Every year for the past four years or so I’ve bought three outdoor umbrellas at the local hardware store’s ‘end of summer’ sale.
I’ve stashed them in the shed and then dragged them out at the beginning of the next summer to replace the existing umbrellas, which only last one or two seasons.
At $19.95, I’m not complaining about the cost. But I do have an issue with getting my umbrellas to stay level. Even with a heavy iron base, a decent pole and a fairly small span of just 1500mm, a gentle breeze will knock them a few millimetres off level and the OCD part of my personality obsesses about them until I level them up again.
I’ve decided that repeatedly levelling umbrellas is timewasting and frustrating so the local hardware store will be losing that bit of my business this year. I’m going to replace the umbrellas with shade sails.
My research on them to date has indicated they’ll add contemporary style to our courtyard and terrace, last longer than umbrellas, we won’t have to rush outside to take them down every time there’s a bit of wind and, since they won’t be level from the get-go, I won’t have to adjust them every five minutes. Win-win!
It’s taken me a long time to arrive at this decision and I’ve thought about it carefully. Well, a bit. Here’s what I’ve figured out needs to be done before buying a shade sail.
LOCATION
Denne historien er fra December 2 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra December 2 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK