The Hidden Health Benefits of Winter Outside
As temperatures dance around the bottom of our thermometers this winter, you may want nothing more than to crawl inside under a blanket and forget about going outdoors. You may want to wait until the crocuses pop up once more in springtime before venturing out. No one can blame you for this, but try to think things over again. Enjoying the great outdoors, even in your back yard, offer opportunities to enjoy a healthier winter this year. First, consider air quality. We spoke with Dr. Jennifer DenBlyker of Fluid Chiropractic who said that breathing in outdoor air is better for[...]
Keep your ideas organized
There's no doubt that when you're in the process of planning your new outdoor living space that you'll be doing quite a bit of research. It may involve perusing the Internet or making a Saturday afternoon outing to a variety of home and garden material stores. Here are some handy apps and web sites we think will help you capture and organize your ideas: 1. Pinterest. Are you pinning? This web site is the modern day equivalent of clipping all those dreamy photos out of home & garden magazines. Organize your boards by features, styles, concepts or anything else you[...]
2014 Out Your Back Door New Year’s Resolutions
Yes, it's that time of year again to sit down and take stock. Time to think about what's going well in our lives and where we can make improvements. In short, it's time for making our New Year's resolutions. And because DeckTec is focused on making outdoor living a grand experience, we thought we'd put together 14 resolutions to make 2014 the best year yet. Here's what we envision: Get outside more – According to a 2013 article in the Huffington Post, just 20 minutes outside can revitalize your outlook and your energy. Take care of what's yours –[...]
Shooting Photos this Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, everyone likes to run for their cameras. Grandma's hugs need to be captured along with the little ones' joy over gifts and holiday lights. The outdoor sights glisten with snow, and promises of winter adventure. Why not make this year's photos, both indoor and out, look better than ever before? We recently spoke with Lakewood photographer Ben D'Andrea to see how he comes up with his best shots. "Good photography always boils down to composition and light," said Ben. "This lesson is easy to understand, but is an ongoing process of learning the entire time[...]
Cold Weather Getting To You? Try A Fire Pit!
As the thermostat continues to drop over the winter season, it may seem difficult to imagine a great Outdoor Living Experience for you and your family. Yes, you can head to the mountains for a day of skiing or snowshoeing, but what happens when you get home again? Where's the après ski experience? Why not continue your fun with a family gathering around your own fire pit in the back yard? According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are among the most popular outdoor additions with a 97% rating in popularity for 2013. [...]
