June | 2018

30 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer: Tip #6, Take time for a road trip

Tip #6, Take Time for a Road Trip

The weather is warm and sunny and you can open that sun roof or those windows and just drive. Road trips are one of the things that makes summer so memorable. As a child I remember getting in the back of the family station wagon and heading to parts unknown. Usually there was an ice cream cone and fireflys involved and it was always fun.

There are lists to choose from such as the 10 Most Instagrammable Places to Road Trip from Toronto. Or 14 Cute Road Trips Near Toronto .

You don’t have to rely on these, you can create your own list and plan a road trip of your own. It’s time to relax, with no sense or urgency and a chance to explore and discover something new.

We live in area that is close to so many places it can be hard to choose. You can stay close to home and visit the town of Jordan or maybe take a ride up to the Crystal Beach Supper Market on a Thursday night. If you want to head further afield you can try Port Dover for a bite a Lake Erie perch, Pittsburgh for a food tour or Andy Warhol museum or Prince Edward County for the sandbanks and wineries. There is something for everyone within a 3-4 hour drive.

29 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer: Tip #5, Eat Well

Tip #5 Eat Well

This tip is on the tail of yesterday’s tip to eat local and eat fresh. The ingredients are at your fingertips this time of year so it is easy.

Produce that is grown and travels a shorter distance to get to us is fresh and that usually means more flavour. More flavour means less work when creating your meals. Adding fresh herbs and salt and pepper are usually all these recipes need. Try one of these grilled summer salads for something a little different.

I will share with you my very favourite summer appetizer, Peach and brie quesadillas with honey lime dipping sauce. It wows a crowd every time and it is very easy to prep before you go and then throw it on the grill. If you’re rained out and the party is indoors it works just as well in a non stick pan.

28 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer, Tip #4, Eat Local, Eat Fresh

Tip #4, Eat Local, Eat Fresh

Summer is the time of bounty. If you have a veggie garden then you’re all set. This year I’m participating in a community garden with colleagues and it is a really nice experience. We look forward to sharing a salad together that we grew ourselves.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a garden to eat from then take advantage of the produce around you. In Niagara we have lots to choose from and there are farmer’s markets and roadside stands.

The Niagara Greenbelt publishes a list to help you find the roadside stands locally. The farmer’s markets are around the region and you can find them on various days of the week usually on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The produce is fresh and the farmers are often there to share a recipe or talk about their passion for growing some outstanding food.

27 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer: Tip #3

Tip #3, Slow down and read a book

Slow down and enjoy the new pace that comes with the warmer weather.

Summer is a great time to read. There are summer reading lists that provide perfect suggestions for those lazy days of summer. Set a goal to read at least one book every week or month, whatever works for you.

Reading gives your brain a chance to shift away from the worries of the work day. Pick up a beach read that is light and entertaining or maybe use the time to learn something new. The choice is all yours and spending time reading is a gift you give yourself.

We found some summer reading lists to get you started. Don’t forget that the local library has lots to choose from.

The 39 Books We are Talking About This Summer, Washington Post

This is not Your Typical summer Beach Reads List, CNN Travel

The Summer List, Chapters Indigo

26 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer, Tip #2

Tip #2, Bring it Outside

We mentioned that summer is short so we want to make the most of it. We wait all winter for the sun and nice weather and then we find ourselves too busy to enjoy it.

You still have to eat dinner or fit in your exercise right? Take it outside!

Exercising outside can be easier than you think. Take a bike ride, go for a hike or visit a friend with a pool if you don’t have access to one yourself.

We are not suggesting that you make more hours in the day, merely take the activities that you normally do and bring them outside. Set the dinner table outside or ask for a seat on the patio when eating out. Whenever you can enjoy the beauty of dining al fresco because eating outdoors is better for you!

25 Jun

7 Ideas for Summer: Let’s Make the Most of It

This week we are going to try something a little different, we a going to post 7 ideas to make the most of your summer. Recipes, stress relievers and a bit of inspiration to make this a great summer!

Tip #1, Fun doesn’t just happen

Plan you time this summer, don’t just hope it turns out well. We live in Canada and summer is far too short. If you have children this is a great way to engage everyone. Ask them to write a list and together you can create a family summer bucket list that can be checked off.

Of course there is an adult version which might include things that bring a bit of child like wonder back into your life. Go to the drive in and eat that fancy expensive ice cream while you are there. So create that list and plan for summer 2018 to be the best summer yet!