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    Home Ā» DIY Ā» outdoor living Ā» Outdoor Overhaul Backyard Camper Retreat

    Outdoor Overhaul Backyard Camper Retreat

    Published by Gail | Published April 12, 2019 | Updated December 14, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    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

    Outdoor Overhaul backyard before

    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.

    backyard view from neighbor's side

    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

    garage view backyard outdoor overhaul

    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

    ryobi outdoor overhaul tools

    Now, let’s talk about some of the tools that Ryobi Landscapes sent me to help get the job done. I’m so excited to use these new tools. I’ve actually fired them all up and taken them for a test drive. The 2300 PSI High Performance Electric pressure washer will clean up the garage so I can paint it. The 40V Smart Trek Lawn Mower is so incredibly quiet and easy to use. Ohhh, and the 40V X-string trimmer is part of the expand it attachment line. You can buy other tools and switch them out. More on that next week!

    Ryobi 40 V Chain Saw

    This 40V Ryobi Chainsaw might be my favorite tool. Have you ever used a chainsaw? It sort of makes me feel more powerful to cut my own firewood.

    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

    outdoor overhaul 2.0 #hangoutchallenge

    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

    Pin it!

    Steps for starting an Outdoor Overhaul

    1) Make a plan

    plan a backyard makeover

    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

    clean out and move garden shed

    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

    design fire pit area

    The fire pit area started out around 16’, but ended up being more like 17’.

    fill fire pit area with pea gravel

    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!

    backyard outdoor overhaul

    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

    Week 2 progress

    How to Move a Garden Shed

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    Gail Wilson
    Website | + posts

    Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    • Gail Wilson
      https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/author/gail/
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    About Gail Wilson

    Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Arlie

      June 30, 2019 at 8:30 pm

      Gail how are you treating your actinic keratosis? I have never have an MD even offer to treat.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 01, 2019 at 9:56 pm

        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. šŸ™‚

        gail

    2. Carla

      May 01, 2019 at 11:09 am

      Will you have a paver patio tutorial? I love your new porch!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 03, 2019 at 9:56 am

        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

    3. Christine A. Roppel

      April 17, 2019 at 11:36 am

      LOVE this as well as your ambition! Prayers being sent for a full/healthy recovery! Love your blog! We use many Ryobi products, btw.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 17, 2019 at 12:19 pm

        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

    4. Terry Owenby

      April 12, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      I can't wait to see the end result! I'm sure it will be beautiful!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 12, 2019 at 6:55 pm

        Thank you Terry! Anything is better than where I started! šŸ˜‰

        I'm closer to the end every day.

        gail

    5. Vineta Jackson

      April 12, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Wow, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

      Reply
    6. Jennie

      April 12, 2019 at 10:45 am

      Praying for good health for you. It’s a shame you can’t take trips in the camper right now. I love the Ryobi tools. All the batteries are interchangeable, they’re sturdy, I even like the color. We downsized and didn’t need the big mower. So we bought a Ryobi small battery mower, leaf blower and string edger. They’re great. Can’t wait to see what you do.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 12, 2019 at 3:34 pm

        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! šŸ™‚ I love that the mower folds up. More about that in coming weeks. šŸ˜‰

        thanks for being so supportive of me and my little blog. It means more to me than you know.

        gail

    7. Wendi Wachtel

      April 12, 2019 at 6:22 am

      Great job on your video Gail! I can't wait to see what you do with your backyard. Your plans sound amazing!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 12, 2019 at 9:08 am

        Thanks Wendi! I'm already loving the changes in the backyard.

        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

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