Category Archives: Innovative Solutions

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!

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?

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Living Spaces, Shade Solutions

Save Energy by Using Solar and Patio Shades

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Premier Rollup Shade

Exterior window shades are the ideal product for reducing temperature within your home. The best ones to invest in  are made with unique knitted all weather fabric because they block up to 90% of the sun’s UV rays yet still allow air to flow through. This breathable fabric not only significantly reduces temperatures behind the window shade, but still allows just the right amount of light transmission to ensure you can always see what’s happening outside.

You won’t have to compromise on appearance if you find the right ones. Some add a designer look to your windows, porch or patio and the price is very reasonable.

Some window shades are easily raised or lowered with a smooth action roller clutch mechanism designed to provide a smooth, even roll even when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Premier roller shades come with tie downs in the bottom rail so you can easily secure your blind especially during those windy days.  Other designs roll up with a simple cord.

Most exterior shades are made to withstand harsh weather conditions and clean easily.  I recommend them  because they are a  great investment and will add style and sun protection for your home.

Innovative Solutions

Time and Money Savers….. Robotic Pool Cleaners Do All The Dirty Work

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It is amazing how technology is constantly changing our lives. We hope for the better – creating more conveniences to everyday life. From computers to cell phones, to programmable thermostats to robotic pool cleaners, people have saved precious time and money.

Most people would like have a swimming pool in their backyard , but sometimes the maintenance that goes along with one is not very appealing. In the past, cleaning our pools typically has been either a significant time commitment on our part, or, if we could afford the luxury, a service we would pay a “poolman” to provide for us.  These days, a pool owner can benefit from the automation technology that is now available. Cleaning your pool has never been as easy as it is now if you chose to invest in a robotic pool cleaner.  It is amazing what these cleaners can do. With the variety of quality robotic pool cleaners now on the market, you can finally spend more time swimming in your pool than cleaning it.

Although these cleaners have proven to be very effective, many people have been hesitant to invest in one.  The main reason being that they are typically higher priced than other types of pool cleaners.  As the technology of these units have blossomed and improved, the costs have also gone down significantly. That is great news for pool owners.  You can purchase a very good model at a great price.  The time you save is definitely worth the expense.

These cleaners have so many advantages and features that make them the envy of pool owners everywhere. A robotic pool cleaner, once you put it in you pool and turn it on, will independently vacuum up all the debris, dirt, and green algae it comes in contact with on the bottom, walls, and the steps of your pool. It will even work around drains and ladders. The newer models are smart enough to be able to detect the size and the shape of your swimming pool.Some even have internal memories, and after the first cleaning will be able to recall your pool’s shapes and curves making subsequent cleanings even more effective. Finally, many robotic cleaners have self-progamming software that scans and calculates automatically the most effective pattern of cleaning that is need.Overall, a robotic pool cleaner is an effortlessly and efficient way to keep your pool crystal clean so that you can get on with enjoying your swimming pool.  Now, you will have time to lounge by the pool with family and friends. Isn’t that the real reason we desire to have a pool in our backyard anyway?

Innovative Solutions

Dog Beds For Your Best Friend!

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Coolaroo Pet Bed

Proven to Help Your Best Friends’ Arthritis or Pain

Outdoor all-weather knitted fabric creates a superior dog bed product due to breathable material which increases the flow of cooler air underneath the bed mat to help your furry friend beat the heat during the hot summer months. Your pet will love this Dog Bed whose sleeping area stands about 7 inches above the ground or floor. This material is also resistant to flea and insect infestation as well as to mold and mildew and has a five year warranty. It’s a terrific material for any pet’s bed.

Clean up is easy with your Coolaroo® Dog Bed. You simply brush away the pet hair and other dirt and then rinse the pet bed with a hose and allow it to air dry. The best part is you don’t have to worry about the bed wearing out, you can also order Replacement Covers for your Medium Dog Bed (other sizes are also available). So, your pet can enjoy this fine Coolaroo Dog Bed for years to come. This is a terrific pet care product to show your special “member of the family” just how much you care!