summer - Dad of Divas

4 Tips for Decorating Your Family-Friendly Summer Getaway

July 7, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Summer is here. And as we embark on a new season, families from coast to coast will load up the family car and make the journey to their summertime retreats. No, not hotels or campgrounds, but vacation homes.

Summer getaways are a popular alternative to crowded hotels, campgrounds or family-style resorts that can cost hundreds of dollars each night. However, a vacation home is a home away from home. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and spend time with the people who matter most.

And, more importantly, it’s a space you can make your own. Here’s how you can decorate your summer home on a budget.

1. Frame Your Favorite Place

Dressing up the walls in your vacation home is a great way to add a little personalization and character to the space. It’s easy, too. For a quick addition, opt to frame a favorite map, painting, photograph or other memento to freshen up your getaway retreat.

All you need for this quick and easy DIY task is one of the above options and a frame to fit. Choose anything you’d like to frame and hang it in your home’s entryway, mud room or even above the sofa in the family room.

2. Invest in a New Living Room Set

Furniture in a vacation home needs to be two things: comfy and durable. After a long day of exploring your surroundings, you and your entire family will want a place to rest and relax. But you also need durability, too. In this case, opt for a durable living room set.

With multiple furniture pieces included, everyone in the family will have a place to relax and get comfortable. And with a living room set made with a durable polyester fabric, you can live in your living room without worrying about damaging your furniture. Polyester fabric can stand up to sun exposure and everyday use. This fabric can release water-based stains and generally holds its shape much better than cotton.

3. Pare Down and Play Up Natural Light

A vacation home is different than your everyday home — and so is the way you decorate it. When setting out to decorate your vacation home, think of it as a rental property. Like a staged home, it should brim with natural light, as well as be free of clutter and designed minimally.

So, go ahead, swing open the drapes and let the natural light shine in. Strategically placed mirrors can also add a natural light effect within the space. Just be sure to place your mirror opposite of a window, as this will help play up the natural light in the space. Light paint colors can also give the space an airy feel.

And a lack of clutter, like small decor items or an excess of throws and decorative pillows, will make the space feel expansive.

4. Think About Offseason Storage and Care

After decorating your summer getaway, it’s time to think about two things: storage and care. Your home-away-from-home won’t be in use for prolonged periods of time. And if your patio furniture is left out, you run the risk of weather-related damage.

That’s why you need to protect your outdoor furniture with a durable and versatile furniture cover. There are countless, affordable covers for sale that offer features such as UV protection and that are constructed from a 100 percent waterproof material.

Don’t forget about the grill, either. You’ll want to use a cover for your barbecue or grill when you’re away, too.

Summer Outside Ideas

July 7, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

For many people, summer is the best time of the year, and they always want to make the most of it. This means getting outside as much as possible before the colder, wetter weather starts to creep in during the late fall and winter.

It’s good to have an idea of what you might do when you go outside so that you don’t waste a moment of the summer, but there are so many options you might feel somewhat overwhelmed. Don’t worry, though; read on to get some ideas of how to start your summer outside in the perfect way.

Go To The Beach

It should make no difference if you live close to a beach or if it will take a long car journey to get there; you should definitely go to the beach during the summer. There is something extremely relaxing about the waves breaking on the sand and the chance to sit back and do nothing as the sun shines (although you must remember your sunscreen and wear a hat). You can catch up on your reading, splash about in the sea, or listen to some music without a care in the world.

If you’ve got kids, this is the ideal place for them to enjoy as well. As long as you keep an eye on them, you can still relax, and they can play in the sand or run around to their heart’s content.

Play Games

No matter what age you are, playing games is always something that you should keep doing. It’s good for your brain and your body, and it’s a lot of fun.

You can play sports outside during the summer, but you don’t have to join in with something that is organized – you can just take a ball, bike, or even some hoverboards and make up your own games with friends and family, or by yourself. Use your imagination to have a lot of fun, just as you did when you were a child. If you’re feeling down or stressed, this kind of ‘game’ can help to relieve your problems, and you might even come up with a solution to it all when you’re thinking of something else.

Picnic

Eating outdoors always feel extra special, so why not make the most of a lovely summer’s day by packing a picnic of all your favorite treats and finding the perfect spot to eat it? If you’re on your own, you can enjoy your picnic in exactly the way you want to, but you might choose to invite friends and family along, or perhaps make it a romantic date with a partner. Kids love picnics too, and you may find that they will try new foods simply because they are outside in the fresh air and the excitement makes them braver.

Ideal picnic foods include finger food such as sandwiches and wraps, fresh fruit, cakes, and chocolate. You can make the food at home or buy it ready to go from a store. Don’t forget to take drinks with you and dispose of your trash responsibly.

Prepping for Summer

June 22, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and summer is just around the corner. To help make your living space more comfortable for you and your family, here are some top ways to prepare your home for the hot summer months.

Replace old windows

Get your windows looking sparkling for summer by giving them a thorough clean. Summer is also the perfect time to replace any windows that appear old or worn. Make sure you check for any damage that your windows may have sustained during the winter months. Look for things like cracks, mold, drafts, and condensation forming between the planes of glass. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s best to have your windows replaced to keep them safe and secure. Upgrading your windows is also a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal ready for summer.

Service your air conditioner

Air conditioning (AC) is often vital for creating a comfortable living space during the hot summer months. There is nothing worse than your AC failing during the full heat of summer. For that reason, it is important to carry out regular maintenance on your AC unit to ensure that it continues working at the optimum level. The filter for your AC unit is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important components of your unit, and poor maintenance can significantly reduce its effectiveness. According to experts, you should clean or replace your ac filter at least twice per year to keep your unit working in the best condition possible. If you have pets, then it is recommended that you replace the filter more often, as hair can clog the filter.

Clear and clean your walkways

Your outdoor walkways are likely to become dirty and clogged with debris, like dead leaves and rubbish, during the winter months. Use a pressure washer to clean walkways, then replace any broken or damaged paving slabs or bricks with new ones. On concrete walkways, you can fill any cracks with a masonry crack filler that matches the color of your concrete. This will make your walkways safer, and will also improve the visual appeal of your home by giving your outdoor space a more polished look. Here are some walkway design ideas for further ways to improve the appearance of your home exterior.

Get your yard looking summer ready

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start carrying out some key maintenance on your yard. Start by mowing the grass, removing weeds, and clearing any debris from your outdoor space. You should then work on ways to improve your yards curb appeal. Planting colorful flowers and plants, adding a water feature, and installing outdoor lights are all easy ways to make your outdoor space more visually appealing. If you have any playground equipment, make sure you check this for any signs of wear and damage that could be dangerous for kids. Bring out the patio furniture, and get ready to get outside and enjoy the warm summer weather with your friends and family!

Summer Getaways

June 20, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The summer getaway, the time of the year when you can pursue leisure without guilt. It’s your opportunity to go to new places, experience new things, and escape the stresses and strains of the everyday.

Have you booked your summer getaway yet? Or are you more organized and looking for next year’s summer vacation? Here is a selection of fabulous summer getaways that may not have caught your attention before.

San Diego – USA

San Diego is a city in California, south of Los Angeles and just north of the Mexican border. It manages to combine relaxed beach surfer vibes with its Mexican influences to create a welcoming and diverse city. With year-round sunshine and stunning mountain, beach, lake and desert landscapes, San Diego has it all.

San Diego takes its food and wine very seriously. There are over 80 breweries and several vineyards. It’s best to go on an organized San Diego winery tour to sample the local delights and get the most from the experience.

Porto – Portugal

Porto is often overlooked by holiday goers who head to the Algarve or Lisbon for their Portugal retreats; however, Porto is usually a more wallet-friendly option. The historic architecture of Porto is evident at every corner, and you will be blown away by post-card quality scenes that greet you.

Be warned though that Porto is hilly, and while you may enjoy a ramble down to the Cais da Ribeira to catch a view of the iconic Luís I Bridge, you will have to walk back up to your accommodation. Porto is the gateway to the Doura Valley, and it is well worth a boat trip to it – if you can drag yourself away from the beach.

Tallinn – Estonia

Be honest, do you even know where Estonia is? Estonia is a country that is on the coast of the Baltic Sea, nestled between Latvia and Russia – over the sea from Finland. It has more than 1,500 islands and is home to many beaches, forests, and lakes. Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and has the most stunning preserved Old Town that showcases its rich history – think castles, churches and fortresses, and the remnants of its Soviet Union past.

Not only is Tallinn a stunning historic city to visit, but it also has several beaches that you can visit, although the best beaches will require a car for you to access them. There is currently a foodie revolution taking place in Estonia, with local chefs combining the Nordic influences with the traditional Estonian flavors. Estonia may not be your first idea for a holiday, but it is one place where your budget will not be tested.

Your summer getaway does not have to be with the bucket and spade brigade. It can be your time to explore new places and experiences beyond the average destinations. From the summer vibes of San Diego, the eclectic energy and architecture of Porto and the preserved Old Town of Tallinn, you have plenty to choose from.

Summer Accessories

June 19, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Every season comes with its joys, and this can especially be said about summer. You get to do far more outdoor activities, especially on days the weather is pleasant. Your kids will also have longer school breaks meaning you have a chance to engage in more family activities. However, you’re going to need a few activities to make the experience one that’s memorable for everyone. Whether you’re going to be having beach days, pool parties, or picnics, there are certain accessories that could add color to your activities. To aid your adventures and amplify your fun, here are some summer accessories that you should invest in.

Foldable Picnic Table

As mentioned above, during the summer, it isn’t unheard of for you to decide to have picnics. These could take place in your back garden or at your nearest park. To help create a picnic setting, think about getting a foldable table. In addition to this, you could also invest in a nice picnic basket in case you want to take the traditional route and pull out a blanket to eat on.

Record player

If you’re having any sort of party this summer, a record player is the ultimate accessory to have with you. Not only is it a timeless piece, but you can also expect high-quality audio, which is perfect if you’ll be hosting a social gathering. There are also wireless Bluetooth features in case you’d like a modern touch.

Cooler Backpack

For those days, when you and the family go on adventures, having a cooler backpack at hand should help. This way, you can fill it up with cool drinks so that everyone stays hydrated. One of the best cooler backpacks of 2019 is the TOURIT Cooler Backpack which you could get for an affordable $37 on Amazon. It is as light as 1.1 pounds and can fit up to 28 cans. IceMule Coolers Pro Cooler is also a good pick as it provides up to 24-hour insulation.

Quicksand Mat

In case you’ll be going to the beach, think about getting a quicksand mat. This way you and the family can lounge out on the beach without having to worry about sand getting stuck everywhere. If you’re wondering how that’s possible, it has multi-weave technology so that sand is able to fall through it as opposed to sitting at the top.

Tent

Whether you’re going to be camping or snoozing on the beach, a tent is another ideal accessory to have during the summer.

There are several beach tents you could get such as the Pacific Breeze Easy Up tent or the Lightspeed Outdoors Cabana Tent. You’ll just need to decide how much space you need as well as what style is most suitable for your activities before buying.

When it comes to tents for camping, Northwest Territory Kmart and the transparent bubble tent could be good choices.

Selfie Drone

You can’t have a list of summer accessories without including something tech-related. A selfie drone is the perfect solution for a necessary family selfie. Hover Camera Passport Drone can follow you around and capture 4k videos as well as 13MP aerial images of you. This is a wonderful way to create sacred memories.

Using Manwich Bourbon For A Great Summer BBQ Meal

June 30, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own.

After just getting back from being in North Carolina and having BBQ, I felt compelled to do a little shopping myself to get into the BBQ spirit. I have not had a good BBQ Burger in a while and in going to my local Kroger I found that there was a brand new Manwich, Manwich Bourbon that was perfect for the burgers that I wanted to make (Manwich can also be made with chicken or pork).

We were having a few kids over to spend the night so to tide them over I also made sure to pick up a few Slim Jim Premium Sticks, as I knew that the kids would be hungry and we needed something to hold them over until I could pull the burgers off of the grill.

I do love to cook, especially on the grill. I also like to experiment a bit and in seeing the Manwich Bourbon I knew that this was a perfect time to experiment with this to make an amazing burger. It was not hard to create the burger itself. I used the below recipe to create the ultimate Manwich Bourbon Burger.

Manwich Bourbon Burger (Makes 6 burgers)

2 lbs of ground round
1 can of Manwich Bourbon
Breadcrumbs (use only if meat becomes too runny from sauce)
6 Hamburger Buns

This was a very easy recipe as all you have to do is take the meat and slowly work in the Manwich Bourbon into the meat itself. Depending on how much meat you have will determine whether you need the entire can or not. You do not want the burger to be too runny. If you find that the burgers have become too runny, then add in breadcrumps into your burgers to soak up some of the sauce.

Once you have put together the burgers, you will want to allow them to sit in a freezer back to hold in the sauce for about an hour or so.

Once you are ready to make the burgers, take the out of the fridge, fire up the grill on low heat and cook slowly to taste.

The burgers also taste great with cheese, so pick out your favorite cheese and melt on the cheese while the burgers are still on the grill.

Biting into the burgers you will get to taste the great sweet and tangy flavor of the Manwich Bourbon BBQ Sloppy Joe Sauce. While Manwich has been around since the 1960’s this new flavor really kicks up the flavor even more. I also love that in an entire can you are only getting 180 calories (35 calories per serving).

I also have to say that the kids did love having the Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks as snacks. They have tried these snack sticks in the past but we usually get the smaller sticks so having the larger sticks was definitely a treat! What I love about these premium smoked sticks is that each stick is grass-fed 100% beef or 100% premium pork, always raised without hormones, and with no artificial colors or flavors, and no added MSG. Also, each serving contains at least 10 grams of protein.

While I was at the store I found a few varieties available, but I chose to select The Smokehouse Original stick contains brown sugar and soy sauce, combining for a sweet and savory experience with a hint of spice (100% Grassfed Beef, 10g Protein).

If this looks good to you, check out these great Digital Coupons for Manwich Bourbon and Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks

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5 Hacks To Make Cleaning Easier This Summer

May 1, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Summer is a time to get outside and start enjoying yourself so thinking about cleaning might be the last thing on your mind. Prepping your home and garden for summer is a great way to make the most of your beautiful exterior areas for family fun and outdoor dining. Starting with a big spring clean is one of the first steps in getting your house ready for the warmer weather, but once the sunshine arrives, there is a host of cleaning hacks you can use to keep your home looking and feeling fresh all season. If you’re looking to make your cleaning routine a breeze, take a look at these handy hacks to get you started.

Lemon power

During the summer, lemon will probably be a permanent fixture on your grocery list. Not only do they add zingy flavors to your favorite drinks, but they can also be used for cleaning too. Using half a lemon, rub it into stainless steel fixtures and wipe with a cloth afterward and it’ll be sparkling in no time. Due to its antibacterial power too, lemons can also be used to disinfect worktops.

Cleaning your outside grill

Barbeques are often a favorite pastime during the summer months and if your grill has seen better days, before purchasing for a new one, why not clean it with oven cleaner? Just like using products in your conventional oven, while the grate is slightly warm use the cleaning products to lift off the grime. You might need a brush for those tough spots, but it’ll be worth the effort.

Removing tough stains

With kids and pets going in and out of the garden during the summer, your carpets might start to look a bit grubby and in need of some revival. There is a selection of non-toxic products that can help lift dried in dirt and grime plus they are safe for both children and pets. For those stubborn patches, turn to experts at My Technicare who can help with deep cleaning ready for summer.

Try rubber gloves to remove pet hair

If you’re vacuumed your home, and you are still having issues with embedded pet hair, why not try using your rubber gloves? All you need to do is put your gloves on and run your hand over the area you want to clean. Doing this helps to create friction that pulls the hair more easily from stubborn spots.

Use baby wipes to clean furniture

Baby wipes are perfect for cleaning a multitude of things, so it’s no surprise they also work wonders on furniture. Due to their ‘gentle on baby’ composition, they won’t ruin the material either.

Use dryer sheets to clean shelves

Dryer sheets are the perfect way to get rid of dust and dirt from shelving and baseboards. Due to their anti-static nature, they repel dust and are a quick win if you’re in a hurry.

These are just few cleaning hacks that will see you through the summer months. Why not give them a try?

Having Fun With The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

June 22, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

You all know that my family and I are BIG readers. We love to get into a good book, and get lost in the story and the characters in general. That is why we love to take part in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. With it now being in its’ 9th year, the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free online reading program dedicated to stopping the “summer slide” by encouraging kids to read throughout the summer months when school is out. This year’s challenge theme is “Power Up & Read,” powered by ENERGIZER®.

We are parents that continually try and provide learning opportunities for our kids, whether in or outside of books. Why do we do this? We do not want our kids to fall prey to what is called “summer slide,” or the common loss of skills due to being out of school, when they do not read over the summer. As educators ourselves, we have read the research that shows that teachers spend four to six weeks re-teaching materials to students because of the “summer slide” (Alexander et. al, 2007), and we definitely did not want our own kids to be part of these statistics. So we find that summer is the perfect time for our kids to discover the power of choice. We let our kids ry out as many and as variant topics of books as they can think of. You see, according to the Kids & Family Reading Report, 5^th edition, 91% of kids (ages 6-17) say that their favorite books are the ones they pick out themselves, so we indulge this and allow them to explore and see the world in different ways and the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge helps us in this pursuit.

So How does it work?
- Starting May 4, 2015 – September 4, 2015, kids can log their reading minutes (online and via mobile) as they read to break last year’s world record of 304,749,861 minutes.
- Parents can sign-up their kids at www.scholastic.com/summer. It’s FREE!
- Kids can also enter monthly sweepstakes to win fabulous prizes, and earn digital rewards when they complete weekly reading challenges.

What’s new this year for kids?
- Kids can unlock 12 original short stories (exclusively for this year’s challenge) from favorite children’s authors and access never-before-seen videos from the authors! Each of the authors has written a unique short story using the same opening sentence, which is, “I glanced over my shoulder to make sure that no one had followed me into the shadowy library, then took a deep breath and opened the glowing book…”
- The authors include Blue Balliett, Patrik Henry Bass, Varian Johnson, Gordon Korman, Michael Northtrop, Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pierce, Roland Smith, , Tui T. Sutherland, Lauren Tarshis, Wendy Wan-Long Shang and Jude Watson.
- Each story has a “read along” audio component, inviting kids of all ages and reading levels to enjoy these highly engaging stories.
  - They can play the new “innovation machine” game, an interactive creative writing game, and enter its contest to win prizes.
  - Kids can log minutes on-the-go to earn digital rewards and badges as they hit reading milestones.

What’s new this year for parents?
- The parents site features new, daily tips for parents called “The Daily Digest.”
- Parents can enter weekly sweepstakes to win a “Power Up & Read Kit” and watch videos about summer reading activities to keep you “innovative” all summer long. The prize pack includes: Scholastic tote bag, water bottle, a copy of by Jeffrey Wilhelm and Michael Smith, $10 gift certificate to Scholastic Store Online, Energizer® brand batteries, Scholastic books, and more.
- Parents can download free resources, including printables and booklists for kids of all ages.

FIND OUT MORE *please include*

Find more Scholastic Resources to keep your kids reading all summer long!

Learn more about the Energizer® Instant Win Game

Follow @Scholastic on Twitter

Like the Energizer® Bunny on Facebook

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Get Ready for Summer Reading With Scholastic!

May 14, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

This summer Scholastic is partnering up with Energizer to really make reading come alive with their Power Up & Read campaign. Any of you that have followed me for any period of time knows how much my whole family reads and summer is a time when we continue to do this, sometimes even more-so.

This is especially true as I know that as a parent I do not want to have my kids lose any ground between the end of one school year and the next.

With J-Mom being a librarian, we are always looking for a good book, and the kids are already making lists for the books that they are hoping to read throughout the summer. SOme of the ones on my eldests’ list include & series’ of books. My youngest is liking and books lately so I know that she will voraciously be reading those among others.

Reading is so fundamental to academic, personal and professional success in general and with that in mind, as a parent, I feel so strongly that all kids should be provided with the structure to read on a daily basis, and this is what we do throughout the year, both in and outside of the school year!

I highly encourage all parents to Power Up & Read with their kids this summer and have some fun getting lost in a great book!

ABOUT THE SCHOLASTIC – ENERGIZER® PARTNERSHIP

This year’s challenge theme is “Power Up & Read,” encouraging kids to read all summer long and unlock 12 original short stories by bestselling children’s authors as kids reach reading milestones. Scholastic has joined together with ENERGIZER® to power the Summer Reading Challenge and encourage families to find innovative ways to discover the power and joy of reading. Parents can sign up kids beginning May 4, 2015 and runs through September 4, 2015.

ABOUT THE ENERGIZER INSTANT WIN GAME

Energizer® and Scholastic are partnering to create the “Power the Possibilities” campaign which gives moms the tools they need to unlock their child’s talents, fuel their ambitions and set them up for future success. Starting May 4, 2015, parents can buy any specially marked pack of Energizer® brand batteries to scratch for a chance to win one of thousands of prizes that will power discovery and learning.

Prizes include a family trip to New York City, a Scholastic Study Corner Makeover, a tablet with Scholastic apps, a library of Scholastic books and more! Everyone who plays can also download free digital stories for their family.

Here are Five Great Tips for Parents When It Comes to Summer Reading!

Resources from Scholastic Parents:

– Keep your kids reading all summer long!

FIND OUT MORE

Find more Scholastic Resources to keep your kids reading all summer long!

Learn more about the Energizer® Instant Win Game

Follow @Scholastic on Twitter

Like the Energizer® Bunny on Facebook

#SummerReading

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Keeping Cool With Arctic Cove This Summer!

May 3, 2015 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

It is soccer season and the weather is getting warmer. With my daughter in soccer many days during the week for practice and multiple days on the weekends for games, I know how hot it gets and how much the girls on her soccer team want to cool off. With that being said I decided to try out the Arctic Cove 18V Bucket Top Mounting Fan and their Cooling Towel with my daughter at her recent soccer game as I knew it was supposed to be hot.

While I got a few strange glares while I was carrying our a bucket full of water, once I told them what the fan could do, the other parents were all ears and they loved the idea of keeping the team cool in this way. The great thing about this fan is that it is SO easy to set up. The simplicity of the design is what makes it genius in my opinion. I mean, I think everyone I know has a 5 gallon bucket sitting around their garage but no one has ever thought about how to turn those buckets into something that could be used in this way until Arctic Cove stepped in, not at least that I am not aware of it.

Having the water at the game also let me provide my daughter with a cooling towel as well. She loved being able to use this around her neck especially as she was coming off the field. She told me afterward that the towel really did keep cooling her even after she had it on her for a while. I did not expect her to tell me that, but I was so glad to hear that was the case.

By the end of the game the rest of the team were asking if I would bring the far back with me to the next game. I told them of course. I mean, with it being as easy as it is, why wouldn’t I, right?

I didn’t have enough of the cooling towels for the whole team or I would have passed those on to the girls as well, but I will say that they definitely work and if you work outside, play a sport, workout or know someone who does, these towels really provide relief from the heat!

If you have never heard of Arctic Cove, I encourage you to check them out. They have an amazing array of products that will work well to keep you cool this summer, just like me!

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