Looking for Cheap and Easy Ideas to Give Life to Your Patio?

With spring time here, the time is now to give life to your patio and if you've been thinking about it the time is here to finally do something about it. During the spring, summer, and fall months there is no better time to take to the great outdoors and take in the sunshine, but it all starts with the simple things that much cheaper and easier than you thought.

DIY projects are numerous, but finding out where to start is the hard part. Of course, you can throw thousands of dollars at your patio and get the decor of your dreams, but for most of us that's just not practical. If you're looking for some amazing ideas to give life to your patio decor then we've got 5 amazing tips for you which you'll see below.

1. Create an indoor living, outdoors - one of the easiest ways to get the indoor amenities outdoors is to just do it. Simple things such as a glass bi-fold door leading to the patio or glass walls that fold gives you the chance to take in the views while enjoying the nighttime breeze in comfort.

2. Consider contemporary patio furniture - the contemporary look is in, and if you're looking for something truly unique then considering unique colors and designs will do just that. Colors like red, purple, and teal will give you something to appreciate and will make a great entertaining space.

3. Add an outdoor propane patio heater - these can range in price from $30 - $500 with numerous options in-between. There's just something about a heater outdoors that helps create the moment, any moment. If it's romance or casual entertainment you're looking for, you'll find it with something as simple as a outdoor patio heater.

4. Add a fire pit - If a heater isn't your thing then consider adding an outdoor fire pit. These can be anywhere from real logs and fire to something a bit more artificial, but both will do the same thing.

5. Have you considered Pergola? - Odds are, you haven't. Pergola gives off a truly unique look and feel and one that you just won't get with any other design. The quality of Pergola is a beautiful design element and one that offers more than just a look.

If you're furniture is outside without the cover of a porch, they offer a place to shade giving you instant relief on sunshiny days. Pergola looks really good, especially when it's complimented with wicker patio furniture which offers a great compliment.

If you're considering Pergola, the following video gives you some great DIY suggestions to help dress it up with curtains.

Star Gazing is More than Just Looking through a Telescope

I remember the days of being a kid when the simplest things in life like star gazing was so amazing. This seems just like yesterday, but the reality is that it's more of a past time which is something that I just don't understand. There was a time when looking through a telescope was much more than science class and more like a hobby which is something that I used to love and appreciate.

Kids these days don't look at the things like we used to. Back in the day, we used to spend hours looking through a telescope at the many stars, planets, and even the rings around the planet and know what we were actually looking at. Today, it's a much different story as we'll be hard-pressed to find a child in school to even know how many planets there are and which one's have rings around them.

The other day I was outside at night with my youngest daughter who is 13 and asked her that very same question. I was appalled to find out that she didn't know the name of our solar system. I remember asking myself how is it possible with something so beautiful that has turned out to be sort of a past time.

I spent some time browsing the internet and came across the same revelation. While there are numerous websites out there that sell this and that, there are very few who truly go into star gazing and talking about what a telescope really is. Amazon of course is one of the biggest online retailers that specifically sells telescopes and other products, but there are only a few that really goes into the meaning of what they do and what star gazing is all about.

There was one site which really stood out called AstronimUs. This site takes us back to our roots and is a directory listing all store fronts that sell telescopes and other essentials and allows you to talk to a real live person. Where have these stores gone as everything is consumed of the internet and very few people resort to the concept of trying before buying.

For true enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to really see what the universe is all about, I would highly recommend them. They allow you to search for a store front near you, and if you've ever bought a telescope this is something you'll definitely want to do. If you didn't, how would you ever expect to come across something as beautiful as this which was seen in Texas:

Considering an Outdoor Propane Patio Heater to Give Life to Your Decor

While I was searching the web looking for some ideas to bring life to my outdoor decor, I came across something I've never considered before such as an outdoor propane patio heater. I've spent a lot of time over the years looking to make my decor somewhat unique and it's the things that I've never considered before that have made the biggest difference.

Outdoor propane patio heaters do more for my lawn and garden than provide heat as the 2 I bought have become the centerpieces of the patio. We use our patio for a great entertainment location which works out perfectly during the fall and spring seasons. For starts, these outdoor heaters are quite inexpensive and very safe to operate.

There are many different types of propane heaters which can be used on the patio or other areas outdoors, but I would definitely recommend a stainless steel model. Stainless steel doesn't rust, and over time they withstand the elements of the great outdoor better than any other type. They also give you more of a modern look and are easy to blend in with your surroundings and the rest of the furniture and accent pieces.

We went for more of a contemporary look with great color options which is easy to find a heater that fits. Our color pattern was read which we decided to go with more of a gold look for accents such as the heaters. At night time, the look is amazing and there's just something about the heat that emulates which isn't too much, but is just enough.

One of the best outdoor propane patio heaters out there is the Quartz Glass Table from AZ Patio Heaters. This model offers the perfect balance of a high-class look with a modern feel, but it's just one of the many options out there.

The Total Eclipse of the Sun Leads Star Gazing Events in 2017

2017 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years ever for star gazing as there are numerous upcoming events that you will want to be a part of. The hobby of looking at some of the solar system's most beautiful moments appeals to many, but to get the full effect you have to know when their happening.

These once in a lifetime experiences are really just that, and if you miss one you may be waiting years to get the chance again. Probably the biggest singular star gazing even this year will come this August when a total eclipse of the sun is visible throughout the US.

There will also be numerous other events leading up to the August Total Eclipse including early this year both Mercury and Jupiter will be close enough to visualize with well-defined features. This will be when both planets are the biggest and brightest and offer the best visuals when looking through a telescope.

Later this year in December, the Geminid meteor shower will offer up quite a spectacle and light up the sky like you've never seen before. This annual event has always become one of the most popular star gazing opportunities where you'll definitely want to have a high-quality telescope for. Even without one, the naked eye provides quite an experience and one that onlookers will be patiently awaiting.

Other noticeable star gazing events for 2017, some of which have already passed can be seen below:

• February 11 - COMET 45P/HMP
• February 26 - ANNULAR ECLIPSE
• March 29 - MERCURY, MARS, MOON
• April 10 - MOON MEETS JUPITER
• August 21 - TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
• November 13 - VENUS JOINS JUPITER
• December 13 - GEMINID METEORS

Tips to DIY a Pergola Structure for Your Lawn and Garden

Pergola structures have become increasingly popular over the years, and if you've seen them they you know exactly why. There's just something about the natural beauty of Pergola that just spruces up the lawn and garden and puts the emphasis where it belong.

We've receive numerous questions on how to build a Pergola structure, and let me be the first one to tell you, it's much easier than you think. There are numerous ways that you can do it yourself, and if your a consumer wise person like myself this will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

A pergola structure can be anything from 4 posts and a roof or you can build something a bit more elaborate with lattice and a walkway. Depending on the amount of room you have and your budget, considering all options before you start is the best way to go.

Below, are a few tips on how to DIY a Pergola structure for your lawn and garden which won't cost you much at all:

1. Gather materials including pressure treated posts, circular saw, shovel, level, post hole digger, and more

2. Determine the area - Chose your area wisely taking into considering the level of the ground and proximity to other yard items and the house itself

3. Chose a budget and don't go over- easier said then done, you can always add on later

4. Determine if you want to add lattice, curtains or other ways of dressing up your structure

For more, check out the following video which will show you how to build a DIY Pergola structure in just 5 minutes:

Tips to Chose the Best Handheld Planer for Woodworking

Woodworking is one of the best hobbies of all times, and more times than not it's the best handheld planer that makes all the difference. When looking for the perfect choice there are many things to consider such as price, durability, performance, and much more. When looking at the many models out there, you can start with the manufacturer with some of the most notable being Makita, DeWalt, Hitachi, JET, and many more.

Doing what we do best here on Blue Falling Star we've decided to put a bit together for you as the following 5 tips how to find the best handheld planer will make you buying decision much easier. Power planers are used for remodeling and differ slightly from jointers which function in similar fashion
We've considered everything you need to know and have done so through the eyes of the consumer.

1. Don't go over your price limit - it's so easy to get caught up in the moment and the first tip concerns not going over your budget. Make your decision based on how much you're willing to spend and not a penny more. There are numerous hand planers that offer a wide array of uses, features, and price points to meet the needs of consumers anywhere from $40 all the way up to $1000.

2. Choose a planer based on size and performance - the best way to determine the best hand planer is to look at the manufacturers specifications. This is a detailed list telling you what you can expect including the size of the motor, extra features such as dust collection, blade types, and what's all included.

3. Look for comfort and ergonomics - this is something that most people don't consider, but you'll want to. This is especially the case if you intend on using the planer for long periods of time or hope to get hours of use out of it. Handheld planers typically have two handles and the weight makes a huge difference. Lightweight models will typically weigh no more than 7-8 pounds and can go up to over 20 pounds.

4. Read consumer reviews - Amazon is a great place to read real consumer reviews. Odds are if it's out there then there's a review on it which is a real-review by real-people. Trust others who are in the same position as you as they'll detail the good and bad and offers some suggestions from the consumer perspective.

5. Trust your instinct - If you've been doing your homework and scouring the net to find information on the best handheld planers in 2017, odds are you've already found a wealth of information and have a pretty good idea which model suits your needs. Trust your instinct, but only after you've put in the time and done your homework.

Understandig the Different Types of Power Saws

Power Saws are one of those things in life that aren't exactly necessary, but we still can't live without them. There one of those things that serve many purposes which simplifies what we do and how we do it. The simple factors in life seem to have the biggest meaning which is what these more than simple tools do.

When looking at the many types of power saws do for us and the many different types, understanding what you're intending on use it for is paramount. There are over 7 different types of power saws with literally hundreds of products of each. Some of the most common types include band saws, miter saws, table saws, reciprocating saws, metal cutting saws, and many more.

Circular saws and miter saws are probably the two most common types. They both offer the versatility of cutting different types of material including wood and metal. Both can be outfitted with different blades which offer different types of cuts including smoother cuts for finishing and rougher cuts for more rugged pieces.

In some instances, a specialized type of saw is needed for specific tasks such as cutting masonry or tile. In these cases, a tile and masonry saw would be better suited as it allows you to cut through tile with ease without damaging the blade or causing an unforseen problems.

There is one site which really breaks down the different types of power saws while offering unbiased reviews on each product. They even take things a bit further while offering the best of the best in each category further breaking down the top circular saws, top band saws, top miter saws, and many others.

Check out Saw Critic for more if you're looking for truly the best power saw reviews.