barbec .ue season Theres nothing better than firing Up the grill and enjoy- mng your sumrmertime favourites on the patio. But even if your next barbecue masterpiece is finger-licking good, it can still leave a mess. $pend less tune on prep and clean-up and more time enjoying the season with these easy backyard barbecue tips, courtesy of the Canadian paper towel brand, Royale Tiger Towel: e Save trips back and forth to the kitchen. Use a sturdy tray or condiment caddy to carry your favourite toppings, cutlery and napkins in one trip. - Don't let spiils and messes build up on the outside of your barbecue. As soon as the surface cools, spray it with, barbecue-firiendly cleaner and wipe wlth a paper towel. Do the same for any work surfaces and patio ftuiiture. - Com on the cob is a staple for many backyard meals, but removing the silk can be tough. Make it easy by running a moistened paper towel over the kemnels after the husk lias been removed. - Keep paper towels secure and within reach by attach- mng the holder to the bottom of a picnic table. Then, just pop in a roll as needed. - Help create a non-stick surface and reduce the mess that's left behind after grilling by dippmng a paper towel in a small amount of oil, holding it with metal tongs and care- fully rubbing it over the barbecue grate. - Quickly chili drinks by wrapping a boutle or can with a wet paper towel and sticking it in the freezer for approxi- mately 10 ta 15 minutes. Just keep track of the time to ensure drinks don't freeze Al the way ta avoid an unwanted mess. www newscanada.com AI hands on deck Suminer s Iemm and you are lookn ai your dock or patia and wondeiig how rnuch longer ltà gcÈng talast. Ls it staning tosplinter? Arethe stones rougji andI paînful ta walk on? lfow are you gaing ta find the tinie or nmomy ta fix lu without cuuîng lita your fiee Unme or with- out bk>wing the budget? Itt no set dmt a deck replacement is a big lnwstment - one rnany of us like ta avoid where posible. Sa, befooe >wU dig lit your wallet or gaoSt dhe sIedge hamnuer, make sdre youve explored your FIui, star by checking your deck or paio carefuly ta niake sure the structural integrity is sound. lmptuvîng dit look of a dock duti Is damaged won'r mxend is hie. he sanie goies for a puih or patio that has hSed excessively ower the wnter or is full of puddles afier it tains, ln hose cases, a more siican repair. or replacemrent, is rieefd. A Soe qmdr Seenxis die enare deck isn't inne fan updae, just certain audie spots. in this case. duere1 o 1 ea to do ant overhaul -ju asinup âx"ac up is needed. For example, if you're experiencing cracks in cernent or divots in your wood, there are a number of filler solutions available today. that can help combat these issues. A FosI Lok if your wooden deck is stili stnicturally sound but visibly in need of help, it may be time ta consider a fresh stain. When tak- mg on a stain project be sure ta properly prep and finish your sur- faces - cleaning and sanding prior ta stammig, and using -a quility clear coat or sealer foliowing appli- cation, will provide the best resuits and longer-lasting protection. A frmlu If your deck is beyond simple beautification, but structurally sound; the answer may lx ta 'restore it. New products available on the market sucli as Restore (by Rust- Oleum) are allowing homeowners ta update the look and durabiity of their decks without having to replace, And what most people love is that itb thicker thm most other deck coatings, allowmng it to be applied night onto existirg sur- faces ftouL sutp1p r clA eRistore i a advanced coatirlg dçsigned ta reùwigoraue yu wooden decks, concrete patios and even vertical surfaces sucli as retaining walls," says Lawrence Genga, the -senior director of mnar- keting and resçaréh and develop- ment at Rust-Oleurn Consumer Brands Canada. "Its thick applica- tion flls in imperfections, locks down splinters, and provides last- mng protection against moisture and the daniagmng effects of the sun. lt also slip-resistant." With product options like this, you can be sure that a deck or patio restoration will be at the top of every 'honey-do' list this sum- mer. www. newscanada.com