonsai plants are very effective when silhouetted to accent their unique shapes.
Architecture: Look at decorative construction techniques in masonry and wood facades. For example, place fixtures at the bottom of the gables and project the light up from each side so that it meets at the tip of the peak, or place two fixtures under the peak and aim them down to the lower edges. A home’s door can be a focal point, as in the case of hand-carved wood, raised wood panels, pr artistic metal designs. Draw attention to the door from overhead, being careful not to cast glare in the eyes of those entering and exiting the building. Likewise, objects in the atrium, such as columns, arches, breezeways, ledges, shutters, cupolas, weather vanes, and seasonal and holiday flags can all be architectural focal points that can have attention drawn by professionally designed outdoor lighting.
Water Features: Fountains, fishponds, and moving streams all lend themselves to the introduction of landscape outdoor lighting. Filtered, crystal clean water can be lighted either from within or from above. Dirty water is usually best lighted from above or used as a reflecting surface to accent surrounding features. Designer fountain lighting can add drama to a yard’s fountain.
Outdoor path lighting is also important, both for aesthetic and safety reasons. You, your family, and your guests should be able to safely move around your property after dark. Walkways should always be lighted both as a directional guide and prevent people from tripping on obstacles.
Outdoor lighting – whether it is path lighting, designer fountain lighting, or security lighting – gives your home another dimension, one to be enjoyed for years to come.

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Outdoor Security Cameras Home Surveillance Systems

February 12, 2022   Matt

Outdoor Security Cameras Home Surveillance Systems

Advancing technology has made outdoor security cameras home surveillance systems products affordable for more homeowners and easier to use. Homeowners have plenty of options when it comes to surveillance system products. They can also utilize DIY installation or pay professionals.

Camera types include self contained, wireless and wired. Self-contained cameras are ready to use. Once plugged in, they begin recording. They record to themselves so no other connection is required. This type of camera is a simple outdoor security home surveillance systems setup.

Most security cameras require connection to a TV, VCR or DVR in order for images to be recorded. All security cameras require a power supply. Wireless cameras must still be plugged in to an outlet. Wireless cameras connect to a wireless receiver that must be plugged into a power source and plugged into a TV, VCR, DVR or other recorder.

Cameras often feature LUX ratings. LUX is a form of measurement. The LUX number tells the user how much light a camera needs to capture images and operate correctly. The lower the LUX measurement; the less light is required by the camera. The LUX required by an outdoor security home surveillance system will depend upon conditions and setting.

Cell phones and other wireless products can interfere with the performance of wireless cameras if operating on the same frequency. Wireless computer networks, 2.4GHz cordless phones and most satellite dishes can cause the most interference. Some cameras allow the frequency channel to be changed, helping homeowners avoid the issue.

Typical outdoor security cameras home surveillance systems products feature weatherproof cameras. Weatherproof wired color video cameras with sound can be purchased for around . The small camera mounts almost anywhere and provides live feed to TV or VCR.

Outdoor security cameras can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Homeowners preparing to purchase an outdoor security cameras home surveillance system will need to gather information before going shopping.

Where will the camera be placed? How much area will need to be covered? Diagrams of the area will help. Take the information to a professional who can assist in making the correct choices.

Outdoor Security Cameras Home Surveillance Systems Providers

Outdoor security cameras can be purchased locally at security installation and monitoring companies such as ADT, Brink’s and ADS. Electronic equipment stores, some discount and department stores and online suppliers sell cameras. When dealing with an online supplier, it is important to deal with reputable companies. Verify that complete contact information is included. Check with business bureaus or go to ripoffreport.com to see if complaints have been filed.

Using a credit card when purchasing outdoor security home surveillance systems can help protect buyers if cameras arrive damaged or in any condition other than what was advertised.

Homeowners who do not wish to tackle an outdoor security home surveillance systems DIY installation can leave everything up to professionals. Brinks, ADT and other reputable installers will usually provide a free assessment.

Completing the assessment helps define the cameras and equipment needed to offer the best protection at the lowest necessary price. If changes are planned to the outdoor area to be secured with cameras, consider installing a system that can be upgraded or changed as necessary.

Outdoor security cameras home surveillance systems give homeowners a means of affordably protecting and monitoring property.

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Discover The Pleasures Of An Outdoor Summer Camp

November 19, 2021   Matt

Discover The Pleasures Of An Outdoor Summer Camp

For many people, camping outdoors is an experience lacking much to be desired. We are used to having luxuries such as indoor plumbing, electricity and a comfortable bed. Also, many people just try to “wing it” when it comes to going on a camping trip. They have no agenda, no plans for what to do, and no knowledge of the outdoors. When it comes to the children, they are just as lost as the adults, having never been taught how to survive in the great outdoors.

Yet, for those looking for an outdoor experience with planned activities and people who have knowledge of the outdoors, look no farther than one of many types of the outdoor summer camp in operation across the country. These camps have a great deal to offer those who choose to come and visit.

What Does the Outdoor Summer Camp Have to Offer?

At first an outdoor summer camps may look and conduct themselves differently from camp to camp. Every camp is directed differently and may have a different focus for its campers. Yet, across the board, outdoor camps generally offer their visitors a variety of experiences including boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Often, when children participate in an outdoor summer camp they remember the experience for a lifetime.

They may learn how to row a boat the proper way, tips on hiking and what to bring along, how to start a fire, emergency tips, and other various skills. They usually have scheduled activities, depending on the size of the facility. Some have cabins and lodges to offer their guests, and others provide tents. There is an outdoor summer camp suitable to the needs of most people.

The length of stay may vary from a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on the camp. Most offer overnight accommodation, yet some camps are called “day camps” meaning the participants go home in the evening to sleep. These camps are usually for young children who are not yet staying away from home alone. Chaperones at a camp may be staff or possibly volunteers. Both young and old are hired at camps to do a variety of jobs, such as camp counselor, activities coordinator, and director.

Add the Outdoor Summer Camp to Your Destination List

Attending an outdoor summer camp can bring the rest and relaxation that a busy soul needs. Just “getting away from it all” for a week or two may give a person the rejuvenation they need to carry on with their busy schedules. Children can experience new and exciting friendships with others, as well as glean new life skills along the way. All around, the outdoor summer camp is an experience to be had by all.

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Outdoor Camping Vacation– Load The Fundamentals As Well As Absolutely nothing Much More

February 02, 2021   Matt

Outdoor Camping Vacation– Pack The Fundamentals And Nothing Much More

An outside vacation of outdoor camping in the outdoors makes sure to be a wonderful reprieve from the hustle and also bustle of city life. While lots of camping sites don’t require hiking a lot better than your vehicle, they do not offer you with privacy as well as journey of treking to more remote campgrounds. The disadvantage of hiking to remote outdoor camping locations is that you need to bring your items and camping equipment on your back. Here are some tips to downsizing your lots however still ensuring you have the basics.

To begin with, do some study and also see if your camping area will have running water and showers. The more remote ones seldom do. Even if there is water it may not be appropriate for drinking as well as cleansing cuts and also scrapes. If needed, bring enough mineral water for your hike or think about purification tablet computers.

Examine the climate and also weather condition report prior to you leave as well as pack as necessary. Also if the weather forecast doesn’t anticipate it, be prepared for rainfall with a minimum of a light coat or rain immune coat.

Bring an ideal resting bag for the environment as well as conditions of your outdoor camping location. If it’s a warm weather condition destination after that a lightweight resting bag can be inexpensive and also simple to find. If you’ll be camping in a cool climate after that it’s a good idea to invest in a lightweight yet well insulated and water resistant resting bag.

A lightweight outdoor tents made of resilient product is necessary for outdoor camping. While it’s wonderful to have a significant tent it’s not essential as well as less is extra. In remote campsites you can transform your clothing as well as keep your personal belongings outside your camping tent. You may also take into consideration acquiring a camping tent that is self-assembly and also calls for extremely little effort and time to establish as well as remove.

A well-stocked emergency treatment set is additionally a should for camping. Ensure you have actually different sized plasters and disinfecting spray or ointment. Likewise lug some antihistamines and pain soothing medication. Have some small scissors or a Swiss Army blade as well as some tweezers which can be found in handy when clothing injuries and doing a wide variety of jobs.

Your totally loaded knapsack will weigh no much less that 20 pounds as well as must evaluate no greater than 40 extra pounds. That may not seem like a great deal yet if you have hours of trekking to do then it makes sure to feel like twice after a hr or more.

Taking a camping vacation in extra remote locations can be the adventure as well as privacy you’re looking for but it will certainly call for hiking with your equipment. Pack sensibly and also just bring the essentials.

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Outdoor Employees – Protecting Yourself from Sunlight Damage on the Work

June 08, 2019   Matt

Outdoor Employees – Shielding Yourself from Sun Damage on duty

As the days are expanding longer and overtime on exterior job sites boost, there is no subject a lot more pertinent than sun safety and security. If you are subjected, or have workers that are revealed it is essential that you are educated regarding the influence the sunlight can have on you and also the manner ins which the various approaches of defense, such as sunscreen items, can make a difference.

As the majority of people recognize, past the warmth of the sunlight as well as having to deal with keeping one’s cool in an outside job scenario, there is additional impact that the rays are carrying your body. In the simplest of terms, regular direct exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays triggers sunlight damages. UV is an unseen kind of radiation discharged by the sunlight. There are 2 kinds of UV rays to be conscious of, UVA and UVB. Although not completely understood at this time the function each play particularly in long-term sunlight damage, it is believed that UVA rays pass through deep into the skin as well as are the significant resource of early aging and skin cancer cells and that UVB rays primarily access the surface of the skin and are the crucial resource of sunburns. We are revealed to these rays day-to-day, despite whether there is cloud coverage or otherwise. Some rays will also reach us via home windows. That is why sunscreen products are suggested for usage on a day-to-day basis year-round and are merely a need for those who function outside.

It is fairly easy for outside workers, especially in the building field, to overlook any sort of sunlight defense, let alone seeking an aggressive sun-safety technique since their lives essentially go to danger every day from drops, electric as well as various other industry details hazards which need their more prompt interest. Often not desiring to be bothered by having to apply sun block as a result of the moment it takes or because they think it to be the non-absorbent kinds of yesteryear, they are not aware that there are now fast soaking up sunscreen sprays and also sunscreen towelettes that make application complete in just minutes– even in locations like behind the ears, the backs of hands, the neck as well as other areas not being safeguarded by ideal clothing or sun safety devices such as sunlight flaps attached to hardhats.

Basic guidelines of sun block use to adhere to are to ensure to utilize a vast range sunscreen item that protects from UVA and UVB rays. It ought to be SPF 15 or greater. Apply 30-60 minutes prior to sunlight exposure, make sure all revealed areas are covered, and also reapply approximately every 2 hours. Where in all possible, job in the color or throughout the non-peak hrs of direct exposure from 10am– 4pm.

Although even sunscreen items will not totally obstruct all of the sunlight’s harmful rays, by utilizing it frequently in mix with sun protective garments, exterior employees must have the ability to minimize their threat of sun damage. Many companies are currently supplying a variety of sunscreen products in solitary application packets or mass sun block in wall surface dispensers in order to encourage employees to protect themselves in all ways possible. Education and learning as well as recognition of the potential long term threat, past just the hazard of awkward sunburn today is likewise typically all that is required to motivate these safety procedures.

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Outdoor Cooking Area Ideas

February 18, 2019   Matt

Outside Cooking Area Suggestions

Exterior kitchen areas are becoming popular nowadays making family members bbqs simpler than ever before! Food preparation on the grill is an excellent method to entertain business or just feed the family members without warming up the kitchen or mistaking for that fact. Running back as well as forth from the kitchen area to the outdoor patio gets old. These days barbecuing is easier and also extra enjoyable by creating an exterior kitchen area. Also the most basic of sets up can make outside cooking a lot more efficient. The fanciest ones indicate you will not have to go back inside until all your visitors leave because every little thing is right at your fingertips! Charcoal was excellent initially but the barbecue grill took control of due to its comfort. Today’s most sophisticated grills have side burners, storage room and also workspace developed right in. Whatever is integrated to your outdoors patio and also amusing is no longer a job to prepare.

Setting up an outside kitchen area may be simply things for you if you have regular picnics and also everyone is intrigued with your barbecue abilities. Possibly you grill in big amounts and require more of a much easier way to do this. An outside cooking area also could be just for you if you have an extra patio area or deck. If you’re wanting to pass the hamburgers and canines as well as try out some wise dishes an outside kitchen may be perfect for you. Additionally if you’re tired of the shocking electrical expenses as a result of your home heating up the kitchen area as well as your air conditioning system working overtime. If any of these ideas reverberate with you, it’s possibly time to do some outdoor cooking area purchasing.

An outdoor cooking area can be as little or fancy as you desire with the grill being the focal point. One of the most usual grills featured wheels that you can take with you when you move and come in a variety of dimensions, functions as well as cost. These are also fun to take to the beach also. If you are planning to integrate the kitchen as a permanent component of your home, pick a constructed in grill that will drop right into a space on a closet with counter tops that is built on website. This is similar to your cooking area inside. Some of the accessories you will require are: baskets for barbecuing fish, vegetables or hush puppies, a frying pan, tongs as well as a trustworthy meat thermometer. Side burners are consisted of in many grills today but an outdoor camping range can finish the job. Make sure your job area is disinfected for food preparation. There are a range of lights for your outdoor cooking area but direct light is best for the work location.

Clip ons are readily available to clip straight onto your grill so you can get your meat excellent in the facility! An additional consideration is a patio area heating unit or fire pit if you are going to make use of the area all year in cool environments. Insects can destroy the most elegant as well as well-planned parties so never fail to remember to have repellents for your area. If bugs were not nearly enough, smoke in your visitor eyes is not comfortable so don’t neglect the exhaust hood. Various other vital points to keep in mind are having enough electric outlets, a fridge, sink and warming up drawers to keep food heated till time to serve. An ice machine is also practical (no ugly, large coolers) and certainly the wine storage space. Do not forget the curl!

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