Thanksgiving - What Are You Thankful for This Year?

Each year as Thanksgiving draws near, I find I must pause and ask myself: What am I thankful for this year? And, each year, I have many of the same answers; home, family, children, grandchildren, my country. This year, though, I find I must reflect on not just on those but on being thankful I still have a job and an income.

So many members of my family and extended family have been devastated in the last year by loss of income. Not that they haven't planned for emergencies or set aside for a rainy day, if you will. It is just that the rainy day has lasted more than the Biblical 40 days and 40 nights. The emergency funds are long gone, savings accounts have been wiped out, second cars have been sold, anything that is not necessary to sustain life has been sold, if possible. 401k funds have been tapped and working means 2 or 3 part time jobs, if you can get one. Some of the young men in my family have joined the military to serve our country as well as to have a job and provide for themselves and their families.

I realize so well it is not just my family; this scenario is playing out across this great nation of ours. I don't profess to have a solution, I am just thankful, thankful that I still have a job and an income, thankful that my family is strong enough to help one another in difficult times, thankful that I live in a country that while not perfect, is fundamentally strong and viable, and most of all thankful to God for the grace that he shows me each and every day.

Won't you take some time this month leading up to Thanksgiving to prayerfully reflect on what you are thankful for this year? Through these tough economic times, if you are able, share your bounty with others. Reach out a helping hand and give a boost to someone who is struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their family. Be thankful, be prayerful and be generous. You never know when it might be you that is out of a job, out of a home and out of options.

Regular posting was put aside at this time for this reflection, but, I thank for you for your patronage of Backyard Casual and invite you to shop with us during this holiday season.

Solar Lights Help with Halloween Safety

Halloween will soon be here and it won't be long until the neighborhood children will scamper up and down the street hooting and hollering "Trick or Treat"! Remember how much fun that was as a child? I remember coming home from school, racing through dinner (had to eat, couldn't fill up on candy, right? ha ha), jumping into my costume and away my friends and I would go. Now, I enjoy watching all the ghosts and goblins coming to my door begging for their treats.





The one thing we must do as responsible homeowners is make sure our sidewalk and porch areas are well lit for the safety of these children. A great way to do this is with solar lighting lining your sidewalk. GAMA SONIC is the leading company in the field of solar charged and Rechargeable lights. GAMA SONIC produces wide ranges of products, which incorporate plastics, stainless steel, electronics and OEM products in various markets. GAMA SONIC was established in 1985 as a manufacturing and marketing company of emergency lights and other electronic products.

There are many styles, sizes and shapes available, surely something that is perfect for your needs. Come over to our store Backyard Casual and see the different models of Gama Sonic solar light fixtures available for purchase. Let's keep our little ones safe on Halloween and every day.

Fall is Coming - Light Up the Night!

When the middle of August arrives and Labor Day is around the corner, my thoughts turn to cooler weather, fall colors, Halloween and shorter nights. I almost think Fall is my favorite season because I do so look forward to long walks with leaves crunching under my feet and a chill in the air. Of course, I have to drive to another state to get that because I won't get it here in Central Florida. Perhaps, that is why I like it so much.

It does get darker sooner now, even here. This is a good time to make sure the lights along your sidewalk or path to your front porch are all working. It is also a good idea, as we all know, to have a nice light on your front port or at the head of your walkway. There are many to choose from, but I like the Gama Sonic Solar Lamp Post, Model 94L. A smidge more than 2' tall it will cast a very nice light over your porch or enclosed area. The best part, it is solar!

The model 94L will illuminate or line your walkway with our energy efficient, super-bright low lamp post. The LED lights use a special patented cone reflector to make the light brighter in each of our solar lamp posts. The gas-light design of our solar lamp lights is classic and adds an elegant appeal to your front or back yard.

Using efficient solar-powered technology, the solar lamp lights receive their energy from built-in batteries charged daily by the sun, which in turn light the 8 super-bright LED bulbs. Each solar lamp post has real beveled glass panes that add to the late 19th Century appeal. No maintenance is required with the powder-coated cast-aluminum solar lamp posts that are weather resistant & won't rust. Worry-free, the solar lamp post turns on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. The solar lamp post can be bolted down (bolts included) and is available in either black or rust red.

To see more of the Gama Sonic Solar Lamp Post, Model 94L, as well as other great Gama Sonic solar lights, come over to our store, Backyard Casual and pay us a visit. Always great customer service and our internet store is always.

Whoo Hoo! Don't Miss This!

***SPECIAL COUPON SALE*** Take $25 off any piece of Casual Living Poly Lumber Outdoor Furniture Now Through July 31, 2009! Hurry, This Does Not Happen Often! Available in 20 different colors, there is one style and one color perfect for your needs.

We are only half way though Summer, there is still plenty of time to be outdoors enjoying all the great activities we love, cooking out, having picnics and swimming. There is also still plenty of time to invest in some great outdoor furniture that is perfect for your yard, patio, porch or pool area.

These products are manufactured in the United States. Poly Lumber is a high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic derived from post-consumer waste such as milk jugs and plastic packaging that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This material is then cleaned in a decontamination process to a high purity level. This purified recycled plastic is formulated with Ultra-Violet (UV) stabilizers and color pigments, and then formed into various shapes and profiles used to create environmentally-friendly, maintenance-free items that will not fade.

Poly Lumber has a wood-like grain look. It does not splinter, crack, rot or peel and never needs to be sealed or painted. Stains can be removed with a mild household cleaners. It is solid plastic all the way through with no wood fillers. Since Poly Lumber is not affected by weather it can be left outdoors year round. This product is shipped in ready to assemble condition.

Simply put, Casual Living poly lumber outdoor furniture is eco-friendly, easy care and beautiful. Come on in to Backyard Casual and take advantage of this limited time offer. Use the Coupon, enter the code "CASL25" at checkout. See you there!

Parkway Picnic Table - A Must Have for Summer

It's Summer, time to pack up the family, or maybe just a cozy couple, and head out the beach or a park. Why not save money and take a great picnic lunch with you to enjoy. You know food always tastes better outside for some reason. Your appetite is peaked by the fresh air and sunshine. I have found a wonderful, convenient and portable picnic table for you to take along.

Made by Blue Ridge Chair Works, the Parkway Picnic Table is the perfect take along. The table is 15 inches tall. For easy transport, the legs unscrew and the whole table rolls up and stores in its own stuff sac with an adjustable shoulder strap. Like all Blue Ridge Chair Works furniture, the Parkway Picnic Table is constructed with solid Ash hardwood, stainless steel hardware, and finished with Danish Oil. When the table is set up it is 22” x 28” and 15” tall and weighs 9 lbs.

So, come on over to our store Backyard Casual and check out this great table as well as the other quality Tables we have to offer that are made by Blue Ridge Chair Works. The quality and craftsmanship are head and shoulders above the competition. See you there!

Show Dad Some Love and Respect This Father's Day

June is such a busy month, school is out, and there are graduations and weddings, and Father's Day. Sometimes it seems like dear old Dad's day gets lost among all the other activities that are ongoing in June. So often we take for granted that our fathers will be around forever, and we know they won't. Each days with them is a gift. Some of us, me included, have already lost their fathers and there will forever be an empty spot in our hearts and lives caused by their absence. Perhaps, you are fortunate enough to live close to your Dad, or maybe you are separated by distance and time. Whatever the case may be, take time on Father's Day to call or visit him if you can. Tell him he is special and let him know how much is appreciated.



If you are looking for a Father's Day gift for your Dad or Hubby, consider shopping in our store Backyard Casual. If the man in your life likes to hang out in the yard on summer after noons, give him a great Earth Friendly Rope Hammock from The Bay Hammock Company. This rope hammock is made from 100% recycled polyester fiber, mostly from plastic bottles. The large rope is soft as cotton yet has the durability of polyester. When Bay Hammock makes the rope for this hammock they put in just enough stretch to make your naptime the most comfortable possible. You can learn more about the feature of this hammock Here. Or, shop for any other great hammocks or garden decor ideas for Dad.

Be Green and Beautiful with Breezesta

With summer fast approaching and the weather getting warmer each day, we all want to be outdoors. It is time to get our yards green and growing again, time for the park, beach or summer home. Just anything that will take us out in the fresh air and sunshine. As you are taking inventory of what you may need or want to have for your yard, summer home or cabin, please consider being eco-friendly, or "green" if you will.

If your outdoor furniture is looking tired, and worn, if it is sun faded and in need of paint, consider replacing these items with beautiful, eco-friendly poly lumber furniture. At Backyard Casual we offer you a wonderful line of poly lumber furniture from Casual Living Products Unlimited. The Breezesta line is made from recycled milk and water jugs that have been decontaminated and processed into a white plastic flake that is safe for use. These white flakes are the basis for the poly lumber which are then infused with different colors. Casual Living Unlimited Poly lumber has a wood grain like finish, is solid throughout and does not contain any wood fillers.

Casual Living Unlimited's manufacturing process focuses on product quality. They use sturdy mortise and tenon construction and long-life Sure-Lok® joints for product durability and stability. They also use color-matched stainless steel hardware to provide a consistent color exterior.

When you visit our store you will see the variety of pieces available. There are Adirondack style chairs, rockers, garden and park benches (with our without arms). We also offer swinging, gliding and rocking benches. All great outdoor furniture to accommodate family and guests in style and comfort. If you would like to make a room grouping pair a bench with the Adirondack style chairs or rockers, add an end or cocktail style table and top with the colorful head cushions. You are ready for a quiet evening alone or entertaining!

If you would like to see more of this great outdoor furniture and the 20 colors available to you, please come by Backyard Casual. The chair shown above is the Shoreline Adirondack Chair in Sunshine Yellow. So, be eco-friendly and a savvy shopper. Invest in outdoor furniture that is low maintenace and high quality. You won't be sorry!