Patio Shade

Can't go to the game, race, or concert? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same tailgate party experience at home. here's what you need to make it happen

Every year, when Thanksgiving comes around, most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen getting ready all the dishes that will leave us needing individual wheelbarrows to get us back to our beds at the end of the day. The main draw of the Thanksgiving meal is undoubtedly the turkey. That alone takes plenty of time, starting with picking it out, cooking it, and then stuffing and carving it.

Almost everyone knows what an excellent roasted turkey should taste like. However, there's no reason that you have to repeat the same method of preparation each year. 

Do you want to try something different this Thanksgiving? Don't worry—we aren't talking about Tofurkey. Instead, how about a fried or smoked turkey versus the classic roasted turkey? In this article, we dig into the turkey and the various ways you can safely prepare it for your family.

Ways to Cook a Turkey and How They Differ

Roasting a turkey is the typical way to prepare them for the Thanksgiving season. Roasting is a pretty drawn-out process, particularly if you want to stuff the turkey. You will need to have a stuffed turkey in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes per pound of turkey. For example, when preparing a 12-pound turkey, you need to keep it in the oven for about three hours.

Fried Turkey

However, there are other options when it comes to turkey preparation. For instance, you can fry the turkey. A deep-fried turkey will likely appeal to the younger generation of Thanksgiving attendees. However, the succulent skin you get when you have a fried turkey will appeal to almost anyone.

Pros of a Fried Turkey:

• Frying a turkey is likely one of the fastest ways you can get this bird cooked. That means if you wake up late on the fateful morning, you can still have the turkey deliciously cooked through in no time. Compared to the 15 minutes per pound for a roasted turkey, the cooking time of fried turkey is about three

When you need to take your backyard BBQing to the next level, it’s time to invest in a meat smoker. There’s hardly a better way to get delicious, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat than a slow-cooking smoker that infuses an iconic smoked flavor into your meat. Even a cheap cut of chuck beef can end up becoming a delicious, tender roast that will impress your guests — and you can keep the price of your meal your best-kept secret! 

This guide will discuss the six types of smokers, how to use them, where to use them, how long it takes to smoke meat, and the health benefits of smoked meats. Also, you’ll discover how hardtop shelters are a must for protecting your meat smoker from the elements. 

What Is a Meat Smoker?

A meat smoker is a device that cooks meat slowly through a tried-and-true method of cooking meat under low heat and smoke. This art has been passed down from generation to generation and was once one of the only ways to preserve meat without a refrigerator. Not only was smoked meat vital for survival, but its delicious flavor has also kept it in BBQ cookbooks long after refrigerators became mainstream. There’s no denying the quality and texture of smoked meat that can only be produced by a meat smoker. 

Depending on your abilities and needs, there are several types of smokers to enhance your BBQ

The fall is a fun time to get outdoors and have a great time with the people you love hanging out with. But your fall fun doesn't have to be limited to festivals, fairs, and fishing holes: there are plenty of ways to entertain right in your own backyard.

Whether you want to have an intimate gathering with the family or a blowout party with your neighbors and friends, we have some ideas in mind. Here are our top 5 fun fall backyard activities, which can also be adapted for gatherings of any size.

Backyard Movie Night

Grab the popcorn, drinks, candy, some outdoor portable chairs, and some blankets, and turn your backyard into a movie theater! If you have a laptop and a projector, you can stream one of the latest movies onto a portable screen, a sheet, or the side of a shed. Better yet, if you have a Sojag gazebo in your backyard, you can enjoy the open air, have a roof over your head, and attach a screen to the posts or the eave of the structure. 

While a

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your outdoor space this summer, you might have started thinking about installing a backyard deck or patio. While both options will provide you with a relaxing space you can enjoy for many years, there are some significant differences.

When it comes to deciding between a deck vs. patio, you’ll want to consider your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide which is right for you.

Deck vs. Patio: What’s the Difference?

Before you can decide whether to invest in a deck or a patio, you need to understand the differences. A patio is typically built at or around ground level. These versatile structures are often made of concrete, brick, stone, pavers, or tiles. You can also make a patio out of pea gravel, rocks, or pebbles.

A deck is usually made of wood or wood composite. Some of the most common deck materials include pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. Most are raised, allowing you to take advantage of your home’s views. Since they're elevated, most decks also need a railing. 

Cost Comparisons

One of the major differences between a deck and a patio is the cost. Generally, patios ar

A pop-up canopy is a versatile and reliable shade solution to use at the beach, farmers market, or backyard cookout to ensure sun protection. To add an extra layer of safety while using a pop-up tent, it is incredibly important to utilize canopy anchors to provide increased stability in cases of higher wind or other elements that may sway the shelter.

There are several types of canopy anchors and other tools to make certain your shade solution stays strong and stable. Here are valuable tips and tricks to keep in mind before heading to your next outdoor gathering with your pop-up canopy.

As soon as the warmer weather hits, most people can’t wait to soak up the summer sun. However, significant sun exposure can often lead to premature skin aging, wrinkles, cataracts, and life-threatening skin cancer. Skin cancer is considered the most common type of cancer, and millions fall victim to this disease every year.  In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. (Source: Skin Cancer Foundation) With such high risks, are you doing all you can to maximize skin cancer prevention?

Skin Cancer Prevention: The Facts

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, increasing damage to the ozone layer greatly intensified the risk of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure over the years. While ozone-depleting substances are now regulated to help minimize damage, scattered UV rays can still have an impact even on the cloudiest days.

How does skin cancer occur?

Everyday sunlight (regardless of clouds) omits UVA and UVB rays, which age the skin and cause sunburn. Too much radiation exposure damages your skin cell’s genetic materials, accelerating cell growth which then leads to skin cancer. Even getting a sunburn just once in a two-year time-span can triple your risk of melanoma. (Source: Cancer Research UK)

Having a backyard pool brings so many benefits, like getting to enjoy the sun in cool water on a hot day. Completing the space isn't just about the pool, though. Think about how you enjoy your pool and the kinds of poolside cabanas that would make it even better.

A shelter for your pool allows you the opportunity to extend the amount of time you use the space while keeping you safe from a full day directly under the sun's rays. You might not want to get into the pool to enjoy the sun, either. Depending on how you like to use your outdoor pool space, the kind of shelter you build might change.

Solariums, gazebos, and pergolas all have great benefits as poolside cabanas. Which one is the best isn't an accepted fact but depends on how you use that space. Read through our highlights and descriptions of each one while considering whether you need shelter from the sun or more time to bask in it, among other factors.

Why Have a Poolside Cabana?

When you first design your pool area, you probably focused solely on the pool itself. You might have wanted a unique shape, an in-built pool, or something customized to the exterior design of your home. However, once you take a step back from it all, you might realize that something is missing.

The most significant benefit of a poolside cabana is the way it enhances the functionality of your space. A pool gives you the chance to exercise, to have fun, and to soak up some vitamin D. There is only so long that we can stay in the water and only so much direct sunlight our skin can handle at one go.

A shelter next to the pool can offer you protection from the sun if you choose a shaded

Is your pool area in need of a fresh new look? Whether you want to completely remodel your swimming pool or just give it a facelift, this is the perfect time to do a backyard makeover. An inspiring pool design can breathe new life into your property and increase its value.

With these simple tips, you can plan an upgrade for your swimming pool area and make the most of your outdoor space. Then, take your pool design from great to amazing with personalized touches.

No matter the season, amazing patio decor is always in style. Having a gorgeous backyard space can give you an area to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It can even make your home the life of the party during any family get together. Fall patio decor goes beyond just tables and chairs. It includes accessories such as stylish storage boxes and buildings, fantastic shade solutions, and more. Choosing the right furniture, accessories, and patio décor can turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis. Look at some of the patio décor that you can choose to bring out the best of your backyard this fall.

 

Must-Have Backyard Storage to Complement Your Patio Decor

Everyone wants their backyard to be both stylish and functional. Outdoor storage sheds can provide seasonal storage and not look overwhelming in your backyard or on your patio or deck. To keep your outdoor space chic and de-cluttered, use a deck box or a stylish Versa-Shed or Storboss vertical storage shed to store items year-round. Whether you’re storing outdoor gear or pool toys, these boxes in anthracite or espresso will keep you organized. These metal storage boxes can also be used as trash bin storage, allowing you to conceal your garbage cans from you