Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Jun 10, 2015

Get Your Grill Master Game Up ****Giveaway*****

BBQ season is probably one of my favorite times of the year. We pull the grill out of the garage, dust her off and pretty much make dinner on that baby at least 3 times during the week. Our favorites are shrimp & fish, corn and of course burgers and chicken. Our grill isn't that big and its actually electric, in fact we are in the market this season for a new one. For a family our size we need a grill with a little more muscle. My dream grill would be one I could make multiple dishes on. #SummerGoals


When I heard that Kenmore grills were on sale at Sears I got super excited. Kenmore is one of those brands you can just count on to be around for the long haul. 



The Kenmore® Elite 550 Series 3 Burner Dual Fuel Gas Grill (at right) for example I think is the one for us. With a control panel that comes in five sleek colors to choose from, its also currently on sale for $679 through July 4th (can you say score?!!). That is a great deal for a grill with this level of features.

We like to entertain and the cornerstone to most of gatherings is the food. This beauty is perfect for us because it has a large grilling area that includes three high-performance stainless steel burners and built-in side shelves to keep food at an arm’s length to make preparation a breeze.  You know for my homemade BBQ sauce or for prepping my pizzas both of which I like to use together. It has many great features but a few that stick out to me are:

 ·         Tank gauge allows you to monitor propane gas levels and to know exactly when to replace the propane tank


·         Self-closing cabinet doors add a touch of elegance to your barbecue


·         Rust and chip resistant powder-coated doors keep your grill looking stylish season after season. Click HERE and see for yourself. 




Now that one is for us but you could choose from many grill options on the Kenmore website with all kinds of bells & whistles to suit your needs like rotisserie attachments, steamers, smokers, a refrigerator or even exterior LED control panels for night grilling!



TIPS & FAVES:
1. How to get your grill ready for the season. If you are working with a gas grill like most people here are some great tips for getting your grill ready for the summer. Click HERE 

2. Family friendly favorites:
 The kids love pizza but I really prefer to eat the ones I make vs. store bought. My BBQ chicken pizza never disappoints so that will definitely be on the menu this season. Its very simply made with  pizza dough, grilled chicken strips, Gouda, drizzled sauce and cilantro (as a garnish). Layer it all up, place on heavy duty foil and cook till crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with cilantro.

Grilled Shrimp (see above photo) with Mango Salsa - the key to this dish is the mango salsa which again is not fussy. Chop mango and one avocado into cube/diced pieces, finely chopped red onion and squeeze a good amount of lime and a dash of salt. Serve that on top of your shrimp with a side of Mexi-corn...YUM!!!

I have been detoxing lately so I'm super excited about introducing these salmon burgers (courtesy of Hood Chef and our BKLYN Combine BBQ) to the family as a healthy option. You have to add your favorite herbs and spices but they are so good. 



For more great grilling recipes click HERE

3. And lastly, if you are like me and need to seriously get your grill game up then you can thank me later for these great seasonal deals available through July 4th at Kenmore.com/grills 




*************************GIVEAWAY*******************

As promised,  I'm also giving away three sets of A Taste of the Outdoors cookbook to three lucky readers. 





To Enter:

1. On Instagram 'like' the promotional post and 'Favorite' the Twitter post via the @Chicbusymom account.

2. Retweet or repost this promotion via your Twitter (and tag and tag @Chicbusymom @Kenmore) and Instagram  tag  @Chicbusymom @kenmoreapplicances and use #ArtofGrilling
2. Comment to this post
3. Like the Kenmore Facebook page


Winners will be selected by Sunday, June 28, 2015. 

#spon #ad




Aug 7, 2013

Summer Fashion: Let's Go!


 When summertime comes around my kids and I hit the city streets for a new adventure each weekend. To find the best events for us I usually scour online sites, Twitter, and Instagram so I can make a plan 1-2 days in advance for local activities.  This summer alone, we’ve been to Shelter Island twice, Governor’s Island, the Bronx Zoo, a few pools and amusements parks…I know my head is spinning too. But they love it and I like subjecting myself to torture J

Obviously, getting around with 3 little ones requires preparedness. After I pack all their necessities up, my goal for myself is to feel comfortable, cool  and mobile in the heat. I’ve put together some of my very favorite summer fashion essentials so you too can get-up-and-go with ease. Check out the below:  

  •  A BIG BAG - I like tried and true like the Extra Large tote from LL Bean– this bag can take a licking and keep going. Its deep enough to hold our blanket, beach toys, repellent, sunscreen bathing suits AND it holds its shape well in the trunk and on the sand. 
LL Bean Tote
East Hampton Grab Bag, Toss

  • SUNGLASSES - I’m famous for losing my sunglasses but I like these from Warby Parker for a few reasons. They have a bit of weight to them so I always know where they are in my bag but not too heavy where they way down my face. I also like the company because they donate a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair you buy. 

Everett Sunglass, Warby Parker



  • WHITE JEANS – I always travel with a pair even when I’m with the kids. It makes for a quick pulled together look when I want a quick change. Tip: Always pack two pair when going away-I do because I’m a spill-er. At this price is not big deal 


Old Navy Rockstar Jeans (photo credit: lyst.com)
  •  A HAT - I like a hat to keep the sun from drying out my hair and honestly I'm a hat kind of girl. I have both versions of these and I love them:  And this Panama hat: 

Trillby Hat, Asos
Panama Hat, Panama Hat Mall


  • SNEAKERS - I’m not a big sneaker girl but if I’m doing a lot of walking around I go for a chic Dunk Wedge (always). I have these red canvas babies and they are the perfect pop of color for my outfit but definitely give my feet relief when we have a lot of ground to cover: 


Nike Dunk Sky Hi





  •  CROSSBODY BAG  like this one on the higher end:or this one from H&M  for my essentials (wallet, phone, keys, hand cream and lip gloss)



Cambridge Satchel



H&M Purse
  • BEACH COVER-UP – I received this  Missoni  one as a gift and I just love it. You can also transition it into day wear with a slip underneath and slim belt.


  • EASY BREEZY DRESSES -  That I can just throw on like this one 


  • A WALKING SANDAL – I can walk for miles in these and they don’t hurt my feet : and it’s a little nicer than a flip flop so I always look pulled together

Dolce Vita Sandal
 What are some of your favorite summer fashion essentials? I'm always down for a new item.

Smooches,
Chicbusymom


Get Social With Me:
Twitter & Instagram: @chicbusymom


May 28, 2013

Kinkylicious: A Fun Summer Cocktail

Thought I'd share this with you so you too can kick your summer celebration off right. This past Memorial Day weekend I had this delicious cocktail at a friend's house. We probably had way too many and you definitely should put it in more of a short glass (ideas suggested below) or a champagne flute. Kinky as the bottle below reads is a fruit infused vodka made with blood orange, mango and passion fruit--Owww!!


My friend Nicole is so good about setting me up with a lovely glass of something as soon as I step through the door (she's so good to me). Normally its a very lovely glass of red or white but not this time. She passed me a pink concoction she called the The Kinky (I'm renaming it Kinkylicious -you know, just cuz I can). Of course I couldn't keep it to myself so I'm sharing her recipe with you and I promise its so simple to make:

2 oz. Kinky Liqueur 
2 splashes of Lemonade
1 splash Gingerale
Sliced strawberries, blackberries, and or blueberries


OK, do not use these glasses. We later found out
 this much actually kills your Kinky and makes you super sleepy.
Smaller glasses of this work best.




Kinkylicious all dolled up and ready to go. Enjoy!

Special Edition of Chicbusymom Dailies: Top 10 Summer Fun Entertaining Essentials that will up your at-home party statement.

BAR CARTS


2. Tall Butler Tray Stand $149 at West Elm


For tips on styling I found great ideas on this HGTV post : http://www.hgtv.com/entertaining/how-to-style-a-bar-cart/pictures/index.html


TRAYS
3. Lacquer Trays $24 and $32 at West Elm

4. Format Lucite Tray $39.95 at CB2 (get a piece of colored paper or Monogrammed sticker to personalize the inset of this. Instant style!
ACCESSORIES
5. Monogrammed Roadie Wine Glasses $30 for set of four 12 oz. glasses at Papers & Presents 
  
Roadie Wine "Glasses"-shatterproof, glasses, govino, wine glass, wine, cocktail, cocktail glass, glass, cup





6. Chalkboard Beverage Dispenser $27.99 at Target

7. Threshold Beverage Dispenser $57.99 at Target


8. Monogram paper napkins, $8 at C Wonder


9. Stripe, Polka Dot, Chevron Straws, $4 for 20 at Papers & Presents 





10. Monogram Coasters, $40 at Papers & Presents

Custom Patterned Coasters-coasters, monogram, personalized, custom

Jul 16, 2012

My Summer Vision Board

When I think of Summer I think of Summer Fridays, more time with the kids, cocktails, my toes in the sand and dining al fresco. I've taken the liberty to share some of newest summer faves with you...My peeps:

st-germain_champagne
Photo courtesy of stgermain.fr


St. Germain Cocktails: Obsessed. I love love love (I could add one more love for emphasis but I think you get the point) this eldeflower blossom liqeur in most things but my favorites are Sauvignon Blanc with a shot of St. Germain and Prosseco with St. Germain. Both really light and delicious. Watch out for the first one as it will sneak up on you and put you on your arse! For more recipes go to:  http://www.stgermain.fr/cocktails.php
These glasses by govino are unbreakable (perfect for family like mine) and are so cute. You can even brand them with your family monogram! Definitely on my list of things to do.




I am obsessed with the pop up pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2. My kids love the water and anything that will tire them out I'm all for.

Photo courtesy of NY Daily News

Photo courtesy of WNYC.org


My new Warby Parker Sunglasses! The picture below is from Vashtie.com and I basically heart her so there's that but the reason why I love these glasses is because for every one YOU purchase they donate a pair of glasses to someone in need (you know a la TOMS). 



Making summertime snow cones with my kids with our new machine, syrups, cups and straws we bought from Target





And Fish Tacos from Chavella's in Brooklyn on Franklin and Sterling. So damn good yall. 


What are some of you favorite things for Summer?