Tag: cookout

Gearing Up for America’s 250th Birthday

Posted on by Jordank

#America is about to #celebrate its 250th birthday. It’s the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and its subsequent reading in each of the 13 original colonies — a momentous event in the history of the world.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That call was truly revolutionary — a radical shift away from the top-down monarchies of the past that eventually helped cement democratic rule in nations throughout the world. That’s something to celebrate.

Planned observations may not rival the Bicentennial’s 200-year celebration, when kids (including your author) painted their fire hydrants red, white and blue; Johnny Cash served as Grand Marshal of a huge parade in the nation’s capital; and the Freedom Train roamed the country.

But there are still plenty of ways to observe Independence Day with reverence and patriotism. You can celebrate by learning about some of the courageous individuals who contributed to the United States’ separation from Britain; kids will find their stories inspiring and you’ll have conversational tidbits for your next cookout and fireworks display.

America 250 is inviting communities to join America’s Block Party, a two-day festival with a flagship live event in Los Angeles starring Queen Latifah, Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins. The party will promote a Giving 4th, a new tradition created to make Independence Day an annual day of #charitable #giving.

Speaking of charitable giving, there may be no better way to honor #freedom and #liberty than to #donate to the #veterans who fought to preserve it. ClothingDonations.org makes it easy by #picking up lightly used goods and reselling them to fund valuable #veterans programs throughout the country.

Whatever you choose to do in #celebration — be it a #parade, fireworks/drone display, cookout or a day of rest — you will be exercising those inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Have a safe and happy Fourth!

Remembrance, Rest and Relaxation

Posted on by Jordank

While #Memorial Day is intended to #honor the deceased, the living often take advantage of the unofficial first day of summer/day off by having a backyard #cookout with family and friends. Visit a cemetery to lay a wreath on the grave of your favorite #veteran or attend a memorial observance. Then, fly the flag at half-mast as you and yours indulge in all-American classics such as burgers, hot dogs and potato salad, suggests Taste of Home — and be sure to include a festive red-white-and-blue dish such involving mixed berries, cupcakes or Jell-O. #MemorialDay

Boundaries Can Keep Kids’ Summer Messes in Check

Posted on by Jordank

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to handling kids’ #summer messes, says The Maids. Set boundaries for kids: A mudroom drop-off tray for dirty socks and shoes can help household keep floors free of mud, grass and sand. Having children eat ice cream and popsicles outdoors plus a post-treat washup regimen can keep sticky hands away from, well, everything. Pick backseat snacks that won’t drip or spill, and pack a roll of paper towels or wipes in the car for spot #cleanups. And have a towel “tree” or clothesline available for wet towels and bathing suits. #Cleaning goes fast when most of the house is a mess-free zone. #SummerMesses

Conduct Resets to Keep Summer Messes at Bay

Posted on by Jordank

With #summer’s busy schedules, making memories often supersedes everyday tasks such as #cleaning. Learn to expect the routine #messes of dirty dishes, stacks of laundry or strewn-about toys — the kind of mess that differs from #clutter. “It’s a byproduct of being a living, breathing human being, and no matter who you are or how #organized you may be, there is no escaping it,” says decluttering expert Katie Joy Wells. Establish quick cleanup rituals or “resets” by taking a few minutes to put things back where they belong. Busy areas such as the kitchen might need a few quick resets per day. #SummerMesses

Keep Summer Fun(k) Where It Belongs

Posted on by Jordank

Fun in the sun often means dirt in the home. To keep those #summer messes at bay, think ahead and outsmart the mess, says Clean My Space. Lay down a liner or tarp before loading the car to prevent dirt, mud, gravel and pet hair from adhering to auto upholstery. Leave moisture-laden sporting goods, beach towels and coolers outdoors to dry rather than leaving them inside your vehicle or home. Keep sunscreens and bug sprays sequestered in freezer bags so they don’t leak on other items. Wet bags and totes can keep the mildewy funk of wet swimwear, beach toys and towels in check, too! #SummerMesses