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?

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.

Garden Tools & Tips, Outdoor Entertaining

Rain, Rain Go Away!

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I am not exaggerating when I say it has been raining here in Tennessee for the past week, non stop. I have begun to wonder why I keep seeing pairs of everything as I gaze out into my front yard – two dogs, a pair of robins, two squirrels chasing each other up my pin oak tree??

Now it is Monday morning and I am going to have to blame the weather for my tiredness…what else could it be? I slept all weekend BECAUSE of the rain!  One thing I did muster up the energy to do is go to the garden nursery store to get a myriad of lawn products that I am going to need once the rain finally stops. I have so much to do in my yard and I know many of you feel the same way.

One product I was looking at was a wheelbarrow. I didn’t realize how pricey those things can be! I passed on getting one primarily because I don’t have anywhere to store it and the new shoes I saw last week seemed like more of a necessity! Priorities, please! Anyway, today I when I got to the office I saw a new product we have just added to our expansive product portfolio. Check this out – I did and I just love it!  It is the Folding Wheelbarrow – awesome, sturdy, compact, inexpensive, and it won’t rust since you can fold it up and easily put it away.

Now, if it will just stop raining so I can use it.  Rain, Rain Go Away!

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