Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives

Happy Monday everyone. I am still hanging in there. This weekend has consisted of resting and surfing the net, watching tv, and occassionally having my scrapping supplies accessible to work on a few projects. I'm glad I like to do crafts, otherwise I think I would go crazy. I don't work on things long because I still feel very tired. I guess that is to be expected.

This weekend I caught up on a lot of episodes of a show on Food Network called Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives (triple D as the host calls it). I love this show. The guy who hosts the show goes to some of the coolest places across the country. Ironic I'm watching Food Network when I've got gestational diabetes and can't even think of eating any of that good stuff. LOL But, one day that will change.

I just love the whole diner experience and any time I've seen one accessible that has been my first choice of a place to eat. I love the whole vibe you get from a diner and I've found that you can usually get some good, hearty food there. I guess my love of diners makes me think of simpler times, imagining my grandparents going to places like that. Who doesn't love a good burger and fries and a milk shake? Or whatever other goodies you might find. Like pie. With ice cream. Mmm, diner pie. Gotta love some good desserts.

Here is a link to the show if you haven't caught it yet. http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_dv I think the new episodes come on later in the evening during the week, but I've always caught the reruns on the weekends.

So, do you have any cool Diner's, Drive Ins, and Dives where you live? I'd love to hear from you if you do and what is your favorite meal to get when you go?

Have a great Monday!

Cheap Summer Memory Ideas

Ok as I mentioned in my post yesterday, I've been reflecting on making some memories this summer. It made me think of things that would be fun to share, so I created a top ten list for today. And, there will be another one tomorrow because I got on a roll and came up with 20 fun things to do. I tried to think of things that wouldn't necessarily cost a lot of money or require a lot of driving. Because hey, we all hate the gas pumps these days.

1)Go to a local zoo
This is one I want to do, but I'm trying to hold out until the weather cools down. I've been told we have a small zoo in our area that is worth exploring. Maybe you don't have a zoo in your area, but I'd check out to see if there are any petting zoos or even local farms for you and your family to explore. Checking out some cool animals can brighten your day.

2)Find an outdoor concert/theater groups
Before kid(s), my husband and I went to a few outdoor concerts in the local city and they were free. We also saw some plays that were held at an outdoor theater for free. Taking a picinic dinner to any of these activities can be a fun evening.

3)Find a local festival(s) in your area
There are so many areas that have local Greek festivals, watermellon festivals, tomato festivals. Check out your area to see what unique festivals you might find.

4)Have an ice cream party with friends and have everyone bring a topping
Hey, who doesn't like ice cream! Why not make time to get together with friends. Instead of feeling like you have to host a big cookout, just have everyone over for ice cream dessert. Have someone bring bananas, another whipped cream, another chocolate topping, strawberry, pineapple, etc.

5)Run through a sprinkler or take time to go swimming
As hot as it has been in our area, the only way to beat the heat has been to cool down with some water. My little guy has had a lot of fun this summer getting in and out of his baby pool in the back yard.

6)Go to a Farmer's market
I love exploring a good farmer's market. You can find some really great produce and various local special items.

7)Bake some goodies to share with your kids or neighbor's/friends
If you got some zucchini or fruit from either a garden or your local farmer's market, why not bake up some bread to share with friends and family.

8)Call a friend you've been meaning to call (don't wait until you send out Christmas/holiday cards)
I tried to do this the other day. Even though I didn't get my friend on the phone, I did leave a message and made the effort.

9)Take pictures of your world around you. (Maybe it is a picture of your morning cup of coffee, your family, your pets). Document your life right now. Because as we all know, it will never be the same tomorrow.

10)Make some jello
Who doesn't smile when they see jello? There are also some really great, refreshing jello salad recipes. These hit the spot when the weather is hot. Also, it is fun to find unique molds to kick up your jello a notch.