July 2017

SUMMER'S SIZZLIN'
WITH
FUN IN THE SUN...

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Okay, this summer has been crazy because it has only reached 90 degrees maybe twice.  Normally, it's 100 degrees by June 1st & sometimes by the last week of May!  However, it's been great for heading outside to enjoy the great outdoors.

A view of Woolly Hollow lake from a paddle boat.

​In central Arkansas, we have an abundance of outside activities.  The lake (any lake really) is always a favorite, as well as hiking, biking, climbing the mountains or cliffs/bluffs, etc.   No matter where you live in Arkansas, there is always an outdoor activity waiting for you within 30-60 minutes, excluding snow stuff of course;-) Although, it did snow here in May a couple of years ago...what a surprise, but anyone here will tell you...That's Arkansas, you just never know what it will be like outside!

A view from the shoreline.

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​DECORATING FOR SUMMER FUN...

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Getting together with friends & family is a time we all look forward to; whether it's a holiday, picnic or cookout, it's all good to us!

It's Luau time, so put on your hula skirt & start your hula dancing!  Start with the size of the party.  The space needed for the Luau is usually outside & spacious; not to say you can't have an awesome mock-Luau inside, but the space will set the mood.  It will give a more authentic atmosphere with an outside location. The number of party people will also play a big part in the accommodations required.  
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​The back porch is the food center for this Luau because that's where the grill is located.  The backyard is the epicenter of the entertainment.  

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​ORGANIZING FOR SUMMER FUN...

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I always have reusable party supplies & decorations left over from our
"get together" so storing them is part of the process of cleaning up...

Let's start with the lighting.  I used some of the holiday lights, so they go back to the container they came from in the attic.  (We don't have as many basements in Arkansas because of all the rocky, clay soil.)  The tiki torches go back to the garden shed where they were being stored. The battery operated tea lights go back to the party box of decorations.  You should always take batteries out of items that are being stored for long periods of time to reduce the chance of battery acid leakage/corrosion, which can ruin all kinds of stuff & is unhealthy to touch too.  Please wash your hands quickly & thoroughly after handling any items that have leaked/corroded.

All of the plates, napkins, table cloths, etc. will be put in plastic baggies & packed away in plastic totes.  The tote has a label that way when it comes time to party again, I'll know right where to go get the supplies!

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​FUN SUMMER ART...

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Chalk is a fun activity that can easily be taken on a trip or used @ home.  Even though it can be messy, that's what the water hose is for afterward!  Everyone can join in to create their own doodles on the concrete or asphalt.

We've taken chalk to softball tournaments to occupy the girls in between long periods of waiting for the next game, to camp grounds where other kiddos have joined in, & cookouts @ the house before playing in the sprinklers!  If hosing off the kids isn't an option, have baby wipes on hand for quick clean up!

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SUMMER'S SIZZLIN' & GRILLIN' WITH GOOD EATS...

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Don't forget that foil packets are a great way to cook on the grill.  We love to make packets for cooking sides while we grill meat on the barby.  This time we loaded up the foil with purple cabbage, added a little EVOO (e. v. olive oil) with garlic salt & pepper, then sealed it up to set it & forget it until the meat is done. 

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