Category Archives: Backyard Fun

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

One Hot Solution for Summer Staycations

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Thanks to record-high fuel prices, many families are choosing to vacation at home this summer rather than spend hard-earned cash filling up the gas tank.  One of the most popular additions homeowners are bringing to their backyards to create an at-home vacation experience is a fire ring.

Fire RingFire rings are generally constructed of durable cast iron, and the most appealing ones come apart panel by panel so they can be stored away easily or transported from backyard to campsite.  A fire ring brings warmth to any outdoor setting, and it invites gatherings of friends and family to cozy up for marshmallow roasting, song singing, and story telling.  Some fire rings even come equipped with a cooking grate on which you can roast campfire fare like hot dogs, burgers, and potatoes.

Vacations at home don’t require much work or preparation, and they go a long way toward saving homeowners money.  Fire rings offer one solution for creating a summer “staycation” that’s affordable and memorable.

Backyard Fun, Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

A Fresh Air Idea for TV Lovers

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Outdoor Television

Whether you are a sports fan, reality show junkie, or avid news watcher, staying on top of the latest details can be a challenge when you also want to spend time outside enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  More and more, homeowners are choosing to bring their passion for television and the outdoors together by bringing the TV outside.

Standard televisions and rain, sun, and humidity don’t mix, but TVs specifically designed for outdoor use can take all that nature has to offer.  Outdoor TVs can handle temperatures of over 100 degrees and below -20 degrees.  They have a watertight design, which means you can place the TV on a deck, patio, or poolside.  And, outdoor TVs have an anti-glare, scratch-resistant screen so watching one is no problem on a bright and sunny day.  Outdoor televisions can sit on a table or be mounted on a wall, from a ceiling, or on a deck planter pole, making them a versatile and space-saving addition to any outdoor area.

No matter what you like to watch on the television, you can continue to do so while benefitting from fresh air and sunshine.  Outdoor TVs make it easy to host outdoor parties for popular sporting events or movie-themed birthdays, but they also offer individuals and families a refreshing new way to watch favorite shows.

Backyard Fun, Holidays & Gift Ideas, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Unconventional Wedding Gifts for Royals and the Rest of Us!

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Wedding Bands
Do you have royal wedding fever? Unless you are living under a rock, you know that England’s Prince William married his long time girlfriend Catherine Middleton today. The world was mesmerized by the magical event, focusing on everything from the vows to bridal fashion to the guests’ hats, which were pretty impressive. If you had been able to score an exclusive invite to the prestigious and historic event, what could you possible get a royal couple that has everything? Royalty often receives priceless jewels, shares of stock worth millions, generous donations to their favorite charities, and even a race horse (from the Aga Khan to Elizabeth II on her wedding day in 1947). Choosing a gift for the couple that has everything can be tough, even if they aren’t royals! Below is a list of nontraditional wedding gift ideas any bride and groom on their big day.

  • Charitable Donations: Follow Kate and Williams lead! Ask the couple which causes they support and make a donation in their honor. This gift will be sure to please the couple and help other people and organizations in need. Everyone wins!
  • Museum or Local Attraction Memberships: Does the couple enjoy art and culture? Do they attend concert or plays often? Consider getting them a year long membership to an organization that they will love. Animal lovers might love a year round pass to the local zoo. Theater buffs will certainly enjoy a season of tickets at the local playhouse. Art lovers? The local museum. The options here are limitless. If you know the couple’s hobbies, you can certainly find a membership in their area to fit.
  • Patio Furniture and other outdoor living items: Many guests will bring plates, silverware, and household items. Maybe you should shift gears and look for something for the outside of their home. Patio furniture is something that most couples will enjoy, but might not think about when registering. They will certainly be able to enjoy your gift for many years to come, when cash and gift cards have long been used. Outdoor fireplaces are both luxurious and practical. They are a great addition to any new home. Outdoor grills will give the couple a fun alternative to indoor cooking and will surely get you invited over for future cookouts! Fountains, statues, and water features might also be perfect for your friends or family getting married.
  • Anything Personalized: Anything personalized, including a custom painting from portrait of the couple, monogrammed bath robes, and framed photo collages will show the couple that you avoided the traditional generic gifts. If you pick something especially for them, they will recognize the love and thought that went into choosing a gift for their special day.

Did you receive any unusual or unique wedding gifts on your big day? Have you given a wedding gift that was different, but wonderful?

Wedding Gifts

Backyard Fun, Portable Fun

Practice Makes Perfect with Basketball and Soccer

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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

Backyard Fun, Healthy Ideas

Big Time Twist on Classic Outdoor Games

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Outdoor Golf Chip Challenge

 

Only a few more days of winter are left, according to the calendar, and the promise of warmer days makes many families itch to get outdoors and enjoy the gradually rising temperatures.  Now is the perfect time to add a new outdoor game to your standard favorites, and classic games with a super-sized twist are the most popular choices among outdoor game-loving families.

Breathe a little extra fun and fresh air into your soccer or basketball games by playing Monster Soccer or Monster Basketball.  Monster equipment makes these traditional favorites enormously fun for everyone in the family.  Alternatively, golf lovers will jump for the outdoor golf chip game.  Intended for outdoor use and constructed from a heavy duty plastic material the golf chip game comes complete with stakes, mark off ribbon, and balls.

After a long winter that probably consisted of way too much indoor time, getting your family outdoors in the warmer spring temperatures probably won’t be a problem.  When you liven up your current collection of outdoor games with these larger than life classics, you may have a harder time getting your family to come back inside.

Monster Basketball Game  Monster Soccer Game