Latest news with #backyard
CTV News
3 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Northern Ontario backyard continues to see rash of wildlife
A trail cam setup in a Sudbury-area backyard sees several critters visit over the month of May.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Says Her Neighbors' Backyard Is ‘Full of Junk' — So She Was Shocked When They Asked to Put a Trampoline in Hers
A woman shared that her neighbors' backyard is 'full of junk' — and they recently asked her if they could put a trampoline for their kids on her unused land The woman said that while she feels 'a bit sorry' for her neighbors' children, she's unsure if she wants to say yes The woman is now seeking advice on how she should respondA woman shared that her neighbors — whose backyard is 'full of junk' — want to store something in her backyard, and she's unsure what to do about it. The woman detailed her experience on the 'Am I Being Unreasonable?' forum on Mumsnet, where she explained that she lives on a street with homes that have 'a bit of extra garden' in the rear of the houses because a local farmer allotted his unused land to local residents. The woman said that she keeps her bonus plot of land mowed and tidy while she decides what she wants to do with it. Meanwhile, she noted that her neighbors keeps their area full of clutter. The issue? The original poster (OP) said that the neighbors recently asked if they could put a trampoline for their kids on her unused land. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While the OP admitted she feels 'a bit sorry' for the neighbors' children because of the state of their own backyard, she is also torn over how to respond. 'Part of me thinks [I should] say yes as their garden at the rear of their house is awful and full of junk. But then another bit kicks in and thinks, 'No, sort your own garden out,' ' the woman said, before asking her fellow community members for advice. The vast majority of commenters said that the OP should absolutely not agree to let her neighbors use her plot of land when they are perfectly capable of decluttering their plot. 'Tell your neighbors to get lost!! Honestly, some people are so cheeky,' said one person. 'NO!!!! They need to sort their garden out. Next thing you know, their junk will seep into your 'shared' space,' added someone else. 'It's not your fault their garden is awful. If they want somewhere for their children to play, they should sort out their own space,' said yet another community member. Another person said that the OP shouldn't hold the fact that the neighbors asked against them — while also noting that they think she should deny the request. 'I don't think it's cheeky to ask: don't ask, don't get,' they said. 'But you're well within your rights to say no. If you don't want it, you don't have to have it, and I wouldn't because you'll never get rid of it.' Read the original article on People
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
'Hidden' Kmart item dubbed a 'best kept secret' for home movie nights - you just have to know where to find it
Tucked away in a little-known page on the Kmart website lies an 'online exclusive' item many claim is the 'best outdoor purchase' they've made. The $69 Portable Pop-Up Projector Screen is on sale from $99 and while it's currently sold out, Femail understands stock is replenished sporadically. The stand-out 'secret item' is only available via the website and is perfect for backyard movie nights - especially when paired with standard or short throw projectors. Others like to use the gadget for showing off projects, slides and interactive videos with clear visuals. The nylon spring-loaded frame enables easy and quick setup when needed and the screen itself is 120 inches and can be packed away into a compact storage bag. Its full size when erected is 280cm x 223cm and weighs a mere 4.2 kilograms. The budget buy has received a countless five-star reviews from delighted customers - many of whom agree it's one of the brand's 'best kept secrets'. 'I can't rave on enough about how great this is. I also purchased the projector with DVD player and I can honestly say they were best purchases in 2022 and I do lots of online shopping,' one wrote. 'Perfect for outdoor movie nights, the pop up is super easy... the pop down takes a bit of practice but overall is an easy to set up screen and great value,' another added, with others also complaining about the complexity of the pack-up. It's been an exciting week for Kmart fans, with a new Gen Z targeted layout being rolled out in several stores across the country. The new store formats will include moving the checkouts - controversially placed in the centre of the store - back to the front. Central checkouts were introduced in stores nationwide about a decade ago to 'improve access' and 'reduce clutter at the exit'. Kmart's new managing director Aleks Spaseska revealed plans to highlight fashion and beauty at the front of stores in a bid to boost sales and better appeal to younger shoppers. 'The biggest difference you'll notice is in the apparel and beauty offer in the store,' Spaseska said at the Wesfarmers strategy briefing day, according to the SMH. 'If you go into women's apparel today, you'll see we mostly sell all the tops together, the bottoms together, the dresses together. If you think about the way our merchants put the ranges together, it's a brand new outfit. 'When you walk the store in the new format, there's much more co-ordination through women's apparel, which allows customers to be much more inspired and helps with outfit building... We've also brought beauty to the front of the store as well.' Daily Mail Australia visited the Kmart store in Ashfield, in Sydney's Inner West, where controversial checkouts were recently reinstated near the front entrance. Upon entering, customers are greeted by rows of beauty essentials, including budget-friendly makeup and skincare products. The retail chain plans to move its bulkier items - such as car seats and bikes - from the shop floor to the back of the store to free up space for clothing displays. As part of the change, customers will be directed to purchase bulky or big ticket items through a digital 'select and collect' system. In the 2024 financial year, Kmart Group reported a revenue of more than $11billion dollars, with profits of nearly $960million.
Geek Dad
4 days ago
- General
- Geek Dad
Flat-Top Cooking With the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle From Weber
We just passed Memorial Day, which means that grilling season has truly begun. But grills aren't the only great way to do some outdoor cooking! In recent years, the outdoor griddle has become a fun addition to the backyard appliances. Weber recently added a 28″ model to their Slate line of griddles. You can choose between two different models, one fueled by propane, and the other by natural gas. Weber sent me a propane model, as well as a few accessories, to try out for myself. What Is the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle? The Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle is a 3-burner gas-powered griddle for making anything from pancakes to smash burgers to fajitas. It retails for $599, and can be purchased directly from Weber or from stores like Home Depot. The 28″ griddle is the smallest one in the Slate line, but models are available in sizes ranging up to 36″. The Slate 28″ Griddle has the following features: • Rust-resistant carbon-steel cooktop is ready, not rusty • Pre-seasoned and ready to cook on right out of the box • Even edge-to-edge heat for consistent cooking across the griddle • Reaches over 500°F for high-heat searing and crispy edges • Wind guards protect burners and keep the temperature steady • Precision control knobs adjust heat smoothly and gradually • Independent heat zones expand cooking capabilities • No use of coatings, so you can use metal tools without worry Assembling the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle The Slate 28″ Griddle arrives unassembled in a single box. Even though the instructions say that assembly is a two-person task, I found that once I opened the box and removed all of the parts, I was able to put the griddle together without any issues. All the parts are packed well in their shipping container, so be aware that there's going to be a lot of cardboard left over once you've gotten all the pieces out. Here's a quick look at the assembly process: This slideshow requires JavaScript. Here's a look at the burners, before putting the griddle surface into place: The three propane burners. Image by Paul Benson. There are four holes on the frame around the burners; there are pegs on the underside of the griddle surface that slot securely into those holes. The griddle surface in place. Image by Paul Benson. As you can see in the above picture, there's an opening in the lower left corner of the griddle surface. The Slate comes with a drip pan, which slides right underneath that opening. Using a griddle scraper, you can get any food stuck to the griddle cleaned off easily. The drip pan in its drawer, ready to slide into place. Image by Paul Benson. The griddle comes with two grill hooks, which clip onto the ends of either of the two side tables. Weber also sent along a few more for me to use. Some of the tool hooks. Image by Paul Benson. There was also a bottle holder, which clips to the side tables in the same fashion as the tool hooks: The bottle holder. Image by Paul Benson. Here's a look at the fully-assembled griddle, with all of the accessories attached and the propane tank installed and hanging from the griddle stand. The tools from the Weber Griddle Essentials Toolkit hang from the tool hooks. Ready to get to work! Image by Paul Benson. The griddle was very easy to assemble. All I needed was a screwdriver. All the parts lined up perfectly, and it didn't take me long to get everything put together. The griddle surface is a bit heavy, so that bit you may need a second person to help lift it into place. But otherwise, it's smooth sailing. Using the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle The griddle surface is pre-seasoned, so once the propane tank is connected, you're ready to start cooking. The one precaution that Weber asks you to take is to do before firing up the griddle, however, is to do a test to make sure there are no leaks in the propane tank or connections. This is done by simply spraying some soapy water onto the tank and regulator, then turning on the propane. If there's a leak, you'll see bubbles forming. Thankfully, everything was bubble-free, so I was ready to get started. As luck would have it, this last Memorial Day weekend my girlfriend's son and his wife were up visiting from San Diego for his high school reunion. They were available for breakfast, so we invited them over for a home-cooked meal. Some other members of my girlfriend's family who live nearby also came over, bringing our total count to 9. This was going to be a good test of the Slate Griddle. I preheated the griddle, using the suggested low setting for pancakes on all three burners. I had read that 375 degrees was an optimal temperature for cooking pancakes, so I used my infrared thermometer gun to tweak the dials on the burners until most of the spots on the griddle were near that temperature. Once I got the temperature settled, I buttered the griddle and added the batter on the first round of pancakes. This batch of pancakes is almost ready to come off the griddle. Image by Paul Benson. The first round was a success, so once I got those off the griddle, I scraped any scraps off into the drip pan, then repeated the cooking process. I ended up with 17 good-sized pancakes all in all. Ready to serve! Image by Paul Benson. One of my girlfriend's relatives didn't particularly like pancakes, so we quickly made some French toast batter and got some bread dipped and onto the griddle as well. The French toast 'special order' hits the griddle. Image by Paul Benson. We also had eggs and sausage with breakfast, but my girlfriend and her sister prepared those in the kitchen so that everything would be ready around the same time. Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle – Final Thoughts Cooking on the Slate Griddle was a delight. I normally make pancakes almost every weekend, but until now, I had been doing them one at a time in a pan. It was so nice to be able to cook several nice-sized pancakes at the same time, cutting down my labor significantly. Not to mention that I was delighted with how well they came out- so nice and thick and golden brown. It should be noted too that it was a windy morning, yet the design of the griddle ensured that all three of those burners stayed lit. The 28″ size is perfect for a small family, such as myself, my girlfriend, and her daughter. Had we been cooking just for ourselves, we could have made the pancakes, sausage, and eggs all at the same time on the griddle. If I found myself regularly cooking for a larger group of people like we did this last weekend, I'd likely want to graduate to the 36″ griddle, where we could get a lot more cooked at the same time. I enjoyed not just the process of cooking on the griddle, but also the ease of cleaning the surface once I was done. The griddle surface does need to be seasoned after every cook or two, but that's a simple process of applying some oil and then letting it burn off. Weber has made a quality cooking appliance with the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle. I'm looking forward to the next time I make breakfast, and I'm already looking up recipes for smash burgers to try out. If you're looking to cook on a flat surface outdoors, you should definitely give this griddle a look. For more information on the Slate 28″ Rust-Resistant Griddle or to make a purchase, head to the Weber website. Weber provided a griddle for evaluation, but had no input into this review. Liked it? 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Washington Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
A bottle of wine is a fine host gift. These edible gifts are better.
'Tis the season for backyard cookouts, pool parties and summer soirees. As your calendar begins to fill up, it's worth thinking about host gifts — small, meaningful ways of expressing your gratitude for the time and energy they've invested in entertaining. While there's always the option of a last-minute purchase of a bottle of wine, it's the thought that counts, so why not give it a little extra intention to show your host just how much you appreciate their efforts? We've gathered 16 thoughtful and practical recipes to inspire your next host gift. Different from dishes that you might contribute to a potluck, these presents should be personal and made specifically for the host, ideally to be enjoyed without the pressure of serving them at the event. And for when it's your turn to plan the next big bash, check out our archive of more than 10,000 tested recipes. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Above. Give your host the gift of a comforting homemade soup mix that's ready to go at their convenience. To keep things as easy as possible, be sure to add a label with cooking directions and storage. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. Often referred to as the 'Jewish biscotti,' like regular biscotti, mandelbread is also baked twice. This, along with a generous helping of chopped walnuts, gives these cookies their signature crunch. These cookies are also studded with dried cherries, and their elongated shape makes them excellent dunking companions to a cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. You'll want to prep vanilla extract with plenty of time ahead of your outing, as it must be made at least one month in advance before use. Personalize it with the recipient's favorite spirit: vodka, bourbon, rum or brandy. Alternatively, you can concoct a batch to have on hand for future occasions. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. A fruity jam makes for a sweet surprise. This recipe calls for raspberries, one of the easiest fruits to make jams from thanks to their high amounts of naturally occurring pectin, but you can adapt it to best suit your host's tastes. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, sourdough bread has been having a moment — and for good reason. These basic loaves are relatively inexpensive to make and feel homey with their crispy crusts and chewy, tangy centers. You'll need ample time to embark on this project, as the first step is to build a starter and keep it alive. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Instead of bringing a dish to be served at a dinner party that you're attending, pack a batch of these light and fluffy scones for your hosts to have the next morning. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Your host will appreciate this warm and cozy apple loaf, a family recipe from professional baker Maggie Austin LaBaugh. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. Great for breakfast or snacking, a jar of artisanal granola gift is customizable, budget-friendly and easy to make. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. This simple, fudgy Bundt cake is for the chocolate lovers. 'It's so cocoa-forward, it may remind you of a brownie,' says Post recipes editor Becky Krystal. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Quick-pickled jalapeños are a nearly effortless way to impress any host. This recipe takes only five ingredients and an overnight rest in the fridge. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Fragrant nut butter makes a lovely addition to a freshly baked loaf of bread, or shines on its own. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. Mastering the art of fortune cookie-making requires quick fingers and a bit of practice, but the result is a standout way to send thank yous and other fun messages to your host. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. A classic tray of brownies is always a welcome treat, especially when it comes to these thick, fudgy squares. Dress them up with chocolate chips or toasted chopped walnuts, or leave them as-is for the brownie purists. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. This homemade caramel sauce can be made as sweet or as bitter as desired. Wrap it up in a decorative jar, and gift it alongside a pint of your host's favorite ice cream. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. 'Packed in a glass jar and tied with a ribbon, they make a lovely holiday hostess gift,' writes Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger about these fancy nuts. Glazed with maple syrup, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon and cayenne, they're versatile and practically effortless to make. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. One of the best ways to score points with a dog owner is to win over their furry friend, and these homemade dog treats are sure to do the trick. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe. Infused with the flavors of apple pie, this batched Old-Fashioned cocktail can be stashed in the fridge for up to two weeks for your hosts to enjoy at their leisure. Get the recipe.
