Lazy Days of Summer

Ahh… summertime! The lazy days of summer are here, and the season of relaxation is in full effect! It’s important to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a moment for yourself. Lay in the grass, lounge on the beach, walk through the gentle waves, read a book or lounge by the pool. Now is the time to focus less on work and redirect your time to the things you enjoy.

Summer not only brings an abundance of fun activities, but tasty foods as well… hot dogs and hamburgers please!  Grilling some yummy food surrounded by friends and family is the picture-perfect way to spend a warm summer evening.  Ending the meal with an indulgent dessert never hurts either… did someone say ice cream? It’s no secret that ice cream is a summer staple. My personal favorite is chocolate chip cookie dough on a waffle cone.

Here are a few activities to soak up the summer season!

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Does that Thermometer say 101?!?!

I’m not sure about where you are but summer has been brutal so far this year in the North East! For you pessimists let me say “Yes, I know two months ago we were all complaining about winter and wishing summer would get here already.” But these temps are something else. Whether you have MS or not, the high heat index can make you rethink that stroll outside (like, really how is it 75 degrees out at 6AM?!?!?!).

Now I know cabin fever is usually reserved for the middle of winter blues but we can get stuck in doors in the throws of summer, also. Continue reading

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Summer… Is That You?!?

With the end of the longest winter in history outside of Westeros (I see you Game of Thrones Fans) we turn our attention to sunshine and warmer days. And with those warmer days comes vacation season. Not that you are not allowed to take a vacation at other times during the year but the summer months tend to be high points for packing up and taking off to places away from home. But there is something to be said for vacationing right in your own home town. Continue reading

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The Best Part of Summer – Barbecues!

Summer is finally here! Unfortunately, in most parts of the country, that also means the heat is here too. This can obviously put a damper on the season. But there are many positive, enjoyable things about the summer time. Family vacations. Travel. Baseball games. The 4th of July. Fireworks. And barbecues!

For me, barbecues are the best part of the summer. Whether I am entertaining or attending as a guest, I really enjoy spending time with family and friends in a relaxed setting. Plus, barbecues can be enjoyed in many ways. My husband and his friends man the grill. The kids play in the pool, play wiffle ball, and create their own games. My mom sits in the shade with her friends and they talk about the “good old days”. As host, it’s my duty to make sure everyone is comfortable and well fed.

In that spirit, here is a recipe for one of my favorite barbecue side dishes: Deviled Eggs!

Easy Deviled Eggsdeviled-eggs1

6 hard-boiled eggs
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (you can also use sweet pickle relish)
paprika

Directions

Peel shells off of the hard boiled eggs and slice in half (lengthwise).
Using a spoon, gently remove the yolks from the whites and place all the yolks in a small bowl. Mash the yolks into small pieces. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and relish to the yolks and mix until well combined and creamy. Fill the empty egg white shells with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

What is your favorite food to serve or bring to a barbecue or picnic?

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Cool Summer Activities

As most schools around the country end their school year, many parents are finding themselves searching for activities that will preoccupy their children, but that are also accessible for the whole family. While many folks may opt for the parks or playgrounds in the warmer weather, individuals with MS may have to get creative to try and find activities that can be taken indoors during those warmer days to help avoid some of those heat-related symptoms.

But how can you entertain your children, before they tear through every cabinet in the household looking for something to do? Parents magazine provides some online fun activities that can be modified for any age group. Thinking about, or having a list of activities on hand may be helpful for days where MS symptoms are present, or fatigue has taken a toll.

Local programs are also available to children during the summer months. Many of these activities can be completed indoors to help beat the heat. Local libraries may have reading programs or special events; often they post these on their social events calendar or on a bulletin board in the lobby. Stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot or Joann Fabrics have free workshops available for families or children; you can call around to local stores to see if a calendar or events listing are made available.

Get creative this summer and see what fun activities you can find that can be completed indoors. Do you have any cool plans this summer?

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