Category Archives: Outdoor Entertaining

When the weather warms and your parties move outdoors, try these simple ideas. Entertaining doesn’t demand any elaborate decor, just simple food, good company, and your patio.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

A Quick and Easy Outdoor Room Using Outdoor Curtains

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I visited my in-laws over the weekend, and I had the opportunity to see the new outdoor curtains they installed on each side of their covered deck.  They chose to install outdoor curtains for reasons of privacy, but the curtains provide an unexpected benefit as well.  The deck has become another room in their home, a living space where my  in-laws retreat for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon conversation.  The deck itself is not screened in, but the curtains they hung are made of rugged fade-resistant and waterproof Sunbrella fabric and do a surprisingly effective job of shielding the room’s occupants from sun, bugs, and weather.   The curtains improve the look of the deck area, too, making it so much more inviting and comfortable to use.

It is refreshing to know that creating a new outdoor living space doesn’t have to break the bank and doesn’t necessarily require building permits.  A room addition can be as easy as installing outdoor curtains.  The hard part now is trying to decide what color fabric to choose for my own outdoor space.

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Entertaining

The Above Ground Pool Goes Underground

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What do you get when you cross an above ground pool with an in ground pool?  An inexpensive, attractive, and super fun way to spend the summer months (and beyond). I just learned how much it costs to have an in ground pool installed in the back yard. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to spare on a luxury item like a backyard in ground swimming pool. But I do think I could swing the cost of an above ground pool, which is a fraction of the cost.

Traditionally not the most attractive piece of backyard decor, the above ground swimming pool has come a long way in terms of looks. For example, oval shaped above ground pools can now be installed without the use of buttresses, which are unattractive and take up a good deal of yard space. Additionally, the walls of above ground pools are specially coated — not only to resist corrosion, scratching, and UV rays — but to offer the consumer a variety of attractive colors and designs. When you add features like pool decks and creative landscaping, today’s backyard above ground pool feels like a luxury get away.

So, where does the underground element come into play when we talk about above ground pools? If decorative walls, pool decks, and beautiful landscaping still don’t make the addition of an above ground pool in your backyard an attractive option, then why not install the above ground pool into the ground like you would an in ground pool? Impossible? No. The superior construction and corrosion resistance of some above ground pools allow them to be installed as semi-in ground and even mostly in ground pools. By installing an above ground pool underground, so to speak, you can have the look of an in ground pool without the cost of an in ground pool. Beauty and affordability together!

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Garden Tools & Tips, Healthy Ideas, Innovative Solutions, Insect Control, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

The Battle with the Mosquito

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I just returned from a fun family weekend get-a-way to St Louis, MO.  We enjoyed the museums, architecture and a busy day at Six Flags. While traveling, I couldn’t help but notice how the mighty Mississippi was overriding its banks.  We have had SO much rain this spring in many parts of the country.  All this rain has made me concerned about the mosquito explosion that is about to come our way.  It is our responsibility one by one to try to help reduce the mosquito population by taking the time to look closely at our own yards.  We all need to check for some of the following which can make for perfect mosquito breeding:

  • Flower Pots, filled with standing water.
  • Outside Toys, turn over to avoid catching water.
  • Check to make sure outside faucets do not drip.
  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters.

In addition to the irritation that these little pests bring, they can also carry disease such as the West Nile Virus.

Nobody likes these pests, but thank goodness we have products that help us keep these little guys away.  My favorite product is the SkeeterVac.

Think about it….It’s your property, your backyard, and you have every right to enjoy it whenever you want. However, sometimes biting insects can make the outdoors quite challenging at best.

Well, it is time to take your backyard back. SkeeterVac mosquito exterminators quietly and safely reduce the number of those pesky insects.

The SkeeterVac is definitely worth checking out!  Let us know what you think about it!

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

Discover Ways to Take A “Staycation” This Summer

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The  economy has most families  looking for ways to save money and as summer approaches the lingering question  may be whether or not to take a vacation.

If a vacation seems out of the question then you may want to consider a “staycation” and explore the area you live in for free!

A few summers ago when my children were easily bored at home, I decided to explore our city for a week and make it an adventure for them.  So, for the next five days we had a blast.  On Monday we took our own tour of the downtown area.  After finding the best place to park which happened to be $5.00 for the day (if you got a stamp from a local establishment) we started out on foot.  We visited 2 very old churches, a museum and touch a trolley ride.  We packed our lunch in our ready to use picnic basket and ate a picnic, too.  On Tuesdays the zoo offers free admittance so that is where we spent the day.  We made sure to go to all the shows and also took advantage of  the zoos wading pool.  Wednesday was our day to volunteer to deliver meals to the needy.  This was a great experience for my children to see the great need in our city and be a part of the solution.  On Thursday we went to a sprinkler park and we made sure to pack a picnic lunch with lots of water.  Don’t forget the sunscreen either.  On our last day I let them decide where they wanted to go from a short list I had come up with.  They chose the discount movie theater and off we went.  It was nice to be in the air conditioned theater.  We went out for ice cream afterwards and talked about our stay-cation.

My children were definitely surprised at the fun they could have without leaving town!

If you are new to a city there is usually a directory that lists most of the attractions and the chamber of commerce is also a great resource.

Have a great summer no matter where you go – you may surprise yourself!

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces, Shade Solutions

I’m Ready For Some Shade Sail Shade

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This past Fall, sadly, I had to remove and cut back a good portion of the enormous century old oak trees I had in my backyard.  Living in east Memphis, TN, I am used to the over abundance of trees and the shade they create.  Although I was sad to lose some of my big trees, it has really opened up my backyard.  I have even planted grass seedlings which are now sprouting in 2 areas of my yard.  I am in the process of creating a better backyard atmosphere.  The first thing I am doing is putting  in a few Shade Sails. I have found shade sails to be an interesting and decorative way to “fancy” up my yard.  I am amazed at how easily they fit into almost any backyard setting, and how easy they are to install. They are great around the pool offering the kids a well deserved break from the blistering sun as well as shade contiuing from what I already have from my existing trees over to the side of my house.  I now love sitting on my porch with a nice cool drink, grilling tenderloin for dinner.  So much that I even Twitter about it…  @KarenMR, and @backyardcity.  Recently, I also purchased new outdoor patio furniture and the shade sails provide UV protection for my new furniture and whoops almost forgot….myself and my kids.

School is out in about one week, and I am so glad I have most of my outdoor decorating finished.  We are going to have a great time this summer enjoying our own backyard.

What’s In Your Backyard? Tell me about it……

What's In Your Backyard?