#Fireworks laws vary by state, but any form of firework can be dangerous if used carelessly. Sparklers account for the largest percentage (14%) of fireworks injuries annually — more than mortar-style shells and firecrackers. To keep your Fourth of July festivities safe, never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, says the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Light fireworks one at a time and step back to a safe distance quickly. Never attempt to relight or pick up a firework that fails to ignite. And keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or mishaps. #FireworksSafety
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Embracing Summer’s Bounty
#Summertime offers an embarrassment of riches — warm weather, #holidays to celebrate and cookouts galore. If you don’t like the heat, there are air-conditioned #summer blockbusters, pool parties and water sports to help keep cool.
Summer delivers bounty in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, too. Whether you grow your own favorites in a backyard #garden or visit the local farmer’s market, there’s no match for fresh, flavorful produce harvested in season.
Here at The Organizing Blog, we enjoy growing heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, hot peppers, chard and herbs — and with the recent heat wave, are looking forward to a bumper crop. In less than a month, we’ll be running out of ways to use it all!
We’ll grill sweet corn and summer squash. We’ll bake zucchini bread and tomato-and-chard tarts. We’ll blend up potato-leek soup, basil pesto and fresh salsa. And we’ll make a host of other dishes that celebrate summer.
There are ways to keep enjoying that bounty year-round, say the chefs at The Chopping Block. Some vegetables can be blanched and frozen, and even more can be pickled and canned. And to enjoy a summery entrée later in the year, cook an extra and freeze it for a wintry day.
Even as you discover creative new ways to eat your way through the season, consider for a second whether your material bounty — your stockpile of owned, nonperishable things — is getting out of hand.
Summer is a great time to cull through those possessions and #organize. Cold weather won’t get in the way of #decluttering, and you can always stage a #garage sale to make a little money off the things you no longer want or need.
You can also #donate lightly used #clothing and household goods to ClothingDonations.org year-round with a #free #donation #pickup. Resale of those goods helps fund valuable #veterans programs.
However you choose to embrace summer’s bounty, remember that it won’t be around for long. Now’s your chance to enjoy everything that summer has to offer! #SummerBounty
Keep Your Car Organized on a Road Trip
#Organization is the name of the game if you want to keep your car #clean during an extended #road trip with family and friends. The glove compartment should be your command center, a story in Rochester Local says, and contain a cord case; a pouch of sanitizing wipes, over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies; a file of insurance documents and important travel confirmation information; and a flashlight. In the main cabin and boot, uses suitcases and bins to sort the #stuff you’re bringing on the trip; remember, you can often find good lightly used luggage, bins, coolers and other containers for cheap at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org. #SummerRoadTrip
Pack the Essentials for Your Summer Road Trip
Make a checklist of essential items to pack for your #summer #road trip, says Systems by Susie. Besides the obvious — clothing and toiletries — remember to pack important documents such as your license, registration and proof of insurance, a first aid kit, a spare tire, and a roadside emergency kit. You’ll also want to pack any chargers and cables, games and perhaps a neck pillow for the backseat passengers. Make hotel reservations, get your car checked and hit the road! And “don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity and flexibility,” she says. “Road trips are about the freedom to explore, so allow yourself to take detours, discover hidden gems, and adapt your plans as you go.” #SummerRoadTrip
Packing for a Summer Road Trip
It’s always a challenge to pack sensibly for a #summer road trip; you need to prepare for planned stops and unseen eventualities while maximizing space and comfort inside the car. Reset Your Nest suggests having a water bottle for every person in the car, preferably ones that fit in a cupholder and avoid spillage. You will need also need a cooler for canned beverages and any fresh snacks such as cheese and fruit. A roll of paper towels is a good idea, as is a trash bag (or two). You’ll want to bring or subscribe to a selection of your preferred music/podcasts, since rural areas tend to have few radio stations. And finally, pack some activities for the kids or memorize the rules to a few road trip games. #SummerRoadTrip