Sunshine Deckchair

This week, we’ve talked about recharging batteries using the sun. Today’s topic is all about recharging your battery with the help of the sun.

These cool deckchairs feature the words to the song “You Are My Sunshine” on the fabric panel. Very clever, huh?

They’re great for kicking back and enjoying the summer. Just be sure to wear sunscreen. And keep a pitcher of drinks near by. We don’t want you to dehydrate from the heat of the sun. (Although, I'm not sure vodka alone will keep you cool. Better add some ice.)

Rockett St George

Letterfest

Every year, I call my dad one week before his wedding anniversary to remind him of the special occasion. He never remembers. And I mean never.

If I don’t call, he and his wife forget to celebrate. (Yeah! Can you believe she doesn’t remember either? They’re made for each other.)

Next year, I’m going to buy them something to help them remember. An artist on Etsy carves numbers and letters into natural stone pebbles. Including dates.

It’s like the permanent version of a Post-it note.

Letterfest on Etsy

Empire State Birdfeeder

We're in New York for New Year's. The city that never sleeps. Nor do it's visitors. When am I coming back so I can get some rest? Oh, yeah, that's what work is for.

I'm thinking about bringing some of the Big Apple back with me. (No, not bags under my eyes from too many late nights, smarty pants.)

If you must know, I'm actually thinking of this birdfeeder in the shape of the Empire State building.

Relax, it's only 24 inches high. No zoning laws to contend with. The Donald doesn't need to get involved. I like it even more now.

Uncommon Goods

Stone Lighting

The right level of lighting in your backyard can be difficult to accomplish. Candles blow out too easily. Landscape lights are too low to the ground (though your shoes sure look great!). Don't even get me started on harsh porch lighting... The right lighting is critical to your outdoor soiree.

I think I've fallen for Oluce's outdoor lights. Made of durable, weather-tested polyethylene, these fixtures mimic the shape of rocks, but light up to cast a soft glow.

Maybe you should think about getting some for your backyard. What's that about glass houses and stone throwing? Well, okay, I guess I could get some for my own yard as well.

Nova68

Edgecomb

There's a company in Maine (yes, again with Maine) named Edgecomb Potters that has three stores along the coast. While they have very beautiful pottery, Edgecomb also creates glasswork and metal sculptural pieces.

This dragonfly bench can be found on their web site, along with other garden items, such as benches, chairs and bird baths. These babies aren't cheap, but you won't find Edgecomb's pieces in everyone else's backyard, like garden gnomes.

Well, until everyone else starts reading Snackworthy too. But at least you had first dibs.

Edgecomb Potters

Wilt Pruf

Our neighborhood has a pumpkin carving party to make jack-o-lanterns each year for Halloween. Perhaps it's not the safest soiree - drinks and knives.

Unfortunately, unless you carve the pumpkin just the night before, they disentigrate before the big event.

This year, I'm getting Wilt Pruf. It will keep carved pumpkins from shriveling, collapsing and turning black. Made from pine resin, Wilt Pruf leaves a protective film on plants (and pumpkins) that lasts for months.

So instead of Christmas lights hanging all year round, my neighborhood will have pumpkins through the new year!

Wilt Pruf

Umbrella, ella, ella

You know that really annoying pop song by Rhianna. If you're struggling, re-read the title. Or run over to iTunes. I like to share the misery.

I think she was singing about these babies. It's time to replace that boring old outdoor umbrella with something that has more flourish. Flowers, flamenco ruffles and pinwheels, oh my.

Now your backyard BBQs will be stylish and grand. You'll want to have one each weekend, as long as you can get someone else to grill. And clean up. Let's not forget about that.

WW & Co.