Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Lemonade!

This summer, say NO to the powdered stuff!  Making lemonade from scratch is easier than you think!  Here is one recipe from FNCimag:

Ingredients:
Makes 8 servings

4 lemons
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
*1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, washed

Additional mint sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish

Directions:
- Prepare a “simple syrup” by pouring the water into a small saucepan. Stir in the sugar and place over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- Wash the lemons. Before juicing, press the heel of your hand into the lemons and roll them on the countertop to help release juice. Halve and squeeze the juice from the lemons. You should have about one cup of lemon juice.
- Combine the lemon juice with the simple syrup and transfer to a pitcher.
- Add two quarts of water, stir in the mint leaves, and chill.
- Served chilled lemonade over ice cubes and garnish with additional mint sprigs and lemon slices, if desired.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/imag/Food/How+to+Make+Your+Own+Lemonade+from+Scratch#ixzz1QfIOna7H
 
* Verne suggests freezing a fresh mint leaf in each of your ice cubes for an extra special presentation.
 
Bonnie also shared her recipe for homemade lemonade, which involves no squeezing or boiling water. 
 
Slice 4 lemons and place them in a pitcher (2 qt)
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of sugar with the lemons and let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
Add a small amount of warm water to dissolve the sugar
Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water and ice cubes
Remove lemon slices, enjoy!

Finally, here's a fun song from Chris Rice with the title, "Lemonade"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKiB9zs5uAs

Monday, June 27, 2011

Free and Cheap Things to Do with the Kids this Summer

-AMF Lanes has a free summer bowling program for kids in Winston-Salem and Greensboro. http://freebowling.amf.com/

-Here’s another free bowling program offered at Gate City Lanes in Greensboro and High Point Bowling Center: http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

-Angie recommends Hiddenite Gem Mining near Hickory for inexpensive family fun. http://www.hiddenitegems.com/

-Lots of people love Hanging Rock for swimming (small fee), hiking and waterfalls. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/haro/main.php

-Pilot Mountain is another great place to hike and take in some amazing views. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/pimo/main.php

-Jennifer says, “The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte is a wonderful tour EVERYONE should take...and admission is FREE. There is a Dairy Bar inside where you could choose to buy lunch....It is a wonderful, humbling experience.” http://www.billygrahamlibrary.org/

-You could spend DAYS seeing interesting places in Raleigh and never spending a dime for admission. Check out this cool website that our friend Bev shared with us: http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/free.php

-Tami and her family recently discovered that tubing down a cool river is a great way to spend a summer day, and it's relatively inexpensive (avg. $10 per person). They used Tangent Outfitters in Radford, Virginia; however, there are lots of companies within a few hours of the Triad that provide tubes, lifejackets and a shuttle bus from their parking area to the spot on the river where you start your float.

http://www.danburygeneralstore.net/TubingTheDan.aspx
http://www.tangentoutfitters.com/node/32
http://www.newriverjunction.com/Tubing.html
http://www.greatsmokies.com/tubing.asp
http://www.ncrafting.com/Tubing.html

-A handful of movie theatres have free or cheap kids movies on weekday mornings during the summer. Every theatre’s program is slightly different, so check the website or call for more info. Here’s a great list compiled by Piedmont Parent:
http://www.piedmontparent.com/articlemain.php?Summer-Movies-for-Kids-1291

-You should definitely check with your local library, most branches have special programs for kids of all ages:

Forsyth County: http://www.forsyth.cc/library/CalendarSelector.aspx

Guilford County: http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Library/calendar/

Davidson County: http://www.co.davidson.nc.us/community/PublicLibraryCatalog.aspx

Randolph County: http://www.randolphlibrary.org/children.htm

Stokes/Surry/Yadkin Counties: http://www.nwrl.org/kidszone.asp

-Finally, lots of other websites have compiled lists like this one, but with many, many more ideas for inexpensive family fun. Here are some links:

http://triadmomsonmain.com/_blog/My_Blog/post/What_to_do_with_Your_Toddler_this_Summer!/
http://www.gotriadscene.com/categories/index/7/0
http://attractions.uptake.com/north_carolina/winston-salem/cheap_vacations/429704809.html
http://attractions.uptake.com/north_carolina/greensboro/cheap_vacations/589384869.html
http://www.piedmontparent.com/thingstodo/index.php
http://www.relylocal.com/kernersville-surrounding-areas-north-carolina/things-to-do

And, don't forget to buy a copy of "Kids Love NC" or "Kids Love the Carolinas".  This book is an essential resource for parents and kids on the go! http://www.kidslovetravel.com/

Thursday, June 16, 2011

99-Year-Old Gets His College Degree

At nearly 100 years old, an Oregon man recently got his teaching degree (story below).  What have you ALWAYS wanted to do?  Go for it...it's never too late.

http://www.ktvz.com/news/28239246/detail.html?source=bend

Top Ten Ways to Get Fired

Want to keep your job?  This list from Monster.com will tell you which behaviors to avoid in order to stay employed.  http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/workplace-issues/10-ways-to-get-fired/article.aspx

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Make a packing list and check it twice!

Heading on a trip this summer?  This year, don't end up in a panic trying to pack and get everything done at the last minute.  Instead, head to http://www.dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com/ and let them help you with the planning! It's a free website and promises to keep your info private and secure.

Fabulous Summer Feet

I've never had a professional pedicure and you can definitely tell by looking at my feet.  Whether you have your little piggies taken care of by a pro, or you do it yourself, here are some do's and don't's for your next pedicure:  http://shine.yahoo.com/event/summerbeauty/dos-and-donts-for-fabulous-summer-feet-2490891

Five Great Apps for Dad!

Father's day is just around the corner.  Don't have a lot of money to spend on Dad this year?  There's an app for that!  http://www.appolicious.com/shine/articles/8280-five-fantastic-iphone-apps-for-a-frugal-fathers-day

"The Dirty Dozen"...A List of Produce You Should Buy Organic

Here's a great list of the items you should consider buying organic, and the ones you don't need to worry about. Are there any food items that you always buy the organic versions of?

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Feelin' HOT! HOT! HOT!

When the heat outside cranks up, so do the cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  These are dengerous and potentially deadly conditions.  Here's a great article about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them.  http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Tips-for-keeping-cool-1416156.php

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

The World's Most Embarassing Dad

You think your parents are embarassing?  You ain't seen nothing yet!  Check out what this dad did every day this year to have some fun embarassing his high school aged son.  Truth is, I think he is the coolest dad ever!

http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Caterpillar Jobs in the Triad!

Get your resume ready. Caterpillar is holding its first Job Fair this coming Tuesday from 9 to 5pm at Forsyth Tech's ‘West Campus’ on Bolton Street. Positions available: assembly line workers, painters, quality technicians, forklift drivers and production supervisors. http://www.jointeamcaterpillar.com/


Caterpillar is holding an information seminar for potential suppliers this Friday from 8am to 10:30am on Forsyth Tech's West Campus. Businesses must register by noon today to attend. Click here to register: www.winstonsalem.com/suppliersummit.aspx

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Joplin, MO Tornado Relief

Mock Beroth Tire and Automotive will be accepting donations for the victims of the disaster in Joplin, Missouri. All 12 of their locations will be accepting these, visit http://www.mockberothtire.com/ for a list of locations.
Items to be collected:

paper towels
toilet paper
bath towels
shampoo
deodorant
toothpaste
tooth brushes
blankets
pillows
clothing
bottled water

Cash or checks will be accepted, checks should be made to Jefferson Church of Christ with memo note "Joplin"  Items should be dropped off at Mock Beroth Tire & Automotive between now and Friday June 3 during normal business hours.

There is a tractor trailer at Jefferson Church of Christ, 8200 Jefferson Church Road in Rural Hall that is also accepting the donations, from 8:30 - 4:30 Monday - Thursday; 8am -6pm Friday and Saturday, and 1:00 pm to 7pm Sunday.

The last day to donate is Sunday June 5 at the church.