BKYD Life

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backyard fun

Stay Hydrated!

Summer is a time to be outside gardening, swimming and playing in the sunshine. It is so important that you get plenty of fluids – on a hot day dehydration can sneak up on you faster than you might expect.

Growing up in Phoenix, AZ, we learned from an early age how to deal with the heat. We always had (and still have) water on hand. Melons were (and still are) a staple in the summer. Hats are a regular part of the wardrobe and sunscreen is a must.

So here are my tips for getting through the summer heat.

5 Tips to Stay Hydrated

  1. Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink. If you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. First thing when you wake up, drink some water and continue to do so throughout the day. Always drink water while enjoying an adult beverage, especially in the summer and even more so if you are out in the sun.
  2. Flavor your water. It can be tough to drink enough water so make it fun. Add some of the fruits listed below to your water. I like to keep a pitcher with fruit-infused water in the fridge so that it is cold and flavorful.
  3. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, lettuce, tomato and cucumber can help you get more fluids. You still need to eat during the hot summer months, make it light. You can stay hydrated and enjoy a salad or snack.
  4. When it is really hot (heat advisory hot), stay out of the sun. If you can stay indoors in an air conditioned space then do it, movie theater’s are great for this!
  5. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Keep a hat and sunscreen handy, too. What you wear can impact how your body deals with the heat. Dark clothing will absorb the heat while light colors won’t. Loose fitting and light weight clothing will help to wick away the sweat and keep you cooler. Do your best to avoid getting sunburned as this will add to the heat you feel on top of being more uncomfortable.

It is best to drink water, but sometimes you need or want something else. Try our favorite, Lauro. It is not only a nice addition to your water consumption, but, if you are dehydrated it has electrolytes to help you.

We talked with Lauren Robson all about her fabulous beverage made from prickly pear puree. You can read that article here.

The heat can be dangerous, so be safe and stay hydrated.

Interview: Tracy Ann Battaglia

Let me introduce you to Tracy Ann Battaglia. Tracy is the genius photographer behind many of the photos you see on our website and our social media pages. We love working with Tracy ~ she not only takes amazing pictures, but she is so fun to work with that we can’t wait for picture day!

We have been working with Tracy since last November. Her energy is infectious and her photos are amazing. While we love her and love working with her, we almost didn’t want to share this interview of her with you. We worried we would have a tough time getting on her schedule. But, we love to share ~ so here is Tracy!

Tracy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Photography, so she really knows what she is doing. She has had her own business for 15 years, Fully Alive Photography. She can do it all ~ weddings, engagements, families, maternity, newborns, branding and marketing photo shoots.

Being a natural light photographer, she loves outdoor photo shoots. This is one of the reasons why we love working with Tracy ~ we have a shared love for the outdoors and specifically the backyard. As a matter of fact, one of our most recent photo shoots was in Tracy’s backyard. She has a fabulous garden and pool with wonderful space for a picnic right outside her back door.

Some of Tracy’s favorite activities, when she isn’t behind the camera, include spending time with her family, enjoying a good cup of coffee and playing with her cats.

I asked Tracy if she would share 3 tips for capturing memories in your backyard.

  1. Use a Polaroid, it’s fun and great for kids to use.
  2. Use the photos from the Polaroid and found items from the backyard (i.e. leaves, small sticks, etc.) to create multi-media art projects. This is a great idea to help the kids get involved with memory making/documenting and it will also keep them busy during the summer.
  3. Take photos in the morning and/or evening. The lighting is better, softer early and late so take advantage of it.
  4. Take fine art photos. Get creative. Look at the trees, flowers, walls differently. This can be an inexpensive way to fill your indoor spaces with art.
  5. Use the sunlight to your advantage, put it behind your subjects. When the sun is behind the subject it is called backlighting or backlit. The photographer would look into the sun. Use a DSLR on manual mode to soften the background. This helps when you are taking photos of people ~ they won’t be squinting!

Yes, you counted correctly. I asked Tracy for 3 tips and she suggested 5. She is so kind to share so many great thoughts on capturing and documenting memories in the backyard.

I asked her if she looked to any other photographers for ideas or inspiration. She told me that she actually makes a conscious effort not to look at what other photographers are doing. Tracy wants her style to remain her style and not have it be influenced by the choices others in her industry are making. I found this so important and inspiring. I think all too often we get ourselves into that comparison trap and I think Tracy is so smart to make the decision not to do it.

If you have ever been the subject of a photo shoot, then you know how nervous and anxious it can be. Tracy has such a great way of putting everyone at ease. And, she has awesome tips for what to do with your hands ~ try creating shape or movement, put them on your hips, just slightly in your pockets or hold onto a prop. Think of making a triangle with your body.

Have an event coming up or just want some family photos? Reach out to our favorite photographer at Fully Alive Photography, you will make memories and have fun doing it!

Swimming Pool Ideas

This article should have been up last week. They say time flies when you’re having fun. Who’s having fun? Are you having fun in your backyard?

In the desert Southwest, it is very hot. Temperatures this week are set to hit 115 degrees this week. A cool pool in the backyard would be great right now, especially with public pools closed.

Did you know that it can take a couple months for a pool to be built in your backyard? And before that can even happen, you have to decide will you build it yourself or work with a pool company. Right now, with so many people home and wanting to be able to enjoy their backyard in the heat, pool sub contractors are so busy that if you started the process today you will, unfortunately, not be swimming before the summer is over.

As with any home improvement project, you need to make a plan. I would suggest plan now for next year. Decide what you want and what you want to spend on your pool project. Put all your ideas together, click here for things to think about, and have them ready when you meet with a pool professional.

For now, let’s just look at some pictures of pretty pools and dream of what your backyard could be…Click here for our Pinterest page with ideas from straight line to free form pool, deck ideas and so much more.

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