Last week’s heat wave may have only been a harbinger of what’s to come in August. To beat the heat, proper ventilation is your best strategy, Real Simple says. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, place fans in the windows facing outward to draw hot air out of the house. Fans can also add to your air-conditioned comfort by circulating the drier, cooler air by adding a gentle breeze inside the home. And you can make your own air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan — and placing yourself in front of that.
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Stay Organized All Summer Long
Everyone wants to make the most of their summer leisure time, but the added burden of managing all of that extra summertime stuff can be overwhelming. Let’s say you love going to the beach, for example. Do you really need two coolers, several inflatables and a ladder golf set to have fun?
That junk takes up space in your car and home, and you’ll have to find an out-of-the-way place to put it when summer is over. That’s why you should keep your summer stuff organized and at the ready for when you need it, while also storing only the essentials in the off season.
By this point in the season, you should have already disposed of any summer clothing you haven’t worn this year and/or didn’t wear last year by bagging it up and #donating it to ClothingDonations.org. That stuff has #cluttered your closets for months, tempting you with thoughts of summer fun — and guess what? It hasn’t delivered.
When it comes to a summer outing, try to keep the things you have to bring (and later find a place for) at a minimum. If you’re headed to the beach, pack a bag of the essentials — sunblock, towels, (deflated) inflatables and sunglasses — and keep it at the ready so the day doesn’t become all loading the car and no fun.
To keep from gathering too much stuff, the Krazy Coupon Lady says, borrow instead of buying. Public libraries are a great source of books, movies and even power tools, and when you’re done using them, you can simply return them. Another suggestion? Read digital books and magazines to keep from having to shelve your summer reading long-term. And always borrow or rent a kayak, canoe or personal watercraft unless you know you’ll use it every week.
To keep summer-only stuff from creating #clutter throughout the home, establish “drop zones,” Simplify 101 says. “A hook or shelf by the main entrance/exit of your home makes a terrific drop zone. As an added bonus, this area can also serve as a launch pad when you’re ready to head out on your next summer outing.”
Summer is all about relaxation. To maximize your R&R, make it simple for yourself, your family and friends to get out and enjoy the weather without making packing, organization and storage a burdensome chore before and long after the outing. You’ll never miss that extra stuff.
Great Foodie Hacks for Grilling
Try a few foodie “hacks” if you want to look like a grill master. For instance, did you know that you can use Doritos as kindling for your fire? “It’s a wonder they’re used for anything else,” says WonderHowTo. To keep burgers moist, mix a tablespoon of butter into the mix, or form each patty around an ice chip or butter pat to help keep them from overcooking. Grilling atop wood planks, salt blocks and lemon slices imparts flavor to meat, vegetables and fish easily; and if you really want to look like the cookout king, grill something unexpected such as pineapple, watermelon or pizza.
Don’t Stress Out About Your Cookout
Want to keep your cookout stress-free? Prep everything before guests arrive, says the Travel Mamas blog. Marinate your meats and get sides ready to plate well ahead of time — or ask your guests to bring a covered dish to pass. Make sure you have sufficient propane or charcoal for your meal plan, and keep noshes separate from the cooking area to preserve the grill master’s creative space. Invite guests to help themselves to drinks, and consider offering entertainments such as bags or horseshoes. Finally, “Have fun,” the blog says. “When the host is relaxed and having fun, so will your guests.”
Basic Tips for Charcoal Grilling
Nothing beats a charcoal grill for real cookout flavor, but neophytes may be unsure how to achieve pro-quality results. First, says Spruce Eats, measure the fuel — more briquettes mean higher temperatures, so adjust the amount based upon the foodstuffs you’ll be grilling. A chimney starter is the best option for getting coals lit; once they’re glowing, you can arrange them into a uniform bed or “zones” to allow a dual-temperature cooktop. Oil and preheat the grill’s grate, then put those steaks, brats and vegetables on, further controlling cooking heat by adjusting the vents.