It's your cosy weekend getaway. Or, for the lucky ones, a summer-long, luxurious retreat.
Cottage time is precious in our Canadian climate. When spring arrives, lake fever abounds and we dream of dining at the harvest table, dock fishing and lounging with a novel. Whether you dress your seasonal dwelling in nautical, cottage chic, modern, vintage or an eclectic mix, the key is function and relaxation, both indoors and out.
Here are some ways to freshen up the cottage.
Cool hues
Jazz up your patio party with these striking blue-and-white numbers. Need extra seating? This dainty, cream-coloured chair does the trick while evoking shabby chic; it's at HomeSense for $59.99.
At Ikea, bright blue gems include this bright blue, solar-powered globe light ($14.99), Barbar plaid tray ($8.99) and Gronska polka-dotted round cushion ($12.99).
Go green thumbs
Who says you can't dig flower beds at the cottage? This three-piece Garden Goddess tool set for $14.99 is sure to inspire. Add these tin watering cans to hold fresh florals or to water plants; the antique look-alike is $12.99; the butterfly painted beauty is $5.99. All items are available at HomeSense stores.
When the work is done, apply Burt's Bees hand salve to weary hands; it costs $14.49 at Canadian Tire stores.
Family fun
Board games are the quintessential pastime on a rainy summer's day. Cranium Family Edition will have everyone giggling and high-fiving. In the multi-activity challenge, teams act, sketch, guess, sculpt, perform stunts and more as they race around the board. Recommended for four players ages eight and up (playing time averages about 40 minutes). Find the game for $29.99 at Toys 'R Us.
On the radio
Stay in touch on the trails with Uniden's compact two-way radios, which boast up to a 19-kilometre range and 22 channels (batteries included, $49.99). Then, take a rest and enjoy tunes from the rubberized, splash-proof Magnasonic Dynamo AM/FM crank radio with LED flashlight (90 seconds crank time equals 25 minutes of audio, $19.99). Both items available at Canadian Tire locations.
Light 'em up
When the campfire calls at sunset, keep bugs at bay with citronella torches made from three-per-cent citronella wax wrapped on a bamboo stake. They burn for about five hours. The bug-adorned torches sell for $3.99 each at Canadian Tire.
Quality time
The best conversations take place during kitchen cleanup after a good meal. For under $15 total, these three items will enhance the experience. This peppy geranium flower brush will scour gunk off pots and pans. Find it at HomeSense stores for $4.99.
To help keep your feet toasty, the 90- by 60-centimetre, flat-woven, 100 per cent cotton Signe rug ($2.99) from Ikea. Also from Ikea, the dish rack folds flat to save space ($4.99) and measures 50 by 35 by 24 centimetres.
For the birds
If you welcome chirping outside your window, hang this quaint birdhouse fit for a flock. One side of the roof lifts up for easy cleaning. Buy it at HomeSense stores for $14.99. Early-morning birdwatching suit your fancy? Grab these Tasco binoculars for the occasion. They boast rubber, fold-down eyecups, 10x magnification and camo armour for added protection. Buy them for $19.99 at Canadian Tire stores or Canadiantire.ca.
-- Postmedia Newsw
