Beach Accessories, Innovative Solutions, Portable Fun, Shade Solutions

Beach Accessories to Improve Your Vacation

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man doing hand stand
Current image: man doing hand stand

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.
    Radio Beach Pillow
  • 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.
    Beach Chair with a Canopy
  • 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.
    Fold Up and Portable Beach Mat

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

Holidays & Gift Ideas, Outdoor Living Spaces

What Dad Really Wants for Father’s Day but Won’t Admit It

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We might assume that Dad wants to man the grill on Father’s Day and spend the entire afternoon engaged in “fun” activities chosen by the kids — the Slip ‘n Slide comes to mind.  Really, though, Dad just wants to hang out and relax in the midst of a little peace and quiet.  I know, that doesn’t sound very “Dad-like,” but when pressed, most Dads would choose peace and quiet for their once-a-year special day.

Rocking ChairHere comes another surprise… give a dad the choice between relaxing on the couch or in a comfortable rocking chair, and I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts he’ll pick the rocker.  Why?  Rocking in a rocking chair is one of the most soothing activities around.  It’s free (which is important to dads), it doesn’t take a lot of energy to keep it going, and it puts Dad on the fast track to relaxation-ville.

Plop that rocking chair outside on the porch, and Dad has the best view around — at least while he’s still awake.  Watching nature is another one of life’s cheap sources of relaxing entertainment, which Dad can appreciate.  There’s drama (dog chases squirrel); there’s comedy (bird poops on neighbor’s car); there’s mystery (what is that rustling in the grass?).  Before he knows it, Dad is fast asleep and dreaming of rocking gently in a boat on his favorite lake.

So, when it comes time to ask Dad what he wants to do on Father’s Day, don’t mention the Slip ‘n Slide or volunteer him to cook up dinner on the grill.  Instead, offer him the luxury of peace and quiet and a couple of hours on the porch in the rocking chair.  He’ll feel truly appreciated and utterly refreshed.  Happy Father’s Day, Dads!