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That summer sun is so damn hot sometimes, isn’t it? How to get some relief without denying yourself the freedom of the outdoors? Get a Lean-To, like this one from Scout Regalia and Reunion Goods & Services. It’s a simple shade structure, with front and side panels that open up to let the breeze in. It’s easy to assemble and easy to knock down, and it also comes with a travel bag to make things easy. Set it up at the beach or in your own backyard to beat the heat.
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Does anyone else feel like they need an outdoor shower? It’s sort of a no-brainer if you’ve got a pool or lakeside retreat, or if you just love to bathe al fresco. But what do you do when there’s not existing plumbing to support a regular shower? You get an outdoor shower that hooks up to your garden hose, that’s what.
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Did you have a nice Memorial Day Weekend? Now that summer is unofficially here, perhaps we should discuss hammocks. Yea or nay? I believe the correct answer is ‘yea’- though if you voted ‘nay’ it’s probably due to the fact that most hammocks aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing things. However, Yellow Leaf Hammocks have several that look entirely decent, and you’ll probably even grow to love the stripes (colorful or neutral) after spending a lazy afternoon reclining in one. And, by the way, relax a little- it’s summer.
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If you’re going to have a chimney, it might as well be a geometric, prism-like one. Raw, hand-welded steel will develop a patina (that’s a nice word for rust, by the way) over time and the chimney is removable for cleaning.
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This probably isn’t the ideal time to introduce you to the Hex Tree Swing, as we’re firmly in the autumnal season, but, hey, why not make the most out of these last lovely days before winter hits? Or, be a bit braver and hang it indoors, I dare you. The hexagonally-shaped seat is made of sustainably-sourced Black Locust wood and hangs from 25 feet of 3/4″ natural manila rope. Both ends are whipped to prevent the rope from unraveling.
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You know what’s fun? An indoor swing. There’s something about this Highflyer Swing that looks more at home indoors than out, but, hey, if you want to put it in your front or back yard, go for it. And, if you’re seeing the lines of a vintage aeroplane/airplane, you’re spot on, as that was the inspiration. The title tipped you off, didn’t it?
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Fair warning, this fire pit isn’t cheap. However, for certain fans of geometry and aesthetics, it could fit the bill just fine. Made of a durable composite concrete, the Triangulum Fire Pit elevates the fire off the ground 10″, giving much needed oxygen to the fire without disrupting a conversational area. The vertical slots also allow water drainage, making this fire pit an elegant option for the cooler nights of the year.
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A modular kayak sounds like a recipe for disaster, but a quick search through some reviews reveals there are some definite pros to the obvious cons. Let’s go through the pros. It’s modular. Change it from one person to two to three to four, all by adding in an extra piece in the middle with its simple and fast SNAP-Tap system. This modularity allows for easier transport and storage, meaning you won’t need a big SUV or a big house. Take the smaller version, for instance: take it apart, put it in the backseat of your and store it under the bed when you get home. It’s also not too terribly expensive.
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Do you see the size of this Reclaimed Wood Tree Swing? Sure, there’s a little kid in the photo, but it’s still pretty sturdy in terms of length, width, and depth. Made from salvaged antique flooring, this swing from Peg and Awl has a vintage look that will fit in any backyard, especially when hung from a large tree branch. Natural tung oil keeps the seat water resistant and a five-loop fisherman’s knot secures the rope.
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Fire and being outdoors go hand in hand, don’t they? There’s lots of options available to house a small fire, but I doubt any of them come close to the efficiency of the Chimney Box by Tom Goodson. Handmade in Texas, each Chimney Box is made out of 1/4 inch, 1/8 inch and 14 gauge steel. A triangular shaped hearth allows for wood to be burned “teepee” style; this design allows for a more efficient combustion as well as better smoke control. What else? It’s easy to clean, it has a natural rust finish for minimal maintenance, and there are wheels for portability. Watch the video below for more.
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A fire bowl with a stainless grill top option is just what these upcoming summer nights need, especially if you like a somewhat portable option (notice the two handles). Whether you plan to grill your lunch or your dinner, or just melt some S’mores when it gets dark, the ~23 inch diameter of the Helios Fire Bowl is a nice size for a small gathering of friends and family. The lower bowl portion elevates flames to dissipate heat while the cone grate provides enough room for an efficient burn.

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You’ll be able to find variations of this Plaza String Light, but just in case you’d rather get lighting for your patio or porch sooner rather than later, this string is a good option. It has the appropriate large-scale look that will add just the right ambience to your outdoor gathering. The total length is 48 feet, with 3 foot spacing between each socket.
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Someone has mentioned to me that we need a new mailbox, and given that my job is to find modern, well-designed things, I feel that I cannot ignore such a plea. So, what you see below are all the items I see as acceptable options. However, I don’t necessarily feel that there’s a clear front runner. Perhaps we should have a vote on some sort of social media outlet? Hmm, stay tuned. If you are also in the market for a mailbox, and know of another (or better) option, please let me know.
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If you’re a camper (or glamper, there’s room enough for all), chances are that you’ll appreciate the Hozuki Lantern by Snow Peak. It has a Candle Mode setting that lets the LED respond to wind or sound with a flicker, just like a real candle but without the fire hazard. At its lowest setting, it will last for 80 hours; at its highest, 8 hours. The Hozuki Lantern is powered by four AA batteries (Alkaline or NiMh/Zrb rechargeable) or may be powered by a USB cord as well.
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Sitting outside on a summer’s night is made all the more enjoyable with a little fire… and s’mores, of course. The Boo Fire Basket will help contain several logs for an outdoor fire, or, flip it over for a perfect spot to hold a lantern. It’s a good option for a non-permanent fire feature and would be easy to move around an outdoor area as needed.

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