I’m not quite sure where the month of June went but July is upon us. This month starts out with a bang, literally! The 4th of July is this Thursday.
Last year the drought in the Midwest kept most local fireworks displays from happening. This year we have had an excess of rain. The fireworks should go as planned if they don’t get washed out. If you’re planning a 4th of July celebration it’s always good to have a plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Check out these websites for ideas on celebrating the the 4th of July.
http://fun.familyeducation.com/fourth-of-july/holidays/32874.html
http://holidays.kaboose.com/july-4/
http://spoonful.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july-recipes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/4th-of-july/package/index.html
July is also National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Watermelon Month, and National Baked Bean Month. You would think all we do during this month is eat.
But since these foods are usually part of 4th of July picnics, family picnics, and many BBQ’s, I’ve included some websites to give you some different recipes using these foods. There’s nothing wrong with the plain and simple but if you can add some pizazz to your event, why not try something new.
National Hot Dog Month. All those summer BBQ’s seem to include the little (or not so little) red dog, grilled to perfection.
http://www.hot-dog.org/ht/d/sp/i/38571/pid/38571
http://www.recipe4living.com/articles/national_hot_dog_month.htm
National Ice Cream Month. The 3rd Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day but pick any day to celebrate with your family. Make homemade ice cream with or without an ice cream maker. The links below have recipes and instructions on how to do it. Oh, the simple pleasures of life don’t have to cost much. Just a little planning ahead can make a memorable sweet experience.
http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/ice-cream-desserts-00417000074424/
National Watermelon Month. Now is the time to buy those big red fruits and experiment with different ways of eating them. Find a couple of recipes from the links below that look good. On a day when it’s too hot for the children to play outside just pull out a recipe for all of you to make together.
National Baked Bean Month. Beans go great with those hot dogs and hamburgers. Check out some of the links below for recipes to make them special.
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_355.shtml
http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotbeans/r/bl15c11.htm
Staycation is the latest buzz word about vacations. If you can’t get away for a regular vacation, or even if you can, summer can be a long boring time without activities to do. Here is a blog post from a couple of years ago with some ideas on how to: “Vacation In Your Own Home Town”
My next blog post will include a whole lot more ideas for Staycations. If you’re not already signed up to receive blog posts updates by email you can do so here.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July!
Janice