Beat Cabin Fever with a Patio Heater

March 03, 2009 00:03 AM  BY  JEN HALLAM

Cabin Fever has Officially Set In

This is about the time of year that cabin fever sets in like a cold stone in my starved-for-sunshine soul. I start daydreaming of blue skies, green grass, and clear chlorinated pools. I hear birds chirping, squirrels chatting, and kids on bike rides outside the open window. Of course, none of these things are real just yet, but the hope is starting to creep back in that winter will eventually end and I’ll be outside sitting under a starry sky and the red glow of a warm patio heater, eating a grilled hot dog.

The advent of the patio heater has revolutionized heating outdoors. I’ve seen patio torches, outdoor fireplaces, and patio stand-alone heaters cropping up at the local swanky restaurants as well as the buzzing dives. It made me start to think that having a patio heater in my back yard might be a great way to extend those highly longed for spring and summer nights. A patio heater would be an easy and affordable way to take advantage of all the extra daylight. I might actually see my neighbors again if I installed an outdoor fireplace. We’d all emerge from our hibernation, hungry for the smell of fresh cut grass and grilling meat. We’d gather around the flames of a patio torch or cozy outdoor fire pit and talk about how good it feels to have the winter at our backs.

For now, as I sit in my cabin, all pent up with the fever I stare at the window and plan exactly where it is my patio torches, outdoor fireplace and patio heater will go.


  Outdoor Heating  

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Benefits of Outdoor Heating

January 08, 2009 00:01 AM  BY  JEN HALLAM

Throw a Block Party Around a Fire Pit and Earn Points with Your Neighbors

As I watch the snow fly in droves outside my front window this morning, my head tilts back, flooded with nostalgic memories of summer nights, firelight and friends. Although spring and summer still feel far away tucked beneath this thick blanket of winter snow, I can’t help but be excited for the green grass and chilled nights of spring. Outdoor fireplace

With the right outdoor heating in place, I plan to take advantage of the longer days and the kindness of my friends and neighbors. I picture us huddled by an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, bellies full after a round of grilled burgers and potato salad. We will swap stories of how we made it through the winter, after gladly hanging up our coats and scarves for another season, and we’ll enjoy the heat of the fire pit as it shares its warmth with our circle of friends. At one point, I envision a bag of marshmallows being ripped open, stacks of graham crackers handed out, and the chocolate bars unwrapped for the ultimate s’more ending to our perfect star lit evening.

The social benefits aside, outdoor heating can promote healthy living as you master grilling fresh food and take advantage of the fresh air. Installing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit will lengthen your summer nights and add value to your home. Think of it as an affordable home improvement, a boost to your social scene, and a healthy and economical way to spend time with your family and friends.

 


  Outdoor Heating  

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