MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Staycation
MESSENGER POST MEDIA • SUMMER STAYCATION • JULY 2, 2020
simple ways
to beautify your
outdoor space
enjoy time at home!
Whether it’s a quaint patio, a simple garden, a rolling
expanse of land or the many possibilities in between,
the backyard is the perfect place to unwind. As people
spend more time at home, creating a personal outdoor
sanctuary is more important than ever before.
Fortunately you don’t need a lot of time or space to
create an outdoor escape you’ll enjoy for months
to come. Here are some simple, affordable ideas for
transforming any space into an outdoor oasis where you
can release stress and reconnect to Mother Nature:
Pull up a chair
A place to sit and relax is essential so you can fully enjoy
your outdoor space. This doesn’t mean you have to order
a whole new set of patio furniture though. Just one or
two chairs along with a table for your favorite beverage
can be an inviting start. You could even update a worn
outdoor chair with a fresh coat of outdoor paint and new
cushions and you’ll get a brand new look for less. Add a
few outdoor accent pillows for a splash of personality
and to make the space reflect the same level of comfort
found indoors.
Define the space
You can create an outdoor room by defining the space
strategically. Adding a rug is a great way to give the
space a more intimate feel, just make sure it’s made for
outdoor use specifically to stand up to the elements.
You can also create a sense of enclosure with potted
plants lined in the corners or along the sides to create
the visual illusion of a wall. Try your hand at container
gardening and you’ll enhance your space and provide
fresh vegetables and herbs for home cooking.
Add decorative accents
To make an outdoor space feel like your own, add a few
thoughtful decorations. Outdoor mirrors are trending
and an affordable, upscale addition to your outdoor
areas. Decor such as signs, statues and mosaics can
add style to any space. To add elements of relaxation,
consider a rock garden, fountain or wind chimes, which
will help you escape stress while stimulating the senses.
Enjoy daily
Create a routine to enjoy your outdoor space daily.
Schedule a morning meditation, afternoon escape
or evening happy hour. Raise a glass of your favorite
wine and toast to living life to the fullest, even from the
comfort of your backyard. Whether it’s a crisp sauvignon
blanc, supple rosé, lush chardonnay, mouth-watering
red blend or rich cabernet sauvignon, it’s the perfect
way to enjoy your outdoor oasis. [BPT]
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how your
family can
crush
cabin fever
It’s not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but
with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you’re
in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things
you can do to have fun together. Make sure to choose activities
that are age-appropriate and that follow your current local
guidelines for social distancing. Here are just a few things to try.
Get out in nature
Visit nearby parks or scenic areas for fresh air and exercise.
Choose locations that aren’t crowded, so social distancing isn’t
difficult. Bring toys for the kids, like balls, kites, hula hoops,
scooters or bikes.
Play tourist
Pretend your car is a tour bus. Let Mom or Dad play tour guide
first, modeling what to say (serious and/or funny). Drive by
picturesque or unusual locations and make up the “tour” as you
go along. Then let your kids take a turn narrating the “sights” as
you drive.
Plan a celebratory parade
Have a friend or family member with a birthday, anniversary
or graduation to celebrate? Plan a drive-by parade with a few
other family groups in cars, complete with signs, streamers and
balloons. Honk, wave and sing as you slowly pass their home.
Enjoy a treat with the family
Visit a Sonic Drive-in for a treat everyone will love. A Sonic
Carhop brings out your meal when it’s ready.
Wacky Pack Kids Meals include choice of Jr. Burger, Corn Dog,
Grilled Cheese, Crispy Tenders or Hot Dog, and they’re served
with Tots, Fries or Tree Top Apple Sauce, plus Minute Maid 100%
Apple Juice or 1% milk jug. Kids 3 and up receive a Kidrobot
SONIC Edition Dunny toy.
Check out SonicWackyPack.com for free, downloadable activity
packs that include coloring sheets, puzzles and games to
entertain the kids while stuck at home.
Make washing the car an event
If there’s a touchless car wash nearby, young children
will have a blast being in the car during the washing
process. Turn up their favorite songs while you sit
back and watch the suds and water do their work. Or
you could involve the kids in washing the family car
in your driveway.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Whether you’re walking or driving through the
neighborhood, play “I Spy” or hunt for specific items
— like a red car, a blue house, a large dog — or search
for signs, rainbows or teddy bears in neighbors’
windows (a trend sweeping the nation while people
are staying home).
Make the most of your own yard
You’d be amazed how much kids can appreciate
their own yard, with just a little help.
• Create an obstacle course using large cardboard
boxes, hula hoops, cones or other items from your
garage.
• Make bubbles with 1 part dish soap to 3 parts water,
adding a little sugar (1-2 teaspoons). Stir the mixture
gently. Use pipe cleaners or cut out the bottom of
plastic water bottles to create wands.
• Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch and other
games, plus pictures and hopeful messages for
neighbors walking by.
• Find veggies or flowers your kids want to grow and
involve them in gardening projects.
• Dig through your garage for neglected toys and
games. When did your kids last play badminton or
croquet? Or make your own games, like jump rope,
cornhole or horseshoes, using household items.
Search online for tips on crafting homemade games.
Take a trip down memory lane
Scour your memory and ask grandparents about
outdoor games from when you (or they) were
children. Have grandparents explain how to play
their games via phone or FaceTime. Then, video kids
playing the games for the whole family to share!
Spending time together, outside or in, creates special
memories your kids will treasure as they grow up —
making all your efforts worthwhile. [BPT]
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SUMMERTIME RECIPES
Better ways to top a hot dog!
Is there a more uniquely American experience than grilling hot dogs in the
backyard during the summer? The ease of preparation can’t be beat: Throw
wieners on the grill, cook until the desired level of char is achieved, sandwich
between a bun and top with preferred condiments.
Of course, you can pull out more than just ketchup and mustard. A rainbow
of toppings can dress up any ol’ hot dog, and most are quick and easy to
make. If you, too, are a little bored with store-bought squeeze bottles and
want to jazz up your dogs a bit, try some fun toppings to take your hot dog
game to the next level.
GRILLED TOPPINGS
A true workhorse condiment, this salsa made from grilled pineapple can
work on anything from burgers and hot dogs to pork tacos and grilled fish.
Using the grill to char fresh pineapple mellows some of its natural acidity
while amplifying its sweeter qualities. A hefty dose of lime juice and some
sharp red onion prevents the salsa from becoming too cloying. Once the
salsa is assembled, it should stay fresh for two days.
If you want to riff on a standard coleslaw, try grilling the cabbage before
slicing to add a charred, smoky flavor. To do so, cut the cabbage into
quarters — leaving the core attached to keep the wedges intact — and
grill until browned on the surface. To make sure the dressing absorbs into
the warm cabbage, we’re using a bright citrus vinaigrette instead of a more
traditional mayonnaise. The red wine vinegar and the floral qualities of the
orange beautifully contrast to a savory hot dog. In case you miss the mayo,
you can always add it as a finishing condiment; it would still bring richness,
but run less risk of becoming watery like coleslaw dressing might.
For a topping inspired by Mexican street corn, grill a few whole ears right
before tossing the hot dogs on the grill, then slice off the charred kernels.
Mix in queso fresco, mayo, lime juice and chile powder, and you’re all ready
to serve. Feel free to alter the proportions of cheese and mayonnaise to suit
your preferences, and don’t forget to add a final sprinkle of chile powder and
fresh cilantro to the assembled dog.
GRILLED COLESLAW
• 1 small head green cabbage, about 5 minutes. Turn cabbage • 1/2 red onion, finely diced GRILLED MEXICAN STREET CORN
quartered over and grill for another 5 minutes.
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced • 4 ears yellow corn, shucked
• 1 small head red cabbage, Transfer to a cutting board. Once
the cabbage is cool enough to • 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped • 1/2 C. mayonnaise
quartered
handle, remove the core and slice • Juice of 2 limes • Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/2 C. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2” thick. In a large bowl, combine
• 2 tablespoons honey • 1/2 C. crumbled cotija cheese
• Salt and pepper the cabbage with the carrots and
scallions. Add orange juice and • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 large carrots,
peeled and grated zest, vinegar and remaining olive Heat grill to medium-high heat. Place the • Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
oil, and toss to combine. Season to pineapple directly on the grill and cook until
• 5 scallions, thinly sliced taste.Serve warm or chilled. Serves Heat grill over medium-high heat. Place corn
grill marks have formed, 3 to 5 minutes. Use a
• Zest and juice of 1 orange 6 to 8. on the grill and cook, turning occasionally,
spatula to flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
until lightly browned on all sides, about 15
• 1/4 C. red wine vinegar GRILLED Transfer the pineapple to a baking sheet and
minutes. Let cool slightly.
let cool. Slice the cooled pineapple into 1/2”
Heat grill over high heat. Lightly PINEAPPLE SALSA cubes and place inside a large mixing bowl. While the corn is cooling, combine the
brush the surface of the cabbage • 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored mayonnaise and lime juice in a small bowl.
Stir in the pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro,
with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sliced into ½-inch-thick slabs Spread the mayonnaise evenly on the corn,
lime juice and honey. Season to taste with salt
season with salt and pepper. Place then sprinkle with the cheese and chili powder.
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and and pepper. Serves 8.
cabbage on the grill, cut-side- Serve garnished with cilantro. Serves 4.
down, grill until lightly charred, finely diced
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ways your deck can make
staying at home more enjoyable
With so many people across the country staying put in their homes right now, a fun
and functional outdoor space is more important than ever. Amusement parks and
concerts are closed or canceled and spring is around the corner, beckoning families
outdoors. Millions of people are working remotely and looking for a more natural
option for their home offices. A well-thought-out deck could be the answer to making
a staycation, whether forced or planned, more enjoyable. Here are some ways a deck
can improve the at-home experience.
Fewer screens, more fun
When kids are out of school, screen time usually goes up. Whether it’s TV, computers,
video games, phones or tablets, screen time is usually a sedentary activity.
A deck can provide an alternative outdoor play space where kids can be active and
stretch their imaginations, enjoy the outdoors and do things like bring their favorite
toys like building blocks, action figures or doll houses outdoors.
Worried about splinters hurting those little toes and fingers? Composite decking is a
beautiful option that makes sanding, staining, sealing and splinters a thing of the past.
Home office with a side of vitamin D
Millions of Americans have moved to work-from-home situations recently and
are looking for a way to get out of their stuffy home offices in favor of a workspace
with natural lighting and a great breeze. Soaking up a safe amount of sun every day
can reap big benefits for your health, according to physicians and the World Health
Organization (WHO), including elevating mood, improving sleep, promoting bone
growth and strengthening the immune system.
With the right patio furniture, a deck can make a great option for an outdoor workspace
to soak up the benefits of the sun’s rays. Choose a table of the appropriate height
and a comfortable chair for extended work sessions, or a cushioned chaise lounge for
shorter periods. Adding a screen or pergola to a deck can provide some protection
from the wind (fewer important work papers blowing around).
Family time all year long
If there’s an upside to the increase in people staying home, it’s the ability to connect
with the other people living in your home. Life can get so busy with work, friends and
other commitments that it’s difficult to find time to connect or have a family game
night. A deck is a great place to gather the members of your household for a laid-back
evening of stargazing or a rowdy game night.
And those family connections don’t have to end due to summer’s heat or fall’s chill. By
adding an outdoor heater, firepit or fans, you can extend your deck’s use as a family
space to the majority of the year. As you can see, a deck is a great way to expand the
living space of your home and to provide an alternative space for all members of the
family to enjoy. [BPT]
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no or low-cost ways to educate and entertain your kids
Having children is a great joy, but it also can be stressful.
Pressures are plentiful, from making sure your child has
the right gear to needing to help manage their school
and social schedules. To intensify matters, COVID-19
has brought quarantines and social distancing around
the world, and parents are now tasked with educating
and entertaining their kids more than ever before.
Financial stress is growing dramatically. A whopping
71% of parents are worried about their personal
finances right now, and 81% describe their level of
parenting stress as medium or high, according to the
OfferUp 2020 Parents and Kids Recommerce Report.
In addition to financial concerns, there is a multitude
of challenges for parents during these unique times.
Keeping kids entertained at home is the No. 1 cause
of stress for parents during the pandemic, followed by
educating their children at home, the study found.
Keeping kids on top of their studies as well as happily
entertained doesn’t require spending a lot of money.
Consider these low- and no-cost ways to keep your
children occupied at home:
Seek free educational resources
Go online to discover a variety of high-quality
educational websites. Many museums are now offering
virtual tours and online educational classes to engage
kids of all ages. Educational websites such as Khan
Academy and Sesame Street offer no-cost learning
materials. Remember to sign up for newsletters from
parenting organizations as well to get free activity
ideas sent right to your email.
It’s also smart to reach out to your children’s school or
local community center to explore options. Some offer
memberships to websites that they can share so you
can access material at no cost. Additionally, you can
call and ask your library about digital storytimes and
virtual classes they might be holding, which can be a
fun way to connect kids with others while they learn.
Find what you need through
local resale opportunities
Have your kids played with all their toys and need some
new supplies? Parents are turning to online resale
marketplaces such as OfferUp to buy baby and kids
items during the coronavirus pandemic with the goal
to save money, make more sustainable purchasing
decisions and support their local communities.
Whether it’s a new toy or a necessary supply, you can
find just what you need for less.
You can also consider selling what you no longer use
and make some money as a family. OfferUp is the
largest mobile marketplace in the nation for local
buyers and sellers and it’s as easy as taking a picture
with your phone to sell items and then meet with local
people in a safe, secure manner. Millions of people buy
and sell on OfferUp every year, and billions of dollars’
worth of items are exchanged. Why not make it a
family effort to clean out rooms, sell unused items and
save toward a group goal?
Don’t forget traditional fun
and acts of kindness
Old-fashioned fun is low cost and keeps kids
entertained. Have family game nights and bust out
the board games, work on puzzles together or start a
crafting project. Go outside to play yard games, catch
or kick around a soccer ball. Work on a time capsule,
scrapbook or teach your children a hobby. Think about
all the things older generations did to stay busy when
people spent less time online and find your inspiration.
To help spread positivity when so many people are
stressed, consider simple things you can do from afar
to spread cheer. Kids will enjoy brainstorming acts of
kindness, and most don’t cost anything. For example,
write inspiring messages on the sidewalk for people
to see as they walk by, or color pictures to send to a
local nursing home for residents who may not be able
to receive visitors.
Keeping kids educated and entertained while at home
shouldn’t cause financial stress. Follow these tips to
save money and keep kids happy. [BPT]
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