Sitting by the campfire is, hands down, one of my favorite things to do. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that when I moved to a home with a backyard, one of the first orders of business was a gardener and a fire pit.
I’m sitting by it as I type this post. Lol. That’s right. Regardless of what you’ve heard, crackling wood is just as perfect on a summer night (or rainy day as is the current situation) as it is on a cool fall night.
And it’s even better when shared with loved ones. When you need an easy way to keep the party going past twilight, take your circle of friends into the yard for cocktails, conversation, and a cracking fire!
A portable fire bowl brings instant ambiance to outdoor parties – I love my Hampton Bay fire pit which was a permanent loan from my parents house but I recently spotted it at Home Depot for $89.00. As host or hostess, here’s how to play it safe:
Check local laws. Contact your community fire department to find out what types of fires, if any, are allowed. Some cities require permits for fire features. Others burn all open burning.- Select a safe site. Codes vary, but the general recommendation is to locate a fire feature at least 10 feet from structures and trees. Set fire bowls on a nonflammable surface, such as concrete, stone, or gravel.
- Ignite it right. Burn only dry wood and kindling that’s no more than three-fourths the bowl’s diameter. Fatwood is a good fire starter. Don’t use lighter fluid or gas and cover with a domed screen to keep the sparks in (fyi, the Hampton Bay fire pit I mentioned earlier comes with a dome).
- Snuff it out. Campfire Rules 101 state you NEVER leave a fire unattended. Let the fire ebb slowly, then drizzle water on embers until they’re no longer smoldering. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand for emergencies.
For other camping/campfire recipes, games, and entertainment ideas, check out our Pinterest board A-Camping We Will Go!
Here’s to warm summer nights with family and friends!
Every once in a while a song is released that reminds you why love is so awesome. And I’m Sure It’s You by Shelea is another one of those songs to make our #MusicMonday list and our growing list of 
This is a quick reminder that Wedding Professionals (and those looking to enter into the wedding industry), Creative Entrepreneurs, and Brides/Nearlyweds have an open invitation to join us at the 1st installment of ‘I Do’ Bridal Brunch and Networking Event.
Heads up! Travel and Leisure recently announced that gone are the days when a passport was reserved for international travel. Beginning January 22, 2018, that will change for residents of nine states who will no longer be able to get past TSA security checkpoints with their state issued driver’s licenses to travel domestically but rather will need a passport, permanent resident card/green card or a military ID.
When it comes to weddings, if safe to say that Brides are leaning further and further away from tradition and as a result, I’ve been challenged by my brides to provide alternative (sometimes, OUTRAGEOUS) takes on various wedding traditions, including “something blue” and well, get ready to imbibe because while the wine world is full of choices – red or white, sparkling or still, refreshing rosé or spritzy vinho verde – I’ve discovered there’s yet another trend on the horizon and it’s blue! And, if you’re like my brides, you may want to consider the following liquid libations for your upcoming wedding or blue-inspired event.
Saraceni Blumond Blue Bubbly
Instagram has birthed all flavors of beauty and fashion trends over the years but in the last week, the beauty influencers have been pushing out a message that GONE are the days of perfecting smooth pouts, perfectly arched brows and understated make-up. Instead, we should throw caution to the wind and embrace our inner wild-child, who apparently wants squiggles, feathers, and mood-changing hair color.
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