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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Water-resistant and Stylish Picnic Rugs for the Beach & Durable, Easy-to-Clean Rugs for Kids' Spaces

Summer days are calling, and there’s no better way to soak up the sun than with a delightful picnic at the beach or a playful afternoon in your backyard. But let’s be honest, no one wants soggy sandwiches or stubborn stains ruining their fun! Enter our stylish yet practical solution: water-resistant picnic rugs that not only elevate your outdoor experience but also keep you dry and chic. 

We partnered with a home product company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Summer days are calling, and there’s no better way to soak up the sun than with a delightful picnic at the beach or a playful afternoon in your backyard. But let’s be honest, no one wants soggy sandwiches or stubborn stains ruining their fun! Enter our stylish yet practical solution: water-resistant picnic rugs that not only elevate your outdoor experience but also keep you dry and chic. 

Plus, for those messy little hands and feet, we’ve rounded up the most durable, easy-to-clean rugs perfect for kids’ spaces. Say goodbye to worry and hello to effortless enjoyment as we explore these must-have essentials that blend fashion with functionality! Ready to make every outing a breeze? Let’s dive in!

Water-Resistant Picnic Rugs for the Beach

Whether you’re lounging on the sand or perched atop a grassy knoll, water-resistant and stylish picnic rugs for the beach are the ideal choice for the day. Not only do they provide a stylish and comfortable spot to soak up the sun, but they also keep you dry and sand-free. Look for rugs made with materials like polyester or polypropylene, which are naturally water-resistant and easy to clean. Bonus points for those with a waterproof backing or a quick-drying feature! When it comes to design, the options are endless. Go for a classic striped pattern for a nautical vibe or opt for a tropical print to match the beachy scenery. For a more minimalist look, choose a solid color with a textured weave. 

Durable, Easy-to-Clean Rugs for Kids’ Spaces

We all know that kids can be messy, and their play spaces are no exception. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for practicality! With the right rug, you can have the best of both worlds. Look for rugs made with materials like nylon or polypropylene as the best option for durable and easy-to-clean rugs for kids' spaces. These rugs can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and even the occasional crayon mishap. Plus, they come in a variety of playful patterns and colors that will add a touch of fun to any kids’ room or play area. 

Top 5 Water-Resistant Picnic Rugs for the Beach:

Beachcomber Striped Picnic Rug: This classic striped rug is made with a water-resistant polyester material and has a waterproof backing, making it perfect for beach days. It also comes with a carrying handle for easy transport.

Pineapple Paradise Picnic Rug: Add a tropical touch to your beach picnic with this water-resistant rug featuring a vibrant pineapple print. It’s also quick-drying and comes with a convenient carrying strap.

Sand-Free Beach Mat: Say goodbye to sandy bottoms with this innovative beach mat that allows sand to pass through but not come back up. It’s also water-resistant and easy to shake off.

Nautical Striped Picnic Blanket: This stylish rug features a 100% cotton top and a water-resistant backing, making it perfect for both the beach and the park. It also comes with a carrying handle.

Sand-Proof Beach Blanket: Made with a durable parachute material, this sand-proof blanket is water-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean. It also comes with stakes to keep it secure on windy days.

Conclusion 

A water-resistant picnic rug is a must-have for any beach outing, providing both comfort and practicality. When it comes to kids’ spaces, a durable, easy-to-clean rug is essential for maintaining a clean and safe play area. With the right rug, you can enjoy worry-free beach days and let your kids play freely without the mess.

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Design Ben Soreff Design Ben Soreff

How to organize an outside bar

Why venture out to a bar when you can have the party right on your doorstep? Following the rise of pandemic home improvements, outside bars are now a hit for those who love to entertain.

Why venture out to a bar when you can have the party right on your doorstep? Following the rise of pandemic home improvements, outside bars are now a hit for those who love to entertain. 

If you’re planning on setting up an outdoor bar, make sure you tick off everything on this list.

Remember that bar care is year-round!

Not feeling brave enough to get your friends outdoors in the winter? We can’t blame you. But you still need to take care of your bar to make sure it gets through the winter, just like you.

Protect from the inevitable rain

First, if your bar is made from wood or organic materials, make sure you apply a waterproof varnish every six months. This will help to protect its strength and shine during damper weather.

Keep everything clean and dry

Next, we need to think about cleaning the bar. If you’re shutting down for winter, start by taking everything movable – think drinks, barware, and accessories – into the house or pack into plastic storage boxes. Next, dust down any furniture such as pillows or umbrellas. Clean off any cobwebs from roofs and covers. Wipe down all sinks, shelves, doors, drawers, and cabinets.

Stop mould

Finally, make sure you give the refrigerator a clean – the last thing you need is to discover mold when you re-open in summer.

Plan for the space you have

If it’s your first time erecting an outdoor bar, you need to be realistic with the space you have. For example, have you considered the height of the bar itself? This may affect which bar stools you use, or potentially limit your storage options.

Pay careful attention to the back bar. Often, people tend to overestimate the size and cram it full of spirits and other bottles. This will look cluttered and unwelcoming for your guests! Never position one bottle behind another as this creates a smash hazard. Rotate your items seasonally – for example, fruitier liqueurs in the summer.

Design around your guests

While you might want your bar to look great, you also need to remember its functionality. You can do both by positioning your props and tools appropriately.

Glasses

Start with glassware. Think about the drinks you’ll be making and put all popular choices within easy reach – if you’re planning to serve a lot of martinis, for example, make sure they’re easy to grab.

Ice on hand

What’s the next thing bartenders go for after serving a drink? Ice. Have the ice bucket positioned near your glasses, as well as garnish if required. (You can also add some garnish to the back bar wall – but this is for decorative purposes only.)

Stock up

Have a speed rail to keep all your drinks stocked up. This applies to mixers, too – have these ready in a chiller in the back bar. 

Prepare for spills

Once that’s all set up, make sure you have plenty of napkins or bar towels in the serving area. No matter how careful you (or your guests) are, spills are part of the fun.

Make a bar shopping list

You should make your bar shopping list once you’ve decided how much space you’ll have, as well as budgets and the overall functions of your bar. Consider the aesthetic – do you want solid wood bar stools or something more contemporary?

Remember all the accessories that you might not first have considered. This could be anything from a small knife to chop lemons, to storage boxes and hosepipe fittings for water sources. (Keep these shut off during the winter.)

A speed rack is a great addition. This should be out of the view of your guests, positioned around your knees. It should be stocked up with extras for the most popular drinks. If you’re feeling really clever, you might even organize the drinks in order of guest preference.

Think about storage

An outdoor bar is susceptible to the elements, as well as mildew and nature’s little visitors. If it’s portable, disassemble your bar and move it to the garage or to a place where you can guarantee there’ll be no moisture. Dry everything down before you pack up to prevent mildew.

You may need to add large plastic covers to your shopping list, depending on where your bar is stored. Make sure you’ve removed any critters taking up residence in the nooks and crannies of your bar. This could be a scary surprise come next summer.

Bottoms up!

With these tips, you can create an outdoor bar that looks the part and survives all weather conditions. Have your guests coming round time and again with perfectly organized and well-stocked bars. Happy hour is on!

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Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

3 Ways To Enjoy Your Outdoor Space This Fall

Just because the weather gets colder doesn’t mean you have to stop being outside. Here are three ways to enjoy your outdoor space this fall season.

3 Ways To Enjoy Your Outdoor Space This Fall

As fall approaches, the weather will start to get cooler and crisp. But that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your time outside. You can have fun being outside all season long with the right tips and tricks. Here are three ways to enjoy your outdoor space this fall.

Incorporate a Heating Element

The first helpful tip for enjoying your outdoor space this fall season is to incorporate a heating element. As summer begins to disappear and the weather grows colder, you’ll want a way to stay warm while you sit in your backyard. There are a number of ways you can make your outdoor area warm and cozy for the fall. For example, you can add a fire pit to your backyard for some warmth, or you can put an outdoor space heater on your deck or porch. These heating elements are especially nice if you plan on having guests over.

Use Outdoor Lighting

Using outdoor lighting is another great way to make use of your outdoor space during the fall. We experience a decrease in daylight hours throughout the fall and winter months. The sun sets a bit earlier each day, and we get less of that beautiful sunlight to illuminate our evenings. With the help of a strategic outdoor lighting design, you can still enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest, even as it gets darker out earlier. If you love having family and friends over to sit out on the porch or patio, you can add some charming string lights to incorporate brightness to your space. There are all kinds of outdoor deck lighting tips to enhance your space, so consider them as fall comes around.

Make the Most of Blankets

The third way to appreciate your outdoor space in the fall is by making the most of blankets. Blankets will be your best friend in the colder months of the year. There’s no reason you have to stop enjoying your backyard just because the temperature drops a few degrees. You can still sit out on the deck and enjoy a meal, drink, or conversation with friends if you wrap up in a cozy blanket. You can lay some blankets out on your outdoor furniture for everyone to use. If you have a fire pit, you can also lay blankets down so that you can sit around the fire and tell stories or roast s’mores.

Now that you have three tips for enjoying your outdoor space in the fall, you can use these ideas at home today. If you incorporate these helpful tips, you will be able to create a cozy backyard getaway for yourself this season.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Eco-Friendly Ways To Take Advantage of Extra Yard Space

These are some eco-friendly ways to take advantage of extra yard space for anyone looking for environmentally friendly options to implement.

Eco-Friendly Ways To Take Advantage of Extra Yard Space

If you feel like your yard is a bit plain or bland, you’re in luck. Making use of open areas in your yard is easy! The challenge comes when you also want to be friendly to your local environment at the same time. These are some eco-friendly ways to take advantage of extra yard space for those up to the task.

Add Some Plant Life

Whether your space lies in a single corner or all around the yard, planting native shrubs and trees invites more wildlife to your yard while naturally decorating it. Creating a border out of plant life is also a great way to add some privacy from your neighbors. Because the plants are local, you won’t have to worry too much about the weather impacting them too much as they’re already acclimated to the local climate.

Create a Miniature Farm

Even if you only have a small space, take advantage of it and create a farm. Hanging gardens are efficient for small areas and only require a strong wooden frame and a few simple items to get started. Vertical farms offer similar benefits. Read up on the basics of starting a vertical farm to ensure it remains stable and fruitful in your yard. Regardless of your final decision, having the ability to raise crops is excellent for those looking to start a new hobby and also enjoy some fresh fruits and vegetables.

Start a Compost Bin

If you’re already an avid gardener, you may know that creating a compost bin is a good way to help an existing farm or garden thrive. Composting works by collecting organic food waste and turning it into highly nutritious sustenance for any plants you are growing. Compost bins also help ensure that as little goes to waste as possible when it comes to the foods you eat. Having this in your backyard is fantastic for growing healthy crops with noticeable payoffs during harvest time.

Collect Rainwater

Water is an essential resource that we must preserve, and you can help by using your space to collect some rainwater. This is great for keeping all sorts of plant life hydrated and healthy. The less you need to rely on the water from your hose, the better. Depending on how large your garden and yard are, you may not be able to collect enough to care for everything, but every little bit helps.

By considering a few of these eco-friendly ways to take advantage of extra yard space, you needn’t worry about the impact your additions may have on the natural area around you. Aside from the challenge of keeping things eco-positive, it is fulfilling to make use of all the space your garden has available. Before you know it, you may start incorporating eco-friendly ideas inside your home!

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