bltd

Here’s hoping you’ll make the most of the holiday weekend, and fingers crossed that the weather participates with any out-of-doors plans. If you’re fond of grilling in the open air, be sure to check out the Mon Oncle Barbecue by RS Barcelona, shown above and below. It’s portable (note the briefcase carrying handle) and provides a large surface for all your foodstuffs. Might be a good choice for future patio/picnic/beach excursions. We’ll return with normal posts next Tuesday.

(more…)

Remember this guy? It’s your best choice for a fire pit, in my humble opinion. For example, there’s this other Geometric Fire Pit ($998), which has a very similar shape, but it doesn’t have an optional wood top for coffee table use ($160-$222) or a grill top ($175-289) to make food part of the party. Those two additions make sense of the slight price difference, don’t you think? Choose between the Small or Large Geometric Fire Pit.
(more…)

If you’re planning on digging in the dirt to plant new flowers and such, you’d better have the right tools to minimize any aching backs. Longer handles will help with that, just like you see with this set available from Kaufmann Mercantile. Fabricated from airplane-quality steel for strength, each tool is handmade one at a time in the same factory since 1964 in New Jersey.
(more…)

Yes, the large tag on this Fatboy Picnic Lounge is a little obnoxious, but it’s also a little pouch for your keys, phone, etc. so you don’t lose them at the beach or park (or backyard?). Maybe we’ll just tuck it under the lounge rug so it doesn’t distract us and/or others from all the fun we’ll be having. Four giant pins, a hole in the middle for a sunshade, and an included brush make this Picnic Lounge perfect for a sunny day outdoors. And, when the day is done, roll it up and carry it home with its specially designed strap.
(more…)

Ouch. It physically pains me to see blatant rip-offs*. On the left, you have Modfire’s Urbanfire; on the right, Target’s recent Threshold™ Chiminea. Notice that trademark symbol? Not cool. For more information, visit Modfire’s facebook page.
(more…)

Just where is Perseus? What about Ursa Minor? Stop asking and start finding out by carrying this Crumpled Sky Map around on your various outdoor endeavors. Whether you use it in your backyard or on a backpacking trip, it won’t wear out, as it’s printed on the paper-like (and waterproof) material Tyvek®. It’s a good size- 35″ x 35″- and printed with glow-in-the-dark ink so you can see all the constellations properly.
(more…)

If you like the birds in your backyard/neighborhood, you’ll want to consider giving them a proper feeder that doesn’t offend your oh-so-picky-aesthetic. This feeder could be a contender: it’s handmade from solid 16 ounce, unfinished copper by a Swiss-trained metal craftsman and features a sculptural, twisting top that protects birds and seeds. Meant for smaller sized birds like chickadees and sparrows, it can hold all manner of feed so you can customize your own mix. If you prefer something less curvy in terms of design, take a look at the Flythrough Copper Bird Feeder for $79.

(more…)

Talk about a truly portable little grill, this one designed by Klaus Aalto measures 7.1″ x 7.1″ with a height of 8.7″. I don’t know about you, but that might just be the smallest (decent) grill I’ve ever seen. If you’re still planning on picnicking in the park this summer, it’d be worth the money.
(more…)

Come on, North America retailers, get on board and add this swing to your stock. Lillagunga’s swing is an updated version of the classic wooden swing, and with a patented mechanism for attaching the ropes and adjusting the height of the seat, it can grow and change with whoever the passenger might be. Seven different rope colors to choose from.
(more…)

With all your planned or unplanned activities this summer, you might want to have this little guy handy. Its compact size makes it perfect for grilling on terraces or tailgating (or camping, or on the beach). Big enough to grill whole fish yet small enough to easily carry around, it’s the ideal tool for cooking up your summer meals.
(more…)

Last week I saw a picture of this outdoor shower and immediately thought ‘how-much-from-where’ because it’d be perfect for the lake house getaway that we are currently planning (we have land but no house yet). So, I tippity-typed out a message to inquire after the price and shipping, as the company is located in Belgium. Are you curious as well? Info below.
(more…)

Hmm, what’s the price of this very affordable fire pit? $300?! Compared to the Loll Fire Ring or, my personal favorite, the Geometric Firepit, that’s a sight for a sore wallet. It has somewhat petite dimensions, but the space below keeps extra logs handy and dry- two important bonus points when it’s chilly out and you want to stay close to the nice, warm fire.
(more…)

Hmm, who makes this grill? My first thought was it was something from a Teletubbies set, then I quickly adjusted myself into appreciation for its bulbous form. It’s from IKEA, if the diaeresis didn’t tip you off. You can assemble this grill at two heights- standing or as a table grill- and the body is made of porcelain-enamelled steel with two vents to regulate air flow. They’re not selling this online (yet?), so you’ll have to brave the crowds at the closest store to get your hands on one, after you call to confirm they have it, of course.
(more…)

Happy Labor Day! What are you doing on the computer?! Get outside and enjoy these last moments of summer. Posts will return as usual tomorrow.

Shown above: EcoQue’s Portable Grill

EcoQue’s Portable Grill is an energy efficient, collapsible grill. It consumes 75% less fuel than other similar-sized grill thanks to its specific placement of charcoal briquettes. When you’re done, it folds up to just about an inch thick. See more info at A+R Store.

(more…)

As summer begins to change into fall, a fire pit for warming chilly hands and feet could be in the cards. AK47 has quite a few snazzy options, but they are all towards the higher end of the price spectrum (be prepared to spend around $1500+). One that especially stands out is the Discolo Fire Pit, which has a diameter of almost 4 feet. The base (sold separately) isn’t necessary, but be sure to set up a safe surround of gravel, stone, or sand before making a fire. Better to be safe than sorry, right? There’s also a grill accessory and bag (each $766) sold separately.

(more…)