Summerhouses: Girlie Haven vs Man Den
25 September 2013 - Joanna HazeltonYes, I know. This is going to go down the stereotype route. But the trouble is my husband and I are unfortunately at odds over how we are going to do up our new summer house.
Are we to go with my idea of a girlie haven or his idea of a man den?
Now, of course, it is a given that my idea will take fruition but I have got to humour him for the time being.
For all us ladies, can you think of anything more heavenly than shutting the door behind you in your summerhouse hideaway, taking refuge in sumptuous surroundings and completely switching off from reality? It doesn’t have to take much.
Use Your Garden All Year With a Log Cabin
20 September 2013 - Joanna HazeltonKaraoke machine, poker table, bar, sofas, soft lighting….
I’m not describing my night out with the girls last Saturday. No. All of this can be found at the bottom of my next door neighbour’s garden. Yes, he has had a log cabin built and the local hot spot is now by the back gate at number 12.
Midlife crisis does spring to mind (I’m anticipating a smoke machine and pole dancers next) but as long as I get an invite I’m not complaining – although perhaps the neighbours will once they’ve heard my rendition of Mama Mia…
Alfresco Dining Caveman Style
10 August 2013 - Joanna HazeltonWe invested in our first firepit barbecue at the beginning of the summer and I can safely say the inner caveman has definitely come to the surface in my husband over the last couple of months.
Not the throwing me over his shoulder or preference for walking around naked – that’s always been a given.
No, he’s resorted to the stereotype hunter gatherer and chief cooker of meat (well, soya actually – he’s a vegetarian caveman so slightly against type).
Backyard Living – A Guide to Throwing the Best Outdoor Party
14 June 2013 - Mark BartramSummer’s finally here! No wait, it’s gone again, no it’s here! It’s finally starting properly! Wait, no, that was just a sunny spell… okay how about now? No, too soon. My point is, summer is going to start any second now and when it does you want to be ready, and that means it’s time to get out in the garden and start soaking up the sun with a few close friends, relatives, acquaintances and anyone you know who’s going to bring beer.
So to make sure that your garden party goes off with a bang, here are a few essential hints.