I make the jam, she cleans the ladle, I try to photograph my reflection in the ladle - just another afternoon at Chez Hound. Tomorrow, I'll post a review of the Tattler reusable lids I used during canning the strawberry jam.
Six Tips for Planning Summertime Fun
Today is the Ohio Blogging Association's All State Blog Swap where bloggers from all around the state are swapping posts. My guest is Danielle from Find Time for Fun...in Northeast Ohio, a great resource for parents looking for fun family activities in the Cleveland area. Visit Poise in Parma today to read the rest of the All State Blog Swap posts and check out my post about how to Find Time for Fun in Columbus. Summer is right around the corner, and for many families the break from school combined with the warm weather and additional daylight hours provides a great opportunity for family outings.
As you look forward to the upcoming months, here are 6 tips for planning summertime fun.
Get out and Enjoy Nature
Because of the warm weather summertime lends itself to outdoor activities, and there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
- Hike the trails at an area Metropark
- Grab a kite and head out to your backyard or neighborhood playground
- Join a sporting league (Baseball, Soccer, Running Club etc.)
- Participate in a nature based educational events offered by area Nature Centers
- Spend the afternoon at a dog park
- Get a GPS device or a GPS enabled mobile phone, and go Geocaching
Explore Local Farmer’s Markets
Support local farmers and purchase high quality locally grown foods at area farmers markets. One of my favorite aspects of farmer’s markets is getting to talk directly with the farmers. They are often passionate about their profession and are always extremely helpful. Bring along your children so they can learn about various fruits and vegetables too.
Visit Summer Festivals
On any given summer weekend there are typically a half dozen or more different festivals taking place. With themes ranging from Hot Air Balloons, Strawberries, Duct Tape, Music and Ethnic Cuisine, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Festivals can also be an affordable option as many are free to the public. Find out details on upcoming Ohio Festivals here.
Beat the Heat at area Spraygrounds and Swimming Pools
Don’t spend the hot summer days indoors with the air conditioner on full blast! Instead find an area swimming pool or sprayground. Many offer one day admittance, but if you plan to visit often, save money by purchasing a season pass.
Be prepared with Snacks and Beverages
It’s inevitable that someone will get hungry during your outing, so be sure to pack some snack items like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. Having healthy snack options readily available can provide a pick me up when it is most needed.
In addition, I always recommend bringing along drinks, and it is especially important to do so during the hot summer months. Invest in some insulated reusable bottles or thermoses for your drinks. They will stay colder longer and can be easily refilled during the outing.
Dress for the Weather and Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Always remember to check the weather forecast before heading out. Use the forecast and these considerations when deciding what to wear.
- Will there be a lot of walking? If so, wear comfortable shoes. You may even consider bringing along a second pair of socks. Changing into a fresh pair halfway through the outing makes a big difference.
- Does the activity involve water, or is there a chance you’ll get dirty? If so, pack a change of clothes and shoes for the drive home.
- Will you be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time? If so, consider bringing along some sunglasses or a hat to shield your eyes. Always apply sunblock before leaving home and bring along the bottle so you can reapply throughout the day.
- Will you be out after the sun goes down? If so, you may want to bring a light jacket to keep warm as the temperature drops.
As you look toward the summer months, I hope these ideas help you plan your family outings. Summer truly is a great time to be with family and friends, and I hope you make fun outings a priority in your schedule. I promise that you’ll be thankful you did.
Do you have any other suggestions for planning memorable summertime activities?
Win Friends With Eton Mess {Recipe}
For the past year, we have been dining with friends every Friday night. Alternating hosting with being guests, we compete not with each other but for the great dining experiences enjoyed together. Highlights have included a low country crawfish boil, the $5 Julia Child dinner, 18-hour braised pork, and the kid favorite, chicken and waffles.
Recently our friends served us Eton Mess. Neither Alex nor I were familiar with this layered dessert of crunchy meringue, sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit. Upon a single taste we agreed that this dessert is perfection.
Eton Mess is a play of textures with simple, familiar flavors. The dessert is easy to make ahead and plate for individual servings as dinner comes to a close.
Homer Simpson said "You don't win friends with salad." I add the positive "You win friends with dessert," especially if your friend happens to be this adorable two-year-old.
Eton Mess Serves: 8 (with a few meringues left over) Time: 20 minutes prep, 2 hours cooking and cooling, 10 minutes plating
meringues: 2 egg whites (reserve yolks for mayonnaise, hollandaise, or another recipe) 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
cream: 1/2 cup whipping cream 2 teaspoons powdered or granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 cups fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
8 chocolate-dipped strawberries (optional garnish)
for the meringues: 1. Place the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar in a large clean bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. 2. Beat with a rotary mixer or whip until foamy, about two minutes. Increase the speed and continue beating. 3. Add sugar one tablespoon at a time, fully incorporating each addition until the egg white are smooth again. 4. Continue beating until whites are very stiff. Then whip in the vanilla. 5. Transfer meringue to a piping bag or gallon ziploc bag, pressing mixture to release any air bubbles. 6. Using a one-inch round tip or a one-inch cut in the corner of the bag, pipe the meringue onto a cookie tray covered with a silicone mat or parchment in two- to three-inch rounds. 7. Bake meringue in a preheated 275 degrees F oven for 45 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 250 degress F and continue cooking until meringues are lightly brown and hard to the touch. Turn off the stove but leave cookie sheet in the oven with the door closed until cool.
for the whipped cream: 1. Place 1/2 cup whipping cream in a large clean bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. 2. Using a whisk or whip attachment, slowly whisk the cream. 3. After it becomes foamy, increase the speed a little. 4. Slowly add sugar until fully incorporated. 5. Continue to whip just until the cream stiffens into solid peaks. Whipping too long will end up with butter and buttermilk, so watch this closely. 6. Stir in vanilla extract.
assembly: 1. Select clear glass cups or goblets, one for each guest. 2. Fill the bottom with 2-3 crushed meringues. 3. Layer on 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries. 4. Top with a dallop of whipped cream. 5. Layer on more meringues, berries, and cream. 6. Top with a chocolate-dipped strawberry, if desired. 7. Serve immediately.
Here's the Simpsons reference:
Added to Simple Lives Thursday #96.
Super Mom Makes Homemade Mayo {Video Recipe}
One dark and stormy night, tragedy struck the Hound household. Sweet Lil wanted to make tuna salad but there was no mayonnaise in the house. "Help!", the selective eater cried out, unable to eat plain tuna or the delicious meal her parents cooked.
Super Mom heard her cries and rushed to the rescue!
With forearms of steel and patience for pouring, Super Mom cracked an egg, squeezed a lemon, and began whisking. Streaming oil into her potion, Super Mom transformed the three liquids into a semi-solid sauce: mayonnaise!
A few days later, Super Mom taught Lil how to make homemade mayo herself so she would never be helpless again. Kudos to intern Cami for capturing and editing the moment.
With a little practice, you too can gain the Mayo Master badge of honor and be able to create the delightful emulsion at a moment's notice! You could employ the use of a blender, but every true super hero knows how to make mayonnaise by hand.
Have you made mayo recently? How did it turn out?
PS. Join Super Mom (that's me) on Mother's Day for a class revealing all my secrets for homemade condiments at Franklin Park Conservatory. Space is limited and every participant goes home with a jar of mayo, mustard, or ketchup!
Handmade Mayonnaise Makes: about one cup Time: 5-10 minutes
1 fresh egg yolk (use a pasteurized egg if you're worried about salmonella) 1/2 fresh lemon 1/2 - 1 cup oil (use any lightly flavored oil) 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
1. Pour egg yolk into a clean medium mixing bowl. 2. Juice lemon into bowl and whisk the yolk and juice together. 3. While continuing to whisk, add one teaspoon (or one slight pour) oil and whisk until incorporated. Repeat with several more teaspoons. 4. Slowly begin increasing the amount of oil, whisking continuously. The mixture will begin to change color towards a lighter yellow and develop a stiffer texture. 5. Continue whisking and adding oil until you reach the texture of mayonnaise. Stir in salt. 6. Store in a clean container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
On a Collar Quest
I love dogs. I love Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS), the shelter that housed our hounds before we adopted them. And I REALLY love guerrilla marketing.
Naturally, I'm delighted to introduce you to the newest adoption and awareness campaign at CAHS: Collar Quest.
Volunteers and staff at CAHS are dropping 50 special signs with collars around the city every week during the month of May. Location clues will be posted on the CAHS Facebook page. Fans who find the collars will receive a 25% discount on an approved pet adoption. A few special ones are associated with a gift card to CAHS' retail shop, Bells and Whiskers. At the end of the Collar Quest, one lucky collar-finder will receive a grand prize package of a free adoption, food, vet services and training.
We visited the shelter yesterday to hang out with adoptable dogs, kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Oooh the cuteness!!
There weren't many kittens on the adoption floor when we visited but there are benefits to knowing one of the shelter managers - my sister Sarah showed us some of the kitties that are too young to be adopted. (Can you see the dark mark on Sarah's hand? It's from a month-old nasty cat bite, a serious hazard of her job.)
In the end, we decided that none of the pets were a good match for us right now. Lil was a bit sad that we couldn't adopt but she chose to give a dollar from her own wallet to the shelter. She wants a cat and we've promised her one when we move. We'll be following CAHS on Facebook for collar clues. Maybe when we find one, the orange kitty will be available for adoption!
Will you join us on the Collar Quest?
Mr. Shrapnel No More
Remember this incident? The one where Alex effectively shot himself in the leg with shrapnel from an axe?
It healed in place as the orthopedic doctor suggested, but only for nine months.
In February, Alex's thigh started hurting again. The pain was bearable for a few weeks but the inflamed feeling grew, especially when he exercised. The doc finally recommended surgical removal.
This morning, in a 90 minute procedure, a surgical team did just that. Apparently the thin foreign body was elusive and the resulting incision required eight staples to close. Alex is Mr. Shrapnel no more.
He kept the literal thorn in his side. Any ideas what he should do with it?
Old Hound Devie {Wordless Wednesday}
They say moving is one of the most stressful life events along with death, divorce, and illness. Most of the family is holding up well but the old hound dog Devie is a mess. Alex insists that I tell you I am the second in line for 'most stressed'.
First we took away her couch. Her twelve-year-old paws click and clack on the hardwood floors downstairs as she tries to find somewhere comfortable to rest.
Then, when we have showings, we are taking her on rides in the car (which she hates) to new and unfamiliar places.
She has taken to lying on our bed (previously forbidden) where I snapped these shots of her sweet greyed face, outstretched paws, and my favorite droopy lips.
I wish Dev could understand me when I promise that she will have a wide wonderful world to explore at a new house soon. We'll even find a place for her old stinky couch.
Lessons in Spring at Inniswood Metro Gardens
I often forget about Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, Ohio. The park is a little out of the way and the highly stylized gardens are more formal than I prefer.
So when a friend and I took seven kids to Innis last week, I was pleasantly surprised to explore the relatively new - and fabulously educational - children's garden.
The Sister's Garden is a 2.8 acre child's paradise opened in 2002. Beyond the kid-friendly sculptures at the entrance is a playhouse and shed for dramatic play, a water feature open in warm weather, and small fruit orchard.
The early readers in the group used maps to guide us through the rest of the children's area. They followed along the Native American story stone path that leads to a statue. Continuing on a wooden boardwalk led us to the tree house with levels for climbers of different abilities. From there, a stone path took us to the Secret Garden, a recreation of a broken-down, walled garden with quotes, jewels, and sculptures hidden among the intentionally overgrown plants.
After lunch, my crew of three walked to the frog pond to the right of the main entrance.
The kids loved spotting turtles and frogs hiding among the cat tails. Our eagle-eyes spied other parts of the amphibian life cycle - eggs (bullfrog, I'm guessing) and tadpoles. How cool to see all stages of life in one place!
The boardwalk trail beyond the frog pond included labelled wildflowers. Lil and her friends remembered some of the names from last week's hike at Highbanks.
Though the rules about the formal gardens prickle my anti-authoritarian instincts, I must visit Inniswood more often. We observed and learned so much and there are many gardens and areas yet to explore.
INNISWOOD METRO GARDENS 940 S. Hempstead Road Westerville, OH 43081 Open 7 am to dark daily
Know if you go:
- Food is not allowed in the formal gardens. There are picnic tables across the parking lot from the park.
- Pack a change of clothes for kids as there are many opportunities to get wet or dirty.
- Remind children to stay on trails and not pick the flowers.
- Check the program schedule for preschool play days, gardening workshops, and special events. The Inniswood volunteers and herb society are offering a plant sale May 5th and 6th.
- Admission is free. Thank you Columbus taxpayers!