Tag: #Summer

30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes

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30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes On Memorial Day

30 Ways to Honor Our Heroes On Memorial Day

Editor: Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died serving in the US. military, both in times of war and peace.

By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel

 

Remember and Honor…

The current occupant of the Oval Office may think the military are “suckers and losers”, but we as a nation under God know differently. Our military gives their all for our country and we remember them this Memorial Day with heavy hearts and extreme admiration.

A Prayer of Thanks for Freedom

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of freedom, the freedom to worship, to speak, and to live according to our conscience. On this Memorial Day, we remember with deep gratitude the brave men and women who gave their lives so that we might enjoy these liberties. Their sacrifice reflects the love of Christ, who laid down His life so that we might be eternally free. Help us use our freedom wisely, to serve others, seek justice, and reflect Your light in a world longing for peace. Comfort the families who have lost loved ones in service, and remind them that their sacrifice was not in vain. May we live each day with thankfulness and courage, honoring both their memory and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Commemorate Before Sun-a-brate

Memorial Day officially ushers in the summer season despite the cooler weather. Here are some fun ways to celebrate this holiday. Let’s honor our veterans that have given their lives in service of our country, making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom…

  1. Attend a mass or service on Memorial Day – light a candle for a military member that has passed. What better way to honor our fallen service members? Pray for our men and women in uniform.
  2. Send a card or gift to a military person; those on active duty would love some home baked cookies – older veterans may welcome a visit or small gift. Let those who serve or have served know you care.
  3. Widows, widowers, and children of fallen soldiers might enjoy a present, also – a batch of cookies or a plant, perhaps.
  4. Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day, so let’s decorate. Honor the graves of service members with flags or flowers. I even decorate our living room window.
  5. Red, white, and blue bunting, banners, and decor are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. Doors, patios, balconies, walls, and windows can all be decorated. I leave my patriotic decor up through Flag Day, July 4th, and Patriot’s Day.
  6. POW and MIA bracelets may be a thing of the past but a nice patriotic pair of earrings or necklace looks pretty for the holiday.
  7. Picnics and barbecues can be fun. Grocery prices are sky high thanks to Trump’s tariffs, try new economical recipes with less red meat – try grilling fruits and veggies. Keep food safe from warm temperatures, iced or cooled until time to eat salads and cold sandwiches.
  8. Parades, as well as outdoor concerts and films are free activities for the whole family to enjoy.
  9. Avoid sparklers or other fireworks by your self – they can cause very serious injuries. No one wants a trip to the ER – that’s no way to celebrate
  10. Veterans in nursing facilities might like a visit – make a new friend.
  11. Patriotic films can be found online, on streaming services, and at your local libraries.
  12. Many pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend, providing the temperature is warm enough. Use a safe sunscreen (ones containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are the best) and enjoy water play. Remember SPF lip balm, also. It’s fun to hit the beach, but check conditions and bacteria levels locally before swimming – do the same for lakes. Install a weather app on your phone for quick updates on air quality, temperatures, and storm warnings.
  13. Pay attention to boating safety if you decide to do some sailing. Keep keys on a floating chain, at least enough life preservers on for everyone in the boat, and a well charged cell phone in a waterproof case with you at all times.
  14. If it rains, an indoor picnic is just as much fun. Indoor grills are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. A movie with a military theme can be streamed for a fun afternoon.
  15. Check ingredients before allowing pets any of the celebratory fare. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate are some of the foods toxic to our fur babies.
  16. Remember summer is a short season, so patriotic items are usually inexpensive. Some stores will put them on sale after Memorial Day, so you can stock up for the 4th.
  17. Take a walk in the park, hike, or bike ride – summer is finally here. Some cities have free or minimal fee bike rentals available. Enjoy some sunshine but don’t forget to use a safe SPF.
  18. Use the long weekend to clean out your garage or basement. Power wash your deck or patio, and outdoor furniture. It’s time to get everything season ready.
  19. It’s a great weekend to wash the car or the dog in the backyard, weather permitting.
  20. Start a vegetable and flower garden – fresh vegetables and fruit you grow yourself are nutritious, taste great, and rewarding. And who does not love the look and fragrance of beautiful flowers?
  21. Don’t forget the insect repellent – check websites like the CDC and Consumer Reports about the safety of the various active chemicals; I still like the Skin So Soft products by Avon, myself.
  22. If you have allergies to bug bites, food or the like, carry your EpiPen, and your inhaler if your asthmatic. Hotter temperatures can intensify reactions.
  23. Stay hydrated – water is important in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  24. Sunburn cream can be kept in the refrigerator for a nice cooling effect. Lipsticks, lip balms, and eye pencils are less likely to melt if kept cold, also. Toners are more refreshing when chilled, as well.
  25. I am addicted to indoor plumbing, so camping does not work for me, but if you are inclined to enjoy nature this way, keep safety first and foremost. Know where you are – carry physical maps and a compass. Most cell phones go out of range when far from civilization. Have provisions such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra socks, antibiotic, and burn ointment and Band-Aids with you, as well as acetaminophen and water with you. You might want to carry a pocket size Lysol for those outhouses. Keep a cooler with ice for anything perishable to avoid dehydration and food poisoning. Nothing can ruin a trip more than an unprepared and unexpected injury or illness. S’mores are great, but bring clean metal sticks to use over the campfire. Respect nature by cleaning up your camp site. Consider a tree hanging shower pack. Personally, I feel a nice camper with a kitchen and bathroom inside at a camp site or a cabin on the campground is a bit more my way of roughing it. Cabins have indoor plumbing facilities; guess I am a hotel kind of girl.
  26. If you are traveling for Memorial Day, make sure your gas tank is full – carry a tire gauge, jumper cables, and Fix-A-Flat or the equivalent, as well as coolant and water in your trunk. Have transmission and brake fluid on hand, also. Check your vehicle’s oil and get it changed if necessary. Make sure your battery is well charged. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. Keep your motor club and insurance cards handy, too. Be extra cautious this year with Trump’s deportations. There have been American citizens caught in this horrific, racist web of lies.
  27. Many restaurants have outdoor patios to dine al fresco – search the Internet for money saving coupons and offers. There may be chalkboard specials as well.
  28. Festival season has begun. Wear your comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for weather fluctuations. A bag chair or other portable seating is a must, also. Check policies before bringing a cooler. Many venues might require that you carry clear purses or tote bags – leave anything that might be problematic at home or locked in your car, out of sight. Carry a charged portable charger with you. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep cash and credit/debit cards on your person.
  29. Enjoy your loved ones, include your fur babies, but make sure pets are permitted at your outdoor events. Check local leash laws, and bring a travel water bowl for Rover or Fluffy, when attending events close to home. When traveling with animals, pack a small favorite toy, disposable litter pan (for cats), and baggies of food. Furry friends likely won’t need clothes in warm temperatures but a cute neckerchief never hurts. Make sure dogs are on a leash and have vaccine information handy. Remember, if you are warm in your skin, imagine how hot they must be in their fur – keep pets hydrated and cool. Bring a cold wet washcloth in a bag or container.
  30. As a final suggestion, carry a few disposable bags, hopefully sustainable ones, for any trash you may accumulate. Find a garbage can or take the rubbish home to dispose of – never litter or just leave debris behind.

Let’s take care of our planet; God bless America and our service members that actually have made and do make America Great. Let’s all resist the Donald’s military parade on June 14th- we are not a dictatorship we don’t grovel before wanna be dictators or honor them with military parades.

Summer Events on a Budget

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Summer Events on a Budget

Summer Events on a Budget

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Celebrate…

June brides, grads, 4th of July patriots, and fun seekers can celebrate without breaking the bank with these money saving ideas:

  1. Wedding gown resale and discount shops offer dresses as lovely as the exclusive stores – don’t discount them, pun intended. A good seamstress and dry cleaner can be invaluable when choosing a pre-owned fashion, or a dress that’s been on the rack for some time. Choose a classic style and make it your own. A prom dress off the clearance rack can even be adapted with some sewing know how.
  2. Something borrowed can be a dress, shoes, or veil – just make sure the dress fits well; have alterations if need be. A tailor or seamstress can save you money by altering the size or changing the look of the garment, but ask the lender if it’s okay to make changes.
  3. Weddings, graduation parties, or showers can use items like plastic silverware, as long as it’s a higher quality plastic. Party stores, as well as big box retailers, stock heavy plastic cutlery that is ornate and in a variety of colors. Pair with pretty colored napkins and matching paper or heavy plastic plates and cups. Have pretty baskets on the buffet table to hold these items. After Mother’s Day is a perfect time to get pretty table items on clearance.
  4. Decorations can come from a dollar store, but be VERY choosey. Avoid cheaply painted ceramic, or plastic decor. A glue gun and pretty ribbons can be your friend.
  5. Make sure everyone has a good time – keep events fun filled. People will remember a great time more than an elegant but dull event, though do be very careful about being tacky. Tasteless and chintzy are also things guests will recall. Budget friendly does not have to equate to trashy. There are many nice inexpensive things available for festive times.
  6. Bridesmaids can wear dresses in coordinating hues of the wedding color scheme – just pull them together with matching scarfs, ribbons and jewelry.
  7. There is nothing wrong with a potluck, but if the item you are providing is leftover from another event, please keep that to yourself. A relative of my husband’s announced rather loudly that the appetizer she was serving was left over from a funeral. Needless to say I nearly choked on mine.
  8. To avoid the aforementioned tacky, streamers and crepe paper wedding bells that go from flat to puffy in the blink of an eye, are among the tackiest of decor. Don’t go there. Vintage touched are a better bet. Something from a loved ones wedding back in the day perhaps.
  9. Set up an area with a background for selfies and have a few fun props handy. Here is where a bit of tackiness is okay…
  10. Consider alternative venues for weddings or graduation parties. Water park, beaches, backyards and park district shelters can be very nice. Use plastic or linen table clothes, and clean the areas before guests arrive if the venue does not provide that service. Remember porta potties are modern equivalents of the dreaded old fashion outhouses – choose a place with indoor bathrooms. Make sure soap, lotion, toilet paper, and paper towels are well stocked – be prepared to bring your own. A basket of amenities, such as perfumes, breath mints, and a sewing kit with safety pins, needle, and thread are a nice touch. Maybe add a few fresh flowers in the wedding color to the restrooms in glass mason jars. Talk to the venue and find out what is allowed.
  11. If you are an invited guest of a casual venue wedding or other party, dress nicely. Don’t assume that a less formal venue means shorts, T-shirts or cheap flip-flops. Designer flops are fine with the right outfit, but wear a nice dress or casual suit. It’s still a celebration of someone’s nuptials or accomplishment, and being well dressed shows respect. Leave the sneakers and sweat pants at home. Deck shoes or a very nice new pair of jeans might be okay, but actual slacks or leggings would be very appropriate.
  12. Games are fun, and even a karaoke machine might be alright, but remember, after a couple glasses of wine, Uncle Fred’s off-key version of “Some Enchanted Evening” (or worse yet “Disco Duck”) can certainly bring down even the best party ever.
  13. Weddings can have thrifty themes and still be fun – beach or luau work for both showers and grad parties as well.
  14. Balloons all over can be very lots of fun and add pretty pops of color – just remember safety for children and the environment.
  15. If you are using a church social hall, school gymnasium, or the like, inexpensive tulle or satin look fabric to cover shelves of books or equipment can work to give the room a professional look. The same is true for VFW and other community type venues.
  16. Gazebo weddings are pretty for the actual vows; I know someone that had a beautiful ceremony under the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.
  17. Be creative, museums, theaters or art galleries might be available, if you ask.
  18. Look for coupons or specials in your local paper or online for catering – this time of year they are often offering discounts.
  19. If you opt for a backyard wedding, mow the lawn and have a well stocked indoor powder room for guests; designate an indoor area in case of inclement weather or this year, cicadas.
  20. At-home showers can be intimate, friendly, and frugal. I was given a unique kitchen shower where everyone was asked to bring a favorite recipe, and the non perishable ingredients for the dish, along with their gifts; a nice way to stock the bride’s kitchen cupboards. Maybe make a couple of the recipes to serve at the event. Another options is a white elephant motif.
  21. In addition to gifts, bring a little some thing you have enjoyed in your home over the years with a story surrounding the item for happy couple to treasure – giving beautiful memories is priceless. Lingerie showers can include active wear as well as sexy nighties. Remember that couples showers are popular these days and can include themes like fix it or honeymoon travel. Spa showers can be fun for everyone, maybe with homemade scrubs or essential oils. Multi level marketing company reps sometimes offer theme showers, but if the bride is registered elsewhere or has a specific list, stick to that. Coordinate with guests to avoid duplicate gifts. Brides and grooms to be, please choose gifts in various price ranges to accommodate everyone’s budget.
  22. Don’t cut corners on certain items. Your wedding photos cannot be retaken, and trusting a beauty school student or multi level cosmetic sales rep to do your makeup, hair, or nails is not a good idea. Choose a seasoned professional – it’s worth the money. Trying bartering for these services, it may not work but it’s worth a try – just be polite and don’t be pushy. Some areas have barter groups that you might use. There is always Groupon, too.
  23. A pizza party rehearsal dinner is a bit in poor taste perhaps, but a buffet is fine. Engagement parties can be casual, appetizers and desserts work for this type of party, so do barbecues.
  24. If you opt for a cake and punch reception, utilize a Pittsburgh, PA tradition with a homemade cookies sweet table – have bakery boxes available for guests to take some goodies with them. Never bring plastic sandwich baggies or containers for left over party food from A candy table with mini chocolates and other confections with pretty bags for guests to bring home is a fun, memorable that can be done inexpensively.
  25. For graduation or engagement parties, a board game night can be lots of fun. Have everyone bring a favorite with them.
  26. Carnival theme parties with snow cones, funnel cakes, and cotton candy to go along with games of chance can be fun for summer birthday parties. Inexpensive trinket prizes and a large stuffed animal door prize can be fun. Give tickets to win the main award to everyone in attendance, and have the big reveal at the end. Have smaller prizes ready for everyone as they exit.
  27. Check local laws and regulations if you want to have your event at the beach or a local park – don’t leave anything to chance. Most forest preserves, public beaches, or parks require permits for private parties. They might be free or a nominal fee must be paid in advance – plan ahead, as reservations for spaces may have to be made at the beginning of the quarter or year.
  28. Memorable touches can mean more than pricey allocates. Dear friends that are like family recently celebrated a graduation with custom T-shirts exclaiming sister, brother, mother, father, grandmother, and grandfather of the graduate. Team Bride and Team Groom buttons, tees, or jackets are also a great way to commemorate a special day.
  29. Use a pretty chalkboard with the wedding colors for each bridal event leading up to the big day, as well as at the ceremony and reception themselves, to greet guests, welcoming them to each event. Include directions to seating areas, restrooms, and the like to help navigate their way through the venue with ease.
  30. DIY multimedia presentations can make for a enjoyable walk down memory lane without the high price tag – try websites like Canva.

Most of all, have fun, enjoy your loved ones, and these important summer moments…