Saying Goodbye to Summer

I don't know about you but this is probably what most of us look like when someone tells us summer is coming to and end. That dreaded "WHY does it have to end" look. The first day of fall is exactly one month away and that month will fly by before we know it. Leaving behind lots of great summer memories in it's past. But I say before that last month is gone hurry up and savor every moment of it!

Enjoy those moments of wearing your favorite summer outfit sporting your favorite football team. I mean football season is already upon us so the the timing is still perfect. My daughter got this trendy outfit from FOCO featuring the New England Patriots. Of course they carry all the other teams in the NFL too if the Pats aren't your top pick. My husband just happens to be from New Hampshire so his love for them has carried over via our kids. You may remember the post I shared at the start of summer with her dad sporting his stylish Pats outfit too. So there's actually something for the whole family all in one place! And don't worry they don't just carry summer apparel either. They have an excellent line of hoodies and cooler weather apparel too! And that's where this mamma has her eye on a really awesome outfit!

And if you're gonna be outdoors enjoying some of that last minute sunshine. How about a backyard dart blaster party with Buzz Bee Toys! I know that's one of my kids favorite things to do when I tell them to go out back and blow off some steam. It's a great way to get them to spend a little time together and take out their frustrations that typical brothers and sisters have without hurting each other...too bad. I mean there's always that occasional "war wound" from someone getting shot at close range.  Buzz Bee Toys has you covered for all your blaster battle needs - without breaking the bank!

The Air Warriors Mutator offers unparalleled versatility that allows users to expand the barrel, transform the blaster, and select distance blasting up to 100 feet or use extreme accuracy with PrecisePro darts. [MSRP: $34.99; Ages 6+]

The Air Warriors Agitator allows you to hit your target every time! With the capability to blast targets from up to 100 feet away, this three foot blaster keeps the fun going with a flip clip so you don’t run out mid-battle. When one is empty, simply flip it around for another 10 count clip. Never lose sight of your target with the detachable barrel, which also doubles as a scope! [MSRP: $19.99; Ages 6+]

Adventure Force Night Attack: No light, no problem! The Adventure Force Night Attack by Buzz Bee Toys features an interchangeable rail light that functions once attached, allowing you to spot your target in any condition with blasting power up to 100 feet! [MSRP $9.97; Ages 8+; Available at Walmart]

Covert Squad: Team up to embark on a covert mission with these two walkie talkie dart blasters by Buzz Bee Toys. Each blaster has a built in Walkie Talkie with earbud communication that works up to a 300 foot range so your opponents won’t hear you coming. With blasting power up to 100 feet, you will be unbeatable! [MSRP $24.99; Ages 6+; Available at Target]

And while the kiddos are out back blowing off some steam it's the perfect time to do a little indoor "grilling". The Diamond Lite Pro Grill Pan is perfect for those times when weather doesn't cooperate for you to grill outdoors. Or if you're like me just prefer to cook indoors where it's quiet and bug free! I've used this pan a few times now and I have to say I AM IN LOVE. It honestly reminds me of grilling outdoors with the beautiful lines it leaves on your food just like the grill does. It's non-stick so you don't even have to spray it before cooking your favorite meats. And with the raised areas inside the pan the grease actually stays just below your food instead of your food sitting in it's own grease like in most pans. It cooks everything evenly and is even dishwasher and oven safe!

And let me not forget my favorite summer beverage...iced coffee! I'm a big fan of iced coffee, but not the price places like Starbucks wants to charge. So I've learned to make it at home myself. And through some trial I've also learned the best ways to keep your iced coffee tasting the same from start to finish, not watered down the last few drinks. How you ask? Simple, instead of using regular ice from my refrigerator ice maker I make my own "ice" using coffee and these Jumbo Ice Trays from Zoku. They make good sized coffee cubes that help keep your coffee cold and not cause it to get watered down. Of course if you're using a Stainless Steel Tumbler from Zoku you won't need them because it will keep your iced coffee cold for up to a whopping 24 hours! Either way you're on your way to the perfect cup of iced coffee good to the last drop!

Of course that last drop had to start somewhere right? Mine started with freshly ground coffee beans via my new coffee maker! The CoffeeTEAM PRO Plus from Capresso is the most amazing coffee maker I've ever used. Not only can you brew coffee using your favorite coffee grounds, you can also brew coffee using fresh coffee beans. And it will even do all the work from grinding to brewing on your schedule using the programmable timer. Just fill the water tank and bean container the night before and hit the program buttons as instructed. Oh man is it great waking up to the smell of freshly ground and brewed coffee. This thing is the bomb.com when it comes to coffee makers. On a side note if you're planing on making iced coffee I recommend brewing ahead and putting the coffee in the refrigerator. That helps to eliminate the need for the homemade coffee ice and all you'll need to keep it cold is your handy Stainless Steel Tumbler.