Gorgeous Backyard Kitchen Designs

Warmer weather calls for grilling, lounging and outdoor entertaining.
To get the most out of your patio and backyard spaces, consider adding a full-service kitchen to make outdoor entertaining easy and effortless. The plus side? You can prep meals and cook all in one place without leaving your guests unattended.
Get inspired to create your own unique space with these stunning backyard kitchen ideas:
Comfy Seating + Outdoor Fireplace
Create an inviting place for guests to relax while you’re grilling burgers. Buy comfortable, outdoor-friendly furniture for lounging around the fireplace.
Splash of Color
Bring in personality and liven up your outdoor kitchen with splashes of color in the furnishings, place settings and surfaces.
Stocked Mini Fridge
A backyard kitchen is not complete without a mini fridge filled with favorite soft drinks and adult beverages.
Built-In Kegerator
Another option? Put in a kegerator to keep pint glasses full at all times.
Casual Dining
Outdoor dining does not have to be fancy. Wood furniture is able to withstand unpredictable weather, and you can easily dress up the table with pretty linens and centerpieces. An outdoor rug helps ground the space and adds extra style to the design.
Under Cover
Rainy days can put a damper on outdoor parties, so keep that in mind when planning your kitchen design. A covered grilling station and seating area ensures you can enjoy the space even during a downpour.
Recycled Art
Turn empty bottles into a work of art to put on display. Embedded glass bottles add visual appeal to this stucco bar and grilling area.
Wood-Burning Pizza Oven
Please the pizza lovers with this wood-burning pizza oven next to the grill. Lots of counter space is essential for preparing large meals.
Poolside Service
Round stools inside the pool offer a place to sit, enjoy cocktails, dine and converse with the grill-master.
Convenient Herb Garden
Wood shelving beside the grill stores utensils and fresh herbs so they are easily accessible when preparing a meal.

Homes & Gardens

Guide to Picking and Choosing Pellet Grills

So, you’ve been barbecuing on charcoal and gas grills, but what is that people keep telling you about pellet grills? What the heck are pellets? How do they work? Most importantly, what is the best pellet grill options to invest in? If you’re too embarrassed to ask people about it, we’re here to help.
What Is a Pellet Grill?
It’s an electric outdoor grill powered by hardwood pellets. Imagine a side-mounter hopper in place of a firebox in a traditional offset barrel smoker. It is fueled with cylindrical food-grade wood pellets – about ¼-inch wide and an inch long – consisting of compressed sawdust (hardwood). The sawdust is placed under high heat and pressure, which activates a natural glue inside it called lignin. Pellets don’t have any additives apart from the vegetable oil used to carry flavor or aid the process of extrusion. They burn clean, leaving incredibly minimum ash.
How Do Pellet Grills Work?
They’re essentially an outdoor cooker that requires electricity to run. When they’re plugged in, and the digital controller is activated, a rotating auger performs the job of delivering pellets to a cylindrical fire pot that houses an igniter rod directly from the hopper. For a reasonable amount of time, the rod glows hot to ignite the pellets. Combusting pellets then produce smoke and heat which are diffused by a blowing fan as well as the grill grate’s metal plates.
Most pellet grills burn wood pellets as fuel to flavor, smoke, and cook all types of proteins and meats. They also have the capability to accommodate larger quantities of food and span larger in size than usual household appliances.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Pellet Grills
Advantages:
They preheat quick. Just like gas grills, only the preheating process requires 10-15 minutes at maximum.
Some models of pellet grills give users pinpoint heating control by enabling them to regulate temperature in increments of 5-degrees. That is done with the help of a thermostat that sends accurate signals from the cooking chamber to the control as well as plays the role of a pellet delivery regulator.
The grill is versatile. It can roast, grill, smoke, barbecue, and even braise or bake a variety of foods. Examples include braising short ribs to barbecuing crisp chicken wings.
It’s hard to over-cook things on a pellet grill. Also, compared to the acrid smoke produced by charcoal fire or straight wood, the smoke flavor generated by a pellet grill is subtler.
As the functioning of a pellet grill is similar to the functioning of a convection oven, the user can load up cook chambers without stressing over uneven cooking. Also, soaked wood chips can be kept on the head diffuser plate directly in pouches.
Shortcomings
They have limited portability because of their reliance on electricity. In case of a power outage, the user needs to have access to an inverter or generator.
Though they’re known as “grills,” they don’t produce dark sears or grill marks, as fan-driven heat is used to run them. Hence, they’re often referred to as smokers. That said, the quantity of caramelization on the outside of cooked food can be increased with the use of a cast iron grill grate.
Less smoke will be generated at high cooking temperatures. Most smoke flavors come below 250 degrees’ temperature.
Any sort of grill that features electrical components or moving parts are prone to break down, a shortcoming that’s not present in wood or charcoal grills. Pellet fuels can disintegrate when exposed to moisture, so it’s important for those residing in humid climates to keep their pellet smokers in a dry place.
What Makes a Good Pellet Grill?
It doesn’t matter if you’re gearing up to grill beef, salmon, or chicken, you have to pick the right pellet grill for the job. While the answer depends on your needs, and your preferences, it helps to gain knowledge of the factors that make up the best pellet grill. Below are some of the important elements that go into the buying decision.
Temperature Controller: The ability of a pellet grill is largely based on its control board, which is the central nervous system of the grill. Different types of controllers including ones that feature an LCD and one-touch button allow users to produce great food. Ideally, the control should offer temperature control between 180 Fahrenheit 425 Fahrenheit.
Cooking Area & Size: Small pellet grills usually feature 450 sq. inch of primary cooking area and 100-150 sq. feet of the upper rack. It isn’t much different from larger variants that feature 500-700 sq. inch of primary cooking area. For larger families, a primary surface of 350-800 sq. inches should be enough.
Construction: The best pellet grills are made from painted steel. They’re painted using a high-quality powder coat that can survive high heat without going pale. The body should be painted well, as the steel can easily rust once exposed.

Homes & Gardens

Choose Gas vs. Wood Fireplaces: Pros and Cons

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Gas or Wood Fireplace
Add value to your home and increase your comfort with the addition of a new fireplace! If your new dream home or remodeling project includes a fireplace, you have options. Whether you crave the crackle of a traditional wood fireplace or the convenience of a gas fireplace, Help you decide which is best for your home.
When it comes to choosing between gas and wood-burning fireplaces, the best solution is to review the key features of both. Below we have outlined some pros and cons to both unique designs, to help you determine which is best for your lifestyle.
Buying a Gas Fireplace For Your Home
You can’t beat the convenience of a gas fireplace. If you run a busy, no-nonsense household, a gas-burning fireplace may be ideal for you. Start heating your home with the flip of a switch, and never worry about having to stoke the fire or clean out ashes.
Pros To Gas Fireplaces
A gas fireplace requires very little upkeep, making the required maintenance minimal to none. Your gas fireplace can very easily be ignited with the flip of a switch and the temperature can be adjusted just as easily.
A natural gas burning fireplace has no embers or smoke, which could be a safer option for some households. Most gas-burning fireplace models will still work during power outages as well.
Cons To Gas Fireplaces
If you dream of a sitting by the cozy crackle of a fire, you won’t get this from a gas fireplace. Similarly, the traditional smell of a wood fire will be compromised if you opt for a gas-burning model.
If your home is not already equipped for a gas fireplace, the construction required to install one can be pricey. Relying on your gas fireplace to heat your home may not be cost-effective, as natural gas can come with a high price tag.
Buying a Wood Fireplace For Your Home
If you love the idea of warming up by a crackling fire and enjoy the natural smells of burning lumber, a wood-burning fireplace is perfect for you. Unlike older fireplaces that lose heat through the chimney, Creative Energy’s wood fireplaces are all designed to keep the heat in your home while properly ventilating out excess smoke. This will help you cut your energy costs, lower your dependency on energy companies, and keep your home warm and safe.
Pros To Wood Fireplaces
The relaxing ambiance of warm flames and the comforting smell of a wood-burning fireplace is one of the biggest appeals to homeowners. Your wood fireplace will become a captivating focal point of your favorite space.
One log of wood can heat a room for hours, making it incredibly cost-efficient. In the event of a power outage, your wood-burning fireplace will not be effective, allowing you to heat and light your home.
Cons To Wood Fireplaces
If you have little experience starting a fire by hand, a wood-burning fireplace could be a challenge. To ensure they are burning efficiently and safely, wood fireplaces can require a more knowledgeable user.
The hands-on maintenance of a wood fireplace can deter some homeowners. Your wood fireplace and chimney are going to require regular cleaning and annual inspections by a professional.

Homes & Gardens

Tips for Cleaning Your Charcoal Grill

Learn how to clean and maintain your charcoal grill so it’ll last for years.
Clean the inside of the lid often.
Many store-bought grills are lined with a porcelain enamel. With age and wear, grease and smoke collect on the inside of the lid, and if it isn’t cleaned regularly, the lid may begin to look like chipping paint. Even though it is just debris and not toxic, you can still manage this build-up by cleaning the inside of the lid with a mild, soap-and-water solution after every grilling session when the grill is still warm (but not hot!). It should wipe right off.
Clean the grate before cooking.
Much like with a gas grill, as the charcoal heats up the grilling grate, you can scrape loose debris left over from your last cooking session using a stainless steel bristled brush. While warm, the residue will scrape away easily and leave you with a surface that your food is less likely to stick to. (Bonus tip about food sticking: This easy grill maintenance article on DIY Network also suggests that you use a little cooking spray, or rub the hot grill with an onion to prevent food from sticking while it cooks, but still be sure to clean the grate well before application.)
The inside bowl of your grill will need to be cleaned periodically too.
Clear it of all charcoal ash and use a a steel wool pad with soap and water to loosen any debris and bring it back to a shiny state.
Steam cleaners make all of this easy, too.
From cleaning the lid, to the bowl, to the debris-ridden grate, a good steam cleaning will help to keep your grill very clean. The hand steamer model I own has a steel head attachment, and it actually gets a lot of use on our oven. Since it’s useful at removing the heavy grease and grime that goes along with cooking, I’ve found that it’s nice to use on the grill too.With these easy maintenance tips, your grill will remain in good condition and provide you with many great meals.

Homes & Gardens

Ideas for Getting Grilling Space Ready for Outdoor partys

No matter your budget, check out these ideas for creating an outdoor kitchen made for partying.
Now that the outdoor entertaining season has begun, are you dreaming about the ultimate outdoor kitchen? One where you’ve got everything you need at hand and you don’t have to go running back inside every two minutes? An entertaining space where you can set up a fancy cocktail bar and beverage center? Most of all, a grilling station that’ll make you look like you’ve got barbecue skills like Bobby Flay? We’ve got a few ideas to help you outfit your outdoor kitchen whether you’ve got a limitless budget and two acres or just a small hibachi on the veranda.
Grills
Let’s start with the grill (if the stove is the heart of the kitchen, then the grill can be the heart of the patio). If you’re shopping for a new grill, there are so many options it can be mind-blowing. First you have to decide on your fuel – charcoal or gas?
Pizza Ovens
Outdoor pizza ovens are all the rage. If you can afford the top of the line, go for a wood-fired brick Oven. Their low-dome, high-heat design cooks pizza the way it’s meant to be cooked. You can buy the dome then have it encased in stone or brick so it becomes a permanent fixture in your backyard.
Cabinets and Bars
Are you looking to build an entire outdoor kitchen? Stainless-steel cabinets are the most popular due to their durability and ability to withstand a variety of climates. Plus, they’ll likely match your grill. Outdoor cabinets are now being manufactured in a waterproof, marine-grade polymer. The plastic-like material is very low-maintenance and comes in a variety of colors. If you want to go with wood cabinetry, try teak, bamboo or cypress.

Activewear & Workout Clothes

Guide to women’s activewear

Activewear and athleisure style clothing have recently become one of the hottest trends in fashion, and it is really no surprise. After all, who doesn’t want to feel comfortable, while looking cute and trendy? Hitting the gym is definitely more appealing when you have pretty workout clothes to wear, too. While there is a wide variety of options and styles when it comes to activewear, perhaps the most pertinent is the sports bra.
Sports bras are truly a necessity to any workout; they do double the work of a regular bra. They are specifically designed to keep your girls comfortable, in place, and in control for even the most strenuous of activities. Every sports bra has a different impact level. An impact level simply means the level of support the sports bra is providing you with. The greater the impact level, the greater the support.
Read this article to learn about the various levels of impact provided by sports bras, as well as our favorite brands and tips from the experts at tailactivewear!
Low Impact Level
Low impact level sports bras have a minimal level of support and control. This style will support your breasts perfectly for lighter activities, like yoga, hiking, or pilates. These bras are also a great option to wear as loungewear. If you’re workouts tend to be a bit more intense, or you’re looking to prevent bounce, it might be a good idea to choose a sports bra with a high level of impact.
Low impact level sports bras can be seamless or wireless, and can have traditional straps. Features to look for in a low impact level sports bra include, little to no padding, thin straps, or a plunge neckline.
Medium Impact Level
A medium impact level sports bra has average support and control. These sports bras are versatile because they cover a wide range of workouts, from yoga to strength training. Every active or athletic women should own at least one medium impact level sports bra.
Medium impact level sports bras typically have wider straps than a low impact level sports bra, to assist with movement and reduce shoulder strain. They may also have underwire for support. Popular features of medium impact level sports bras include supportive underbands, a racerback strap design, or light padding.
High Impact Level
High impact level sports bras have the greatest level of support and control in the sports bra family. This style is ideal for strenuous activities, like running, cross-training, or kick-boxing. You can feel worry-free and confident while wearing a high impact level sports bra, because they are made to be incredibly secure.
When shopping for a high impact level sports bra, look for features that include underwire, a supportive underband, wide or cushioned straps, padding, a racerback design, or full coverage. If you like to go deep into intensive sweat sessions, then a high impact level sports bra is a must for you.
Know Your Fabrics
If you’re working out and sweating, odds are you’re going to want a sports bra that is absorbent and moisture friendly. Any sports bra that has moisture-wicking properties is a great option. Any garment that is moisture-wicking is designed to pull moisture away from the body, and bring it to the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate. Look for sports bras made with performance fabrics, like spandex, nylon, polyester, and poly blends.
Another great fabric feature for sports bras is mesh. Mesh is typically lightweight, and has tiny perforations, creating breathability. Because of this, your skin is less likely to chafe, dry out, or become irritated. Mesh fabrics also allow for ventilation and air-flow, to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable, whether you’re in a yoga, zumba, or kick-boxing class.
Tips and Tricks
It’s important to remember that, on average, 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Be sure to visit our bra fitting page to learn how to attain your perfect fit. Even when you’re simply working out, you will feel infinitely better once you’re in the right size. Here are some tips we recommend.
1. Make sure you’re fitted in the right bra size. When trying on a sports bra in the fitting room, move around in it and make sure you’re getting the proper support. It should feel snug, and everything should stay in place.
2. Even if you have a small bust, your breasts will still bounce while running. The right sports bra can prevent this and make your workouts more enjoyable.
3. Always, always, always wear a sports bra while working out. Your average, everyday bra will not get the task accomplished. Remember, traditional bras are only designed to reduce downward movement. Sports bras are made to reduce movement in every direction.

Activewear & Workout Clothes

Fitness Clothing Qualities That You Need To Lookout For

There are certain fitness clothing pieces that are highly performance oriented. These are exactly what you need to elevate your everyday workout routine. In fact these are also available in a unique variant of stylish designs that you cannot afford to miss.
In fact one of the popular fitness clothing distributors have come up with a unique collection of clothing you cannot afford to miss. Therefore, read on the blog below to know more about the nano-technology oriented fitness clothing pieces.
Anti-Bacterial
The right kind of performance oriented clothing piece will be incorporated with the anti-microbial qualities. In such clothing pieces, a silver underlining is stitched with the fabric that destroys the infection causing bacteria. This eventually will help you as it prevents the possibility of chaffing and even rashes which would have been caused due to sweat caused bacteria.
Compression
Compression clothing is a dream come true for people who are associated with a rigorous workout regime. These clothing pieces essentially protects the muscles from getting tired with continuous stress. It also helps to prevent the production of lactic acid which can otherwise cause inflammations and even ligament tear. Therefore if you’re associated with sports activities like HIIT , Piloxing or even aerobics, chances are that you need to invest in such clothing pieces for the complete protection of the muscles.
Thermo-regulated Clothing
The best part of thermoregulated clothing pieces is that you can wear it even in the most extreme weather conditions. These clothing pieces helps to balance the body temperature with the external climatic conditions. Hence, the core body temperature remains stable which ultimately makes it easier for you to workout especially outdoors irrespective of the climatic conditions.
Sweat -wicking
Moisture-wicking clothing are definitely a boon. You sweat even in the cold temperature hence, to stay dry and feel comfortable during the workout, a quality certified moisture wicking clothing will definitely do the trick.
Retailers who wish to include custom jogging suits in their store can contact one of the popular supplier of wholesale sportswear. All you need to do is have a look through the large collection of clothing. Select the required pieces and state the bulk needs accordingly to the help team.

Activewear & Workout Clothes

The Right Choices For Fitness Clothes

There are flyers all over the place, billboards featuring body fitness centres and the rampage is on wherever you go. The raging urge to spend a fit life is everywhere and people are taking it very seriously, as they can see the results of reducing down on the carbs and increasing the intake of a lot more green leafy things. They can see how hitting the gym at regular intervals and spending more time on self cleansing is helping them lead a better life. To get the desired results from your workout, you need to invest a good amount of thought and time in buying the perfect workout apparel. If your armor is weak then you can NOT expect to win the battle against a flabby belly!
Nowadays the leading names in activewear manufacture are coming up with advanced technological blends and comforting fabric that is allowing retailers to bulk buy wholesale athletic wear to upgrade their retail stock with fashion forward, trendy and utility clothes. You will be baffled with the height fitness fashion clothes have reached and is continuing to do so as they are constantly in need of morphing and upgrading into specialty clothes that will have a separate room in the closet.
To know about the ways to pick out the most appealing workout apparel read on the blog below:
Try Finding The Right Fit
When you are out shopping for workout clothes, you should make sure that the fit is right. Find clothes which are dri fit in nature, try out compression clothes which are just the right fit and will not be too tight restricting your movement. You cannot choose clothes which are too loose as well, this will cause you a lot of trouble while maneuvering freely in the gym.
The Right Feel Is Very Important Too
Today you will find a lot of clothes which are built in with special fabric apart from the regular cotton blends. Let’s take a quick look
Bamboo: bamboo pulp is lightweight and moisture wicking which saves your skin from UV rays keeping you light and comfy.
Gore-tex coat: the gore-tex coat over regular fabric enables it to be wind proof and waterproof while being breathable at the same time.
Tencel: Similar to bamboo pulp, this artsy fabric has tiny hair like structures to give it a sweat free feel while giving a very luxurious textile.
Choose The Right Bottoms
You need to be sure about the kind of workout routine you are going for, cycling, running, morning jogs require a lot of leg work for which choosing a pair of shorts or capri would be ideal. Whereas if you are lifting heavy weights, and you don’t require agility to be your main focus then you can go for a pair of yoga pants with a subtle flare at the bottom to make them your ideal workout pants.
If your retailing needs call for fashion forward and firm on utility wholesale yoga clothes then you should get in touch with the leading manufacturer of wholesale fitness clothing who will not fail to impress you with their wide range of clothes stocked at the inventory. Hurry! Check them out and find out what suits your preferences best.

Activewear & Workout Clothes

Fashion Trends In Activewear

Activewear is on the rise and according to a research report published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global market for Sports and Fitness Clothing is projected to reach US$231.7 billion by 2024. It’s no wonder, then, that activewear is leading many trends in fashion both on and off the catwalk. We take a look at 5 big trends in activewear that you can follow to bring your activewear out of the gym and into your everyday wardrobe.
1. Men wearing leggings
A few years ago, you wouldn’t have seen any man wearing leggings, but it’s now becoming the norm both in the gym and out of it. In this new age of bending gender norms, men are saying yes to wearing what was once an exclusively female fashion item. Rewind to 2010 and there was an uproar as women started wearing leggings instead of trousers or jeans and it was seen as socially unacceptable. Now, we’re actually buying more leggings than jeans, and this includes men.
It’s no wonder really as men’s leggings are so comfortable, and brands are catering to the fact they can be potentially unsociable by making them thicker, hardier, and more stylish. Men’s running leggings can easily be worn under casual shorts for a fashionable and acceptable look whether you’re at the gym or not.
2. Loose yoga top over a colourful sports bra
Wearing a loose flowing yoga top is nothing new, but by styling it over a colourful sports bra crop top, you create an effortless look which can be worn from the gym or yoga studio to lunch or coffee with friends. Yoga tops for women are getting their own identity and there is now more choice than ever. With the new eco movement in full swing with a rise in veganism and more people getting in touch with their spiritual side, yoga is no longer just a practice but an entire lifestyle.
Wearing a loose yoga top over a crop top is a really stylish look that can be pulled off by anyone. You don’t need the ultimate beach body to feel comfortable in this outfit and that is one of the reasons why it is such a big trend.
3. Black high-waisted leggings
Women’s black leggings are timeless, but it’s now becoming socially acceptable to wear them instead of traditional trousers or jeans. High waisted leggings are here to stay because they cinch your waist, skim over problem areas, and hold everything in while looking wonderfully stylish. Wearing high-waisted leggings also means you can get away with not wearing a t-shirt or vest and instead just pairing them with a sports bra or crop top.
In a more practical sense, high waisted leggings are less likely to fall down and be annoying when you’re wearing them. By opting to have your high waisted leggings be black, you’re opening up limitless possibilities in fashionable activewear. You can style black high waisted leggings in many ways for any number of different occasions.
4. A denim jacket over a sports bra crop top
Taking your activewear out of the gym is a big trend and wearing women’s activewear as casual wear is easier than ever with the stylish designs, luxury fabrics, and modern twists on old classics. Being healthy is desirable and one of the reasons why activewear has grown so much in the past few years is because being seen out in activewear shows you take care of yourself by exercising and have the time to pamper yourself.
You can make your fitness clothing look more casual by pairing it with a denim jacket. Wearing a denim jacket over your sports bra or crop top creates a totally effortless look and means you don’t have to get changed between hitting the gym or yoga studio and going for coffee with friends.
5. Taking activewear out of the gym with a boyfriend hoodie
Layering is a timeless fashion trend and now extends into our gym clothes fashion. By layering a loose boyfriend hoodie over any women’s gym clothing, you create a low-key fashionable look that can be worn anywhere and will transition from the gym to a social setting. It’s easy to throw on a hoodie over tight gym clothing and can help to hide your physique if you enter a situation where you don’t want to be wearing skin-tight gym clothes.

Activewear & Workout Clothes

What to look out for when buying new pieces of women’s activewear.

From Zumba to running, cycling to swimming and everything inbetween. We require a lot from our women’s activewear so it’s important to pick a style which suits you. Sundried’s handy guide to womens activewear will give you all the dos and don’ts, and will help you learn what to look out for when buying new pieces of women’s activewear too.
Womens Gym Top
Fitted Gym Tops
Fitted gym tops are beneficial for those who want to show off a well earned physique. These tops are usually crafted with stretch materials which hug your shape and flatter your frame. Opting for a fitted gym top helps to ensure that your session is restriction free, as loose garments can catch on equipment or trap wind when running outdoors. A well-fitted top will also allow you to monitor your form, particularly watching for an arched or hunched back which is a common cause of injury. Sundried’s Tour Noir tank features 4-way stretch materials which create a streamlined silhouette and unique cut outs to the back engineered to provide the ultimate ventilation and freedom of movement.
Drape Gym Tops
A drape gym top is great for those looking to cover up that little bit more. Loose materials skim the body and flatter all body types. Drape tops such as the Sundried Grivola Tee are also perfect for fitting into your normal day wear and can easily be taken from casual to active. With its super stylish fit, this type of top is perfect for wearing to a yoga class or for a gym workout. A loose gym top is perfect layered over a more tight fitting top or just a stylish sports bra.
Compression Gym Tops
Compression wear is designed to be worn like a second skin and is great for becoming streamlined in sports such as cycling. It is also typically lightweight in design which is what makes it so popular for sportswear. Compression technology has also been shown to increase blood flow and help prevent aches, however this is often questioned and more supporting research is needed. For more information on the benefits of compression wear, have a read of our in-depth article.
Women’s Crop Gym Tops
Those wanting to flash their washboard abs tend to opt for crop tops. In warmer summer months, a crop top can make a stylish statement whilst keeping you cool. We suggest wearing our Breithorn bra solo when exercising in warmer weather, like our ambassador Sophie.