Written by Katie on March 18, 2009. Permalink
What a nice surprise, IKEA is now offering solar-operated lighting.
a few from the collection:
Solar-operated post, $9.99, Buy it here.
Solar cell light chain, 5 uplights, $14.99, Buy it here.
Solar cell lighting chain, 8 globes, $19.99, Buy it here.
Solar-operated lighting (assorted colors), $19.99, Buy it here.
[posted by katie]
More information:
View Solar-operated Lighting at IKEA here
Written by Katie on March 17, 2009. Permalink
I second the opinion that this is a great kit, and simplifies creating a raised garden bed considerably… however, you do have to source your own lumber, so it would be nice if the price was a bit lower.
Kit allows for gardens of variable sizes and lengths.
Included: 4 corner brackets, 2 middle brackets, 40 stainless steel screws, 8 (SR) Garden ID tags,
Grease pencil, Instruction Guide
Update: Scout Regalia has lowered the price. 03/23/09.
$120.00 $85.00 (+ shipping)
Source: Via
Written by Katie on March 16, 2009. Permalink
This birdhouse absorbs sunlight throughout the day so that at night it can be a very visible landing pad for your feathered friends.
Description: Solar Birdhouse, Meranti wood
Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 9 cm / 7.1 x 3.5 x 3.5 inch
Design by: Studio OOOMS
€ 70.00, Buy it here.
or $105.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on March 3, 2009. Permalink
Check out this modular lattice wall: it can be mounted indoors or out and can expand as needed. The only catch is that it hasn’t been manufactured yet (I know, sorry) and will need a minimum amount of people to fund the project in order for it to become reality. So, if you’re interested, take a look at their site.
Borne out of the limitations of traditional wood slat lattice too large for downtown condominiums and apartments, Cellule is snapped together to allow climbing plants to grow in any complex urban space. At 183mm x 183mm (7.20” x 7.20”), it can quickly cover wall surfaces but is small enough to fit most environments and obstacles. Each module has mounting features for cable ties to attach to railings and a generous hole for screwing into wood, drywall, siding, brick, or concrete. Made from UV stabilized polypropylene, Cellule can be used indoors or outdoors and is fully recyclable. -joydevivre.org
sold in sets of 9 modules and caps. Mounting hardware is not included.
$36.15 CAD, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on February 24, 2009. Permalink
This is quite possibly the coolest birdhouse ever.
Inspired by the geodesic dome popularized by architect Buckminster Fuller. Its rounded shape makes an ideal nesting place for wrens, finches, swallows, warblers, and other small birds. An easy access door allows for simple cleaning so you can freshen the house at the start of each season.
Designer: Kelly Lamb
Material: Ceramic
Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches
$95.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on September 1, 2008. Permalink
Hurray for Labor Day. In the spirit of backyard barbecues and picnics, here’s a couple of grills that we haven’t posted before (to see the ones we have, click
here). If neither of these meet your requirements, namely having it today, you can always check out your local Home Depot for some savings on some of the bigger (i.e. more permanent) grills, chances are they’ll have a pretty good sale going on to clear out some of their summer inventory. Or, pick up the disposable Grill-n-Go ($5.99), which can usually be found at your local grocery store. As always, use caution when grilling; here’s some safety tips that will help keep you aware of things to avoid.
Yakitori Charcoal Grill: $48.00,
Buy it here.
Grilling area 100″ sq
11″ W x 8″ H
Chromed Bucket Grill: $40.00,
Buy it here.
Packaging: Gift box
Size: 10.5″ x 10.5″
Tomorrow we’ll return to our normal amount of posts. Enjoy your Labor Day!
Written by kris & katie on August 15, 2008. Permalink
If I had a yard full of grass, I’d totally buy a push reel mower.
The Scott’s classic reel mower is light, maneuverable, and economical. The business end of this push reel mower is solid, sharp, and everything a reel mower should be, with five heat-treated, knife-sharp steel blades that can be adjusted for nine grass heights with very easy wheel tabs. With its 10-inch wheels, radial tires, and 20-inch cutting width, this mower should enable you to cross whatever terrain and reach whatever hard-to-access rogue patches of grass you desire. There’s no soft cushion on the handle, which is too bad, but otherwise, the Scotts Classic is a durable, well-constructed, simple device.
$99.00,
Buy it here.
Purchase Information:
Price: $99.00
Written by Katie on August 11, 2008. Permalink
There’s something about large rectangular containers that has me itching to get some water-loving plants (like the ones pictured on the right).
“Constructed of fiberglass, these lightweight yet sturdy cubes are water tight and easy on the eyes. They’d look good anywhere, inside or out. How you put them to use is only limited by your imagination.”
Colors: Black, chocolate or beige.
Cube, 14 in., $230.00, Buy it here.
Rectangle, 17 in., $401.00, Buy it here.
Rectangle, 40 in. (shown on right), $735.00, Buy it here.
Pillar (shown on left), $498.00,
Buy it here.
(pillar has a recessed area up top for use as a display area. Beige only.)
Written by Katie on August 6, 2008. Permalink
This picture has me wishing for a sunny day (and $250 to burn).
Layered pieces of birch wood.
Available in Green, Light Blue, or Red.
$250.00,
Buy it here.
Written by Katie on July 30, 2008. Permalink
This crazy looking contraption looks like it has plenty of surfaces for you to prepare and grill the heck out of whatever you’d like.
From the UK design firm DirectDesigns, this beautifully designed charcoal grill will last a lifetime. The 4-mm thick fire bowl is finished in ultra high-temperature 1,100-degree paint. The unique, swing-out grill system comprises of two heavy-gauge stainless steel grills that height-adjust for different cooking temps. On the top grill, sit a serving dish, a saucepan or use as a back-up cooking or warming grill. The larger main grill swings out to enable quick fuel top-ups. Underneath the bowl is an integral ash collector and adjustable ventilation system. We also love the eco-friendly bamboo chopping board and built-in hooks for tools. Doubles as a brazier, too, so you can keep the fun going into a cozy night by telling campfire tales around it. Not big enough? The larger diameter 800 Space Grill features a split-level main grill, two chopping boards and two upper grills.
Space Grill 600: 23.5″ diz x 45.5 ht, $395.00,
Buy it here.
Available with nylon weatherproof cover (+$30).
Written by Katie on July 22, 2008. Permalink
A decidedly modern accommodation for your feathered neighbors:
Chances are slim that the birds in your back yard are reading Dwell magazine, but nonetheless they will be dwelling-well in this mini-modern home of their own. The Roost bird house is a perfect place for bringing up a family of chirpers. Sorry, no human sized versions (yet).
-Aluminum construction will not rust, is chew-proof, non heat-conducting
-Anodized colors do not chip
-Easily removable sections for annual cleaning, but locked in place when hanging
-Venting and drainage to stay cool and dry
-1 3/8″ entryway
-13″W x 7 “D x 10″H
$125.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on July 22, 2008. Permalink
I have to admit, even though this is way beyond my budget for outdoor lighting (not to mention just outdoor anything), it is such an elegant solution. You can position the head in three different ways to reflect light along a wall, angled, or down onto a path.
Simple and architectural, the System 45 Lighting Collection (2007) offers three different fabrications in three sizes and an adjustable head that can be directed three different ways. Position the System 45 to send light horizontally, at an angle or down toward the ground, and the head’s direction can be changed even after installation. The included 24W fluorescent bulb provides long-lasting bright, but diffused light for a walkway, patio or poolside. The teak veneer can be treated with the included teak oil to maintain its original luster or, if left untreated, will patina to a silvery color over time. Professional installation is recommended for this hardwired light. Made in Italy.
$1,076.00 – $1,864.00, Buy it here.
Written by Katie on June 30, 2008. Permalink
These planters would certainly set you back a fair amount, but their substantial sizes and über modern design is surprisingly hard to find among most outdoor décor suppliers.
Made entirely of fiberglass, these planters are not only extremely light weight but will also withstand the elements and resist dents better than any other material on the market. Also, since fiberglass is non-porous, the bowls are completely waterproof, making them a perfect choice for indoor and outdoor applications.
Minimalist Bowl: 30″ x 24″H, $1,395.00, Buy it here.
Ideas: Use a minimalist bowl as a bold stand alone accent piece, purchase a pair to frame a dramatic entryway, or use as a recurring element to unify your habitat.
Shallow Bowl: 48″ x 14″ H, $1,695.00, Buy it here.
Ideas: Fill a shallow bowl with eye-catching succulents or create a self contained water garden by filling with river rock, aquatic plants, and goldfish or koi.
Written by kris & katie on June 12, 2008. Permalink
Here’s a nice habitat for your neighborhood birds. As you know, their habitats are disappearing, and it’s nice if you can provide a place for them to nest.
Made from all-natural clay, the Terracotta Bird House (2003) is an attractive, but not ostentatious, home for garden birds. Designers Gavin Christman and Kate Knapp created the Bird House as a response to the disappearing habitats of small North American birds. Its understated spherical design and small entry hole make it impervious to the advances of squirrels and other predators, and it’s sized to offer a safe nesting spot for blue tits, coal tits and marsh tits. The Bird House comes in recyclable packaging and includes a steel wire for hanging and a plastic protector to prevent tree damage.
Free shipping until June 21st!
Purchase Information:
No longer available.
Written by Katie on June 6, 2008. Permalink
Seeing that Father’s Day is next weekend, this might be an excellent option for showing your appreciation.
A Picnic Trunk that raises the bar (or table) when it comes to outdoor dining. With a well-planned interior that keeps everything organized, and an extendable table on which to serve your feast, this Trunk will have you on your way to an adventure in no time. It’s made from durable canvas and comes with a hefty polyester carrying strap for easy transport. The trunk comes with two wine glasses, two melamine plates, cutlery, a corkscrew, two cotton napkins and salt and pepper shakers.
[posted by katie]