This established community has old charm neighborhoods with lovable homes for families. Playgrounds, trails and community parks are graciously distributed throughout the district, offering plenty of activities for its residents and visitors. Yorba Linda school systems have ranked 9 out of 10 with 10 being the highest possible rating.

The abundance of shopping centers that grace Yorba Linda includes Eastlake Village, Yorba Linda Station Plaza and Mercado Del Rio. The town also contains the Nixon Presidential Library, which houses events, artifacts and historical white house findings. The Susanna Bixby Bryant Museum is a breathtaking botanic gardens and heritage museum that elegantly describes Yorba Linda’s history.

Residents may be an hour away from the closest beach but East Lake Village Community and Troy Club of Yorba Linda are both beautiful and relaxing public pools ready for enjoyment. It’s a must to be surrounded by water in one of California’s hottest towns; go ahead and indulge.

Wildfires in 2008 caused extreme damage to Yorba Linda, but the community remained intact by supporting one another through these tough times. This is a city of integrity and character, one that residents are proud to call home and visitors are lucky to experience. California Pools is privileged to serve a dignified community like Yorba Linda. Reach out to one of our professionals to see how we can enhance your already lovely home with a custom swimming pool.

California Pools can help with both options. Our talented crew of professionals will consult with you on making the appropriate arrangements. And for those wanting to do a little research, we’ve created a comprehensive list of benefits for both options.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorinated Pools are known to be the most popular choice among pool owners, due to its ability to dispose of harmful bacteria. These pools have stood the test of time and will provide you with confidence and reassurance.

Benefits of Chlorinated Pools

• Chemicals associated with chlorine breakdown bacteria instantly.
• These same chemicals remain in the water and continue to fight against additional bacteria.
• When maintained well, Chlorine will keep your pool crisp, clear and clean at all times.
• The chlorine and filter system is basic and straightforward, making it easy to operate.
• There’s no deterioration or rust to your stonework or delicate finishes, as found in saltwater pools.
• If your chlorine level is too high, its natural surroundings (mother nature, swimmers, etc) will lower those levels for you. Meaning, you do nothing!

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools are the answer for many owners, as they contribute a supply of natural chlorine. With the use of a generator, chlorine gas is released from the salt into the water, making all “chemicals” organic. The eco-friendly nature is what draws and retains most customers.

Benefits of Saltwater Pools

• Saltwater pools are eco-friendly, all natural and non-toxic.
• There’s no need to add chlorine to your pool.
• There’s no potent smell that’s often caused by chlorinated pools.
• The salt content in saltwater pools is much lower than that found in the Ocean.
• Saltwater pools will leave their bathers feeling silky and soft.
• Saltwater pools don’t need added chemicals ever year, making them less expensive than chlorinated pools.

It’s important to monitor your pool and provide maintenance when necessary. The ultimate contributor to a health and safe nature is the owner. And at the end of the day, California Pools wants what’s best for its customers. Contact one of our pool and spa consultants to discuss the benefits of each type of pool in more detail, we’re happy to help.  

You’ll find that Fullerton thrives off of education and promotes its importance through the many well-established institutes. California State University, Fullerton College and Pacific University all call the beaming town home. Furthermore, its education system from Pre-K–12 booms with elite teachers and blue ribbon status.

Fullerton was established in the mid 1800s, prospering with the success of mining, railroads and petroleum. With agriculture at the heart of the city, farmers have kept busy tending to orange, avocado and walnut crops. Fullerton has experienced consistent growth from its start and shows no signs of slowing down.

You will witness the historical sites and treasure the preserved artifacts in downtown where exquisite buildings have remained untouched or been restored to their original state. This makes Fullerton one of the few cities in California to behold the authenticity of the 19th Century.

There are many sites and attractions that will catch your interest and absorb your days, from museums and cultural arts centers to spacious gardens and recreational hubs. The Fullerton Arboretum is a stunning locale filled with 26-acres of breathtaking nurseries and green scenes. The nonprofit organization is located at CSU and proves to be the main resource for ecological and horticultural education.

The Maverick Theatre and Clayes Performing Arts Center are both well-established event halls in the heart of Fullerton. You will be rewarded with original plays, performances and musical guests in the spacious auditoriums. Take the opportunity to catch a memorable show at one of these locales.

Fullerton also showcases its many public parks including Ted Craig Regional Park, Hillcrest Park and Laguna Lake Park. And for those looking for rave pool access, The Fullerton Community Center is a 25-meter indoor pool that holds open swims, classes and aquatic sports. You can also find refuge at the outdoor Janet Evans Swim Complex.

California Pools is proud to be a part of this tremendous community and offers the residents nothing but superb service and quality craftsmanship with their pools, spas and outdoor living spaces. If a backyard makeover with a new or updated pool is what our Fullerton clients are eager for, contact us and together we can make this great summer a remarkable one.

As one of the top pool builders in the Irvine, CA area, California Pools takes great pride in the pools we’ve built and refinished. In honor of the Summer Solstice, we wanted to remind our dedicated customers as well as potential clients of our abiding services. Let us create a nourishing summer for you and your family.

Pool And Spa Builds

California Pools began building pools and spas in 1952, with the intention of providing residents with leisure and relaxation. Our custom pools offer a place of merriment for you to escape and play. With the aide of our design team, we would build a unique pool or spa specific to your yard. Don’t let this summer slip by without a little friendly water play.

Remodels

Already have a pool or spa? Are you looking to refurbish it to the beauty it once was? One of our great joys is bringing life back and remodeling outdated and potentially dangerous pools and spas. Maybe you’re looking to add features that will enhance the life of your pool. California Pools can come in, evaluate the current situation and offer recommendations to improve the state of your beloved pool. Don’t turn your back on your property, we will make you fall in love all over again.

Fire & Water Features

Perhaps your terrace is yearning for that “wow” factor. Incorporate a water feature or fire feature that will turn your backyard home into a backyard oasis. Once again, California Pools will provide you with top rate service that includes design and functionality. The type of water features are boundless and stretch from infinity edges to decorative fountains. Maybe you’re dreaming of rock waterfalls that create envy among your neighbors.

Or is it a fire feature that will add dimension to you yard? These characteristics will add a cozy element to that cool summer night, allowing you to unwind after an active day of romping around. Whatever your fondness may be, we can offer guidance.

Let’s step this summer up a notch. Contact California Pools today to get a quote and free design. And please, invite us over for those luxurious parties.

Our Favorite Local Public Pools

Frank Malavar Mako Pool, Huntington Beach
8341 Munster Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Old Hanson Beach Club, San Clemente
100 W Avenida Pico
San Clemente, CA 92672

Lacus Aquatics, Newport Beach
4425 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660

We though it’d be appropriate to provide our viewers with the top pool toys, geared towards dad. Now you’ve got all you need; a pool location, pool toys and unconditional love form his beloved children. Splash, play and have fun on Sunday!

Cooler Couch Pool Float

Complete with drink holders and an ice cooler, dad can rest with the essentials in hand. This sturdy floating device is made of heavy-duty vinyl, making this a durable choice that will last dad a few years. Pool floats provide the ultimate relaxation for people, just don’t splash dad while he’s lounging with his favorite book in hand. This specific Cooler Couch Pool Float is just under $60.00 on Amazon.com.

Floating Water Radio

Let dad listen to the classics while he unwinds in the pool. This cordless gem is 8.5” in diameter and plays AM/FM radio. It has dual use as he can utilize it outdoors and indoors at his convenience. The entire mechanism is waterproof and the speakers shot out a quality sound that can be heard from one end of the pool to the next. You can find this specific radio at The Spa Depot for $40.00.

Pool Football

It’s a shame that Father’s Day doesn’t fall on Superbowl Weekend, dad would be in man heaven. But who says you can’t bring football to him this weekend? For those looking for a more inexpensive choice, this gift is right up your alley. Make your pool day interactive by luring dad with an enticing game of catch. This specific foam football is 8.50-inch by 5-inch and releases spirals of water when you throw it. For just $12.00 on Amazon.com, you might as well buy two.

Do our readers have beloved pool toys that weren’t mentioned here? We’d love to hear from you and invite your input. But most importantly, to all the dads out there, have a spectacular day, you deserve it for all you do!

Myles is an award winning swimming pool designer and builder with an incredible talent for creating an epic customer experience. Myles heads up the Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo offices of California Pools. His Grandfather, Wayne Steimle founded the company back in 1952. California Pools is still family owned and operated today. Watch this short biography video to catch a glimpse into Myles' life as a talented pool builder! 

Myles has an incredible talent for creating an epic customer experience.

Did you know that California Pools sponsors a bicycling team? California Pools Racing is a club of 150 members with 30 elite racers and an impressive score of state and national championships. Next for 2012, California Pools Racing will also include a triathlon team component.

"In December, 2011, we're gearing up for a big triathlon that's local to us in the city of Hemet," says Ernie Sanchez, team manager. The Temple Triathlon is not new to the California Pools racers; in 2010 more than 80 percent of CA Pools participants won in their categories. "This time we're going out to the race as an official triathlon component," says Sanchez. "The Temple Triathlon will be our team debut."

Vuelta Mexicali Team Results

Eight California Pools/CFS Mortgage Racing team members traveled to Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico to contest in the 7th Edition of the Vuelta Mexicali in October. This event consisted of a three day, four stage event. On Friday, Oct. 21, the team contested a criterium and raced a Road Race that included an 11 mile mountain top finish, on Saturday, the team "contested" a flat RR and on Sunday, the event finished with a Circuit Race. The team took top honors with Ernie Sanchez winning Stage 1 in the 40+, followed by Erich Schenk. That afternoon, Erich was second, followed by Raul Cortez in third. On Saturday, the team got lost on their way to the start line and chased with negative results, and on Sunday, the team took top honors again with Schenk taking first followed by Sanchez in second and Cortez in third place. In the 55+, Tony took top honors winning the Sunday stage. He raced in the top three several times, ultimately ending up third in GC. In the 50+, Kenny Caldera represented well, winning the Sunday stage in a hotly contested sprint.

Follow California Pools Racing Online

If you enjoy the thrill of the race, check back here often for updates from our team, or head over to the official California Pools Racing website and Facebook Page.

California Pools' North San Diego and Temecula offices were awarded by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) in the 2011 International Awards of Excellence (AOE) competition at a live presentation earlier this month in Las Vegas, NV. Every year, a panel of elite pool and spa industry judges review hundreds of entries from APSP member pool builders from around the globe. In the 2011 competition, 52 Gold Awards; 36 Silver Awards; 27 Bronze Awards; and 10 Awards of Merit were designated to the most creative examples of the industry’s art and craft.

California Pools' North San Diego and Temecula offices were awarded for their outstanding projects in the traditional residential concrete pools, technical/engineering achievement, hot tubs, spas and water features and residential concrete pools categories.

Please join us in congratulating our builders!

California Pools North San Diego Office

Gold- Technical/Engineering Achievement

Bronze- Residential Concrete Pools, Traditional, 601 sq. ft. or more

California Pools Temecula Office

Award of Merit- Hot Tubs, Spas, and Water Features, Concrete Spas

Award of Merit- Residential Concrete Pools, Natural Setting

Take one look at this pool photo and you can understand that a project of this caliber, in this setting and of this design was truly a “once in a lifetime” experience for California Pools San Diego builder Mike Welch. After two years of design and redesign, weekly client meetings and intricate problem solving, this Pt. Loma pool is finally complete and already receiving the recognition it deserves.

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) awarded California Pools, North San Diego, the Gold Award in the Technical and Engineering Achievement category in the 2011 International Awards of Excellence (AOE) program for Welch’s work on the Pt. Loma masterpiece.

“This project required extreme attention to detail and engineering as it is half suspended over the slope of the yard, and above the neighbor's property line below,” says Welch. California Pools was selected among other pool contractors in the area to work with the homeowners’ architect and builder as part of an extensive, “no holds barred” remodel. Welch took note of the landscape’s precarious situation and presented man-made solutions to nature’s challenges.

“We had to work with the cliffside, but we also had some other challenges in realizing the client’s vision for an infinity edge pool,” says Welch. The homeowner wanted a 350-foot long infinity edge (much larger than the average pool of this nature) to blend the pool and the landscape into the view of the city and the bay beyond.

“In order to give a good reflection of the skyline, you need still water,” Welch explains. “Our challenge was to keep that water still at a depth of only an inch and a half.” Through carefully planned physics and engineering, the water now reflects the beautiful San Diego skyline.

Welch’s 30 years’ experience with California Pools is certainly varied, but this award-winning pool certainly proved to be a most exciting adventure for the veteran builder. Granite water features and coping imported from Jerusalem add a deserving “shine” to this gem, and Welch is back in the field with a smile on his face and another award to add to his legacy.

California Pools values the opinion of every customer and uses Report Cards as a way in which we can raise our standards to the highest possible. We put customer satisfaction at the top of our list and we all work diligently to create a wonderful experience and enjoyable back yard for our customers. Here are a few quotes from our recently received Report Cards: “Great job on speedy construction. The project was swimmable in less than 3 months. Everything came out super. Great job by a very knowledgeable and efficient team. Thanks!” ~ Gary G, Manhattan Beach, CA

“The experience with California Pools was better than we thought it could be. This was primarily due to Mike & Rick. Thank you so much for a great pool.” ~ Stuart & Mandy B, Burbank, CA

“We love our pool & spa!” ~ Michael D, Canyon Lake, CA

Not every local businesses is really "in" with the locals. When a company truly supports its community, it shows. Through lasting relationships, outstanding customer care and an established physical presence in the community, the award-winning California Pools Temecula location remains the shining choice of Temecula Valley residents for swimming pool construction, year after year. Alan Metzger is the manager and owner of the California Pools Temecula office, founded in 1997.  He has been with California Pools, Temecula, for the past 12 years and now runs the office with his daughter and son-in-law. It's a family affair. Metzger shares with us his favorite part of being a California Pools builder: face-to-face customer involvement.

Your store has a reputation for excellent in-person marketing. How do you meet your customers?

We're  local business owners, but we're residents first. The most effective way that we've been able to reach new customers is through ongoing community involvement. We enjoy so many great things that our community has to offer, just like our customers.

Temecula residents gather for three days each year at the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival, and we really enjoy greeting customers at our booth there in the vendor area. We also bring our trailer along and set up to display our brochures at other gatherings like block parties hosted by local home builders. Past customers are really happy to see us at events like these; with so many pool contractors going out of business, they're happy to see that we're still providing the best quality service to the area.

How do you support Temecula residents?

One of the most exciting ways we give back is through our sponsorship of the Master's Elite cycling team, called California Pools Racing. The team participates in local races and also some state and national races. We help support junior riders on their quest to join the U.S. Cycling Team. Overall, we just really love to support the healthy lifestyle of our residents, whether its through the bike racing, promoting exercise through swimming or handing out water bottles at 5K fun runs.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I've been in the pool and spa business for over 25 years, and the satisfaction I have after building someone's dream pool still moves me. It's a fun thing to look back and see what you built for each customer. Seeing your customers' eyes light up when you turn the water feature or swimming pool on for the first time is indescribable. You can see the excitement in their eyes without them even saying a word.

Why should a customer build a pool with California Pools, Temecula?

In a time when other contractors are without a storefront, we're still accessible. We have visibility with our residents because we have nothing to hide. In fact, we boast about our service. Right from the start of the design process, through the build and after completion, warranty or not, we're available to address any and all issues that our customers might have with their pools. That kind of services isn't really offered anymore in our industry.

What building or design trends do you think will be popular choices for Temecula residents in 2012?

Our residents are fond of the more natural looking pools, so we should expect to see more rock water features, freeform shapes and pebble bottoms. They'll be looking to build their own natural paradise.

You can visit Alan and the rest of the California Pools, Temecula Valley, staff by phone at (800) 282-7665 or in-person at:

41892 Enterprise Circle S. Suite A Temecula 92590

In 2012, California Pools will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary! If you have a California Pool that is 25 years old or more, we'd love to hear from you. You and your pool may be selected as a featured article on our blog, as we may be featuring several pools during the year.

So please send us a paragraph about you and your pool experience(s), along with a photo (the oldest one you have) to calpools@californiapools.com and then watch to see if your article appears next year!

Pool & Spa News has announced the 2010 Top 50 Builders list, and we are pleased to announce that California Pools is #4! Inside this edition, you’ll see where CA Pools CEO Ryder Steimle was asked: “What would you do, if you were President of the United States?” This is his reply: We have too many politicians and no leaders. My definition of a presidential leader is someone who has a crystal-clear vision for the future of our country and is willing to set aside his own agendas and the agendas of his party, and inspire our citizens and government to move toward that goal. The inspiration and motivation will come as the President sets the example and empowers the nation to make it happen.

Being a 60-year-old company, we’ve seen hard times more than once. This history and experience has taught us how to make the right decisions in order to stay at the top, even during these challenging times. We are very grateful for that.

Did you know that California Pools sponsors a bicycling team? California Pools Racing is a club of 150 members with 30 elite racers and a new triathlon team component for 2012.

If you enjoy the thrill of the race, check back here often for updates from our team, or head over to the official California Pools Racing website.

More to come....

Get the kids involved with this interactive online video game about water safety around the pool: http://www.poolsafely.gov/poolsafely-activity/index.html

Make a banana even sweeter with this recipe from A Taste of Home: Grilled Banana Boats

INGREDIENTS

4 medium unpeeled ripe bananas 4 tsp mini chocolate chips 4 tbsp mini marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

Cut banana peel lengthwise about ½ inches deep, leaving ½ inch at both ends. Open peel wider to form a pocket. Fill each with 1 tsp mini chocolate chops and 1 tbsp mini marshmallows. Crimp and shape four pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12-inch square) around bananas, forming boats.

Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until marshmallows melt and are golden brown. Serves four.

Swimming is a great way to improve your health, but combined with a healthy diet, it can truly do wonders, specifically incorporating fruits and vegetables into your meals. When it comes to including these into your diet, think color! Green and red specifically. Colorful fruits and veggies, according to www.swimming.org, contain slower burning calories rich in vitamins and minerals, which boost your immune system, maintain your digestive and respiratory systems and improve your circulation. They also contain a greater range of nutrients and antioxidants. Just in case you can’t think of some foods to get started with, choose a few of these to get going: lettuce, cucumbers, beans, sprouts, broccoli, red peppers, red cabbage, red leaf salad leaves, etc.

The end of summer is in sight, and the kids will want to squeeze in every last chance they can to swim before it’s back to school. Refresh yourself and the family with these simple pool rules from www.poolsafely.gov to end the summer on a high note: Keep toys away from the pool when not in use Empty blow-up pools after each use No tricycles or other riding toys at the pool No electrical appliances near the pool No diving in a pool that is not deep enough No running on the pool deck

In honor of NASA sending Atlantis on the last mission to space recently, did you know that the turbo pump on the space shuttle’s main engine is so powerful, it could drain an average-sized family swimming pool in 25 seconds?

How do floaties and water wings compare to life jackets? According to one expert, they have their place and purpose. Read this article (Link to: http://www.parenting.com/article/water-safety-products) on parenting.com to learn more.

If you didn’t get the chance to travel this summer because it’s not in the budget, don’t fret. There’s a new trend for budget-conscious families called a “staycation,” defined by Merriam-Webster as a vacation spent at home or nearby. So make the most of what you have and enjoy your backyard for all it has to offer! And in case you need some inspiration, here are a few last-minute ideas to get the ball rolling: Turn the house into a spa for a day or an island retreat Host a backyard picnic Throw a Hawaiian luau Plant a family garden Campout adventure in the backyard “Beach Day” by the pool

Have you ever seen a diving dog? Apparently this one loves to dive more than 6 feet deep! Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy11XIfyDJA&feature=related

Combine your love of water and exercise by incorporating yoga into your pool routine. Check out these yoga water workouts from Women’s Health magazine.

Have you skimmed the pool and cleaned out the baskets today? One of the simplest ways to keep a pool looking good and functioning well is to get rid of the most evident debris.

According to the experts, skimming the pool every few days helps the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system — think about it, everything you don’t get eventually sinks to the bottom and could find it’s way into the filter — and may lower chlorine use.

Be sure to empty the skimmer baskets every few days, too, and dump out anything caught in there with a few shakes or spray it with the hose.

If your backyard is in need of a little facelift and your pocketbook isn’t endless, the pros at Better Homes and Gardens offer these 12 money-saving landscaping tips to help improve the look the of landscape without breaking the bank. Read more here: http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/money-saving-landscaping-tips/

The master’s at Weber (think some of the best char-grilled food you may know) have a great grilled pizza bread recipe that will be the perfect treat for a little afternoon fun with family and friends. Serve as an appetizer or a main dish. Visit http://www.weber.com/grillout/recipes/appetizers/grilled-pizza-bread to learn more.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp ground Mediterranean oregano 1 tsp onion powder ¾ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp curry powder ½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp red pepper flakes ¼ tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper ¼ cup all-purpose flour 3 balls (1 lb each) pizza dough chopped tomatoes, onions and fresh basil (all optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan combine the seasoning ingredients. Whisk over low heat just until the oil becomes fragrant and the mixture is warm. Remove from the heat and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours.

Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).

Lightly flour one of the pizza dough balls and the back of a 15×10-inch baking sheet. Stretch out the dough to the size of the baking sheet and place it on the back of the floured baking sheet.

Whisk the seasoning mixture and then generously spread over the top side of the dough.

Brush the cooking grates clean. Turn the baking sheet over (like a big spatula) and place it directly on the cooking grate, dough side down. Remove the baking sheet and brush the top side of the dough with the seasoning mixture. Grill over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until the underside of the dough is marked, 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t worry if the crust bubbles; it will deflate when turned over. Slide the dough onto the baking sheet and flip the uncooked side onto the cooking grate. Brush the top with more oil and continue to grill, with the lid closed, for 3 to 4 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack. Top with chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, and fresh basil, if desired. Cut into individual pieces. Repeat the same grilling procedure for the two remaining balls of dough. Serve warm.

Get inspired with these 10 beautiful backyard designs from the professionals at HGTV: http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/10-beautiful-backyard-designs/pictures/index.html

It’s that time of year again — time to think about getting back into the swing of morning routines before school and homework. But before the kids hit the books, think about hosting a back to school pool party to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of another year!

The ideas are endless, so let your creativity flow. But just to get you on the right track here are some fun ideas to think about at the backyard pool party:

Games: Water balloons, float races, Marco Polo, doggie paddle contest, belly flop contest, water tag, or invent games associated with going back to school like a swimming spelling bee or a math game…just to get the brain working!

Food and drink: sandwiches, juice boxes, popsicles, ice cream, pizza, lemonade, Kool-Aid, hot dogs and burgers, fruit, and a cake in the shape of a school bus

Décor and invites: letters and numbers, school bus, backpacks, pencils, crayons, anything that is reminiscent of school or learning.

It’s time to take off the patio furniture coverings and dust off winter because spring is here and the furniture is going to get used. Depending on what kind of patio furniture is adorning your hardscape (aluminum, white plastic, etc), get it ready with these tips from the Do-It-Yourself Network.

Does your furniture have squishy, comfy cushions? Those need to be cleaned, too! The DIY Networks offers these tips for getting the cozy part of the furniture ready to be used.

Believe it or not, there is an art to grilling hamburgers, and www.allrecipes.com offers a few special ideas to make sure you are grilling the best burger in town.

The foodies recommend following these tips to ensure a perfectly grilled bite to eat: flavor is everything, skimp on the salt, marinate, marinate, marinate, perfect patty formation, and rotate just once. Read on to master these fabulous techniques.

Today is Father’s Day, so be sure to help the kids show Dad how much you love him and appreciate him by grabbing something good to eat, throwing it on the grill and having a little Happy Father’s Day barbeque by the pool. (If Dad has been wanting a new grill, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to surprise him with a model he’s been wanting!) Or set up a little brunch outside and enjoy the weather together mid-morning. Have the kids channel their inner creativity and make him a homemade card/gift or plant something in the backyard in his honor. The ideas are endless. No matter what you decide, be sure to make him feel special.

The greatest gifts in life cannot be bought, and with Father’s Day this weekend, there is no better time to get the kids together to make Dad a little something special this holiday weekend. This craft from www.familyfun.com is a cute little idea to help Dad remember all those important events coming up by writing them down in his handmade notepad.

MATERIALS

Three sheets of plain letter-sized paper Hole punch Thin cardboard Rubber band Stick from tree

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut three sheets of plain letter-size paper in half lengthwise. Fold the two sets of three sheets in half. Working on one set at a time, punch two holes 3/4-inch in from the fold and the side.

Cut two pieces of thin cardboard the same size as the folded white paper, then trim about 1/8-inch from the short ends. Cut a 4 1/4- by 11-inch piece from a brown paper bag, then use glue stick to adhere it to the two cardboard pieces, leaving a small gap between them, as shown. Punch four holes 3/4-inch in from the gap and the side.

Fold the brown paper cover around the two sets of white paper. Feed a loop of a 3 1/2-inch rubber band through each hole, and slide a small stick through the loops. Attach newspaper letters to the cover with glue stick.

These cute grill-themed cupcakes from Family Fun Magazine are the perfect way to show Dad how much the kids love and appreciate him this Father’s Day!

INGREDIENTS

Brownie batter Black food coloring White frosting Orange sugar Caramel creams Red, yellow and green candy fruit slices Hot tamales candies

DIRECTIONS

To make a batch of 12, place liners in a muffin pan, oil them, and fill them two thirds full of your favorite brownie batter, then bake according to the recipe directions. Let the brownies cool.

In a small bowl, mix one or two drops of black food coloring with 1/4 cup white frosting. Transfer the frosting to a Ziploc bag and snip a small section from the corner. Pipe grate lines onto each brownie and let them set for 20 minutes. Add embers with a sprinkle of orange sugar.

Prepare the grill food as instructed below and press it in place atop each brownie.

Kebabs = A caramel cream and red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices, cut into small pieces + toothpick skewers

Pork chop = two thirds of a caramel cream, molded with fingers + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick

Hot dogs = Hot Tamales candies + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick

Cannonball contest! Who doesn’t love making cannonballs in the pool? Get the kids gathered around the pool and let the jumping begin. Biggest splash wins! Want to get creative? Add some in-air spins before landing.

Salad lovers rejoice! Here is a grilled salad recipe from www.foodnetwork.com. INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 fillet anchovy, minced, optional 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning Freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing 1/4 cup roughly chopped parsley leaves 3 tablespoons chopped tarragon leaves 4 Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and discarded 4 ripe plum tomatoes, halved 1 head romaine, quartered, root end attached

DIRECTIONS

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat.

Whisk the vinegar with the anchovy, if using, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick vinaigrette. Whisk in the parsley and tarragon and set aside.

Lay the romaine, mushrooms, and tomatoes out on a sheet pan and lightly brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the mushrooms on the grill smooth side down. Grill until juices collect in the cap and mushrooms soften, about 3 minutes. Turn them over and cook until slightly charred around the edges and the center is very tender, about 3 minutes more. Put the tomatoes on the grill skin side down and grill until juicy and charred, about 6 minutes. Grill the romaine, turning to slightly char all sides, until the core end is tender, about 5 minutes.

Divide the wedges of romaine, mushroom caps, and tomatoes among 4 plates. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salads and serve.

Martha Stewart knows how to throw a good party, and every good party planner knows it all starts with the invitation. These graduation tassel invites are the perfect way to get guests pumped about a graduation-themed pool party!

Just visit here to get downloadable templates to help make the perfect invite.

Last summer the New York Times published an article titled “101 Fast Recipes for Grilling,” urging readers to try 101 simple recipes. Go ahead and take a look, there are many tasty options — broken into veggies/fruits, salads, meats, burgers, desserts and sandwiches/breads —  to choose from!

Reel the kids in with this creative spin on poolside fishing from www.toddlerstoday.com. MATERIALS

1 stick (3-feet long) twine/string craft foam in several different colors google eyes magnets paper clips hot glue scissors 2 hula hoops

DIRECTIONS

Tie a piece of string or twine about 2-feet long around one end of the stick. Depending on the type of magnet you have, it can be attached in different ways. Some can be tied to the string, or you can hot glue the magnet to a piece of craft foam and then attach the foam to the string.

Next, take the foam and trace around different fish shapes. If your child is old enough, allow him to cut out the fish shapes. They will want each fish to be about 8-inches long.

Next, an adult should hot glue a wiggle eye to each fish. Then, hot glue a paperclip on the same side of the fish (the clip can be bent to resemble a fish fin or attached to the mouth to look like a fish hook). Allow it to dry for a few minutes.

Not it’s time to head to the pool! Set each hula hoop in the water. Place the fish wiggle eye side up inside the hula hoops, and allow your child to fish for them by placing the magnet on the paperclip. The hula hoops help prevent the fish from floating all over the pool. This also could be played inside on the floor for younger children or on rainy days.

There are many ways to decorate the backyard pool area without breaking the bank. One of the most popular ways, and most creative, is to add a little lighting ambiance. Think of different ways to place inexpensive lanterns around the pool or hang a few strings of paper lanterns or lights throughout the patio to add just enough of a soft glow to make nighttime a fun time by the pool. Or, throw in a few floating lights to make the pool a little night oasis. You can even keep the white Christmas lights up year-round, too, to keep the soft glow.

How do you light your backyard pool area? Share a few photos with us via Facebook.

Have the kids play the “Wet Shirt” relay, an idea from www.clean-pool-and-spa.com. The game is simple — have two teams line up on the same side of the pool with player number one wearing a large t-shirt.

1. Player 1 jumps in and swims from one side of the pool and back, jumps out and takes the wet shirt off and player 2 then puts it on.

2. Player 2 jumps in and swims from one side of the pool and back and so on.

3. The first team done WINS!

To make a varying degree of difficulty, add things like goggles, snorkels and swimming fins.

It’s always good to keep sustainability in the back of your mind. No matter how little the step you take be a little “greener” around the backyard, it can make a big difference. If you have a lot of landscaping around the pool area, think about different ways you can incorporate non-recyclable home items into planters and pots like this woman did, as illustrated on healthygreenkitchen.com. Turn this project into a learning experience for the kids and get them to think of items lying around in the garage that can be dusted off, spruced up and prettied with a few plants!

6 bags black tea (any kind) ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 orange 2 racks (about 2 pounds) baby back ribs 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks ½ cup mayo 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

Empty 3 tea bags into a bowl and combine the loose tea with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Grate in the orange zest. Pat the ribs dry and trim the membrane from the underside. Rub the tea mixture over the ribs; place in a roasting pan, meat-side up, and bring to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Steep the remaining 3 tea bags in 2 cups boiling water, about 5 minutes. Discard the bags and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and the juice of half the orange. Pour the mixture around the ribs in the pan. Cover with foil and roast until tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a pot of salted water; bring to a simmer and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Mix the mayonnaise and parsley in a large bowl. Grate in the zest of half the lemon; add the juice of the lemon half. Fold in the potatoes and add 11/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste; refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the temperature to 450. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Baste the ribs with some of the liquid, then return to the oven and cook, uncovered, basting a few times, until the ribs are dark and glazed, 20 to 30 minutes.

When the remaining liquid in the saucepan is syrupy, add lemon juice to taste. Brush the ribs with the glaze. Cut the racks into pieces and serve with the potato salad.

1 tsp ketchup 1 tsp Dijon mustard 4 large hot dogs, knockwurst or kielbasa ½ oz cheddar cheese, cut into long sticks 2 tbsp chopped onion 1 cup refrigerated sauerkraut, drained, roughly chopped 4 slices bacon vegetable oil 4 long hot dog buns

DIRECTIONS

Prepare your grill for direct medium high heat.

Mix together the ketchup and mustard in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the sauerkraut with the chopped onion, set aside. Slice open the hot dogs, down the center, lengthwise, forming a deep pocket in each, but not cutting all the way through. Coat the inside of each hot dog with the mustard ketchup mixture.

Place a strip of cheese deep within the pocket of each hot dog. Top with sauerkraut and onions. Encapsulate the cheese at the ends with the sauerkraut mixture as well, so that no cheese is exposed (otherwise it will drip out when cooking).

Wrap a strip of bacon around each stuffed hot dog, securing with toothpicks at each end. Make sure you wrap tight enough so that the stuffing stays in, but not so tight so that when the hot dog expands will cooking the bacon would tear.

Coat your grill surface with vegetable oil so that the hot dogs don’t stick. If you have a grill screen (a screen with smaller holes so that small pieces of whatever you’re cooking don’t fall through the grill), you can use it, just coat it with vegetable oil first and pre-heat for a couple of minutes. Place the stuffed hot dogs on the grill, stuffing side down. Grill for 2 minutes, until the bacon on that side is cooked, turn the hot dogs a quarter turn and grill for a couple more minutes. Continue to grill for a few minutes each on all sides until the bacon is cooked. Cover the grill in between turnings to help with the cooking.

During the last minute of cooking, open up the hot dog buns and place them open-side down on the grill to lightly toast.

Remove the hot dogs and buns from the grill. Remove the toothpicks fro the hot dogs, place them in the buns and serve.

1 pound fresh pizza dough ½ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella 2 bananas, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered, direct grilling on medium-low.
2. Cut dough into 4 equal pieces. On one end of oiled cookie sheet, with fingertips, spread and flatten 1 piece of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. (Edge does not need to be even.) On same cookie sheet, repeat with another piece of dough. Repeat with a second oiled cookie sheet and remaining dough.
3. Place all 4 pieces of dough, oiled side down, on hot grill grate. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until grill marks appear on underside (dough will stiffen and puff).
4. With tongs, turn crusts over, remove from grill, and place, grilled side up, on work surface. Divide chocolate-hazelnut spread among crusts; spread evenly, leaving 1/2-inch border, and return to hot grill grate. Cover grill and cook pizzas 3 to 4 minutes longer or until undersides are evenly browned and cooked through.
5. Transfer to cutting board; arrange banana slices on tops of pizzas. Makes 8 servings.

Tips & Techniques

Recipe Tip: Look for fresh pizza dough in the dairy section of your supermarket, usually sold near the tortillas. (Frozen pizza dough is also available, but it takes several hours to thaw before it can be used.) Or you can purchase dough from a local pizzeria; they’ll usually sell it to you in 1-pound balls if you ask.

Newspapers, paper towels, vegetable oil and pastry brush Rubber gloves Cake pan or store bought molds Plaster mix Disposable bucket Powdered paint mixes Water Disposable paint stirrers Acrylic paints Paintbrushes

HOW TO

Spread a layer of newspapers on the floor or ground for protection. Put on rubber gloves.

Brush the bottom of the cake pan or mold lightly with vegetable oil.

Pour dry plaster mix into the bucket (start with about 2 cups).

Add the powdered paint to achieve the desired color. About 1/2 cup will create an intense color; use less for a lighter shade.

Stir in water until the mixture is the consistency of thick pancake batter.

Pour the plaster mixture into the cake pan or mold. Using a paint stirrer, spread the mixture until level. Lightly tap the pan to shake out air bubbles.

Press shells, rocks, or other memorabilia you wish to save into the wet plaster.

Allow to set at least 24 hours.

Carefully turn the mold upside down and tap gently until the set plaster pops out.

Decorate with acrylic paint if desired.

Planted Beds: Weed, weed, weed (It’s time to get them photo ready!). Apply weed control as needed to fight against any potential new outgrowths. After the last frost (usually mid-May), you can begin planting, so start thinking about what annuals and perennials you may want to add to this year’s décor.

Patios: Take a walk around outside and look for any cracks, chipping or uneven surfaces that may have happened throughout winter and fix anything that poses a safety hazard (uneven surfaces may make it easier for kids to trip).

Trees and Shrubs: If you have any large greenery in the backyard, now’s the time to trim and shape, clear out dead or damaged limbs/branches and fertilize.

Once everything is cleaned and shaped up, and the frost is gone, lay some mulch for that extra touch and coloring. The backyard is sure to be in tip top shape in no time — perfect for the first swim of the season!

1. Don’t buy more grill than you need. Grills are priced in basic, mid and high-end ranges. Consumer Reports says that they are priced according to size, quality, convenience and features. Only opt for the features you really need not want.
2. Go for the best buy. Do your research, read consumer reports/reviews about models you’re interested in. And shop around. There is a lot of competition out there!
3. Take the wiggle test. See how solid and sturdy the grill is. Find a grill with plastic or wooden handles. Conduct a drop-lid test — does the grill stay lit if the lid is dropped quickly or it’s really windy outside? And pay attention to the warranty — don’t settle for anything less than 10 years.
4. Don’t botch the barbecue. Consumer Reports says there are a few mistakes you don’t want to make when grilling out — don’t forget to preheat the grill, keep the lid down at all times, don’t grill on dirty grates, and never run out of gas!
5. Get the must-have accessories. Think basting barbecue brushes, grips, tongs, wood pellets and a seasoned grate.

Easter egg hunts abound in tradition. Hide the eggs with candy or coins, yell “Ready, set, go!” and watch the kids have fun hunting until the last egg is found. So how do you incorporate all aspects of the backyard into this year’s hunt and put a new spin on an old tradition? It’s time to get creative! Decide if you’re using dyed hard boiled eggs you’ve already decorated with the kids or filling up the plastic ones with little candies, coins or perhaps a dollar bill or two.

Put letters on the eggs to spell out words. It’s always appropriate to turn a fun game into a learning session. Spell out words related to Easter on the eggs and provide prizes when whole words are completed.

Fill the plastic eggs with “Kid Coupons” good for things like: an extra hour of playtime, staying up later, free afternoon of chores, etc. Get creative and have fun!

Pick a color and stick to it. Assign each child a specific color egg and only they can find and keep that egg. That way everyone wins!

The options are endless for a family egg hunt. There’s nothing that says there’s only one way to have one, so think of things that your family enjoys and tie in an egg hunt themed around those hobbies. It’s sure to be a good time for everyone.

Remember: SAFETY FIRST! Don’t hide eggs near the pool unless an adult will be there to supervise. And tell the kids that there aren’t any eggs in that direction so they know the boundaries.

° Secure the pool with appropriate barriers.

° Keep children under active supervision at all times.

° Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling him or her in age-appropriate learn-to-swim classes.

° Keep the pool and hot tub water clean and clear.

° Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors.

° Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having proper safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses.

Pressure-Side Cleaners: This cleaner is attached to the pressure side of the pool’s circulation system. The water that is pumped back into the pool propels these cleaners, which have their own hydraulic power plant inside.

Robotic Cleaners: These cleaners move around the pool via a pre-programmed pattern you enter or by sensing the size and shape of the pool. An internal microchip performs the movements.

Poolcenter.com offers this great side-by-side comparison of all the cleaners on the market that will help you decide which one falls into your price point and fits your cleaning needs: http://www.poolcenter.com/cleaners_poolstor.htm.

Ingredients (Serving size: 30)

½ cup butter, softened ¾ cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/3 cups rolled oats (oatmeal) 1/8 teaspoon salt

Whipped Cream Dipping Sauce

¾ cup heavy cream ¼ cup cream 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 F degrees. In a large bowl beat butter and sugar to combine. Add vanilla, beating to combine.
2. Add oatmeal and salt, mixing to combine.
3. Drop cookies by level teaspoon on baking sheet, 3 inches apart. Bake 8 minutes or until lacy and flat. Let cook on rack about 3 minutes until just firm. Move to rack to cook completely.
4. Whipped cream dipping sauce: Whisk heavy cream, sour cream and sugar together until light and holds a soft peak.