Category Archives: Portable Fun

Beach Accessories to Improve Your Vacation

Beach
Planning a trip to the beach this summer? Taking sunblock, bathing suits, towels, and sunglasses are a given, but there are so many other items that could really make your experience the best.  These accessories will make your beach time so much more fun (and comfortable).

  • Radio Pillow: Perfect for not only the beach, but also around the home, a sports radio pillow is a fun and inexpensive way to entertain yourself while relaxing. Just lay back and tune into your favorite station. The stereo speakers will surround you with music and the ergonomic design will offer the ultimate comfort. You will be the envy of everyone on the beach.
  • Beach Chair Canopy: Need some relief from direct sunlight? A removable chair canopy will transform any beach chair into a shady retreat. It is easy to attach and provides maximum protection. The canopy pictured is designed to fit any adult Swim Ways or Kelsyus chairs, which are popular brands sold by vendors nation wide.
  • Portable Beach Mat: Better than a towel, this mat will make sure that you experience a comfortable day of lounging. It is lightweight, fully padded, and even has an adjustable backrest. The portable beach mat folds up like a purse, complete with storage pockets, so its stylish even when it’s not in use.

Portable Hammocks Make Happy Campers

Camping

June is National Camping Month!  What kind of camper are you?  A beach camper?  A national or state park camper?  A backyard camper?  A find-an-empty-spot-in-the-woods-and-raise-the-tent camper?  No matter where you like to camp, it’s safe to say that not every camper enjoys the “roughing it” aspect of camping, including yours-truly.

Don’t get me wrong, I like searching for the ideal scenic camping spot, exploring nearby trails, and staying up after dark to stare in amazement at the star-studded sky.  I don’t, however, enjoy waking up with a stiff back, sore joints, and a bad attitude due to a poor night of sleep.  I’ve tried air mattresses made especially for campers, but with these, a good night of sleep still eludes me.  I always seem to lay my bedding on top of the most uncomfortable patch of ground in the entire area.

Portable HammockEnter the portable hammock.  Once I found this little gem and began bringing it along on camping trips, my experiences in the great outdoors have been enormously improved.  Light enough to carry and compact enough to fit into most tents, the portable hammock allows me to sleep (or nap) comfortably and wake feeling completely refreshed.

The benefit of portable hammocks is that they go anywhere.  So, if camping is not your preference, you can still take it with you on your next fishing trip, hiking excursion, or backyard relaxation adventure.  Take it from me, “roughing it” to the point of discomfort is not a requirement for camping or any other outdoor activity.  Adding a component of comfort, such as a portable hammock, to your collection of gear will allow you to enjoy your outdoor experiences more fully and more often.

Add a Little Swivel to Your Sunbathing

Swivel Beach Chairs

Sun worshippers — how many times during your outdoor tanning sessions do you have to get out of your beach chair, pick it up, and move it to keep up with the position of the sun?  It’s no secret that the sun moves across the sky continually throughout the day, and sun worshippers everywhere must constantly adjust the position of their chairs to compensate for that movement.

Achieving a tan that is even in color on all exposed parts of the body is the summertime goal for many beach bums and swimming pool lovers.  It’s a constant hassle, though, to keep adjusting your seating arrangement.  Sunbathers who fall asleep or become engrossed in a good book can end up with a lopsided tan that is difficult and time-consuming to remedy.

The smart solution comes in the form of a Swivel Beach Chair.  Lightweight and easy to carry, the swivel beach chair allows you to plop yourself down by the poolside or on the beach and simply turn yourself to follow the sun as it moves overhead in the sky.  With a swivel beach chair, you never need to get up to adjust the chair’s position.  And, turning away from the sun is just as easy when you’ve had enough.

Celebrate BBQ Month with Grill Tips and a Delish Recipe

Outdoor Grill

Did you know that May is National Barbecue Month?  What better way to celebrate it than by cooking dinner out on the back patio or deck?  Thanks to the generally pleasant weather experienced by much of the country in May, you can celebrate National Barbecue Month just about every night.

What type of Outdoor Grill do you prefer to use?  Gas Grills and Charcoal Grills are perhaps the most popular grills found in backyards across the country, but Electric Grills, Brick Ovens, and even Portable Grills make cooking out with family and friends a delicious affair, too.   If you don’t already own a grill, or if you’re in the market for a new one, make sure to consider the following questions when you go to buy:

  1. How much space do you have for storing and using a grill?  Know where you want to put a grill and measure that space so you know what size limitations you’re working with.
  2. How do you want to power your grill?  For example, some people prefer to use charcoal grills because of the flavor it adds to the food, while others like to have optimum control over the temperature of the flame and choose gas.
  3. How much cooking surface will you need?  Larger families require a larger cooking surface so that everyone’s food can fit on the grill at the same time.  Small families, on the other hand, may not require as much cooking surface.
  4. What kind of features are most important to you?  A grill that is easy to clean?  Easy to move around? One with a warming rack above the main grill surface? Or with additional work space and grilling tool hooks?  Knowing what features you require will help you narrow the field of choices.

With a grill at the ready, you can celebrate National Barbecue Month this month as well as all summer long.  While you’re at it, you can easily celebrate National Hamburger Month, too, which is also in May.  Here’s a delicious hamburger recipe to get you motivated:

Teriyaki Hamburgers

  • 1-1/2 pounds of lean ground beef or ground turkey
  • 2 slices of white bread, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons of sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Blend well.  Shape mixture into 6 patties.  Grill for 10-15 minutes about 5 inches from the flame, turning once.  Serves 6.  Enjoy!

Practice Makes Perfect with Basketball and Soccer

Rolbak Basketball Net

Spring is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Sports offer a great outlet to get some exercise while enjoying your time outdoors. Basketball and soccer are fun choices! If you already have an outdoor basketball goal, you know the enjoyment that they can offer. From a competitive game of three on three to a fun round of Horse, you will likely spend hours outside stepping up your game. You can also step up your practice time by using a basketball rebound net. Minimize the time that you spend chasing the ball so that you can maximize your playing time. Let’s face it – we all miss shots. Keep the basketball from damaging plants, windows, and other property close to the hoop. They are easy to install, move, and extend. You can also practice soccer at home with a portable soccer goal. Look for a goal with deep corners. This will help maximize your practice time by allowing you to work on corner shots. A goal that is weighted around the edges will ensure that it is standing strong against wind and powerful kicks. With a few easy tools, you will be bending it like Beckham or shooting like Jordan with all the practice you will be getting in!

Soccer Goal