Report From The Porch: DIY Sun Jar Light

You may have noticed a few things have been on my mind lately: renewable energy, getting the most out of outdoor living spaces, and a seemingly obscure, but wildly popular idea: Ditch Your Lawnmower, Hire A Flock Of Sheep (over 100 comments and 1000 facebook "likes" on this post). At the moment, I could only figure out how to combine two of these ideas. Collecting sunlight to illuminate the screened-in porch is the perfect convergence of two delightful concepts.

What? You were hoping I hired a flock of sheep to munch up my lawn? Stay tuned...

DIY Sun Jar Ligh

sun jar

Creating solar lights that harness the power of the sun are easy to make and maintain. When energy is generated during the daytime, the light will keep glowing into the evening. These aesthetically pleasing lights are perfect for a sleeping porch, pool, outdoor shower, hot tub or garden.

I spied the Sun Jar Solar Light (right) at the MOMA Store in New York City. It was created by designer, Tobias Wong. I contemplated purchasing a few (5 or 6), but at $50.00’s a pop, a “few” seemed a bit exorbitant.

I Goggled around the DIY sites hoping some creative soul had DIYed a homemade version. I found this fabulous Instructables tutorial. Careful, once you dive into Instructables you may never buy anything again.

Enjoy the glow!

(For three more ways to elevate an outdoor living space, check out this post.)

Photo credit: Instructables, MOMA,

Sleeping Out

It is common knowledge amongst my family and friends that no amount of prodding or bribing will get me to sleep outside in a tent. Any thoughts about camping were squelched years ago after a mini-vacation that deposited the four of us, by boat, onto an island during a non-stop rain event. There’s a mention of that fateful trip in this post about glamping. Even if my kids were miraculously transformed into the cutest little campers again (sigh) – there’s still no way I will ever sleep on a one-inch foam pad.

lake-porch

It’s been hot here. There is no air conditioning in my bedroom. I won’t get into the uneconess of air conditioning right now, but if you want to learn more about cooling without air conditioning, check out this NYTimes article. Or,…you could ask my husband who tries to convince me daily that a/c will only make me feel hotter in the long run. Ha! What does he know about being a middle-aged woman?

I will say, that if you cool your home with air conditioning, Practically Green recommends that you shade your unit because you can reduce the amount of energy by 10%.

girl-porch

Anyway, a recent bout of unrestful sleep has left my thoughts meandering. Then my writing goes south - rendering me useless. By late afternoon, I need to close my bleary-eyed peepers. I headed onto the lounge chair in the screened-in porch and was lulled to sleep by the sounds of frogs, birds, crickets, and a cooling rain. I woke up feeling refreshed, connected to my natural surroundings, and thinking about my friends who have a summer bedroom. The first hint of warm weather, they haul their bed out to their porch. Such a fine idea!

Do you have an outdoor sleeping space? If not, here are 10 tips for creating one.

Enjoy a restful weekend!

Credits: Wonderlust Journal, Apartment Therapy

3 DIY Eco-Hammocks

Is it brutally hot where you are? In New York, the temps are hovering around 100 degrees. The New York Times recorded these record-breaking temperatures in the Northeast: “The high of 103 in New York broke a record for the date. Baltimore hit 105, the highest temperature recorded since 1983, and in Boston, the temperature reached 100 degrees for the first time since 2002.” They also report little reprieve in sight. Some folks around here have taken to sleeping in their screened-in porches instead of cranking up energy-sucking air conditioners in the evenings. We have a hammock on our porch that doubles as an overnight accommodation. It’s not for everyone, but hammocks have been a staple in our family for years. Here’s a picture of my sister-in-law when she was a kid sleeping peacefully in womb-like comfort:

marti-hammock-443en

Whatever your DIY skills, just follow these  instructions, grab a book and a popsicle or a cold beer, and let the relaxing begin! CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Do you have an outdoor sleeping space?