Archive for June, 2010
Camping with your backyard BBQ
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010Smore’s on the BBQ
Yummy bbq recipe for backyard entertaining this summer!
8 graham crackers
16 marshmallows
2 oz mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tbsp firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp evaporated low-fat milk
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and brown sugar.
Add the evaporated milk, stirring until the mixture is moistened and thick but not runny.
Dividing evenly, spread the cocoa mixture over one side of each of the graham crackers.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips onto 4 of the graham crackers.
Place 4 marshmallows on each of the 4 chocolate-sprinkled graham crackers.
Top with the remaining graham crackers, cocoa-sides down. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Tear off four 6″ lengths of heavy-duty foil, fold each in half to form a 9 x 6″ rectangle, and spray with oil.
Place one s’more in the center of each rectangle and seal the packets. Grill the packets for 4 minutes or until the marshmallows have melted.
The Secret to Getting Consistent Chlorine Levels
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010- When applying chlorine sticks through the skimmer, apply fewer sticks, more often.
- For example, adding 2 sticks twice a week is more effective than adding 4 sticks all at once.
- This gives you a more consistent release of chlorine into the pool and is less wasteful.
- Use a visual reminder – replace chlorine when it is gone (this usually represents 2 additions per week).
Click here for more pool water chemistry information.
Tips for a great BBQ sauce
Thursday, June 24th, 20103 things you may not know about barbecue sauce
- There’s a flavour for everyone, but the five basic ingredients are tomato paste, sugar, onions, vinegar and chili peppers.
- It burns really easily. Apply your sauce when the meat is nearly done, or serve it on the side.
- Most store-bought barbecue sauce is full of artificial sugar. For a healthier version, make your own with either honey or cane sugar.
1 tip you can’t live without
- Keep your basting brush dry and fresh between weekend feasts by storing it in a cup of salt to draw out any moisture. Come Friday, just shake off the salt.
2 ways to try barbecue sauce right now
- In a veggie dish. Try grilling a piece of firm tofu, then topping with barbecue sauce and roasted onions and peppers for a nutritious sandwich switch.
- With a caffeine kick. Mixing freshly brewed espresso with your sauce adds bold flavour and tempers your choice of spices.
1 barbecue sauce to look for at BonaVista LeisureScapes
- Napoleon BBQ sauce. We love all the delicious flavours – Fire roasted garlic, peanut, steak or mango!
Breakfast Television at BonaVista!
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010BonaVista LeisureScapes on Breakfast Television Live Eye. Join Chef Ted Reader grilling breakfast on a Napoleon bbq, see aqua fitness demos, get outdoor living ideas, enjoy hot tub fun & relax on the most comfortable outdoor patio furniture along with the BT crew! Children welcome. Bring your bathing suit! Tune in that morning if you can’t join us live.
Tuesday, July 6th, 6am.
812 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto
Click here for map.
Outdoor privacy screens
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010A beautiful backyard installation of Ron McCarthy privacy screens.
The AlanaSky collection is designed by acclaimed landscape architect Ronald McCarthy. Unique panel frames and a post system deliver the ability to create an elegant structure or screen to accent any outdoor environment. The stylish, well-designed frames and posts are powder-coated aluminum with distinct optional insets such as outdoor fabrics, perforated metal, and glass.
Test both chlorine and pH
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010Test your chlorine and pH levels in your swimming pool and hot tub at least twice a week. Rain and wind bring in pollutants, phosphates and other contaminants in large quantities, consuming chlorine quickly and affecting pH.
A chlorine result without pH means very little. The ability for chlorine to do its job well is completely dependent on the pH of your pool water. When pH is low, chlorine works too quickly, using itself up unnecessarily. When pH is high, it works too slowly causing a high potential for algae and cloudiness problems.
Maintain your pH between 7.4 to 7.6 for a comfortable swimming pool in a ‘cost compromise’ zone. Maintain your chlorine level at 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.
Drop by our retail store to have your swimming pool or hot tub water tested by one of our lab experts!
Cannon Ball!
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010Jump into action with our Swimline Cannon Ball. Great fun for kids 6 years and up. It’s easy to get into and slip out of. Use it as a floating ring too! Check it out this and other fun pool toys at BonaVista LeisureScapes
Lifejackets around a swimming pool
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010There are many personal flotation devices on the market. Many of them have fun designs and are appealing to kids but most are not safe to use as a flotation device. Pool arm floats and blow up rings are wonderful tools to be used with immediate parental supervision but they will not keep a toddler afloat in an emergency. Arm floats can easily slide off tiny toddler arms and blow up rings can tip over and hold the child under water.
Parents of toddlers should purchase a toddler sized life jacket that is an approved flotation device. Toddlers under 30 pounds should wear a life jacket with a flotation collar to keep their head above water. Life jackets should worn by toddlers both in the pool and while playing out of the water near a pool in case they fall in. Life jackets are not a substitute for direct supervision.
Creating Outdoor Living Rooms
Friday, June 11th, 2010Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home and the ultimate ‘staycation’. See the attached article to get ideas for creating your backyard escape and then stop by BonaVista LeisureScapes for more outdoor living, decor and patio furniture ideas.
New outdoor patio furniture at BonaVista
Thursday, June 10th, 2010BonaVista launches new line of outdoor patio furniture as featured in Pool & Spa Marketing Magazine. Click below to read article.
