If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, you know it’s the best place to spend your free time in the summer. My backyard has become a great place to make the most of some of my hobbies, and I’m really looking forward to entertaining my friends outside of the house this year. 

Cooking has become one of my favorite things to do recently. I love cooking inside the house, but I’ve been looking to expand my hobby so that I can enjoy it in my backyard. Recently, I put together a small herb garden, which has completely changed the way I use my space. Each herb has its own label, which looks great, and makes life easier when I want to garnish a dish.

​It’s a fun thing to put together by yourself, or with a group, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is, and how much character it brings your space. I know all my friends are going to be impressed by my humble garden. There are tons of directions you can go with your herb garden, but if style is important to you, I love the look of a tiered vertical planter.        

Now that I have an impressive selection of herbs in my backyard, my latest focus has been embracing cooking in the outdoors. While it isn’t necessary, having a reliable source for cooking in the backyard can be a tremendous upgrade. A barbecue of any size is an incredible addition to a backyard, and is great way to make the most of an apartment balcony, if your building allows it. It’s great for searing a couple of steaks for an intimate dinner, or for grilling burgers and hot dogs for a big family cookout.

Recently, I’ve had my eye on The Big Green Egg, which if you’ve never seen before, really lives up to its name. Available in 7 different sizes, it’s incredibly versatile, and sure to fit your precise needs. Not only will it help you achieve great results, its distinct look will become a focal point in your backyard. 
​

By Joe


It’s easy for me to get lost in the seemingly endless world that is online shopping. I partake in this hobby of mine far too often, as I let it change from harmless to harmful to my wallet as soon as I stumble upon something that calls my name.

I try my best to only get really worked up about things that seem worth the investment, both in terms of spending money and spending time waiting for my precious new item to arrive from my part-time best friend, the UPS man. There’s something about this Fontaine Gray High-Back Swivel Office Chair that not only caught my eye, but also had me picturing our long-term relationship together.

As someone who works from home, I spend a lot of time sitting down in front of my computer, and without the right support from a high-back chair, I’m unable to concentrate on my work. Not only does this chair look comfortable, but it also seems like a seat I’d like to retire in after coming home from a busy day. The high back of the chair is an absolute must for me, and I also appreciate the slight curvature of the back, which will provide a completely different experience for me while I’m sitting.

The seat adjustment and swivel features are also imperative. These features allow me to adjust the chair based on my needs in any given situation, making it an ideal place to spend several hours, like I’ll have to do while working.

Not only does this chair have all the makings of a comfortable and supportive place for doing work at home, it’s also going to complement my contemporary décor. I keep my work area at home fairly simple and casual, allowing neutral colors and a minimal style to highlight each individual piece. The warm gray polyester fabric works well with the black base on this desk chair and it’s going to be the perfect addition for my specific space. It’s going to feel like I designed my room based around this chair, when in actuality, the chair is really just going to fit in wonderfully with what I already have. It’s the perfect addition.

While I love online shopping because it allows me to have fun imagining how certain pieces of furniture will look in my home, imagining this sleek gray office chair in my home just makes sense. I don’t have to convince myself that having this chair will benefit me and my space, and it’s always a no-brainer for me to capitalize on anything that can improve my work experience. Remember, online shopping doesn’t always have to be like walking on a tight rope, because you really can find things that are exactly what you need. ​