ABC's of Summer
A - Apple Cake is a delicious dessert that is sure to win the crowd over. Not to mention, it is quick and easy to prepare with a sweet and creamy caramel frosting!
B - Beer, really b is for beverage of choice, but at our house we prefer beer! Red beer, light beer, draft beer, import beer... we like them all for a refreshing drink after the long day.
C- Camping, we definitely don’t get to do this as much as we would like, but the days we do, there is nothing like relaxing in front of a campfire in the fresh mountain air.
D- Dill, whether it’s a dill pickle or dill seasoning, nothing says summer like dill. Try this creamy dill potato salad for your next bbq!
E- Exercises, nothing like working on your summer body. I do this three day a week program!
F- Fish Fry, what better way to enjoy your fresh catch than doing a little fish fry! It doesn't get fancy, just dip fish in seasoned flour, egg, flour mixture again and drop in heated oil.
G - Garage sales, something old, something new, whatever it is, one man's junk can be your next treasure!
H- Harvest, a big part of our summer is dedicated to harvest. The long hours and hot weather makes for a grueling month or two. Here are a couple easy lunches to pack for your man when he heads to the field.
I- Iced Coffee, my go to iced coffee at home is cold coffee, ice and Keto Kreme! Delicious afternoon treat.
J- Jams, strawberry is our jam! Freezer jam is a great way to preserve your summer bounty. I just follow the instructions on the sure-jel packets.
K- Koolaid, nothing says summer like playing in the sprinkler and then enjoying a glass of koolaid! We always double up on packets to double the flavor intensity.
L- Lawn Care, my hubby is the go to guy for our lawn. Thank goodness for him, because I hate it!
M- Movies, catching the lastest blockbuster is a fun time for the family. Typically we sneak in 90% of our snacks and candy, shhhhhh, and then go for a giant popcorn at the theater. The snack prices have become so ridiculous at the theater, we go for that pack and snack option. Don't forget your big purse!
N- Neighborhood BBQ, get those neighbors over to enjoy some of those new recipes you have been dying to try! A perfect way to enjoy some good company, while the kids play outside.
O- Organic Produce, I don't buy everything organic, but I do try to stick to the dirty dozen and the clean fifteen. The fruits and vegetables on “The Dirty Dozen” list, when conventionally grown, tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing positive for as many as 67. For produce on the “dirty” list, you should definitely try to go organic... unless you like the idea of consuming a chemical cocktail. “The Dirty Dozen” list includes: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale and collard greens, cherries, potatoes, imported grapes, lettuce. All produce on “The Clean 15” have little to no traces of pesticides, and is safe to consume in non-organic form. This list includes: onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mango, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, sweet onions.
P- Picnic, our daughter loves picnics! Throw out a blanket in the yard and whip up some simple sandwiches.
Q- Quick Self Tanner, I've mentioned this before, but I have vampire skin! I don't tan, I just burn! I used to sit out in the sun for hours hoping for the slightest tan, now I don't even both. I get my sun kissed glow all year long from sunless tanners. My favorite right now is St. Tropaz applied with a mit. Instant color that lasts several days. Plus I can apply it to my face without causing breakouts.
R- Renovate, Remodel, and Redo, summer is a great time to tackle those house projects you have been putting off!
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S- Sparkling Spiked Water, a perfect summer beverage! Depending on which brand you like, there are practically no carbs and no sugars! You are working hard on your summer body, don't blow it on fancy high calorie cocktail!
T- Taco Bar, I love tacos! Easy to make, easy to serve. Try out one of these recipes at your next bbq! Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos or Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
U- Under the Umbrella, I am so glad I finally got an umbrella for our porch! No more chasing the shade while the kids play outside! Plus the kids love being under it... instant fort under the umbrella.
V- Vodka Tonic, I swear I am not a alcoholic! I just love a good drink in the afternoon/ evening.
W- Weekend Getaway, pack up the kids and get out of the house! Look for something that won't break the bank, yet gives you that nice mini vacation feel. Book a night at a cabin by the lake for your next adventure!
X- eXplore New Things, while on your weekend getaway, look for interesting places to explore. As a kid, my family would map out all the ghost towns in the area. Dad brought his metal detector, we brought our sense of adventure. We found lots of nails, and shell casings!
Y- Yogurt Popsicle, get creative and make your own popsicles! Not only do the kids love making them, they love eating something they helped create.
Z- Zucchini, this bad boy veggie can be savory OR sweet! Check out these recipes when your summer zucchini comes in! Chocolate Zucchini Cake and Creamy Zucchini Soup