Backyard Fun

Dig Up Summer Fun with This Ultimate Outdoor Toy

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Outdoor Toy - Kettler Caterpillar Backhoe Loader

Keeping kids active and busy over the long summer months while school is out can be a challenge.  It’s not always practical or possible to spend the day at the local museum or zoo.  Making sure that kids have access at home to plenty of safe and super fun toys is key, and the best kind of toys are the outdoor variety that allow kids to be creative while benefitting from fresh air.

Outdoor toys range from simple sand toys and bubbles to more elaborate toys that inspire long hours of dramatic and imaginative play.  The combination Kettler Caterpillar Backhoe Digger and Front Loader is one such outdoor toy.  Offering the ultimate in backyard construction play, the Caterpillar Backhoe and Loader appeals to kids of all ages who dream of digging, scooping, and moving tons of earth with their very own construction vehicle.

Provide active kids with a pile of sand, dirt, or mulch, and they can spend hours creating their own construction zone under the watchful eyes of the resident supervisor — also known as Mom or Dad.

Beach Accessories, Innovative Solutions, Portable Fun, Shade Solutions

Beach Accessories to Improve Your Vacation

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Beach
Planning a trip to the beach this summer? Taking sunblock, bathing suits, towels, and sunglasses are a given, but there are so many other items that could really make your experience the best.  These accessories will make your beach time so much more fun (and comfortable).

  • Radio Pillow: Perfect for not only the beach, but also around the home, a sports radio pillow is a fun and inexpensive way to entertain yourself while relaxing. Just lay back and tune into your favorite station. The stereo speakers will surround you with music and the ergonomic design will offer the ultimate comfort. You will be the envy of everyone on the beach.
  • Beach Chair Canopy: Need some relief from direct sunlight? A removable chair canopy will transform any beach chair into a shady retreat. It is easy to attach and provides maximum protection. The canopy pictured is designed to fit any adult Swim Ways or Kelsyus chairs, which are popular brands sold by vendors nation wide.
  • Portable Beach Mat: Better than a towel, this mat will make sure that you experience a comfortable day of lounging. It is lightweight, fully padded, and even has an adjustable backrest. The portable beach mat folds up like a purse, complete with storage pockets, so its stylish even when it’s not in use.
Backyard Fun, Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining

Multitasking in Your Backyard!

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Convertible Bench
In my busy world, multitasking is important. The ability to do multiple things at once saves me time and money. I also enjoy products with dual functions to get the most bang for my buck. In the office, my printer/copier/scanner allows me to perform several jobs with one unit. For cooking, a combo grill and smoker offers variety without having multiple cooker littering the backyard area. My most recent multi-tasking buy is one of my favorites! The Convert-A-Bench transforms quickly and easily from two beautiful garden benches (above) into a fully functional picnic table (below). They are perfect for my backyard. Guests can sit comfortably while my husband fires up the grill. When the food is ready, the back of the benches transform into a convenient table top with dining for six! It is a perfect solution for multitaskers like myself. The resin wicker design is sturdy and will last for years. These benches would also be perfect for camping and can even be used inside your home.
Convertible Picnic Table

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

Portable Hammocks Make Happy Campers

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Camping

June is National Camping Month!  What kind of camper are you?  A beach camper?  A national or state park camper?  A backyard camper?  A find-an-empty-spot-in-the-woods-and-raise-the-tent camper?  No matter where you like to camp, it’s safe to say that not every camper enjoys the “roughing it” aspect of camping, including yours-truly.

Don’t get me wrong, I like searching for the ideal scenic camping spot, exploring nearby trails, and staying up after dark to stare in amazement at the star-studded sky.  I don’t, however, enjoy waking up with a stiff back, sore joints, and a bad attitude due to a poor night of sleep.  I’ve tried air mattresses made especially for campers, but with these, a good night of sleep still eludes me.  I always seem to lay my bedding on top of the most uncomfortable patch of ground in the entire area.

Portable HammockEnter the portable hammock.  Once I found this little gem and began bringing it along on camping trips, my experiences in the great outdoors have been enormously improved.  Light enough to carry and compact enough to fit into most tents, the portable hammock allows me to sleep (or nap) comfortably and wake feeling completely refreshed.

The benefit of portable hammocks is that they go anywhere.  So, if camping is not your preference, you can still take it with you on your next fishing trip, hiking excursion, or backyard relaxation adventure.  Take it from me, “roughing it” to the point of discomfort is not a requirement for camping or any other outdoor activity.  Adding a component of comfort, such as a portable hammock, to your collection of gear will allow you to enjoy your outdoor experiences more fully and more often.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas, Outdoor Living Spaces, Outdoor Safety Tips

Create a Safely Lit Outdoor Area at Your Home

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Do you ever arrive home after dusk, blinded by darkness outside your home? Not only does this leave your fumbling for keys to unlock the door and falling over obstructions that may lie in your path, it also creates a dangerous scenario that leaves you venerable to thieves, robbers, and other harmful hiders. Create a safe and illuminated environment with outdoor lights. There are many styles and options to choose from that add functionality AND beauty. Here are just a few of the many great lights available for the outside of your home.

  • Solar Step Light: Perfect for lawns, gardens, and pathways, these stepping stones create sure footing with glow of light. They easily support up to 350 lbs of weight and harness the sun’s energy to power their efficient LED lights. There is no wiring to install and no operating costs – just beautiful style and a secure path.

Solar Stepping Stone

  • Security Light: If you need a stronger, steady light, security lights are a great solution. They bathe the outside of your home in light and create a safe area. Solar security lights offer the added function of saving money and electricity. The security light below can be set to light up upon detection of motion or set on a timer to illuminate before you arrive home. Installation is simple so you can have it installed instantly upon receipt.

Solar Security Light

  • Outdoor Lanterns: If your goal is to add light in the most elegant way possible, outdoor lanterns are for you! You can choose from electric lanterns, which operate off of standard household bulbs, or flame lanterns, which burn fuel. Many lanterns also come with planter flower pots around the bottom to add a beautiful gardening opportunity. Citronella oil, long known to ward off insects, can be burned in flame lanterns. In addition to a new source of light, you will repel flying pest from your home.

Islander Park Flame Lantern with Planter