How To Transform Your Outdoor Space Into a Chef's Paradise

Making your home your castle is everyone's goal. As people look for more ways to make their home even more awesome, the idea of the outdoor kitchen has become a goal for every chef homeowner who loves to entertain. Transforming your outdoor space into a chef's paradise involves creating an environment that is both functional and enjoyable for cooking and entertaining. Here are some steps to help you achieve this: Assess Your Space Determine the size and layout of your outdoor area. Consider what you want to achieve with your outdoor kitchen and how you plan to use it. Design Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout : Decide on the layout of your outdoor kitchen. You might want to include a grill, a sink, a refrigerator, a prep area, and storage. Materials : Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements, such as stainless steel, stone, or composite materials. Features : Consider adding features like a pizza oven, a smoker, a griddle, or a rotisserie. Install the Right Equipment Grill : Choose a high-quality grill that suits your cooking style. Gas grills are popular for their ease of use, while charcoal grills offer a unique flavor. Sink : Install a sink with running water for easy cleanup. Refrigerator : A small outdoor refrigerator will keep your food and drinks cold. Add Prep Space : Install countertops for food preparation. Granite, quartz, or stainless steel are good options. Lighting : Install both ambient and task lighting to ensure you can see what you're doing at night. Pendant lights over the cooking area and string lights for atmosphere are great choices. Storage : Include cabinets or drawers for storage to keep your utensils, spices, and other kitchen essentials organized and within reach. Seating : Provide seating for guests. You can create a dining area with a table and chairs, or opt for more casual seating like bar stools at a kitchen island or a bench along the counter. Entertainment : Consider adding an outdoor TV, sound system, or fireplace to create a comfortable and enjoyable space for your guests. Landscaping : Beautify your outdoor space with plants, flowers, and trees. This will not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide shade and privacy. Safety Measures : Ensure your outdoor kitchen is safe by using non-flammable materials, having a fire extinguisher on hand, and keeping the area clear of clutter. Weather Protection : If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, consider adding a roof or pergola to protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements. Cleaning and Maintenance Regularly clean your outdoor kitchen to keep it in good condition. Wipe down surfaces, clean your grill after each use, and check that all appliances are in good working order. Test Your Setup Once your outdoor kitchen is set up, test it out to see if everything is working as it should. Make adjustments as needed. Conclusion Remember, the key to transforming your outdoor space into a chef's paradise is to create a space that is both functional and enjoyable. With careful planning and the right equipment, you can create an outdoor kitchen that will be the envy of all your friends and family. The good news: We can provide you with all your outdoor kitchen needs! Check out our website for our expansive outdoor kitchen and patio designs. While you build your dream kitchen, let us give you your dream window treatments. If you are in the market for some new and updated window treatments, we are here to help. If you want to learn more, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window coverings, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started.

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Five Best Parks in the Treasure Valley

Look through your blinds and you will see the sun is out, the seasons have changed and it is time to enjoy the great parks that the Treasure Valley has to offer. Taking kids to the park is important for several reasons: Physical Activity : The park provides a space for children to run, jump, climb, and play, which is essential for their physical development and overall health. Regular physical activity can help prevent obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance muscle strength and coordination. Social Skills : Playing in the park allows children to interact with other kids, which helps them develop social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. It also teaches them how to resolve conflicts and how to be part of a group. Mental Health : Spending time in nature and engaging in play can reduce stress and anxiety in children. It can also improve their mood and overall mental well-being. Cognitive Development : Playing in the park can also help children develop cognitive skills. For example, playing on the playground can help them develop problem-solving skills, while playing games with other kids can improve their critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Family Bonding : Visiting the park can be a fun and enjoyable activity for the whole family. It provides an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children, which can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Community Engagement : The park is a public space where children can interact with other members of the community, which can help them develop a sense of community and belonging. It also provides an opportunity for parents to meet and connect with other parents. Environmental Education : Parks often have natural elements such as trees, flowers, and wildlife, which can serve as a natural classroom for children. Exploring the park can teach children about the environment and the importance of conservation. Cost-Effective : Visiting the park is a free or low-cost activity that can provide hours of entertainment for children. It is a cost-effective way for families to spend time together and for children to play. Overall, taking kids to the park is important for their physical, social, mental, and cognitive development, as well as for their overall well-being and quality of life. We are incredibly lucky to have over 100 parks in the Treasure Valley to enjoy. Here are our top five recommendations: Julia Davis Park (Boise) : This is one of the most iconic parks in the Treasure Valley. It features a large pond with paddle boats, a rose garden, a zoo, a conservatory, playgrounds, and several miles of walking and biking paths. It's a great place for a family outing or a leisurely stroll. Meridian Settlers Park (Meridian) : This park has something for everyone, including a splash pad, playgrounds, sports fields, and a large pond with paddle boats. It also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. Eagle Island State Park (Eagle) : This park is a bit outside of the traditional Treasure Valley area, but it's a popular destination for locals. It features a large lake for swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as a water park, playgrounds, and miles of trails for hiking and biking. Lakeview Park (Nampa) : This park is located on the banks of the Boise River and features a large pond, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. It's a great place to watch the sunset over the river. Esther Simplot Park (Boise) : This park is a newer addition to the Treasure Valley and features a large riverfront area with picnic tables, playgrounds, and walking paths. It's also a popular spot for paddleboarding, and watching birds and other wildlife. These parks are considered some of the best in the Treasure Valley because they offer a variety of recreational activities, beautiful natural scenery, and a sense of community. They are well-maintained, accessible, and provide a space for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, many of these parks offer amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making them a convenient and enjoyable destination for families and individuals alike. While you enjoy the park let us give your home a makeover with new window treatments. If you want to learn more about all of the options we offer, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056.

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Treasure Valley Spring Break Staycations

Spring Break is just around the corner and now is the time to decide how you and your family are going to celebrate some time off of school and hopefully enjoy some great spring weather. Maybe Florida and Mexico are not in the cards this year. Well we say who cares?! Living in a great state like Idaho there is loads to do right in our own backyard. If you are new to the area or just looking for some great recommendations here are our picks for great options for an awesome Spring Break Staycation. Close By Active Fun Head out east to Bruneau Sand Dunes . At 470 feet Bruneau is home to the tallest single sand dune in North America. There is something here for everyone. The extreme adventurer can enjoy hiking the area and sliding down the epic dunes on a ?Sand Board.? The sporty folk in your tribe will love the fishing. Awaken your inner child at any age by flying a kite, this area is known for its great wind. Or just sit back and watch it all from the comfort of a camp chair. There is something for everyone here and at just an hour away from Boise it is close by making it a great day trip you'll want to take again and again. Ruffin? It For a truly unique time that is off its leash head north to Cottonwood, Idaho, and stay at the Dog Bark Park Inn . Stay here for a chance to sleep in the world?s biggest beagle. That?s right, this takes themed hotel to the next level and your social media will be barking likes when you share this trip. It is something you have to see to believe. The London Times called it one of the top 20 ?fun and exciting places to stay.? Take your time on the four hour drive from Boise by taking in the scenic stops like Whitebird, full of history and natural beauty. Spend your days exploring the area enjoying local dining spots and awesome outdoor activities and spend your nights curled up in a giant dog. You are sure to create unique lasting memories. Crave the Cave When it comes to geology, Idaho is one of the most unique states in the union. Aside from being home to a variety of natural gems, there are also wondrous caves to explore. Head east two hours to Shoshone and explore some of Idaho?s greatest caves. No matter how nice the sun is on Spring Break, you are going to want to bring your coat to the Shoshone Ice Caves . Boasting to be one of the natural wonders of the world, this truly unique environment is sure to awaken the adventure in anyone. From there, head to Mammoth Cave . The name says it all as it is truly massive inside. There is also the added benefit that each of these places provides great interpretation so you and your kids might accidentally learn some cool facts while exploring. We hope that these suggestions get you excited about exploring Idaho near and far. And remember, while you are away enjoying vacation we can be hard at work installing your new blinds. S chedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .

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Spring Cleaning: Blinds Edition

Looking out the window this time of year you should be seeing the hints of green coming up on the ground, the sun coming out for longer days, and the trees filling up with buds for new leaves; all of this is signaling the coming of spring. If your view isn't quite as cheery it may be because you are looking at it through dirty blinds. There are many benefits to cleaning your blinds aside from the purely cosmetic one that they look better. Cleaning and taking good care of your blinds can make them last longer and protect your investment. Also, blinds can build up dust and grime over the years adding unwanted allergens to your home air. Convinced to clean now? Well here's how! Get the Right Tool Depending on your type of blinds you may be able to get a specialty duster designed to fit nicely between each horizontal blind and remove the dust and build up. If not, there are a variety of home dusters that you can use to collect the dust and wipe the blinds clean. There are also several vacuums that have attachments designed specifically to help with dusting and cleaning challenging areas like your window blinds. Having the right tool can take lots of time off this chore and is well worth the investment. We recommend having a face mask and protective eyewear to ensure that the dust that is getting moved around doesn't irritate your eyes or cause a sneezing reaction. Wash if Needed A simple dusting not doing the trick? Still some matted dirt or pesky stains remain? Do not give up! This may call for more diligent cleaning. If this is the case you may be in for a bit more work than you planned. We recommend a gentle soap or spray and cleaning each blind one at a time. Put your earbuds in and zen out while you give some love to each blind and ensure that they are all as clean as can be, you deserve a nice clean view! Repeat Remember to repeat your cleaning method on both sides of your blinds. The trick to easily clean blinds is to clean them regularly, so repeat this process often. Take this off your once-a-year list and put it on your once-every-two-weeks list. Regular cleaning like this will ensure that your blinds never get too dirty and will help prolong the life of your window treatment. If you are ready to make your windows sparkle as well contact Cleaner Windows by Blind Appeal . Give yourself the day off and let the pros impress. You can even take credit for it, we won't tell! Conclusion If cleaning your blinds has made you realize you are in the market for some new and updated window treatments, we are here to help. If you want to learn more, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window coverings, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .

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Buying Outdoor Furniture In Any Weather, Year Round!

The weather outside may be terrible, but the deals and selection of outdoor furniture here at Blind Appeal is excellent! Yes, it is cold and in the middle of winter, but the selection of outdoor furniture is hot here at our new showroom floor. Come and shop our essential collection of outdoor furniture, window coverings, and just about anything else that your home may need in order to be the best hangout destination on the block. Give us a shoutout on social media and let us know what you are looking forward to celebrating this year once the weather gets better and we can party in the backyard again. We can?t wait to hear from you! What Is Outdoor Furniture? Outdoor furniture seems like a contradiction in terms like jumbo shrimp or a quiet chef, but it is true! Some of the best and most comfy furniture is actually designed to be used and kept outside. We at Blind Appeal have an excellent selection of outdoor furniture that you can use to turn your plain backyard into a 2nd living room, expanding your home significantly without having to lift a hammer or tighten a screw. Did You Know We Can Store It For You? Oh, and besides our top notch selection and incredible pricing, we have a bonus add-on that you will love. If you buy your outdoor furniture now, so you can be summer-ready when the weather turns nice again, we will store it for you absolutely free of charge! That?s right. Save money and time hauling and storing bulky outdoor furniture during the winter months and just have us do it. We will hold onto your purchase until you are ready to pick it up this summer for your first party or barbecue of the year. Don?t worry, we will let you visit it anytime if you want to give it a test run. Ask us how we can make your summer party dreams come true. We Sell Corn Hole Sets! Besides having a great selection of outdoor furniture (which we will store for you until you are ready to pick it up!) we also sell party invigorators like Corn Hole boards and collections. Our Corn Hole boards aren?t just your run of the mill ones, oh no. These are handcrafted in small batches locally right here in Idaho by Idaho businesses. We offer RedBeard corn hole sets that the whole family will enjoy. Buy A Lazy Susan Here Are you behind a bit in your kitchen or outdoor barbeque area organization? A lazy susan can help! With this product, you can keep your spices and other cooking supplies in order and within reach all in one place. Come on by our showroom to see our selection of lazy susan's today. For The Road We hope that this highlight of our excellent outdoor furniture selection was useful to you. If you want to make a purchase, schedule one of our window covering experts for a FREE estimate and more information by calling the office at 208-888-1056. If you have any questions about purchasing some awesome exterior solar shades or commercial blind or window covering work, or any other window covering related issue, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started .

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