The Bar Exam You Can't Fail

Sometimes you want a drink but don’t want to go where everybody knows your name. Maybe you’re the adventurous type and like to try a variety of adult beverages but don’t want to pay $9 - $11 for every experiment! Don’t like the “meat market” mentality? Or maybe, some days you just want to come home from work and dress DOWN to have a drink (don’t tell us – we don’t want to know)! You can’t do that if you go out to a bar, now could you?

 
Whether your favorite drink is a Cosmic Mango fru-fru umbrella drink or a manly drink like a dirty martini, shaken not stirred, you can mix your own at your own home bar! Think about it! It’s the perfect accessory and can fit in almost any room. Big or small, having a bar means you get to choose your own title: “Splash” “Big Squirt” “Mo (or Joe)” “Bar Meister” or “Mixmaster” – call yourself what you will, you’re in charge when you have your own bar! Whatever your current alcoholic or non-alcoholic obsession, invite a few friends over to belly up to your bar and you have an instant party! 

Curiously, one of our best sellers is called the Badin Bar made by American Heritage Barstools. The Badin Bar  with its raised decorative panels in a brilliant poplar veneer makes a wonderful addition for entertaining in your home. Plenty of pen shelving and a mini refrigerator/wine cooler port give this bar form and function. Everything you need to entertain is right at your fingertips. This bar is finished in deep traditional, rich walnut or a beautiful, contemporary black. 

Odyssey Homestore® has a huge selection of bars, barstools and bar furniture and is committed to bringing our customers the best quality products from manufacturers we’ve personally picked and trust. All of our products come with free shipping and a low price guarantee, so even if you find it somewhere less expensive, we’ll match that price and give you an additional 15% of the difference in a gift certificate for future use. 

As always, we offer Legendary products AND customer service, so if you need assistance finding just the right bar or bar stool for your home, or perhaps you just need an idea for a new adult beverage, we’re just a phone call or email away. 
 

On our last cruise we had a blast going to the Bahamas. It seemed like every establishment we went in to had their own unique house drink. Most of them were a variation of the Hurricane - a Yummy Rummy drink made with good rum and pineapple juice. We came home on a quest to recreate that drink. If the truth were known, we were probably missing the laidback lifestyle where everything slows down and your worries drift away, much like we floated endlessly in the warm Bahamian sea. But since the only substitute for that seemed to be a great Hurrican drink, we went on a quest to find the best. So if you're looking for a great drink that will give you that island vacation in your home, try the Hurricane - our favorite. Invite a few friends and click HERE for the best recipe and get your party started! (Please drink responsibly).

FREE HEAT or How to Heat a Small Room Affordably

How can you heat your small room affordably? It’s a question we are asked a lot. You don’t necessarily want to heat the whole house, right? Maybe portability is something you’re interested in also.

SunHeat 1500 in Golden Oak

If your room is 8’x 10’ to 10 ‘ x 10’ (800 to 1000 sq ft) we have a great solution for you! A space heater. But not just any space heater! There’s tons on the market today and they all operate just a little bit different. You want to look for one that stays cool to the touch, is safe and affordable to operate, looks great and will last a long time. We’ve done the comparisons for you and found that the Sunheat 1500 is the best bet for your money.

The Sunheat has a three year parts and labor warranty. It also boasts a solid wood cabinet that stays cool to the touch and is perfectly safe for kids and pets. The “Zero Clearance” cabinet means it can be put right up next to walls without any danger whatsoever. In fact, the Sunheat is safe to be left on even when you’re not home. It’s heated by six infrared heat tubes, the newest technology available on the market today! One of the main selling points, in our opinion, is the fan. It has a life expectance of 150,000 hours, which is about six times longer than the next FIVE major sellers! You’ll enjoy the warmth from the Sunheat 1500 for many years! And it’s quiet and has a remote available!

One last feature we like to talk about is the FREE HEAT. Because the Sunheat is an Infrared Heater, it heats the air around you by sending out infrared waves that delivery very effective heat at low temperatures, warming the air and everything in the room. Plus it's available in four really unique contemporary finishes: Golden Oak, Black Cherry, Mahogany and Black. Did we mention portable? The Sunheat 1500 has large casters that make moving from room to room a breeze (a warm breeze to be sure).

SunHeat 1500 w/Remote in Mahogany

The whisper quiet fan pulls air from the room, through a lifetime washable filter, and into the heat chamber. The moisture in the air absorbs the infrared heat as it passes around and over the copper. This warm moist air is pushed out into the room, where it warms you and the objects in the room. This transitive heating process is similar to how humidity and sunlight combine to create a heat index in the summertime. Remember the FREE HEAT we were talking about? Well that happens when you turn it off! Your room will stay warm for up to 10 minutes or longer because the Infrared waves have warmed the air and everything in the room.

At $329 the price is pretty affordable. For an extra $50 you can get the remote and never have to leave your comfy chair! Any questions, give us a call and we'll be happy to give you more information. 888-564-4744. Or you can click here to see all of the Sunheat items available at Odyssey Homestore®.

Hundreds of thousands of SUNHEAT customers have saved hundreds of dollars on their heating costs by trading the high cost of heating oil and fuels for the cheaper and more stable price of electricity. The savings starts there. If you reduce your consumption of heating fuels by *turning down your furnace, you naturally save money. The next step is to only heat the areas/rooms you spend the majority of your time in. Most people spend 80% of their time living in only 20% of their home. Why pay to heat the whole house? The Original SUNHEAT is a powerful portable, supplemental heat source that allows you to turn down your furnace and put the heat where you live. SUNHEAT will effectively heat: bedrooms, family rooms, dens, basements, living rooms; any 700 to 1000 sq ft area of your home.

Why Buy Teak Patio Furniture

Recently, we’ve noticed many of our customers buying our teak furniture. From teak storage benches, teak dining table and chairs, and teak chaise loungers, we’re noticing a substantial increase in teak furniture purchases this summer.

Apparently, a few of our customers spent some time researching which type of furniture one should buy. We know all about teak, but if you don’t – or don’t have time to research it, we’ll be happy to provide it right here for you.

Teakwood is renowned for its strength, its durability and its beauty. Teakwood is heavily saturated with natural oils, allowing it to withstand the extremes of all climates. Cold temperatures and moisture deepen and mellow its rich hue, creating the famous weathered appearance typical of old teakwood furniture.

Elegantly functional and gracefully lined early 19th century English garden style inspires the classic design of our teakwood furniture, perfectly suited for the most casual to the most sophisticated decor.

If you’re looking to enhance your outdoor living space, and you want to buy furniture and accessories that are classic and will withstand the test of time. Teak has all of these features and so much more!

Being a natural product, teak is considered to be the best material for garden furniture. Unlike many other wood products, teak is naturally resistant to adverse weather conditions – meaning you can leave it out all year long!

Some of the many specialties of teak include:
• Teak is beautiful, smooth, sturdy and extremely durable
• Teak is rich with silica and natural oils, making it resistant to bugs
• Teak doesn’t require polishing or oiling
• Teak does not rot or split, even when it’s in contact with rusted metals
• Teak is a favorite wood for shipbuilders worldwide
• If left in the sun, the Teak will turn to a graceful silver appearance which looks stunning. However, you can at any time bring it back to natural by using a Teak cleaner and sealer or by power washing it. If you choose to power wash (please use less than 2000psi.)
• Teak is naturally water resistant, so it makes perfect chairs and benches for showers
• Teak will last 20 to 25 years or more with proper care and maintenance, making it one of the best investments for your patio. In fact, many teak manufacturer’s offer a lifetime warranty on their products!

Lets make one thing clear. NO other wood compares to Teak when it comes to elegance, durability and low maintenance. You might have seen furniture made of a variety of different wood sorts described as “Family of Teak, Teak-like, as good as teak or even better than - Teak”. Let’s nail it: IT JUST DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN TEAK.

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Umbrella Fabric Choices

Umbrella Fabric Choices

It’s hard enough trying to figure out which umbrella to buy … “What size do I need?” … “Should I get wood or aluminum?” … “Should I get a crank or pulley lift system?” … “What about tilt?” … really, the list goes on and on. But finally, you’ve decided all of the features that will suit you. Then you still have to ask yourself one more question: “What kind of fabric should I get on my umbrella?”

If you’re just going to a Big Box store you’ll have to take what they offer. There are few choices, especially when it comes to features and canopy colors. But if you’re a discriminating buyer looking for a special color to compliment your patio furniture and yard, then you’ll have to special order your umbrella off of one of the many stores online that offer customized options, such as Odyssey Homestore®.

So, we’ve made it pretty simple for you to figure out which type of fabric will best suit your needs. As you read on, the list begins with the least expensive to the most expensive fabrics available on the market today for your umbrella.

Spun Polyester:

This fabric is made of 100% polyester yarns and can be used both indoors and out. They are easily cleaned with a mild detergent and water then allowed to air dry. DO NOT subject the fabric to water temperature in excess of 100°F or use bleach-based or harsh cleaning products on this type of fabric. Generally, spun polyester fabrics on umbrellas will last a good many years, IF you bring the umbrella in when you’re not using it. The color is silk-screen onto the fabric giving you almost limitless color choices, however, it is NOT warranted against fading so if you plan on leaving it out year round, this is not the best choice. If budget is a major concern, this is the most affordable umbrella fabric available on the market. There is no UV Protection with this fabric.

Coolaroo

One of the more affordable quality umbrella fabrics is Coolaroo. It is the ideal outdoor shade fabric. The secret is the unique Coolaroo fabric that blocks 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, yet breathes to reduce temperatures. And because Coolaroo fabric won’t rot, tear or fade, your umbrella will last for years—making it a better value. Coolaroo fabric comes with a 10 year warranty that protects against UV degradation, manufacturer's defects, and material. We love recommending this product, but the only drawback is the lack of color options: you have a choice of only 3 contemporary colors to choose from: mocha, smoke or sunset. However, don’t let that be a drawback. Neutral fabrics will coordinate beautifully with any color scheme. If you want to add pops of color, pick up some colorful throw pillows and your backyard will have an upscale, polished look you’ll be so proud of!

Glen Tuff Olefin

Glen Tuff Olefin fabrics are woven with 100% solution-dyed olefin yarn. This means that the color is dyed into the fabrics before the fabric is woven. As a comparison, many times fabrics such as polyester are woven in either white or off-white and then silk screened with color, which may lead to rapid fading in a hot, strong sun. Glen Tuff Olefin is soft & comfortable, and resists stains, mildew and fading. Olefin fabrics are exclusively designed for outdoor use. This type of fabric may be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to air dry. This fabric has a one year warranty against fading, and is a good mid-grade choice for umbrellas and outdoor cushions. This fabric has not been rated for UV Protection.

Sunbrella and Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics

Sunbrella is a synthetic acrylic material used in making many outdoor products including, of course, patio umbrella canopies. A Sunbrella Umbrella is any umbrella that is made with the world most famous brand of outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella. One of the main features of this type of fabric is that Sunbrella is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, mold and mildew resistant and entirely livable. Sunbrella's fabrics are worry-free and incredibly long lasting. Whether you choose the lightest color white to the darkest black, Sunbrella fabrics are tough enough to withstand the extremes of Mother Nature along with all the little accidents that come from everyday living. Sunbrella's rich fabrics will remain beautiful year after year. And, something to consider, make sure when you buy a Sunbrella Umbrella, the umbrella frame is replaceable! Your Sunbrella canopy may very well outlast your umbrella frame! You’ve already spent a good chunk of change on your outdoor furniture, so make sure you compliment it with the best umbrella fabric you can, one that will enjoy for many years.

Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer (www.skincancer.org). Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

When you need the best quality outdoor fabric for your umbrella, Sunbrella fabrics can make it happen with quality style and flare. Sunbrella fabrics are durable, beautiful, and comfortable.

Odyssey Homestore® carries umbrellas with all of the above fabrics and features, plus replacement canopies. If you have any questions, please call our umbrella specialist Monday through Sunday, 7am - 7pm at (888) 564 - 4744. We offer legendary customer service and products! And with our Price Match Plus policy, you're guaranteed the lowest price on

How to Store Wine

I remember as a young girl, my uncle had an underground wine cellar in his basement. He had the bottles stacked willy-nilly setting on home dug dirt shelves among gossamer spider webs. It was the creepiest place I’ve ever seen, yet my uncle was so proud of his wine collection, even though he had to crawl in on his hands and knees to find a vintage bottle to bring out for his guests!

Then, when I learned to appreciate fine wine, I saw my first real cellar at a local winery. I was so impressed, and decided then and there that if I ever have a house that has a room, or a portion of a room, which could be used as a wine cellar, mine would look just like this. Floor-to-ceiling wine racks of some type of rich, dark wood lined the walls in a large rectangular room. Against one wall was a huge, fire roaring in a fireplace tall enough to walk into. In the center of the room sat a large, regal-looking table surrounded by eight massive chairs that reminded me of thrones. It’s a room I could see myself entertaining guests on cold, winter evenings. I’ve dreamed of that room for years.
 
When I ran across this Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar, I knew it was exactly what I’ve been looking for! Plus it has a rich, tropical flair which is a look I just can't resist! You can mix or match any

So if you’re looking for a home wine cellar or creative ways to display your wine, look no further. Even if you don’t have room for a full wine cellar like the one that’s in my dream you can turn any closet, empty room, or unused space into the wine cellar of your dreams. Whether your wine collection is 10 bottles or over 1000, you can mix or match the Padma’s Plantation Modulare Collection to create a wine cellar you’ll be proud of!

The Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar blends beautifully with almost any décor, and can be used against a wall or even as a room divider. From one cube to dozens, you can create unique storage or display spaces to suit a variety of options. This just might be the ideal solution for your home, office, hotel or almost any location where wine is served!

We found the entire Padma's Plantation here. (Did you notice how many times we used the name "Padma's Plantation? We can't help it, we just love the name!)

I hope you love it as much as I do!

The Beauty of Dreams

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

 ---  by Eleanor Roosevelt. She was really amazing!