Your Place for Pools, Pool Toys and Pool Accessories.
Header image

Here are my most recent posts

Author Archives: Backyard Ocean

It’s summer once again and it’s time for your kids to have fun and go on their exciting adventures far from the comforts of home. The best way to give your children that chance is to enroll them in summer camp.

Photo by Olorinpc via Flickr
Photo by Olorinpc via Flickr.com

(more…)

Relaxing Ideas for Mother’s Day

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

Being a mom is tiring work. Whether your mom is a career woman, a homemaker, or both, she always puts everyone else before herself. This Mother’s Day, give the moms in your life a gift they truly deserve—something to help them relax!

photostock
Image by photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Spoil Mom at the Spa

Treat mom to some well-deserved pampering with a day at the spa.

From body scrubs to reflexology, there’s a whole bunch of treatments available to help her unwind. Start her off with a steam bath (or sauna) to calm the nerves and eliminate built-up toxins.

A therapeutic Swedish or Thai massage is a great way to soothe sore muscles and melt away stress.

Make mom’s quiet time more luxurious with an aromatherapy session to awaken her senses and relax her mind.

(more…)

Spas have risen in popularity in the last decade and for good reasons. Our personal lives, careers, and environment produce stress, which harm the mind and body. Visiting a spa is similar to a tune-up. Not only do natural and organic treatments soothe our anxieties, calm our mind, and relax our bodies; they also repair the unseen damage on our hair, skin, muscles and organs.

Unique Hotels Group via Flickr
By Unique Hotel Group/Flickr.com.

(more…)

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the day that the Mexican army, against overwhelming odds, triumphed over invading French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In honor of this historic event, millions of people across the United States celebrate Mexico’s heritage with parties and parades full of food, music, and merry-making. Here are some muy bueno ideas for creating a fun-filled fiesta with family and friends.

HockeyholicAZ Flickr
Photo by by HockeyholicAZ via flickr.com.

1) Festive Decorations

Make prominent use of the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag in your decorations. Employ these colors in streamers, buntings, and balloons as well as in plates, cups, bowls, and utensils.

Traditional Saltillo designs feature bright-colored stripes and are used on blankets, rugs, wraps, and ponchos. Use these iconic Saltillo patterns on tablecloths, table runners, and placemats to make your tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and chimichangas look extra appetizing!

Colorful tissue paper flowers are also an essential element in Cinco de Mayo decor. Visit a party supplier or make these pretty ornaments yourself to add an exuberant burst of color to your party.

dbking flickr
Photo by dbking via flickr.com.

2) Dress the Part

Add to the festive air of your celebration by encouraging your guests to attend in a Mexican-inspired getup. This can be as easy as wearing hues of green, white, and red clothing and throwing on a large, colorful sombrero.

Women can wear old-fashioned peasant dresses and sandals, and then pull their hair back and tie it up with bright ribbons. A long, colorful full skirt that reaches down to the ankles paired with a white off-shoulder blouse creates a simple yet characteristic south of the border look.

Men can dress up as traditional mariachi musicians by donning a white shirt, black pants, a red sash, and a pair of black shoes. Complete the look with a “serape” or a Mexican shawl draped over the shoulder, a sombrero, and most importantly, a guitar or accordion as a prop.

Joel75 flickr
Photo by Joel75 via flickr.com.

3) Primo Entertainment

Turn up the heat at your Cinco de Mayo party by playing some traditional Mexican music. Mariachi band music is a very popular choice, but other folk music styles such as Tejano, Banda, and Ranchera will also get your toes tapping. Get some albums online, buy some maracas, and have fun dancing along to the music.

Nothing says fiesta like a big, colorful piñata! Aside from being great decorations, piñatas also serve as a fun activity for kids and grown-ups alike. Many party supply stores sell a wide variety of these paper-maché creations. Fill your piñata with an assortment of candy, novelty items, and other treats to give everyone a smashing good time.

Get that authentic Mexican look and feel in your home with these hot tips that will surely spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration!

The outdoor barbecue is one of America’s most beloved traditions, something that’s constantly looked forward to. It’s a delightful opportunity to spend time with family members and catch up with friends. At the same time, it’s a wonderful chance to soak up some of that wonderful warm weather and just unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In celebration of National Barbecue Month, here are some tasty and healthy recipes to elevate your barbecues and make your parties even more special:

alisdair barbecue ((CC BY 2.0) (more…)