Category Archives: Backyard Fun

Snow Forts When There’s Not Enough Snow

Snow Fort

 

One of the amazing qualities that most children seem to possess is the inability to get cold on frigid, snowy winter days.  Maybe they’re having too much fun to notice the cold, but it’s only when fingers and toes are numb that kids think about retreating indoors to huddle around the fireplace with hot cocoa in hand.

When I was a kid, I recall my older sister and her friends creating elaborate snow shelters in the yard and how much fun it was to pretend we were stranded in an arctic hideaway with only our creativity to get us through the “harrowing” experience.  As a little kid, though, I wished I could create my own snow shelter, but I lacked the ability, and older siblings aren’t always willing to let little ones take part in the action.

It was only recently that these memories came flooding back to me.  My own young child asked if we could build a snow shelter this winter, and I had to stop and think whether or not we could.  As I grew to be an older kid, I gradually learned the finer points of snow shelter construction, but the key element in the process is snow.  What if we don’t have enough snowfall this year to produce the kind of colossal shelter that exists in my child’s imagination?

When snow is at a minimum, or if time is not available to build a full-scale shelter out of snow, the solution can be foundSno Fort / Snow Shelter in the cleverly designed inflatable Snow Fort.  The snow fort, which is made from heavy-duty PVC, resembles an igloo and provides a cozy hide out on cold winter days.  Whether there is snow on the ground or not, kids will always be able to enjoy their own private shelter thanks to the inflatable snow fort.  Fun outdoor times don’t have to be limited by the amount of snow on the ground or by the willingness of older siblings to include younger ones in their big-kid adventures.

Go from Snow-Poke to Speed Demon on the Sledding Hill

Slow Sleds

Winter let-down #22:  Climbing to the top of the sledding hill while wearing 10 pounds of clothing and carrying an awkward sled only to enjoy a paltry 15 foot ride before the sled stops dead in its tracks.  When it seems like everyone else is zooming by, you try to get that trusty old sled going again by digging your hands into the snow on either side of the sled to push yourself along.  Sometimes this works, but many times not.  Time to go inside for hot chocolate.

This winter, change the scenario.  Give yourself the opportunity to be the one zooming down the snowy hill past all the slower sledders, and revel in the excitement that each ride gives you.  Thanks to winter inflatables, your trek to the top of the sledding hill can be less burdensome, and your journey down can be unbelievably fast and fun.  The hot chocolate can wait, and it will taste all the more divine after a day filled with inflatable sledding adventures.

 

 Snowmobile Rider
Tube  Speedseeker 2 Person Inflatable  Sno Fort
Inflatable

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)

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