With so many of us feeling the stress from our 24/7, ever-plugged-in digital world, it's more important than ever to create the time and space to pause and enjoy the simple things. So what's on for your weekend plans? Enjoying the beautiful weather outside? Hiking in the woods? Entertaining friends? Working around the house and yard? Whatever's on your calendar, make sure to include time to unwind and take some time for yourself. Play with the kids. Read a great book. Indulge what makes YOU happy. Sending everyone great vibes for the weekend! And while Memorial Day is a wee way off, these recipes looked so good we had to share now (who doesn't love a kid-friendly menu!) Hope you enjoy! http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/7-kid-friendly-foods-grill-memorial-day ... See more

Get ready for family cookouts this Memorial Day weekend.

OK, yes, it's so drizzly and cold, where is spring!! Climbing into a hot tub might be the perfect antidote to cold, tired muscles and a reminder that taking care of yourself is not just a "good idea," but a critical part of self-care and well-being. Hot tubbing in the rain can be a magical experience, and if you have an overhead, listening to the rain dancing on the ceiling can calm nerves and bring us back to our natural state of calm. Check out this beautiful gazebo cover via Mainely Tubs! Do you need any hot tub spring maintenance tips? We'll be posting soon, but meanwhile, give us a call with any questions or if you need accessories or advice of any kind! ... See more

Seriously amazing vibes when you grill fruit on the grill - especially when that fruit is combined with thyme in this luscious Rustic Peach and Thyme Galette With Almond and Honey. This amazing recipe features peaches roasted in honey on parchment on the Big Green Egg - one of our favorite and most popular outdoor cooking products.

While we're on EGGS, did you know the Big Green Egg (widely acclaimed as the original American-designed ceramic cooker) was derived from an ancient clay cooking device known as a "Kamado"? Originally a clay vessel with a lid, today's EGG is a modern ceramic marvel known for producing amazing culinary results for the novice and expert alike for over thirty years!

Give this recipe a spin, then share your results or any other desserts you love on the grill!

https://biggreenegg.com/recipes/rustic-peach-and-thyme-galette/While we're here, did you know ... See more

The Rustic Peach and Thyme Galette with Almonds and Honey Yogurt is a great dessert on the EGG.

Hi guys! So when it comes to playsets for your family, the difference in quality, safety, and size cannot be underestimated when you're comparing your options. Today we take a look at some of the reasons why Hearthside is proud to sell Eastern Jungle Gym play and swing sets. From the quality of the materials, to the safety of the construction, to the sturdiness of the finished structure, ESG simply can't be beat. The video below walks you through some key features built into every EJG model - from engineered thru-bolt construction to heavy-duty straight-coil chain swings (covered with soft plastisol that won't pinch little hands!).

So take a peak behind the scenes, then give us a call with any questions or ideas for bringing one of these wonderful playsets into your family's life. We're booking installations now, so don't delay and be sure to have your new playset delivered and in place for those sunny New England summer days!

http://www.easternjunglegym.com/why-eastern-is-the-best-swing-set ... See more

The weekend is looking beautiful, and it is (of course) the perfect time to fire up the grill and start testing all those gorgeous recipes you've been saving up for warmer weather! We love grilling vegetables, and these luscious ideas for grilled radishes, fava beans, and asparagus would be amazing as starters, a light vegetarian grilled lunch, or as sides to a main meal. Is your grill ready? If you need parts, accessories, or advice, be sure to give us a call or stop by any location for experts tips and to see the latest in grilling technology and product lines on the showroom floor:)

http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/8-best-spring-recipes-grill ... See more

At times, you use a hot tub to relax quietly, possibly just to soak with no jets on. Other times, you want an active, penetrating massage that can release tension from tight muscles or quicken the recovery of sore overworked muscles.

When it comes to engineering, the seats and jets in a Caldera spa have been strategically designed with a whole-body, holistic approach. Each seat or position in the spa is intended to work a different muscle group, providing a deep massage where you need it most.

It’s the same focused, thorough circuit-training approach that trainers use to make sure you get a full body workout through activating all major muscles for a balanced fitness routine. Hot Tub Circuit Therapy works those same areas, focusing on one muscle group at a time. You’re able to work on your neck and shoulders, the large muscles of your back, lower back, hamstrings, calves and feet. By adjusting the intensity of the jets, you can also control the intensity of the jets—ranging from a deep, penetrating massage to a soothing, relaxing, light touch. See it in action below: ... See more

Experience Pure comfort in your Caldera Spa. With Hot Tub Circuit Therapy move from seat to seat, and target specific muscle groups for a full body massage. ...

Has spring found you back at the gym or training for your next 5k or challenge? Here are 6 tips for what to eat and how to supplement after a workout.

Another reminder amid our busy, stressed lives that self care is essential - not selfish. Be sure to include a relaxing, therapeutic circuit in the hot tub for a mind/body boost that will leave you relaxed and recharged.

More on the benefits of hot tub therapy coming later today, so stay tuned and read on.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-six-things-you-should-do-immediately-after-a-workout-20170327-story.html ... See more

In a good week, let's say you spend seven hours working out. That might sound like a lot of gym time, but it still leaves 161 hours during which you could

As you've heard here before, we love the Danish concept of hygge - that semi-untranslatable word that represents creating coziness, warmth, and ambiance in all your living spaces. It's about creating environment. Relaxing with friends and family. And taking the time and space to enjoy the simple luxuries of life.

We turned to our friends at Heat & Glo for their take on hygge. Following are some great tips and trends curated by Heat & Glo, including how to hygge your outdoors and create welcoming spaces in your home, deck, or yard.

"As it turns out," they say, "you don’t need to live in a cold climate, or be socked in by snow, to celebrate hygge.

"Adopting some of the hygge principles can help create welcoming spaces in your home, deck or yard, using your fireplace as a centerpiece. We turned to the pros at the Minneapolis-based Fiddlehead Design Group, Andrea Dixon Kurtz and Jen Ziemer, to school us on how to infuse outdoor spaces with hygge.

According to Fiddlehead, there are three settings outdoor fireplaces are making a big impact in the marketplace right now:

As part of a transitional room, perhaps right off the kitchen on a patio or deck. Heat & Glo’s innovative indoor-outdoor see-through fireplaces can provide a two-for-one in connected spaces like this, providing the ambiance of a burning fire in two rooms at once.

Continue reading at....http://www.heatnglo.com/Shopping-Tools/Blog/How-to-Hygge-Your-Outdoor-Space.aspx ... See more

Tuesday's primer focuses on hot tubs. So to start, how much does a hot tub cost? Well, the simple answer is: it depends on your hot tub. A bare-bones rotationally-molded hot tub, at the absolute lowest end of the spectrum, can cost around $2,500. At the other end, the best portable hot tubs commercially available might exceed $16,000. The reason there’s such a large difference is that there is a broad range of hot tub sizes, features, materials, designs, and performance available.

At its most basic level, a hot tub is simply a container for hot water. But most of us expect quite a bit more from our spa experience. High-end spas will come with both functional and cosmetic features such as advanced jet systems, powerful, silent pumps, intuitive control panels, entertainment options, and premium water care systems that reduce the need for chemicals. In addition, top-tier hot tubs often come standard with multicolored lighting and beautiful waterfalls. The more features a spa includes, the higher the price will be. To decide which features may matter most to you, think of how you’ll be using your spa.

We'd love to help you decide which spa is perfect for your lifestyle and needs, so drop in anytime to talk to one of our experts! Hello spring/summer! ... See more