How to Take a Backyard Vacation

With today's economy, many families have canceled their scheduled summer vacations due to financial constraints. However, you don't need to drive thousands of miles to get a piece of vacation paradise. I'll show you how to relax and unwind in your very own backyard. No traveling required!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• lawn chair
• beach umbrella
• sprinkler
• sunglasses
• margarita mix

1. Set up a sunbathing oasis. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight during the day, but still affords privacy from neighbors. Set two lawn chairs up and place a small bistro table between them. Place a portable radio or hook up an MP3 player on the table. You could perhaps make a mix CD or play-list of tropical music to listen to. Place a beach umbrella nearby to provide shade when needed.

2. Attach your sprinkler to the hose, and place it in the middle of the yard. When the sprinkler is on, it should lightly mist the sunbathing oasis, but not soak it. This will give you the illusion of laying out next to ocean waves.

3. 
    

   Mix up a margarita (or other favorite drink) and place it on the table in a pitcher. Refill when necessary. Now you have your own mini-bar next to your sunbathing area!

4. Finally, take the day off work. Then enjoy your backyard vacation oasis!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have children, they will enjoy running through the sprinklers to cool off. To make it a day's worth of fun, set up water-related obstacle courses that run through the sprinkler's mist.
• Your backyard oasis may easily become your favorite place to relax.

[grove]

on 6/4/2009 This is a fantastic idea. I go in the back yard almost every day, but hadn't thought to bring a Margarita!

[Handmadedreams]

on 6/3/2009 Great idea.

[westernmom]

on 6/3/2009 Great idea! We all need a get-away place! 5*

[cmanny]

on 6/3/2009 Fun and economical idea!! 5*

[momtchr]

on 6/3/2009 Great tips for enjoying your own backyard!