Breakfast Round the Campfire

Now that you’ve blown the dust off your trusty camping tent, head out for this 4th of July for a weekend of outdoors life. Dont leave home … without a plan however. These websites can help you make your outdoor trip and activities much more fun by giving you the information you need to make knowledgeable decisions.

www.mapquest.com - If you’re heading to a new locale to hike, backpack or camp, Mapquest will give you directions from your door to your destination. Just click the “Directions” icon, enter your starting point and destination and soon there will be a detailed map on your monitor complete with written directions, the number of distance miles (total and segment) and how much time it should take you to make the drive. Advanced options allow you to choose shortest time, shortest distance, avoid toll roads, avoid highways and show seasonally closed roads, or to convert your map to a satellite view with road graphics overlaid.

www.weather.com - Knowing how to get where you’re going is only part of the plan. You’ll also want to know what the weather will be like when you arrive and while you stay at your destination. This website is the online version of The Weather Channel, which is a standard on almost every cable TV lineup around the world. This site will answer just about any weather forecast question for almost any destination that you can imagine. You can find out the current conditions and forecasts for the coming weekend, 10 days ahead or a month ahead, so planning ahead for the weather systems on your next hiking, backpacking or camping trip is easy.

www.reserveamerica.com - It’s hard to beat the convenience of this site when it comes to reserving your chosen campsite. If you’re not familiar with campsites and/or parks in the area you plan on visiting, you can perform a search based on different criteria, according to the specific amenities or features you are interested in enjoying. If you know the park you’re planning to stay at, it’s easy to book a site or sites for the number of nights and people you need. There is a wealth of helpful information available including directions, maps of parks, regional maps showing other parks, whether pets are allowed, and if sites are primitive or not, as well as many other useful functions. Yes, there is a service charge when booking sites, but the convenience ReserveAmerica offers is worth it.

Have a “Camping Basics” list….you know, the stuff you always take camping.

Pack all of the non-perishables into one of those plastic containers and if you are an avid camper, just keep it stocked.

Create a “Food Staples” list. These are the items to pack the day before into a container with a tight fitting lid. These are the items that you don’t want to share with the bugs.

As you are tending your outdoor kitchen, don’t hesitate to pass on your camping wisdom to whomever is within earshot.

To cook a meal for 8-10 hungry campers, clean it all up, repack it away and store it in the tightly closed box, cooler or back in the vehicle. This requires methodical planning, patience, time management, resourcefulness, and a good sense of humor. (The humor comes in handy when you have to haul all of that stuff back out again for the next meal). What school can teach all of these valuable lessons and result in a plate of delicious grub?

What you pack should be basic, but not sparse. You can offer an amazing menu from just a few basic food stuffs. Avoid packing mayonnaise or lunch meats, as they are quick at spoiling.

And you can even bring the kitchen sink with you. Get two of Granite Gear’s Kitchen Sink and you can haul them from the creek to your campsite by balancing them on a stick over your shoulders. Better yet, get your kids to do it. Or you could just get one Kitchen Sink and end up spilling water inside both your shoes while trying to scramble back to camp with an awkward bucket.

Monday - Everything Breakfast

Also makes a great sandwich.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 eggs
• 1 pound sausage
• 3 ounces shredded cheese
• 15 tatertots

PREPARATION:

Brown sausage, add tatertots, and cook until potatoes fall apart. Then add eggs and cheese. Scramble them to your preference and serve.

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 10-20 minutes

Tuesday
This tried & true Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler recipe will make you the hero around the campfire. Enjoy this delight of a camping dessert!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Bisquick
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Cinnamon, to taste
• 2 x 29 ounce cans blackberry filling

What’s Next:

Line a 12-quart Dutch oven with heavy duty aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Place on bed of coals to preheat for 10-15 minutes. Mix all ingredients except for blackberries. Remove Dutch oven off of coals and pour in fruit, drain if needed.

Pour batter over top of fruit. Add cinnamon on top, if desired. Put lid on Dutch oven and place back on coals. When using charcoal, place about 8 pieces on bottom and 13-15 on top. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from coals and crack lid to allow it to cool. Now go be the camping hero!

Wednesday - CampFire Eggs
No camping trip is complete without at least one breakfast of campfire eggs,.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 pound bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• small can chopped mushrooms
• shredded cheddar cheese

PREPARATION:

Cut bacon into thirds and put into large cast-iron skillet on camp fire (or stove), stirring to separate pieces. Cook until about 1/2 done, then add chopped veggies, and stir until bacon is crisp and veggies are tender. Meanwhile beat eggs in large bowl, adding a little milk if available, and stir into bacon mixture in skillet. Cook stirring constantly until eggs are set. Remove from fire and sprinkle with cheese.Servings: 4-5

Thursday Stuffed French Toast

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 package maple flavored sausage
• 1 package cream cheese
• 8 slices bread
• 2 eggs
• butter
• maple syrup

PREPARATION:

Brown sausage in pan. Drain grease and add cream cheese, more or less depending on how much you like cream cheese. You can do this step at home, if you like, and bring premixed. Use the sausage mixture to make a sandwich with two pieces of bread.
Dip the entire sandwich into a well beaten egg mixture. Toss this onto a buttered skillet, and fry up just like French toast until light brown and sausage is warm. Serve with maple syrup.Servings: 4

Friday Easy Breakfast Scramble
* 1 Lb. Bacon - fry crisp & crumble
* 1 - 32 Oz. Pkg. Frozen Country Hashbrown Potatoes
* 1/4 Cup Chopped Onions
* 1 Dozen Eggs
* 1/4 Cup Milk
* Salt & Pepper

Directions:
In a large iron skillet, melt the bacon grease and add the onions until they are transparent. Add the potatoes and cook until brown. Add crumbled bacon. While potatoes are cooking, whisk eggs and milk together until slightly foamy. Pour over potatoes and cook. Turn every few minutes until eggs are done. This can be cooked on a camp stove or an open fire. Great served with fried biscuits.

Comments:
Before leaving home, I fry the bacon and crumble it. I place the cooled bacon grease in a small container with a tight lid, and chop the onions and place them in a small baggie. This cuts preparation and cooking time at the camp site to 20 minutes.

For some variation, try sliced mushrooms, red, green or yellow peppers or salsa. Feel free to create your own variations, too!  Best of all enjoy the journey and each other  Git ‘r done safely

Fireworks Dont go up in Smoke

Every year about this time the fireworks tents begin to sprout out by the county line, and I know its almost here again - the 4th of July. Get the party started with some fireworks fun. Doing this will also let all of your closest neighbors and their dogs know that something special is going on. Dogs just love the excitement of fireworks and will bark for hours, before, during and after the display is set off, to let everyone in the neighborhood know that they heard the fun! Let’s hope that they don’t let the police know. No need for that. Unless your cousin is chasing a friend around the yard, scaring her with a sparkler. Then, the police might be needed. That is, if he won’t stop. Some people just go overboard, with all of the fun.

Always remember, when setting off your fireworks, to aim away from all houses, including your own. We all love excitement but, the sight of several fire trucks is not what we really want to achieve, here.

More seriously here are some safety tips for those getting ready to light off some fireworks:

• Do not smoke around or while lighting fireworks (DUH)
• Keep children away from lighters
• Buy from trusted sellers
• Keep a bucket of water around for “dud” fireworks. Do not try to re-light them. Toss them in the “dud bucket” for 15-20 minutes
• Do not carry fireworks (not even the fun snappers) in your pocket
• Never point fireworks at another person or living being (be nice to your pets and other animals)
• No matter how small the firework is, use it outdoors!
• Do not try to make your own fireworks (another DUH!)

More news you can use at The National Council on Fireworks Safety.

Did I miss any? I’m looking for your tips too! Get fired up …safely.

On the Road Again

When we were kids little, we’d go to Sunken Meadows Beach on Sundays.

The journey from my house to the beach usually took about an hour. It really wasn’t that long considering the distance, but I was impatient.

“Are we almost there yet?” I would ask this question every 5 minutes. “We are almost there my dear.” A few of those and I could see those threatening glances through the rearview mirror.
When we are young and excited to go somewhere, we usually can’t wait to get there and we will constantly and eagerly ask when we will get there…Now we are supposed to be the “grown up”, and instead of asking “are we there yet”, this is what we tell ourselves:

* Why do I want to go there anyway?
* I don’t care if I am there or not.
* I have better things to do…

We have little patience for anything that is going to take long. We often quit half way through the journey. We often drift towards other “better” destinations.

We have no time. We have no patience.

On the road of experience one often takes an unexpected detour … or a wrong turn as it were. They’re not really mistakes. They just look like them at first glance. They are in fact signals that guide you to the hidden opportunities that lie within. If you’re making mistakes, you’re on the right path. You’re moving toward the inevitable achievement of your dreams. Took me a long time to figure that one out.

One of the biggest traps that people fall into when they want to pursue their dreams is that they go on an information overload… me included. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s certainly prudent to do some research beforehand. For example, if your dream is to open up a sauna, I doubt it would be wise to go ahead and open it up in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

The only way you’re going to get that feedback is if you make mistakes and mistakes can only be made when action is taken. Those mistakes provide the information you NEED to get what you want. It’ll point out where you are deficient in and give you the opportunity to strengthen it. If you look at it that way, you’re actually saving time because you now know what needs to be worked on and what doesn’t. The experiences we gather from actually doing an activity rather than reading about it are different as night and day.

I remind myself constantly be it with running the B&B or riding and training our horses is that that I WILL make these mistakes and they part of the road of experience. As ludicrous as it sounds, it’s right. Making mistakes are those adjustments you make while you navigate toward your destination.

You’ll also find that each mistake you make builds off one another. You WILL definitely make mistakes during your journey. It will happen. Make no doubt about it. But they are for YOUR benefit. We can always learn something from each mistake that propels us to the next level. Each mistake builds off one another. Each mistake we make turns into an opportunity to become better

Each mistake also has the potential to take us on a tangent that we never would’ve taken had we not made that mistake, and more often that not, it’s those exact tangents that take us closer to the achievement of our dreams. I’ve experienced that so often; in retrospect, I was glad for the faux pax that at the time it happened made me anxious. None of us have the foresight to project and see how each these tangents take us closer to the achievement of our dreams. We can only see how those tangents have helped us when we look back. A classic case of 20-20 hindsight.

The point is most folks (and I include myself) don’t realize the full potential that each mistake brings, especially when you’re in the middle of it.. They want to avoid making mistakes but the irony is that those mistakes are what they NEED. They are there to help you. Make no doubt about it. Making them is a sign you’re on the right road.

Do I hear an “amen”

Frugal and Environment Friendly Fun

Summertime, the great out doors… what more could you ask for… Your intrepid innkeeper has some ideas . Tis the season after all.. the travel season that is.

Take advantage of parks and available green spaces. The reason for living a green life is to help preserve the environment, so what better way to enjoy the benefits of that action than going out and enjoying nature. Even in urban areas there are parks, community gardens, open spaces and nearby hills open for exploration.

GORP helps US and Canadian residents locate local trails and hiking areas. Local town and city resources will also give ideas on parks within a city and the kind of recreation that can be found there. An especially good place to start a search is in the information section of the phone book.

For the gadget-minded, geocaching is a great idea. Geocaches are boxes or containers places all across the world that have a log and items, and the idea is to share something with others, and join in the fun of finding the cache and becoming part of its history. Think of this as a modern day treasure hunt, usually facilitated through the use of a GPS device. And you can “cache” here in Montana

A less gadget-oriented fancy smancy alternative to geocaching is letterboxing. Again, this works on the same principle, but minus the fancy positioning equipment. Many members of the geocache community use their powers for environmental responsibility, incorporating park recycling and cleanup in the caching activity. Wow .. this is for kids and the kid in us!

And for the kid in us all… now you can have your cake or uh… bar and eat it too. From Allrecipes
Preparation time: 25 minutes Baking time: 20 to 25 minutes Makes 24 bars

Ingredients
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup natural-style smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or almonds (2 ounces/60 grams)
1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-centimeter) baking pan with nonstick spray.

2. Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the peanut butter, sugar, and honey in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until blended. Blend egg and egg whites with a fork in a small bowl. Add to the peanut butter mixture, along with oil and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add reserved flour mixture and mix with a rubber spatula. Mix in oats, dried cranberries (or raisins), walnuts (or almonds), and chocolate chips. Scrape batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of plastic wrap to spread batter into an even layer.

3. Bake the bars until lightly browned and firm to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a rack before cutting into 24 bars. One serving is one 2 x 2-inch (5 x 5-centimeter) bar.

Happy trails (but remember … pack it in, pack it out)

Wow this is a kids dream come true… happy trails

Gear Up for Green Grilling

With the barbecue and grilling season heating up here **finally** in Montana , If the griller/bbq hero in your household has been itching for a new grill or smoker that won’t break the bank, the Weber Smokey Mountain just may be the answer for you. They are extremely fuel efficient, affordable and need minimal messing about with the fire– they’re ’set it and forget it” cookers.

The WSM is a low cost, low tech bbq cooking solution. Plus, it’s multi-seasonal and are small enough that you can put it right by your back door and not spend a bunch time out in the cold this winter.

Another option here if you cook the food for yourself at the table is this handy dandy Portagrill. It’s fun and seems like it would be great for a party. Chop up some veggies and slice some proteins and give everybody the opportunity to make up their own meals.

It comes with a stainless steel handle which makes it easy to carry, even when hot.

The grill sits on a wooden trivet, providing stability while protecting your table from the heat. There’s also an internal heat shield and bowl that stops the charcoal from contacting with the porcelain. Available from the A+R Store: $300

Nobody Here But Us Chickens or so it sometimes seems.. I’ve been doing research on free range farming practices in our ongoing eco-friendly quest. What I’m discovering is that industrial poultry farming is also for the birds. Some corporate farms crowd a million beakless chickens in cramped dark cages where they soak up antibiotics and lay their guts out for the duration of their miserable lives. Yikes.

And the chickens are coming home to roost. Industrial farming isn’t just bad for chickens and hogs — it destroys family farms and pollutes aquifers, soils, air, and water. A subject nearer and dearer to my heart here in Montana We should look for free-range chickens from suppliers they trust and seek out local markets and producers who buy from sustainable family farms. There are still networks of farmers who raise their animals to range freely on grass pastures and natural feeds, who don’t use steroids, sub-therapeutic antibiotics, or other artificial growth promotants, and who treat their animals with dignity and respect. And it tastes lots better too. And with that it’s time to fire up the barbie with some free range chicken

Ingredients
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 pinch red pepper flakes
* 1 pinch cayenne pepper
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 6 skinless, boneless free range chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together lime juice, vinegar, orange juice, wine, and honey in a bowl until the honey dissolves. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, ginger, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and olive oil; whisk to mix. Place chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag, pour in marinade, and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil grate.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess; discard remaining marinade. Cook chicken on the preheated grill approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and there are no signs of pink in the meat.

And since we’ve passed the summer solstice and from here on our days will only be getting shorter. There are plenty of good grilling months left though. Check out today’s Fish Creek Find If you expect to be out cooking for friends and family after dark, here’s a gadget that might help: flashlight grill tongs. What will they think of next?Now you can increase your BBQ guru’s after-hours efficiency by taking the flashlight out of his mouth and putting it right where it’s needed—where he’s grilling.

The extra-long stainless steel tongs run on 2 x AAA batteries and an LED flashlight. Now you can make sure that meat is done all the way through before you toss it on the plate, even after the sun has gone down.

$50 at RedEnvelope

Other Helpful Camping Recipe & Technique Links:

- Campfire Cuisine article by Marcia Kiesel, Food & Wine (1998). A for the dedicated car campers, don’t miss the sidebar - Tips for Packing your Cooler

- Martha Stewart shows us how to do campfire potatoes.

- Wikipedia: Campfire Cooking. Check out the photo of the oven made from scraps!

- An interesting round-up of assorted campfire cooking techniques - coffee can cooking, cooking on leaves, cooking on rocks, etc. Be warned there are an irritating number of ads cascading through the content on this page.

- Lots of good prep and packing tips in this Associated Press article by Annmarie Timmins. Spice up Campfire Cooking with a Little Prep Work

- The GORP community food section. Sections include - Making Good Joe, Top Trail Recipes, GORP-Tested Stoves, Campfire Staples. (registration required)

Happy cooking and camping!

Travel with a Clear Conscience

Ah , summertime and the living is easy… So should your travels. Your “green habits” dont have to go on vacation, just because you are. Keep in mind that your little efforts could go a long way to keep that loved destination as beautiful as it is. Turn off the lights when you leave your guest acccomodations; Just because you dont get charged for the electricity doesnt mean you should waste it.

Respect the Local Culture. It helps a lot if you do your homework and read up on the local culture. It will help you understand the differences which may exist between you and the locals. It will spare you any embarrassment by committing a cultural faux pas. After all, YOU should adjust and not them. Plus, you’ll leave a great impression on the locals you come in contact with.

Support Local Establishments. Rather than have lunch at the local branch of McDonald’s, choose that little out of the way family-run bistro. And when you buy local crafts, it is normal to haggle but (puhleaaase) do not go way below the items worth that the local merchant will be giving something that they worked hard for, for peanuts. If the value does not amount to much in $ dont waste your time.

Think of the Environment. If not needed, do not ask for your towels or bedsheets to be changed. After all, you dont change your sheets every day at home either… right? Check GreenGlobe for establishments that are environmentally responsible. Do not litter, even if you see that the others have already done so. Turn off the light in your hotel room when you leave. Do not waste water.

Follow the Golden Rule: Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you. No matter how little your efforts may seem, if many would follow this kind of attitude, it will mean a lot. Now hit the road with a clear conscience

Room with a View

It’s that time of year again… Time to see just how much you can squeeze into the family minivan before it begins to sag in the middle. Time to see how far you can get before a child calls out the first: “Are we almost there yet? For all of you brave road warriors about to set off on a cross-country summer adventure–all the best. Just kidding. If you are choosing to laugh in the face of record high gas prices in order to hit family-friendly hotspots from Massachussetts to Montana, let not your heart be troubled.

Hopefully, this packing list will help you remember all you need to stuff in your bags:

First, regardless of theme or destination, the must haves:

Money and Documents

• cash
• credit cards
• debit/ATM cards (make sure these work in the country you’re visiting)
• travelers’ checks if needed
• picture id
• a photocopy of your picture ID, packed separately, just in case your ID is lost or stolen
• membership cards: AAA; Disney Club; etc.
• calling card or special phone number for long distance phone calls (-some phone services have such products for out-of-country travel)

Never Leave Home Without A Phone… Card.

Yes, cellphones are extremely handy inventions, but you want to supplement them with a phone card, especially if you are driving in areas that offer limited cell signals. Having a reliable pre-paid phone card in your travel arsenal will be invaluable when you are traveling along Hwy 2 in the far reaches of the mountains with a non functioning cellphone. Trust me on this one.

– and all the trip documents:

• itinerary
• airplane tickets, or confirmation number for e-ticket
• car reservation number
• any coupons for hotels, car rental, etc.
• directions to hotel(s)

Packing List: toiletries & personal care

• tooth paste, toothbrushes, dental floss (packed together, in a ziplock bag)
• shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, etc.
• shaving gear
• contact lenses paraphernalia
• glasses /reading glasses/sunglasses

For Car Trips:

• stuff to amuse the kids
• snacks and drinks
• motion sickness preventatives
• handy to have: a cooler for drinks; plastic cups

Rain Gear

umbrellas or ponchos this is Montana

raincoat, rain-pants for outdoors vacations

appropriate footwear

extra socks

Outdoors Gear

• insect repellant
• Afterbite, for insect bites
• allergy medicine if needed
• good shoes for hiking
• layers of clothes, especially fleece
• socks that will “wick” (draw moisture away from the skin)
• blister kit
• wool hat and gloves for chilly weather - when in Montana….
• When you head out on a hike, it’s important to bring the essentials: Water, healthy snacks, sunscreen, warm layers and those ‘just in case’ safety items. But all that extra stuff can weigh you down after too long. Here’s a handy item I read about on Fitsugar: Kelty Chuck Wagon Dog Pack. It is what it sounds like: A backpack for dogs. So instead of carrying everything yourself, let your lovable mutt do some of the lifting.The dog packs are available in small ($45), medium ($50) and large ($55) and they’re bright red so you won’t lose site of your pooch in the outdoors. The packs are lightweight and durable, and while your dog won’t be able to carry everything you need to bring along on you hike, she’ll be able to take at least a bit of the load off of you.
  

Last But Not Least: Clothes
Some travel experts recommend “traveling light”, and that’s great advice; I just don’t find it applies much to trips with kids. some folks prefer to bring enough clothes that I never waste time doing laundry. Our laundry is your laundry enoute. But the choice is yours!

Clothes for Kids

• two swimsuits (it’s icky putting on a wet suit)
• lots of t-shirts or other tops (including a few oldies that can be thrown away, reducing the need to do laundry)
• for boys, pants than become shorts when the bottom part of the leg is zipped off
• fleece vests or jackets for colder weather
• waterproof jacket if needed
• sleepwear
• underwear
• socks
• extra shoes

Clothes for Grownups
Of course everybody’s different — very different– regarding the amount of clothes they think they need. Here are just a few tips:

• pick two colors, and coordinate around them
• don’t forget belts, scarves, other accessories
• two swimsuits are nice for grownups too (see above, for kids)
• washable silks are the lightest, most convenient fabric for hot climates: shirts weigh nothing, can be washed in the sink, and dry in a few hours
• avoid heavy slow-drying pants like jeans
• even in a hot climate, bring a jacket or sweater: air-conditioning can get cold.

Now that you’re all packed, try to remember: this is a vacation! smart2go – Share the world with your friends!

Hostess Anxiety Syndrome

When I lived in New York, I co-owned a catering company with my sister which we appropriately named Sibling Revelry. We planned soireees from 7 to 700, trust me we know signs and symptoms all too well of Hostess Anxiety Syndrome

Hostess anxiety may not have an entry in the Physicians’ Desk Reference, but the symptoms are obvious: fear that no one will show up, worry that those who do will stand around and blink at one another in silence, utter certainty that your guests will stop at 7-Eleven on the way home and hungrily devour a box of Hot & Spicy Cheez-its to fill the hole that your party food didn’t.

When you’re the hostess, meeting your own high expectations (and the lesser ones of your guests) is not impossible. And you can probably get away with a lot less work than you think — a little artfully arranged takeout here, a simple flower arrangement there, a bottle of red, a bottle of white, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail party.

Summer is a great time for casual, inexpensive entertaining, and I’m hoping some of my “hostess with the mostess” days will help your hosting anxiety. After all, why shouldn’t you have as much fun as your guests?

First the basics:
# Three to four weeks before the event: Extend invitations — by mail, phone, or e-mail.
# Two or three days before the event: Notify the neighbors. Nothing disturbs feisty Gregory Alisez next door more than the sight (and sound) of others having a good time. Do I have to tell him about our party in advance? And do I really have to invite him ? It’s always polite to warn the neighbors before you entertain, especially if you expect a big crowd. If your party will be outdoors and the nostalgic  Barenaked Ladies tunes will definitely carry, or if your guests will take up a lot of street parking, it’s even more important to spread the word. You cansay something like “We’re having a party this Saturday, and things might get a little noisy — although we’ll try to keep it down, of course. People will be driving over, so please don’t have anyone towed!” (Make a joke out of this.) A few days’ notice is OK — any longer, and they might forget. If you don’t normally socialize with the neighbors, you’re under no obligation to invite them.

Guests
# Four to five square feet per person: Comfortable spacing for a cocktail party.
# 70 to 80 percent: Typical number of invitees who show up for a large party.

The Bar
# Three bottles for every four people: A generous ratio of wine to guests for a dinner party.
# Three to four (alcoholic) drinks: Average per-guest consumption for a two- to three-hour cocktail party.
# Forty guests or more: Consider hiring a bartender if you’re serving more than wine and beer.

Kids are adorable…when they’re in their jammies and asleep in their own beds, at home. How do I gracefully tell people that I don’t want them at my party?

Deal with this delicate issue in person or over the phone, rather than specifying on the invitation that kids aren’t welcome, Most guests will realize that cocktails or a Saturday-night dinner party aren’t kid-friendly occasions, but if you’re concerned, you can always clarify your position when guests call to R.S.V.P. Say something like “It will be so nice for all of us to have some grown-up time for a change” or “I hope you won’t have any trouble finding a sitter on a Saturday night.” When in doubt, have an afternoon bbq… then everyone’s happy.

Environmental responsibility is part of our modus operandi, so we’ve incorporated green practices Greening your next party doesn’t mean giving up electricity or preaching to your guests. It could be just purchasing locally grown food or using a caterer who uses local food. You don’t have to make a big deal out of it. How about:

Invitations: Paper-free invitations like those offered at evite.com are greenest. However, there are special occasions for which the cyber card just doesn’t cut it. In that case, look for recycled paper. You can’t tell the difference and it’s a better choice. You can also print your own invitations on Plantable Papers

Flowers: Shop local at the farmers’ market, if possible. Look for flowers with VeriFlora certification, a new eco-label certifying flowers are grown environmentally. Ask for them from your florist or buy them online at www.organicbouquet.com.

Plates: If you can’t use regular plates, look for eco-friendly paper plate replacements such as those made with corn, sugar cane or soy that are biodegradable. Earthshell makes biodegradable, disposable plates and bowls from potatoes, corn and limestone and is available at major retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart . Simply Biodegradable sells sugar cane-based plates and cornstarch utensils. Clear Creek Compostables sells 90 percent sugar-cane pulp and 10 percent paper plates that can hold boiling water .

When greening your next party, choose one or two areas to go eco and build on the results. Now go chill out,have a class chardonnay and enjoy the soiree

Hit the Road .. Lightly

Remember… “objects are closer than they appear”… including these clouds.

Packing for your summer travels can be a perfect lesson in “less is more”. The difference between packing for a two week European vacation and packing for an extended research mission on Marss simple: the number of garments that are actually essential. I recommend the following procedure. Take out everything you think you need and lay it on your bed.

Then put away 75% of it, replacing the entire rejected collection with one trial-sized packet of Tide. If you feel yourself losing your nerve in this process, remember these key points. A trial-sized packet of Tide weighs much less than a week’s worth of clothing. A suitcase larger than a carry-on might not even fit in the average European hotel room. Nobody on your travels will know if you’ve worn the same shirt for three days in a row. Nobody will know if you’ve washed your socks in the bidet over a beer in fifteen minutes. Furthermore, nobody cares.

If you’re still having trouble, try to remind yourself that the advantages are priceless. Road trips, whether going across country or only across your state, can be a lot of fun. But the trip can turn into a big hassle if you’re not prepared. Here are essential steps to take before and during your road trip to assure a smooth, enjoyable ride:

* Check For Problems Beforehand - Assure that your car is running smoothly before you leave. And make sure everything is filled properly, from air in your tire to oil. You don’t want to run into problems on the road, especially in remote areas.

* Fill Car With Gas - Top ‘er off. You don’t want to run out of gas in a remote area, or find yourself in a place where gas is a lot more expensive. Make sure to check your gas levels regularly throughout the trip.

* Stop For Stretches And Breaks - Breaks are a must, otherwise you’ll go stir crazy (and even risk dangerous blood clots). Stop every few hours and take a five minute walk. The outside air will also refresh you., not to mention that necessary “pause for the cause”.

* Carry All Needed Documents - Make sure you have all essential documents, including your license, car’s manual, your inspection and registration and your car club card. You’ll need these in case of any snafus.

*Bring Enough Money - Keep extra cash on hand in a concealed spot. You may prefer to stop at ATMs or use credit cards, but you may find yourself in a situation where someone, such as a tow truck driver or store, only accepts cash.

* Get Directions - You may not be one to follow directions, but it’s always good to have a map and compass in the car. Do a mapquest before you leave . You can also supplement these with a GPS system, but GPS systems aren’t fail proof.

* Have An Itinerary - You don’t have to have a specific itinerary, but it’s good to let someone know that you’ll be in Iowa by Tuesday. Leave your number, possible route and other important information with a person at home. Always good to have a plan.

Remember… less is more… vacation travel is supposed to de-stress you… Check here for a detailed list on making your travel (and life) simpler as you take the lead out.

Sing along the campfire

It’s hard to imagine a camping trip without a campfire they go hand in hand. Cooking over the hot coals and then firing it up and sitting around and singing campfire songs or just listening to the crackling sound of the wood burning. So warm, toasty and relaxing, what would camping be like without it? So many food favorites can be cooked over a campfire and hot coals. Most of the time all that is needed is aluminum foil. Using foil is also easier on clean up just cook, eat and toss. How convenient is that?

Let’s go over some tips about creating a campfire and the safety issues First find a level spot and clear all debris and avoid areas with overhanging branches that could cause a fire hazard.

You’ll need to construct a fire ring. Gather rocks and make a round ring to build your fire in. Always have a bucket of water, shovel and fire extinguisher nearby and ready to put out a fire.

Gather the materials needed to create a successful campfire

• Tinder – small twigs, wood shavings, dry leaves or needles. This should start to burn immediately with a lighted match.
• Kindling – small sticks one inch around or less. Small dry branches lying on the ground will work well.
• Fuel – larger wood that keeps the fire going.

Key elements required for a fire to burn properly. When one of these three things are removed, the fire stops burning.

• Fuel – material that will burn
• Heat – enough heat to bring fuel to ignition
• Air – to provide oxygen to burning process

Start with a couple hands full of tinder loosely piled in the center of your fire ring. Determine the direction of the wind, with your back to the wind, protected by the cup of your hand, ignite tinder with a match. Discard used match into the fire.

Slowly add more tinder. You may need to blow softly at the base of the fire this will provide the oxygen to the burning process. Once the tinder has fully started to burn, slowly add some smaller pieces of kindling. Keeping it close together but allow space for air to circulate. Gradually increase the size of the kindling you add to the campfire. When you have a good fire going, add the fuel one piece at a time.

Safety is the most important part of the campfire. Couldnt resist throwing in a quick Ten Commandments.. that is our 10 Commandments of Safe Campfiring

1. Thou shalt never build a fire near tents or other flammable items.
2. Thou shalt never start a fire with a flammable liquid such as gas or oil. - Definitely could lead to a bad hair day or worse, no hair day
3. Thou shalt never leave a fire unattended.
4. Thou shalt build only a fire the size you need.
5. Thou shalt completely extinguish the fire before leaving the campsite.
6. Thou shalt scatter ashes or ember out.
7. Thou shalt sprinkle with water and stir with a stick. Repeat until all ashes are out.
8. Thou shalt drench charred logs.
9. Thou shalt repeat above 3 commandments until all ashes and logs are completely cold.
10. Thou shalt pack it in… pack it out.

When you’re done feasting. now you dont even have to “walk on egg shells.” Use ‘em… Our Fish Creek frugal tip,.. when cleaning pots and pans while camping, a handful of broken eggshells is a good substitute for steel wool.

Now you’re cookin’ - git ‘r done.