SIZZLING SUMMER MOMENTS

In our industry it is not about perfection, it’s about capturing the essence of a scene.  The same idea should apply to our everyday lives.  Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to duplicate the perceived excellence you see on screen, in magazines or in pictures.  (I assure you just out of your line of sight are lots of big belly grumpy guys, a testy director and we Trash Lassies eating up craft services!)  So this summer, go for funky instead of flawless.  Don’t just tolerate but relish the chaos of kids being home from school, air conditioners breaking down and the super low cost of gas, (as compared to 4 years from now).  And to capture the essence of your summer, here are a few low cost solutions to creating enchanting surroundings and warm memories to last through winter’s first chill.

 

 

mix not match and save

Beach towels that all match is SOOO over!  Grab the new stylized eclectic look of summer and save money at the same time.   Simply choose your principal color base; blue or turquoise, red or orange and stick with patterns that play off your chosen hues.  Keep your eye out for deep discounts at every store you shop.  Look for the last of the batch in your chosen color scheme, and you can stock up for a song on fresh, cozy comfort to brighten those long summer days and shelter wet kids from the cool evening breeze.

mix, not match and save

 

 

tl tip

Save up to 60 % by waiting until the end of summer sales, to re-plant your garden or re-vamp the yard.  Tolerate what you have in the ground just a little longer, make due with the old patio furniture until late August, and you will grab over TWICE as much outside gear for your coin.

tl tip

 

funky, fun and affordable

Everyone has Adirondack envy, but to purchase a deck full of authentic wooden custom comfort can run into thousands of dollars.  Capture that classic style with high quality plastic seating.  They come in gorgeous colors, are weather resistant, extremely comfortable, and made from recycled materials!  Available at select home and garden centers, and AdirondackChairs.com and OutdoorLivingShowroom.comFUNKY, FUN AND AFFORDABLE

 

 

 

 

TL TIP…

A big money grabber during these hot summer months is air conditioning!  Cut electric costs DRAMATICALLY by setting the thermostat at 80, and using fans to circulate the air.  Check your local weather report each week, and only use the oven on the coolest days.  Make two or three main dishes on the coolest days then simply re-heat in the microwave, stick with cold dinners, or use that barbecue!  A little forethought can add up to big savings!

TL TIP…

 

 

TIKI MAGIC

Tiki torches are inexpensive and very versatile!  Remove the lighter fluid canister from the top of the torch and insert a plastic party cup, (12-16 ounce depending on the size of your torch).  Once the cup is inserted, you have a perfect vessel to use as a holder or vase.  Add foam to build a beautiful floral firework, as buffet service to present utensils and napkins, or secure a platter on top with double
stick tape to serve appetizers!

TIKI MAGIC

 

have a ball

Lanterns quickly transform special occasions into summertime fantasy.  Drape from trees, suspend from the ceiling in your home, and hang throughout the back yard to enhance summer gatherings.  This is one fast track to instantly elevate any event, big or small.  They come in an array of colors, various shapes and sizes, and turn every party into a magical setting.  Available at local party stores, and on-line and the best thing about them…they fold flat for minimum storage!

have a ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

TL TIP…Buy inexpensive non-illuminating lanterns; use Christmas lights to make them shine.  For larger light strings (C-7 & C-9) insert one light into globe and secure lantern around the top of the socket.  With smaller twinkle lights gather 3-4 individual bulbs from the string, fasten together with thin coated wire and insert into the top of the lantern.  Use the light string as your source to drape lanterns from point to point.  Black out lights in between with electrical tape, or simply let them shine!

TL Tip

summer