OUTDOOR LIVING: WELCOME TO YOUR 1980’S SUMMER
With summer camps closed, vacations cancelled and work waiting for you, this season has been unofficially declared the 1980’s Summer. Here are some great tips and ideas to keep your family happy and independent this summer so you can keep your head above water!
BEST BACKYARD POOLS:
An inground pool wasn’t in the budget for every family in the 80’s but almost every kid knew the joy of a filled-by-the-cold-hose blow-up pool. Apparently the inflatable variety has been flying off the shelves this summer too. We like this slightly more stylish variety:
If you want to go a step higher, consider one of these cheap, fun, easy-to-assemble above ground mini-pools!
SPRINKLERS AND SLIP-IN-SLIDE:
Back then kids had two choices for sprinklers, either the boring archway that you jumped through or the treacherous tch-tch-tch-tch one that whipped around changing direction when you least expected it. Now there are so many safe, fun and inexpensive options for backyard water play for the little ones. Like this cutie from Pottery Barn Kids
Or if they are looking for something a little more wild, go for one of the new and improved slip-in-slide racing toys:
BEST BACKYARD LOUNGERS:
Do you remember the sound of the click..click..click of getting your vinyl backyard lounge chair into the perfect position? There is no reason you and your kids can’t still spray a little sun-in in your hair and lay out for a while with a trashy good magazine. We like this retro-look for it’s next-to-nothing price (under $50!) and portability. Bring it along to the beach!
BEST BICYCLES:
The BMX Mongoose was the one bike to rule them all back in the 1980’s. Summer was spent almost entirely on the back of a bike, cruising around, exploring your neighborhood. And you can still buy that classic bike for your kids today.
POPSICLE MAKERS:
Mom’s in the 80’s couldn’t stop to make snacks every 30 minutes and you can’t either, so keep the kids self-sufficient by teaching them to make their own popsicles. They’ll stay hydrated and happy.
BEST KID READS:
There is no excuse to be bored when there are books around. Check out these best-of 2020’s for new book buys for your babies.
And for goodness sakes teach those kids to drink from a hose already:
We at National hope you enjoy the rest of your summer in good health, in style and comfort. Enjoy your home!