Summer's Backyard Cookouts

Backyard cookouts or BBQ are arguably the best part of summer. Food just tastes better when it is cooked outdoors and can be enjoyed with family and friends. With the sun shining and food grilling you can soon realize that summer cooking can be amazing.

Look what we found- this is cool:

There's no time like the summer to enjoy a grilled steak on the barbecue. But sometimes, it's nice to mix things up and get a boost of flavor from smoking your meat. That's why Man Crates has created a crate specifically dedicated to grilling your meat with the delicious flavor of hickory. Using the cast-iron smoker box is quick and easy and it will forever change your standards for the way food should taste. Adding a nice touch, Man Crates includes their favorite rubs, steak, and barbecue sauces, along with some snacks to enjoy while your food heats up. Bring this crate to your next summer cookout, and you'll be the star of the show!

The Hickory Grilling Crate - With Cast Iron Smoker Box, Dried Hickory Wood Chips, 3 Flavors of Miner's Mix Seasonings and Rubs (Original Steak, Wholly Chipotle, Salmon Marinade), Original 1835 Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, Bone Doctor's Original Barbecue Sauce, Corn Nuts, and Snyder's Pretzel Bites.

Sunday- July 13, 2014

I think Gerry is really going to find it hard getting up at 6 am tomorrow, after being off work for a week! Staying up till midnight watching tv, when he normally is in bed by 10 pm.. 

He had taken the week off as it was suppose to be our trip to Montana, (which we have since re-scheduled to the first week of August now.) Thought he was going to head back to work, but he decided to still stay home, even though the trip was short lived. 

We've had troubles with the rv and just got it a few months ago. Had been doing the fix ups on our own, but after the generator went, that was the last straw and we tried working with the dealer who sold it to us, but to no satisfaction. So I have filed a claim with the BBB. We at least want the generator repaired. And not at our expense, so will see how all this turns out. Still trying to trade it in or sell it though. Do still want a newer and bigger one, but without spending too much more. I told Gerry when the mortgage and his truck are paid off that's different but don't want to pay more than we are already with this one. So we're fixing, and looking around at the same time. Not alot for choice in our area at all. Especially within our budget.
Erika, Jon and their pets will be in next weekend for the week so we'll be sitting still at home, and will have to also reset up the rv as they may be spending a few days sleeping in there.

Had to turn the furnace on today. Terrible you think it's mid July, but it's cold in here, even with a sweater and slippers. Even the dog is trying to warm up. The furnace had actually cut in early this morning- it's what woke me up I think. Only 13 degrees right now. Suppose to drop to 10 tonight. The other day we got a $600 hydro bill! I know we freaked out too- especially when we are on equal billing and used to paying $160 every month, but apparently it was the year end catch up bill. They said they hadn't charged us enough monthly during the year, plus we've had a colder and LONGER winter. Our next equal billing payments will be $210 monthly they said.

Our kitchen cupboards arrived and the counter tops next week. Appliance are in too next week, so Gerry will be busy.

Have been also baking up storms lately and trying all sorts of new recipes.

Did this copycat one yesterday- for you pumpkin lovers- Starbucks Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping.

Then had 1/4 cup pumpkin left from my can

so today going to bake the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Banana Squares. Need to turn the oven back on and warm it up in here! Have a good one everyone.

Today's Winner

iggysaysno is today's winner of the following giveaway:
http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2014/07/road-trip-safety-tips-and-reader.html

** Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who took time to enter.

Road Trip Safety Tips and Reader Giveaway From State Farm

During the hot summer months, it is important to remember to make sure vehicles are properly equipped with roadside emergency supplies to help keep families safe this summer.

Before logging all those miles on your family road trip this summer, remember to:

• Beat the Heat: Inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses to make sure they are in good shape with no signs of blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber.
• Hydrate Your Vehicle: Check fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant. Make sure each reservoir is full and if you see any sign of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

Before any longer trip, any time of year, remember to give your vehicle a check-up:

• Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare,
• Make sure the wiper blades are functioning properly,
• Check battery life and inspect batteries and battery cables,
• Inspect brake pads and linings for wear; change the oil and filter according to manufacturer’s service interval specifications, and
• Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights

Move the beach gear over for the roadside emergency kit:

Even if you’ve prepared your vehicle for summer travel, it never hurts to have a "just in case" kit in your trunk. Your emergency kit should include:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Emergency flat tire repair
• Gloves, blankets and towels
• Hazard triangle, road flares, brightly colored distress sign, or "Help" or "Call Police" flag
• Screwdrivers and wrenches
• First aid kit
• Cell phone and charger
• Water for both the car radiator and your family
• High-calorie, non-perishable food

Traveling with kids:

• Always use proper safety restraints
• Use the long drive as teaching moments about safe driving
• Pack a cooler with healthy snacks like water, fruit, nuts and granola
• Stop every few hours to let the kids stretch their legs
• Adults should take the time to exit the vehicle and stretch too.  If you become drowsy, don’t hesitate to pull over to a safe location and rest until you feel able to continue the drive
• Use electronic devices to help keep away the boredom on the long drives

Make sure to check and stock trunk supplies twice a year and remember never leave on a road trip with your vehicle’s "check engine light" or "malfunction indicator light" lit up. If you take these precautions, you and your vehicle might be happier on the roads this summer. And don’t forget to have fun!
- See more here.


State Farm cares about you and your family and would love to giveaway ONE summer trunk safety makeover kits, worth $50 in value. Entrant can be from the USA or Canada.
A random draw will be made by Random.org on July 13, 2014 from all entries received.


To Enter:

Tell me if you already carry a road emergency kit in your car or truck. As well, please leave your email.

Extra Entries:

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Best of luck to all!

July is National Blueberry Month

July is National Blueberry Month, not that anyone needs an excuse to enjoy more of these delicious berries. Whether in a smoothie, on their own or baked into something delicious, blueberries are filled with antioxidants and taste amazing. So take advantage of them in season.

The Blueberry Pecan Breakfast Cookies by Healthy Cravings are an excellent fit for National Blueberry Month because of the subtle yet complex flavor of the cookies. They showcase the flavor of the blueberry by complimenting its tangy sweetness with the subtle, nutty flavor of the pecans. Completely gluten free, the Blueberry Pecan Breakfast Cookies are a quick and easy way to get your dose of super food in the mornings or as a quick afternoon snack without sacrificing the delicious flavor of the blueberries. They really are the star of this snack.

Making Supper Just Got Easier With Idahoan Potatoes

Potatoes have been part of dinner for generations. However, sometimes all the prep work involved can be a hassle. Idahoan potatoes have got you covered for dinner, with minimum effort and maximum taste. Try something different like scalloped potatoes with rich and creamy sauce. Or for everyone's favorite instant potatoes, it is sure to be a hit in everyone's house. Add some gravy and you can have the holiday favorite meal any night of the week. With a lot less work, and huge taste you can spend a lot more time enjoying dinner time with your family, rather than slaving over the stove.

Gerry and I got the chance to sample the assortments of Idahoan potatoes and really liked the quickness of whipping up the instant potatoes for supper. 

I personally love instant potatoes as well, and would rather eat them over potatoes I cut up, boil and mash myself. I think Gerry is more of the boiled and mashed potato guy but loves trying new food. 

Gerry found their Homestyle Casserole potatoes  more to his liking. Easy to fix as well, and very flavorful, but a bit more time required for cook time, compared to instant.

All in all we loved the ease of the cooking, and the types and flavors available. We give Idahoan potatoes a thumbs up!

Today's Quick Tip

Leftover dry cereal? You can use it up and make "mallow" squares, just like you would if you were making Rice Krispie squares. Most dry cereals work, and you can adjust recipes to sizing by how much cereal you have left in the box.

Trip To Montana Was a "Bust"- At Least For Now

Our trip to Montana was short lived. At least this time. It wasn't a good day yesterday for sure.

We had left here at 2 pm in the RV .
Got a window chip while on highway and noticed that we actually had another in another corner. No glass protection.

It was very hot out and we were about half way to Prince Albert, Sk., when I told Gerry to turn on the air conditioner. Only to discover we had no a/c. The vent air was too warm as well. There was little relief and even Jakey was very warm too. He didn't want to drink any water either. He tends to get like that when we travel. You have to coax him to drink.

It took us 5 hours to get to Prince Albert- usually 4 hours or less with the truck.By that time, we noticed the fridge temperature was not as cool as it should be also. The generator was kicking off and on, my lap top battery died, and we had only hot air in the RV. I had a good cry and Gerry said we should just go back home. It felt like everything was going wrong, so he turned back and we came home. Add to that another $175 of gas into the RV- which also hurts too when your thrifty.

We never got in till 2 am and Gerry drove most of the way in fog ,( I don't drive the 31' rig) . A truck driver in front of us at one point was on the complete opposite side of the road a few times, down the middle line, etc.. I really didn't even want to get near him, but Gerry was able to pass him at one point. I couldn't look! It was like the Grim Reaper was driving that rig!

We spent the morning today unloading the RV of everything, and putting it all in the car port. Gerry fixed my computer issue with a new adapter he bought today. Recharged the a/c and figured out the issue with the fridge. Thought it was a 3 way fridge and was only a 2 way. We still have it for sale though.
Gerry still wants a bigger one and one with slides. Said he wants to have something that he can work on paying while he is still working, and do more travelling with it when he retires.

If we don't sell this one soon, we'll more than likely try to take it somewhere to trade up. Something newer and this time Gerry said he'll be checking it out. Unlike what we did with this one, and just jumped into buying the first one we saw.

Today's Winner

Today's giveaway:
$10 Walmart Gift Card
and our winner:
lyndac1968@outlook.com


**Winner has been contacted and has 7 days to reply before a new winner is selected.
Thank you to all who entered-

The Cost of a "Fill" with the Rv

Well, Gerry got the rv filled- 180 litres/45 gallons= $245 ! First fill for the trip. 

Spent some time packing up the rv tonight, but will do the rest tomorrow morning while Gerry is at work. Has the afternoon off so will be taking off once we get the last minutes all done. And of course you always feel like your leaving something behind. We have Ria picking up mail and keeping an eye on things while we're away so that's nice.And of course- gotta remember those passports.

I've got a plan with plan and a turbo stick for internet, where there is cell service. Have to check in at one of the Walmarts once we hit the US to see about a Verizon one as well. So hopefully it will be easy to locate.

Our trip will have us  heading to Glacier National Park in Montana- but will have to head all the way down Saskatchewan and then across, to get there. Lots of flooding right now in Saskatchewan -but most of it is on the right hand side of the province and we will be more on the far left hand side travelling.

We had done some pre-figuring for costs for this trip.
A flight from Saskatoon- Montana to the area we were heading to would have costed $1,066 return for each of us! Plus we'd have a car rental on that, a one week fee for keeping the truck at the airport and one week for Jakey at the kennels, so already, a bit of an expense.( Although with the cost of the air as it is, we just wouldn't have gone there. Way too much per person).

It will be quite different for both of us- and for Jakey as well- so will see how it goes. We'll either love it or hate it!