4 TIPS FOR PLANNING A SUMMER FAMILY VACATION

 

(Family Features) As stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip. However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions.

Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips.

Destination: Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if it's just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine.

CleanlinessClean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines. When selecting a place to stay during your trip, consider whole-home vacation rentals so your family has the privacy of having the entire property to yourselves, and make sure to review the cleaning measures that have been implemented. Measures to look for include cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, stocking antibacterial soap and sanitizers for guests, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays and offering minimal contact check-in and check-out options.

Activities: Although many amusement parks, tourist attractions and businesses have re-opened, their hours may be limited and there may be capacity restrictions, so be sure to research requirements for tickets and admission and plan your trip accordingly. Consider accommodations for your trip that include built-in activities for your family, such as a private pool, or opt for less-crowded destinations like mountain cabins or lake houses to enjoy a change of scenery.
Find summer getaway options at vrbo.com.
 
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Vrbo

COOKOUT CRAVINGS: APPEASE SUMMER APPETITES WITH GRILLED FARE

 

(Family Features) The first thought that comes to mind when picturing grilling in the summer sun might be a perfectly cooked steak or a juicy burger, but no backyard barbecue is complete without the all-important sides and beverages that complete the meal.

Whether you're pairing a main protein with separate side dishes or going all-in-one by combining tender chicken with veggies on skewers, the opportunities are endless for a crave-worthy cookout.

Find more summer grilling recipes at Culinary.net.

5 Steps for Sizzling Steak

A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from one that's perfectly grilled are hard to match.

Before you fire up your grill, consider these five basics for cooking a chef-worthy steak:

Prepare Your Cut
Taste preferences (and prices) may differ among sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and more, but the way you prepare steaks likely won't change much from cut to cut. You'll want to trim the thickness down to 1/2-1 inch for proper cooking, and setting the meat out ahead of time allows it to warm to room temperature before hitting the grill.

Add Some Salt
Feel free to add any spices you prefer, but remember a good steak typically doesn't require fancy seasoning - a pinch of salt works just fine. Add your salt anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling time to help retain moisture and improve flavor.

Aim for High Heat
A two-zone fire is usually the way to go - one side of the grill should be hot (using direct heat) with the other side not quite as warm (indirect heat). This allows you to create a sear over direct heat before finishing cooking through - without burning - over indirect heat.

Sear and Slide
Cooking your steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes on each side is normally about right for creating a proper sear. At this point, depending on the thickness of your steak, you'll want to check for doneness. If it's not quite to the temperature you're looking to achieve, simply slide it over to the indirect heat for a finishing touch. Keep in mind these general guidelines for doneness: 120-125 F is rare, 130-135 F is medium-rare, 140-145 F is medium, 150-155 F is medium-well and 160-175 F is well done.

Let Rest
Finally, as hungry as you may be at this point, resting steaks is an important last step before diving in. Giving your steaks 5-10 minutes (foil or no foil) allows flavors to redistribute and moisture to be retained in the meat.

Less Prep, More Summer with a Skewered Solution

Make summer grilling easy and delicious by cooking your side dish and main dish together so you can spend more time outdoors and less time meal planning. These Grilled Greek Kebabs pair cubed chicken thighs with little potatoes on skewers, making for a classic cookout combo.

With no washing or peeling required, Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company require little prep, which helps make this recipe a breeze, and they cook quickly on the grill. Just marinate your chicken and potatoes with this zesty dressing and prepare for a taste bud-tingling backyard barbecue.
Visit littlepotatoes.com/summertime for more summer grilling recipes.

Grilled Greek Kebabs

Dressing/Marinade:

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons, zest and juice only
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 3 teaspoons mayonnaise
• Skewers:
• 2 cups The Little Potato Company Dynamic Duo bagged Creamer Potatoes, cut in half
• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 wooden skewers dipped in water
• pita bread (optional)

Salad:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 sliced Lebanese cucumbers
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives

To make dressing/marinade: In measuring cup, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, Dijon mustard, garlic and sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into large bowl. Refrigerate remaining.

To prepare skewers: Add potatoes and chicken pieces to bowl with marinade. Mix well to coat and marinate 30 minutes, or as long as overnight in refrigerator.

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Skewer potatoes and chicken cubes alternately on wooden skewers. Grill 6-8 minutes on both sides.

Grill pita bread, if desired.

Finish dressing by adding mayonnaise.

To make salad: In large serving dish, mix tomatoes, cucumber, onions, feta cheese and olives. Place kebabs on top and drizzle with dressing.

Serve with grilled pita bread, if desired.

Sipping on Sweetness

When it's summertime, many people crave something cold and fruity. Simply combine frozen strawberries with frozen pink lemonade concentrate to create a cool concoction perfect for a sizzling day. This fizzy summertime treat can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the sun's rays.

Find more summer drink recipes at Culinary.net.

Strawberry Spritzer

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed
• 2 liters lemon-lime soda, chilled
• 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

1. In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly.
2. Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade.

A Simple Stuffed Side

Whether you need a quick appetizer or something to snack on, these Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes make for an appealing bite.

Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of Culinary.net

• 24-48 cherry tomatoes
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
• 3 green onion stalks, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced dill
• fresh dill, for garnish

1. Cut thin slice off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Invert tomatoes on paper towel to drain.
   In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in cucumber, green onion and dill. Spoon mixture into tomatoes. Top with fresh dill.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Steak)
SOURCE:
The Little Potato Company
Culinary.net

UPGRADE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

 

(Family Features) Home improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value.

Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a
survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year.

"Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has clean lines and a unique custom look."

Custom-built and prefabricated kitchens are also in high demand, Garcia said, along with recreation features like putting greens, bocce ball and basketball courts. Hardscape features that add function and ambiance top many homeowners' lists, as well. Examples include fire pits and fire tables, as well as water features like fountains, waterfalls, basalt columns and bubbling urns.


Understanding Landscaping Elements
Creating the ideal outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and a holistic approach to landscaping.

Typically, when people consider landscaping, they think of plants and flowers.

However, landscaping includes a wide range of elements in an outdoor design that can generally be grouped into two main categories: hardscape and softscape.

Understanding the components and options within each category can help you create a cohesive design for maximum enjoyment.

The hardscape encompasses the man-made elements that bring function and aesthetic appeal to the design. Examples include concrete pavers, natural stone features, seating and retaining walls, wood and composite decks, pergolas, fencing and synthetic lawns.

Softscape elements are the living components that add beauty and character to your outdoor space. These include the grass, shrubs, trees, flowers and plants. Your softscape may also include enhancements like mulch and an irrigation system to help care for the vegetation.

Although the hardscape and softscape elements are distinct, an effective landscape design integrates both to create the look and feel you want for your outdoor living space.

Getting Started
Once you’ve considered the landscaping features necessary to bring your vision to life, it's time to get your project in motion. Set a budget and consider whether you will need professional support to make your design ideas a reality. A remodeling expert can guide you on how to achieve the look you desire with your home's unique characteristics in mind, while helping manage your timeline and expenses.

Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your community at remodelingdoneright.com.
 
Content courtesy of DPG Pavers and Design
SOURCE:
National Association of the Remodeling Industry

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT MOWER FOR YOU

 

(Family Features) Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for an upgrade, deciding what lawn mower to purchase deserves careful consideration. Similar to day-to-day life, new technology over the last five years, specifically in the gas mower industry, is making it easier to maintain your lawn.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, consider these tips to find the perfect tool to match your needs.

Yard Size
Looking at the size of your yard is the first step in determining the best mower for your needs. Walk-behind mowers work well for yards that are 1/2 acre or less, but for yards 1-3-acres or larger, a zero-turn rider (ZTR) or riding mower may be appropriate.

Terrain
A small, flat yard may only require a walk-behind mower. If your yard is sloped or hilly, you may prefer a self-propelled mower rather than one you have to push. A walk-behind mower with big back wheels is easier to maneuver across rough terrain. Riding mowers and ZTRs can handle varied terrain, although some handle better on slopes than others.


Engine
Engines are one of the most important factors affecting a mower’s performance, so purchasing one with a quality engine is essential.

For example, Briggs & Stratton engines can be found on several brands of lawn mowers, including eight of the top 10 walk-behind brands. As a global leader in gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, these engines power mowers ranging from small walk-behinds to large ZTRs and riding mowers.

Special Features
While certain features may add to the cost of lawn mowers, many provide functions worth considering. One popular option is a mulching blade, which returns finely cut grass pieces to the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Another common choice is a bagging attachment, which is a grass-catching bag that can be affixed to the side or back of the mower to collect grass clippings.

Technology to Get the Job Done
Explore high-tech features that make mowing more manageable with these insights from professional home improvement contractor Jason Cameron, host of DIY Network’s “Desperate Landscapes.”

Avoid disturbing the neighbors. If finding time to mow means you might be inconveniencing your neighbors, a mower designed to operate quietly may be what you need. To take advantage of weekend mornings without bothering others, look into modern models, some of which even feature technology to make the mower quieter than the average gas mower.

Skip oil changes. Seasonal maintenance can help keep your mower in top condition, and new innovations allow you to skip the messiest part: oil changes. Some mowers, specifically those with Briggs & Stratton’s No Oil Changes technology, are built with the intent that you never have to change the oil; you can simply check the level at the beginning of the season and add what you need.

Get an assist starting the engine. You can forget the days when starting a mower was a hassle; many of today’s gas-powered mowers feature the starting reliability of lithium-ion battery technology, so you can unleash the power of gas with the push of a button.

Save space in the garage. If storage is a challenge in your garage, look for a compact model with Briggs & Stratton’s Mow N’ Stow technology, which makes storage easy. This patented design allows owners to fold the mower and store it upright without fuel or oil leaks, saving you up to 70% of the storage space in your garage or shed.

Explore more ways to put technology to work in your yard at briggsandstratton.com.

SOURCE:
Briggs & Stratton

PLAN AHEAD FOR PEAK TRAVEL SEASONS

 

(Family Features) A family getaway is the perfect chance to unwind and reconnect with loved ones away from the distractions of daily life. However, peak travel times like Fourth of July weekend are some of the busiest times of the year, which can mean limited options.

Booking travel early not only gives you more time to get excited leading up to your trip – it gives you more time to plan, helping take some of the stress out of family vacation.

“The key is to book vacation homes before traffic peaks, so you’ll find the best selection for the amount you want to pay,” said Melanie Fish, Vrbo family travel expert. “There are clear times when demand surges. Booking your stay before that surge ensures you’ll get that house with a pool right on the beach or that mountain cabin with enough beds for all the cousins.”

If you’re considering one of these high travel periods for a family trip in 2020, get ahead of the curve with these tips for advance booking dates from the travel experts at Vrbo.

Summer
Summer is the ultimate time to take a family beach vacation, and for the best selection you’ll want to make reservations before the end of April, especially if you’re considering a vacation home. Staying in a vacation home can take the stress out of a family summer vacation, particularly as extra space means extra bedrooms for the adults to relax after the kids go to bed. Top destinations with many vacation homes to choose from include Panama City Beach, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Fourth of July
Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, which means families from coast to coast will be enjoying a long weekend together, whether it’s the immediate clan or extended relatives, too. Be sure to make travel arrangements by late May for the best selection and rates. The Florida and Alabama coasts are popular choices for a mid-summer getaway.

Labor Day
Often considered the final hurrah of summer, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to kick back and relax. A vacation home at the lake or beach can allow you to take advantage of amenities like outdoor grills so you can enjoy one last sun-kissed meal with the family. Make plans by the end of July, especially if you’re considering a popular destination like Myrtle Beach.

Find more travel tips and start planning your family getaway at vrbo.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Vrbo

GET AWAY WITHOUT GOING AWAY

 

5 family staycation ideas that won’t break your budget

(eLivingtoday.com) Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.

However, a staycation – a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) – can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel.

Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.

Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.

Camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.

Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

HERE'S A GREAT GARDENING TIP

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