Last year, my daughter and her husband moved into their first home, somewhere in the great state of Ohio. Fortunately, it needed a little work, so that helped occupy my spare time last summer (and on some periodic weekend visits since). After all the minor issues were addressed, her dream was some respite from the sun on their south-facing patio; to be able to sit out in the shade and read a book, hang out, grill a burger and enjoy a cold beer. It was the last potential uses that got MY interest up, and with their pergola kitty bolstered to $500 by a tax refund, we leapt into action. [Read more...]
How to Build A Pergola – Two Days and $500 to Pergolic Splendor!
Fishing for Outdoor Barbeque Cabinets – Part 3
Finishing this article this month seemed like the smart thing to do as it goes hand in hand with finishing your project as well. Plus we get a little continuity going here which makes my wife very happy. Making my wife happy means I am happy. ‘Nuff said. [Read more...]
Fishing for Outdoor Barbeque Cabinets – Part 2
So last week I was manipulated into making some kick ass outdoor cabinets. A little wine, some clever yet devious methods employed by my equally clever and devious wife, all combined to awake the ancient god of Machismo which had been dormant in me for quite some time. What the hell, if you’re going to do something, might as well do it right, right? Of course I’m right – I am El Macho. So let’s get to it, as I can already feel El Macho being replaced by El Nap-o. Let’s go over some different outdoor situations you might be building in, and what materials you can use with a Euro style of cabinet construction. [Read more...]
Fishing for Outdoor Barbecue Cabinets
Well, they’re all the rage these days, so get ready, ‘cause sooner or later the Jones’ or the Smith’s are going to get them. And then you’ll get invited to the damn Smith’s or Jones’ and on the way home, even though you try your best to steer things in another direction, the comments will start. And it won’t do any good, even though you mention her hair, how young she looks, how old that Smith or Jones hag looked – even if you offered her another glass of wine… it will all be to no avail. She’ll see through you like the plate glass window you are, and the whole time you’ll know it’s coming. [Read more...]
Amy Sedaris Naughtily Kicks off Rake Season
Fall is easily my favourite season – the air is crisp but comfortable, unfortunate armpit-baring tank tops get replaced with cozy armpit-hiding cardigans, and there’s glorious raking to be done. Raking? Really? Yes, really! We all have our quirks and raking is mine; raking leaves is easily one of my favourite household chores. It’s relaxing, productive, outdoorsy, and like the McRib or buying DVDs from “Disney’s vault”, available for only a limited time. There’s choice too! You can use a classic style rake or go all out on the latest in rake technologies. What’s not love? Back aches. The fact that a new pile of leaves can blow in at any moment. That it cuts into valuable pumpkin pie eating time. Well, if that’s your attitude, comedienne Amy Sedaris provides something else you can do with your rake – but it may not be suitable around children. Or your parents. Or anyone you have to look in the eye later. [Read more...]
Rockler Can Cooler – For the Discriminating Beer Connoisseur Who Loves His Wood
Ahhh, the can cooler. Does anything conjure images of summer as loud or clear? For all those who are truly discriminating when it comes to proper beer presentation and consumption, Rockler has the can cooler for you. Oh, you’re probably thinking, “Can coolers are a dime a dozen. What’s the big deal?” Well… [Read more...]
All Picnic Tables .com For Summer Memories
With summer in full swing, it’s time to embrace those BBQ and picnic weather occasions every chance we can. Patio furniture is certainly nice, but there’s nothing quite as quaint as sitting at a true picnic table, enjoying a meal or a late night round of cards on a summer night.
Growing up, we actually had a picnic table with the long benches in the house (it was nice, I swear!) as our main kitchen table. I have lots of happy memories of meals and board games and – of course – sitting next to someone who farted so hard I could feel it on my side of the bench (ok, fine, it was me! “Who ever felt it, dealt it” was the saying around my home). [Read more...]
The BBQ Hooker Treats Your Meat Just Right
You have to respect a product that goes with a goofy name, knows what people will think when they hear it, and rolls with it with a wink. I much prefer that to those awkward moments when you’re just not sure if a company realizes how they’re coming across. Case in point: Ortega (“they make my taco pop”). Oh, cringe.
And so, let’s talk about the BBQ Hooker in all its hooker glory!
Weber Genesis E-320 BBQ Review, Natural Gas vs. Propane
A while back we wrote an article about Lite Cylinder, an innovative see-through propane tank. Lite Cylinder attempts to alleviate some of the woes associated with the common propane powered BBQ. That got us thinking about natural gas BBQ’s, and in particular, the highly regarded Weber Genesis E-320. Weber graciously agreed to send us the E-320 to review. We’ve been barbecuing like maniacs since and have learned quite a few tasty things in the process. [Read more...]
