Essential Items Moms Need to Survive Summer

Summer has arrived in full force and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Kids are home, the weather is hot, and unless you have 7000 activities lined up, kids will complain of boredom within 37 seconds. So hit the store and be prepared with these essential tools for surviving an entire summer home with the children.

1. Head phones and music. Because kids having fun are loud. Kids annoyed or upset are loud. Kids bored out of their little skulls are loud. You're going to need some peace and quiet, and you'll only get that with a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones.

2. Reflective silver insulation. You know that thin weird stuff at the hardware store you always frown at? Pick up a roll. Cut it down to size so it fits in the children's bedroom windows perfectly. No gaps. This is important. Once this is done, you'll accomplish two things. First, you'll reduce your cooling bill by keeping the heat out, but who really cares about that? The real benefit will be blocking out the light so the kids don't realize the sun is up. Because we all know that when school's out, kids are up as soon they sense the sun. Buy yourself a little time each morning.

3. Sunscreen and bug spray. Not to use on the kids. You know darn well that those kids are not coming anywhere near you if you're threatening to slather or spray them with anything. Instead, these are the items you lose when you hit the beach or waterpark. Because everyone loses at least two things each trip. Better than the baby.

4. Water guns. Big ones. Then the kids can hunt each other in the yard, get wet and cooled down, and not bother you for fifteen minutes.

5. A list of chores. So when one of the kids cries about boredom, you can say, "Here. Bored kids sweep the porch." Post the list on the fridge and let the kids know what it's for. You'll be amazed how often they're not bored.

6. Drinks. Like lemonade, iced tea, or those fancy water enhancer things. You'll need to keep the kids hydrated and no one wants to drink water in the summer. This way you'll have a selection and no one moans. Yes, you could insist they drink water, but that will end with you losing your mind. Plan ahead.

7. A pool or at least a sprinkler. Think back to swimming in pools when you were a kid and you'll know why public pools are gross. Between the pee and occasional toddler actually pooping in the pool (it happens more than you think), you probably don't want to go to a public pool. Also, public pools suck for parents. Have water sports available at home as an alternative.

8. Towels and swimsuits. Multiples of each. Because you know they're going to get wet in the morning, change into dry clothes, and then want to get wet all over again, but not in the already-wet swimsuits. And no one likes wet towels.

9. Bubbles. Tons of fun to be had here by all ages. And, as a bonus, bubbles are basically soap. Once they're done with the bubbles, spray them off with the hose. Instant shower and the kids think it's hilarious.

10. Board games and such. Because not every day will be bright and sunny and you need a backup plan. If you don't have something to occupy them on yucky days, they'll eat the sofa.

11. Video games and movies. I know, I know. Screen time is evil and all that. But, seriously, on a rainy day, or a day when the humidity is out to murder you, these can occupy longer than that old game of checkers you have in the closet. Desperate times call for desperate measures. And screen time isn't the enemy. Two months of no school is the enemy.

12. Something just for Mom. If you want to come out the other side of summer in one piece, you need something just for you. Maybe it's a glass of wine before you go to bed. Maybe a chocolate bar you sneak when the kids are chasing each other outside. It might be a special book you read just a little of every morning. Whatever it is, make it something you never share.

You can survive summer. Trust me. It's only two months. You will make it.

The People You Meet at the Water Park

We have a bit of a lazy summer around here, so we go to the zoo or water parks or any other place whenever we feel like it. Since it's been hot lately, the water park has been our top choice for the past couple weeks. And in these couple weeks, I've noticed the water park is home to some interesting characters.

The Germaphobe

Why this person even comes to the water park is beyond me. She brings her kids, then proceeds to tell them to stay out of the water because of all the bacteria. And don't you know someone might have peed in that pool? Yes, dear, we all know that. We just don't care because our kids are melting from the heat.

The Clueless Mom

Her 3 kids are cutting in line, poking other kids in the eyes, and drinking the water with no regard for Germaphobe's little tantrum over there. And where is Clueless Mom? Well, she might be on her phone, or maybe reading a book. But she totally doesn't notice her little one pushing yours off the ladder.

The Fun-Loving Dad

This guy is just rocking the water park. He has more fun than anyone there. Everyone either loves him or hates him. Including his own kids, who were all ready to leave 4 hours ago.

The Self-Conscious Mom

We've all been there. Tummy is too round. Breasts are too saggy. Butt is...don't go there. This mom is covered from head to toe and she won't go in the water even if she's melting from the heat. Have some sympathy. If you haven't been there before, you will be there one day.

Perfect Mom

You either hate her or you are her. She's in a bikini, actually looks good, and has her kids and everything else in order. Though you secretly pray for her to suffer a massive wardrobe malfunction, you also want to be her. But don't admit it or you're out of the Not-So-Perfect Mom Club.

Grandparents

These people are playing with the kids they've brought and are even playing with kids they didn't. And they're enjoying it, probably because grandparents are the only people kids listen to on a regular basis. Makes us all wish we were grandparents so our kids would listen to us as well...

The Creepy Guy

Why is there always one single guy with no kids standing outside the girls' washroom? I don't know either, but he's the reason we don't send our daughters to the washroom alone.

The Bored Lifeguard

He's supposed to be making sure no one dies, but he's been melting in the heat for the last 7 hours. This guy is mostly asleep, so don't count on him to help your little ones out of a jam.

There are other characters at the water park. Sleeping teenagers. The kids who apparently have no supervision. The weird concession guy. Try people watching the next time you're there. You'll laugh, shake your head, and have a great time.

Summer Cookout Games

Summer is a time to get together with family and friends and enjoy the heat. One of the best ways to do this is by hosting a cookout. They are easy to organize and fun for everyone. But if you want your cookout to entertain and engage your guests, you’ll need to plan a few games and activities. When deciding on the activities you’re going to offer, you’ll have to consider the ages of your guests, the space available, and how long the cookout will last.

Team Sports

People of all ages enjoy a carefree team game and they need very little equipment. If you have a large grassy area, you can play soccer, football, or even softball. None of these needs much in the way of equipment and all are easy to play for most people. Badminton or volleyball is also a great option, but you’ll have to bring a net. If your cookout is near a beach, beach volleyball is always fun. You might even want to try croquet, though this requires a little more equipment than some games.

Individual Games

Though team sports are popular, it’s probably a good idea to have a few games that don’t need an entire team to play. Grassy areas are great for horseshoes or darts, but be careful when letting children play darts. If you have any concrete available, pack some sidewalk chalk. Hopscotch will entertain children for hours, but there are other possibilities.

Try using the chalk to draw start and finish lines and have a foot race. If you want to get a little more creative, try to organize a relay race. For more entertainment, try a line race. Have each participant draw a line. It doesn’t have to be straight. It can zigzag, curve, cross other lines, and even double back, as long as it eventually gets to the finish line. Then number the lines and have everyone draw numbers out of a hat. Now people have to race on the line that matches the number they got. The first to hit the finish line wins. This is hilarious as people try to stay on their path without bumping into each other.

Arts and Crafts

Sidewalk chalk can be used for more than just creating games. You can give it to children and adults alike and encourage everyone to get creative. Try blocking off square for everyone and you’ll soon end up with a mosaic of artwork. Have a contest, judging the entries and even awarding prizes, but make sure you have more than one category so that everyone can have a chance to win a prize.

Scavenger Hunts

If you’re looking for a way to keep people occupied for a long period of time try a scavenger hunt. You can do this in one of two ways. You might opt to go to the site early and hide a variety of items, perhaps leaving clues as to their locations. This works well in an area where you can be assured that your items will remain undisturbed, such as private property.

If your cookout is being held in an area that the general public has access to, such as a park, you might want to ask your guests to find items in nature. Make a list that might include dandelions, acorns, pinecones, rocks in certain shapes, a maple leaf, or anything else that’s native to your area. Perhaps as a bonus you could ask everyone to find a four-leaf clover. Provide each participant with a bag and let them go.

Water Games

Summer heat and water just seem to go together. If your cookout has a water source such as a lake, river, stream, or even a water fountain, pack a few water guns. Spread them around and let your guests engage in an impromptu game of ‘war.’ Remember to set some rules regarding who can be sprayed and where the water guns can be used. However, keep in mind that most children and many adults will ignore those rules, so if you pack water guns, be prepared to get wet no matter where you sit.

If there’s a lake nearby, remind everyone to bring their swimsuits. Swimming will occupy your guests for a prolonged period of time with very little effort on your part. Put someone in charge of supervising any children who happen to be in the water, purely for safety reasons.

You can easily turn your summer cookout into a truly social event by the addition of some fun activities. Make accommodations for participants who do not wish to play certain games, and keep in mind the various ages and levels of activities, and your guests will be entertained, engaged, and work up an appetite. Take advantage of the area, and don’t forget to pack some simple items such as a Frisbee and a few balls to toss around. Before you know it, your guests will be enjoying themselves thoroughly.

Essential Grilling Tools

Summer is the time of the grill. Whether at a barbeque or cookout, most families will find some reason to fire up the grill several time throughout the season. But all activities require certain equipment and tools before they can be fully enjoyed. If you want to grill like a pro, you’ll need to invest some money in the right tools.

The Grill

You can’t grill without a … grill. It is easily the most essential piece of grilling equipment. Generally, you’ll have to choose between a charcoal grill and one fueled with propane. Both have their pros and cons, and their fans. Whichever you choose, there are certain features you should look for in a grill.

Make sure your grill has a functioning lid. This may sound silly to mention, but it really is important. There are grills on the market that are cheaper simply because they do not have a lid, but these do not have the quality that you’ll want in a grill. A lid is essential for many reasons. It allows for indirect cooking, smoking, and even the use of woodchips. In addition, a closed lid allows the air to circulate better, allowing for faster and more even cooking.

You’ll probably want a grill with wheels for mobility. If your grill is charcoal, make sure it has a removable ash catcher that can be easily cleaned. Propane grills should have an ignition switch. If you’re going to be grilling frequently, look for a grill with a second tier for vegetables or simply to keep food warm. A side burner may also be handy.

Wire Brush

Once you have your grill, you’ll have to keep it clean. This is where the wire brush comes in handy. It will prolong the life of your grill and increase the taste and quality of the food you grill. Purchase a brush with brass bristles instead of steel. They are softer and won’t scratch the grates, saving you money in the long run.

Make sure you clean the grill before and after each use. Before grilling, heat the grill to burn off any leftover food then use the brush to loosen any remaining residue. While some people believe that cleaning the grill diminishes the flavor of the food, this is just a myth. Cleaning the grill ensures that your food is fresh, without any ‘leftovers’ attached.

Tongs

Almost all grilling is done with tongs. For this reason you’ll want to ensure that you have a really great set. Look for tongs that are at least 12 inches in length and constructed of stainless steel. Longer is better, as it will protect your hands from the intense heat of the grill. You might also look for tongs with wooden, nylon, or rubber handle grips for easier usage and oval or scalloped tips to allow a better grip on foods.

If you know you’ll be grilling many different foods at once, such as beef and vegetables, for example, you might want to invest in two or three pairs of tongs. It is advisable to have one for meat, one for poultry, one for fish, and one for vegetables to avoid any cross-contamination. You can easily label these tongs with colored tape so you don’t get them mixed up.

Spatula

Tongs can’t be used for everything. Some delicate foods such as fish or vegetables must be flipped gently. This is where a good spatula comes in handy. Spatulas for grilling are generally available in either stainless steel or silicone and have a long, angled handle designed to keep your hands away from the flames. Make sure you purchase a spatula large enough to fit entirely under the food. Fish and other delicate foods might fall apart otherwise.

Basting Brush

A good basting brush is almost as important as a decent pair of tongs. Basting your food locks in moisture, adds and preserves flavor, and improves the appearance of your meat. You shouldn’t use a regular kitchen basting brush, however, and pastry brushes are useless. You’ll want to purchase a grill basting brush, one with a long, angled handle that will help keep your hands away from the heat.

There are three basic types of brushes: synthetic, silicone, and mop. In general, silicone brushes are the best choice for most grillers. They are heat resistant, easy to clean (even in the dishwasher), and don’t shed their little fibers the way synthetic brushes do. However, for grillers who cook large quantities at once, a mop brush might be the better choice. These brushes are better at spreading barbeque and other sauces over large quantities of food.

Wooden Grill Planks

The use of wood planks for grilling is increasing in popularity to the point where any decent grill chef will have several of these on hand at any given time. Though typically used to cook fish, most foods will benefit from the use of a wood plank. The benefit of these planks is that they can infuse the food with flavors that are usually only found in smoked food. When purchasing planks, consider the flavor you’d like your foods to have. Planks are available in ash, cedar, maple, hickory, birch, pecan, mesquite, apple, peach, grape, and many other woods.

Meat Thermometer

Too many people poke or cut into the meat to determine when it’s cooked. This lets out the juices, resulting in lower quality meat. Instead of constantly poking the meat, purchase a good quality meat thermometer. You’ll want a thermometer that is instant-read and has a large face that is easy to read. Also, analog thermometers are more accurate than their digital counterparts, and they tend to last longer.

Skewers

If you and your family like to cook kebabs, you’ll want to invest in a set of metal skewers. These can be used to grill anything from pork, chicken, and beef to vegetables and fruit. When purchasing your skewers, look for the flat ones as opposed to the round. Food tends to spin and cook unevenly on round skewers, but stays in position on the flat ones.

Grill Basket

Is skewering foods too much work, try a grill basket. You can throw all manner of smaller foods into this basket that would otherwise fall through the grills and into the fire. These baskets should be sturdy enough to support a great deal of weight. They are perfect for stir-fries or simply a plate full of grilled vegetables.

If you wish to grill frequently, the above tools are the bare necessities. Other popular items include pizza pans, egg poachers, frying pans, and dozens of other accessories. Decide on how much you’d like to use your grill, and what foods you’re likely to cook, then purchase the items you’ll need. Before long, you’ll be grilling your way to perfection and hosting cookouts and barbeques that will be long remembered.

How a Propane Gas Grill Works

There are two basic types of grills today — gas and charcoal. Gas grills are becoming more popular with each passing year, but they are also more complex. They are more difficult to set up and require more maintenance than traditional charcoal grills. In addition, the user of a gas grill is recommended to have some basic knowledge of how the grill works in case of any problems with the grill.

Most people can figure out how to operate a gas grill simply by following the directions. But understanding how your grill works will ensure that your grilling is safe and that your family and friends are protected against potential accidents.

Gas grills run from either a liquid propane or a natural gas source rather than the traditional charcoal grill which usually has a wood source. Upon inspection, it will be noted that the tank which contains the fuel source connects to the valve regulators though special tubing. The valve regulators, as expected, regulate the flow of gas from the tank to the burner. The flame is controlled by twisting the valve regulators, or control dials. Adjust the dials to allow for more gas and you get more heat. In the same manner, less gas means less heat.

Of course, the gas alone does not create heat. It just flows, swirls around, just gas. It needs a source of ignition to create the flame you’ll use to cook your food. Ignition requires three things — fuel, oxygen, and a spark. Two of these three are already present as soon as you turn the control dials. The fuel is the gas and oxygen is present in the air. All you have to add is the spark. In most gas grills, this spark is provided by the starter or ignition switch. Usually, this will be the large red button, though some grill styles will use something else. Consult your owner’s manual for details. When this button is pushed, it produces a spark that ignites the gas and creates the flame you need.

This ignition switch works almost like the engine of a car. Once it is pressed and the gas ignites, the gas flows to the burner electrodes. The burners are arguably the most essential part of your grill, as it is the area that will directly supply heat, cooking your food. A close look at the burners will reveal tiny holes that allow the gas to spread out, distributing even heat across the entire cooking area. Modern grills usually have two separate burners with their own temperature controls. This helps to maintain temperatures and cook more than one dish at once.

Another important component of your gas grill is the hood or lid. This lid helps to create even heat distribution and maintains a safe cooking temperature. It will also prevent your fire from going out when the occasional wind kicks up. If you’re shopping for a new grill, you should look for one with an internal temperature gauge on the lid. It will allow you to constantly monitor the cooking temperature.

Though many people will claim that gas grills do not give food the same unique flavor as charcoal grills, these grills do have the advantage of producing a uniform cooking temperature. And while it may seem more dangerous in regards to possible leaks and generally requires more maintenance, gas grills also do not have hot coals or charcoals to dispose of. In any case, if you do choose to own a gas grill, it is important to understand the basics of how it works to ensure your safety and that of your family.

Safety Concerns of Charcoal Grills

Despite the growing popularity of gas grills, a significant number of people still love their charcoal grills. Most people using charcoal grills will not willingly switch to a gas grill, often citing flavor as the primary reason for this decision. However, there are some safety concerns regarding charcoal grills and their use that everyone should take note of.

Cancer Hazards

It might seem odd to say that grilled food might cause cancer, but there are studies that suggest it is possible. The use of charcoal can release carcinogens, in particular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs).

Some types of PAHs form from the fat in meats as they cook. This is especially important because as meat cooks the fat drips down into the charcoal, PAHs form and rise in the smoke, possibly depositing on the food itself. PAHs can also be found in meat that was cooked in high temperatures for a long period of time. However, there is some good news. Though PAHs are found in and on meat cooked over charcoal, there are many different kinds of PAHs. Some are not at all toxic, others are extremely toxic. The PAHs in your grilled meat, while not completely benign, are far from highly toxic.

HCAs are a different story. They can be found on all meats cooked at high temperatures. This includes grilled meat but also broiled or pan-fried meats. Research has discovered more than 15 types of HCAs present in cooked meat. There is the chance that consuming large amounts of this meat might increase the risk of pancreatic or breast cancer. This doesn’t mean you have to stop grilling. Simply don’t eat four large steaks every evening.

Fire Hazards

Anything that involves fire is a potential fire hazard. Charcoal grilling, because it involves cooking over fire, presents its own danger. Though grills and barbeques are responsible for almost 8000 fires annually, most of these are from gas grills, perhaps because gas grills have become so popular in recent years. However, charcoal grills do cause their fair share of house fires. To reduce the risk of fire follow some simply safety tips.

Instead of lighter fluid, use an alternative starter, something made specifically for charcoal grills. If you do use fluid, make sure it’s lighter fluid and not kerosene, gasoline, or another volatile fluid. These can explode, causing damage to people and property. Also remember to keep the vents of your grill in the open position while cooking to allow for adequate airflow.

For additional safety tips, refer to the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association (HPBA).

Environmental Hazards

If you’re concerned about the environment, it might be better to choose an alternative method of cooking your food. There is no such thing as ‘clean charcoal.’ It all damages the environment, and in a variety of ways. Burning charcoal of any kind pollutes the air and can worsen heart or lung problems. Though grilling of any kind, even charcoal grilling, pollutes far less than automobiles or industry, it is still a possible concern.

If you’re using lump charcoal, you may be contributing to unnecessary deforestation. Lump charcoal is produced from charred wood, and trees are cut down to produce this charred wood. Not only does this practice damage natural ecosystems around the world, but the burning of the wood contributes to climate concerns around the world.

 

Some of the health and environmental concerns can be prevented by the use of natural charcoal brands. These are made with 100% wood. There are no additives that form carcinogens and they do not contain coal, limestone, oil, petroleum, sawdust or starch. They are also more environmentally friendly as they are usually harvested in a more controlled manner.

Anyone choosing to grill with charcoal should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent or deal with the resulting dangers. Some of these dangers can be guarded against with common sense. Others can only be lessened by switching to a product such as Greenlink, Lazzari, or Noram of Mexico. If you prefer to grill with charcoal, it is important to be aware of the risks, both to you and your family.