Style Spotlight: Backyard Boost

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. 
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A barbecue is a classic upgrade, but what if you’re really looking to make your backyard the place to be this summer? How about cooking personal pizzas in about a minute in a half for all of your friends? It’s always been a dream of mine to have a wood-fired pizza oven in my backyard, and honestly, I never thought it would be possible, but that’s all changed with The Roccbox.

This compact stone oven is light enough to carry, and can reach temperatures above 900 degrees. It features both a wood burner and a gas burner for maximum flexibility, and can cook virtually anything. It’s easy to transport, and is crafted with compact spaces in mind. Cooking with wood imparts incredible smokiness and flavor into whatever you’re cooking, and it’s something that you have to taste in order to truly appreciate. Pizzas, meats of any kind, and veggies will taste of restaurant quality, better than anything you thought you’d ever make at home. 

The last item on my list of upgrades for my backyard is a place to kick my feet up and rest peacefully after I’ve fed my friends, and have delegated the job of cleaning the dishes. I’ve been eyeing this roomy hammock for that. It’s hand-woven for incredible character and comfort, and is large enough to fit up to three people. If you’re fortunate to have any shade in your backyard, that’s the best place to put this, as there’s nothing better than cuddling up on a hammock and dosing off. If you don’t have any shade, just be sure to wear sunscreen before getting in the hammock, because even if you’re not planning on falling asleep, you might wake up much tanner. 

​Is it June yet?