Super Bowl 2012 between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants is this Sunday afternoon. Are you hoping for Tom Brady or Eli Manning for the win? Every good Super Bowl game needs the perfect snacks. Check out these bbq grilled potato skins for an easy and delicious recipe to serve your football fans. They are sure to score big on game day.

Grilled Potato Skins
2 large baking potatoes
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions,
sour cream

1. Cut each potato lengthwise into four wedges. Cut away the white portion, leaving 1/2 in. on the potato skins. Place skins on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 8-10 min or until tender.
2. Combine the melted butter, rosemary, salt and pepper and brush over both sides of the potato skins.
3. Grill potatoes on bbq, skin side up, over direct medium heat for 2-3 min or until lightly browned.
4. Turn potatoes and position over indirect heat, grill 2 min longer.
5. Top with cheese. Cover and grill 2-3 min longer or until cheese is melted.
6. Sprinkle with bacon and green onions. Serve with sour cream.
Serves 4.

(adapted from allrecipes.com).

Hot tub care – learn about a healthier and simpler way to care for your hot tub water. Find out what’s new in hot tub water care this Wednesday, February 8th. An informative event with loads of tips and techniques for maintaining your hot tub. Featuring the new Mineraluxe line by Dazzle.

RSVP to jennifer@bonavistapools.com
Location: 812 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto
Date: Wednesday, Feb 8th
Time: 1pm or 7pm

Refreshments and door prizes.
15% off all water care products for attending this event.

Fall in love with your hot tub all over again.

BonaVista was recently featured in the National Post encouraging Canadians to use their outdoor space, even during the winter months.

From the National Post:
Sure, you could let your outdoor space turn into no-man’s land during the winter. Or you could happily seize the cold months like a real Canadian with a visit to BonaVista LeisureScapes (bonavistapools.com). The all-things-outdoor specialty shop sells modern swim spas (pictured, starting at $18,995), fire features and more. We’re crushing on the Kettal line. The Barcelona-based company has been around since 1964 and has really grown with the times; check out the elegant and light Kettal Maia dining chair. Other stylish outdoor-furniture lines include California-based Tropitone and Fatboy from the Netherlands; they make big bright beanbags. You may have recognized them from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics; they were set up at the base of the run for mogul skiers to demonstrate the beanbags’ robust, weatherproof nature. Sort of like Canadians.

Check out the BonaVista holiday gift guide with ideas starting from $12. From the Fatboy bean bag chair, a gift that satisfies people of all ages, to Koziol dining, water goggles, mermaid flippers or an electric grill for your outdoor kitchen… we have something for everyone on your list. The triathlete, the little swimmer, the bbq guru, the hostess, the college student. Stop by our outdoor living boutique and see all the gifts big and small we feature this season.

The Elevated Halo Fire Pit is a modern interpretation of the campfire raised to coffee table height to invite conversation among family, friends and/or guests. This serene outdoor fire pit cradles its flame in a beautifully sculpted concavity. The Elevated Halo’s peaceful glow invites reflection and intimate gatherings.

The Elevated Halo outdoor firepit is handcrafted in smooth high-performance concrete, powered by an approved 40,000 BTU natural gas or propane burner that is manually lit and key valve operated. All Solus fire pits are shipped complete with lava rock topping and are available in 12 standard colours.

Don’t miss out on the last week of our blow out sale. Still lots of great items available including hot tubs, patio furniture, bbq’s, fire features, patio heaters, planters, outdoor living accessories and saunas. Unbelievable prices with up to 40-50% off on most items including furniture. It’s a great time to buy for next season!

Are you considering buying a swimming pool? If your answer is ‘maybe’ or even ‘yes’, now is the time to start planning. There are a series of decisions you will want to make to turn your backyard dreams into reality. Size, shape, style, materials are a few of the many factors to consider as well as how the pool is going to fit your lifestyle, needs and demands. Are you building a peaceful retreat or a family stomping ground… or are you trying to achieve both?

The swimming season may seem a long ways away as we approach the cold, winter months. However, it is an ideal time to sit down with one of our pool specialists to begin planning out your custom pool and spa dreams. In addition we can provide you with insight on ideas for an outdoor kitchen, patio furniture, fire features or outdoor living accessories. And BonaVista we turn backyards into beautiful retreats just steps outside your door.

There are three remaining 2011 hot tubs that are priced to clear to make room for the 2012 models arriving soon. Stop by our showroom and speak to one of our hot tub specialist on these incredibly priced hot tubs. Our showroom models are ready to ship today… meaning we could have you soaking in one by the end of the week! Sign up for a coupon and receive an additional $500 off one of these hot tubs for even more savings! Now is the time to buy. Imagine sitting under the stars, with the crisp cool air, soaking in the warmth of a brand new hot tub. Does it get any better than that?

After a tremendously busy summer we are grateful for your support and excited as we plan ahead for 2012.

Starting Nov 10th, for 3 weeks only, we are having a Blow Out Sale on all items in our showroom. Savings of up to 50% on a limited selection of Hydropool hot tubs, Kettal, Tropitone, DEDON and Fatboy furniture, Saunacore saunas, 18Karat planters and home decor, Napoleon barbecues, patio heaters and accessories as well as fire features to keep you warm all winter.

We need to make room in our showroom for new products arriving and are thrilled to offer you our very best opportunity to save on your favourite brands for the finest in outdoor living.

Shop now for the best choice and selection – treat that special person on your holiday list with the promise of relaxing evenings spent in your own outdoor oasis. Plan now for a great summer poolside, dining al fresco, sitting on the dock or soaking under the stars catching snowflakes on your tongue!

Best wishes to you and your family from all of us at BonaVista!

To see the complete list of items on sale click here or on the image below.

Read a great article today from the Wall Street Journal on patio furniture being used inside. With the modern stylish designs, comfortable cushions, and excellent materials it is not hard to believe that people are finally catching on to the trend that some patio furniture can be used as ‘regular’ furniture inside the house. Many high-end companies today market just that… furniture that is ideal for both indoors and out.

The new Vieques collection by Kettal is celebrating that indoor/outdoor look. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, this woven nylon fabric is not only waterproof but beautiful, soft and comfortable.

To read more from this article, click here. Or visit our showroom in Toronto to see a large selection of furniture that can be used year round – both indoors and out.