Summer Reading Update #1 2020

Happy Memorial Day! I couldn't sleep last night, so I was up at 2 a.m. reading Little Fires Everywhere. It's one of the books on my Summer Reading List 2020 (click the link to check it out).

Here's my Goodreads profile, if you'd like to follow me and check out my progress and notes (and reviews) on each of the books I'm reading.

I'm doing additional "updates" posts here on the blog because things change fast around here, plus books I'm reading to my kids are not on the original list. We read year-round here at my house, and I wanted to share some of what we're loving (or not).

You'll find over on Goodreads that we're reading:

Little Fires Everywhere for fiction fun that makes me think, touches a nerve here and there, and makes me want to write fiction because it's so well done.

The War of Art to help kick my butt into some creative and life action.

Junior Great Books Series 5 Second Semester is what I'm reading to my three youngest kids (ages 10, 12, and 15) for the rich short stories, including Shirley Jackson's Charles. I may have bought 6 more of these books since we love them so much. These are also going to translate into a fabulous class at our homeschool co-op, pretty much from grades K-6+.

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman is what I plan to start with my teen boys this week when they're not working or busy (ages 17 and 18).

Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford is what I'm reading to my 15-year-old daughter. It's the follow-up to Greenglass House, which we loved.

Hope you're gearing up for a wonderful summer! I'd love to hear what you're reading this summer!

Here's a post I wrote on Goodreads: I love being a homeschooling mom of 5, which means we are always reading lots of different things. I'm usually working on a fiction book and a nonfiction book for myself, then we love read-alouds at my house, so I might be reading something different to each of my kids, who are ages 10, 12, 15, 17, and almost 19 :-) It's such a great bonding activity and a chance to talk about different issues.

Preparing for a Summer at Home

The weather is starting to improve, and summer is very much on its way. But, while we’re all looking forward to better weather, this summer might be a little different. We don’t know yet whether we’ll be able to go on vacations in other countries, or even if we’ll get days on the beach closer to home. You might be able to visit parks and other outdoor spaces with members of your own household, but will you be able to meet with friends and more distant family members? A walk might be possible, but will you be able to eat in your favorite restaurant?

Many places, all over the world, are taking tentative steps towards normal life, or at least a new normal out of lockdown. But, it’s probably safe to say that many of the restrictions will still be in place for the next few months, some places that you love may remain closed, and social distancing will remain part of our lives for the foreseeable future. 

Summer 2020 Reading List (plus more) by The Kerrie Show Blog

Yes, friends, family, fans and freaky fast readers, it's that time again, and I don't know about you, but I'm excited to get crackin' on The Kerrie Show Blog's Summer 2020 Reading List!

Not sure what your part of the world looks like right now, but our library system here in the middle of America is a little bit still on lockdown and has been for a coupla months. That means I've been digging out some buried books from my closet as well as ordering some new ones from eBay … and then sitting by the mailbox in a chair waiting for them to arrive. My husband thinks I have a problem but, hey, when I'm reading I'm out of HIS hair, right?!

Conversely, find me on Goodreads and let's connect so you can see what I'm reading and I can see what you recommend! And here is the 2020 Summer Reading List!

I have to admit I already started this one. I get bored with it, then something perks me up and makes perfect sense. I read it to Sam the other night and it made him sleepy. He's 10. Anyway, my goal is to get unstuck from a whole lot of writing projects as homeschooling slows down and summer hits my household full force.

Here's How To Prepare For An Awesome Family Trip

Are you planning on taking the kids camping? If so, then there are definitely a few things to consider. Here are the important factors to keep in mind to ensure that your camping trip does go off without a hitch. 

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Check The Tent 

Before you head out camping you do need to make sure that all your equipment is working effectively. This is crucial to ensure that you don’t run into issues when you arrive at the campsite. Believe it or not, this can happen. One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking the tent will be okay because it’s been in storage for a while. Well, that’s just not the case. The reality is that a tent in storage can develop numerous issues, particularly if it wasn’t put away the right way. Use a dry run to check the tent before camping. Look for issues with leaks and other issues that could cause you problems when you’re out for a couple of weeks in the wilderness. 

Get The Right Equipment

You also need to make sure that you have all the right equipment for a fantastic camping trip. You’ll probably find that there’s more to purchase here than you might expect. For instance, you do need to make sure that you have all the right cooking supplies. Cooking outdoor equipment is definitely not the same as what you probably have lying around your kitchen so don’t make the mistake of just relying on this. You also need to think about whether a power supply will be necessary for your camping trip as well. 

Research Campsites

It’s definitely worth researching the different campsites that you can go to because there are a lot of choices that could suit your needs. You could think about the different activities that are available nearby. You might also want to consider whether the campsite in question is suitable for your requirements. For instance, some will provide electric outlets for devices while others will not. Some campsites will have lakes nearby that are going to be ideal for those interested in exploring some fun water sports. 

Prepare For The Best And The Worst

You might also want to think about the worst situations that you could encounter when camping. Specifically, you need to consider what you’re going to do if the weather takes a turn. This can happen, even if you are planning to go camping in the middle of the summer. There need to be contingency plans in place for this. If the weather makes it impossible to continue camping, make sure that you know where the nearest hotel or shelter is. You might also want to ensure that you pack some fun activities for those rainy days in the woods. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to prepare for your next family camping trip the right way. If you take this advice, you can guarantee that you have a fun-filled adventure that is sure to bring you closer together. 

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3 Options for Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

                    With temperatures warming as the seasons change, you may feel the desire to clear out some space in your home. You may be wondering what you do once you’ve boxed and bagged up items you no longer want to keep. Below are three options you may want to try in getting rid of your items.

1. Donate Items

If earning money for your items isn’t an issue and you’d just like to get rid of them, a donation may be the best option for you. You can search your area for local secondhand stores like Goodwill or The Salvation Army thrift store. If your local area does not have those options, search your local yellow pages for any churches or organizations that accept donations. It can be a great way to help others while clearing out space in your home.

2. Sell to Local Business

If you’d like to make some money for items you’ve decided to get rid of, look around your community for a business that sells things on consignment. The consignment store can sell your items and split the selling price with you. If it’s jewelry that you’re wanting to get rid of, you can look for cash for gold near me to get paid for your jewelry items.

3. Yard Sale

Holding a rummage, garage or yard sale is another way to make some money for your clothing, jewelry or household items you no longer wish to keep. The benefits of having a yard sale are you’re in charge of pricing and selling your items, also you get to keep the profits from the sale and don’t have to split them with a third-party seller.

There are many options when it comes to getting rid of items you no longer wish to keep. Whether you’re looking to donate items or make money selling them, consider your options. The choice is yours!

               

Why Your Kids Should Go on Adventures

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Almost all kids books centre around an adventure. The main character almost always goes on a journey of discovery that leads them through difficult times but ultimately shows them how strong and capable they really are. Moana ventures past the reef to save her island, PAW Patrol is all about solving problems and Dora the Explorer goes on all kinds of missions. 

But modern children hardly ever go outside and go on adventures of their own. Parents seem to be so afraid of children hurting themselves or getting into trouble, they don’t see all the benefits of allowing children to fend for themselves. 

The truth is that your kids are unlikely to get themselves into the kind of trouble that requires you to have personal injury lawyers on speed dial!

Go Camping

Camping is a great way to instil a sense of adventure in your kids. Showing them how to put up a tent and build a fire to cook outside is lots of fun and will give your kids life skills too. Cooking over a campfire takes some practice so just make sure that any meat you cook is definitely done before you start eating. 

Exploring the surroundings together will help to familiarise your kids with the area but you might also like to encourage them to explore on their own. Try going for walks together in the morning and then allowing them to play alone in the afternoon while you relax. Just make sure that they don’t venture too far away and they know how to get back! 

Take a Road Trip

A road trip is a great opportunity for trying new things together and having fun. From water parks to beach trips, trying new foods and plotting your route on a map, there are plenty of chances for your kids to get involved. 

Involving your kids in decision making along the way doesn’t mean that you have to say yes to everything but listening to their suggestions will give them a sense of responsibility and empowerment.

Let Them Explore at Home

Adventures don’t always have to be wild and far away. Letting your kids go out and about on their own - for example, going to a nearby park or calling for a friend - will also give them a sense of greater responsibility. To give you and your kids peace of mind, there are a few things you should think about first. 

To start with, you need to be comfortable with where your kids want to go. Try going out together and letting them take the lead. Along the way show them where it is and isn’t safe for them to play. To start with, you might limit their range to within view of your house. Putting a time limit on playing out is also a good idea. Always be clear at what time you expect them to be back. If your child is mature enough, you might also like to give them a cheap cell phone so they are always contactable and they can call you any time. 

3 Tips to Liven Up Your Look This Summer

                    Warmer weather and sunny days may soon be upon us. This year why not liven things up a bit with a fun new summer look. Below are three tips to get you in the mood to update your look with a fun and funky summer style people will be sure to notice.

1. Vintage Clothes

Vintage clothes may be all the rage and there’s an easy way to get your hands on some. Shop your local secondhand and used clothing stores to find hidden vintage gems. Often people may clean out a closet and donate clothes from times past without a second thought. Those clothes may soon become the latest vintage look.

2. Unique Jewelry

Unique and one of a kind pieces of jewelry can be just what your outfit needs to liven it up. You can search your local vintage and secondhand stores for older jewelry. Or, for an even more unique look, you can buy handmade necklaces online. You may be able to find some one-of-a-kind looks that perfectly fits your style and personality.

3. New Hairstyle

Have you ever tried a different hairstyle or color? This may be the perfect time for you to give that style or color a chance. If you’re not ready to drastically change your look, something subtle can still make you feel ready for that summer get-together. You can even try out some semi-permanent hair dyes to give you that change you may be craving, without the commitment. Hair extensions can also help you achieve a look you’ve been wanting, without having to commit to a style permanently.

Enjoy the long summer days and give yourself a fun makeover. Remember, it doesn’t have to be permanent or drastic to give you that boost you may be looking for. Have fun and enjoy your summer!

               

4 Tips For A Healthy Swimming Pool

The summer months are gently crawling towards us, and that means that it’s time to make sure that the garden is ready. You want to have the right space for entertaining guests, which means clearing the barbecue and getting the outdoor furniture available for use once more. It also means that you have to get your swimming pool ready once more for a season of outdoor exercise, splashing, splishing, and all-out fun.

Having your own pool? It’s a sign you’ve arrived, but if you’re trying to use a pool without the right chemicals or the right Grundfos multi-stage pump to get the water cleaned out, you’re going to have some trouble. It’s a fun addition to the home, but a swimming pool takes work to get healthy and ready for the season. The good news is that in lieu of a pool professional coming to the house to get it sorted for you, you can do it without their help. Let’s check out four tips that will ensure that your swimming pool is ready for the summer.

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1. Firstly, check the chemistry of the pool. You should have the right pH, and if it’s not correct, the water will not be clean. The higher the pH, the more chlorine you need. You want the chlorine to keep the pool clean, so keep an eye on the pH - a good pool pH monitor is a great idea here.
2. Next, you want to ensure that the water levels of the pool are correct. You can use a skimmer bucket at a certain height to ensure that the water doesn’t go too high or too low. Skimmer buckets are a great addition to ensure that the debris in the pool is all collected before it sinks to the bottom. Waste making its way into the skimmer can only do so when the water level is correct.
3. Keep the filters clean as much as possible. It would help if you cleaned out the filters regularly to prevent dirt flowing through the water. Without the filter cleaned, you will have a pool with discolored water. The filter itself needs to be cleaned every four to six months as standard.
4. Empty out the skimmer bucket every week. Each week it fills with debris, which means that each week it will need to be emptied. A lot of nature will fall in the pool, and the skimmer does the job to keep it cleaned and ensure that no nature gets under your feet when you swim.

You should be able to enjoy long summer days filled with sunshine and joy, but a dirty and unsightly pool doesn’t allow for that. Cooling off in the heat can only be done when you don’t neglect the pool. The pool needs to be in the best possible condition so that you can enjoy it instead of being left on the side. Take your time and get your pool cleaned in good time for the summer and keep a cover on it in the windy weather. The less debris on the surface, the less you’ll have to clean!

Hosting A Hog Roast

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Are you in charge of organising an event? Whether it’s a corporate occasion or a personal celebration, there is no denying that it can be somewhat stressful. Proper planning is key, which is why we have put together this guide on hosting a pig roast. So, keep on reading to find out more…

You have decided you want to serve a delicious hog roast at the event you are hosting. Great choice! Not only does roasted pig taste exquisite, but it will make your occasion one to remember and your guests will certainly appreciate the fact that you have gone that extra mile to ensure they have a great time. But, you do need to put in some careful planning if you want everything to go smoothly. The first thing you must do is create your guest list. This is imperative, as you need to know how many people you are going to be cooking for. The last thing you want is to run out of meat and/or side dishes for people to enjoy. So, make a list of everyone you are going to invite. Ask all guests to RSVP by a particular date. If you don’t hear back from them you can always follow up by giving them a call.

It is vital to get a good idea of how many people you need to cook for. Of course, it is always better to have too much food as opposed to not enough. However, you don’t want to spend more money than necessary, especially if you have a strict budget to stick to. Once you have completed this step, you can then determine what size hog you are going to require. The great thing about our hog roast catering service is the fact that you can purchase in relation to the number of guests. Generally speaking, it is advisable to multiply 1.5 pounds by the number of guests to get the right size. But this is something you don’t need to concern yourself with.

You will also need to decide whether you want to cook the hog roast yourself or whether you want this to be handled by the catering company. This is entirely up to you. A lot of people like the idea of cooking the hog roast themselves, as they can control exactly how it is cooked and they find it to be quite a lot of fun too. However, with so many other things to plan, it can often be a weight off your shoulders to have a professional taking care of the cooking for you. There is no risk involved – you know everything is going to go smoothly. Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy your event as well. The best companies offering hog roasts also ensure there is a member of staff to carve the meat and another to serve it.

You also must spend some time determining what side dishes you are going to serve with the hog roast. The great thing about this meat is the fact that it goes well with a lot of dishes, so you really can be experimental with the side dishes you serve if you so wish. One thing you will have to consider is whether there are going to be any vegetarians at the event. When sending out the invitations it is advisable to ask for guests to inform you of any dietary requirements and thus you will know whether vegetarian options are essential or not. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to put on a few vegetarian options just to be sure. This is especially the case if you are hosting a large gathering or corporate event, where it is difficult to know exactly who you are catering to.

All quality hog roast catering companies have a selection of side dishes and accompaniments for you to choose from. You also need to think about the drinks you will serve. Why not create your own cocktail? Or, if you have guests who have been in an addiction treatment program, go for mocktails instead! When serving this dish it is always advisable to have the traditional options on offer. This includes the likes of apple sauce and fresh bread rolls. This plays to the simplicity of the dish, which really is the beauty behind it all. No pig roast is complete without delicious stuffing and crispy crackling either. Should you go for traditional sage and onion stuffing or do you like the sound of cranberry or walnut and mushroom instead? The choice is of course yours. If you are feeling unsure, play it safe with sage and onion. This is a real crowd pleaser. Nonetheless, the choice is yours, and something more adventurous may fit in with the theme of your event better. Make sure the flavour enhancing rub and stuffing complement each other well.

Aside from bread and apple sauce, what other side dishes should you consider serving alongside the pig roast? You do have many different options. Think about the season. If the temperature is warm when you are serving the roasted pig, you will definitely want to have a good selection of cold side dishes. Coleslaw, salad and sweetcorn are all examples of dishes that work really well with pork, playing towards the BBQ feel of it. If you are looking for something hot, you really cannot go wrong with potatoes. You may want to create some dishes yourself to accompany the meat? Or, if you are hosting a summer party or a family event you could even ask your guests to bring along a dish each. This will certainly add to the excitement, as there’s no telling what dishes you could end up with.

Now you pretty much have the hog roast catering side of things covered. You will of course need to ensure all of the arrangements are sorted with the company in question. What time will the caterers arrive? What is entailed in the service? You will need to set aside a space for serving the pig roast. Other finishing touches include acquiring all of the plates and cutlery you need for the number of people in attendance. It is always advisable to have slightly more than necessary. Decorate the venue to create the right ambience for the occasion you are hosting. Moreover, if the event is taking place outside, it is always a good idea to purchase diffusers. This will help to keep the bugs away from the food.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what it takes to host the perfect pig roast. If you follow the steps that have been provided you should find the occasion runs smoothly. You simply need to be aware of how many people are expected to attend and cater to this. Moreover, when it comes to the side dishes and accompaniments, it is vital to try and cater to everyone’s tastes by ensuring there is a diverse set of options for people to choose from. Finish off with all of the extras, such as cutlery, decorations and diffusers, and you cannot go wrong. 

Summer Madness

There are no two words that parents dread more than “summer vacation.” The vision of weeks and weeks rolling by having to find something, anything to entertain the kids as you try and fit in work and home around everyone. It’s not easy and there if you’re on a budget, then holiday clubs are going to be off-limits so it really boils down to you and what you can do to keep everyone from going crazy.

We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we can offer one or two solutions that might just help make those weeks fly be and also include some much-needed time for yourself.

Safety in Numbers

Nothing makes for a more enjoyable afternoon than the company of other parents in the same boat. It doesn’t matter if your day job is working for one of the biggest Defense Base Act law firms, when you’re in the park you’re just mom or dad. 

Proactive Pool-Cleaning Tips (Guest Post)

How about another guest post? If you have a swimming pool in your yard, this one is for you. I am dreaming of this someday ... a house in the country with one of those big, round above-ground pools and a bunch of kids frolicking in it while I sit on the deck next to my cute husband supervising and reading my Kindle. Ahhh, fantasies!

PROACTIVE POOL-CLEANING TIPS

It's always pool season somewhere in the world right now. And it's always good to ensure that your backyard pool is functioning at its best. You will never know when a party and unexpected guests are coming. Better yet, prepare your pool all the time for your family, friends, and important guests to enjoy on any sudden occasion.

You probably know that prevention is always better than cure. And when it comes to pools, this quote says it all. It's always better to take simple and easy cleaning steps from time to time rather than clean a totally green and dirty pool that you left unattended for a long time. Addressing problems ahead of time before they get big will pretty much save you more money, time, and effort in cleaning your pool.

So here I listed some of the most effective yet very basic pool cleaning tips that any pool owner can easily do on their own.

·       Skim Regularly

Skim regularly depending on how much debris falls into your pool. Check your pool daily to see if it needs to be skimmed or not. Leaves and bugs normally fall into any pool at any time of the day. Always remember not to let these debris sink at the bottom of your pool. It will most likely stain your floor and will cause bacteria and worse, algae to build up. Also, get in the habit of checking your strainer basket. Empty it out and remove all debris to avoid it from clogging. This will give your pool better water circulation and will prevent algae formation.

·       Brush the Walls & Vacuum

It is necessary to brush the entire walls of your pool every week, especially when your pool is always used. This helps avoid dirt from accumulating. You will need a good and durable pool brush to do this work. It is recommended to know your pool surface before buying a brush to avoid the tiles from getting scratched and damaged. One tip, you can use baking soda to clean your pool tiles easily while brushing them. Very effective!

Right after brushing your wall, the next thing you need to do is vacuum. Vacuuming your pool keeps the water clean and clear. It takes away the dirt and any objects that have sunk at the bottom of your pool. It's best to invest in an automatic pool vacuum cleaner to save you time and effort. You simply have to turn it on and let it do the work for you. But if you choose the manual type, vacuum your pool just like how you vacuum your carpet.

·       Always Test the Water

This step is very important especially when your pool is highly used. You will need to test out the water at least three times a week. Highly used pools are mostly to get water imbalances than the less used ones. Sunscreens, lotions, and tanners disrupt the chemical balance of the water in your pool.  This explains why water becomes cloudy after a pool party.

Test the water level and especially its pH level to ensure that the water is safe for swimmers. The ideal pH range is between 7.2 - 7.8. Test it out using a testing kit that comes in different types. Check the manual provided for instructions on how to use it. A well-maintained water and pH level will maintain the chemical balance and avoid pumps from getting damaged.

·      Check your Pool Regularly

A short visit to your pool regularly is the most basic yet effective preventive step in keeping your pool clean. This will allow you to check for areas that need your cleaning attention. This way, you will foresee problems before it gets worse. This is also the right time to check leaks and damages that needs to be repaired. A simple stroll in your backyard surely helps a lot.

You do not want your pool to look like this!!!

So these are some of the easiest ways to keep your pool clean on your own. If you want more useful and easy-to-follow tips check out this great definitive guide. Swimming pools don't have to be high-maintenance work. Proactive maintenance goes a long way in keeping your pool clean, safe, and ready to use. It is the best way to prevent problems, but if big troubles occur it's best to call the experts and hand them the work. 

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