(photo: freshome.com)

Is the unrelenting summer heat getting to you? Do you feel like you could use some kind of getaway?

People pine for paradise with big dreams of fancy resorts and beach retreats, but overlook the most obvious of destinations for relaxation: their own backyards! Check out this awesome article of suggestions on how to turn your regular backyard into an outdoor oasis:

Creating An Outdoor Paradise In Your Backyard