Sometimes you need a vacation from the stresses of everyday life and responsibilities – sometimes even from the stress of being the perfect hostess. Here are some tips for creating a getaway spot in your own backyard (and it’s up to you if you invite the neighbors or enjoy the peace and quiet all for yourself – we won’t tell!):

Relaxation is Key
The best part about a vacation is the ability to completely relax and throw your worries out the window, so your getaway spot at home should offer the same ambience. Design your outdoor space to be the ultimate relaxation zone with calming, serene pieces such as a water feature that blocks out surrounding noises. A Sun Country Furniture water feature can be designed to fit your style – natural, antique or classic.

You can’t relax if you’re always standing on your feet. Pick comfortable furniture with cushions that make you feel like you’re floating on clouds. We love chaise lounges because they allow for absolute relaxation!   New wicker chaise have arrived at  Sun Country Furniture in beautful grey tones with fade/water Resistant cushions.

Soiled deck cushions: If cushion is washable (check the label for Sunbrella logo ), use  warm, soapy water. Rub on cushions with a damp sponge,  rinse with a hose  and   Air Dry cushions.

Grungy picnic table: To clean up unfinished wooden furniture, scrub  surface with a mixture of 1 cup household ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 gallon  water. Rinse well and wipe with an absorbent cloth to remove excess  moisture.  For teak use our Teak Cleaner let sit a few minutes then rinse with a hose or power wash.  Apply Teak Protector for a great finish that will last the season.

Mildewed patio umbrella: Open umbrella and carefully lay it on its  side. Mix a solution of 3/4 cup liquid bleach and a squirt of liquid dishwashing  detergent (make sure to choose one that’s okay to use with chlorine bleach) with  1 gallon warm water. Dab on inside seam first to test colorfastness. Never use  bleach on acrylic prints — it will cause fading.  If the fabric has the Sunbrella label the cover can be washed in the machine remove wash and place back on the umbrella damp to dry.

Cast Aluminum:  Wash with a warm soapy water solution and rinse with a hose.  Any scratches or missing paint can be touched up with a spray can found at your local hardware store.

Now you are ready for a great patio season!  Enjoy!

Measure your doors and stairs to ensure delivery.
Once you’ve determined that your new furniture will fit your space, it is important that it can be delivered through all entryways, elevators and up all stairways.

Follow these simple guidelines to help ensure an efficient delivery:

Measure the height and width of your entryways, including elevator doors and interiors.

Use the furniture measurements to determine if it can go straight through entryways or if it will have to go in at an angle or on end.

For upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs, measure the overall length, depth, back height and diagonal depth. Diagonal depth is helpful when determining if the piece can be brought in on end. To determine the diagonal depth, measure from the top of the back to the front of the arm. Find the midpoint of that measurement and measure from the midpoint to the lower back leg.

Make sure that there is a clear and unobstructed path in front of and beyond each doorway. Make note of any fixtures, decorative mouldings, interior walls, ceiling heights, stairwells and banisters that may pose an obstacle once inside.

MEASUREMENT KEY
Back height: Measure from the floor to the top of the frame back. This dimension should be taken with all pillows and cushions removed. If feet are removable make note of the back height minus the height of the feet.

Depth: Measure from the furthest point from front to back.

Diagonal depth: Measure from the top of the back to the front of the arm. Find the midpoint of that measurement and measure from the midpoint to the lower back leg.

Length: Measure from the furthest points left to right.
Diagonal length: Measure from the corner of one edge to the opposite corner’s edge.

Inspired Outdoor Living Workshop

Carol Dodge Sun Country Furniture will be hosting a free workshop March 7 at 5:00pm

Featuring the following guest speakers

1.   Rick Melnychuk, D.Hort.Sc., co-owner of Opus Garden Creations Rick will demonstrate how carefully selected and appointed garden accessories can transform an ordinary garden into a unique and spectacular space for entertainment, relaxation and rejuvenation.  He will show examples from his previous projects how one can achieve that special effect with gates, arbours, screens, water features, sculptures, recycled and antique stonework, domes and unusual garden follies.

Rick’s 35 year long career in garden and landscape design has been featured in several VancouverSun articles by Steve Whysall.  His unique garden designs have garnered him many prestigious awards, such as the Georgie Award for best landscape architecture for a residential development, The People’s Choice Award and a citation by the American Horticultural Society for his Jardin Potager (Food Garden) display at the Van Dusen Flower and Garden Show and an Award of Excellence in residential garden design by the BC Nursery Trades Association.  

2. Helmut Prion, co-owner of Opus Garden CreationsHelmut  a structural design engineer, now lives and works in the North Okanagan where he endeavours to inspire garden enthusiasts to transform their backyards into a green space to nurture body and soul.

3 Rene Bourgault, Owner SYNLawn Okanagan SYNLawn products are the most advanced synthetic landscape and golf grass products on the market. Rene will discuss the various opportunities synthetic grass offers as ground cover solutions in outdoor living applications. SYNLawn Okanagan uses multiples systems to achieve maximum long term performance in: front and back yard landscapes, pool surrounds, pet areas, rooftops, and putting greens!

Synthetic grass continues it’s acceptance in the Canadian market and Rene is happy to be involved in

this ‘growing’ industry

4. Sean Colluney of Sunshine Pools and Hot Tubs Top 7 Tips when buying a pool or a hot tub.  Our mission is Making Pool and Hot Tub Ownership EASY!  After all, swimming pools and hot tubs should be all about fun and relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief.  They should definitely not be something else in your life to worry about – that’s what we’re here for!

Purchasing a pool and/or hot tub is a big decision, and most often consumers have very little idea of what they should be looking for, or even what questions they should ask.

5.  Carol Dodge owner of Sun Country Furniture Carol will present a slide show on her buying trip to Asia touring supplier factories and attending the Canton Fair.   What is new for the 2012 season.   Highlights of her trip to West Papua New Guinea in November on a Phinisi Schooner built in Sulawesi 1998 which cruises the Indonesian archipelago 9 passengers 11 crew.                           Door Prizes and Refreshments  Call to book your space 250 860 9088

Inspired Outdoor Living Workshop

Carol Dodge Sun Country Furniture will be hosting a free workshop March 7 at 5:00pm

Featuring the following guest speakers

1.   Rick Melnychuk, D.Hort.Sc., co-owner of Opus Garden Creations Rick will demonstrate how carefully selected and appointed garden accessories can transform an ordinary garden into a unique and spectacular space for entertainment, relaxation and rejuvenation.  He will show examples from his previous projects how one can achieve that special effect with gates, arbours, screens, water features, sculptures, recycled and antique stonework, domes and unusual garden follies.

Rick’s 35 year long career in garden and landscape design has been featured in several VancouverSun articles by Steve Whysall.  His unique garden designs have garnered him many prestigious awards, such as the Georgie Award for best landscape architecture for a residential development, The People’s Choice Award and a citation by the American Horticultural Society for his Jardin Potager (Food Garden) display at the Van Dusen Flower and Garden Show and an Award of Excellence in residential garden design by the BC Nursery Trades Association.  

2. Helmut Prion, co-owner of Opus Garden CreationsHelmut  a structural design engineer, now lives and works in the North Okanagan where he endeavours to inspire garden enthusiasts to transform their backyards into a green space to nurture body and soul.

3 Rene Bourgault, Owner SYNLawn Okanagan SYNLawn products are the most advanced synthetic landscape and golf grass products on the market. Rene will discuss the various opportunities synthetic grass offers as ground cover solutions in outdoor living applications. SYNLawn Okanagan uses multiples systems to achieve maximum long term performance in: front and back yard landscapes, pool surrounds, pet areas, rooftops, and putting greens!

Synthetic grass continues it’s acceptance in the Canadian market and Rene is happy to be involved in

this ‘growing’ industry

4. Sean Colluney of Sunshine Pools and Hot Tubs Top 7 Tips when buying a pool or a hot tub.  Our mission is Making Pool and Hot Tub Ownership EASY!  After all, swimming pools and hot tubs should be all about fun and relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief.  They should definitely not be something else in your life to worry about – that’s what we’re here for!

Purchasing a pool and/or hot tub is a big decision, and most often consumers have very little idea of what they should be looking for, or even what questions they should ask.

5.  Carol Dodge owner of Sun Country Furniture Carol will present a slide show on her buying trip to Asia touring supplier factories and attending the Canton Fair.   What is new for the 2012 season.   Highlights of her trip to West Papua New Guinea in November on a Phinisi Schooner built in Sulawesi 1998 which cruises the Indonesian archipelago 9 passengers 11 crew.                           Door Prizes and Refreshments  Call to book your space 250 860 9088

Inspired Outdoor Living Workshop

Carol Dodge Sun Country Furniture will be hosting a free workshop March 7 at 5:00pm

Featuring the following guest speakers

1.   Rick Melnychuk, D.Hort.Sc., co-owner of Opus Garden Creations Rick will demonstrate how carefully selected and appointed garden accessories can transform an ordinary garden into a unique and spectacular space for entertainment, relaxation and rejuvenation.  He will show examples from his previous projects how one can achieve that special effect with gates, arbours, screens, water features, sculptures, recycled and antique stonework, domes and unusual garden follies.

Rick’s 35 year long career in garden and landscape design has been featured in several VancouverSun articles by Steve Whysall.  His unique garden designs have garnered him many prestigious awards, such as the Georgie Award for best landscape architecture for a residential development, The People’s Choice Award and a citation by the American Horticultural Society for his Jardin Potager (Food Garden) display at the Van Dusen Flower and Garden Show and an Award of Excellence in residential garden design by the BC Nursery Trades Association.  

2. Helmut Prion, co-owner of Opus Garden CreationsHelmut  a structural design engineer, now lives and works in the North Okanagan where he endeavours to inspire garden enthusiasts to transform their backyards into a green space to nurture body and soul.

3 Rene Bourgault, Owner SYNLawn Okanagan SYNLawn products are the most advanced synthetic landscape and golf grass products on the market. Rene will discuss the various opportunities synthetic grass offers as ground cover solutions in outdoor living applications. SYNLawn Okanagan uses multiples systems to achieve maximum long term performance in: front and back yard landscapes, pool surrounds, pet areas, rooftops, and putting greens!

Synthetic grass continues it’s acceptance in the Canadian market and Rene is happy to be involved in

this ‘growing’ industry

4. Sean Colluney of Sunshine Pools and Hot Tubs Top 7 Tips when buying a pool or a hot tub.  Our mission is Making Pool and Hot Tub Ownership EASY!  After all, swimming pools and hot tubs should be all about fun and relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress relief.  They should definitely not be something else in your life to worry about – that’s what we’re here for!

Purchasing a pool and/or hot tub is a big decision, and most often consumers have very little idea of what they should be looking for, or even what questions they should ask.

5.  Carol Dodge owner of Sun Country Furniture Carol will present a slide show on her buying trip to Asia touring supplier factories and attending the Canton Fair.   What is new for the 2012 season.   Highlights of her trip to West Papua New Guinea in November on a Phinisi Schooner built in Sulawesi 1998 which cruises the Indonesian archipelago 9 passengers 11 crew.                           Door Prizes and Refreshments  Call to book your space 250 860 9088

Outdoor Fire Pits New for 2012
Does a peaceful moment in front of a warm fire appeal to you? A glowing outdoor fireplace is just the right spot for you. Cozy up on a comfy chair with a good book and let the crackling sound of the fire relax the stress of the day away.  Visit Sun Country Furniture and look at the 4 lines of fire pits we carry.

Design an outdoor seating area that’s as comfortable as your living room with an innovative sectional. Sectional components can stand alone or be combined to create the perfect seating for any occasion. Use the ottoman without a cushion to create a coffee table. Each piece is crafted of a metal frame and outdoor woven rattan  to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting quality.  Choose thick box cushions as shown  add bright toss cushions (sold separately). All cushions are covered with weather-resistant, fade-resistant, ring-spun polyester that easily rinses clean, and cushion covers remove for easy laundering. Imported from our factory in Vietnam.

Cover each piece with an outdoor cover, sold separately, when not in use. During periods of inclement weather or when you are away on vacation.  Covers come in various sizes to fit all our furniture.  Inspired Outdoor Living

We sell Golden Teak Cleaner, Protector and Sealer.  Check out the following video on YouTube to see how easy it is to keep your teak furniture looking like new all the time.

Wonder how Outdoor Rattan is made? It starts as small plastic colored pellets melted and put through an extrusion machine then cooled in a water bath. The length can go on forever. I toured a new factory and viewed the process on my trip to China