Category Archives: Outdoor Living

Preparing for an Outdoor Get-Together

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Just because summer is officially over and your friends may stop hosting backyard barbecues and pool parties does not mean that you cannot take advantage of Arizona’s gorgeous fall weather with an outdoor get-together. Get ready for your company to come over with five easy outdoor updates. All you need are these five easy steps to transform your yard into the perfect outdoor getaway.

Prep the Yard

Before you begin, make sure you wipe down your patio furniture, clean up any the leaves from your fruit trees, mow the lawn, sweep the patio, and trim any outgrown bushes. 

Disinvite Bugs

Bugs can be a real party crasher on outdoor gatherings. Eliminate bugs in a safe way by purchasing citronella candles. You can even make your own by using citronella oil in your custom candles. 

Light up the Night

Get-togethers can run late into the middle of the night; therefore, you should be prepared by hanging some stringed lighting. String lighting looks beautiful and is an inexpensive way to light up your backyard. 

Deep Clean Your Grill

Between each cookout and party, your grill can take a beating from food and grime. Make sure to deep clean your grill with these steps:

  1. Turn on your grill to begin warming it up. 
  2. After the grill is warmed, take a heavy-duty grill scraper and begin removing all grime on the cooktop.
  3. Take a wire grill brush and scrub the heated grates.
  4. Let the grates cool down then put them in a bucket with warm, soapy water. Have them sit for 2-3 hours then using a scouring sponge wipe away any remaining grime. 
  5. Using a degreaser, wipe down the outside of the grill with a damp sponge. Afterward, you will want to dry it off with a microfiber cloth. 
  6. Using a microfiber cloth and stainless-steel cleaner, shine off the exterior of the grill. 

Provide Warmth

Arizona nights can get pretty cool, so if you plan on hosting well into the evening, you will want to provide some heaters or blankets. By adding warmers, you will be able to continue the party even when the sun drops.

We hope you enjoyed these simple tips for preparing your yard for a get-together. Let us know how you host guests outdoors in the comment section.

Stucco Maintenance

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Many builders in the Southwest have turned towards stucco as a decorative finish to the exterior of homes. While vinyl and brick are both excellent choices, this low-maintenance siding is superior against the intense heat and has become a staple in many Southwestern home designs! Stucco is a plaster that is exceptionally durable and resistant to many traditional exterior home issues. However,?there are some of the low maintenance options you can do to keep your stucco looking brand new. Let’s take a look!

Staining 

While stucco rarely needs maintenance, you may notice over time some discoloring or mildew build up near areas with high shrubs or plants. Plants require water which can cause unwanted algae to build-up on your homes. This will not happen overnight, but you may notice over time that some stucco can begin to form darker spots. Using an oxygen bleach solution can help remove stains. That being said, do not use bleaches that are too harsh for the environment outside since these can kill your nearby plant life. 

Cleaning 

Stucco is a decorative concrete and is porous. Being naturally porous can allow liquids to penetrate it and absorb stains. However, painting your stucco should never be your first means of fixing the issue. You will not need a complex formula to clean your stucco. A power washer with some dish soap will do just fine. Test the power of your power washer in a hidden area to see how your home reacts. Next, spray down your home and watch unwanted mold and mildew build up disappear!?

Sealing 

If moisture gets into your walls, it can lead to unwanted cracking or bowing. Sealing your stucco is recommended. Being porous is stucco’s main vulnerability. By sealing stucco, you can prevent moisture penetration. New stucco should be sealed with clear concrete. Stucco sealing can be done every five years, and the waterproof finish will significantly improve the longevity of your exterior. Some sealants are made with micro holes which will allow water to escape but not enter. This gives your stucco the opportunity to breathe, and these sealants can last up to 10 years.

Stucco is very low maintenance. Remember, if you decide to paint your stucco, this can bring more annual maintenance. Depending on your preferences, you may decide to leave your stucco unfinished for lower maintenance. These simple tricks and tips will keep your curb appeal beautiful for decades to come.

DIY House Planter Ideas

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Gardening can be relaxing, great hobby to add to your lifestyle. If you are looking to incorporate flowers and plants to the exterior of your home, there are several great DIY projects to consider.  First, not all gardens are alike. You may want flowers, produce, or shrubs.  The way you display your plants can be just another way of giving more character to your garden. Whether this is your first garden, or you are just looking for some new creative ideas, we gather our top three DIY projects to consider doing.   

Hypertufa 

You can buy planters or create your own beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing ones with hypertufa. These can be created with some simple compounds.  First, find a bucket or a mold in the desired sizes you would like to make your planters.  Create a homogenous blend of Portland cement, peat moss, and vermiculite. Mix the minerals together until you have an even blended powder. Pour water into the mixture to make a mucky consistency. Add a nonstick spray to your mold and cake on your cement. You can add another mold in the middle to create the hollow center. Allow these to dry for 24 hours and enjoy your new planters. You can even add some color grout to give some unique coloring to the planters or just paint them when they are done. 

Elevated Garden Box 

Maybe you would love a garden, but your home does not offer an exterior that has enough space. Whatever the reason may be, elevated garden beds are great for planting your flowers and herbs. Look for a wood option that will not rot over time. Cut four 4×4 wood pieces to create the legs to the height you want your bed to sit. Create your box, making sure that it is leveled during the process. Add some supporting cross boards to help distribute the weight for longer beds.  When you are done creating your box, give it swift sand and add your stain of choice. Remember, not all woods take stain the same, so be consistent on the woods you choose. 

Planter Hanger 

Find a small planter you would like to hang. This can be a succulent, small flower, or even herbs. Find rope or macramé and cut four equal length ropes to double the distance you want your planter to hang.  Fold all four ropes in half and tie them together to make your hanging end. Next, you can tie patterns together throughout the ropes. At the bottom, connect all the ropes together in which your planter can rest. It creates a beautiful finished product. Plus, this quick project can take less than 10 minutes! 

These three simple projects can be done over the weekend with a little patience. You may need to give them some time for the staining or concrete to cure; however, they are worth the wait. 

Arizona Summer Heat Warning

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Arizona has many of the sunniest cities in the United States. Yuma, Phoenix, Tucson, even Flagstaff all rank in the sunniest places to live. While blue skies and sunshine may sound like paradise, the heat can be extremely dangerous during the summer months. When in the Valley, temperatures can reach around 100-110 degrees or hotter during June, July, and August. Some locals may scoff at these numbers and act like they are no concern; however, this serious of heat should not be taken lightly. To help our community stay safe, we created this helpful guide for surviving the summer heat:

Hydrate

Dehydration can lead to a severe health risk. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. Early symptoms can consist of merely being thirsty, dizzy, nauseated, muscle cramps, or a headache. While it is easy to ignore, the desert heat can be relentless. There is no magic number to say how much water you will need. Continue to drink water throughout your day. Also, pay attention to lethargic behaviors, rapid pulse, or panting in animals. This heat can take a toll on not only you but your pets as well.

Sunblock

While we are not directly on the equator, the UV and sun exposure are very harsh. Find a sunblock with an SPF or Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Each skin type is different, and SPF 30 is the most common. Find which sunblock or sunscreen works best for you and your skin. Just remember that sunblock will not last all day so you will want to reapply sunscreen if you go swimming or after the recommended time.

Stay Inside

Unless the day demands outdoor activities, stay inside. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate your beautiful home. Enjoy your pristine air conditioning and beautiful indoor oasis. Find indoor summer activities for you and the family until the sun goes down when it is okay to hang out outdoors.

The summer heat can get brutal but do not let that deter you from enjoying Arizona. There is still much to do during the summer. If you do plan on going out or hiking, be smart! Make sure you have enough water for you and your pets as well! For more insight on Fulton Homes and the wonders of Arizona, make sure to subscribe.

How to Stay Protected Against the Arizona Sun

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Arizona days can be incredibly hot, and while outdoor activities are in full force, you may be looking for a little extra protection from the sun. Whether you plan on going to the lake, family picnics or playing sports outside, all too often, we have seen how intense the sun can actually be. When you are exposed to too much heat, your body may experience dehydration, which can lead to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even a sunstroke/heat stroke. So that you and your family are healthy all summer long we have listed some helpful tips for staying protected:

Light Colored Clothing

Depending on how you dress, light colors can really help you stay comfortable when outside in the heat. Think about wearing white or soft neutral/pastel colored clothes made from natural fibers like cotton and linen. Since dark clothing absorbs heat and tight-fitting clothes are not made to let you sweat, you can get overheated during the summer. Your body’s natural cooling system is to sweat and evaporate; therefore, do not wear clothes that will prevent this natural cooling system from doing its thing!

Hats & Sunglasses

Buy a wide-brimmed straw or fabric hat that prevents UV (ultraviolet) rays from getting to your face and neck. Your skin will appreciate this as you age and so will you, compared to people who chose not to cover their face in the sun. Make sure you purchase sunglasses that prevent UV rays from damaging your eyes. Choose sunglasses that block ninety to one hundred percent of UV rays to stay safe.

Lip Balm & Sunscreen

Lip balm protects your lips, which are very thin and sunburn easily. Make sure you purchase a balm that has SPF (sun protection factor) of at least a fifteen. When you are outdoors who wants to ruin the fun by getting a nasty sunburn? No one does, but if you do not purchase a sunscreen with at least a fifteen SPF, you will probably be sitting on the sidelines with that nasty sunburn. If you are swimming or playing sports and sweating, be sure to purchase a waterproof sunscreen.

For children, do not forget to protect the tender areas like the tops of ears, eyelids, nose, shoulders, the head and back of the neck. We would also recommend a lip balm that is for chapped lips with an SPF of at least a fifteen to put under eyebrows and on eyelids to prevent a nasty burn. The chapped lip balm’s thick consistency will prevent the balm from running into the eyes.

Enjoy your summer, and stay healthy!

How to Care for Your Home’s Exterior

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Your home’s aesthetics goes much deeper than just the interior. Functionality, theme, and exterior all play a role in your homes overall feel. While we spend so much time perfecting the interior of our homes, we must not neglect our home’s curb appeal. Putting a little love and care into your curb appeal shows your neighborhood that you take pride in your home. There are three simple ways to help enhance your home through the exterior. To put your best lawn forward, make sure you include all three:

Seasonal Maintenance

Maintenance is key to your interior’s beauty, and it is no exception to the outside of your home. Your lawn needs to be treated with care. With each season, comes new tasks. Make sure you are keeping up on your lawn, flower beds, and fruit tree maintenance because it is the first step to impressing the neighborhood and enhancing your home’s overall curb appeal.

Make an Entrance

Consider the route people take to enter your home. This is your first impression for guests and visitors. Stand at the street and look at your home. What does it represent? Is the entryway well kept and organized? You want to incorporate functionality into the exterior of your home. Your driveway, sidewalk, and porch should all be easily accessible. Invest some time and money to clean up your entrance way with simple home improvements.

Your Sanctuary

Your home is your sanctuary; treat it as such. Your windows, siding, and roofing should all be maintained. Keep your gutters and windows cleaned, and remember that problems that are left unattended can unravel into bigger issues. Your home’s curb appeal is directly correlated with your home’s exterior health. Be sure to take pride in your home’s appearance with a well-maintained yard.

The care you show to the exterior of your home is recognized. Do not neglect areas out of sight as well. Take pride in your backyard and surrounding areas. You will discover more satisfaction with more work put into your home. This is your kingdom; treat it as such!

Fun in the Sun

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Outdoor entertainment is an important aspect that you can add to your home if you plan on hosting guests. It is also great because entertaining guest outside does not acquire you to clean up the inside of your home frantically. To help you maximize your home’s outdoor potential, here are five great outdoor entertainment ideas to add to your home:

Pools

Pool parties create a fun, refreshing atmosphere that is fun for all ages. You will want to think of water-related games that can draw guests into the pool. Plus, pools are great investments to add to your home and add to your property value. They also make vacationing as easy as walking right into your own backyard.

Bars

Adding an outdoor bar or kitchen to your patio or garage will make your house the hotspot of the summer. Consider adding an outdoor pizza oven or an outdoor kitchen for ultimate entertaining goals. You will find that outdoor bars are great for socializing and make your space an energetic, fun environment your friends will not forget.

Games

Games can be fun for all ages. You can add a basketball hoop to your driveway for hours of fun or even set up a volleyball net. Find games that entertain you and cater to your company you are having. Perhaps, you like bocce ball or cornhole. These are great inexpensive investments that will have you and your guest entertained and coming back for more fun.

Barbecues

If you are looking for a fun activity, have people over for a cookout. Grilling and barbequing are timeless pleasures that everyone enjoys. Just make sure you have seating for your guest. Consider getting some patio furniture or setting up a table before your guests arrive. Also, do not forget to purchase condiments, plates, and beverages prior to hosting.

Hosting outside is a great way to enjoy a beautiful day with friends. Whether you host a pool party or a barbeque, you can enjoy the warm weather with people you love.

How to Create a Stylish DIY Tabletop Fire Pit

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There is nothing more romantic than relaxing by the fire on a breezy Arizona night. Just the idea of socializing by a warm fire sounds peaceful and alluring to all busy homeowners. The outdoors is the perfect setting for get-togethers and deep conversations. Make a statement at your next social gathering with a Do-It-Yourself Tabletop Fire Pit. You will find that tabletop fire pits are stunning! They bring warmth and beauty to your outdoor space, plus they are easy to create!

Supplies:

  • Ceramic Planter/Pot
  • Lava Rocks
  • Gel Fuel Cans (This can be bought at any home improvement store or online retailers).
  • Lighter or Matches

How to make a Tabletop Fire Pit:

Preparation: Gather all the supplies from the list above and find a place outside to work on this project.

Step One: Once you have found a spot to work, place your lava rocks inside your ceramic planter. The ceramic planter you choose is completely based on your personal style. Since you will be filling the planter, look to purchase a larger ceramic pot for this project. The lava rocks should fill 3/4 of your ceramic planter.

Step Two: Now place your closed gel fuel cans onto of the lava rocks you just put in your planter.

Step Three: After you have positioned the gel fuel cans, you can continue to fill your planter to the top with your lava rocks. Make sure to place them surrounding your fuel cans and not on top of them.

Step Four: Leave the lids on until you want to lit your fire pit. Keep in mind the fire will only last approximately one and a half to two hours; therefore, wait to burn your fuel cans until your guests arrive. 

Pro-Tip: Gel Fuel Cans are great for outdoor fires because the wind will help produce a greater flame.

This tabletop fire pit is perfect for outdoor gatherings! Amaze your guests with this stunning, hand-crafted fire pit. The best part is that you made it all on your own. Just please make sure that the flame is entirely out before going back inside for the night.