Author: Trey Collier

About Trey Collier

Avid Do-It-Yourself-er. Love's being outdoors. Helped push the shade sail market into one of the fastest growing outdoor shade structures product in North America.

Extreme Sports Locations Around the World

In today’s news, Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports features an article about the top 10 most unusual sports venues ever. There are definitely some strange ones! For instance, Andre Agassi and Roger Federer playing a tennis match at Burj Al Arab hotel – 700 ft about the ground on a helicopter landing pad? The thought alone makes me dizzy! This venue, with only a thin net below for safety, is definitely not for the faint of heart.

The article also mentions college basketball games played on aircraft carriers, squash matches played in clear boxes at Grand Central Station, and golf played on a glacier. These interesting venues add a whole new aspect to the games that players already love and offer a most unique experience.

While you might not be playing tennis on a helipad anytime soon (unless you plan on making a trip to Dubai), you can bring the thrill of your favorite game to your own arena – your home! Indoor game tables provide a great family activity or a chance to unwind with friends. Table tennis, air hockey, poker, foosball, pool, darts, and even basketball can all be enjoyed in the warmth and comfort of your home. Create a fun, friendly, and competitive atmosphere at home – no extreme location required! They also make wonderful Christmas gifts!

Source: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Where-does-aircraft-carrier-rank-among-unusual-s?urn=ncaab-wp6009

Grilling Recipes Inspired by the Tigers and Tide!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE biggest game of the college football season is happening this weekend, as #1 LSU takes on #2 Alabama. College football fans across the country, especially those in the SEC, are hoping for a shootout that will be one for the football history books! Will you be watching? College football is a perfect reason to fire up the grill and create a delicious meal for your friends and family. Speaking of grills, BackyardCity.com has College Logo Grill Covers for BOTH teams atop the polls this weekend. Which cover would you prefer – LSU purple and gold or the crimson of Alabama? No matter which team you are rooting for, check out the grilling recipes below to whip up a meal that your fellow fans will be sure to love!

Spicy Cajun BBQ Grilled Shrimp

(Perfectly served of purple and gold plates!)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup bottled hickory-flavored BBQ sauce
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 pounds shelled medium to large shrimp
  • Cayenne pepper (As much as you can stand)
  • Black pepper (As much as you can stand)
  • Garlic powder (As much as you can stand)

Melt butter and add BBQ sauce and lemon juice.  Add shrimp and toss to coat. Spread shrimp out and sprinkle cayenne pepper, black pepper and garlic powder generously over the shrimp. You can allow shrimp to marinate for several hours for more intense flavor, but they are also great on the grill after only 30 minutes. Grill shrimp for about 5 minutes, turn, and grill about 5 minutes longer (or until done). Let stand for several minutes to absorb spices.

Alabama Grilled Chicken with White Sauce

(Crimson Tide Approved!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 Whole Chicken
  • 2 Cups Alabama White BBQ sauce (Recipe Below)
  • Oil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Hickory Chunks (In addition to charcoal)

Butterfly the whole chicken, coat with a layer of oil, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper, and place on the grill with hickory chunks for smoke (Chicken pieces such as breasts, legs, and wings can be substituted). Cook over indirect heat at 300-325 degrees F for 3-3 1/2 hours (depending on the size of your chicken). Coat with Alabama White BBQ sauce after the chicken is done and serve immediately.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Preparation:

Mix ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using. Brush lightly over chicken, turkey or pork during the last few minutes of grilling. This barbecue sauce is also great as a dipping sauce so set some aside before you start grilling to serve on the table.
(bbq.about.com)

Iron Patio Furniture for Extreme Climates

If you live in a cold climate, or one with any extreme weather, choosing the right patio furniture can be a challenge. You can bring it in during the winter months, but the hassle of doing so may be more than you care to deal with. Choosing a furniture type that is made to stand up to extreme weather is the key! Iron patio furniture is a great option! This furniture has a special powder coated finish for exceptional durability in any kind of weather. It resists chipping, fading, and cracking for years to come, ensuring that your furniture will stay beautiful. Iron is easy to clean and easy to maintain. You will be able to buy an affordable set and make it last!

Sandboxes Will Make Your Children Happy for Christmas!

Sandboxes make an excellent gift for your children or grandchildren, and with only 63 days until Christmas, now is the time to shop! There are some great new options available that will far surpass the basic framed boxes of the past. Here are several options that will appeal to both you and your children!

Covered Sandbox with Adjustable Roof – This sandbox features a truly unique canopy that provides protection when the box is in use AND when it is not in use. While the canopy is raised, it offers shade and UV protection to your children and locks into place for safety. When play time is over, the easy to use crank system lowers the canopy onto the sandbox, forming a cover to keep sand clean and critter free! It also comes with a built-in toy box for holding all of their favorite sand toys!

Rolling Playhouse Covered Sandbox – A playhouse and sandbox in one? What child wouldn’t be thrilled! The playscape offers a place to play, read, and explore creativity. The sandbox can be left out and used or rolled under the playhouse to prevent dirty sand and unwanted animal guests. It will create the perfect place for your little ones to express their creativity and have fun!

Pavilion Covered Sandbox – This classically designed sandbox will add fun for the children and style for the adults. The lattice designed corners support a canopy that provides shade and UV protection all day long. The sandbox resembles a mini-gazebo, making a stylish statement in your yard. It is sturdy and has large sand area for lots of play time.

BackyardCity Pumpkin Contest – YOU Could Win A Great Prize!

BackyardCity.com is having an employee pumpkin carving contest, and we need your help! When pumpkins are turned in on Tuesday, October 25th, we will open voting to the public and let our customers and fans choose the best design. As a treat to you, we will also randomly pull a name from all voters. You may vote for multiple entries, but only one vote per person will be used in the drawing! The winner of this drawing will get his or her choice of the one of the products below – just for voting! The poll will be open Tuesday, October 25th  at 12:00 pm (Noon) and close Sunday, October 30th at 12:00 am (Midnight). The winner of  both contests (employee and voter) will be announced on Halloween (October 31st). Check back for more info closer to the 25th. Remind all of your friends and family to follow us on Twitter (BackyardCityTN) and Like us on Facebook so that they can participate, too!

Winner may choose any ONE of the following prizes:

Tailgating/Beer Pong Table

Deck Companion Electric Fireplace

Lagoon Outdoor Patio Lights

Hammock Recliner

6×6 Square Market Umbrella w/ Sunbrella Canopy(Light Wood Pole and Canvas Canopy)

Capel Finesse Garden Maze Outdoor Rug – 3ft 11in x 5ft 6in (Leaf Green)

Stainless Steel Electric Patio Heater