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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.

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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.

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Have you noticed that summer is almost over? If you don’t already own a picnic blanket, consider this one from fruitsuper design. It’s made from a double-sided, water-repellent fabric and has a shoulder strap with snaps to make rolling it up and carrying it around a breeze. There’s also the added bonus of wind-resistant corners (a small but nice detail). Might be a great choice for a backyard get together, park picnic, play dates, beach outing, etc.

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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.
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Summer sales are happening now, and this little grill is currently priced at $79.95 (reg $124) at the MoMA Store. It’s a grill AND a planter, which is nothing short of fantastic for small porches and patios. Just how smart is it to hide a grill (when not in use) under the guise of a real planter? Pretty smart, I’d say, and especially handy should you choose to plant herbs and such in said planter.
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Everyone can afford to provide shelter for the birds at this price. This birdhouse ships flat, and after a few simple steps you’ll have a pop up (weather-resistant) cardboard birdhouse fit for your feathered friends. Could be fun to decorate as well, if you prefer. Measures 10″ tall; wood dowel for perch included.
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If a messy hose situation is ruining the appeal of your outdoor area, you’d best get things sorted with an appropriate storage solution. There’s many storage options around for much less than this one, but most are slightly depressing in that they’re made of plastic or have unnecessary/disappointing decorative accents. Ten10 Design’s Hose Jockey, on the other hand, keeps hoses tidy without offending your design sensibilities, and is made of industrial-grade, powder-coated steel.
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Nice. DWR has picked up the Firepit by John Paul Plauché of Plodes Studio. It’s one outdoor accessory I’ve long admired, and if I had the space (and money) I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Handcrafted of durable carbon steel, this Firepit also has two tops to enhance its function: a wood top for coffee table use ($160) and a grill top ($175) to make food a part of the party.

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Have you sorted out your outdoor lighting situation yet? If not, do consider this hurricane lamp from Eva Solo. Two small but important details: it has a silicone base to make removing any wax easy (simply bend the base) and a hole at the bottom to let in air to reduce sooting. Use the handle to suspend from trees or do without for a simpler look on tables and floors.
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Do you know just how many croquet sets are available online? Hundreds, to say the least. I’ve no idea which set is the best to steer you towards, but I do like the look of the ones from The North Meadow. The Rockport 4 Player Set is $124, while the Scottsdale 6 Player Croquet Set is $185. Not inexpensive, but if you’re looking something that will last, they’ll most likely be better than the cheaper options.

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Snazzy, isn’t it? While the price is significantly higher than a charcoal grill you’ll find at your local store (say, a Weber Kettle Grill for $99), it does look significantly nicer… though, I suppose it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth 460 bucks more. Yes? No?
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This little ceramic birdhouse is on sale- $96.00 down from $120.00. And, if you are concerned about its credentials, don’t worry: it’s made from clay fired in a kiln that’s powered by renewable energy, glazed with an earth-friendly lead-free glaze, has a reclaimed cedar wood roof, and hangs from a suede cord. Satisfied? Also, wouldn’t this be a nice Mother’s Day gift?
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If you have a tree where a swing would work and 150 bucks lying around*, what are you waiting for? The weather is nice and ripe for appreciation, and a tree swing is just the thing to entice you and your friends/family oudoors. This handcrafted swing by Dzierlenga F+U is made from local cedar in upstate NY and can be personalized with a message, name, or initals. Talk about a great housewarming gift, eh? There’s also the Carved Oak Rope Swing ($188) which has a nice curve to it.
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On this first day of spring, perhaps you will consider an outdoor thermometer. Sure, some/most of us rely on our smart phones to tell us the weather, but there’s something exceptionally nice about just looking out the window and knowing what to expect when we step outside. Available in a wall-mounted window thermometer ($43.79) as well as standing thermometer with stake ($81.39).

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The world of above ground rainwater storage needs help. No matter how practical they are, most designs are eyesores and run the risk of upsetting your neighbors. However important that may or may not be, it’s worth noting that there’s definitely room for improvement. This tank is perhaps not the prettiest (nor the least expensive), but it is a heck of a lot better to look at than most, and it has a weird faux-topiary shape that might just camouflage itself in the right surroundings. Also not horribly offensive to the eyes are the Rainwater HOG ($325), Exaco ECO 67 Wooden Rain Barrel ($239), Algreen 50 gal. Castilla Rain Barrel ($129), and the Graf Sunda Rattan Wall Tank ($350).

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