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2023

CELEBRATING THE LONG, BEAUTIFUL DAYS OF SUMMER

Rays of bright

Summer. One single word can evoke warm childhood memories of time spent fishing with your dad or drawn-out days in the backyard swinging on a hammock with your mom. Maybe the mention of “summer” reminds you of riding bikes around the neighborhood, selling lemonade on the corner with your friends or sitting in the backseat on a family road trip, waiting for your dad to find the giant robot he says he saw on TV.

Summer has been ingrained in our brains with thoughts of block parties, little league, family vacations and more. But summers don’t only exist in our memories. Instead, they’re part of our today and tomorrow; the months of June, July and August provide a respite from the rest of the year.

We celebrate that respite here, with a focus on backyard cookouts with friends, vacations with your family and cool drinks for those lazy days on the porch. And we recall some summer memories as well, combining the best of what was with the best of what can be—a little slice of Americana draped in sunlight.

Photo by Kevin Delvecchio on Unsplash

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Cover Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash

PAST SUMMERS EVOKE WARM MEMORIES

Moments of bliss

By Marco Buscaglia

The summers of our youth always make us nostalgic for days gone by, even if we’re sugarcoating reality a bit. OK, especially by sugarcoating reality a bit. But still, those memories stick with us because of our innocence at the time and the occasional warmand-fuzzy feelings we need to maintain our sanity. We asked several people to share their favorite summer memories and here’s what they had to say:

“I think all my favorite summer memories center around riding a bike—just riding a bike to a friend’s house to hang out or going on rides with my family or with my friends. When I was in sixth or seventh grade, I started doing this thing with my brothers where we found these little trails or went to subdivisions that were being built and just rode around, up and down hills. It felt like we were explorers.”

-Denise Charleton, Boulder, Colorado

“I used to love playing all those outdoor games when I was a kid, like Kick the Can and Kill the Carrier. We did a lot of Hide and Seek and Ghosts in the Graveyard. I lived in a subdivision in the suburbs of Cleveland and there was always this great vibe at night, and I don’t even think I realized it at the time. I doubt any of us realized it. You were just expected to go outside after dinner and just play all these games until you had to go in and go to bed.”

-Michelle O’Leary, San Luis Obispo, California

“I grew up in the city of Chicago and one of my favorite memories is without a doubt running for the ice cream truck as soon as we heard it coming down our street. My mom and dad both worked during the day so they would usually leave money for us and when we would hear the ice cream truck coming and we would grab a few bucks and stuff our faces with those chocolate eclair bars or those strawberry bars from Good Humor. Bomb Pops were big, too. So were Push-Ups. Then we’d be on a sugar high for the next hour before crashing in front of our TV to watch reruns.”

-Jamie Borden, St. Louis

“I don’t think I really started enjoying my summers until I got my driver’s license because then everything pretty much changed. I was able to go wherever I wanted even though I told my parents I was going somewhere else. Those were the days before GPS and before cell phones so basically you would have to tell your parents you were going somewhere and then you could check in on a payphone or from somebody’s house but really, there was no way of knowing where you were. We went on some really cool adventures when we were in high school, mostly going to places we’d heard about in the city and having a blast.”

-Will Eagan, Barrington, Illinois

“My best summer memory is going to my grandmother’s farmhouse out in the country. After July 4th, my parents would drive us to Indiana and we would stay at her farm for 3 or 4 weeks. It was a working farm but it was already pretty well-staffed so we just got to do the fun stuff. Everyone there was incredibly nice to us and really funny. They loved the fact that they would see us year after year. We did it all the way up until we graduated high school. And my husband and I got married there. I have these great memories of standing on a milk crate and petting cows and trying to catch chickens and eating all day and all night—just a lot of fun.”

-Louise

Fields, Lexington, Kentucky

“We lived in a neighborhood where it seemed like everyone had a summer house in either Wisconsin or Michigan. We didn’t so that basically meant we would end up at someone’s house every weekend, at least every other weekend. We’d go to Grand Haven Michigan and we would just get spoiled by our friend’s parents and then the next week we would go to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and again, just get spoiled. My wife and I have three children and we just closed on a lake house in Wisconsin and I can’t wait.”

-Anthony DiGarmo, Chicago

“My favorite part of summer? Easily the two- or three-week road trips that we would take with my parents. My mom and dad were both teachers so they had their summers off so we could spend some time on the road. My dad would spend probably four or five months mapping out this perfect road trip with a really cool destination, like the Atlantic Ocean in Maine or Disney World or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. and then he would work backward and pinpoint all these places he wanted to stop—cool places, cheesy places. I loved it.”

-Ryan Krause, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“I had two favorite days of the summer. The first was the annual baseball picnic at the park where we played little league baseball. It was awesome. Everyone had food, there were games to play and everyone was in a great mood. We would get out there at eight in the morning to set up our spot and I don’t think we left until what felt like midnight at the time. My other favorite day was when we would have our block party. We had a huge one—actually shared one with the block next to ours so we would shut down two streets and have a band on one end and some sort of obstacle course on the other. Everyone set up tables in front of their houses and just put out a ton of food and a ton of drinks and then the fire department would show up and open a hydrant and we’d all play in the water for a while. Just great.”

-Rene

Blackwell, Morristown, New Jersey

IT’S POSSIBLE TO REDUCE, CONTROL EXCESSIVE SUMMER SWEATING

Dry again

By Robert Snarski

When the walk to the driveway requires a wardrobe change, you know your body is telling you something. “Some of us aren’t made for the heat,” says Richard Moore, who walks to his office in downtown Chicago each day from a train station that’s four blocks away. “I show up to work some days and I’m drenched in sweat. And you can dry off in the air conditioning, but then you just feel gross all day.”

To gain control over his mornings, the Chicago resident says he wears shorts and a T-shirt to work during the warmer months, opting to work out, shower and change at a health club that’s two buildings down from his workplace. “I work out some mornings, but most of the time, I just shower and head to work,” he says.

Moore, like many others, has tried various antiperspirants to control excessive sweating but finds that they work for a few hours, at most. “I reapply during lunch some days, but when it’s 85 degrees and I’m walking outside, all the antiperspirant in the world won’t make a difference anyway,” Moore says.

Other options

In some cases, prolific sweaters turn to Botox to help control their perspiration, especially if they sweat even when they’re inactive or in cold or comfortable climates. That condition, known as hyperhidrosis, is often covered by health insurance.

Those who are looking to block sweat during the summer months can find that getting the process covered isn’t quite a slam dunk.

In either case, Botox blocks sweat by blocking the nerve endings under the arms, making them unable to make the transmission to the sweat glands. “My doctor told me to think of it as a garden house and a plant. During the summer, your plant needs water to live, so someone turns on the outdoor spigot, but the end of the hose is caked in mud, so the water doesn’t come out,” says Donna MacKenzie, a 44-year-old resident of Ocala, Florida, who began getting botox treatments in 2013.

MacKenzie says 20 units of Botox are injected into her armpits, which she claims is nowhere as painful as it might sound. “And it’s very temporary,” she says. “It’s like a bunch of mosquito bites—OK, big mosquito bites—but it’s over really quickly.”

MacKenzie says her insurance company used to cover some of the costs—about $750 of each $1,000 treatment—but dropped that portion of its coverage last year. “Out of pocket now, it’s about $1,400, which includes the cost of the visit,” MacKenzie says. “It’s something I consider necessary for now, but it’s always going to depend on money.”

MacKenzie says one of the unexpected hassles of the treatments is going back for follow-up visits if she still sweats. “I may be dry in 90 percent of my armpit, but sometimes they miss a spot so I’ll get wetness from one, single spot,” she says. “I go back in for another shot and that usually takes care of it.”

The goal is control

If you worry about excessive sweating, there are a few things you can do to combat that soaked-through shirt and dripping forehead, but it’s important to remember that sweating, in most cases, is a necessary evil. You shouldn’t try to stop it, but you can take a few steps to make sure you’re keeping your body cool when things heat up:

• Choose loose, light-colored clothing. Wear cotton or other natural fabrics that breathe.

• Drink water. Lots of it. The water in your system is your sweat’s best friend. A hydrated body will self-control its temperature, but if you don’t put fluids in, your internal cooling system won’t be able to handle the job.

• Wear sunscreen. Skin that’s damaged by the sun is much less effective at dissipating body heat than its moisturized counterpart.

• If possible, keep your outdoor activities limited to anytime before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are less powerful, and the heat isn’t at its full potential.

• Choose your shoes wisely. It’s important to keep your feet fresh. If your footwear isn’t ventilated or made of a breathable material, your feet may be enduring temperatures up to 120 degrees inside your shoes.

• Foot powder will help keep your feet dry, to some extent, but don’t expect to avoid all foot sweat.

• Use fragrance-free detergent for your clothes. Not only can the chemicals in some detergents and fabric softeners irritate your skin, they can also create stains on your clothing when mixed with your sweat.

• Avoid spicy food and alcohol. Sure, your day at the beach may call for some spicy nachos and a margarita or two at the cafe on the water, but there will probably be a price to pay for your culinary enjoyment. Spicy foods contain the chemical capsaicin, which brings the heat. Your body, in response, will produce sweat to help cool things off internally.

Photo by Alex Hddife on Unsplash

SUGGESTIONS FOR HOT-WEATHER ACTIVITIES OFFER FUN, RELAXATION

Summertime groove

As soon as the temperature settles at its rightful place for the summer, the sidewalks, bike paths, beaches and parks buzz with activity. While there will be plenty of opportunities for some of the summertime standards, here are some suggestions for seasonal activities—past and present—that might help you break out of your normal routine.

Disc, go!

“I have twin boys who are 11 and for some reason, they don’t like baseball, so any thoughts I had of a ‘Field of Dreams’ moment with my kids are out. What they do love is playing frisbee. They picked it up from their friends and now we play it all the time. Even my wife is into it. It’s just such an easy sport and you can play it anywhere. I think we have about 12 frisbees in our house, our yard and our car. It seems like we have one with us all the time. And this summer, we’re going to start playing disc golf.”

-Sergio Messa, Ithaca, New York

Photo by Richard R. Schünemann on Unsplash

Kite-flying

“I love flying kites. It’s something I used to do with my stepdad when I was a kid and it was a lot of fun. I picked it up last year and it was really relaxing. I’m starting to move up to more complex kites, which is more expensive and more challenging but it looks really cool.”

-Brian Carr, Oakland, California

Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash

For the birds

“I’m 52 so I’m not old by any stretch but I’m really into an ‘old-lady thing,’ as my sister calls it: bird-watching. I fell in love with it during Covid after taking a naturejournaling class online and one of the women in the class was journaling about birds. It just looked so interesting and peaceful. I bought some books and studied up and joined a club. I felt so intimidated before, but it can be a solo and group activity and now I feel more confident.”

-Jeanne Stanton, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Hangin’ together

“I bought a two-person hammock and my husband and I are going to spend most of the summer reading and napping outside in our yard. We’ve had a pretty hectic year, so our plan for the next couple of months is to enjoy the weather, enjoy our yard and just chill. Maybe not too original but it’s perfect and much needed for us.”

-Denise Nelson, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Photo by Ryan Magsino on Unsplash

Bored? Skate!

“I have rediscovered skateboarding. I am 42 years old and yes, I’m terrified of breaking my wrists, but my skills are still strong enough from when I was younger that I can skate pretty well. I don’t do any tricks or jumps or anything like that. Twenty-five years ago that was all I did but now, I’m pretty content skating around my neighborhood and on the bike paths along the lakefront. It’s not quite as easy as it used to be and it took a little work to get back in the swing of things, but I can’t believe how much I enjoy it. I’m kind of surprised that I gave it up for 20 years.”

-Dave Felicelli, Chicago

Fishing for ideas?

“We were book-clubbed to death a few years ago so my friends and I wanted to do something different. We tried golf but if you’re a woman and you’re trying to learn the game, people aren’t that nice. They rush you on the course and talk to you like you’re a child, so we wanted to try something else as a monthly activity. My husband suggested fishing. At first, everyone was squirmy about it but now, and it’s been about three years, we all love it. We do it a few weekends from April through September. Basic fishing. One of the girls has become a total pro, so she’s our leader and she goes all out. The rest of us sit on the boat or pier and drink wine and fish. It’s perfect.”

-Carla

Braughn, Boulder, Colorado

Brew crew

“I’m going to do a brewery tour this summer, doing some road trips with my brother and some friends. We’re mapping out places in the Midwest and trying to include baseball—major and minor league—when we can. We did a bourbon tour last year in Kentucky and Tennessee, and that was fun, so this year, it’s beer.”

-Bryan

Dowdle, Chicago

Photo by lisboa ind. on Unsplash

Robert Snarski, Alison O’Brien and Marco Buscaglia contributed to this story.

4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG CHILL THIS SUMMER

Cool canines

By Marco Buscaglia

Your dog can handle the summer heat as long as you take the necessary precautions. The problem, though, is that some of the precautions that seem obvious can do more harm than good. Here are four ways to keep your dog’s summer health in mind:

Consider your dog’s fur: You may think your dog needs a shave or a short haircut when the temperature rises, but by cutting it too close to her skin, you’re likely removing her built-in cooling mechanism during the hottest days of the year. “When I hear people talk about shaving their dogs for the summer, I always tell them to be aware of not only their dog’s visible fur but also the undercoat that lies closest to the skin,” says Jill Showalter, owner of Yuppie Puppy and Doggie Day Play in Oak Park, Illinois. For some dogs with single coats, like poodles and Shih Tzus, it’s not an issue. But for double-coated breeds, like Siberian Huskies, sheepdogs and Pomeranians, the undercoat acts as a temperature regulator.” Even though it’s easy to overlook because their skin isn’t always visible, dogs are susceptible to sunburn. Removing or damaging their undercoat makes them more vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays. If you do shave your dog, be careful. Like people, dogs lose their hair as they age. Also, their hair doesn’t grow back as well as it once did, so it’s possible a close shave can be the start of your dog’s Terry Crews phase, which he may not be ready for just yet.

Cause for the paws: Proper paw care can help dogs stay cool. Paws have a high sensitivity to temperature and should be treated accordingly. “Make sure they’re clean by removing debris in between the paw pads and keeping their nails at a proper length. It’s not just maintenance, though. It’s also helpful to provide some relief from the heat,” says Showalter. “Your dog probably avoids the cement and brick pavers in your yard and opts for the grass and mulch instead. You can provide a respite for those hot paws with a small pool. Your dog doesn’t need to be fully immersed in water to cool off or sprayed head-to-tail with a hose. That small pool will allow them to stand in a few inches of water and help them stay cool.

Made in the shade: On hot days, your dog probably seeks out the shadiest areas of your yard for a little nap. Hopefully, it’s under a tree or large bush that provides cover from the sun but allows a maximum breeze. A dog house may seem like a place to keep cool, especially if it’s on cement, but if your dog is blocked from the cooling, summer breeze, it will probably do more harm than good. If you don’t have any natural shade, consider a small canopy to do the job. Still, don’t be alarmed when you see your dog basking in the sun. “In some cases, your dog plops herself down in the sunniest part of the yard, just like they seek out that one patch of sunlight in the house during the winter months. Some dogs just enjoy the heat of the sun on their bodies,” says Showalter. “Keep an eye on them, though. Make sure you have water nearby and toss a few ice cubes their way.”

Maintain proper care—or have someone do it for you: While the right haircut is important, regular brushing, shampooing and drying are also essential to maintaining a cool, summer coat. While most people give their dogs a quick once-over with a towel before letting them out to the yard to air-dry, a quality groomer will make sure that your dog’s hair is blown dry before she leaves the shop. Proper drying ensures less matting, thoroughly dry fur, an even coat and the elimination of the unwelcome odor of a wet dog. If there are layers of fur that take a long time to dry, you’re likely going to get that wet-dog smell unless he’s dried properly. But don’t rush to the blow-dryer just yet. They produce some seriously hot air, so in many cases, it’s best to let a well-trained groomer handle the entire cleaning process. They’ll make sure your dog remains calm throughout the process and leaves the facility clean and dry. This isn’t you running back to the office with wet hair pasted to your head after a lunchtime workout and a five-minute shower. Try that with a dog and you’ll be smelling him for a week.

YOUR SUMMER ALTERNATIVE TO SODA ISN’T AS HEALTHY AS YOU THINK

Sugary substitute

With its high sugar content and zero nutritional value, most nutritionists recommend making soda a rare treat. So instead of reaching for a can of Coke this summer, what should you drink? The beverage section of any natural food store—and major grocery stores in general—makes it seem like we’re in the golden age of healthy drinks. A quick glance reveals kombucha, kefir, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and more. Are these drinks better than soda, or are they sugar bombs disguised as healthy beverages? We asked nutritionists, dietitians and health experts for their takes on this new generation of “healthy” drinks.

Cold-pressed juices

You may have walked by a juice bar and noticed these fancy concoctions with even fancier price tags. But what exactly are they? Cold-pressed juice is made by applying extremely high pressure to fruits and vegetables. Fans claim the process draws out more nutrients than traditional juicing. But does that make it worth the calories? Most experts say cold-pressed juice is no better than regular juice … which is not that good for you.

“I’m generally not a huge fan of juice, simply because with juice, the consumer doesn’t get any of the fiber but gets all of the sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar,” says Meg Hagar, a registered dietitian and holistic nutritionist who advises clients through her company, No Diet Nutrition. “Despite the ‘juicing craze,’ it’s really not all that great for health.”

The verdict? Keep the servings small and infrequent, which can save you a lot of money, too.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Kombucha

Unusual in flavor and name, kombucha is a centuries-old fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. Naturally fizzy, kombucha on its own has a vinegary taste, which is why it’s often flavored with fruit juices, purees, herbs and spices. Kombucha’s nutritional claim to fame is its high probiotic content. But, it does have a small amount of sugar, about 2 to 6 grams per 8 ounces. Added flavorings can increase the sugar content, too.

“Kombucha is an interesting source of both nutrients and live cultures, but it does come with some sugar and calories, so it should be consumed judiciously and not in the place of water,” says Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center and chief medical officer of FareWell, a program that treats diabetes and heart disease through changes in diet and lifestyle.

Katz warns there is no scientific proof that kombucha can do what some claim it can, from improving gut health to stimulating the immune system, preventing cancer and even stopping hair loss.

“There is no clear evidence of health benefits from drinking kombucha, in common with almost every other ‘superfood’ or drink,” Dr. Katz says. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t any, but it means you are making a leap of faith. At least that exercise is good for you.”

Photo by Megumi Nachev on Unsplash

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tart and refreshing flavor. Its nutritional benefits include live and active probiotic cultures, as well as high amounts of protein and calcium. The downside? It’s a high-calorie drink—about 110 per cup for plain, low-fat kefir. But, its protein and fat help keep you satiated. Experts suggest avoiding fruit-flavored kefir varieties, which can contain lots of added sugar.

Water

If you’re looking for a completely calorie-free, naturally healthy drink, experts unanimously agree there’s only one choice: water. But it doesn’t have to be boring.

“I like experimenting with flavoring water naturally, such as with lemon or orange slices, cucumbers or even fresh fruit, such as berries,” Hagar says. And yet, for some, like Dr. Katz, water doesn’t need to be dressed up.

“When I’m thirsty, I drink plain water, just about every time,” he says.

Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash

Photo by Andrew Ren on Unsplash

Smoothies

Unlike juices, smoothies don’t just drain the juice from fruits and vegetables and toss the rest. This means smoothies contain the fiber that juice leaves out, making them the next best thing to actually eating fruits and vegetables.

“Smoothies can provide a lot of drinkable nutrition, in the form of fiber, vitamins, minerals, in one place,” says Vanessa Carr, a clinical nutrition manager for Kate Farms, which creates meal replacement smoothies for consumers and the medical industry. “Smoothies can often also serve as a healthy meal replacement, if composed appropriately.”

What’s appropriate? Experts suggest following mom’s advice and eating—well, drinking—your veggies.

“The correct proportion of vegetables to fruit in a smoothie should be somewhere around three to one,” says Hagar. “Once you have more fruits in your smoothie you may just be adding unnecessary calories and sugar.”

Because smoothies can be high in calories, serving sizes are best kept small. If you’re enjoying smoothies as on-the-go meal replacements, use well-rounded recipes that include not just fruits and vegetables, but sources of fat and protein, too.

“You want to make sure your smoothie has a source of protein from hemp milk, cow’s milk, protein powder or nuts and nut butter, and has a source of fat from nuts, nut butter, avocado or coconut oil,” Carr says.

Photo by Denis Tuksar on Unsplash

STUDYING THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION FOR OLDER ADULTS

SUMMER OF FITNESS

Summer is here—the key time to get in shape, or start to address weight gain and a slimmer, healthier you. It’s been well-established that outdoor physical activity like walking, yoga and going through an outdoor fitness routine has many health benefits for older adults. These include better sleep, less anxiety and reduced risk of heart disease, along with many other benefits that may improve overall health.

But what if physical activity could help older adults feel less alone, even if they were exercising alone?

Researchers from AARP Services Inc., UnitedHealthcare and OptumLabs set out to investigate this question, focusing on two areas:

Could physical activity help to reduce social isolation and/ or loneliness?

Could physical activity promote higher levels of resilience, purpose or positive perception of aging?

There’s a continued emphasis on supporting older adults as they work to find meaning, purpose and resilience as they age. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have been harder to find opportunities to exercise, which contributed to greater feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

The results of the study point to strong evidence that physical activity can help older adults feel less alone and socially isolated, as well as positively increase their feelings of resilience and purpose.

Researchers found that:

• Moderate and high physical activity were associated with significantly reduced rates (15-30% lower) of severe loneliness and social isolation.

• The same level of physical activity was also associated with improved feelings (27-150% higher) of resilience, purpose and a positive perception of aging.

• The level of physical activity came from the number of days a week someone would exercise (even walking or gardening), not the intensity of the exercise itself. Moderate to high levels ranged between three to four days a week or five-plus days a week, respectively.

“Continuing to be physically active over time may be one of the best things older adults can do for themselves to promote healthy aging—mental, physical and emotional,” said Shirley Musich, senior research director at OptumInsight and one of the co-authors of the study.

Talk with your doctor about healthy ways to incorporate fitness into your routine. For individuals recovering from an injury, consider seeking advice from a physical therapist.

15 QUICK TIPS TO HOOK A KID ON FISHING THIS SUMMER

CASTING CALL

ith summer here, the desire to go fishing is undeniable. And if you love fishing, there’s only one thing more enjoyable than catching a big fish—watching a kid catch a fish.

This fishing season, the folks at Rapala fishing lures encourage adults to take a kid fishing. Why? Because kids represent the future of fishing. According to the American Sportfishing Association, kids who are introduced to fishing at an early age by a trusted adult are more likely to fish as an adult. Here are 15 quick tips on how you can introduce a kid to fishing this year:

Good bites make the difference. The No. 1 thing you can do to hook a kid on fishing, says legendary angler Al Lindner, is to get lots of bites for your child. “Taking kids fishing between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is a critical time. Try to get them on good bites. Their attention span is short. You will

Wquickly know if fishing will be a part of their life in the future. They are either going to like it or not. But they have to get bites. I can’t say how important that is. You gotta get them on a bite.”

Start them on bluegills and sunnies. The easiest bites tend to be panfish— bluegills, sunfish and bream. As your kids watch you catch bass, walleye and other gamefish, they’ll want new challenges. Keep a panfish pliers handy to remove hooks from small panfish.

A small fish can be a monster fish! To a child, a small sunny can be a trophy. Don’t downplay a small fish. Every fish caught is a huge accomplishment.

Take pictures. Don’t limit yourself to just fish photos! Take photos of the entire experience—stopping for donuts on the way to the water, eating snacks, collecting rocks or seashells, feeding the ducks. Turn your photos into a photo book or create a slide show with music that the kids can watch later. When fish are caught make sure the most important people in your kid’s life see their fish photos.

Handle fish gently. Fish are slimy, prickly and wiggly. With young kids, adults should handle fish at first and let kids gently “pet” them before they’re released. As they become more experienced, show kids how to carefully land, hold and release their catches.

Keep it simple. Start your kid fishing with a single hook. They’re much easier to remove from fish. It could be a hook and a bobber or a single hook soft bait, such as the Storm 360GT Searchbait. As your kids get more experience, let them graduate to a lure, such as an Original Floating Rapala.

Bring the snacks. Whatever your kids like for snacks—chips, cookies or fruit chewies, bring them! You’re sure to work up an appetite. And don’t forget the wipes for sticky, slimy little hands.

Bring a life jacket. It only takes a second and you may find a kid in the water. When on a boat, kids should always wear a life jacket that fits properly (in many states, it’s the law). Use caution when fishing from docks, piers and shorelines, too.

Avoid sunburn. Make sure your kid is wearing a comfortable fishing cap, and together, apply your sunscreen to ears, noses and other exposed skin.

Keep it short. With younger kids, especially, avoid overdoing it. Start out with short trips—a couple hours at most, and if the fish just don’t seem to be cooperating, cut it short and go have an ice-cream cone. Gradually increase your time out on the water and trying different types of fishing approaches, such as fishing with soft baits or trolling with crankbaits.

Create traditions. One of the best things about fishing with a kid is creating little traditions to which they can look forward in the future. For example, stopping for a donut on the way to the lake, or giving fish pins whenever your kid catches a new species.

Bring a friend. If your child has a good friend, invite them along on the fun, too. That kid may turn into a lifetime fishing buddy for your kid.

Keep a few. If your kids want to try eating fish, keep a few fish and cook them up. Don’t make an entire meal out of it though, as eating fish is an acquired taste. Use a trusty batter recipe and serve with French fries.

Watch the weather. Sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate. You may think the fishing is best on an overcast, windy day, but that may not be the case for kids. Instead, watch the weather and choose a warm, clear day and get out early when the fish are most likely to bite.

Fish with topwater. Watching a fish explode on the surface for a lure gives young anglers an exciting visual that will keep them coming back for more. An X-Rap Pop or Skitter Pop are amazing baits to throw from shore or the dock for heart-stopping topwater action.

TOP 5 DESIGN TRENDS FOR THIS SUMMER OUTDOOR

LIVING IN STYLE S

ummer of 2023 will reveal a few new outdoor design trends, but two of them—mixed materials and bringing the indoors out—are maintaining their previous popularity into the new year. New trends landscape designers are anticipating include more interest in sustainability, expanding the use of outdoor spaces and maximizing cutting-edge technology.

Growing from the pandemic, interest in outdoor living is now at an all-time high - and the top 2023 trends in outdoor design reflect that continued interest, according to Joe Raboine, director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard.

Supporting sustainability

Caring for the environment is an increasing priority for homeowners, especially those who love the outdoors and want to ensure the environment is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“Homeowners are asking designers to create spaces inspired by nature that also help conserve it,” said Raboine. “This can mean choosing long-lasting materials for hardscaping, finding products made from recycled materials and/or using permeable pavers to help reduce water runoff.”

Extending indoor spaces

Bringing the indoors out is hardly new, but as more homeowners view outdoor spaces as extensions of their home, the trend is definitely here to stay. Creating outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle and design aesthetic is not only a goal for larger homes and lots, but also for smaller lots needing more privacy. Shade structures like pergolas, shade sails and screen panels offer seclusion as well as protection from the heat, helping outdoor spaces become more private and livable, no matter the size.

Today’s homeowners are also equipping spaces with fully operational kitchens, quality outdoor furniture, firepits and games to upgrade their outdoor living experience. The backyard is becoming the go-to spot for fun, with outdoor games including life-size chess, billiards, mini-golf and more.

Exploring color and texture

As outdoor spaces become extensions of the home, designers and homeowners see these spaces as more than just a place to host barbecues. Mixing natural materials including wood, stone and plants (as in living walls) with manmade materials like glass and metal creates interesting variety in texture and color that transforms any space into a more attractive environment. Textured pavers are also becoming more popular, such as those that mimic natural stone or textile finishes.

“Homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color and texture,” noted Raboine. “While shades of gray are still dominant, warmer tones like browns and tans together with greens are adding depth and dimension.”

Patterns can also be created using modular designs, textured pavers and hardscaping features to make any outdoor space both calming and energizing. Outdoor lighting provides more visual interest to your space while extending its usable hours—with color-changing lights turning any patio into party central.

Creating multi-purpose spaces

Today’s backyards fulfill multiple purposes, with Zen gardens or labyrinths extending off traditional patios for additional relaxation or meditation areas. Gardening is also resurging, as homeowners are growing herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers using raised and vertical gardens, small greenhouses or hot boxes.

“You can add built-in seating and benches to create a firepit area or mini theater,” Raboine added. “These can be beautiful spots for resting or entertaining, plus a practical dining area for your family.”

Optimizing technology

With mixed-use spaces becoming more complex, using augmented reality (AR) can streamline the design process for homeowners and contractors alike. AR technology allows homeowners to see small details in design down to plants, shadows and even animations. Today’s technology helps manage the growing popularity of outdoor living, with AR and mixed reality letting designers and homeowners visualize and communicate their plans.

Belgard Rooms’ newest feature uses AR so homeowners and contractors can view a templated outdoor design plan in their backyard, offering a better visual representation of how their yard can look. Homeowners select their AR plans and drop them into their outdoor space to view, walk through and scale the templated outdoor rooms, bringing the plan to life in their own backyards. Homeowners can test various rooms, features and styles, helping them bring their vision to life. Currently, 32 AR Rooms can be viewed on any device.

“AR Rooms help turn dreams into reality through a seamless design process,” explained Raboine. “Homeowners and landscape professionals have adopted the technology quickly, helping homeowners envision different outdoor living plans—and simplifying the design process for any project.”

HOW TO ENJOY A SUMMER REFRESH — WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

SUN & FUNDs

With summer comes the desire for a fresh start—whether it’s for yourself, your wardrobe or your home. It’s the perfect time to sport a new look, clear out clutter and swap out tired, old decor for fresh, seasonal colors and textures. Unfortunately, revamping for summer can easily become an overwhelming task or bring a hefty price tag.

But don’t despair here are some tips to help you prepare for the sunny season without added stress:

Set a budget

A summer refresh should be just that—a refresh! But with your excitement about a new start can come a seemingly endless to-do list that prompts you to spend more time and money than you’d like. At the onset, decide how much time you want to devote to cleaning, and set timers or listen to a favorite podcast to help you stick to your time limit. Make sure you also consider how much you want to spend on anything new so you don’t go overboard.

Out with the old

Whether you’re looking to update your closet or your home, make room first by removing old clothing or decor. Consider donating what you’re ready to part with, or selling the items with a second-hand retailer like Poshmark or The RealReal to pocket some extra cash.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe or home to feel refreshed. Choose a handful of new items—vibrant, flared pants or statement earrings—and pair them with your timeless pieces, mixing and matching to create new outfits. When it comes to your home, consider a couple of simple changes or additions to give your favorite spaces a whole new look—like replacing artwork with a large mirror to bring in more natural light or adding new throw pillows.

Shop with a flexible, transparent payment option. Another way to enjoy a summer refresh without losing control of your budget is by paying over time with Affirm. Whether you’re shopping for a fresh floral dress or a new, bold patterned sofa, Affirm gives eligible shoppers the ability to pay biweekly or monthly. Just enter a few pieces of information to check if you’re eligible, and then approved shoppers can spread purchases out in a way that works best for their budget. Don’t worry—you’ll never pay a penny more than you agree to at checkout because Affirm never charges late or hidden fees.

EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR BATHROOM FOR SUMMER

BREEZY UPdates

There’s nothing like hot temperatures, blooming flowers and long, bright days to inspire you to take a fresh look at your home, and the ideal place to get started is in one of your most-used spaces: the bathroom. Summer is the perfect time to refresh your bathroom, so why not go beyond a thorough cleaning to make the room feel brand new? Fresh, seasonal colors give the room an updated look, and product upgrades let you continue that spring-fresh feeling all season. Here are simple ideas to help you get started on revamping your bathroom this summer.

Invite more color. Start with swapping out some of the simple elements in your bathroom, taking the opportunity to brighten the space with fresh new colorful towels, bathmats and even a new shower curtain. Choose light, appealing colors and/or patterns based on natural elements that will bring more of a springtime feeling into your home.

Decorate thoughtfully. Consider adding some easy decorative accents, like glass jars filled with cotton swabs, small soaps or garden flowers. A little goes a long way, so choose just a few of these accents to help give the room a sense of spa-like elegance, without making it seem overly busy or cluttered.

Think attractive storage solutions. Include smart and visually appealing storage options such as a few pretty baskets on shelves for holding extra guest towels, for example. Baskets are also really useful for keeping that extra clutter off of your countertops, and you can easily organize them by categories like toiletries, washcloths and makeup.

Upgrade your seat. Summer cleaning for your bathroom isn’t complete without a new toilet seat. The Mayfair by Bemis Affinity is an attractive plastic seat that installs easily and is designed for a precise fit, so it never moves after you install it. The seat also features quiet closing to avoid unpleasant slamming. Best yet, the hinges are designed to let you easily remove the seat for thorough cleaning—and when you’re finished cleaning, you simply place the seat back on the toilet and close the hinge caps. The durable plastic seat wipes clean effortlessly for that final touch on a fresh, spring bathroom feel.

Visit ToiletSeats.com for more options to help you find the perfect seat from Bemis Manufacturing Company.

Refresh your windows. After giving your bathroom windows a thorough cleaning inside and out, consider updating how they look overall with new window treatments. One terrific on-trend idea is to install roller blinds or Roman shades in lighter colors. If you opt for blinds or shades made from thin-enough fabric, they will still provide much-needed privacy while also letting in some natural light—helping the whole room feel lighter and brighter.

Ready to get started on refreshing your bathroom? These are all ideas you can easily DIY—no plumber or designer required—that will make a big difference for the look and feel of your bathroom, right away. Then you can relax and enjoy your room all season long.

5 REASONS TO VISIT GUADALAJARA

summer getaway

Travelers in search of a destination rich in tradition with exciting culinary, art and nightlife experiences will fall in love with Guadalajara, Mexico. The second-largest city in Mexico is considered the country’s cultural capital as the birthplace of iconic mariachi, tequila and charreria (Mexican rodeo). Whether it’s for a quick summer getaway or a longer stay, there’s something for everyone.

Here are the attractions that keep tourists coming to Guadalajara, year after year.

Immerse yourself in the culture. Guadalajara’s historic city center allows travelers to walk back in time. The impressive buildings include the city’s landmark Guadalajara Cathedral with its distinctive neo-Gothic towers and UNESCO World Heritage Museo Cabanas. Even further back in history is the pre-Hispanic archeological site of Guachimontones, where travelers can learn about the Teuchitlan society that existed as early as 300 B.C. The

site is an easy day trip from Guadalajara and features one of the few circular pyramids in the world.

For an adrenaline rush, attend a charreria competition which is Mexico’s national sport and designated to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The sport is a way of life for charros and escaramuzas as an art form that has been passed down through the generations, demanding constant training and practice to master the skills needed to show off horsemanship.

To feel the passion of locals through music, enjoy mariachi performances at places like El Parian de Tlaquepaque. The roots of mariachi stem from Guadalajara’s working class in the 1900s, and today is recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Guadalajara is also known for hosting the annual International Mariachi Festival every August/ September, where the best mariachi bands from around the world gather for performances and a grand parade.

View classic and contemporary art. Visit Museo Cabanas, Museo de los Artes and Palacio de Gobierno to view stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico’s greatest muralists. Architecture buffs can visit creations from Guadalajara native Luis Barragan, Mexico’s Pritzker Prize-winning architect, in places such as Parque Revolucion and Jardines del Bosque. For those who want to gallery hop, Colonia Americana is one of the best areas for visiting numerous art galleries with an emphasis on contemporary work.

Tlaquepaque and Tonala are two great areas to find traditional arts and crafts like blown glass, ceramics and pottery. Handicrafts are also available for purchase at San Juan De Dios Mercado, one of the largest enclosed markets in Mexico—with approximately 2,800 stands featuring ceramic, silver, blown glass, leather and palm leaf crafts.

Get your mouth watering. Sample the large variety of Guadalajara’s flavors and dishes—from one-of-a-kind street food and casual restaurants to innovative fine dining. Unique to the area is the torta ahogada (“drowned sandwich”), Guadalajara’s signature sandwich and most popular street food. Made with a bread called birote which can only be found in Jalisco due to climate and altitude, the torta

ahogada traditionally includes pork and is covered in a red sauce made of tomatoes and chili peppers. Another popular Jalisco recipe is birria, a spicy stew made with goat or lamb, cooked slowly with spices and served with minced onions, cilantro and lime.

Embrace the nightlife. For local bars and nightclubs featuring cocktails, music and dancing, the Colonia Americana neighborhood is a local favorite. Guadalajara has become one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly tourist destinations in Mexico due to the many anti-discrimination laws and efforts, LGBTQ+ events and LGBTQ+ shows and performances. The city is recognized for having a large number of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs, with

the majority in Zona Centro along Avenida Prisciliano Sanchez where there’s everything from cozy lounges to large dance clubs.

Explore Tequila. Jalisco is home to nine “Magical Towns” as designated by Mexico’s federal government. One of them is Tequila, the birthplace of the popular spirit. To explore the history and process of tequila making and agave harvesting, the town and its UNESCO World Heritage blue agave fields are the perfect day trip. Travelers can stop at the National Museum of Tequila or Centro

Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, enjoy distillery tours and tastings, observe a jimador (agave farmer) demonstration and view the blue ocean of agave via horseback or a tequila train.

5 WAYS TO INCREASE PEACE OF MIND ABOUT YOUR HOME

summer TRIP WORRIES?

Sure, you’re eager to travel this summer, but maybe you’re also a bit nervous about leaving your home unattended. As the summer travel season heats up, many people are planning trips, but that doesn’t mean leaving home for an extended time is easy.

According to a 2023 trend report from SimpliSafe, a fourth of respondents are very or extremely concerned about home break-ins while traveling; that number increases to 41% when looking at Gen Z specifically. These concerns have led more people to seek solutions that secure their homes before traveling to gain peace of mind and in turn, better enjoy their vacations. In fact, 83% of respondents listed peace of mind as a primary reason for buying a home security system and 49% of respondents explained that they use

their home security system to check on their investments, such as expensive appliances, sentimental heirlooms and important documents, while away from home.

In addition to home security, travel nerves can be tempered through preparation and automation to enhance peace of mind before hitting the road.

To help ease your travel worries, consider these five steps to better secure your home while away.

1. Alert neighbors about your trip —but not on social media. While it’s a great idea to let neighbors know you’ll be away so they can watch for suspicious activity around your home, don’t broadcast your upcoming vacation on social media. It’s not recommended to let the world know when your house will be unoccupied.

2. Invest in a home security system. The SimpliSafe Trend Report report

found that 65% of respondents and 69% of parents say a home security system would put their minds at ease while traveling. To help secure your home, consider installing home security products such as entry, motion and glassbreak sensors, and indoor and outdoor cameras to protect against unexpected visitors. It’s also worth considering environmental sensors such as water sensors and smoke detectors to safeguard your home from burst pipes, electrical fires or other home hazards. Remember, securing your home is not just about preventing break-ins. In your basement, water damage or burst pipes can be equally catastrophic. Investing in the appropriate sensors will help detect and prevent potentially costly damages.

Even better, by using 24/7 professional security monitoring, you’ll know you’ll get help when it’s needed, day or night.

3. Don’t hide keys outside. While it may seem like a harmless solution for letting in house sitters, pet sitters or cleaning services to your home while away, hiding a key outdoors is not secure. Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or friend, or consider using a Smart Lock so that each family member or friend has a unique PIN for entry. This way, you can provide safe access to people who are taking care of your property or pets while you’re gone, while also having visibility into who’s coming and going.

4. Stop mail delivery. It’s also recommended to have the postal service stop mail delivery during your trip, so piled-up mail doesn’t alert a would-be intruder that you’re away. You can do this online by creating a USPS account and making a “Hold Mail” request, or by visiting your local post office. You should also stop newspaper delivery if you use that service. Alternatively, you could also ask a neighbor, relative or pet sitter to bring in mail and newspapers for you.

5. Move vehicles into your garage. If you are leaving a vehicle at home, you’ll want to make sure it is protected as well. If you have a garage, move all vehicles into the garage before heading out. Using an outdoor camera will provide an added layer of protection as well as visibility outside your home. For homeowners without a garage, make sure your vehicle is locked and position an outdoor camera to face your driveway. Hit

Photo by Nong V on Unsplash

A PARK AND NATIONAL MONUMENT DESTINATION

rapid city

Looking for affordable family friendly summer travel? Consider Rapid City, South Dakota, a destination that offers endless potential with access to national parks, state parks and memorials.

One of the best ways to enjoy your South Dakota vacation is by making Rapid City the home base for your trip as it is surrounded by parks, monuments and other attractions that are important parts of America’s past and present. Popular destinations you’ll find nearby include the following:

• Black Hills National Forest, a 12-minute drive

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a 30-minute drive

• Custer State Park, a 45-minute drive

• Crazy Horse Memorial, a 50-minute drive

• Badlands National Park, a 60-minute drive

Photo by Sophia Simoes on Unsplash

From touring Main Street Square to hiking while blossoms dot the trails of world-class parks, summer is a special time for visitors. There’s truly something for everyone, from foodies and families to outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers.

Feel like a local. When you explore downtown Rapid City, you’ll see for yourself why this town is so special. Main Street Square is the heart of town and a delight any time of year. Art Alley is an area to peruse stunning art in different mediums and styles. While walking through downtown Rapid City, you’ll discover a series of lifesized bronze statues of past American Presidents, bringing history to life with many photo opportunities.

For families. There are many affordable family friendly offerings that make Rapid City the ideal vacation destination. Check out the newly renovated WaTiki Indoor Waterpark with 30,000 square feet of slides, a lazy river, Koko’s Kingdom, activity pool and large arcade with prizes kids will love. Other family friendly stopping points include Reptile Gardens, museums, Putz and Go, Black Hills Escape Rooms and Press Start.

For historians. If you’re a history buff, Rapid City is filled with historic museums that include geology, aviation,

Native American culture, as well as the only Pawnseum in the world. An added bonus in 2023 is the 75th anniversary of Crazy Horse Memorial. This breathtaking mountain memorial honors the Native American, Crazy Horse, and the rich culture that continues to influence South Dakota today.

For foodies. Enjoy unique tastes as you make your way through establishments in downtown Rapid City. Dig into South Dakota-inspired ramen at Bokujo Ramen, enjoy local beer in a historic building at Firehouse Brewing Co., or enjoy high-end cocktails at Windsor Block and Bar.

Learn more about traveling to Rapid City, S.D., this summer at VisitRapidCity.com

EXPLORE AND ENJOY CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Atlantic Canada W

hether you’re fascinated by culture and history or just enjoy adventures, there’s plenty to explore this summer in the four provinces of Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The area also boasts stunning natural beauty, from wooded mountains and fish-filled rivers to scenic hamlets and rugged coastlines.

Here are some enticing reasons to plan a summer vacation in Atlantic Canada.

“C’est le fun” in New Brunswick. Rekindle your joie de vivre in New Brunswick, where Acadian culture is alive and well. Descendants of French settlers from the 17th-18th centuries, Acadians today speak French as their first language and celebrate their distinctive food, music and culture throughout the province. Discover historic sites, wineries, Acadian restaurants and quaint villages along 466 miles of the Acadian Coastal Drive—plus beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Love lobster? Visit Shediac, known as the Lobster Capital of The World.

Among living history museums like the Historic Acadian Village, a must-

see summer attraction is Le Pays de la Sagouine, with entertainers based on characters from the acclaimed play “La Sagouine” by Acadian author Antoine Maillet. Consider timing your trip around Acadian Day, Aug. 15—when people decked out in red, white and blue, painted faces and fancy hats celebrate Tintamarre, a big party with live music and fun for all ages.

Experience mindful moments in Newfoundland and Labrador. The rich natural resources nurtured distinct Indigenous groups: the Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit. Learn about their culture and history through immersive forest walks, boat tours, traditional food experiences and more.

Explore the stories and traditions of the Conne River and Mi’kmaw community on

Newfoundland’s south coast at a brand new exhibit at The Discovery Centre in Gros Morne National Park, “Miawpukek: The Middle River.” Then take a trip into the past at the Demasduit Regional Museum. Formerly known as the Mary March Museum, this important building has been renamed to replace Demasduit’s colonial name with her rightful Beothuk name. Demasduit is believed to be one of the last known Beothuk in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can learn her story and countless others here, spanning over 5,000 years of human history.

Discover Mekapisk with Gros Morne Adventures on a game trail, exploring plants and animals that sustained early human life. Try fire cooking bannock and roasting capelin as you gather around the fire to hear tales of triumphs and tragedies of Indigenous ancestors, or take a relaxed walking tour via Under the Stump to learn the Rita Rideout Story, describing the hardship, relocation program and family values of the Mi’kmaq people in this once-thriving community. Move to the beat of a different drum on Nova Scotia. Drumming, dance and storytelling reveal the history of the Mi’kmaq People on Nova Scotia. Travel the picturesque 3.8-mile trail on Goat Island with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, guided through villages by a Mi’kmaq cultural interpreter to learn their traditional way of life. Or time your visit when the Mi’kmaq People host the 2023

North American Indigenous Games, July 15-23 in Halifax, featuring canoeing/kayaking, lacrosse, rifle shooting, softball and more.

Nova Scotia was also home to early settlers from Scotland, bringing Gaelic language and culture with them. Enjoy fiddle and pipe music, dance and storytelling at a “kitchen party” (or “ceilidh”), then visit Highland Village in Iona, a living history museum honoring the language, history and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels. Throughout 2023, the Town of Pictou commemorates the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Ship Hector from Scotland, when its passengers endured a harrowing 11week voyage to start a new life in a new land.

Life is a song on Prince Edward Island. Music is a way of life for people who make Prince Edward Island (PEI) home, and they tell their stories in memorable—and toetapping—ways.

Love country and folk music?

Experience the songs of Stompin’ Tom Connors (1936-2013) at the Stompin’ Tom Centre in Skinner’s Pond. Known for his signature black Stetson and cowboy boots, Connors memorialized Canadian culture through songs about everyday people, places and pastimes. Or come to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 6-8, which showcases the roots of Island culture and hospitality. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the venue, with headliner Chris Stapleton.

If Celtic music gets your toes tapping, enjoy the sounds, dancing and musical storytelling of PEI’s Celtic tradition at the College of Piping and Performing Arts Centre, plus listening halls such as Trailside Music Hall and Festival of Small Halls.

Learn more about traveling to Atlantic Canada this summer at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com

Sunny delights

FRESH SALAD OPTIONS SURE TO TANTALIZE TASTE BUDS THIS SUMMER

Looking to go beyond some of the standard salads? Check out these recipes. While nothing is too extravagant or unique, these salads offer up just enough originality to put a new spin on your salad options.

EPIC SUMMER SALAD

Perfect for BBQs and buffets, this epic salad is an assembly job of gorgeous ingredients with no cooking required.

Prep: 10 minutes

Skill level: Easy

Serves: 6

Ingredients for the salad

14 oz. black beans, drained

2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped

1 large heritage tomato (approximately 18 oz.), chopped into large chunks

1 cucumber, halved lengthways, seeds scooped out and sliced on an angle

1 mango, peeled and chopped into chunks

1 large red onion, halved and finely sliced

6-8 radishes, sliced

2 avocados, peeled and sliced

3 oz. feta, crumbled

Handful of herbs reserved from the dressing

Ingredients for the dressing

Large bunch mint (a large bunch is approximately 2-3 oz.)

Small bunch coriander (a small bunch is approximately 1 oz.)

Small bunch basil

1 large green chile, deseeded and chopped

1 small garlic clove

3.5 oz. extra virgin olive oil or rapeseed oil

2 limes, zested and juiced

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 tsp honey

1. Make the dressing by blending all of the ingredients in a food processor (or very finely chop them), saving a few herbs leaves for the salad. You can make the dressing up to 24 hours before serving.

2. Scatter the beans and spinach over a large platter. Arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, mango, onion and radishes on top and gently toss together with your hands.

3. Top the salad with the avocados, feta and herbs, and serve the dressing on the side.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

SUMMER CRUNCH SALAD

Looking for a little bite to your summer cuisine? The crunchiness of green beans works particularly well in this salad.

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 5 minutes

Skill level: Easy

Serves: 4

Ingredients

7 oz. small button mushrooms, finely sliced

1 lemon, juiced

7 oz. green bean, trimmed

Handful of soft green herbs, such as basil, chervil, parsley and tarragon

1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 3 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), shaved into large curls

1. In a bowl, toss mushrooms with half the lemon juice and set aside – the lemon juice will soften the mushrooms.

2. Blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 5-6 mins until they still have a crunch but are not squeaky, then drain and cool in iced water.

3. Toss the beans and mushrooms together in a bowl with the herbs and season with salt and pepper. Toss through the tomatoes, remaining lemon juice and olive oil and scatter with Parmesan just before serving.

INDIAN SUMMER SALAD

This healthy salad is packed with antioxidants and color.

Prep: 10 minutes

Skill level: Easy

Serves: 6

Ingredients

3 carrots

Bunch of radishes

2 zucchini

Half a small red onion

Small handful mint leaves, roughly torn

For the dressing

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tbsp olive oil

1. Grate the carrots into a large bowl. Thinly slice the radishes and zucchini, and finely chop the onion. Mix all the vegetables together in the bowl with the mint leaves.

2. Whisk together the vinegar, mustard and mayonnaise until smooth, then gradually whisk in the oil. Taste and add salt and pepper.

3. Drizzle over the salad and mix well. Leftovers will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

SUMMER SALAD WITH ANCHOVY DRESSING

A filling salad bursting with fresh vegetables. You can leave out the anchovies for a veggie version.

Prep: 10 minutes.

Cook: 15 minutes

Skill level: Easy

Serves: 4

Ingredients

5 oz. green beans

2/3 lb. new potatoes, sliced

4 eggs

Handful of black olives, pitted

3 cherry tomatoes, halved

2 Little Gem Lettuce heads, leaves separated

For the dressing

2 anchovies

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

3 tbsp olive oil

1. Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Cook the beans for 4 mins, so they still have a slight crunch, then scoop out with a slotted spoon into a colander and cool quickly with cold water. Tip the potatoes into the pan, add the eggs and simmer everything for 8 mins. Lift out the eggs, then leave to cool while the potatoes cook for 2 more mins until tender. Drain the potatoes.

2. For the dressing, mash the anchovies with the side of a knife, then mix with the vinegar and olive oil in a large bowl. Stir in the beans, potatoes, olives and tomatoes. Peel and halve the eggs. Put the leaves into a large serving bowl, add the potato mix and eggs, then serve.

SUMMER COUSCOUS SALAD

With fried halloumi, vine tomatoes and zucchini, this summertime salad is perfect for an al fresco lunch.

Cook: 40 minutes.

Skill level: Easy

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups couscous

1 cup vegetable stock, boiling

14 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1-2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

1 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced on the slant

3 small vine-ripened tomatoes, halved

9 oz. pack halloumi cheese, thickly sliced and then halved lengthways

For the dressing

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tbsp lime juice

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

1/2 tsp sugar

1. Tip the couscous into a bowl, pour the boiling stock over and mix well with a fork. Cover with a plate and leave for 4 minutes.

2. Place the dressing ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Fluff up the couscous with a fork, stir in the chickpeas and follow with half the dressing. Mix well and pile onto a large serving dish.

3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan and fry the zucchini slices over high heat for 2-3 minutes until dark golden brown. Lift out onto kitchen paper.

4. Put the tomatoes cut-side down into the pan and cook for another couple of minutes until tinged brown on the underside. Top the couscous with the zucchini and then the tomatoes.

5, If the pan is dry, pour in a little more oil and heat it up, then add the halloumi strips and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning them over from time to time, until crisp and sizzled brown. Pile on top of the tomatoes and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve as soon as possible.

Source: BBC

HEALTHY OPTIONS CAN KEEP YOU FEELING LIGHT, FOCUSED

Plan of a snack

By Marco Buscaglia

James Rossi, an accountant in Baltimore, Maryland, says he has a real problem with what he eats. Not during traditional meal times, he says, but between breakfast, lunch and dinner. “I am a snack-a-holic,” Rossi says. “I work out a few times a week but I’ve become an eating machine so the weight’s coming on, not going off.”

Rossi, 39, says his snacks vary. “Sometimes it’s leftovers. Sometimes it’s a whole box of mac-and-cheese. Sometimes it’s a bunch of cookies,” he says. “It’s out of control.”

While Rossi says he’s taken steps to cut the snacking, he says it’s been harder than he thought. “I don’t know if it’s because I’m almost 40 or because I am eating some really awful stuff but it’s hard to fight those cravings, especially when things get busy at work,” he says. “I used to smoke so I’d deal with stress by heading outside for a cigarette so unless I start smoking again—and my wife would kill me—I have to figure it out.”

STRESS SNACKING

When life gets a little dicey, it’s easy to reach for an unhealthy snack to help ease the mounting stress. Still, it’s possible to avoid snacking by replacing the quick gratification that comes from chomping on some chips with a different activity. Annie Kay, a registered dietitian and author of “Every Bite is Divine” (Life Arts Press, $16.95), suggests looking for alternative ways to combat workplace stress. “Take a quick walk, enjoy a breathing break or chew on a piece of gum,” she says. “Finding non-food ways of handling stress and having a few healthy snacking options handy, can give you the strength you need to resist the salt and sugar.”

While coffee and caffeine offer a quick pick-me-up, the immediate buzz also will be short-lived. Kay suggests eating a protein-rich snack, like a handful of nuts, a spoonful of peanut butter, a piece of fruit or a chunk of cheese.

And don’t be afraid of natural options. “Most people can always use more vegetables and plant-based foods

in their regular diet,” says Atlantabased registered dietitian Namrita Kumar.

Kathryn Scoblick, a nutrition and wellness coach in Austin, Texas, says that already-healthy eaters can swap out an unhealthy snack for fruits.

“For many, it is our snack choices that add unnecessary calories,” she says. “Decide that a piece of fruit or a vegetable is your snack instead of packaged anything.”

Kumar explains that she has made this change in her own diet because of the variety of flavors, textures and nutrients that fruits and vegetables can offer.

“Plus, they are usually less energy dense and have a higher water content than pasta or oats, for example, so you can eat a larger volume of food for the same amount—or less—calories,” she says.

Kumar suggests that you may use a spiralizer, which turns fruits and vegetables into long, thin ribbons, to make zucchini, yellow squash, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, cabbage and carrots into substitutes for pasta or add to rice or grain bowls or salads.

FIGHTING THE URGE

Snacking doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In some cases, there are actually paybacks to eating small amounts of food between meals.

Rather than wait for your hunger to surface and scramble to find a sugary snack to fuel you for that afternoon meeting, plan ahead. Schedule your day to include a well-balanced breakfast and lunch, with a healthy snack later in the day, says Valerie Waters, a Los Angeles food coach and fitness trainer.

“Learn to have healthy alternatives stashed in a desk drawer or keep them in your backpack when you’re outside,” Waters suggests. “Preemptive strategies for your biggest pitfalls will make it easier for you to stay on track.”

Some healthy afternoon snack ideas: trail mix and/or dried fruits and nuts; high-fiber, low-sugar breakfast cereal; instant oatmeal; tuna salad kit; low-fat crackers; natural-style peanut butter with crackers, bagels, or fruit; low-fat yogurt with fruit; and low-fat cottage cheese with fruit.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

FIGHT THE URGE TO OVEREAT DURING OUTDOOR EVENTS

Summer of Gorge

By Robert Snarski

The backyard barbecue is the stuff of culinary dreams—hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, maybe some Italian sausage or BBQ ribs. Next, the sides—potato salad, coleslaw, homemade mac and cheese and chips, dips and more. Then add desserts and drinks and you’ve got yourself a good, oldfashioned celebration of American gluttony.

“There have been weekends where my wife and I go to Cubs game on Friday and eat and drink ourselves through the game, then maybe a block party or a neighborhood fest on Saturday and lunch at a friend’s on Sunday,” says Eric Brandon, a 33-yearold resident of Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. “I wake up on Monday morning to go to work and I swear that my pants are a size or two too small. I feel like I ate and drank everything put in front of my face.”

Brandon says he’s thankful he’s an avid walker—“I walk or bike 4 miles to work every morning, then take the same way home. I know I need the

exercise and it gives me some time to decompress,” he says.

His wife, however, works from home. “We live in a two-story apartment and she’s on the phone most of the day,” he says. “If you call her, she’s probably talking to you while walking up and down the stairs or running on the treadmill.”

Given the total of miles the Brandons conquer each week, the weekend eating and drinking excursions don’t cause too much guilt. Instead, they prompt motivation.

“I weighed 275 when I was 25 years old and have lost a hundred pounds since then and I have no intention of putting it back on,” Brandon says. “But I still love food and I love to eat. I’m pretty good during the week—sandwiches and salads, lots of vegetables and nothing but water to drink—but on the weekends, I feel like I’m participating in summer. When you’re a kid, you look forward to summers off because you can go swimming every day or to the park. Once you start working, what’s the payoff? For me, summer is that time to let loose and enjoy the outdoors and all the delicacies that come with it.”

MODERATION STILL MATTERS

Despite Brandon’s justifications for his “weekend binges,” as he calls them, he knows he’s probably set an unhealthy cycle for himself. “I’m sure it’s not good for my body to put on five pounds every weekend and then take it off, and then put it back on,” he says.

That’s part of it, says Rachael Dunn, a registered dietitian at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., but another aspect of healthy living is moderation. “A healthy diet isn’t something you should do part of the time,” Dunn says. “You should strive for consistency with your diet, eating a good mix of vegetables and proteins, and eating everything in moderation.”

Eating in moderation has never been a problem for Donna Reardon, 28, a physical therapy assistant in Newport Beach, Calif. Reardon says she loses her appetite during the hottest months of the year but still makes sure to eat enough “whole foods for sustenance.” It’s the drinking that gets her. “I’m not a lush by any means,” says Reardon. “But I love summer drinks. Put anything tropical in front of me and I’ll take it. If there’s a pitcher of margaritas on the table, I’m going to have one, and anyone

who lives in Southern California knows that the perfect ending to a day at the beach is a glass of wine. I may have only one or two drinks at a time, but there are times in the summer when I do that for five days in a row.”

TOO SWEET

Denver-based nutritionist Sally Plough says it’s the sugar in Reardon’s preferred drinks that could cause issues. “A frozen margarita–the large kind you’re served at restaurants—could have as many as 125 to 150 grams of sugar. That’s around 35 teaspoons of sugar,” says Plough. “You would never sit at your kitchen table and put 35 spoonfuls of sugar in your mouth, but if you’re having one of those huge margaritas, that may be what you’re doing.”

Plough says drinking, like eating, is best practiced in moderation. “You can have a refreshing summer drink that’s low in sugar and calories,” she says. “There are brand-name liquors, like Skinnygirl, that are low in calories, or you can mix vodka or gin with a sparkling flavored water. My drink of choice last year was an ICE black raspberry with vodka and lime.”

CHOOSE WISELY

Another way to save calories over the summer is to split entrees at outdoor events, says Plough. “You can have a hamburger, but split it with a

friend. And load up on salad, fruit and vegetables. You’ll feel better and you won’t have to worry about packing on extra pounds,” she says. “If you’re at a party, it’s very likely your host has a fresh vegetable tray. The era of nothing but hamburgers and chips, depending on your age, is over. People will still offer the standards but they also know to offer healthy options. When we have people over, we grill vegetables, we grill salmon and we always have a huge

cooler of water with lemons, limes and oranges. And the healthy stuff always goes first.”

Brandon says he would definitely opt for vegetables and salmon on occasion, but can’t avoid a well-cooked burger. “Man, it’s the greatest,” he says.

“My boss is a foodie so she’s taken me to some fantastic restaurants but I don’t know—a grilled burger with melted cheese on a grilled bun? That’s heaven.”

Photo by Lee Myungseong on Unsplash

GRILL RECIPES OFFER SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Smoke signals

MIXED GRILL OF SUMMER SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI WITH PESTO

• An excellent side dish to serve with any main course

Prep: 20 mins.

Grilling time: 5-7 mins.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, about 1 ounce

2 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

Kosher salt

Extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano® cheese

2 medium zucchini, each 6 to 8 ounces, ends trimmed

2 medium yellow summer squashes, each 6 to 8 ounces, ends trimmed

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Make the pesto: In a small food processor or blender process the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then, with the motor running, drizzle ¼ 1/4 cup oil through the feed tube until the mixture forms a thin paste, scraping the sides of bowl if necessary. Add the cheese and process briefly, just until combined. Set aside until ready to use; or transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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

3. Cut the vegetables lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Drizzle with oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the vegetable slices over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, until well marked and tender, 5 to 7 minutes, turning once. Remove from the grill.

5. Arrange the vegetable slices on a warmed platter, overlapping them, and top with some of the pesto. Serve immediately with the remaining pesto.

Photo by By Pils on Unsplash

HALIBUT WITH GRILL-ROASTED LEMON AND CAPER DRESSING

• A citrus-accented fish perfect for summer meals

Prep: 15 mins.

Grilling time: 10-14 mins.

Serves: 4

Ingredients for dressing

4 lemons, divided

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon capers, drained

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for rub

1 teaspoon onion flakes

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 skinless halibut fillets, each 6 to 9 ounces

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing

1. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F).

2. Cut a slice about 1/3 inch off both ends of each lemon, then cut each lemon in half lengthwise. Lightly brush the cut sides of the lemon with 1 tablespoon of the oil.

3. Grill the lemons over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until nicely browned, 4 to 6 minutes, turning once. Remove the lemons from the grill and let cool. Set aside 2 lemons (4 halves) for garnish. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a small bowl and squeeze the juice from the remaining 4 lemon halves through the strainer. Discard the spent rinds and any seeds in the strainer. You should have about 1 tablespoon juice. Add the capers and the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the lemon juice and whisk to form a dressing. Whisk in the chives, salt, and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. In a small bowl mix together the rub ingredients. Generously brush the halibut on both sides with oil and then season on both sides with the rub. Grill the halibut over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until the flesh is opaque in the center but still moist, 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Remove the halibut from the grill.

6. Whisk the dressing one last time. Serve the fish warm with the dressing spooned over the top. Serve the reserved grilled lemon halves on the side.

GRILLED MOROCCAN LAMB STEAKS

• This non-intimidating approach to lamb makes an excellent meal

Prep: 5 mins.

Marinade: 3 to 24 hours

Grilling time: 6 mins.

Serves: 8

Ingredients for marinade

32 ounces kefir or 32 ounces whole milk plain yogurt

1/3 cup Ras el Hanout spice mix, plus more for plating (about

1.6 ounce jar, for serving)

8 smashed garlic cloves

3 tablespoons kosher salt

Ingredients for grilling

8 1/2-inches thick lamb blade steaks or lamb chops or lamb

T-bones

8 medium spring onions

Vegetable oil (for brushing)

Special item: Sturdy plastic bag

1. Whisk kefir, Ras el Hanout, garlic and salt together in a medium bowl.

Ras el Hanout is a vibrant Moroccan spice blend made of ground cumin, chili peppers, paprika, turmeric, and baking spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, mace, allspice, and ginger. Find it in the spice aisle of your local grocer or gourmet store. Otherwise, it is easy to purchase online.

2. Place lamb in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in marinade. Seal bag, pressing out any air. Chill at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.

3. Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F); thoroughly clean grates and brush with oil.

4. Remove lamb from marinade shaking off any excess. Grill, turning once, until charred and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a platter; let rest 10 minutes.

5. Grill spring onions, turning often, until lightly charred on all sides, about 4 minutes.

6. Top lamb with grilled spring onions and dust with Ras el Hanout.

Photo by Keep Your Darlings on Unsplash

PEACH RASPBERRY COBBLER

• A unique take on a classic dessert, using your grill in an unexpected way.

Prep: 1 hour, 30 mins.

Grilling time: 1 hour

Serves: 8

Ingredients for the filling

2 pounds chopped ripe peaches, mango or other stone fruit (about 5 1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

8 ounces fresh raspberries (about 1 1/3 cups)

4 tablespoons melted butter

Ingredients for topping

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt

1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2inch pieces

1/2 cup cultured low-fat buttermilk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or paste

Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Filling

1. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for indirect heat: If using a gas grill, turn all burners to high and close the lid. When the temperature inside the grill reaches medium high heat or about 400F, lift lid and turn off half of the burners. The area with no active burners is the indirect heat area. If using a charcoal grill, light a chimney full of briquettes and let burn

until covered with ash, about 15 to 25 minutes. Mound them to one side. The area over the section cleared of coals is the indirect heat area. Thoroughly clean grates.

2. In a large bowl, combine the peaches, zest, sugar, corn starch and salt until the peaches are evenly coated. Add berries and toss to gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the topping. Pour melted butter into a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and toss to break up the pieces, then smash each one flat between your fingertips. Continue

smashing and rubbing until butter is broken up into small pieces like cereal flakes. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla with a flexible spatula, folding to create a dough.

2. Pour the peach mixture into the buttered skillet and drop the thick dough in 2-tablespoon portions over the fruit spaced evenly apart. Place on the grill over indirect heat and cook until the biscuits are golden brown and the fruit is bubbling, checking every 15 minutes. The cobbler will cook for about 1 hour. Cool at least another hour before serving, to allow the filling to thicken (while piping hot, it will be runny and thin).

Source: Weber.com

CHOOSING FRESH FISH IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE SMELL TEST

Reel ’em in

By Marco Buscaglia

If you decide to bring more fish and seafood into your diet, you’ll gain numerous health benefits from your meals, including lower levels of fat, large doses of heart-helping omega-3 fatty acids and high amounts of protein. But if you’re not careful, you may also bring yourself unexpected risks, like food poisoning. “When seafood goes bad, it doesn’t just impact the taste and nutritional benefits. It also can be a health risk,” says William Hallman, an ecology professor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. “Food inspections and regulations can keep tainted or spoiled seafood from being passed on to retailers but the consumer will have to exercise some judgment once that seafood is put out for sale.”

While most people who buy seafood rely on a quick sniff of the item to determine whether or not it’s still good, the smell test isn’t always reliable. Instead, you should do a quick visual inspection to ensure what you’re buying is safe.

The Food and Drug Administration offers the following guidelines when selecting fish:

• Only buy fish that is refrigerated or displayed on a thick bed of fresh ice.

• Fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or sour.

• Fish eyes should be clear and shiny. Cloudy eyes on a fresh fish mean that it’s likely been out of the water for a while and not quite as fresh as advertised.

• Whole fish should have firm flesh and red gills. The flesh should spring back when pressed.

• Fish fillets should not be discolored or dark. They should have no signs of dryness along the edges.

• Shrimp, scallop and lobster flesh should be clear with a pearl-like color and little or no odor.

• Fresh fish and fish fillets sold marked as “Previously Frozen” may not have all the characteristics of fresh fish but they should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or sour.

LIVE OPTIONS

If you’re purchasing live lobsters or crabs, you should choose the ones that are the most lively. If you’re buying mussels, oysters or clams, follow that same advice. “It’s a little harder to see an active clam because

they don’t move as much as crabs or lobsters but they should be tightly closed,” says Patricia Stetson, a Boston-based caterer. “When you prepare them, throw away any open mussels that don’t close when you tap them. Once cooked, clams should be open. If they remain closed, it means they’re undercooked or have gone bad. In either case, throw them away.”

FRESH IS BEST

If you purchase fresh seafood, it’s best to prepare and eat it as soon as possible, either the day of purchase or the day after. If you plan on freezing fresh fish, ask for your selection to be double-wrapped. It’s also important to make sure your fish, whether refrigerated or frozen, is kept cold at all times. “If you’re buying fish, you shouldn’t do your shopping early and leave your fish in the car while you run other errands,” says Stetson. “If you shop at a fish market and won’t return home for a while, bring along a cooler and pack your fish with ice in the car. Fresh fish has a unique taste. If you let it lose its temperature or thaw, you won’t be able to achieve that same taste if you refrigerate or freeze it once you get home. It may be a subtle difference to most people but if you are a fan of seafood, you’ll notice.”

Grilling fish is a challenge but not if you do your prep work

Are you still intimidated by grilling fish? Do you have culinary nightmares about swordfish chunks falling through your grill grates? Maybe you turned your back on a few shrimp kabobs and ended up with a burnt mess. Whatever happened, don’t worry; you can put it in your past. Check out our three tips for grilling fish:

1. A clean grill is key. Don’t even think about grilling fish without giving your grill a thorough cleaning with a wire brush.

2. Always pre-heat your grill and your grate to medium to medium-high. It’s important to heat your grate since that’s where your fish will be cooked. A cool grill will result in fish sticking to the grill.

3. When prepping your fish, brush it on both sides with cooking oil. Mayonnaise works, too, but it depends on your tastes. If you prep your fish properly with oil, not only does it help prevent the fish from sticking to the grill, it also makes your seasoning stick better.

Photo by iSawRed on Unsplash

GREAT GRILLING AWAITS WITH THESE HELPFUL ACCESSORIES

BBQ bounty

Grillaholics Grill

Basket, $27.95

Get those vegetables diced and sliced and then put them in the Grillaholics Grill Baset, which offers accurate heat and air circulation. Smaller basket openings are best for steamed vegetables; the large openings in the Grill Basket will give your veggies more contact with the grill itself for that charred taste that screams summer.

JOMVERL Kabob Skewers, $5.99

These flat, 14-inch metal barbecue skewers, made of stainless steel, are rust-proof and heat-and corrosion-resistant, so you won’t need to trash them mid-summer for a new set. The skewers hold significant chunks of food and are designed to keep the griller’s hands away from the hot grill.

Winco TN719 Blade

Hamburger Turner, $4.99

Yeah, you make oversize burgers—what of it?! Don’t even worry about smashing your pre-cooked burger into a pancake, as long as you have the Winco heavy-duty turner. This Winco beauty, with its wooden handle and stainless steel turner, will make easy work of flipping those big burgers.

OXO Good Grips 16”

Grilling Tongs, $17.99

This grill-friendly beast has a locking mechanism that will help secure your food and fit in the dishwasher. And the always-necessary loop allows the cook to hang these tongs—made of sturdy stainless steel and accented non-slip handles and thumb rests—out of the way until needed.

ThermoPro TP20

Meat Thermometer,

Priced higher than most meat thermometers, sure, but the extra features make the ThermoPro TP20 well worth it. With dual meat probes, this wireless thermometer has a 500-foot range, which means you can monitor your food or while hanging out with your cookout guests. The ThermoPro TP20 is accurate to 1.8 degrees F and can withstand temperatures up to 716 degrees F.

DRINK-THEMED GIFTS HELP KEEP SUMMER COOL

Big gulps

YETI Rambler Wine

Tumbler, $25

Let the sun beat down all it wants—your drink will stay cold with the YETI Rambler, a 10-oz., vacuuminsulated, stainless steel wine tumbler. And you won’t need to worry about an errant frisbee knocking over your beverage, thanks to the Rambler’s MagSlider lid, which uses magnets to keep your drink safe and secure. Although no one wants to think about snow and ice in the middle of the summer heat, it’s nice to know the Rambler— available in numerous colors—will keep your drink hot in the dead of winter.

Picnic Time 2-Bottle, 4-Piece Insulated

Wine & Cheese

Cooler Set, $80 Whether you’re headed to an outdoor concert or to a July 4 fireworks display, class things up a bit with this wine and cheese cooler, which includes a waiter-style corkscrew, cheese knife and an acacia wood serving board tucked into a convenient front pocket. Cleaning up isn’t a problem. Just wipe the waxed-cottonand-canvas fabric clean and things will be as good as new.

CB’s Nuts-Lightly

Salted Peanuts in 12 oz. bags, $11

Indulge in some organic roasted peanuts this summer, created in small batches in a slow-roasting process that promotes flavor and then locks it in. These peanuts, grown in the United States, are infused with sea salt and water through the shell and then dried and roasted in restored barrels. They make a great snack while providing a satisfying protein boost. Peanuts are available in two flavors: sea salt and jalapeno.

Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage and Wine

Chiller, $100

Nothing takes the joy out of summer faster than a warm beer. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, check out the Cooper Cooler, which quickly chills beverages using a patented process that rotates beverages while simultaneously spraying them with ice water. This bad boy will cool a 12-oz beverage can from 77 degrees to 43 degrees in about 1 minute and an extra chill setting knocks that temperature down to 34 degrees. The cooler can also chill bottles of wine and other beverages.

Shot Glass Roulette

Novelty Gifts

Drinking Party Game, $29.99

A great party game for those neighborhood backyard bashes where everyone can walk home, this shot glass roulette combines two mainstays of America— drinking and gambling. This game is designed for two to eight players, so grab some friends and a bottle of your favorite drink and get spinning.

MASTERING FARMERS MARKETS CAN HAVE TASTY, HEALTHY BENEFITS

Fresh for all

If you’re looking for fresh and unique produce this summer, head to your nearest farmers market. For some, that’s standard fare but for others—those used to getting their fruit and vegetables from the local supermarket—the very idea of a farmers market might be a little intimidating. Well, prepare your palette for everything from heirloom tomatoes to artisan honey to organic kale to eggs. Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of this summer’s fresh produce extravaganzas:

Seek and find: Locate farmers markets in and out of your neighborhood. You can do a search online for local markets as well as ones that might be at the end of a nice, open-air drive. Once you find places you like, map them out. Typically, markets are only a few hours long, take place weekly—on a weekend or weekday—and are in the same locations, so create a map and make a schedule for your summer searching.

Look and learn: You’ll find that fruit and vegetable flavors are livelier because they aren’t forced to grow when or where they don’t want to grow. They don’t have to adapt to their surroundings and instead are free to focus on growing to their full potential from the start.

Embrace uniqueness: Look at the produce and see how each individual piece has its own personality versus everything looking uniform in a grocery store. Those variations can make for subtle differences in taste and interesting presentations.

Get there early: Show up at the markets as they open. If you’re there at the onset of the day, the crowds will be smaller and you’ll improve your chances of getting the best picks.

Follow farms: If you find products from a farm you like, you can probably find their produce any given week since they’re likely to show up at a handful of farmers markets in the same area.

Go on an adventure: Explore new tastes by trying unfamiliar produce, oils, herbs, breads and more. You may be intimidated by foods you’ve never seen before and that’s a good thing. Adding some variety to your meals can only improve your life and possibly, your health.

Ask questions: If you want to know when the produce is at its freshest, how an unfamiliar item tastes or whether or not its been chemically treated, who better to ask than the farmer who planted, tended to and harvested the food?

What’s inside counts: Be aware that the appearance of food isn’t always an indicator of awesomeness. Apples can look the same but what’s inside—what you cannot see— matters most. Ask the provider when the produce was harvested and transported so you’re not judging it by appearance only.

Try new things: You’re going to see fruits and vegetables you don’t recognize, but don’t let that scare you. Ask a few questions and give it a try. Learn about something you’d skip and you might find a culinary gem.

Eat up: Not all farmers market fare is meant to be enjoyed at home. In fact, you’ll find some amazing local cuisine at your local farmers markets. From empanadas to donuts, you can have your fill of some healthy—and unhealthy— gems to help tide you over until you get home to prepare and eat the greatest salad in history.

Photo by Nong V on Unsplash

NATURE’S SUMMER DRINK CAN BE FLAVORED TO SUIT ALL TASTES

Tea it up

Picture a glass of iced tea. What do you see?

Chances are, you imagine a glass of the muddy, vaguely tea-flavored stuff we’ve all grown up with. Or the thick, Deep South, sugar-laden syrup known as “sweet tea.”

Today, as hot tea has evolved to include more blends, brews and flavors, iced tea has changed, too. It’s become more exotic, more flavorful and better for you.

“Tea is such an amazing drink, because it’s a healthy option, there’s tons of flavors to choose from and it’s super easy to make,” says Nadia De La Vega, tea content specialist for tea retailer DAVIDsTEA. “Although we do love a cup of hot tea, during the summer we’re sipping our refreshing iced teas.”

Compared with other cool summer standbys like soda and juice, iced tea is a low-calorie option. Unsweetened iced tea contains about two calories and zero grams of sugar, while an 8-ounce can of regular soda has 90 calories and 24 grams of sugar. Fruit juice in the recommended 4-ounce serving size contains 50-60 calories and around 10 grams of sugar (natural, not added, sugar, but sugar nonetheless).

Tea delivers the added benefit of lots of good-for-you qualities.

“Both black tea and green tea contain flavonoids and antioxidants, called catechins, which may protect against certain cancers, protect against heart disease, reduce plaque buildup on teeth and help strengthen bones,” says Becky Kerkenbush, a clinical dietitian and media representative for the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Tea tips: Want to brew a glass of the good stuff this summer? These pointers will help:

• Pick the right stuff. Old-school iced tea is typically made from powdered teas or instant teas, or it’s sold ready-made in bottles. Avoid these if you want to drink iced tea with the most flavor-andhealth punch.

“People tend to think of iced tea primarily in the oversweetened bottled options, or, heaven forbid, the powered tea drinks,” says Cynthia Fazekas, the master blender for Adagio Teas. “These have very little of tea’s natural taste and health benefits to offer.”

Instead, opt for loose-leaf tea, or, for more interesting flavor combinations, tea blends.

DAVIDsTEA’s Caribbean Crush, for example, features pineapple, papaya, cranberry and hibiscus and tastes like a slightly tart fruit punch, while its Goji Green blend includes green tea, goji berries, oranges and raspberries.

• Brew it right. Making iced tea usually means starting with hot tea that you either add ice to, or let cool and refrigerate. If you’re going with ice, brew your hot tea with twice the amount of tea you’d usually use. This is because as the ice melts, it waters down the tea. Starting with extra-strong tea ensures the final product still tastes flavorful. If you’re going the refrigerator route, just brew tea as you normally would (although you may need twice the amount of patience.)

Many manufacturers, like Adagio and DAVIDsTEA, offer products that make brewing iced tea much more convenient. Adagio offers pre-measured iced tea pouches, while DAVIDsTea’s Cold Brew Collection is designed to be brewed in cold water, allowing you to skip the hot step entirely.

• Add flavor and garnish. Here’s where tea really meets summer: extra flavor and garnishes. Keep things on the lowcalorie side by getting sweetness from a little bit of honey, maple syrup or fruit juice. If you’ve brewed a blend, taste it first — you may find it doesn’t even need sweetener.

“One of the cool features of our iced teas is that you rarely need to add sweetener,” De La Vega says. “Most of our blends are specially designed to taste amazing on their own.”

Otherwise, experiment with pretty much anything. A squeeze of lemon or lime, chunks of fruit like watermelon, strawberry or pomegranate, or a dash of tart, unsweetened cranberry or cherry juice. Even herbs like basil, mint or rosemary can add a surprising and delicious dimension of flavor. Or, keep it simple.

“Personally, I love a simple iced tea like Orange Pekoe with slices of lemon and a bit of honey,” De La Vega says.

Photo by Julia

D’Alkmin on Unsplash

Rightline Gear Range

Jr Weatherproof

Rooftop Cargo

Carrier, $79.95

Sure, you could load up your vehicle with luggage and beach toys and baby stuff or you could get a rooftop carrier, pack a small bag of what you need for the next stop and have some space for you and your fellow travelers. It’s much easier—and less stressful—to put the bulk of your items on the roof of your car. This bag, from Rightline Gear, will help you pack away the nonimmediate essentials and travel happily down the road.

buys

TRAVEL-BY-CAR ESSENTIALS CAN MAKE GOOD ROAD TRIPS GREAT Highway

Ecoangel

Rechargeable LED

Road Flares

Emergency Lights-6 Beacon Disc Pack, $45.99

A must-have emergency kit for anyone embarking on a Point A to Point B (to Point C to Point D) trip. While no one plans on getting stuck on the side of the highway, accidents happen, as do empty fuel tanks, overheating engines and more, so keep your family safe with this set of magnetic LED lights that can be attached to your vehicle. These waterproof lights can be charged at home or in your car.

Bose Noise

Canceling

Headphones 700, $379.99

When switching drivers during a long stint on the road, it’s important the person taking the break can grab a quick nap or simply disconnect from the universe for a bit to recenter and rest up. These noise-canceling headphones do the job—and more. There are 11 levels of active noise canceling to let you enjoy distractionfree music and podcasts and screen those dreaded calls from work.

Alaska Bear Silk Sleep

Mask, $9.99

Now that your vehicle—thanks to your headphones—has been soundproofed, you might want to do something about that visual noise. Enter the Alaska Bear sleep mask. Made from organic mulberry silk, this mask is naturally breathable, hypoallergenic and non-absorbent. Also, if you plan on driving before the sun comes up, these masks are great for kids, who for some reason are really bothered by an unexpected scorching sun shining in their faces.

Helteko Backseat Car Organizer-2 Pack,

$25.99

While a back-of-theseat organizer may not be the most aesthetically pleasing car accessory, you can help organize your passenger’s items and place them all within reach. This Helteko organizer has nine storage compartments in various sizes. And check out the kick mats, which are a welcome feature for anyone who has witnessed the seemingly millions of footprints on the backs of seats from kicking toddlers or feet-resting children.