Delicious Salad Greens You Can Cut and Grow Again and Again

 Cut and Grow Again and Again

Lettuce and other types of salad greens are not only super nutritious, but they are also easy to grow and can be cut, and eaten, with regrowth occurring, several times in one season. These salad greens are the magic beanstalk of the garden, growing again and again, to supply your family with delicious nutrition throughout the growing season.

Just as these greens are providing you and your family with sumptuous salads all season long, the proper steps should be taken to protect them, so that they can work their magic in peace. A deer fence is durable, reliable, and effective at keeping out woodland creatures like rabbits, raccoons, deer, skunks, and other hungry critters. With deer fencing placed around the perimeter of your garden, you won’t have to worry about walking outside only to find mangled crops, and all of your hard work gone down the drain.

Preparing Soil for Your Salad Green Garden

If you choose to use containers, be certain that the pots and potting mix are food safe. You will notice that many of the potting soils are not safe to grow food, so take the time to research and read the labels.

If you are planting in the ground, add mature compost to the garden soil at least twice a year, or more depending on the soil type, acidity, and drainage. Remember, it’s vital that the soil preserve moisture, and doesn’t become too moist or too dry; or else the delicious salad greens will not grow properly!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

If you give your garden the attention it needs, and keep a careful eye on the quality and moisture content of the soil your seeds are growing in, as well as having your garden properly protected; you should see a bounty of delicious results. Depending on the time of year, seeds will take 3-4 weeks if you are planting in warmer months, and a few weeks longer if the atmosphere is still cool. 

Check the seedlings at least once a day and be sure that the soil is damp and not bone dry. Sprinkle water over the seeds and seedlings, when necessary, never flood recently sown seeds.

Best Seeds to Grow 

You can choose to purchase a packet of different types of seeds like Plant Leaf Blend Lettuce Seeds or Mesclun Mix. This salad garden of seeds will yield a bountiful harvest of all types of leafy lettuces to choose from, however, it may be a bit tricky to know which one is which.

Grouping types of seeds together will allow you to keep track of and identify the various greens you have planted, as each will be easily distinguishable from the other.

• Kohl Rabi

• Mache

• Daikon

• Golden Yellow Chinese Cabbage

• Cress

• Endive

• Giant Red Mustard

• Arugula

• Spigarello

• Spinach

• Mibuna

• Oriental Mustard

• Chervil

• Beets

• Tatsoi

• Loose leaf lettuce

• Upland Cress

Harvesting Your Greens

• As long as the plant is not bolting, producing flowers and seeds, it is ready to be harvested. If flowers are budding, you’ll end up with bitter tasting salad leaves.

• The leaves should be 3-4  inches tall before your first harvest.

• Don’t cut your greens too far ahead of time, as they will wilt. Cut them immediately before eating to bring out the absolute best flavor. 

• Don’t cut any more than you’ll need for what you want  to consume right now. Leave the rest for tomorrow’s lunch.

• Be sure to use clean scissors, kitchen scissors are preferable as they are already used for consumables and are consistently cleaned.

• Cut and eat only the tops of the leaves, you’ll want to leave at least an inch between the soil and the cut. 

• Maximize the experience by smelling and tasting the leaves as you cut them. You’ll familiarize yourself with each of them and establish favorites.

Keep Sowing Seeds

Every 2-3 weeks, you can sow more seeds to supplement the garden. Feel free to plant new seeds alongside older plants. As you exhaust one planting, you’ll have more to look forward to in various stages of development. Remember, depending on the warmth and humidity of the air, it will likely take a few weeks for new greens to appear. Be patient, that’s why you are working through your first planting!

Keeping the Soil Healthy

You’ll notice that once you’ve harvested several plantings, the greens will start to get tough and/or start to bolt. This is the time to pull them from your garden and place them in a compost pile. 

Nurture the garden soil by adding compost to it several times a year, and rotate your crops to keep them and the soil they are growing in, healthy. 

Enjoy your delicious salads all season long!

Mom Life on the Run

When I was pregnant with my first child, I envisioned having a real life doll baby. I had this fun little notion about how perfect everything would be. You couldn't have burst my bubble if you tried. Some lessons, like babies being messy, are lessons that you have to live and learn. 

With my second baby, I was back at it with the ideas again. I had notions of matching outfits and coordinated activities and perfectly decorated bedrooms. HA! I sure am a funny lady. This post has been sponsored by Oxiclean. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Motherhood has had lots of interesting moments. From the sweet ones that make you tear up a little, to the ridiculous ones (hello, who wrote on the side of the house with permanent markers?!) to the ones that are just downright messy, like ice cream on a hot day. One thing I know for sure is that mess happens when you are a mom and there is only one thing you can do, jump in and clean it up. That's why I like to keep a OxiClean on the Go Stain Remover Pen on my person. These come in so handy for life with kids! If we are out to dinner, no dribble destroys the day. We can go anywhere and face anything with a oxiclean stain remover pen!

While these are small, they have so much power within. I have used them for so many stains. From ice cream to ketchup. I even used them to take dirty foot prints out of new shoes. Like I said, as a mom, I know messes will happen. And now I can roll with whatever happens while saving time and money.  You can pick up a 3 pack from retailers like Meijer, Walmart or Amazon starting at $7.

Keeping Home Smelling Fresh

 If you have a garbage disposal at home, you know that while they are convenient to have, they can also be STINKY! There is nothing quite like walking past and smelling that odor. It can stop you in your tracks and send you scrambling to find a solution. If you are anything like me, you have tried it all. A sprinkle of baking soda, a lemon peel, and more. But, that smell seems to come back like a bad penny. What can you do about it? Take out the disposal and deal with food scraps? 

Thankfully we are not there yet! Arm & Hammer has solutions for smelly garbage disposals! This post has been sponosored, but all opinions are my own. My go to is the Arm & Hammer Garbage Disposal Cleaner.  These little pods are so easy to use and they make such a difference in the way my home smells! I no longer stress over if y guests are going to get a whiff of the sink and know things will smell as fresh as they would without the disposal.

Garbage disposal cleaning sounds treacherous doesn't it? Well, trust me, these little pods do all the work! All you need to do is open the package and pop one in. Like magic your disposal will be as fresh as can be with the cleaning power of citrus and baking soda. 

These are perfect for busy people who want a fresh and inviting home, free of lingering odors. Get a pack from retailers  like Amazon or Lowe's for about $9 a pack.

Arm & Hammer Keeps Things Clean Without Harsh Chemicals

In the last 18 months it feels like I have been cleaning, scrubbing, washing and disinfecting more than ever. With so many unknowns and a heightened awareness about viruses wiping things down is an extra step that we can't afford to overlook. BUT, there are so many toxic chemicals in the standard disinfecting wipe. I am leery of things like hair dye and air fresheners because I don't want my kids breathing those chemicals in. Having to touch harsh chemicals seems counterproductive.

This post has been sponsored by Arm & Hammer. All opinions are my own.

Luckily for choosy moms like me, Arm & Hammer has a new line of wipes that are simple, strong and made with natural ingredients like citrus to provide a clean you can trust. 

I love the container these come in because they are huge; you get 80 wipes in one tub. Speaking of the tub! These are ready to use with no searching for the end to pull and get started as the wipes are loaded to be pulled out without a struggle. Also, these handy babies STACK for ease of storage under the sink or in the cleaning supply closet. 

Before trying these I thought all wipes were the same. Arm & Hammer wipes changed my mind on that. They are long lasting, so I can clean effectively without leaving wipes in my wake. They smell pleasant and not like bleach, which I find really appealing! And best of all, they are gentle enough to let the kids use them to keep their stuff clean. These are awesome on iPads, phone screens, door knobs and more. They will certainly be on my list of supplies to gather for when the kids are in a classroom setting.

I would recommend this brand to other parents who are trying to keep their home a sanitary, safe space for their families.

Crafts Where the Quality of Your Water Matters

Water is important not only for your health but also in various processes. In its purest form, there are many uses for distilled water. You can improve water quality through systems like Brita reverse osmosis and use it for various applications. For instance, several crafts require you to use high-quality water. This article discusses some of these crafts in detail. 

Making Homemade Perfume

Perfume making is a craft that needs high-quality water. Instead of using a perfume that everyone else is using, you can make a unique one using different ingredients. Listed below are some of the materials you will need for this craft:

• Distilled water

• Fragrance oils, essential oils, flavor, and infused oils such as vanilla extracts

• Glycerin

Other materials you will need include a decorated glass bottle to store the finished product (preferably colored glass), measuring spoons or cup, a glass jar for mixing the fragrance, wrapping paper or aluminum or wrapping paper, especially when using clear glass bottles, a funnel, dropper, pencil, and paper for writing your recipe. 

Advantages of Homemade Perfumes

There are several advantages of homemade perfumes; here are some of them:

• They do not contain ingredients grown with toxins, pesticides, or chemicals, leading to environmental damage and skin sensitivity. 

• By using natural and essential oils to make homemade perfume, you create emotional and physical healing properties such as mood-lifting, relaxing, energy-enhancing, and calming. 

• Compared to perfumes with synthetic properties, homemade perfumes are not tested on animals. The ingredients in mass-manufactured perfumes include musk and phthalates, which can cause harm to animals. 

• Non-natural fragrances mask the wearer's skin, while homemade ones create a more individual and personal scent. 

Canning Fresh Produce

This is another craft that needs high-quality water. By preserving food, you encourage certain bacteria to crowd out harmful bacteria. Preserving food also means freezing time to prevent it from going bad. Canning is one of the most reliable methods of preserving food. This method relies on distilled water for the best results, and you can buy distilled water online which makes this a lot easier.
 

The simplest method of canning is water bath canning, where you fill jars with acidic foods such as cucumbers, berries, or tomatoes mixed with vinegar. Cover them in a pan of distilled water until a seal forms under the lid. This process forces air out of the food and then out of the jar, creating a vacuum in the acidic environment. By doing so, the harmful bacteria will not survive. 

Water bath canning can also create several delicious foods such as jellies, jams, pickles, and whole tomatoes. If you have advanced equipment, you can try out pressure canning. Even though this procedure requires specialized equipment and more skills, it can unlock a wide range of flavors and food options. Keep in mind that the success of this process comes down to minor details like the quality of water you are using — always ensure it is distilled! 

Making Cosmetics

Quality water is also needed in making cosmetics. In this craft, water plays a very important role. Given that water can dissolve the highest number of solutes, it can dissolve most ingredients used in making cosmetic products. This makes distilled water an essential ingredient in making cosmetics, from shaving creams to shampoo.

Even in the mass manufacturing of these products, pure water is needed. This is because the presence of unwanted particles like magnesium and sodium can interfere with the precise and delicate production of cosmetic products. Distilled water doesn't contain any impurities, making it perfect for use in the production of cosmetics. Furthermore, since cosmetic products are mostly used on the skin, pure water is the most reliable, as it does not contain any chemical that can cause irritation.

Making Fun-Shaped Ice Cubes

This craft needs water without any impurities. Distilled water can make shiny and clear ice cubes in less time compared to contaminated water. The process of making ice at home is simple. Start by filling your decorative shapes with distilled water. Then, stick it in a freezer and wait for several hours.

Releasing the ice is not complicated either. Take out the ice shapes from the freezer, twisting or spinning slightly to allow the fun shapes to pop out. This will get you perfect fun shapes ready for consumption! It is important to keep in mind that ice in any form should only be made with distilled water. Anything other than that could result in poor-quality ice or impede on the flavor of your preferred beverage.

Finally

Several crafts use distilled water. This article has discussed some of them and how distilled water is used. You can try out any of these crafts at home!

How to Freeze Vegetables for Winter

 Summer is a season that is filled with my favorite things! From working in my small garden, to watching my kids swim in the pool. To auction season where I scout for furniture to refinish and the Farmer's Market! With so many things going on, I am always looking for ways to speed the work parts up to make the fun parts last longer.

A lot of my work time in the summer is spent in my kitchen, where someone has to clean, chop and prep vegetables and fruits for the freezer. From July to late September, I make a daily harvest of peppers, and I buy about 30 pounds of fresh food each week for my freezer. It is always my personal mission to not buy overpriced, out of season produce in the cold months. My kids will groan and tell you about the ice cream our freezer lacks these days, to make room for beautiful vacuum sealed bags of mixed veggies!

This post has been sponsored by Arm & Hammer. Thank you for helping keep my veggies clean and fresh!

Preserving food for the future is a lot of work. Some of my earliest summer memories involve 'garden work' with my grandparents, we shelled beans, shucked corn, peeled tomatoes, and made pickles for weeks. I always loved the experience of hard work and the fruits of my labors later.

I don't can at home, but I am the freezer queen. Let me tell you a few tips and tricks to help you master the art of freezing veggies at home while they are in season and ready for the picking!

While most of the veggies I buy locally and grow are organic, I still find it important to give them all a good cleaning. I trust Arm & Hammer Fruit and Vegetable Wash to help me get my veggies ready. This is the first step to preserving great produce. It is so easy to use and is more effective than water alone at removing wax, dirt and residues from pesticides. Simply spray it on, rub the fruit and rinse. It is so easy!

Next, I start chopping! I use large sheet pan to keep my veggies separated for easy access. Some people prefer to blanche first, but for me, I like everything pre-chopped, so I deal with that and get it out of the way. 

After my veggies are chopped, I start blanching some of them. I simply boil the veggies for about 90 seconds, then pull them out of the water and into a cool bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Next, transfer the veggies to a towel and pat them dry.

Then, you are ready to begin sealing. I like to use a vacuum sealer system to remove the air and avoid freezer burn.

Label your bags of fruits and veggies.

Freeze for later.

Arm & Hammer is made with simple ingredients to provide an effective and safe product that keeps your fruits and veggies fresher. It is perfect for the home gardener, a market shopper, or anyone who wants to make their fresh foods cleaner before consumption.

If you have any tips or tricks for freezing fresh foods, I hope you will leave a comment to share!

Vacation Style Tips- How To Dress To Impress This Summer

The year of the pandemic has been the hardest one, but things are looking up now. After getting your vaccines, you may want to plan a vacation this summer. A long-distance trip to an exotic destination abroad may not be on the cards, but it is easy to travel closer home. You can go ahead with your vacation plans, provided you choose wisely and follow all safety precautions. 

Once you are all set, your attention will be on vacation styling. After a year in your track pants, looking good should be your top agenda as you travel. At the same time, you will want to be comfortable and look like a diva without spending a fortune. Fortunately, it isn’t as much work as it sounds. Just follow your original style, and you can rock the vacation look. Here are some tips you can follow to dress to impress.

Consider your destination

Every vacation is different, so it requires a different wardrobe. You cannot expect to dress up in a breezy bikini in the mountains. Similarly, packing heavy jackets on a beach trip is a bad idea. Consider your destination before checking your wardrobe or creating a shopping list for the trip. Check the weather forecasts on the internet to choose wisely and dress up perfectly for the weather when you are there. You may require special clothing if you plan to participate in adventure sports or activities. Double-check your plans and pack accordingly.

Plan your outfits

You will probably be more excited than ever this summer and it is easy to go over the top with your packing checklist. Avoid that tendency because you may end up tugging heavy luggage over the trip. Plan your outfits according to the number of days and pack a few extra just in case. Stick to comfortable and casual pieces, though you may pack one formal outfit for sudden plans. Carry separates and mix and match smartly to create different ensembles with a few pieces.

Shop your own closet first

Although you may feel tempted to splurge on a vacation wardrobe, this may not be the best time to spend. Even if you need to shop, limit your spending as much as you can. Shopping from your own closet is an excellent idea because you may find some hidden treasures there. Recycle your old jeans to create trendy shorts, combine tees with dresses to design a fresh new look. A little DIY and creativity can save you lots of money. You can spend it on self-care services like a spa and facial instead.

Safety essentials are indispensable

Even as vacation styling will be on top of your mind, you cannot forget to carry the essentials. But if you are serious about fashion goals, there’s much to experiment with. You can pick designer masks to match every outfit you plan to take along. Accessorize with trendy yet functional tote bags that look good and offer ample space to carry your sanitizer supplies. You can explore the trendiest range to ramp up your collection this season. Just pick and pack smartly, and you can look good and be virus-safe throughout the vacation.Follow the online fashion boards

The pandemic fashion is different and keeping pace will be on top of your mind if you are a trendy diva. Follow the online fashion boards to know what’s hot this summer. Check celebrity vacation looks for an extra dose of inspiration. You must surely have a look if you are planning to revamp your holiday wardrobe this year. But make sure you spend judiciously because the trends may swap quickly once the pandemic is over. You will not want to end up with a closet full of stuff never to be used again. 

Shoes are important

When it comes to vacation styling, your footwear must always be on point. Pick ones that are comfortable, light, and good-looking. Shoes are the best option for vacations because you often need to walk a lot and explore places. You may want to have a pair of flip-flops for a beach trip. Prioritize easy fits and airy material that does not make your feet hot and sweaty. As a rule, never take a new pair on a holiday because you may end up with hurting feet. Wear them a few times back home to develop a comfort level.

Vacation styling this summer should focus on looking good, saving money, and being safe, all without compromising your style goals. It may seem like a lot of work, but you need not do much to accomplish the objective. Just follow these rules and stick with your personal statement, and you can look your best! 

Play Doh Sea Snails

 Play doh is always a favorite play time tool at my house. There are just so many ways you can create with it! This play doh snail activity is so easy! Kids of all ages will love to grab a can of doh and a few favorite shells and get creating! 

Summer is near, and we are so glad. We have been virtually learning for about 15 months now and we are ready for a break. While the kids have less work to submit each day as the year dwindles down, we have more idle time than ever. I am NOT the mom who wants to entertain kids all day long (sorry guys!) so I turn to open ended creative ideas like this one a lot. It keeps the kids happy and gives me a chance to get some things done. 

Even my 11 year old had fun with this one. Rolf usually is too tween cool for any of my hands on play anymore, but this one was high interest and he got involved with his sister.

These play doh sea snails are awesome for rainy day play too. You only need 2 colors of play dough and a few shells to make the magic happen!

Supplies:

Sea shells 

2 or more colors of play dough

Instructions:

Invite the kids to roll out a color of doh for the body of the snail. Carefully insert one end of the rolled doh into the shell. Make sure the end is rolled thin, and don't force it too far into the shell.

Form some small antennae and attach to the head of the snail.

Add small details with a different color of play doh.

Repeat with more shells for a bunch of cute little friends!

This is such a fun activity for kids that requires so little in supplies. It is economical and easy, but can create more detailed creatures with a little patience and imagination.

You can find more fun play doh ideas here

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Easy Fine Motor Sensory Ball Activity

Preschoolers will love this easy to set up and totally engaging sensory ball activity. It combines fine motor work and sensory play for a boredom buster with benefits. Best of all this activity is super affordable to set up. You can get everything you need at the dollar store.

If you have been reading this blog over the last decade, you might know I am passionate about fine motor and sensory activities. I love creating activities that are fun and benefit development. This is no exception. It is so easy to set up, but it is engaging for kids and helps them build fine motor skills. No fancy equipment required.

All you need to make this fine motor ball is two simple things.

A bumpy ball 

Tiny rubber bands

This is so easy to set up.

Simply stretch the bands over the bumps of the ball

For younger children, use fewer bands

To challenge older children use more bands and make the loops complicated. 

Offer the ball to your child and encourage them to remove the bands. 

Have your child place the bands in a container, storage bag etc as these can be a choking hazard and dangerous to pets. Supervise this activity please!

If you are looking for more sensory and fine motor activities check out these popular posts.

Feather Beading Activity

Dino Rescue 

Rainbow Disc Sensory Bag

Favorite Treats of Your Pets

All caring pet owners want to give their four-legged buddies some goodies from time to time. However, choosing a healthy and tasty alternative for your pet might appear to be not easy. What parameters should you take into account when picking up the best treats for your lovely animal? It’s time to explore this topic a bit deeper. 

Choose a Snack With A Breed In Mind 

There is nothing new that various breeds might have different problems with their health. For example, some dogs have a very sensitive digestive system, while others require special nutrition to maintain joints healthy. It is important to know all the weak points of your pet’s breed and avoid giving it improper goodies. For example, many dogs love grapes. However, this fruit is harmful to their stomach. Therefore, it is better not to treat your four-legged friend with grapes, even if it makes an incredibly sad face. 

Follow the Pet’s Diet 

Each pet is completely unique. When choosing tasty treats for your animal, it is important to consider its age, eating habits, and health condition. Moreover, there is a list of forbidden products for each pet. For example, it is better not to treat your cat with cow milk, chocolate, raisins, avocado, and raw meat regardless of its breed. The same rule works for dogs and some other home animals. Don't just apply this to treats, make sure that you include their every day food in this as well. Being healthy and considerate with their treats but giving them basic dog food that is full of harmful ingredients, is not a good idea. Take a look at beef, lamb, and chicken dog foods to see what their contents are and how you can incorporate that into their diet alongside these treats.

.Read the Reviews of Other Pet Owners 

If you can’t make the right choice in a whopping assortment of pet goodies in the supermarket, it might be a good idea to read the reviews of other pet owners. If you have a cat, feel free to start with exploring the latest young again cat food review. In case you own a dog, it might be interesting for you to read a fresh top rated dog food review. It’s easy to discover what goodies are among the favorites for other pets and offer this food to your buddy. 

Consult the Veterinarian 

According to most scientists, the best thing you can do before giving any type of goodies to your animal is to consult the veterinarian. The pet’s health professional might take some tests and help you choose the best alternative for your four-legged friend. This way, your pet is not likely to have any side effects after trying new products. Moreover, the veterinarian might help you determine whether your home animal has any allergies. 

Pick Up Healthy Options 

When choosing treats for your pet, it is necessary to buy only goodies that were developed for your type of animal. For example, it is better not to treat your dog with cat food even if it really likes it. Don’t forget to make sure all the ingredients in the pet food are healthy. For example, look for treats that contain chicken, rice, fish, and other natural products. Avoid picking up pet food containing preservatives and artificial ingredients since they might cause issues with the digestive system or allergy. Most veterinarians don’t recommend buying pet goods with propylene glycol and BTH. 

Moreover, if your four-legged friend consumes only pet food, it is better to avoid treating it with human food. According to many animal health experts, combining pet and human food might not be good for your buddy. 

Consider Treat Size 

The best option for treating your pet is small-sized goodies or food that can be easily broken into small pieces. This type of treat is convenient for the pet owner and can be easily consumed by your four-legged buddy. Another benefit of offering small treats is that your home animal can consume many pieces at once with little to no risk of having an upset stomach. Anyway, it is better not to give too many tasty treats to your pet during one session. Keep in mind that overfeeding is not good for any pet. 

Don’t Stick to Only One Option 

Pets are like people. They love diversity, too. Therefore, it is better to have several types of goodies and switch between these alternatives from time to time. This simple trick will help you maintain the pet’s interest for longer and boost its motivation to learn. Consequently, you will achieve better results within the shortest terms. 

Let Your Pet Choose 

What if you bought expensive and healthy treats for your animal, but it refuses to eat them? Well, sometimes, it happens. This way, it is better to shop for another option to pick up the best one that suits your buddy. 

Conclusion 

Choosing quality and healthy pet food might be easier than you might think. Pick up treats that don’t contain artificial ingredients and are developed exactly for your pet’s breed. Select treats of small sizes for maximum effect and your pet’s comfort. It might also be good to consult a veterinarian to make the right choice and to eliminate any health risks. 

Popular Summer Drinks With Coffee

 What? Have you ever heard of summer drinks containing coffee? Well, it’s nothing bad if you haven't. You are not the only person who wasn’t aware of them. Actually, even coffee enthusiasts may not know about the variety of cold, refreshing, and saturating summer drinks based on classic espresso or Turkish coffee brewed in a cezve.

That’s why this article should be useful for every enthusiast looking for some new ideas and recipes. Here, we’ll describe four coffee drinks that will be perfect for adding taste and freshness to your regular hot day in spring or summer. You might want to use the best coffee beans to ensure the perfect quality of your new drink.

Freddo Espresso

The first recipe on the list will suit those who prefer coffee without milk. A bit of sourness will be your bonus. Freddo espresso is simple enough to make.

First, take a shaker if you have one. If you don’t – no problem, come up with something suitable to replace it. Then, add 4 to 5 ice cubes, a slice of lemon, an espresso portion, and up to 7 ml of caramel syrup there. You got it, right?

Yes, shake it well for 20 seconds. After that, pour the contents into a 100 ml shot with three new cubes of ice. Make sure the ice and lemon slice from the shaker don’t make it to the shot.

Freddo Espresso is easily customizable and adjustable. You can pick a syrup with another taste, or use another fruit, or experiment with the balance of drink components. The simplicity of a receipt allows making a favorite drink almost anywhere, even if the menu does not include Freddo Espresso.

All in all, it’s a perfect digestive drink able to cheer you up, along with adding some fresh tones to your hot day.

Cold-Brew

The next drink became a part of the menu for the majority of coffee shops throughout the world. Cold-brew is a cold black coffee. The feature of this coffee is actually described in the name of its recipe.

Cold-brew is really brewed at low temperatures for up to 24 hours. Of course, no coffee shop will make clients wait for their order all day long. Usually, they brew it in advance on the evening before to have some stored product and offer it to guests.

On the one hand, cold brew is an easy recipe to keep up with. Get freshly ground high-quality beans, pour the powder with cold water, and put the mix in a fridge. There, it takes eight, fifteen, or twenty-four hours to become perfect.

On the other hand, it is critical to pick a nice grind to guarantee good taste extraction and to balance the portions of coffee and water.

The killer feature of cold brew coffee is that the low-temperature brewing process allows it to avoid being excessively sour. Additionally, it is a pretty universal coffee basis. If you like pure black coffee, just drink it as is. Otherwise, cold brew feels well when you customize it with syrups, spices, or different kinds of milk.

Bumble

A perfect refresher and tonic, this drink made it into the minds and hearts of multiple coffee enthusiasts all over the world quickly enough. Bumble means a combo between espresso, fresh orange juice, and, once again, caramel syrup. If you are a coffee gourmet yourself, you don’t have to be a pro barista to make a cup of bumble at home.

So, you’ll need a glass. Then, place five ice cubes, 10 ml of caramel syrup, 100 ml of fresh juice, and a standard espresso portion. After doing so, you’ll understand why the drink is called bumble. See those colors? Though the image may be amazing and always unique, professionals recommend mixing the drink before taking it.

Iced Latte

No other drink could close up this list of summer coffee recipes better. Meet pure classics of cold coffee drinks, iced latte!

The simplicity of the original latte makes it also stand among the easiest recipes of summer coffee drinks. The balance between milk and coffee is nearly the same in both iced latte and the traditional hot variation.

Additionally, the same simplicity became the reason for the iced latte to become one of the most customizable drinks really open to any experiments. Every coffee shop and the barista can have their featured, unique version of iced latte to offer. And, of course, any coffee enthusiast can try making a portion of an iced latte at home. You’ll only need an espresso portion, cold milk, and some ice.

Place five cubes of ice into a glass, add fresh espresso, and shake it up a bit to let the coffee cool down. Then, fill the glass with milk to make it full. That’s it. Your iced latte is ready. 

Meals to Cook When Hiking

Hiking is a favorite type of activity for many people. Traveling through mountain ranges and forests brings a lot of positive emotions. In addition, you can be alone with nature and enjoy the silence. Considering the length of the hiking trip, you should think about food in advance. You can, of course, buy a couple of MRE packs and a flameless warmer. But what if you want to cook a culinary masterpiece in 20 minutes? Here are meals to cook while hiking.

Chili Mac and Cheese

This smoked macaroni and cheese dish is as simple as possible to prepare. Cook it over an open fire or a charcoal grill. You need to boil water and add some beans. Wait 10 minutes and add noodles. After all the ingredients have boiled for another five minutes, you can add cheese and chili powder. The proportion depends on your culinary preference. The main advantage of this dish is its simplicity. You need to add all the ingredients in turn. It is worth noting that you are best off choosing instant macaroni, so you don't have to wait long.

Jerky Noodles

The second recipe is also fairly simple. You need to boil water and add rice noodles. After fifteen minutes have passed, you can pour out the water and add beef jerky and peanut butter. Whisk all ingredients and add salt or pepper as desired. The butter adds a pleasant astringency, and you can enjoy every bite of beef jerky. But do not forget to take all the ingredients for the hike in advance.

Also, you should pack all your things in a backpack so as not to be left without lunch in the forest or the mountains.

Mediterranean Couscous

The third dish is also very simple and will suit even beginners. All you need to do is add the ingredients one at a time. Boil water, add couscous and wait about 10 minutes. As soon as you see that the groats are ready, you should drain the remaining water, grate the cheese and add the pesto mix. Stir all ingredients and add 5-10 olives.

This dish has a delicate aroma and is very easy to prepare. It will take you no more than 20 minutes to complete all steps. Any student can use this recipe to enjoy a delicious meal somewhere in the woods near the tent.

Chicken and Rice

What could be simpler than this dish? You need to buy pre-cooked chicken cut into small pieces. Boil water and add broccoli. Once five minutes have passed, you can add instant rice and wait 4-6 minutes. Pour the water out of the pot and add chicken, soy sauce, and olive oil. This type of recipe does not require salt or spices, but you can add any ingredient if the dish's taste seems inferior to you. In general, even a child can prepare all the ingredients according to the instructions.

Eggs and Bacon

If your plans do not include a long stop in one place, then you can eat eggs and bacon. Boil water and add powdered eggs. Stir the powder until smooth. Next, you can add bacon bits and mashed potatoes. As you can see, it will take you no more than 10-15 minutes to eat deliciously and not waste time on complicated culinary processes. You can even bring a flameless heater and some water with you if you don't want to stay in one place for a long time.

Trail Mix Butter

Imagine that you wake up in a tent somewhere on the side of a mountain and observe a beautiful coniferous forest. Most likely, you don't want to spend about an hour preparing complicated dishes. Boil water and make coffee. Next, you need trail mix, peanut butter, and honey. All you need to do is take a plate and stir all the ingredients. It will take you no more than a minute to start eating. This breakfast is full of vitamins and minerals. Plus, you get enough energy to continue your hike.

Cereal

Here's another great option for those who love quick breakfasts. Sprinkle powdered milk and add cereal or granola and dried fruits. Pour boiling water over all the ingredients. Wait about five minutes and start eating. Such a simple dish will be a great addition to tea or coffee.

Final Words

When you walk through the woods or climb a mountain, you hardly want to burden yourself with complex culinary recipes during a lunch halt. All the dishes on the list are quite simple to prepare. It will take you 5-20 minutes to start eating. Plus, you will be surprised by the delicate taste and texture. Now hiking will become even more comfortable for you.