Happy Camper: 10 Life Hacks for the Great Outdoors

If you are one of the many who prefer to spend the warmer months outdoors (either in a tent or cottage), we’ve got just what you need to make this the best summer ever! Check out our top 10 life hacks for the great outdoors and get ready to spend time in the woods the smart way.

Duct Tape Tip – Having duct tape on your trip? Good idea. Bringing the whole, bulky roll? Bad idea. Instead, try wrapping some around a water bottle, that way you can have what you need without touting along any unnecessary tape.

Image via Brian's Backpacking Blog

Sleep Smart – Many go on outdoor adventures to help find inner peace, so bringing your yoga mat camping makes sense. Plus, not only is it good for your soul, it’s also good for your body. Use it as a sleeping mat to help make the cold hard ground a little more comfortable. Namaste.

Image via Happy Money Saver

Perfect Portable Stove – Starting a fire can be hard, so why not bring your own portable stove camping? All you need is a soda can, a knife, scissors, and lighter fluid. It’s a little complex to make, but it’s very lightweight and inexpensive.

Image via eHow

Clever Clove Concoction – Keep mosquitoes and flies away with this odd creation: cloves and lemons. For whatever reason bugs do not like the scent these two things create, so they're a great all-natural bug repellent. 

Image via Get Rid of Flies Guide

Terrific Toilet Paper - Camping may not be the cleanest activity, but you can still keep the important things, like toilet paper, fairly sanitary. Instead of passing rolls from person to person as one needs to use them, consider creating a contraption like the one pictured below. It lets you hang your toilet paper when you need it, and keeps it sealed and secure when you don’t.  

Image via Fast Code Design

Speak Easy – And when you’re done with the roll, make sure to hang on to the tube! Don’t bring your fancy portable speakers into the woods with you only to have them dirtied or damaged, (plus the batteries always run out anyways). Instead, cut some strategic holes in a toilet paper roll and you’ve
got yourself the ultimate disposable speaker. 

Images via May Richer Fuller Be

Watch Yourself – Should you ever find yourself lost in the woods, this is great to know. Although you do need an analog watch for it to work. So just make sure to bring an analog watch with you on your next outdoor adventure!

Image via Lifehacker

Lifehacker says: "Hold a watch with 12:00 at the left. Move your arm so the hour hand points at the sun. The spot halfway between the hour hand and the 12 is south."

Savvy Soap Slip – Showering/washing at a campsite or cottage is often a little tricky. The bathrooms tend to be less clean than you’re used to, or there might not be a bathroom and so you’re trying to clean yourself in a lake. All of these seem a bit counter-intuitive, but not if you have the right supplies, like a soap pouch! Instead of bringing soap and a washcloth, sew your soap into a washcloth. This seriously lessens the potential for you to drop your soap and washcloth, is simpler to pack and keep track of, and is a super fun sewing project.

Image via Whimsy Love

Solar Powerful - Flashlight batteries die and gas lighting is so 1910, so light up your camp or cottage the smart way. Making a solar lantern is easy to do and such a clever idea. Bringing lanterns with you that will light up as the sun sets, so you’re not hunting around for them in dark, is genius. Plus there’s no risk of their batteries dying because they’re solar powered. These are a definite must pack for your next trip.

Image via Camp Wander

The folks at Camp Wander suggest putting some emergency items inside your lanterns to make sure you don't lose them.

The S’more You Know – We saved the most important hack for last: how to make the best s'mores. If you thought they were great already you might want to sit down for this. Instead of using the traditional graham cracker, try chocolate chip cookies and get ready to have your mind blown. 

Image via Cooking Classy

We hope these simple hacks help you and your loved ones have more fun on your outdoor escapes, and that everyone has a safe and fantastic summer!

And remember, the early bird gets the worm, so make sure you buy your Home Shows tickets early! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets to a Marketplace Events Home Show happening near you. Visit our Facebook page to learn more and get your discounted tickets.

Read More

Entertaining Outdoor Living at Plaza Palooza

The OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show can give you ideas for the inside and outside of your home. Plaza Palooza, an outdoor living event, will feature live cooking demonstrations at the Grill-It Stage, with local chefs and celebrities, live music from local bands, featured gardens, and a garden market.

The Grill-It Stage will feature grilling demonstrations and free samples to inspire you to try new things on the grill. Demonstrations will take place all three days of the show. Local teachers, radio personalities, and accomplished grill masters can give you ideas for quick meals and give you the inside scoop on entertaining a hungry crowd.

Relax at the Bandstand Stage and enjoy the cool sounds of regional and local bands, like Dante & the Hawks and Signs of Warning. We'll have bluegrass, country, and rock music playing all weekend long. Check out our stage schedule so you can see who'll be playing, when.

The Garden Market will feature an outdoor water feature by Perry Landscaping, pergolas to provide shade, and other plants and garden accessories to create an outdoor space you and your family will enjoy all season.

Celebrate spring, get inspired, and find new ideas for your outdoor living space at the OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Oklahoma State Fair Park March 20-22, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to a fun day at the show!

MARCH 20 - 22, 2015.
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK

Read More

Look Who's Taking The Stage At The Calgary Home + Garden Show!

The wait is finally over, the Calgary Home + Garden Show is here! Swing by the BMO Centre & Corral from February 26th to March 1st to see Canada's most talented designers and gardening gurus on the Home + Garden Stage, presented by The Calgary Herald. Plus, don't miss out on over 650 exhibitors and features designed to whip any home or garden into shape!

As the show kicks into high gear, we'd like to shed light on this year's celebrity presenter, HGTV's Carson Arthur, gracing the Home + Garden Stage for the first time in show history.

As the co-star of HGTV Canada's Critical Listing and founder of Carson Arthur Design, Carson Arthur has become a voice of environmentally-friendly landscape design on a global scale. We're thrilled to host this curb appeal master on the Home + Garden Stage. He'll be offering tips on how to find value in your outdoor spaces and how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to landscaping. Looking to redesign or renovate your outdoor space? Carson has expert advice for you! Don't miss Carson Arthur on the Home + Garden Stage on February 28th and March 1st!

Presentation Topic: "Show Me The Money" - Landscaping has joined kitchens and bathrooms at the top of ways to improve your home's value. See how to make your gardens work for you!
Where: Home + Garden Stage presented by The Calgary Herald
When: Saturday, February 28th at 3pm and Sunday, March 1st at 12pm

Presentation Topic: "The New Low" - Why low-maintenance outdoor spaces are changing the face of outdoor living.
Where: Home + Garden Stage presented by The Calgary Herald
When: Saturday, February 28th at 7pm

Interested in attending the Calgary Home + Garden Show? To avoid box office lines (and receive a hefty discount), get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook! For a complete list of home and garden celebrities and their stage appearances and presentation topics check out our Stage Schedule.

Read More

Year in Review: 10 Biggest Decor Trends of 2013

10 Biggest Decor Trends of 2013…
According to Marketplace Events' Home Show Blogger, Andrée B.

1. Black & White

I've had my eye on this classic combination for some time now, and I'm very glad it was a trend in 2013.  Incorporated with solid colors, stripes, or other patterns, I noticed this trend popping up in home offices, bedrooms, and dining rooms.  Black and white create a very dramatic effect, I've found this decor trend gives spaces a very organized and well structured appearance.   

2. Shades of Gray 

Gray has quickly become one of the post popular colors in home decor, particular in bedrooms and living rooms.  Regardless of the shade, gray has very soothing qualities that bode very well with rest and relaxation.  Gone are the days when entire homes are painted taupe or cream; today, in 2013, it was all about shades of gray, and how they can support almost every other color.  

3. A Modern Approach to Lighting 

In 2013, people were lighting it up in more unique ways!  Once the walls are painted and the furniture is chosen, many tend to think the house is complete...but what about the lights?  Lighting can add a lot of charm to a space; this charm should be unique in every room.  So whether it's a chandelier here, and a few pendant lights there, don't be afraid to really explore the very unique options that are now available.

4. Outdoor Living Spaces

I've always been a huge advocate of stylish and comfortable outdoor living spaces.  In 2013, backyards proved they were not just about swing sets and BBQs, they are about being spaces you can relax and LIVE in.  There are now entire living rooms, dining rooms, and even television sets available at our home shows for the backyard.  In 2013, people really embraced their yards, turning them into second living/dining rooms.  

5. Simple Centerpieces 

You know that large flat surface you sit at to eat dinner? Don't forget to decorate it!  Even if you're not entertaining, an easy decorative centerpiece is crucial to tying a space together.  On trend in 2013 were DIY centerpieces that were fairly simple.  Whether it's a bowl of green apples for color, a row of mason jars with floating candles, or bouquet of daisies, dressing up your table is both fun and important.  

6. Wallpaper for Feature Walls

Remember the days when wallpaper was almost a bad word?  People used to shriek at the thought of using wallpaper instead of paint.  But in 2013, a combination of the two was all the rage!  Think of wallpaper as art, it's great for adding a decor element to any space.  While there are still some scary patterns out there, you'll find that wallpaper has become a lot more modern.  With bold patterns that are great for feature walls, I think everyone should pick a room to incorporate this fabulous 2013 trend. 

7. Words on Walls

In 2013, I found that people became very passionate about self-improvement and incorporating this inspiration in design.  This interesting intersection is exactly why people are putting quotes and words on their walls.  I love this trend because it's a great way to customize home decor.  To me, words on walls are truly letting your home speak for you. 

8. Mixing the Old with the New

Mixing old items with new ones in home decor provides a casual and functional aesthetic.  In 2013, people were mixing and matching old favorites with newer pieces, the space is always fresh and up-to-date.  Incorporating classic furniture lines and peppering in new decor elements allows for less fussiness, and very polished spaces. 

9. Unisex Decor Themes

Believe it or not, a lot of men cared about home decor too in 2013!  This trend was big with a lot of younger couples and new homeowners at our home shows.  People are thinking unisex, decorating with fewer frills, focusing on functionality, and using gender neutral colors.  Darker woods, minimalism, symmetry, and framed black and white personal photos are just some ideas of how to make your space unisex.     

10. Gallery Walls 

With all the smartphones, Instagram photos, and digital prints out there, gallery walls emerged as fantastically creative ways to display memories and personal style.  Great for creating eye-catching feature walls in dining rooms, living rooms, and home offices, the trick to these is to lay them out ahead of time and play around with your frames and shapes.  There are even gallery wall templates available on Pinterest that can help you with your planning.  Of course, if you’re not feeling the cluster-styled gallery, opt for my favorite, straight rows that create a geometrical photo grid.  Regardless of which approach you choose, you'll finish with a wonderful conversation piece.  

Do you have any you'd 2013 decor trends like to add? 

Leave us a comment below, or tweet us your thoughts @HomeShows.  

- XO Andrée

Read More

Planning Your Outdoor Space? 7 Great Ideas!

Whether your outdoor space allows you to lounge poolside or sip lemonade on a balcony, you'll need some inspiration to put together your perfect oasis.  Below I've gathered a variety of my favorites! Take a look and start planning.

7 Outdoor Atmospheres

Paper Lanterns Above a Bench & Oval Table. - Lonny

Read More