I love my new Vintage Cruiser camper, but I need a new place to park it. The backyard seems like a good place but it has been neglected for so many years. When Ryobi Tools USA contacted me about their Outdoor Overhaul 2.0 I was thrilled! I was going to get my backyard camper retreat I’ve been dreaming of. Yes, with the help of Ryobi’s new 40 V outdoor tools and a lot of hard work, I can make this happen! There are four bloggers working on this Outdoor Overhaul, be sure to see the info at the bottom of this post to see the plans for their space!
This project and blog post is sponsored by Ryobi Tools USA
Outdoor Overhaul #hangoutchallenge
First, let’s take a look at what I’m working with. I live on a corner lot, so my backyard isn’t very big. In years past, it’s held a trampoline, playhouse and swimming pool. But now, there is just a storage shed, disheveled clothesline and some old projects. Maybe it’s not the worst space—it does have potential. But you can see why I don’t hangout here.
Opposite view. You will need to familiarize yourself with these two views because hopefully in a month you won’t recognize this space!
What I hate about my backyard
- Old Privacy Fence
- Concrete Steps at Back Door
- Dilapidated Clothesline
- Old Rusty Firepit
- Sewer Clean Out Pipe
This area (hopefully) will see the most changes. Having that tree right smack dab in the middle of the yard is a good marker to see what’s what. Speaking of that tree, it’s an ornamental pear tree. I have two others in the yard. THIS tree is a direct descendent of the tree from the front yard. It grew from a seed, and I transplanted it in the backyard a few years ago. It’s very near and dear to me, so it’s not going to be touched in this outdoor overhaul!
Ryobi Outdoor Tools
Backyard in need of an Outdoor Overhaul
Are you ready to see the full picture? Here’s a short video to explain it in further detail . . .
What do you think? Am I crazy to take on such a big job? I sure hope I can pull this Outdoor Overhaul off. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss a thing!
Enter to win prizes
In a nutshell, there will be weekly prize giveaways on Instagram. To enter, visit My Repurposed Life’s profile on IG next Monday and share a screenshot of my weekly progress. Tag @ryobitoolsusa and @myrepurposedlife using the #HangoutChallenge. That get’s you entered for next week’s weekly prize. Winner announced next Friday afternoon.If you already follow me on IG, maybe you entered this weeks drawing. That winner will be announced later today.
IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2019 OUTDOOR OVERHAUL 2.0 WEEKLY GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES, YOU MUST BE 18 OR OLDER AND LIVE IN THE U.S. See Rules HERE.
Now, for the BIG news! There is a grand prize up for grabs. It’s up to $500 of Ryobi Outdoor Tools! How do you enter? Do your own Outdoor Overhaul space—a backyard, patio or garden area. Share your space on Instagram using #RYOBIOutdoorOverhaul and #hangoutchallenge and tag @ryobitoolsusa and @myrepurposedlife. Contest ends at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time on 5/3/19
IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2019 OUTDOOR OVERHAUL 2.0 HANGOUT CHALLENGE SWEEPSTAKES, YOU MUST BE 18 OR OLDER AND LIVE IN THE U.S. See Rules Here.
I truly hope you join in the fun and enter to win the weekly prizes as well as do your own #OutdoorOverhaul to be eligible to win the GRAND prize! Be sure to check back on the next few Fridays for my weekly updates. I’m hoping you’ll be amazed by how different this space is going to look! And that you will vote for me to win the #hangoutchallenge when it’s time.
So, the most important part is to follow me on Instagram because that’s where you can win prizes and eventually vote for your favorite space. Now, go visit my friends to see their before spaces and hear what they are going to do!
Thrift Diving | H2O Bungalow | The Handyman’s Daughter
Steps for starting an Outdoor Overhaul
1) Make a plan
I’ve never done hardscapes before, so the first thing I did was lay out lumber and landscape edging to get a feel for where my new stuff would be best. You see, I’m a very visual person, and I needed to get measurements—this seemed the best option for me.
2) Go Big or Go Home
Why not tackle one of the biggest things first? It was time to empty and move the garden shed. Read all about How to Move a Garden Shed here. There was definitely a learning curve here.
3) Design Fire Pit Area
The fire pit area started out around 16’, but ended up being more like 17’.
Pea gravel seemed to be the best option. Did you know that it’s a lot easier to get a dump truck instead of numerous bags from the big box store? That’s about 3.5 tons in that small pile! I’m sure you’ve noticed my little helper shadow!
Here’s a rough illustration of what I have planned. I’m already exhausted, so much to do! Be sure and follow along over the next few weeks to see if it all comes together.
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Arlie
Gail how are you treating your actinic keratosis? I have never have an MD even offer to treat.
Gail Wilson
Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
Arlie,
That's the topical medication that the Dermatologist prescribed for me. Some drs say 4 weeks of treatment. My dr said 2 weeks, take a break for healing then a second round of 2 weeks. So, that's what I did.
Treated my hands, arms and face. My face hurt the worst, but gave me the best result. I still have some places on my arms and hands that will hopefully be taken care of in the fall when I do round 2.
I'm doing everything I can to stay out of the sun these days. I'm glad round one is behind me. My face is better than it's been in 5 years or more. š
gail
Carla
Will you have a paver patio tutorial? I love your new porch!
Gail Wilson
Carla,
ohhh, I don't think so. I'm sure there are so many people out there that can give better information. We just sort of made it up as we went along. It actually may be re-done down the road. But for now I love having a dedicated space for dining!!!
gail
Christine A. Roppel
LOVE this as well as your ambition! Prayers being sent for a full/healthy recovery! Love your blog! We use many Ryobi products, btw.
Gail Wilson
Thank you for the well wishes and prayers! I'm dealing with some skin cancer issues that I am treating at home with an RX from my derm. It's not fun, but beats the alternative.
I appreciate your kind words about my blog. I do love what I do!
gail
Terry Owenby
I can't wait to see the end result! I'm sure it will be beautiful!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Terry! Anything is better than where I started! š
I'm closer to the end every day.
gail
Vineta Jackson
Wow, I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Jennie
Praying for good health for you. Itās a shame you canāt take trips in the camper right now. I love the Ryobi tools. All the batteries are interchangeable, theyāre sturdy, I even like the color. We downsized and didnāt need the big mower. So we bought a Ryobi small battery mower, leaf blower and string edger. Theyāre great. Canāt wait to see what you do.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Jennie! I'm dealing with some skin cancer issues and doing some topical treatment. So, for now, I'll settle for the new backyard space as it all comes together.
So great to hear that you love your Ryobi outdoor tools as much as I do! š I love that the mower folds up. More about that in coming weeks. š
thanks for being so supportive of me and my little blog. It means more to me than you know.
gail
Wendi Wachtel
Great job on your video Gail! I can't wait to see what you do with your backyard. Your plans sound amazing!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Wendi! I'm already loving the changes in the backyard.
gail