February 4, 2010 – 2:11 pm
 This year think outside of the box when choosing your Valentine’s Day gifts for your loved ones. Garden gifts are not only unique gifts, but are lots of fun to get and make a great surprise. Your family members will appreciate your thoughtfulness and creativity at choosing a special, unique gift.
A beautiful, unique gift for any person who loves to take care of wild birds is the Hanging Birdbath with Mister by Zoobox International. This hanging birdbath is available in a variety of fun colors including red or bronze. The birdbath has a mister installed to gently hydrate the birds that visit your yard. Your loved one will have hours of enjoyment from this beautiful, hanging bird bath and watching the birds have fun bathing and drinking from the birdbath. It is great for attracting hummingbirds to your yard and the water flow from the mister is adjustable to suit the needs of the bathing birds.
The perfect chair for your loved ones to relax in is the Outback Chair Double Lounger. This air chair is great for relaxing in and enjoying some time spent with your loved one. It is especially made to fit two people comfortably and may be hung from your porch or a sturdy outdoor posts. It is also made of weather-resistant materials that give the chair a long life and it is available in two beautiful, muted colors that blend in well with nature.
Another great gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors this Valentine’s Day is the Garrison Garden Fountain. This beautiful fountain looks great in any patio or garden area when placed outdoors. It may also be placed indoors to make any indoor room more relaxing and inviting. The fountain has an old world look and consists of three pots that the water flows into. Your loved one is sure to be surprised and delighted by this unique gift!
January 28, 2010 – 1:33 pm
 Everyone can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fireplace at home by adding an electric fireplace to your home. For those who don’t have a fireplace in your home, an electric fireplace not only adds a character and charm to your home, but it also provides it with extra warmth. Add an electric fireplace to your basement or living room in the winter to make it more cozy and warm and helps to save on your gas bill. When the outside temperatures get warmer, these electric fireplaces still look great and can even be used on a cool spring or fall night. Here are some great electric fireplaces that are sure to warm up any room in your home:
- The Compact Electric Stove by Dimplex North America is a freestanding electric fireplace that is small enough to use in a smaller space and is perfect for heating up a small living room, basement, or den. It is very easy to use and only needs to be plugged in to use. Once plugged in, this electric fireplace instantly warms up and has a the effect of real fire. It is easy to transport into different rooms and runs quietly, so it won’t interfere with your enjoyment of the room. It is economical to run and comes with a remote control for easy use.
- The Traditional Black Free-Standing Electric Stove, which is also by Dimplex North America, is another great electric fireplace for heating your home without raising your gas bill. It has a charming, classic style that looks great in any room and it also comes with a convenient remote control that makes it easy to use. It safe for use in your home and provides with an economical source of heat. It looks great all year long in a variety of rooms in your home.
January 25, 2010 – 1:59 pm
 Watering your indoor houseplants can seem to be a chore, but a fun, colorful watering can can make the chore seem more enjoyable. When choosing an indoor watering can, think about the size of the can that you will need and how much weight you can carry. It is important to choose a watering can that is comfortable to hold and easy to carry around when filled up with water.
A fun, unique indoor watering can to use is the Pink Piglet Watering Can by Novelty Manufacturing Co. This great watering can has a fun, pig shape and is made of 100% recycled plastic material that is lightweight. It holds about 2 gallons of water and makes watering your plants lots of fun. It is easy to fill up and carry around filled with water. You can use this watering can indoors or outdoors all year long.
A beautiful and colorful indoor watering can for any gardening to use is the Colorful 1 gal. Watering Can by Gardman. This stylish indoor watering can is great for watering a variety of indoor houseplants, including plants that are in small containers or plants that are in tight spaces with its long watering spot. It is made of durable galvanized steel and has a powder coated finish in a variety of brightly painted colors. It also includes a rose that attaches to the spout for watering larger house plants.
The Classic Watering Can by Akro-Mils is available in two beautiful, earth-tone colors and is constructed of durable plastic that makes it lightweight for you to carry around, even when filled with water. This watering can is great for use indoors or outdoors. Use this indoor watering can to water large or medium size houseplants. The rose on the spout provides a gentle and thorough rain shower on a variety of your houseplants.
January 22, 2010 – 12:40 am
 Nothing is worse than having an unwanted mouse in your house. Mice will find a way into your home when the temperature are freezing outside and can be very destructive visitors in your home. If you notice small, brown pellets around and some shredded paper or another type of nesting material, then chances are you have a mouse in your house. It is important to take care of the problem as soon as you notice these signs to avoid having multiple mice in your house.
A simple way to get rid of mice in your house is set up mouse traps around the area you suspect the mouse or mice are staying. It is best to set up several mouse traps around your house and use a bait like peanut butter or cheese. It is best not to use a poison to kill the mouse or mice when trapping a mouse in your house because the mouse could die somewhere inside your house making it hard to locate or remove. Here are some great products to use when trapping a mouse:
- The Victor Metal Pedal Rat Trap is a classic and simple way to trap any mouse in your house. Start off by using several traps in the area where the mouse has been spotted. Use peanut butter, cheese, or another type of food that is attractive to mice. Check on the traps on a regular basis to see if the mouse has been caught and dispose of the mouse right away.
- Another easy-to-use mouse trap is the Victor Electronic Mouse Trap. This mouse trap uses no poisons and can kill up to 50 mice. Just put some peanut butter in the back to attract mice and check on the trap periodically. So easy and no mess!
- To prevent mouse from returning to your house, use the Heavy Duty Sonic PestChaser. This device emits a high-pitch frequency that mice hate to hear and will avoid. It is inaudible to humans and has a red light display to let you know that it is working. No messy chemicals and very effective!
January 18, 2010 – 3:19 pm
 Whether it is for indoor or outdoor use, these thermometers by Chaney are perfect for use all year long and take the guessing out of wondering what the temperature is indoors or outdoor. With so many fun designs to choose from, it is hard to choose just one, but no matter which one you choose, it is sure to add character to your indoor or outdoor decor.
For outdoor use, the Chaney 8 in. Farm Scene Suction Cup Thermometersmake a great thermometer. Each thermometer has a fun, country design and has suction cups for sticking to the window, which makes it very easy to install. You will always know the temperature outside and be prepared for any type of weather. These thermometers are made of weather resistant materials that won’t fade in the sunlight and will last for many years to come. The thermometer should be placed in a area that does not get direct sunlight for more accurate temperature readings.
A great thermometer for indoor use is the Bluebird Decorative Thermometer by Chaney. This beautiful thermometer has a picture of bluebirds created by acclaimed artist, James Hautman, who is known for his paintings hanging up in the White House. This thermometer can be placed anywhere in your home and looks great hanging up in a living room, kitchen, or office. An indoor thermometer is great for homes that have multiple levels and provides you with accurate indoor temperature information.
A classic indoor or outdoor thermometer for any upsale home is the Swing Arm Brass Thermometer also by Chaney. This stylish thermometer is made of weather-resistant brass and looks great with any decor. It is made with Accurite technology to accurately gauge the indoor or outdoor temperature. The swing arm is great for displaying on a corner wall and allows you to position the thermometer for better viewing.
January 14, 2010 – 4:32 pm
 The right kind of waterproof shoes or boots will keep your feet warm and dry when shoveling snow during the winter. Not only will your feet stay warmer and dryer, but you will prevent frostbite and your regular shoes will stay in great shape. When looking for the perfect pair of shoes or boots, look for boots that are made with waterproof materials and insulated for warmth.
A great pair of boots for men for shoveling snow is the Tingley Classic Insulated Mens Boot. These insulated boots help keep feet warm when working in cold, snowy conditions, which helps to prevent frostbite. The bottoms are made of durable waterproof rubber and have a good tread to help prevent slip and fall accidents. The insulated soles are designed to keep the cold away from your feet as you shovel snow and feel comfortable to walk on. Easy to lace up, so you won’t be discouraged from using them in a hurry.
A warm boot for women to wear when shoveling snow is the Womens Classic High Bogs Boot. These boots are higher on the shin to help keep your legs warmer and the materials used are designed for wearing in very cold temperatures and consist of waterproof materials. The rubber outsole is waterproof and great for wearing in slippery conditions. Made to last, you will have these boots for many winters.
For children, the Bogs Girls Classic High Dots Boots and the Bogs Classic MID Camo Boots for Boys will keep your child’s feet warm and dry even in the coldest temperatures. These boots are made of all waterproof materials that are ideal for wearing when running in the snow, sledding in the snow, or helping to shovel snow. Little feet stay warm even in temperatures that are down to negative 30 degrees.
January 11, 2010 – 7:59 pm
 The winter is a great time of year to start your spring cleaning around your home and to get organized. Cleaning and organizing your home not only creates a healthier living environment for you and your family, but also makes life much simpler when everything is neatly put away in its place. Before you start your cleaning and organizing project, create a plan of attack and try to tackle only one task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
To start off your winter cleaning, use bins to sort and organize your stuff into categories. Create separate bins for trash, give- aways, and keep items to help keep you on task and to make your sorting easier. The Xlarge Tubtrugs Multipurpose Flexible Tubs are great for using when sorting out your stuff and may be used over and over. These tubs are lightweight and have a handle on them that makes them easy to carry around. Choose different color for each category to help keep your stuff organized and can be used for a variety of jobs around your home and garden when not being used for cleaning and organized.
After sorting out your stuff, it is a good idea to clean the area before putting your stuff back in place. Use a mild soap to clean out your space. A sponge, such as the Hydra Sponge Bargain Pack, is great for cleaning a variety of hard surfaces. For cleaning your hardwood floors and removing stains and odors, use a gentle cleanser like the Natures Miracle Hard Floor Stain & Odor Remover.
After you have cleaned the area, organize the remaining items and put them away in an organized manner. To help prevent the clutter from building up, use the golden rule of getting rid of one item for every item that you bring home.
January 6, 2010 – 12:07 pm
 If you have fish in your pond during the winter, it is important to check on the condition of your pond periodically throughout the winter. When checking on your pond, make sure that the pond heater is working properly and is maintaining an air hole in the pond to help release the harmful gases that can build up when the water is frozen on the top. Since your pond fish will go into hibernation mode during the winter, it is not necessary to feed them.
If your pond does not have a pond de-icer, choose one that will work well in your climate zone. In most colder climates, the pond heater only needs to be able to keep a hole open in the ice for the fish. If you live in a climate where the winter is more mild, the pond heater should be able to keep the water from freezing over.
The Laguna Aeration Kit is designed to supply your pond with a constant supply of oxygen to help keep the fish healthy. The air pump stays out of the water, which makes it easy to install and check on. To help keep the surface of your pond warmer, use a pond heater like the Powerheat 500 Watt Pond De-Icer. This durable pond heater is ideal for helping keep a hole in the water to allow the gases to exchange. Another easy to use pond de-icer is the Floating Winter Pond De-Icerby Danner Pond. Just place this pond de-icer in the pond and it will keep a hole open in the pond regardless of the temperature.
Keeping your pond fish healthy during the winter is easy with a pond de-icer. After installing your pond de-icer, check on it periodically to make sure that it is properly working and creating an air hole for the fish.
December 29, 2009 – 1:14 pm
 Growing a container garden in your home during the winter can add a bright spot to a long winter’s day and is a very relaxing hobbie. If you have a sunny and warm spot in your home and have time to spend caring for plants, a container garden is the perfect way for you to enjoy beautiful and colorful foliage all year long. Here are some useful tips when starting a container garden in your home:
- First, determine the amount of plants that you have space for and the time to take care of. While daily care will not be difficult, it will take a little time out of your day. It is a good idea to start off on a small scale and then gradually add in more plants if you are unsure about how much time you will have.
- Next, choose a type of planting container. It is a good idea to choose a color scheme that will go well with your decor. Choose simple containers that will show off your plants, while not competing with your decor. Remember to choose containers that have good drainage and are made of durable materials. If your container does not have drainage holes, you can add some rocks at the bottom to help keep the roots from sitting in the water. A great container to choose is the Ella Square Planter. These planters are available in earth tones, have a sleek modern look and have a hole for drainage.
- Get creative with your plant choices. Since your garden will be an indoor garden, you can have fun and choose plants that you would not normally plant outdoors. Tropical or exotic plants look great indoors and add vibrant colors and unique textures.
- Think about air space. Add hanging plants for additional character and to add life to your walls. Choose a hanging planter with lots of charm, such as the Canterbury Hanging Basket with Coconut Fiber. One of my favorite hanging planters is the Braided Hyacinth Hanging Cone. This hanging basket has an interesting cone shape and is made of braided hyacinth for extra texture.
- Add more interest with ornaments. Another way of livening up your indoor garden is to add some fun garden ornaments. Choose a variety of colors to add depth and interest to your display. It is a great opportunity to experiment with materials, such as metal, that may not last if placed outdoors.
December 24, 2009 – 2:41 pm
 As the year comes to the end and the holidays are in full gear, the staff at BackyardStyle.com would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. From now until the end of the year, save $10 on all orders greater than $75 with coupon code: christbday.
To the right is Cut Heal lotion for harsh winter weather.
Stock up on home necessities and buy some of those Christmas gifts for yourself that you didn’t get – and at the same time save alot of money.
Merry Christmas to all!
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