[bc_video video_id="6260832908001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] For anyone out there considering it, it’s time to Reclaim your Balcony! Take back that space. It doesn’t have to be filled with foldable, cheap furniture or be an outdoor storage area anymore. Secondly- Break it up! If you have the space create zones or what I like to call DESTINATIONS or quick-change spaces. 1st Destination: Light Dining Area  This client’s style is very minimal and contemporary with a love for plants. Inside the house is all black and white with lots of green plants. So, we decided to create the spaces as an extension of the home. This Light Dining area has soft seating and benches that provide function and form, making it easy for you and/or your guests (when those are allowed!) Perfect for a sunrise breakfast or to just lounge. This was created using furniture from IKEA. Now what’s very important when renovating any Balcony Area is to start with the foundation: Flooring! Concrete floors stain doesn’t weather well, and they don’t provide the warmth or atmosphere required to make the space inviting. The vendor we partnered with for the balcony tiles was Outdoor Floors (IG: @outdoorfloors). It's very important to select your flooring carefully. Drainage, durability, and as maintenance free as possible. I recommend composite flooring. It comes in various colours, it’s durable and long-lasting. It’s worth the investment to make. 2nd Destination: Full-Sun Area  The next area is a Full-Sun Area, and this space does get rising sun. Comfortable seating, air circulation and a side table to hold your cold drinks on a hot day. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the weather. This space is designed for the full-day sunbather, the balcony does wrap around and this area does not have much depth, so these low backed rocking chairs are the perfect style! Ikea has supplied the furniture in the set-up pictured below: Another important thing to note is that balcony furniture must be weighted, otherwise it can shift or get blown off the balcony. If storage is a problem and you would like the option to leave everything outside all year long, furniture covers extend the lifespan of any balcony investment. Plus, all balcony items need to be able to withstand the elements, otherwise you’ll be painting every season, or, worse, replacing. 3rd Destination: Workout Area  Mirrors, yoga mat, dumbbells and an outdoor speaker are ideal for any workout area, but you need to make sure you have enough room to move around (at least 150 sq. ft.). This is the perfect place to stretch or workout and enjoy a nice summer breeze while doing so. 4th Destination: Lounge Area  A sectional or lounge seating option is the key to creating a cozy zone. This zone uses the same type of seating as pictured in the small dining area, but puts the seating together couch-style.  Looking for a retreat or a place to entertain close friends and family? Perfect for late night cocktails or just to relax!  

[bc_video video_id="6260454879001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] To celebrate International Rosé Day, we're going ALL out by showing you how to enjoy this iconic beverage in style. This L'Orongeraie Pays D'Oc Rosé that you can easily pick-up at your nearest LCBO is the perfect summer beverage, but what if you want Rosé and a cocktail? Well we have the perfect concoction- summer in a glass. The first step to Rosé  The first step is to set the scene for the occasion! If everything is coming up Rosé it only makes sense to incorporate the perfect glassware to suit your drink. Vintage Glasses - A cool idea would be to go to your favourite second hand store for some vintage glasses. Sometimes seasoned glassware can be reminiscent of the 40s and 50s. Modern Glasses - A modern look could be through glassware with spiralling designs. Modern glasses go with any occasion and provide their own personal flare. You can find them at many stores within their home sections. Silvered Glasses - To give a crystallized effect, you could go for silvered glasses that are aesthetically pleasing and gorgeous. These feature more intricate designs that add beauty to your beverage. Coupe Glasses - Lastly, coupe glasses are small and dainty to provide a glamorous look to your drink. Although they are wider don't be fooled they can hold a good amount within them. Once you’ve picked the perfect glass you start mixing. This crowd pleasing recipe involves your rose mixed with strawberry mint and lemon. Simply start with your choice of mixing glass and fill it with your rosé wine. From there add three measures of Chambord, sugar syrup, a splash of lemon juice, loads of ice, and some fresh fruit!

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[bc_video video_id="6260419484001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] Are you a frustrated gardener? Are there too many weeds in your garden?  Frank Ferragine has some great tips to help you get rid of those weeds.   Here are the top five best ways to get rid of weeds! #1 Weed after a rain. Weeds after rain are easier to take out because the soil is easier to move. When soil is warm weeds can be more easily manipulated. You want to make sure when you're getting rid of weeds you get the entire root. If parts are left back it allows for future growth. Source: WaldenEffect #2 Weed before they go to flower. Once weeds flower it leads too many more weeds to come. Cutting the weed off before its population stage will be a preventative measure. Source: This Old House #3 Perennial weeds roots must go! #4 Mulch up you soil! It's an easy way retain moisture within your soil and suppresses weeds. Source: Los Angeles Times #5 Be persistent in spring. Getting rid of weeds will not stop easily and is going to take ongoing removal. In order to fully eradicate weeds it's going to take ongoing time and patience. Source: Better Home and Garden  What are the most common weeds we’ll find in our gardens this time of year?

• Dandelion

Source: HGTV

• Crabgrass

Source: The Spruce 

• Lambs Quarters

[caption id="attachment_242274" align="alignnone" width="200"] Source: Gardening Know How[/caption]

• Plantain

Source: Healthline

• Creeping Charlie

Source: Kinzler 

• Bindweed

Source: Gardening Know How Happy Weeding!