Last week's heat has broken and given way to blue-sky perfection in our neck of the woods. This midsummer pleasantness coupled with the approach of Independence Day has a lot of us looking forward to some hard-earned relaxation. Oh yes, and to cocktails.
If you're entertaining this weekend, or even if you're not, here's a quick list of cocktail and lawn game pairings to make sure your holiday weekend is most leisurely:
Bocce and the Sidecar- Because thoughts of Prohibition, the ashen time from which this phoenix arose, should make you want to throw heavy objects.
Horseshoes and the Mint Julep- Horseshoes is somewhat equestrian, and you shouldn't have to wait for next year's Derby to indulge.
Badminton and the Bomb Pop- Mix 2 parts lemonade, 1 part vodka, and 1 part Curaçao. A drink appropriate for the 4th of there ever was one. Now go smack the shuttlecock.
Soccer and Caipirinha- Difficult as it may be, sportsmanship calls for a raise of the glass to Brazil for their brilliant comeback in the FIFA Cup final against our boys.
Croquet and the Ross- Ross works at NetShops. He is a sharp dresser, a precise worker, and a lighthearted gentleman- qualities that lend themselves well to a stately match of croquet. Mix 1 part vodka, 2 parts iced tea, and a splash of grapefruit juice. Savor the Ross.
And remember, fireworks and cocktails do not mix. Keep the mixing in shaker or blender, and leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. Have a safe and happy 4th!
It's flippin' hot out there. With the first day of summer has come stifling heat and sopping humidity. Here in Omaha, the College World Series plays on despite a heat advisory that will extend well into tonight's championship game. Kudos to the dedicated fans that made the trip to the surprisingly tropical Midwest. (It's not always like this!)
The College World Series is one of the premier tailgating events you'll find anywhere. Folks from all over the country bring with them a few of the local flavors from back home to share with fellow spectators. This makes for some friendly cooking competition that nicely balances the heated competition on the field.
This year, I noticed outside Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium a proliferation of turkey fryers like the Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Kit. When I saw the crayfish, gumbo, corn on the cob, and tamales being fished out of these pots, I immediately understood why. There were plenty of charcoal grills and smokers to be found, too, making sure the rivalry between Texas, Carolina, Memphis, and Kansas City barbecue styles remains a fiery one.
Like they say, "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." Because evidently it's cooler to cook up those hometown favorites right in the parking lot.
Please don't do the tie thing again. This Father's Day, give Dad a whole new perspective.
If your Dad has never seen the night sky through a quality telescope, he's missing something spectacular. Introduce him to the universe with a beginner-friendly model like the Meade ETX-80AT-TC Astro Telescope with AutoStar. For about a hundred bucks less, you can get him Celestron's AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope, which is an outstanding telescope for the money and which has pretty hilarious name to boot.
If he already has a scope, the Celestron SkyScout - Personal Planetarium will take him on in interstellar tour that's beats any episode of Star Trek.
Gifts like these are more than what's wrapped in the package. They're an opportunity to turn off the TV and try something new. They're quality time you can spend together. This year, make Father's Day stretch far beyond June 21st by giving Dad something he can enjoy with the people he cares about for years to come.
The heat is on. I realized that as I attempted some ill-advised bread-baking last night. With the A/C off and "room temperature" in the house already a balmy 83, firing up my oven for an hour and a half was not the best decision for my family's comfort.
Good thing I had another house out back where we could get some relief. The Blast Zone Rainforest Rapids Bounce House was the perfect retreat when the indoor temperature eclipsed 85. Though I originally bought this bounce house for my daughter, nieces, and nephews, I'm beginning quickly finding that this purchase is providing plenty of enjoyment for me, too.
So I'm officially kissing kiddie pools goodbye. No more stagnant water in a plastic or inflatable tub for us. While the neighbors settle for a run through the sprinkler, we'll be bouncing, sliding, splashing, and relaxing in our water bounce house when we can no longer take the heat in the kitchen.
Find the perfect wet and wild refuge for your backyard at the BounceSuperstore.com. Or if you have water access, check out the selection of infltables at SkiTube.com. Then tell summer to do its worst. Because this year, you'll be ready.
