Real Picnic Ideas

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-12-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

Unique Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. For many people Christmas is a magical time of snowy afternoons, cozy nights sitting by the fire, and enjoyable treasure hunts for perfect gifts to give to those they love. You'll never be the same after you check out the benefits and features of creative gift ideas that will create memories for a lifetime from Picnic-Basket.com!

Fun Christmas Gift Giving

Many rack their brain for weeks (or months!), trying to think of "just the right thing" to give the people in their life. As the time ticks slowly down they become even more frantic, and many times end up settling on something ordinary because they couldn’t find that one of a kind, unique gift they were looking for.

Well, not this year! We’ve got some great ideas for unique Christmas gifts that you can bet your friends and family won’t be receiving from anyone else.

One distinctive idea is a wine and cheese picnic basket from Picnic-Basket.com. This gift would be great for a couple, and might give them the inspiration to head outdoors for a romantic evening picnic for two. Rather than giving them "just another gift certificate", a wine and cheese picnic basket would allow them to do something meaningful together, and give them a chance to reconnect every time they enjoy it.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who likes martinis, Picnic-Basket.com offers luxurious, portable martini sets that would impress even the most discerning drinker. Imagine being able to take your martinis outdoors for a quiet evening under the stars! Many people don’t know that portable martini sets are available, and you can bet that any martini-lover would love these high-quality sets. And there’s no plastic here - all the martini sets come with stainless steel pieces, which any martini aficionado knows makes for a better martini.

Another wonderful idea is a coffee backpack. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to head out to the beach first thing in the morning for a soothing cup of coffee and a light breakfast while watching the sun come up? That’s the whole idea behind the coffee backpacks at Picnic-Basket.com. These backpacks enable people to strike out early to enjoy the outdoors, and take their coffee with them for a lovely picnic. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind gift that any coffee lover would enjoy using when the weather is fine.

With the Christmas shopping season here, it can be easy to get overwhelmed trying to think of "the perfect gift". Giving gifts that can bring joy and rich experiences to those you love are always the best ones, and many of the items featured on Picnic-Basket.com encourage people to head outdoors and enjoy the beautiful scenery Mother Nature has to offer. These unique Christmas gifts can improve the quality of life for those you love and allow them to try something new!

Compliments of Picnic-Basket.com | 1-800-861-8823

Corporate Gift Solutions

2011-11-30T12:22:00.000-05:00

Corporate Gifts Ideas

"Thank You". Two little words that we hear so rarely these days. Two little words that everyone loves to hear. Two little words to make your customers feel valued.

Two little words guaranteed to increase both an employee's productivity and sense of self worth. The Holiday Season is a great time to think about rewarding your valuable clients and employees alike.

Have you thought of promoting your company in addition to rewarding those valuable customers and employees? Corporate Logo Gifts can be a fantastic
Holiday Gift Idea. Instead of presenting perishable gifts that will be consumed and then forgotten, a gift with corporate branding will last indefinitely. Better still, every time the recipient uses your gift they will be thinking of your company. Whereas the bottle of wine or food hamper, once drunk or eaten, is out of sight.

We have corporate gifts that start at very reasonable prices. If they enjoy a bottle of wine then an insulated wine tote would be perfect. Other reasonable corporate gift ideas are a Coffee Backpacks or Totes or perhaps a comfortable
Folding Chair.

A BBQ Tool Set is another great idea. Maybe a chef's apron with BBQ Tools? Your logo could be stitched on the front of the apron, ensuring years of endless advertising. Other products in this sort of price range include a wine and cheese sets, or if they are football fans we have pleanty of Tailgating Supplies to pick from. For the more impressive bonus there are Picnic Baskets and picnic backpacks.

"Merci", "Gracias", "Mahalo", "Danke" all ways of saying "Thank you". Add a corporate gift to your words of thanks and receive the gift of giving: increased productivity and happy clients.

Compliments of Picnic-Basket.com | 1-800-861-8823

Mother's Day Tea Party

2011-05-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

A Mother’s Day Picnic with a Twist: An Afternoon Outdoor Tea Party

Most countries set aside a day to honor Mom, that wonderful lady who feeds you, helps you with homework, drives you to activities, fixes your bumps and scrapes, and – regardless of your age – is your biggest supporter. In the United States, we’re fortunate to celebrate our Mother’s Day during the beautiful spring season when spending time outdoors is a treat in most parts of the country.

Many grateful kids and grandkids take mom out to brunch or to her favorite restaurant for a fancy dinner. But if your mother enjoys being outside in the fresh, fragrant spring air, why not consider an outdoor event this year? While conventional picnics or barbecues are always a lot of fun, think about doing something a bit more elegant to honor Mom, such as an outdoor tea party.

Getting Organized

Hosting an outdoor tea party in your own backyard or elsewhere isn’t all that difficult. It just requires some advance planning to organize the menu and various other aspects of the event.

Start by sending out invitations, even if the people you are inviting are close family members. It sets the mood for the event and lets people know how to dress, what to bring, etc. These needn’t be expensive. It’s easy to design a dainty tea party invitation on your home computer. Be sure to include all the specifics.

Next, if you’re holding the tea/picnic at your home, take a look around and make sure your garden and other parts of your property are looking neat and trim. Dust off your garden tools and perhaps plant some colorful flowers for the event. It’ll make your yard look extra special. If you’re going to a park or other location for your tea party, scope out a spot that’s especially picturesque.

Check the condition of your outdoor furniture. Things can get damaged during the winter season, especially if there was a lot of heavy snow and strong winds. Make sure there is ample seating for all and be sure everything is clean. Wash your chair cushions and dig out your prettiest table covers for the event. Again, if you’re taking your tea party on the road, make sure seating is ample and in good condition at your chosen location and bring along some items to “prettify” the area.

Planning the Tea Party Menu

Tea parties are all about being dainty, even if there are men included, though these often work best for moms, daughters, and granddaughters. Tea, of course, is a must. You can serve several kinds, including “regular” orange pekoe tea as well as some fruity flavors. If your tea party is off the premises, you can carry this in a coffee tote or some other sort of insulated container. Use your best tea cups, if possible.

You’ll want to include tea sandwiches as part of your picnic fare as well. These are tiny, bite-sized sandwiches that are ideal even for little mouths. Figure about 4-6 per person and offer a variety of selections including:

Egg salad

Chicken salad

Tuna salad

Cream cheese and cucumber

Apples and Boursin cheese

Turkey and cranberry sauce

PB& J (for the little ones)

For dessert, bite-size is best as well. Lemon bars, small pieces of pound cake garnished with strawberries and whipped cream, heart-shaped shortbread cookies, tiny vanilla cupcakes, and mini shortcakes are all a good choice. Here’s an easy recipe for some simple-to-make bite-size cheesecakes.

NO-BAKE MINI CHEESECAKES (Makes 24)

12 vanilla wafer cookies

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. sour cream

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

12 ripe strawberries, hulled and halved

Pulse cookies in food processor to make crumbs. (Or crush in a plastic sandwich bag.)

Line 24 mini muffin pans with paper liners and spoon a layer of cookie crumbs into each.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low.

Beat in the sour cream and lemon juice until well combined, about 1 minute.

Spoon the filling into the cups and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight.

Top each cheesecake with a strawberry piece before serving.

Ideas for Spring Break Smiles

2011-03-19T21:14:00.010-04:00

Spring Break Ideas

As winter loosens its grip and allows the warm days of spring to brighten your days, a "Spring Break" is just what you need to create fun times with your family and friends.
Get outdoors and enjoy creating exciting picnics, tailgates and barbeques to fill your warm spring and summer days!

Prepare ahead of time for picnic ideas, locations, recipes and the essential outdoor games, portable furniture and picnic accessories you'll need.

Here are some fun ideas and links to Springtime Articles to get outside and create Spring Break ideas to remember!

Get Wild at the Zoo - Take your entire family for a day trip to your local zoo. Plan a picnic lunch and save money on over-priced food and drinks! Lightweight portable picnic coolers are just the way to go!

Girls' Day Out - Catch up with the girls and plan a day full of inexpensive and creative adventures with your favorite ladies! Read our article on fun ideas and recipes for a Girls' Day Out Picnic!

Spring Cookouts - Fire up the grills and invite your neighbors, friends and family over for a festive barbeque! We have tips for making sure your outdoor grill is ready to be fired up, plus delicious healthy recipes, dessert ideas, and ways to customize and coordinate your grills to represent your favorite college teams and the NFL, so you'll be ready for tailgating parties as well! Read on for more...

Plant a Garden - Grab your gardening tool sets and head outdoors with your kids to plant your own organic garden! Better yet, try aquaponics (you'll use 90% less water than traditional gardens) or hydroponics to produce your own fresh fruit and veggies year round! Plant herbs, seasonal vegetables and flowers to bring some healthy color and life into both your life, and your lawn! Get a tan, and a little dirty while you bond with your kids, grandkids, spouse, friends and family.

Homegate or Tailgate - Ever heard of March Madness? Well, right now it's an important time for basketball fans. Tailgating fans of all ages enjoy spending time with each other cheering on their favorite teams, eating, drinking, playing outdoor games, and fooling around with brackets and drafts. Tailgating and homegating are celebrated year round and you can join in! Here's how you throw the best tailgating or homegating party around...

Fly a Kite - Spend some time at your local park, ball field, soccer field, beach or empty parking lot with your kids, spouse, cousins or friends as you partake in a childhood tradition of flying kites. Don't underestimate the complexities that surround the skills needed to successfully fly a kite. You'll find this challenge is a lot more fun when you're spending time with loved ones, enjoying drinks and good food while you relax on your days off. Take your dogs, frisbees, badmitton set, football, soccer ball, and other outdoor games and just get outside to enjoy the cool evenings and warm afternoons. Pack a simple picnic with plenty of beverages and don't forget your outdoor furniture like portable chairs, folding picnic tables and shade!

Smell The Roses - Take in the sights of Mother Earth bringing the foliage back to life! Go for a walk, hike, bicycle or motorcycle ride and take in the amazing fragrances and delightful sights of flowering trees, shrubs, weeds and lawns. Don't forget to bring your cameras, video cameras, picnic baskets and friends as you take in the flowers of spring!

HAVE A PICNIC - There are so many places you can go and create a magical picnic experience with a loved one. The best picnics are surprises though, so keep that in mind the next time you have a birthday, anniversary, or holiday to celebrate! Go on an impromtu picnic while you're on a day trip, or while you're on the road heading towards your favorite spring break destination. Plan ahead and save your money by preparing your own simple, yet elegant picnic recipes like the ones in this article, that will rock the socks off your picnic partner(s)! Don't forget essential picnic supplies, like the picnic blanket, or an insulated wine basket cooler to keep your tasty food and drinks fresh!

Take the time to enjoy your loved ones, you never know how many chances you'll get in this lifetime. Get outside and breath in some fresh air as you take in the beauty of this world. Our experiences with the ones we love are what make life worth living for. Picnics are unique in that every one of them is a different experience and always memorable as we take the time to enjoy the simple things like good food, conversation, and company with those that mean the most!

Happy Spring Break Fellow Picnickers!

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Grandmother Warren's Baked Fudge Pudding Recipe

2010-12-26T16:42:00.003-05:00

Baked Fudge Pudding

Ahhh, Baked Fudge Pudding! Growing up this was one of my Father’s all-time favorite desserts and if you are a chocolate lover it will soon become one of your favorites too! (Think the best ever warm, gooey, hot fudge cake!)

In the days leading up to Christmas, as we were taking down our Christmas decorations, I noticed a box labeled "Grandmother's Recipes". This shamefully forgotten box held many of Grandmother's hand-written recipes. I took it inside and we all dug through them. Smiles and heart-warming memories flooded in as we gazed upon her precious recipes, lovingly written in her elegant handwriting that is all so familiar to not only her kids, but her grandchildren as well.

Born on Christmas Day!

My Grandmother, Marlene Warren, was born December 25th, 1930. It must have been hard growing up a Christmas Baby. When she was still with us we always made sure to wish her a Happy Birthday before a Merry Christmas and to do something special to celebrate it.

Our something special this year is to honor what would have been her 80th birthday by giving Christmas gifts of one of her favorites, Baked Fudge Pudding. I think this was one of Grandmother's favorite chocolate treats to make. It’s a fun, easy to make recipe that will delight your family & guest!

Ok, so this is not a traditional kind of a cake. When prepared, Baked Fudge Pudding has a rich layer of warm chocolate fudge on the bottom and a crispy, chocolate brownie cake on top. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and the "Ahhh" factor will instantly kick in!

This unique Baked Fudge Pudding Recipe does not need to be frosted, and you do not remove it from the baking dish. Simply mix the ingredients together, bake, and let it sit for a bit so the fudge soaks into the bottom of the cake. After 30 minutes or so of letting the chocolaty fudge goodness set in, you're ready to serve. It should still be warm enough to gently melt a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a gooey warm treat that will instantly warm you from your head to your toes! It travels well and re-heats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Grandmother Warren's Baked Fudge Pudding Recipe

We updated a few items to reflect today’s options.

Pre-heat Oven to 350

In a large bowl SIFT together these dry ingredients;

1 Cup flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

¾ Cup pure cane, granulated sugar

2 TBS cocoa

¼ tsp. ground cloves

In a 2nd bowl mix together these wet ingredients;

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (don’t use imitation)

½ cup of milk (We tried Half & Half and it was NOT as good, so use skim milk for best results.)

2 TBS melted butter

½ Cups chopped walnuts (Optional: In case someone is allergic to nuts)

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Turn into your baking dish and smooth it relatively flat and uniform across the dish. We have used various size dishes and find that something in the 12” x 8” x 2” works quite well for this recipe.

In a 3rd Bowl thoroughly mix these ingredients;

1 ¼ Cups of light brown sugar

½ Cup of cocoa

Sprinkle this mixture over the top of your batter.

Now you’ll need;

2 Cups of hot water

Pour the hot water over the entire surface. Place in the oven and bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes. We found that 45 minutes worked best in our oven. Remove from the oven and let cool for 30-45 minutes.

We hope that your holiday season is spent with those you love creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!

Enjoy our family recipe and let us know how you liked it!

From our family to yours, Picnic-Basket.com would like to wish you a great holiday season and a happy new year!

Grandma's Tender Sugar Cookies Recipe

2010-12-17T13:00:00.228-05:00

Baking Holiday Cookies

Baking holiday cookies is a great way to enjoy spending time with people you love during the holidays. Friends, family, and kids alike can all participate and have fun being involved in a festive holiday tradition. Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite because they are easy to make and even more fun to decorate!

Last week I went to hang out with a friend of mine who teaches elementary school. We flipped through an old Woman's Day Magazine from 2009, trying to pick out one recipe out of dozens of amazing holiday recipes. See some of our favorite cookie recipes here at Picnic-Basket.com; and there are others we found that make for an amazing tailgating treat that can be found on the TailgaterZone.com Blog (or at TailgaterBlog.com).

We chose Grandma's Tender Sugar Cookies to make because we had all the necessary ingredients the recipe called for, plus enough to double the recipe! Not to mention we wanted to decorate cookies! We also had a recipe to make homemade Sugar Cookie Frosting (look below for recipe) that tasted amazing, and was essential in helping us decorate the cookies.

Recipe for Grandma's Tender Sugar Cookies
(Makes 30 Cookies)

These classic sugar cookies are perfect fillers for gift tins, picnic baskets, wine baskets and portable coffee sets because they are palate-pleasing, easy to pack, festive, and delicious!

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (recommend: hormone free or brown eggs)
1/4 cup milk (recommend: skim milk)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt (recommend: sea salt)
(Optional) Powdered Sugar or Flour for dusting
(Optional) Icing to decorate cookies
(Optional) Cookie Cutters - various designs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). In a large mixing bowl, beat together shortening and sugar.
Add eggs, milk and vanilla.
Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to shortening mixture and beat until smooth.
Dust surface with powdered sugar (or flour) and roll out dough to a 1/2 inch or less. Cut with cookie cutters (or cut into strips if not using cookie cutters) and place on parchment-paper-lined cookie sheets (or non-stick baking pan).
Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies looks light brown.
Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.
When cookies are cool, dust with powdered sugar or frost them with Sugar Cookie Frosting (look below for recipe). Further icing decorating can be done if desired.

The recipe was very easy to make, and we went ahead and made a double batch so there would be enough that she could take to give to her class of elementary school students. We mixed up the batter and stuck it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so that it would be easier to cut with cookie cutters. While it cooled down, we headed to the store and bought an interesting glitter gel icing that came in 4 different colors (silver, blue, green and red), along with a staple green and red tube of cookie icing so that our sugar cookie designs would really stand out!

After getting back, we sprinkled some flour (instead of powdered sugar) on the rolling pin and the countertop and got busy rolling out the dough and cutting out designs using various cookie cutter designs.

We had cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread men, christmas trees, bells, snowflakes, candy canes, hearts, angels and wreaths. Batch after batch came out of the oven, perfectly baked and filling the house with the tantalizing aroma of holiday cookies.

After letting them cool, we got to work decorating them. First we mixed up a homemade batch of Sugar Cookie Frosting that was simply amazing. I've never enjoyed such a delicious icing before this recipe!

Recipe for Sugar Cookie Frosting
(Makes Frosting for 12 Cookies)

Ingredients

1/4 cup shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. almond extract

Directions

In a medium bowl, beat together all ingredients. Thin with a little water, if desired. (Ours was thick, so we added a little water and it worked out beautifully.)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Baking these holiday sugar cookies was a wonderful experience, I can't even remember the last time I spent an evening having fun decorating holdiay cookies! Using the tubes of colored icing, and glitter gel icing (wonder how healthy that is for you?), we spent time and love on each cookie, creating our own unique creation of our own imagination.

Most of the cookies we put the Sugar Cookie Frosting on, then decorated with tubes of colored icing. Others we omitted the frosting and just went straight to decorating them. Either way, they were addictive simply because they melted in your mouth and left you wanting more!

Enjoy this holiday cookie recipe, and make enough to share! They are great additions to slip into picnic baskets, picnic backpacks, lunch totes, coffee totes, and wine baskets! Remember to check out Picnic-Basket.com for more great holiday ideas and gift ideas. Make this holiday season one to remember!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Picnic-Basket.com

Holiday Cookie Recipes and Activities

2010-12-16T11:09:00.000-05:00

Holiday Baking Activities
Baking together is a family activity that bonds kids and adults. Spend some quality time together this holiday season and invite everyone to join in the baking activities. Try a healthy holiday treat with a Pumpkin-Oatmeal Raisin Cookie recipe that melts in your mouth; or enjoy an Orange Spiced Shortbread Cookie recipe that compliments your cup of coffee like no other with it's exquisite blend of citrus and spice!

Create a picture of Christmas by making Candy Cane Twists with the kids! This holiday recipe lets kids twist and form candy canes from dough and decorate them using chopped peppermint candy, or red sugar!

Roll out some fun and assign tasks according to abilities so that everyone gets a chance to contribute. As you bake, remember that taste-testing is half the fun! Double or quadruple the recipes so that you can share yummy treats fresh from the oven, have enough to give as gifts, and stock up for people to enjoy through the holidays.

Holiday Cookie Recipes
Click here for more on our Holiday Cookie Recipes Article, including recipes for Candy Cane Twists, Pumpkin-Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Orange Spiced Shortbread!

Baking holiday cookies is a tradition that runs deep during the holidays, so remember to teach other generations your recipe secrets and enjoy creating special moments that will last a lifetime!

From Picnic-Basket.com's family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Holiday Season! It's the best time of the year, so laugh, love, and be merry!

Gingerbread Houses & More Family Holiday Activities

2010-12-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is full of much needed time off for everyone. It's the time of year when kids are home from school and parents are off work. There will be time for everyone to simply hang out, even between all of the shopping to finish up gift lists, attending holiday parties, traveling, cooking (recipes), putting up decorations, and countless other holiday season activities.

Enjoy some play time for both adults and children this holiday season by creating Gingerbread Houses & Towns! Get an ingredients list, Gingerbread-making tips, and more holiday activity ideas for kids of all ages.

Gingerbread Houses & Towns
This is the perfect opportunity to stay warm inside, turn on some Christmas music, make some hot chocolate and get in the spirit of the holidays by creating something unique together. Turn off the TV and shut off the video games; it's time to have fun creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces of art!

Momma's Gingerbread Town

As described in Holiday Activity Ideas for Children, my Mom and sister would have a Gingerbread House Party over the holidays to celebrate both my sister's birthday and Christmas. It's an activity that children and teenagers alike enjoy because they are free to be as creative and festive as they want. Building a masterpiece worthy of eating and showing off with pride through the holidays is an activity every kid enjoys. Transform your holiday experience with your children and create some lasting memories this holiday season!

Momma's Gingerbread Town Ingredients:

Graham Crackers
Gingerbread
Powdered Sugar
Food Coloring
White Icing (that's where food coloring comes in)
Pretzel sticks
Tootsie Rolls
M&M's (plain & p-nut)
Skittles
Raisins
Marshmellows (small)
Toothpicks
Old birthday cake figurines (ex: Snow White & The 7 Dwarfs)
Animal Crackers
Gummies
Gumdrops
Licorice
Peppermint
Candy Canes (miniature)

You can add any ingredients you like, those are just a few of the ones used most. If you are too busy to bake your own gingerbread, there are ready made kits in stores you can buy. More than likely, you'll want to make sure you add some more ingredients (listed above) to really make an extraordinary house. Get friends and family to join in on the fun and create Gingerbread Houses & Towns of unique design and imagination!

[ It took 2 pictures to capture this one-of-a-kind Gingerbread Town. There is so much detail!]

Gingerbread Tip 1
To make railroads or walkways, you can take Tootsie Rolls and roll them between your palms until they are stringy like spaghetti then lay them around or through your Gingerbread Town!

Gingerbread Tip 2
If you have to stop building and don't want your house and materials to dry out, seal it in plastic wrap.

Gingerbread Tip 3
Use an old shoebox, or cardboard box to put your Gingerbread house on that way it is easier to transport.

Celebrating-Christmas.com has numerous ideas for creating your Gingerbread experience. Click here and find gingerbread recipes, no-bake alternatives, gingerbread house blueprints, tips for designing landscapes and model houses. There is no limit to imagination, so dive right in with your kids and have fun building, designing, eating and shaping your own Gingerbread houses and towns over the holiday break!

Family Holiday Activity Ideas
Holiday activity ideas are meant to heighten a family's bonding experience and create a lifetime of cherished memories. There are many ways you can get creative this holiday season. Here are a few more ideas you can bring to life with your kids this holiday season.

Hand-Crafted Ornaments: Buy blank ornaments from an arts & crafts store, a little paint, some newspaper and you're ready to go! Kids love making their own creations, and being able to show off their handy work on trees and wreaths makes it even better. A perfect opportunity for kids to make gifts for grandparents, parents, siblings and friends. Plus, it's a memory worth creating when they can look back 10, 20, 30 years from now and admire their childhood creations every holiday season.

Snow Flakes: Remember folding up construction paper and cutting snowflakes and angels to hang on your Christmas tree? It's an easy activity that allows your children to entertain themselves and contribute to holiday decorations. All you need is some construction paper, kid-safe scissors, glue, crayons, or markers. After they've cut out designs, have them decorate them and then hang them on the tree, give as gifts, or send them in Christmas cards!

Christmas Coloring Pages and Printable Activities: We found a ton of Christmas themed printable activities at ABCteach.com that are sure to keep you and your kids having some relaxed fun over the holidays. Just print them out and get set up with colored pencils, crayons and washable markers and let them create their own masterpieces! Make sure to stay involved with praise and questions while they color, or better yet join in on the fun!

From our family to yours, Picnic-Basket.com would like to wish you all a very Merry Holiday Season. It's the best time of the year so laugh, love, and be merry!

Thanksgiving Ideas

2010-11-24T12:07:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Right now, households all over the country are filled with tantalizing smells of home cooking at its best! Whether it's stock simmering on the stove, pies being baked, turkeys being seasoned, casseroles being made, or side dishes manifesting in preparation for the bountiful feasts of Thanksgiving Day, you can be sure that the day before Thanksgiving is as important as Turkey Day itself.

Healthy Holiday Recipe Ideas

Amidst the traveling and preparations that entail the Thanksgiving weekend, there will be more need for food-planning than the actual turkey (or ham) of Thanksgiving Day. Leftovers won't last forever, and the need for quick healthy recipes to satisfy the entire holiday crowd are in high demand. Don't waste anymore time - get your ingredients and plan ahead for a time you can make these easy and delicious healthy dishes and stow them away in the refrigerator or freezer until it's time to heat up and serve!

"Let’s start with dessert first! After spoiling your taste buds with our Hearty Pumpkin Pie dessert, we have three delectable main dish recipes for your holiday menu. Everyone will be thankful for Stuffed Turkey Breast, Cioppino Seafood Stew and Vegetarian Thanksgiving Lasagna this year, even the leftovers."
Click to read more and get these healthy recipes that are ready in one hour...

Now you've got a few more healthy recipes you can add to your tables, and cookbooks. How about some game ideas for children and some family activities that will create bonds and savory memories for years to come?

Holiday Game Ideas for Children

Celebrate in ways everyone can enjoy with games, outdoor activities, recipes, and arts and crafts! Many cherished childhood memories involve activities during the holidays, so it's time to be an active participant in the lives of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings and cousins.

Click here for fun printable activities and great game ideas for children this holiday season...

Holiday Family Activities
Activities during the holidays include more than just eating. Need a little inspiration for some fun holiday family activities? Try these simple, easy, and structured games that everyone can participate in, be creative, establish memories and get connected! Football can be in the background, but make family your main focus and turkey your main dish! Don't worry or stress during the holidays, take a look at these Tips for De-Stressing the Holidays!

The holidays are about being grateful and giving thanks for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you, your loved ones and your life. Be thankful for your life, and remember not to sweat the small stuff!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Picnic-Basket.com

Fall Creek Falls Camping Trip in TN

2010-11-02T15:20:00.002-04:00

The weekend before Halloween we took a trip across Tennessee, catching glimpses of tailgating Alabama and Tennessee Volunteer fans getting ready for the football game as we headed towards the breathtaking beauty of Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Knoxville, TN to do a little hiking and camping.

SEE OUR PICTURE SLIDE-SHOW!

The Cumberland Plateau sits on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, and in late October the mountains are aflame with color! The river streams were down to smaller trickles due to lack of rain, but standing among the colorful trees with leaves strewn across the ground really heightened the experiences! We walked along the riverbeds, admired the Cascades, and stood on the very edge of the 85 ft. Cane Creek Falls and took in the beautiful colors of the gorge and large boulders of mountains topped with colorful trees.

To fully enjoy one of America's highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, we took our picnic backpack on our hike down to the base of the 254 ft. waterfall where we enjoyed a light picnic. Light picnic meaning sandwiches, apple slices and bottles of water! Not as romantic as I'd have liked my first waterfall picnic to be, but with tourists and hikers constantly wanting to take pictures where we'd set up our picnic, it would have been rude to hog the best spot!

The hike to the bottom of Fall Creek Falls is quite unlike any trail I've ever been on, and so gorgeous!

With steep steps, large boulders to climb over, a small cave and a huge mountain cliff above you, the walk down can be completed in 20 minutes, although gawking and picture-taking can add another 20 minutes! Walking back up tends to break a small sweat, but the view makes everything worth it!

Luckily we were able to secure one of the few remaining camping sites, since you pretty much just show up and hope they have spots because they don't take reservations. Pitching the tent and setting up was easy, and we were soon relaxing by the perfect moonlit fire, having fun and enjoying the atmosphere of the campsite. The next day we reluctantly made our way out of the Cumberland Plateau. However; we weren't done yet!

A few country back roads and 30 minutes later we were at Burgess State Falls.

Burgess Falls will take your breath away. The entire river provides smaller waterfalls and multiple cascades around every bend until you reach the steep drop of rushing water. It's less than a mile to the huge waterfall, with two trails (one semi-paved and the other a more challenging hike) which makes it easier for people of all ages to check out the beautiful fury of Mother Nature.

We explored the top of the falls, again standing right on the edge next to the enclosed staircase down to the base of the falls, which look exactly like the Pterodactyl cages in the movie, Jurassic Park 2! I attempted to catch a blue crawfish (crayfish, crawdad, mud-bug, poor man's lobster, etc.) while my boyfriend sat next to a cascading four foot waterfall and made sure I didn't fall in. All along the riverbank you can pick up needle-size black cone shells and tiny river clam shells while watching the leaves swirl and dance in both the air, and river currents!

We collected leaves of every shape and color on our hike and by the time we'd left I could identify every type of tree leaf we'd collected, thanks to my Forester.

Now, all of those leaves I saved during this changing of the seasons is on the way to my Momma, down in Florida. She'll love seeing a sample of colorful fall weather in the mountains. Nestled amongst the palm trees is a hard place to be if you miss the changing of the seasons.

Look for our video on YouTube, coming soon! Until next time, enjoy more pictures!

Take advantage of Fall Leaves - Go Camping!

2010-10-22T17:25:00.002-04:00

Picnic-Basket.com

With the beautiful weather, beautiful trees and sunny days of October quickly dwindling away, many people are getting outside to enjoy the warmth of the fall season.

Cool breezes sweep through the trees and bring changing leaves dancing into the air, making everyone stir with delight.

I want to feel a deep mountain breath. Walk up trails to see a bird's eye view of the affect Fall is having on the mountains.

So, this weekend I'm finally going camping!

This will be the first time I've gone camping in October and I'm pretty excited, especially with my cozy new wool socks! Going to be heading towards East Tennessee with my wildfire fighter boyfriend to take in some of our country's great State Parks.

Yes, ladies. A wild-fire fighter.

There will be great footage about the waterfalls and natural beauties I'll have seen; along with interviews with other people enjoying the fall outdoors by camping, hiking, fishing and traveling. I'll find out how campsite tailgaters cheer on their favorite NCAA football teams!

Look for videos and pictures in our upcoming blog!

Isn't Nature grand?

Enjoy the weekend before Halloween with plenty of football tailgating and family get together. You have time to grab your family and head to the park for a gorgeous fall picnic! Take along a healthy recipe, and tell us all about your experience. Share your picnic photos, photos of fall scenery, and places you know of that people should check out! Find us on TWITTER, or email us and share!

Roll Up Pancake Recipe Treats for Fall!

2010-10-07T23:00:00.005-04:00

The last few months, we have taken on the joy of seducing your senses and taste-buds with our frightfully filling, and eerily delicious healthy recipes. With plenty of healthy tailgating recipes; our Free Picnic Cookbook; and an abundance of recipes continually being added to our site, there are no ends to which you can turn the tables on un-wanted calories and replace them with healthy alternatives!

Halloween is definitely a "tricky" time of year. How do you manage to avoid the pounds and pounds of Halloween cookies, candy, cakes and pies that signal the beginning of the holiday season?

You fight fire, with fire. Load up on healthy treats and recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth! If you're prepared with healthy snacks and meals to combat the seductive allure of unhealthy foods, you'll have a better chance of keeping yourself healthier, and keeping the weight off throughout this holiday season. Check out our Delicious Fall Recipes here...

Try this easy Roll Up Pancake Recipe for a mouthwatering breakfast treat that goes perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee.

Ingredients
-3 eggs (recommend: hormone free or brown eggs)
-3 tbsp flour (recommend: whole wheat flour)
-3 tbsp milk (recommend: skim)
-2 tbsp sugar
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-Jam or Jelly of your preference (recommend: sugar-free strawberry)
-Fruit (recommend: strawberries, blueberries)

Directions
-Heat up a medium skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking butter or grease with olive oil.
-Mix all ingredients together.
-Pour 2 or more spoon-fills of batter onto skillet and smooth into a circle.
-Flip within the few minutes it takes for one side to lightly brown.
-Remove when both sides are evenly golden.

-Spoon your favorite jam, jelly, or fruit on one side of your pancake then roll it up and enjoy!

If you're looking to find gift ideas for the coffee lovers in your life, a portable coffee backpack or tote more than measures up to all "coffee break" needs. Complete coffee and tea service on the go; wherever; whenever; is a luxury all coffee, tea, and hot chocolate enthusiasts will enjoy for years to come! Complete with state of the art thermoses, these sets are also perfect for storing your favorite soup, stew or chili as you head to your next tailgating party or fall picnic!

Enjoy incorporating healthier and tastier treats into your daily diet and you'll soon notice positive changes in both your mood and your body. A soothing cup of Joe is not only good for your health, but is also bound to start your day off on the right foot.

You'll love the inspirational ideas that manifest when you can have Coffee Breaks, Anytime, Anywhere! Remember to add in a little fun with Roll Up Pancakes and keep in mind that life is stress-free and easy if you find ways to soothe your soul on a daily basis!

Tailgating or Homegating?

2010-09-17T11:26:00.007-04:00

ATTENTION TAILGATER NATION!!!
-Are you tailgating or homegating this Game Day?
Are you heading out to the stadium for another of those great crazy parties in the parking lot; or are you making your own unique game day party at home, at a neighbor's, or friend's house? Maybe you're heading out to the pub or sports bar with a couple of buddies to watch the game, down a couple of brews and scarf down some wings. Whatever your pleasure this game day, we all know that given the preference we would all be down at the stadium enjoying tailgating at its finest! So, for those lucky tailgaters who are counting down the hours until they get to tailgate, take heed of some quick important tailgating ideas that will make your tailgating experience one-of-a-kind!

Tailgating Ideas
Come rain, sleet, sun or snow, the crowds will amass in parking lots and fields across the nation during the football season. Some college tailgates like the University of Tennessee and the University of Washington move their tailgating antics onto the water, cruising up and down the rivers and making their boats tailgating central. So, the question is: Are you ready to brave this wild celebration and tailgate like a pro? Do you have the essentials and fundamentals prepared so you can have an extreme and exciting tailgate?

1st - YOUR BUDDIES & YOUR FRIENDS!
Bring as many as you can, the wild ones, the shy ones, the crazy loud fun ones, and the cute ones of course! Nobody likes to tailgate alone, and having a posse of endearing friends around is sure to provide exciting entertainment and a fun atmosphere. You'll draw in some new tailgater friends that will come around and party with you at the next tailgate! Who knows, you might even meet some new tailgaters worthy of "friending" on Facebook! Its all about having fun, socializing and meeting fellow fanatics!

2nd - LOTS & LOTS OF FOOD!
Never, ever head to a tailgating party without a portable grill and plenty of meat, veggies, desserts and snack food. If you're looking for tailgating food ideas, look to the University of Mississippi. Tailgating in the Grove for an Ole Miss game is tailgating at its finest, with elegant tailgate setups with centerpieces, silverware and delicious gourmet Southern feasts everywhere you look!

It's always better to prepare your own Healthy Tailgating Recipes at home prior. Unhealthy eating and snacking every week of football season will leave you bloated and a few sizes higher by the end of the season - not to mention it causes serious healthy risks! So, prepare your marinades and dishes before you're racing off to the stadium and you'll enjoy your tailgate without worrying about the calories! We'll have continuous updates on Healthy Tailgating Recipes all season long, so feel free to snag our recipe ideas and browse through our site's immense selection of recipes for ones that suit your taste!

3rd - DRINKS!
Whether you're indulging in some refreshing ice tea, lemonade, diet sodas or water, remember to bring your insulated coolers to keep them nice and chilled! For those tasty adult beverages such as bloody marys, mimosas, wine, adult sodas, beer and mixed beverages remember to bring your essential portable bar-ware and wine sets for your drinks. Don't forget to keep the necessary refreshments ice cold in portable insulated coolers. Bring your drinking game and get ready to stay hydrated all tailgate long!

4th - OUTDOOR GAMES!
No tailgating game is complete without some exciting entertainment and outdoor games to battle the competitive spirit permeating throughout the air! Entertaining tailgating game ideas include your favorite game sets like Corn Hole, Ladder Toss, Washer Toss, Tailgate Bowling, and Frisbee and remember to pack them in your vehicle along with plenty of outdoor furniture. Folding tables, portable sports chairs, stadium seats, hammocks, umbrellas, pop-up canopies and more, are necessary tailgating essentials that will ensure you and your fellow tailgaters have guaranteed comfortable seating and an official base tailgating setup.

If drinking games such as beer pong, flip cup or quarters are your style, remember the plastic cups, ping pong balls, quarters, ice, water and a table. For those who enjoy the sport of drinking, various games can be played with a simple deck of cards, a beer funnel, beer helmet, and a keg. Don't forget that you can spice up the ante of classic outdoor games by betting drinks on the loser of Corn Hole or Ladder Toss. Just remember to enjoy yourselves and play responsible. Drinking is always better in moderation, you don't want to become a sloppy drunk and be a burden on your friends and family. You'll never hear the end of it if you act a fool and do something embarrassingly unforgettable!

5th - TEAM SPIRIT!
Sheer enthusiasm is a MUST for tailgates! You've got to get pumped for the game, so break out the face paint, body paint, jerseys and unique logo'd tailgating gear to show your team spirit and differentiate yourself as a true tailgating fanatic! To be a true tailgater you have to dress the part before you can act the part. Never dress in any colors that would affiliate you with the opposing team and remember that you can never dress too crazy on game day. A true tailgater will be covered from head to foot in team colors and apparel, taking pride in their appearance and daring others to outmatch their team spirit! Once you are truly decked out and marked as a tailgater you are ready to act the part. Chant your team's fight song up and down the tailgating zone and watch as you gather a following of people and bask in the glorious chorus of "Go -insert team-" that will follow your march where ever you go.

Create unforgettable tailgating moments every game; be the ultimate tailgater! If you're enjoying the game from your homegating party, the sports bar, of your mother-in-law's house remember that deep down you are a tailgater at heart. Never let a loss spoil your fun; drinks ruin your life; or your environment dampen your spirits. Keep that tailgater spirit alive sports fans, and remember every tailgating party is unique, as is the spirit within each of us. Safe tailgating, everyone!

End of Summer & Labor Day Ideas

2010-08-24T14:07:00.004-04:00

Summer is winding down as September looms around the corner, but don't feel as if there is no time left for the festive and leisurely pace of summer. The fun is just beginning!

End of Summer & Labor Day Picnic Ideas
Cool mornings and evenings provide the best times to head outdoors to your favorite picnicking spots. Whether you're heading out for a walk on the beach, or going hiking, canoeing, or camping you're going to want to bring plenty of delicious food and drinks for your trip.

Picnic Backpacks Make Picnics Simple
Picnic Backpacks make life so much simpler. They're hands-free, durable, comfortable and equipped with a cutting board, salt & pepper shakers and all the glasses, plates, utensils, linens and insulated space you need for an exciting picnic adventure! The end of summer means that warm, sunny summer days are limited, so get outside and enjoy them while you can! Perfect for any types of picnics, picnic backpacks are so efficient and convenient to just grab 'n go! They are great alternatives to traditional picnic baskets and make great gifts for relatives, newlyweds, birthdays and anniversaries. Here are a few fun ideas that you don't want to miss out on before summer is over, and remember that picnic backpacks are effortlessly trendy and make adventures a lot easier!

Dancin' in the Moonlight...
We highly recommend a moonlight picnic during these warm summer nights. Choose your favorite outdoor spot away from a lot of city lights and see infinite amounts of stars while getting cozy with your loved one, or pointing out shooting stars to your kids. Bring along a picnic blanket, folding picnic table or portable chairs, and enjoy the cool evening getting lost in the magnificence of our mystical universe. Enjoy playing/listening to some guitar, or bring along an iPod and relax while munching on some wine and cheese. If you have more of a sweet tooth, find a spot you can have a campfire and roast some marshmallows! Camp out in your backyard or head to a local state or national park and see what magic will transpire as you enjoy a star-filled night!

With the hot days of summer hitting their peaks, the days are more beautiful than ever to get out and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Have you spent enough time outside in nature this summer to last you through the cold winter months?

Tandem Bikes
Have you ever tried tandem bicycling? Imagine how much fun you would have running around in such a unique and fun way! Not to mention all the attention you'd get from people who wish they could join you as you head out for an adventurous picnic!

Outdoor Concerts

Have you hit up an outdoor concert in your city or community? You'll love the music, the people, the ambiance and most of all you'll be supporting your community as you enjoy a social picnic with your loved ones!

History in the Making...
Have you visited a local historical site? Learn more about your country's history and make a road trip out of your adventure. Stop at various places and see what local communities are promoting because things happening today are what makes history! If you have a motorcycle, it would be a great way to see the sights and enjoy a cool ride!

Don't forget that Labor Day Weekend marks the transition into the beginning of
fall (though it may take awhile for temperatures to "fall") and also kicks of College Football! Woohoo, Tailgating time!

Are you ready for tailgating this fall?

Romantic Picnic Locations & Entertainment Ideas

2010-08-02T15:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, so how many of you know that August is Romance Awareness Month?

Well, for those of you who just learned that Valentine's Day isn't the only time romance is "officially" in the air, we've got some great tips for creating spontaneous romantic moments with your sweetheart - with a fun romantic picnic for two! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather with your loved one and put some fun and romance on the menu!

Having an exciting time outdoors, being silly and laughing with the one you adore is the best remedy for ensuring a healthy life. Plan ahead for your romantic rendezvous and read up on some of our favorite "Romantic Picnic Activities and Game Ideas" for some fun and memorable entertainment!

If you need help selecting the right picnic basket for your particular romantic outing, we know just what you need to consider when you're looking to "Find the Perfect Romantic Picnic Basket!"

There are so many places that you can take your sweetheart, and so many ways you can enjoy your "alone time" together. Get some tips on "Choosing the Right Romantic Picnic Location"; it may save you from being bombarded with the loud antics from an overcrowded place. Romantic picnic locations are limitless, but remember that remote picnic locations are the best kept secrets for romantic picnics!

Slip away with your partner and head for your favorite secluded beach to gaze upon a romantic sunset. Unwind and get tangled up in your lover as you sip perfectly aged wine and nibble on crackers topped with scrumptious smoked salmon and cream cheese. Remember to tuck away an assortment of delectable cheese and fruit in your romantic wine basket or insulated picnic tote. Don't forget to bring comfortable and portable outdoor furniture that will allow you both to enjoy your outing without having to worry about seating!

Strap on a comfortable picnic backpack for two, or grab your fully-equipped picnic basket for two and head towards a breathtaking mountain-top view where you are free to hike, bike, and climb your way towards an awe-inspiring view. Indulge your senses with the beauty of nature while you spread out your feast upon a cozy picnic blanket and enjoy the heavenly view - with your very own angel keeping you company!

Discover your local National Park, or State Park, and take a refreshing dip in the beautiful fresh waters before relaxing to catch some rays. Enjoy the simple seduction that comes with feeding each other delicious fresh fruit and sipping on sparkling white wine from your full equipped romantic picnic basket for 2.

For the heartier souls, a canoe or kayak trip with an insulated cooler set full of your favorite drinks and snacks makes for an exciting adventure you will both enjoy!

At Picnic-Basket.com, we're eager to share the knowledge about the joy a romantic picnic can bring to any couple - no matter what age!

A simple, yet elegant romantic picnic for two is just the ticket to make an ordinary outing, extraordinarily divine! Remember to spoil your loved one and continually strive to make them feel special! After all, aren't they your better half?

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

2010-07-23T12:29:00.004-04:00

July 23 is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day!

To celebrate National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, here is a scrumptious Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe that tastes divine! All you need area few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker.

These days, old fashioned hand cranked ice cream buckets have been updated to a more refined selection of ice cream makers. No more working those muscles with a hand-crank, now you simply push a button to get your cold tasty treat!

Ice cream makers can get pretty pricey (up into the hundreds of dollars), but in keeping up with our simple, fun and elegant style, we've selected one of the best reviewed ice cream makers by Cuisinart, that can be yours for around $50.

If you're feeling creative, try adding your favorite toppings in as you make your homemade vanilla ice cream! Healthy ice cream toppings include fruits like strawberries, blackberries, bananas, blueberries and raspberries. Peanuts, walnuts, pecans and almonds are healthy nut toppings to sprinkle on top!

For the rest of us who enjoy indulging that sweet tooth with sugary deliciousness, try adding crumbled up Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey Kisses, Oreos, sprinkles and M&M's to satisfy your choco-nut taste buds! Of course, caramel and chocolate sauce are perfect last minute toppings as well, although I must admit that hot fudge is my #1 topping choice for my vanilla ice cream!

Whatever your preferred toppings may be for an ice cold creamy treat, make sure you're ready with a fully insulated and stylish Ice Cream Tote to keep it cold wherever you go! Try taking it along on your romantic evening picnic for two, and have some fun by starting out with dessert! This way you won't fill up and can feast on the rest of the yummy treats waiting inside your picnic tote, after having dessert first!

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

2 large pasteurized eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups whipping cream

1 cup milk

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Directions

-Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until they are light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes.

-Whisk in sugar, just a little at a time, until all the sugar is added, and then whisk for about 1 minute longer.

-Add the cream, milk and vanilla and STIR to blend. DO NOT WHISK at this time, as that will create bubbles and the resulting ice cream will not be as rich and dense.

-Transfer mixture to ice cream maker. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions.

-Freeze for at least 3-4 hours prior to serving.

Enjoy your fresh homemade vanilla ice cream and remember to share your delicious homemade treats with neighbors, friends, and family this summer!

Mighty Mega Mats!

2010-07-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

What is a crucial necessity for having a fun picnic?

A picnic blanket!

Having guaranteed seating with a comfortable place to sit as you set up your picnic basket and spread out your delicious goodies - that's what seals the deal for a fun and memorable picnic!

Do you have a comfy waterproof picnic blanket that folds up nice and snug to fit into any space - ready for any occasion?

Our mighty mega mats are compact, lightweight, stylish and come in a variety of colors and designs. With waterproof backing and comfortable padding, mega mat picnic blankets provide an excellent source for picnic seating, ground cover, a cover for outdoor picnic tables, and are great gift options because of the endless possibilities the mega mat can be used for.

As Floridians, we know the best beach essential to have is - a mega mat waterproof picnic blanket. We use our mega mats at the beach all the time. Not so much to lay in the sun on though they have been used for that purpose, but we use them as a "floor" under our pop up shade. Then we use it like a big door mat by laying it out by the car. Everyone cleans their feet, the last person gives it a few shakes, folds it up and it's back in the trunk.

They are great for picnics and you can save your picnic tablecloth from getting grass-stained or dirty!

Mega Mats really come in handy for all kinds of outdoor activities and we highly recommend a picnic blanket in the trunk of every vehicle you own! Mega Mats make wonderful gifts for co-workers, spouses, relatives and are well received at baby showers! The large size is perfect for Mom & baby and adds a clean, padded layer between the baby and the floor.

Mega Mats easily fold up small and are safely secured with a wide velcro closure. Even if you don't fold it up perfectly there the velcro closure is large enough to get the job done.

There is a carrying handle on top and a long, wide & padded shoulder strap which doubles nicely to strap the blanket to a picnic blanket, or attach to another picnic cooler, romantic wine and cheese set, picnic backpack or coffee service picnic pack.

With a Lifetime Warranty, our mega mat blankets have durable padded, waterproof backing, and come in a variety of colorful designs.

The Extra Large Mega Mat Picnic Blanket opens to and impresive 68" x 82" and seats 4-6 people in padded comfort while the Large Mega Mat Picnic Blanket 48" x 60" and seats 2-3 people.

We stand by our durable mega mats and hope you enjoy having a dependable, convenient and waterproof picnic blanket for all your outdoor adventures!

Our Picnicker Newsletter is FREE to sign up for and offers exclusive sales and discounts to its readers. July's Picnicker Newsletter offers HUGE savings on the ever-popular Mega Mats. Sign up for our newsletter today and SAVE money with future Picnicker Newsletter Discounts.

Crispy 'n Buttery Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

2010-07-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

July is National Blackberry Month, and wouldn't you know it I had fresh wild blackberries brought to my doorstep from my lovely landlords. They enjoy growing their own vegetables and fruits, and have a patch of blackberry bushes that provide them with beautifully ripe and sweet blackberries!

The last time I enjoyed fresh blackberry cobbler, my family was living in Olympia, Washington. As a kid, we'd all go get tangled up and dyed purple amongst the blackberry bushes, shoving our mouths full of delicious berries before giving any up for the empty baskets. My mom made a crispy, sweet and buttery blackberry cobbler from whatever berries made it home.

With blackberry season in full swing, blackberry cobbler makes the perfect summer dessert! After hounding Mom for tips and searching for an quick and tasty recipe online, I stumbled across the "Great Cobbler Debate Blackberry Cobbler Recipe", from ThePioneerWoman.com.

I found the simple, quick, and mouthwatering Blackberry Cobbler recipe I was looking for - and now, you have it!

Crispy 'n Buttery Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

Serves: 8 people

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Difficulty: Easy

1 stick Butter (or 1/2 cup melted butter)
1-¼ cup Sugar
1 cup Self-Rising Flour
1 cup Milk
2-3 cups Blackberries (frozen Or Fresh)

Cobbler Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter in a microwavable dish, then get started on making the batter.

Pour 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of flour into a mixing bowl, then whisk in 1 cup of milk.

Mix well.

Then, pour in melted butter and whisk it all well together.

Butter a baking dish, or spray it with cooking butter spray.

Now rinse and pat dry the blackberries.

Pour the batter into the buttered baking dish and get ready for the berries!

Sprinkle (or drop) 2-3 cups of blackberries evenly over the top of the batter.

Beautifully covered in fresh blackberries, you're ready for some sugar.

Sprinkle ¼ cup sugar over the top.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

If you desire, sprinkle an additional teaspoon of sugar over the cobbler 10 minutes before it’s done; however, mine was glistening with sweetness, so I didn't need it.

Blackberries were laden throughout, on the bottom, in the middle and a few on top.

The crust and top layer were so crispy and buttery, and with the added sweetness of the blackberries...it's a little piece of Heaven!

Enjoy this quick and delicious Crispy 'n Buttery Blackberry Cobbler Recipe all summer long! Don't forget the whipped cream, or better yet - the vanilla ice cream scooped on top! Mmm!

Festive 4th of July in Kentucky!

2010-07-07T13:44:00.069-04:00

Beautiful Kentucky
Grabbing a picnic cooler and tossing our portable sports chairs in the back of the pickup truck, we headed towards my boyfriend's Uncle's home to celebrate the 4th of July weekend. Driving past Kentucky's beautiful Rough River Dam State Park, we enviously checked out all of the people out on their boats and on the shore enjoying the cool water and sunshine. Before long we pulled off the main road and drove over the crest of a hill to see two groups of men playing putt-putt golf along the drive up to a gorgeous two-story home. After parking next to a garden of corn and other home-grown vegetables, we headed towards the group of women sitting in the shade and playing Cornhole (bean bag toss).

All-American Outdoor Games
With a lot of people spending time together and enjoying the long weekend, entertainment is a must! The 4th of July is all about All-American Outdoor Games and Activities that keep everyone occupied and having fun throughout the festivities. Our 4th of July family outing included 3 sets of Cornhole and our own 7 hole mini putt-putt golf course, or "cow-pasture golf" as I later found out, to play throughout the afternoon. Split into teams by drawing and pairing numbers, nearly 30 people were entertained as we all played to win first place. Nearly 20 different varieties of portable chairs, two bench swings, and several picnic tables were set out in a large circle for both the players and non-players.

Slipping away in between games to indulge in fresh green beans, fried tenderloin, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese and other home-made dishes, we ate our fill and then ate some more! Desserts like cherry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream made losing a round of games well worth it, just so you could sit in the shade and eat while laughing and chatting with everyone else around. When you're repeatedly partnered with people you don't know, you start to relax and establish bonds a lot easier while you're playing some fun Outdoor Games. It also helps if you end up winning; but, not being overly competitive and just having fun and getting to know people is what it's all about.

Playing Rook and Riding 4 Wheelers
The sun didn't set until after 9pm, so the fireworks were put on hold until nearly two dozen people had gotten their fix of playing Rook. I'd never heard of the card game until a few months ago. My boyfriend's entire extended family are all pros because they play every week. Rook is a great game for friends and families of 4 or more to play because it is a multi-player partner game. With four tables set up and three rounds until the final winner's bracket, the games lasted about 2 hours until my boyfriend's awesome 86-year old Grandmother and one of his uncles beat everyone else and took 1st place!

After getting knocked out of Rook, we took an evening ride on a 4 wheeler through the trails in the woods and tried getting some air off a little hill in the field. Holding on tight and squealing like a little girl as we got a few inches off the ground has never been more exhilarating! It was even more fun to watch a 3 year old and his 9 year old sister take off on the 4 wheeler, laughing and hollering while their Grandmother safely sped them through the field flickering with lightning bugs.

Ablaze with Bonfires and Explosives
Dusk finally came upon us, and after building up a bonfire for hotdogs and s'mores and giving out plastic jars for the kids to go collect the glowing lightning bugs, we all set up our portable chairs along the edge of the field to watch a few brave men set off a gorgeous fireworks display. I should have handed out copies of 4th of July Checklist and Safety Tips, because the first explosive was too close for comfort as it exploded just above the ground. After moving back the wooden boards and firework holders further down the field, the inspiring fireworks dazzled us - exploding brilliant colors and intricate designs right before our eyes! It would have been a great idea to leave everyone a copy of 4th of July Myths, Fun Facts & Traditions so they could learn something they probably didn't know about our Independence Day, and shared it with others at future 4th of July celebrations!

Summer Camping Trip to LBL

2010-06-29T16:20:00.004-04:00

For those that enjoy the outdoors, a weekend of camping with friends and family is the perfect summer getaway. Summer is full of fun activities to do, and whether you’re close to home or hours away at your favorite camping spot, having all your outdoor essentials prepared for your trip means more fun, less hassle and countless opportunities to share and create special memories!

Camping at Land Between the Lakes
The weekend before the 4th of July my boyfriend’s two cousins drove down to visit, so we all took off for an overnight camping trip. We met up with some friends on the Kentucky side of Land Between the Lakes for some camping on the cool lake-shore.

Essential Camping Gear
Prior to hittin’ the road, we loaded up the insulated compartment of my Hamptons Picnic Backpack for 4, by Picnic At Ascot, with condiments for burgers and hot dogs and made sure the salt & pepper shakers were filled. I didn’t even have to pack any plates, napkins or utensils because the Picnic Backpack was fully equipped with everything the four of us needed! After making sure the First Aid Kit, Extra Large Mega Mat, tent, tarp, pillows and sleeping bags were stowed away, we turned our focus the most important part of a camping trip: THE FOOD.

Fundamental Camping Food
S’more Necessities – Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Chocolate
Meat – Burgers, Steaks, Ribs, Hot dogs, Bacon, Sausage, Chicken, Sandwich Meats
Bread – Buns for your meat, Sandwich Bread
The Best Junk Food – Cheese (for various needs), Chips, Dips, Cookies, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, Granola Bars, Popcorn, Gummies
Fruits ‘n Veggies – Watermelon, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Carrots, Apples, Oranges, Corn
Condiments – Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Steak Sauce, Salad Dressings, Hot Sauce, Syrup
Drinks – Water, Sodas, Gatorade, Beer, Drink Mixes and Milk
Seasoning – Spices to suit your needs
Breakfast – Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Instant Pancake Mix, Dry Cereal, Instant Oatmeal
Storage – Aluminum Foil, Plastic Bags (various sizes), Garbage Bags, Plastic Containers, Clips & Chip Ties

The most important thing to have on a summer camping trip is ICE. We filled 3 large coolers with ice and loaded them up with all the goodies we’d need for the weekend. The next most important thing is firewood and start up paper (and a lighter or matches of course). Usually camp grounds offer firewood, but bring your own if you can to save some money. Also, start up paper for your fire is essential, so stop at a convenience store or gas station and grab a handful of the Free Ads, or bring some old newspapers.

So, with the truck loaded up with coolers, large water jugs, camping equipment, a Portable BBQ Grill, a fully equipped Picnic Backpack, garbage bags, Sports Chairs (my boyfriend wishes his looked like this), food and fishing poles – we went camping!

Outdoor Games & Entertainment
After setting up camp near our friends, we took in an Ice Cream Social by the “beach”, and spent the afternoon swimming and playing some Outdoor Games. It’s too bad we didn’t have a Glow-in-the-dark Ladder Toss Set to keep playing even after the sun set. Games are a great way to meet new people as well, and we had some campers from neighboring sites come by to meet us and join in!

That night, everyone took their Portable Blankets and Chairs and Picnic Coolers to the other side of the campground for a great outdoor concert hosted by Land Between the Lakes. It was an entertaining site to behold with couples dancing; little girls doing cartwheels and dragging their Moms onto the dance floor; kids running around with their bicycles and playing tag; and the older kids playing basketball next to the pavilion. To top it off, there was a beautiful full moon reflecting off the lake and a cool breeze that kept the bugs away all night!

A quick camping trip this summer can make your weekend extraordinarily special. Bond with your family, get to know your kids better, or find some peace and quiet with that special someone away from the world at your own secluded camping spot. Just remember to have your camping essentials ready to go and have all the necessities before you get to the campsite. The last thing you want to do once you get there and get settled is to have to drive 30 minutes to pick up a loaf of bread. Prepare early on, so you can completely relax and have fun on your next camping trip!

National Corn on the Cob Day!

2010-06-11T17:44:00.006-04:00

Melt In Your Mouth Corn On The Cob!

June 11th we get to celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day! Today, we paid tribute at lunch with some fresh corn from our local farmer's market. Mmm.. Mmm!!

Every summer, fresh shucked corn becomes a staple sight at many households across the country.Who doesn't have a slight addiction to fresh, steaming, buttery white 'n yellow corn that melts in your mouth?

Corn is easy to cook and in minutes you are ready to pick out the prettiest, plumpest cob and slather that baby with butter until its shiny with little rivers of melted goodness. There's not much that compares to some really good corn on the cob.

Seasoning Your Corn

Rich in flavor and taste, don't be surprised if your mouth explodes with happiness as you chow down on some good ole corn on the cob! If you like to change up your corn every now and then like we do, add some seasoning and you're ready to go. If you're feeling spicy, lightly sprinkle some Tony Chachere's Cajun Seasoning, or Old Bay Cajun Seasoning on your corn. A delicious alternative to spicy corn is to make a little mixture of garlic powder, onion powder and seasoned salt to dash across the length of your corn. If you really want a taste of heaven, combine the spicy seasoning with the alternative mixture and get ready to have a meltdown from the flavor!

Corn Is Used For Many Things

Other than being delicious in its natural form, corn is an essential item found in hundreds of products we consume every day. Most of us know corn is used in Ethanol. But, can you tell me what else we use corn for?

Did you know corn is found in one form or another in at least 25% of what we buy from the grocery store?

Alphabetized below is a list of just a few things you'll find corn has been used for either during production or in the processing.

Adhesives; Aluminum; Antibiotics; Asbestos Insulation; Aspirin; Automobiles (cylinder heads, ethanol fuel, spark plugs, synthetic rubber finishes, tires, windshield washer fluid)
Baby food, Batteries, Beer, Breakfast Cereals
Candies, Canned Vegetables, Carbonated Beverages, Cheese, Chewing Gum, Chocolate, Coatings on Wood, Paper & Metal, Corn Chips, Corn Meal, Cosmetics, Crayons, Chalk
Degradable Plastics, Dessert Powders, Dextrose (Icing Sugar), Dyes, Disposable Diapers

Edible Oil, Ethyl & Butyl Alcohol, Explosives (firecrackers)

Finished Leather, Flour & Grits, Frozen Foods, Fructose

Ink for Stamping Prices in Stores, Insecticides, Instant Coffee, Instant Tea, Insulation (fiberglass)

Jams, Jellies & Preserves

Ketchup

Latex Paint, Leather Tanning, Licorice, Livestock Feed

Malted Products, Margarine, Mayonnaise, Mustard

Paper Manufacturing, Paper Cardboard & Laminating, Paper Plates & Cups, Peanut Butter

Pharmaceuticals, Potato Chips

Rugs & Carpets

Salad Dressings, Shaving Cream & Lotions, Shoe Polish, Soaps & Cleaners, Soft Drinks, Starch & Glucose (over 40 types), Syrup

Tacos, Tortillas, Textiles, Toothpaste

Wallpaper, Wheat Bread, Whiskey

Yogurts

Interesting, isn't it? Makes you really think about all the things out there, and what they're made of.

Now that you have a deeper appreciation for that little yellow kernel of corn, go out and enjoy some fresh sweet corn while it's in season! Remember that all year long you're enjoying products made from corn, whether you know it or not.

America's Favorite Iced Tea Recipe!

2010-06-10T17:21:00.004-04:00

Good Livin' Means Good Iced Tea!

The majority of Americans have no idea that June is National Iced Tea Month. And no, it ain’t just for us Southerners. Down here, we pay tribute 365 days a year. We know how to enjoy the little things in life; iced tea being one of ‘em. On June 10th, ya’ll get a chance to celebrate National Iced Tea Day with the rest of the country. We’re glad you joined us, because we’re gonna set ya’ll up real nice with America’s Favorite Iced Tea Recipe.

All ya’ll up above the ole Mason-Dixon enjoy iced tea as much as we do. But, we all know Southerners are the seasoned pros. In the South, making great iced tea is a simple thing. If you can boil water and follow a few instructions, you can do it. That’s why we all like it!

Iced tea is a glorious thing. Keep it unsweetened and add your dash of Splenda if you’d like, or buckle down and really get serious by making it a good ole fashioned sweet tea. First, let’s go over some tips for all you newbies to save ya’ll from somehow messing up a perfectly good pitcher of tea! Then ya'll can figure out for yourselves if you can handle our sweetness!

TIPS for Perfect Iced Tea:
* Use a glass or glazed pitcher that can withstand boiling water.
Ø No plastic or metal containers if you can help it because that’ll mess up the taste.

* Use only orange pekoe. Brands like Lipton and Luzianne are perfect.
Ø Why orange pekoe? Because it’s an extremely healthy alternative to green tea. Health benefits of orange pekoe: helps fight cancer, helps clogged arteries, fights respiratory diseases, helps with inflammation, and helps treat diseases.

* Add a pinch of baking soda (about ¼ teaspoon); it won’t change the taste, darkens the tea, and helps take out any bitterness you newbies may complain about.

* CHILL your tea before you serve it. Don’t dilute the tea by adding ice cubes to hot, warm, or room temperature tea.

* Add fresh slices of lemons to enhance the fresh flavor and taste of your tea. Not just to your individual glass, but also to the entire pitcher. If you need more of a reason: it looks purty too!

* Iced Tea is best the first day, maybe the second day too. After that, pour it out and make yourself a fresh pitcher!

Now that ya’ll are prepped and ready to boil water and throw in some tea bags, let’s get to it.

America’s Favorite Iced Tea Recipe:

Ingredients (for 1 quart)
1 Family size tea bag (Luzianne or Lipton is recommended)
3-4 Cups of water
¼ teaspoon or pinch of baking soda (optional)
1 Cup of sugar(optional)
Lemon Slices (optional)
Ice

Directions
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Throw in the tea bags and turn off the stove. Don’t boil the tea bags; just remove from the heat and let it steep. Steep for 5 – 15 minutes (depending on how strong you want it). Discard the tea bags before you pour the tea in the pitcher.

Now, I find pouring your 1 cup of sugar in the empty pitcher and then adding the warm tea makes more sense; but, you may not. Either way, add the sugar and stir until it’s dissolved.

Now, there are 2 ways to fill the rest of your pitcher. You can add in 1-2 cups of cold water; or use less water and add more ice to your tea. Whichever you prefer, just remember too much water will dilute the tea.

Squeeze in some lemon slices (optional) and remember to refrigerate within 1 hour!

Wasn't that hard was it? 'Course not, we're easy-going here in the South. We like to keep it simple and fun!

Ya’ll enjoy yourselves and come on back now, ya hear!?

Benefits of Fresh Vegetables

2010-06-05T15:28:00.000-04:00

Farmer's Market Tradition
Every Saturday morning my parents lounge out on the patio, several cups of coffee on hand to help wake them up while peaceful birds sing in the quiet stillness of a world still half-asleep. The kids are still asleep and the dew's wet kiss lingers on every surface. Soon, the caffeine kicks in and they're ready for a cool sunny morning of gathering fresh vegetables and fruits at either the Daytona Beach Flea & Farmer's Market, or another Florida community farmer's market. Grabbing their Reuze double tote bags and some cash, they head out to buy organic green beans, fresh yellow squash and cucumbers, green bell peppers, ripe cantaloupe, juicy watermelons, big ole' red tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers, and fresh white 'n yellow corn. They enjoy talking to the farmers in the local community, and finding out where the produce they buy comes from and how it's grown. Usually, we know what they'll end up coming home with, but today they came back with something different.

Something that looks like it flew itself here to Earth!

I have no idea what this pale light green squash is; but, it reminds me of a flying saucer and it is delicious! My mom fixed a healthy recipe, sauteing chopped onions in butter before adding the squash that she'd chopped and boiled beforehand. A few minutes of sauteing and you're ready to eat!

Benefits of Fresh Vegetables
Delicious, fresh, homegrown foods make your mouth smile when you eat, did you know that?

Did you also know that fresh green vegetables are considered "nature's laxative", because they help operate nearly all of your natural bodily functions?

Fresh vegetables are low in calories, high in complex carbohydrates, contain no cholesterol and almost no fat. Rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C, vegetables also provide essential dietary fiber that keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine. They are nature's best source of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, trace minerals, and dietary fiber, and many other classes of antioxidants. These nutrients may be your best weapon against age-related diseases, and help keep your heart healthy and strong.

Sure, eating rubbery dried out frozen vegetables is convenient. I have bags of frozen broccoli, vegetable medleys, strawberries, and blueberries in my freezer just like the next person. I just never use them. They are there "just in case". Who wants to open up an icy bag of soggy, frozen pieces of warped produce that have barely any taste?

Not me.

I like to taste the natural sweetness of a handful of fresh blueberries, knowing that I'm also providing my body with a ton of healthy antioxidants.

I crave those rich colors that are evidence of the healthy nutrients embedded within each bite.

I enjoy the explosion of flavor from a fresh strawberry's kiss. It's like no other!

Fresh vegetables and fruits provide not only health benefits, but also what I call "mood benefits". We should be happy with what we are putting into our bodies, because our minds and bodies live off of it.

Mood Benefits of Fresh Vegetables and Fruit
The mood benefits of fresh vegetables and fruits comes from knowing you're eating the best possible sources of nutrients designed by nature.

Fresh vegetables and fruits make every cell in our body sing with joy. We weren't made to be drenched in fatty oily foods, day-after-day.

Our bodies were made to consume the sweetness of a fresh Georgia Peach. Think about the exploding juiciness of Florida's ripe red tomatoes. I know my landlord up in Tennessee is jonesin' for some. He made sure to tell me several times to bring him some the day before I drove to Florida. I'm glad he's just hooked on the tomatoes and isn't addicted to Florida's sweet oranges and soft seductive strawberries, yet. And we all know how exciting it is to enjoy fresh cold watermelon slices on a hot sunny afternoon.

Happiness for me comes with watching my family enjoy fresh corn like it's going out of style. Nothing beats munching on fresh ears of corn while warm melted butter drips down your chin. Who isn't smiling and laughing at the site of the devotees, who are so into eating that corn that they wait until the last kernel is gone before setting down the cob to lick their chin and mouth for those last few drops of buttery nectar?

Mmm...so good for the mind, body and spirit!

Always health conscious, our family uses Smart Balance butter to melt on fresh steaming corn. Sprinkle on some Tony Chachere's Spicy Seasoning, or Old Bay Seasoning and your mouth is ready to do a happy dance. Actually, it's soooo good your whole body might join in on that dance!

Eating Healthy Never Felt So Good
So, tell me how good it feels to enjoy nature's bountiful harvest. Ask yourself if you like knowing where your fresh vegetables and fruits come from. For the best fresh produce, learn when vegetables and fruits are in season so you can enjoy them while they're fresh!

I know that at our house, fresh vegetables are on the table at every meal. Whether it's a plate of fresh green beans, a bowl of cheesy broccoli, or platters of corn so delicious it passes as dessert, we feel better knowing that the food we are enjoying is making our bodies stronger, and our minds happier!

Weekend Family Trips

2010-05-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

Family Bonding is Always an Adventure!

Family trips are a fun adventure that bring family members close together and open up a whole new experience with memories worthy of retelling for the rest of your life. Our first family trip of this year took place around Tampa Bay’s beautiful Florida Gulf coast.

Keeping it simple
One weekend in May, my family and I, including our German Shepherd, spent the weekend 3 ½ hours away in Tampa, Florida. We spent a day at the beach using our Playa Convertible Cooler by Picnic Plus and a Cooladio Cooler on Wheels to keep our drinks and cold deli meats and cheeses cold, while listening to some music. We set up our spread under a covered picnic table and got busy having fun-in-the-sun until we were ready to wolf down our cold sandwiches and fresh cut strawberries and pineapple. Cold sodas and water cooled our insides while we scampered back out to wade in the water and lay in the sun listening to music.

Memories at the Park
A stroll along the water or in the canopy of the trees will lift spirits and free minds quicker than therapy. For our family, we’ll never forget taking our 7-year old German Shepherd to the doggie park at Fort Desoto at the very end of Saint Pete Beach. Being the protector, she always liked to bark ferociously at other 4-legged creatures. With age comes maturity, because she was able to walk off-leash next to us while playing with other dogs – for the first time! My mom, sister and I picked up sea shells to show my dad and brother, while our dog scampered along the shore, playing in the surf with other dogs. Our family will always hold that place and that special memory in our hearts forever because she finally learned to relax and have fun with other dogs!

Fishing for Crabs
We’re hearty fishermen who enjoy the relaxation of trying to catch whatever will bite. Our fishing experience at a small isolated park on the ocean was one never to be repeated. My brother and I used cast nets to catch bait in the shallows, and wound up catching more than a dozen perfectly sized small live crabs to use for bait! Using these exquisite pieces of bait, we caught two large blue crab; but not a single fish. My family spent a wonderfully sunny afternoon waist deep in the cool ocean, coming out to sun on the grass, or grab a bite to eat under the picnic pavilion. We even had Frosties from Wendy’s kept frozen with a small bag of ice in our Avalanche Picnic Cooler on wheels. Ice cream never tasted as good as it did on that hot beautiful day of catching crabs and no fish!

Fishing in a Thunderstorm
Our last evening in Tampa was ripe with rolling thunderstorms created by the ocean breezes of the day. We drove down the Courtney Campbell Causeway (SR 60) and parked near the middle of Tampa Bay and watched as lighting lit up the backdrop of downtown Tampa across the water. The rain showers were refreshing after the long day we’d spent in the sun, but did nothing to stop us from getting our fishing lines in the water. With our sports chairs set out underneath the bridge, we again brought our Avalanche Picnic Cooler, which we used as a foot rest when we weren’t digging in it for an ice cold beer. The horseshoe crabs were busy finding love on the shallow beach next to us while the pelicans and seagulls dived beneath the waves for baitfish. We spent hours telling stories and having amazing conversations while watching the lightning in the distance illuminate the pink blue sky above the low hanging misty clouds. We didn’t catch a thing, but that wasn’t the point of this adventure.

Family Importance
Spending time together as a family and having meaningful conversations seems to be a lost art these days. iPods tune out the rest of the world, while TV shows and video games waste hours of brain inactivity. Stimulate conversations by taking your family somewhere and doing something that involves interacting with each other. Conversations can go a long way in healing, building, and really getting to know someone. Your family will always be there for you, they are your foundation. So, get to know more about the people you call HOME. Love them for who they are, and understand that they love you too.

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2010-05-27T14:28:00.000-04:00

Thoughtful Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Celebrating Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a day of honoring the men who have made a positive impact on our lives and giving them a heartfelt “thank you.” As we celebrate Father’s Day, we salute the men who have helped mold us with love and support; teaching us the value of respect and inner strength. By teaching sons and daughters the secrets of every skill set known to man, fathers cement their love for not only you, but for your children and future generations.

Today our men of steel get to shed a tear when reading homemade “I Love You” cards from their young children. They get to teach skills and give advice while playing games out in the yard. No matter if you’re young or old; you know what activities your Dad loves to do, as you’ve probably grown up doing the same thing right beside him. So, put the thought into celebrating what makes your father unique and watch his eyes light up with love and excitement at the prospect of making new memories with you.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Think about what he likes to do now. What does he aspire to do and how you can help create that experience for him? Better yet, how can you create a wonderful experience with your father that will become a cherished memory?

Is your father the outdoor type? If so then he will love our Realtree Camo Rucksack. This cool backpack combines a cooler and a comfortable folding seat into a lightweight, easy to carry, Ultralight Rucksack Seat. A great Father’s Day gift idea for the Dad’s that enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, sporting events, etc.

Perhaps outdoor dining is more to his liking. Then our Rambler Picnic Backpack in Realtree Camo would be the perfect addition for him. The Rambler is lightweight, durable and fully equipped with wine & dining amenities for 4. The perfect picnic backpack to insure your father is prepared no matter where his next adventure may be!

Perhaps he’s the grill master, with secret BBQ Recipes everyone drools over. The Vulcan Portable BBQ Grill and Cooler is just the instrument he needs to create Heavenly dishes anywhere. The Vulcan set includes a portable gas grill, a bbq tool set, an insulated cooler and custom side pockets to hold the propane gas bottles. In addition, this portable BBQ grill and cooler tote bag can be put on wheels with the optional trolley converting it to the ultimate cooler on wheels.

Take the Time

If you think about the characteristics of yourself and the skills you have now because of your experiences with him, you find that the best things he taught you are some of the best qualities of him. So, how do we show them what we love about them? We take the time to create new memories filled with love; to celebrate the old; and allow the tingling threads of our childhood remembrance to set the spark for new wonderful experiences with our children, our parents, and ourselves. That is what life and our relationships are all about: family! Enjoy each other; that’s what days like these are for.

Take the time to celebrate the memories and create new ones!