Hello, Outdoor Fans! It’s Backyard Brian from Bear Creek Outdoor Living. Is it is winter time and we are all inside, I got thinking about why many people don’t hang out in their outdoor spaces. It’s not just cold weather – when summer comes, there are other problems. Let’s talk about the top five reasons people aren’t enjoying their outdoor living spaces.
Not Enough Outdoor Space:
Lots of houses these days forget about having a cool outdoor spot. You step outside, and it’s just a boring lawn or a tiny patio. Good news is, you can do anything with a blank space! Get creative and make your dream outdoor hangout.
Outdoor Spaces Falling Apart:
Weather can mess up outdoor places. Decks get old, structures wear out. Some parts can be fixed, but others might need a fresh start. The cool thing is, starting over means you can make something totally new and awesome.
No Shelter from Weather:
Being outside is fun, but not if it’s too hot or there are too many bugs. You need some kind of cover. Lucky for us, there are cool new products and solutions coming into the market to make our outdoor spots comfy, no matter the weather.
Outdoor Space Doesn’t Suit You:
Everyone likes different things. Maybe your outdoor spot was set up for someone else, and it doesn’t fit your style or your family. By thinking about what you like and need, you can change your outdoor spot into something perfect for you.
Nothing to Do Outside:
If there’s nothing fun outside, why bother? Whether it’s a cozy spot to read, a place to eat and chat, or even games and a pool, having things to do outside makes it way more fun.
Fixing these common issues can make your outdoor spot awesome. Hanging out outside is good for your health and happiness. So, let’s turn those boring lawns into cool hangout spots. Enjoy your time outdoors!
See you next time!
#LiveOutdoors,
BRIAN MININGER
Visionary/Build Designer
Ingredients and Supplies:
Bed of clean snow
2 cups of Maple syrup (makes eight)
Wooden popsicle sticks
Caucepan or a small pot
Food Thermometer
Steps:
Pour your syrup into a small pot and heat until boiling. Once boiling, the syrup will start to bubble. Using a candy thermometer to gauge the temperature, continue to boil the syrup until it reaches the “soft ball” stage (235-240 degrees Fahrenheit).
Remove the pot from the heat and pour your syrup in lines on the snow. BE CAREFUL. The syrup is VERY hot.
Press a craft/popsicle stick into the syrup and then as the syrup is cooling, roll it up around the stick.
Materials
Nature! Leaves, berries, twigs, etc.
Crafts! Twine, yarn, wool, string, ribbon, etc.
Muffin Tin
Water
Freezer
Steps:
Arrange material In the muffin tin
Make sure a string sticks out of the tin
Pour water over material.
Put in the snow and wait for it to freeze
Pop the ice out of the tin and display on trees outside!
Perfect for a chilly winter day!
INGREDIENTS
1 to 2poundsbonelessskinless chicken breasts or thighs (your choice)
2cupsdiced carrots
1cupdiced celery
6cupschicken stock or broth
2tablespoons worstershire sauce
2tablespoonsparsleyor other herbs, like rosemary, thyme, chives, etc.
3cupsuncooked egg noodles
INSTRUCTIONS
Butter or spray your crockpot insert
Place chicken in bottom of crock pot
Toss the veggies in on top and pour the broth over the top
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours, 3 to 4 hours on high
About 30 minutes before serving:
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and allow to cool for a few minutes
Turn the crock to high, toss in the egg noodles & parsley (or any other herbs or spices) and cover & cook
Dice of the chicken into whatever size you want and toss back in the crock
Allow to cook until the noodles are tender
Add salt and pepper as desired and serve
If you are using this recipe as a freezer meal:
Toss everything except the noodles and herbs in a large freezer bag (or two, depending on how many serving you want to make at once)
Place the noodles and herbs in a sandwich or quart sized freezer bag
Place the noodle bag inside the other bag
Label and freeze, use within 2 months following the directions above
Completed in early 2023, our Waynesboro client now enjoys a modern outdoor living space featuring Fiberon Composite Decking, an Aluminum Operable Pergola by Temo, a Screened Porch by Miratec and Hardie, and Belgard’s London Cobble 3pc Pavers. The design includes an Outdoor Kitchen and screened-in area, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere, turning their space into a true home. We hope they’re thoroughly enjoying the modern comforts of their revamped outdoor living space.
