Make Yourself At Home - July/Aug 2023

Dear Homeowners,

Asthesunshinesbrighterandthedaysgrowlonger,wewarmly welcomeyoutothebeginningofsummer aseasonthatbeckonsus toslowdown,savorthesimplejoys,andreconnectwithourloved ones.It'satimetoembracethebeautyofnature,baskinthewarmth ofsunshine,andcreatecherishedmemorieswithfamilythatwilllasta lifetime.

Summeroffersauniqueopportunitytopausefromourbusylives,step awayfromourscreens,andfullyimmerseourselvesinthecompanyof thosewhomattermost.

Letusnotforgetthesimplepleasuresthatsummerbrings thearoma offreshlycutgrass,thecoolnessofarefreshingdipinthepool,and thesoundsofchildren'slaughterechoingthroughtheair.Thesesmall momentsholdthepowertorejuvenateourspiritsandremindusofthe beautyoflivinginthepresent.

Withinthepagesofthismagazine,weinviteyoutodiscoverawealth ofinspiration,ideas,andtipstomakethemostofyoursummerand familytime.Fromoutdooractivitiesanddeliciousrecipestocreative DIYprojects,wehopetoigniteyourimaginationandhelpyoucuratea summerfilledwithlove,laughter,andtogetherness.

Wishingyouallawonderfulsummer!

Summerisaseasonfilledwithwarmth,sunshine,andtheperfect opportunityforfamiliestobondandcreatecherishedmemories together.Withschoolvacationsandlongerdays,it'sanidealtime toengageinfunandexcitingactivitiesthatbringeveryonecloser. Whetheryou'relookingforoutdooradventures,creativeprojects,or simpleyetmeaningfulexperiences,thisarticlewillprovideyouwith arangeofsummerfamilyactivitiestomakethemostofthis delightfulseason.

2.

Enjoy the beauty of nature by organizing a picnic in a local park. Pack a basket with delicious snacks, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks. Spend quality time playing games, flying kites, or simply relaxing under the shade of a tree It's a great opportunity for kids and parents to unwind and connect with each other in a serene environment.

Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. Pack up your beach essentials such as sunscreen, towels, beach toys, and a cooler filled with snacks Splash in the waves, build sandcastles, collect seashells, and go for a family swim. Don't forget to capture those priceless moments with a few memorable family photos

1. Picnics in the Park:

Beach Day:

Transform your backyard into an openair cinema for a magical family movie night. Set up a large screen or even use a white bedsheet, hang fairy lights, and create a cozy seating area with blankets and cushions. Prepare popcorn, snacks, and drinks for everyone to enjoy while watching a favorite family movie under the stars.

Embark on a nature hike or explore nearby trails with your family. Research local parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens where you can immerse yourselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Encourage your kids to observe plants, insects, and wildlife, making it an educational adventure. Don't forget to bring along water, snacks, and a camera to capture the breathtaking sights

3. Outdoor Movie Night:

4. Nature Hiking and Exploring:

6. Gardening

Spend quality time together by starting a family garden

Involve your children in planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Teach them about nurturing and caring for plants while enjoying the beauty and satisfaction of watching them grow

5. Family Sports Day:

Organize a fun-filled sports day in your backyard or local park. Set up different game stations like sack races, relay races, tug-of-war, or a mini soccer match. Involve every family member, regardless of age or skill level, and award small prizes to add excitement.

GRILLLIKEAPRO

6EssentialGrillingTips forPerfectBarbecues

Grillingisanartformthatbringspeopletogether,ignitestastebuds, andcreatescherishedmemories.Assummerrollsin,it'stimeto dustoffthegrillandembarkonaculinaryadventurethatwill tantalizeyoursenses.Whetheryou'reaseasonedgrillmasterora beginnerlookingtoenhanceyourskills,thesesixessentialgrilling tipswillhelpyouachievegrillingperfection.Getreadytoelevate yourbarbecueandimpressyourguestswithyournewfoundgrilling prowess.

1.PreheatforSuccess

Oneofthekeysto grillingsuccessis properpreheating. Preheatingthegrill ensuresevenheat distributionand preventsfoodfrom stickingtothegrates. Forgasgrills,preheat withallburnerson highfor10-15minutes. Ifyou'reusing charcoal,allowthe coalstoreacha grayish-whiteash beforestartingto cook.Thisstepsets thefoundationfor achievingthat sought-aftersearand lockinginflavors.

2.EmbracetheArt ofMarination

Marinatingyour meat,seafood,or vegetablesbefore grillingisagamechangerwhenit comestoflavor. Marinades tenderizeand infuseyour ingredientswith deliciousness. yourfoodto uptheflavors arinatingfor ast30minutes enovernight oreintense ts.

3.Masterthe Temperature: Controllingthe temperatureiscrucial forgrillingsuccess. Differentfoodsrequire differentheatlevels. Createheatzoneson yourgrillbyadjusting theburnersorpiling charcoaltooneside. Usehighheatfor searingsteaks,burgers, orvegetables,while mediumorindirect heatisidealforlarger cutsofmeatthatneed longercookingtimes. Investinareliablemeat thermometertoensure yourfoodreachesthe perfectinternal temperatureforsafety anddesireddoneness.

4.Don'tFeartheFlame: Flare-upshappen,butdon'tpanic!Instead,bepreparedtohandlethem effectively.Keepaspraybottlefilledwithwaternearbytodousesmall flames.Avoidexcessiveflare-upsbytrimmingexcessfatfrommeatsand usingleanercuts.Forcharcoalgrills,minimizeflare-upsbyspreadingthe coalsevenlyandcreatingatwo-zonefire.

5.PracticePatienceand AvoidOver-flipping:

Whengrilling,patienceis key.Avoidthetemptation toflipyourfoodtoo frequently. Over-flipping canleadtouneven cookingandmakeit morelikelyforyourfood tosticktothegrates.For delicateitemslikefishor vegetables,consider usingagrillingbasketor aluminumfoiltoprevent themfromfallingthrough thegrates.

6.LetItRest:

Onceyourfoodiscookedtoperfection,resist theurgetodiginimmediately.Allowing grilledmeatstorestforafewminutesbefore servingensuresthejuicesredistribute, resultinginamoretenderandflavorfulbite. Tentthefoodwithfoilduringtheresting periodtokeepitwarm.

Withthesesixessentialgrillingtips,you're wellonyourwaytobecomingagrill master.Now,gatheryourfriendsand family,fireupthegrill,andprepareto createunforgettableculinarydelights thatwillhaveeveryoneaskingfor seconds.Happygrilling!

GrilledHoneyLime ChickenSkewers

Instructions:

Inabowl,whisktogetherlimejuice, honey,soysauce,mincedgarlic,chili powder,cumin,paprika,salt,andblack pepper.

Placethechickencubesinalarge resealablebagandpourthemarinade overthechicken.Sealthebagand refrigerateforatleast1hour(orupto4 hours)toallowtheflavorstodevelop.

Preheatyourgrilltomedium-highheat.

Ingredients:

1.5lbs(680g)boneless, skinlesschickenbreasts,cut into1-inchcubes

1/4cuplimejuice

1/4cuphoney

2tablespoonssoysauce

2clovesgarlic,minced

1teaspoonchilipowder

1/2teaspooncumin

1/2teaspoonpaprika

1/2teaspoonsalt

1/4teaspoonblackpepper

Woodenormetalskewers(if usingwoodenskewers,soak theminwaterfor30minutes priortogrilling)

Ifusingwoodenskewers,threadthe marinatedchickenontothesoaked skewers.Ifusingmetalskewers,youcan skipthisstep.

Lightlyoilthegrillgratestoprevent sticking.Placethechickenskewerson thepreheatedgrill.

Grilltheskewersforabout8-10minutes, turningoccasionally,untilthechickenis cookedthroughandslightlycharredon theedges.

Whilegrilling,bastethechicken occasionallywiththeleftovermarinade foraddedflavor.

Oncecooked,removetheskewersfrom thegrillandletthemrestforafew minutes.

Servethegrilledhoneylimechicken skewerswithasqueezeoffreshlime juiceandgarnishwithchoppedcilantro orparsley.

MeetYourNeighbours

MichelleandAllan

MicheCafe

734AldeburySt,Esquimalt

MicheCafeisatruemomandpopshop.AllanandMichelle welcomeyouinandtreatyoulikefamily.Theytakegreatpridein creatinggreatfoodfromscratch.FromSaturdaybrunchfeaturesto dailylunchspecialstohomecookeddinnersonFridayand Saturday,youwillneverleaveMicheCafefeelinghungry.Come takeinsomelivemusiceveryweekendontheirdogfriendlypatio. Seeyouthere.

Havearestaurantorsmallbusinessyou'dliketopromote?

Reachoutandletmeknow.IlovediscoveringallthatVictoriahastooffer!

There'ssomethingmagicalaboutspendingtimeinthegreat outdoors,surroundedbynature'sbeautyandbaskinginthewarm embraceofsunshine.Creatinganinvitingandfunctionaloutdoor livingspaceallowsyoutoextendyourlivingareabeyondthewalls ofyourhomeandwelcomethejoysofoutdoorliving.Inthisarticle, we'llexplorefiveinspiringideastotransformyouroutdoorspace intoacaptivatingoasiswhereyoucanrelax,entertain,andconnect withnature.Getreadytounleashyourcreativityandembarkonan outdoorlivingadventurelikenoother.

CozyOutdoorLoungeArea:

Transformyourpatioordeckintoacozyandinvitingloungearea,perfect forunwindingafteralongdayorhostingintimategatherings.Startby selectingcomfortableoutdoorfurniture,suchasplushsofas,lounge chairs,orhammocks,adornedwithsoftcushionsandthrowpillows.Add astylishoutdoorrugtoanchorthespaceandprovideawarmtouch. Enhancetheambiancewithstrategicallyplacedlanterns,stringlights,or evenafirepitforthosecoolsummerevenings.Thisinvitingoasiswill becomeyourgo-tospotforrelaxationandrejuvenation.

DiningAlFresco:

TranquilGardenRetreat:

Embracetheserenityof naturebydesigningatranquil gardenretreatwithinyour outdoorspace.Incorporate elementssuchasacalming waterfeature,suchasa fountainorasmallpond,to createasoothingambiance. Surroundyourselfwithlush greeneryandfragrantflowers. Installacomfortablebenchor aswingwhereyoucansitand immerseyourselfinthe peacefulnessofyourgarden sanctuary.Thisretreatwill becomeyourhavenfor relaxation,meditation,or simplyenjoyingagoodbook.

Elevateyourdiningexperiencebycreating anoutdoordiningareathatseamlessly blendsstyleandfunctionality.Choosea sturdyandweather-resistantdiningset thatcanaccommodateyourfamilyand guests.Consideraddingashade umbrellaorapergolaoverheadto provideshadeduringhotdays.Enhance theatmospherewithoutdoor-friendly tableware,candles,andlanterns Imagine enjoyingdeliciousmealswhilesurrounded bynature'sbeauty,creatingunforgettable memorieswithyourlovedones.

PlayfulFamilyZone:

Transformyouroutdoor spaceintoafun-filledfamily zonewhereeveryonecan enjoyactiveplayandquality timetogether.Setupaplay areawithaswingset,a trampoline,orabasketball hoop.Addapicnictablefor outdoormealsorboard games.Consider incorporatingamini-garden oraraisedbedwhereyou andyourfamilycangrow yourownvegetablesand herbs.Thisvibrantfamilyzone willfosterlaughter,bonding, andanappreciationforthe greatoutdoors.

OutdoorEntertainment Center:

Createanoutdoor entertainmentcenterfor movienightsorgame screenings.Installa weatherproofTVorprojector screenandsetup comfortableseatingwith outdoorsofas,chairs,orbean bags.Enhancetheexperience withsurroundsoundspeakers andanoutdoormini-fridge forrefreshments.Thisspace willbecomeafavoritespotfor enjoyingmovies,sports events,orvideogamesunder theopensky.

KeepingPetsCoolandSafe: EssentialTipsforSummerHeat

Asthesummerheatrollsin,it'scrucialtoensurethesafetyand well-beingofourfurryfriends.Ourpetsrelyonustokeepthemcool andprotectedfromtheswelteringtemperatures.Withafewsimple precautionsandmindfulpractices,wecanensuretheirsafetyand comfortduringthehotsummermonths.Inthisarticle,we'llexplore essentialtipsforkeepingpetssafeinthesummerheat.From providingproperhydrationtocreatingacoolenvironment,let's prioritizethewell-beingofourbelovedcompanions.

HydrationisKey: Justlikeus,petsneedtostay hydratedtobeattheheat. Ensurethatclean,freshwater isreadilyavailableforyour petsatalltimes.Consider placingmultiplewaterbowls indifferentareasofyour homeandoutdoorspaces. Whenventuringoutside,bring aportablewaterbowland offeryourpetfrequent opportunitiestodrink.Ifyou're goingforawalk,carrya bottleofwateranda collapsiblebowltokeepyour pethydratedonthego.

CreateShadyRetreats: Provideampleshadeforyour petstoescapefromthedirect sun.Createshadyareasinyour yardusingumbrellas,awnings,or strategicallyplacedtrees.Ifyour petspendstimeoutdoors,ensure therearecoolspotsavailable throughouttheday.Consider settingupacozyandshaded outdoorbedormatwhereyour petcanrestcomfortably.Indoors, drawcurtainsorblindstoblock outdirectsunlightandkeepthe livingspacescool.

NeverLeavePetsinParkedVehicles: Neverleaveyourpetsunattendedin parkedvehicles,evenforashort period.Carscanquicklybecome ovens,reachingdangerouslyhigh temperatureswithinminutes,even withthewindowscracked.Thiscan leadtoheatstroke,organfailure,or evendeath.Ifyou'rerunningerrands, leaveyourpetathomeinacooland safeenvironment.

RecognizeSignsofOverheating:

It'svitaltorecognizethesignsof overheatinginpetsandtake immediateaction.Symptomsof overheatingincludeexcessivepanting, drooling,lethargy,vomiting,and unsteadymovements.Ifyoususpect yourpetisoverheating,movethemto acoolarea,offerwatertodrink,and useadampclothtocooltheirbody. Contactyourveterinarianfor guidance,asheatstrokecanbelifethreatening.

ConsiderCoolingTechniques: Implementcoolingtechniquestohelp yourpetsbeattheheat.Placecool towelsoricepackswrappedinatowel nearyourpet'sfavoriterestingareas. Considerusingcoolingmatsorbeds designedspecificallytoregulatebody temperature.Fordogs,youcancreate ashallowpoolorprovideaccesstoa sprinklerforsomerefreshingwater play.Remember,supervisioniscrucial duringwateractivitiestoensuretheir safety.

LimitOutdoorActivities: Avoidexercisingor walkingyourpetsduring thehottestpartsofthe day,typicallybetween 10a.m.and4p.m.Hot pavementandasphalt canburntheirsensitive pawpads,leadingto discomfortandinjury. Instead,schedulewalks andoutdoorplaytime duringtheearly morningorlateevening whentemperaturesare cooler.Keepinmind thatevenduringthese times,it'sessentialto monitoryourpetfor signsofoverheating.

OrganizeandDeclutter:4Essential HomeOrganizationandStorage Solutions

Awell-organizedhomenotonlybringsasenseofcalmand harmonybutalsomakesdailylifemoreefficientandenjoyable.If youfindyourselfoverwhelmedbyclutterandinneedofpractical storagesolutions,looknofurther.Inthisarticle,we'llexplorefour essentialhomeorganizationandstoragesolutionsthatwillhelpyou reclaimyourspaceandcreateanorganizedoasis.From maximizingverticalstoragetoimplementingsmartorganizing systems,getreadytotransformyourhomeintoaclutter-free haven.

EmbraceVerticalStorage: Whenitcomestooptimizing storagespace,don'tforgetto lookup!Embracevertical storagesolutionstomakethe mostofyourwallspace.Install shelvesorwall-mounted cabinetsinyourkitchen,living room,orhomeofficetostore books,displaydecorative items,orkeepessentialswithin reach.Utilizeover-the-door organizersinbedroomsand bathroomsforshoes, accessories,ortoiletries. Verticalstoragenotonlyadds functionalitybutalsoadds visualinteresttoyourspace.

ImplementSmartOrganizing Systems:

Investinginsmartorganizing systemscanrevolutionizetheway youdeclutterandstoreitemsin yourhome.Considerusingclear plasticbinswithlabelsfor organizingitemsinyourpantry, closet,orgarage.Drawerdividers areperfectforkeepingsmallitems likesocks,underwear,oroffice suppliesneatlyarranged.Utilize storagebasketsorcubbiesfor children'stoys,keepingthemeasily accessibleyettidy.By implementingthesesystems,you'll savetimesearchingforitemsand maintainaclutter-free environment.

ImplementSmartOrganizingSystems:

Investinginsmartorganizingsystemscanrevolutionizetheway youdeclutterandstoreitemsinyourhome.Considerusing clearplasticbinswithlabelsfororganizingitemsinyourpantry, closet,orgarage.Drawerdividersareperfectforkeepingsmall itemslikesocks,underwear,orofficesuppliesneatlyarranged. Utilizestoragebasketsorcubbiesforchildren'stoys,keeping themeasilyaccessibleyettidy.Byimplementingthesesystems, you'llsavetimesearchingforitemsandmaintainaclutter-free environment.

CreateaCommandCenter: Awell-designedcommand centercanserveasthehub oforganizationforyour household.Dedicateasmall areanearyourentrywayor kitchenforacommand centerwhereyoucan manageschedules,keep trackofimportant documents,andstore everydayessentials.Installa bulletinboardora whiteboardtopost reminders,calendars,andtodolists.Includeamail organizerorfilesystemto manageincomingand outgoingcorrespondence.By centralizingtheseitems,you'll reduceclutterandmaintain asenseoforderinyour home.

VICTORIA'STOP5 VICTORIA'STOP5

EVENTSTODOT EVENTSTODOTHISSUMMER HISSUMMER

1.SymphonyintheSummer-Getreadytobaskintheambianceof summerasthemuch-anticipatedSymphonyintheSummerFestival returnsfromJuly27toAugust5,2023.Delightinamulti-daymusic extravaganzasetagainstthepicturesquebackdropofVictoria's stunninglocations.

2.FarmersMarkets-Victoriaishosttomanyfabulousmarkets.From theMossStreettotheOakBayVillageNightMarket,grabyourreusable shoppingbagsandstockuponlocalgoods.Learnmoreat

https://bcfarmsandfood.com/farms/farmersmarkets/

3.GreekFest-IfyouloveGreekfoodasmuchas Ido,thenthisistheeventfromyou.From deliciousauthenticfoodstolivedanceperformances,finditallhere, runningAugust25-27andSept1-4attheGreekCommunityHall locatedat4648ElkLake.

4.BeachFoodDays

Makeyourwayto theLagoonBeachon OceanBoulevardin Colwood,whereyour favoritelocalfood trucksawait,serving upscrumptious delightsforyouto savorinthe refreshingseaside air.

5.Pet-a-palooza Grabyourpetsand headdowntoBullen parkforadayoffun filledactivities.From August12-13th.