Holiday Weekend BBQ Menu

Today is the start of the holiday weekend! I am excited for a few reasons. One is that its in the 50's here in Arizona today, and should be in the low 70's and 80's through Monday. Two is that, weather permitting, we are going to finish our front yard "remodel" this weekend. Pictures should be coming soon! Three is that we are having our first official summer party on Monday afternoon. As I said in a previous post, I am here to post my final menu and give some last minute decor ideas.

Menu
Onion dip with potato chips
Brats with all the fixins' (buns, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, etc.)
Ranch beans, the ones from a can, they are so tasty!
Garden salad with a variety of dressings
Fruit
Patriotic sugar cookies
Ice cream
Beer from our keggerator

I'm keeping it pretty simple in terms of decor. I bought some nice outdoor lights at Michaels that I plan to hang around our patio. They can stay up all summer since they are meant for the outdoors and can withstand the weather. Summer flowers will adorn the kitchen table since I will be serving inside. Hopefully I'll have time to buy some citronella candles as well in patriotic colors for other small areas around our yard. At the same time I hope to get some outdoor dinnerware.

The sugar cookies are my favorite part of the weekend. I'm using red, white, and blue sprinkles and a new sugar cookie recipe. I'll definitely post some pictures of these when they are finished. Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Celebrate The Sun And Your Skin

This is the time of year that everyone wants to worship the sun. Weekends are spent laying out or in the water, and weekdays are spend dreaming of doing those things. After having several cases of skin cancer in my family, I have become obsessed with wearing some kind of protection at all times. So in celebration of the three day weekend, the nice weather, and the water, I have decided to spend a little time talking about my favorite sun care products.

In the summer months, I find it easiest to start the day with face protection. Instead of using the usual moisturizer after I wash my face, I use Banana Boat Sunwear Faces. It's SPF 30 and oil free, so you don't feel like you are wearing anything different. Even if all you are doing is going back and forth from the house to the car, or running errands, your face will stay protected. Of course, if I'm going to be spending extra time outdoors, I reapply often, and even better, try to wear a hat. I must admit, I'm not much of a hat wearer, but I know it helps so I do try, a little.

If you are going to be spending some time outdoors, either by yourself or with friends, or as the host of a party, make sure to also protect the rest of your body. The last thing you need is to be burned while trying to pull off the latest BBQ recipe and serving your favorite cocktail. My routine includes two different types, the spray kind, and the lotion kind. If I am going to be doing anything where I will be in and out of direct sun for under one hour, I use the spray kind. My choice is Coppertone Continuous Sport in SPF 15. It's quick and easy to apply and gets the job done.

When it's heavy sun time, or water time, I go with Banana Boat Sunblock Sport in SPF 30. This stuff is great! It stays on when you are in the water and doesn't leave any kind of "lotion feel" on your body. Plus, the bottle is large and lasts for a while, which is perfect for your wallet. I also discovered the Target is selling travel size bottles in their travel section. I bought a few and added one to my purse so I have it on hand whenever the sun calls my name.

My last note is when hosting an outdoor gathering, take a cute bucket such as an ice bucket or small galvanized tub and put different sun care items in it for your guests to use. They will appreciate the gesture, and so will their skin!

Perfect For A Holiday Weekend BBQ

Even though its only Monday, I am already preparing for the upcoming holiday weekend! I love a good excuse to have an outdoor celebration so a BBQ around our pool with friends is a must. I'll be posting my menu with recipe ideas once I have it finalized, but in the meantime, I'd like to share a great way to spruce up any outdoor party. Instead of using plastic or paper plates, or even your everyday dishes, purchase the outdoor version instead!

There are so many different, and inexpensive, outdoor dishes available right now. Colors and patterns vary, but all of them scream summer. I've seen plates as low as $1.50 each and with bowls, cups, and serving pieces to match. You don't need to buy the entire set, but feel free to mix and match. Don't want to spring for the matching patterned glasses? Try finding cheaper glasses in a corresponding solid. If solid dishes are more your style, cover your table with a patterned table cloth or use patterned glasses or napkins. You can use your dishes all summer long and it's a nice break for your "regular stuff". Made of Melamine, most are dishwasher safe as well, which is definitely appealing to those who host parties often.

Below are a very that I like. I will let you know which ones I end up buying this week!

Celebrate Spring With Backyard Furniture

As I have previously mentioned, we are in the process of "remodeling" our backyard. I'm sure that we aren't the only ones happy to have spring upon us (although for us, it will be in the 100's in a matter of weeks). While Chris was busy determining the new landscaping, I was busy figuring out how to replace my cheap plastic chaise lounge with some "real" furniture, two chaise lounges to be exact. As I was doing research, I was shocked by the price of outdoor furniture. We are talking $600+ for a table and chairs, and $200+ for each chaise lounge. If it was going to be inside my house, fine, but the fact that it will be taking a beating from the sun and heat, well that's just ridiculous.

LUCKILY, my parents came to the rescue! My mom found some wonderful chaise lounges at Linens n Things. Not only were they inexpensive, but sturdy and made of rust-free metal. You can use a 20% off coupon, and they also accept competitors coupons, specifically from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Be smart and get two, then its 20% off each chair. This is why they are my Item of the Week! What exactly is that you might ask? It's a new thing I'm starting to showcase one new (or not new) home item that tops my favorites list for the week. This week its my new patio furniture. It's a stylish edition to any backyard and is perfect for that twenty something who doesn't want to break the bank to spend a little more time outdoors. Thanks Mom and Dad!

P.S. Actual photos of the furniture in my backyard will be coming shortly.