Netshops Blog

The New Summer

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:16:10 GMT

Labor Day is just around the corner. For most, the holiday signals the end of summer. And while many are putting away their whites for the winter, hanging up the grilling apron- whether it's white or not- would be the ultimate fall fashion faux pax.

With farmers markets in full swing and gardens still bearing fruit, months of good grilling lie ahead. If ordinary burgers and brats have squelched your fire for grilling, try mixing things up with seasonal vegetables. The weather is simply too agreeable this time of year to keep your cooking indoors.

If you're the outdoors type, you know that there's still good fishing to be had. Fall also brings the opening of hunting seasons for small game. With all these intriguing options, fighting summer-grilling fatigue is as easy opening your eyes to the possibilities of autumn.

Now is the time to take advantage of end-of-season savings, invest in a new gas or charcoal grill, and stock up on grilling accessories. With a holiday weekend ahead and a season of sports and agreeable weather to follow, you may find fall your new favorite season for outdoor cooking. After all, what's a football party or tailgate without the sizzle of a grill or smoker?

Tailgating Season

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:40:36 GMT

The college football season kicks off next week. The NFL games that count will be underway just one week later. All this football can only mean one thing: tailgating season finally, mercifully, has arrived.

As August winds down, the preseason optimism that football fans relish will soon be subject to the telling test of opening day. Not every highly touted player can realize success on the field. And as past heartbreaks can attest, you simply can't win them all. But there's one aspect of the season's outcome you can control. With a good game plan, you can make sure your tailgate parties never disappoint.

Make sure you're ready for game days with the right tailgating gear from NetShops. With grills, games, canopies, chairs, and more, NetShops has everything you need to make your tailgate parties come out on top. You can even find gourmet grilling and creative cocktail recipes to take your tailgating game to the next level.

Time to Tune In

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:11:43 GMT

It's mid-August, and that means it's safe to admit it. I can officially come clean that, for the last few weeks, I've been looking forward to fall. Some years I can use oppressive heat as an excuse, but it's been a mild summer. Nope, this year it's all unabashed anticipation for the new TV season.

I used to shy away from discussing my devotion to 90210. For years, when the subject of James Van Der Beek arose I pretended to hide my familiarity. Yet many of my college friends and I have fond memories of our mid-week "Dinner and Dawson's Creek" parties.

No more shame. After all, who's to say how history will judge my favorite programs today? Will Lost hold up as a suspense-filled classic? Will the House sense of humor come across a decade later?

When it comes to TV, I vow to no longer concern myself with cool. I will embrace for what it is: a time to indulge.

And just in time, NetShops is stocking up on everything you need for fall parties. Whether you're getting together for season premieres or to kick off football season, we've got you covered with crock pots, barware, entertainment centers, home theater seating, and so much more.

Tune in next week for more fall party ideas. And if you have any fresh ideas you'd like to share, just drop us a line in the comments section.

The Backyard

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

There's a new, exciting place to be at NetShops. Come explore The Backyard!

The Backyard is a new online community where NetShops customers like you can meet people who share your interests. It is designed as a wide open space where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, ask questions, and build relationships.

Currently, The Backyard, offers forums related to outdoor living. Specific categories include Landscape and Garden, Pool and Beach, Cooking and Dining, Furniture, Games, and more. Whether you're looking for ideas about how to enhance your outdoor area, or want to share a few tips of your own, you're invited to join the party in The Backyard.

You can access The Backyard from any NetShops outdoor living site, such as Hammocks.com, PorchSwings.com, and PatioFurnitureUSA.com, among others. Feel free to browse The Backyard as a guest, or create a user account so you can contribute, meet people, and enjoy the complete community experience.

Come see for yourself. Browse any of our outdoor stores whenever you like. Then come say hello in The Backyard and share your thoughts with others!

Stay Cool

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:27:26 GMT

When my beagles stand dumbstruck at the open door instead of bolting feverishly into the backyard, that's a telling sign. It's hot out there.

With a heat wave sweeping the nation and temperatures poised to hit 100 over the weekend here in the Midwest, staying cool is more than just a matter of comfort. It's a matter of safety. If you have gardening or yardwork on your weekend agenda, be sure to get it done early before temperatures peak. Use sunscreen. Seek shade. Drink plenty of fluids. You know the drill.

This familiar August heat is right on time, and this year, you won't hear me complain. After months of mowing, I'm ready for my lawn to slow its relentless growth rate and grant a merciful weekend off.

Even the rambunctious hounds dial down their activity in favor of sprawling indoors atop their favorite A/C vents. So we may have to try something a little different around our place this weekend. Yes, this weekend, I believe I'll follow their lead.

Garden of Eatin

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:36:41 GMT

My garden has taken off. Its starting point is still in the backyard, where I planted it, but the tomato plants have spilled over the walls of my planter boxes. Cucumber vines are making their way onto the deck and across the lawn. The last time I checked my acorn squash, they were making a run for the back alley. They could be on their way out of town by now.

It's a green, glorious sight, punctuated by white blossoms of coriander and pink flowers of mint. Funny how I spend months waiting impatiently for these plants to produce, and now that they're bearing fruit, I can't keep up with the delicious yields.

I've got little choice but to start canning. So instead of calling my parents to ask my dad how to install a ceiling fan, I'm calling to ask my mom how to keep botulism out of my pickles. I'm pretty new to this canning thing, but the thought of savoring the summertime flavors of garden tomatoes, jalapenos, salsas, pestos, and chutneys all winter long makes me realize I won't be new to it for long.

Big Love for Small Appliances

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:57:56 GMT

What is it about small appliances that captures my imagination? I've got a soft spot for things like power tools and electronics, to be sure, but they don't awaken quite the same desire for ownership as does kitchen gadgetry.

I suppose I enjoy cooking, but what I'm truly keen on is eating well. By that I mean eating healthy to a certain extent, eating delicious above all, and doing it all with gusto. Oftentimes what stands between me and a plate of savory morsels is all the prep work and cook time. These formalities I enjoy when I have time, but lament when I'm on a tight schedule. The latter, unfortunately, is usually the case.

This is where kitchen appliances come in. Just toss a few tidbits in the crock pot to simmer all day, and I come home to the aromas and flavors of slow-cooked goodness. My food processor makes light work of chopping and sauces. I own a Kitchen Aid mixer that deserves credit for everything bake. And toasters, well, life without toast would be a mundane existence indeed.

While these appliances may be small, I just wish my kitchen had room for the lot of them.