BKYD Life

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Backyard Entertaining

Homemade Ice Cream, without a Machine

When it is hot, I love ice cream. Oh, who am I to talk…I have been known to enjoy an ice cream cone any time of year, in any weather. But, is there anything better on a hot day than a cool treat?

How about homemade ice cream? And even better, let’s make it without a machine. I have too many gadgets in my kitchen so I really don’t want another one. So, recipe first then the process.

Recipe

This recipe will make approximately 1 1/2 quarts of vanilla ice cream

  • 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

HINT: If you want to make the ice cream really flavorful, you can scrape the seeds out of 1 vanilla bean pod and use them INSTEAD of the vanilla extract)

Process

Keep all ingredients cold as you combine them. Pour it into an 8 or 10 inch square baking dish.

I typically use a metal pan (because it freezes so quickly and easily), but a glass pan will also work.

Place it in the freezer for 90 minutes. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture, scraping the sides of the pan and breaking up any frozen chunks. Since the mixture is starting to freeze you will need a heavy duty whisk.

Return the pan to the freezer.

After 45 minutes, you will once again take it out of the freezer and whisk the mixture. Again, remember to scrape the sides of the pan. Return the pan to the freezer.

After 30 minutes, you will once again take it out of the freezer and whisk the mixture. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the pan. Return the pan to the freezer.

Repeat this process every 30 minutes until it is the desired consistency. The more you times you whisk the mixture, the airier and fluffier the ice cream will become.

Making ice cream without a machine does take practice. Good thing it is a long hot summer, it will give you plenty of time to practice.

But now the fun begins ~ top with whatever your heart desires…chocolate, hot fudge, cookie crumbs, fruit, whipped cream, maybe a cherry on top ~ you can’t go wrong with this ice cream as your base!

Tag @bkyd.life on IG so we can see how it turned out!

Stay Hydrated!

Summer is a time to be outside gardening, swimming and playing in the sunshine. It is so important that you get plenty of fluids – on a hot day dehydration can sneak up on you faster than you might expect.

Growing up in Phoenix, AZ, we learned from an early age how to deal with the heat. We always had (and still have) water on hand. Melons were (and still are) a staple in the summer. Hats are a regular part of the wardrobe and sunscreen is a must.

So here are my tips for getting through the summer heat.

5 Tips to Stay Hydrated

  1. Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink. If you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. First thing when you wake up, drink some water and continue to do so throughout the day. Always drink water while enjoying an adult beverage, especially in the summer and even more so if you are out in the sun.
  2. Flavor your water. It can be tough to drink enough water so make it fun. Add some of the fruits listed below to your water. I like to keep a pitcher with fruit-infused water in the fridge so that it is cold and flavorful.
  3. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, lettuce, tomato and cucumber can help you get more fluids. You still need to eat during the hot summer months, make it light. You can stay hydrated and enjoy a salad or snack.
  4. When it is really hot (heat advisory hot), stay out of the sun. If you can stay indoors in an air conditioned space then do it, movie theater’s are great for this!
  5. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Keep a hat and sunscreen handy, too. What you wear can impact how your body deals with the heat. Dark clothing will absorb the heat while light colors won’t. Loose fitting and light weight clothing will help to wick away the sweat and keep you cooler. Do your best to avoid getting sunburned as this will add to the heat you feel on top of being more uncomfortable.

It is best to drink water, but sometimes you need or want something else. Try our favorite, Lauro. It is not only a nice addition to your water consumption, but, if you are dehydrated it has electrolytes to help you.

We talked with Lauren Robson all about her fabulous beverage made from prickly pear puree. You can read that article here.

The heat can be dangerous, so be safe and stay hydrated.

Interview: Tracy Ann Battaglia

Let me introduce you to Tracy Ann Battaglia. Tracy is the genius photographer behind many of the photos you see on our website and our social media pages. We love working with Tracy ~ she not only takes amazing pictures, but she is so fun to work with that we can’t wait for picture day!

We have been working with Tracy since last November. Her energy is infectious and her photos are amazing. While we love her and love working with her, we almost didn’t want to share this interview of her with you. We worried we would have a tough time getting on her schedule. But, we love to share ~ so here is Tracy!

Tracy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Photography, so she really knows what she is doing. She has had her own business for 15 years, Fully Alive Photography. She can do it all ~ weddings, engagements, families, maternity, newborns, branding and marketing photo shoots.

Being a natural light photographer, she loves outdoor photo shoots. This is one of the reasons why we love working with Tracy ~ we have a shared love for the outdoors and specifically the backyard. As a matter of fact, one of our most recent photo shoots was in Tracy’s backyard. She has a fabulous garden and pool with wonderful space for a picnic right outside her back door.

Some of Tracy’s favorite activities, when she isn’t behind the camera, include spending time with her family, enjoying a good cup of coffee and playing with her cats.

I asked Tracy if she would share 3 tips for capturing memories in your backyard.

  1. Use a Polaroid, it’s fun and great for kids to use.
  2. Use the photos from the Polaroid and found items from the backyard (i.e. leaves, small sticks, etc.) to create multi-media art projects. This is a great idea to help the kids get involved with memory making/documenting and it will also keep them busy during the summer.
  3. Take photos in the morning and/or evening. The lighting is better, softer early and late so take advantage of it.
  4. Take fine art photos. Get creative. Look at the trees, flowers, walls differently. This can be an inexpensive way to fill your indoor spaces with art.
  5. Use the sunlight to your advantage, put it behind your subjects. When the sun is behind the subject it is called backlighting or backlit. The photographer would look into the sun. Use a DSLR on manual mode to soften the background. This helps when you are taking photos of people ~ they won’t be squinting!

Yes, you counted correctly. I asked Tracy for 3 tips and she suggested 5. She is so kind to share so many great thoughts on capturing and documenting memories in the backyard.

I asked her if she looked to any other photographers for ideas or inspiration. She told me that she actually makes a conscious effort not to look at what other photographers are doing. Tracy wants her style to remain her style and not have it be influenced by the choices others in her industry are making. I found this so important and inspiring. I think all too often we get ourselves into that comparison trap and I think Tracy is so smart to make the decision not to do it.

If you have ever been the subject of a photo shoot, then you know how nervous and anxious it can be. Tracy has such a great way of putting everyone at ease. And, she has awesome tips for what to do with your hands ~ try creating shape or movement, put them on your hips, just slightly in your pockets or hold onto a prop. Think of making a triangle with your body.

Have an event coming up or just want some family photos? Reach out to our favorite photographer at Fully Alive Photography, you will make memories and have fun doing it!

Picnic Time

Is a picnic on your summer bucket list? It’s on mine!

A picnic is so much more than just a backyard bbq. Of course, you can have a picnic in your backyard, but why not see go some place new. You know have an adventure. A summer picnic is the perfect excuse.

When you simply have a bbq or picnic in your backyard, you can easily run back in the house if you forgot something. But a true picnic requires some planning.

Here are some things to keep in mind ~

Location, location, location

Just like with real estate, where you picnic matters. You need to do some research. Here are a few points to keep in mind ~

  1. How far do you want to drive?
  2. What will the weather be like?
  3. Will there be picnic tables?
  4. Is this a romantic adventure or is the whole family invited?
  5. What other activities do you want to participate in other than the picnic (i.e. go swimming in a lake, go for a hike, horseback riding, etc.)

These will all impact which direction to go and what to pack for both the picnic and other activities.

Supply list

You don’t want to forget something you will need, like a corkscrew to open that bottle of wine. Here’s a list to help you get ready (email me with anything I forgot so I can update this list for future adventures!)

  1. A blanket ~ or really any kind of ground cover. You could use a beach towel, tablecloth, quilt or old comforter. It just needs to be something to lay out over the ground and is large enough to fit all the picnic attendees. Going somewhere with picnic tables, perfect ~ you can use it on the table or the bench to add a special touch.
  2. Plates, glasses, utensils and napkins will come in handy. Just like packing a lunch, you need all the paraphernalia to enjoy the food. Maybe you going to make sandwiches, fill water bottles and bring cookies for dessert ~ then all you need are napkins. If the kiddos are coming, keep it simple. If this is a romantic situation, bring the appropriate items to make to complete the mood (i.e. glasses for the wine and a knife for the cheese)
  3. Corkscrew or bottle opener ~ I don’t think this needs any further explanation.
  4. A cutting board and knife ~ make the sandwich fresh, on-site. Slice the bread and cheese right before enjoying them.
  5. Ice chest ~ to keep some of your items cool.
  6. Trash bags and paper towels ~ so you can clean up after your picnic. Also, it might be a good idea to bring some antibacterial wipes for your hands before you enjoy your spread.
  7. Miscellaneous items ~ to help set the mood. While the spot you choose will have some ambiance, you might want to complete the setting with flowers, candles (maybe battery-powered ones so you don’t start a wild fire) and music.

Next comes the good stuff ~ what food will you take, do you have a bottle of your favorite wine and where will you go? Whatever you decide, enjoy. That is what summer is all about!

5 Tips for Capturing Backyard Fun

Summer is backyard gathering season. Are you ready to capture those memories?

Whether you are hosting or enjoying someone else’s backyard, you will want to remember this time. Photos help us to remember, not only events, but the emotions that go along with the gathering. I am not a photographer (but we will be talking with one soon, look for that interview early next month), but here are 5 tips I have learned.

Tip #1

The best camera to use is the one in your hand. So many of us keep our smart phone with us at all times, so use it to document the moment.

I don’t recommend this lightly. I am a firm believer that when we are gathering together, phones should be put away so everyone can stay present in the moment. Being present while gathering is all about making connections and forging bonds in relationships. That can’t happen when even one person at a family gathering has their nose in their phone.

That said, even simple gatherings or a day of fun in the yard is worth documenting.

Tip 2

Mix up candid and posed photos. If every photo is posed then they don’t tell the whole story of the event. You want your photo gallery to be rich in diversity. Take some posed, but get creative and take some less expected photos.

Candid photos take some practice. Getting someone in the air as they jump into the pool can be difficult, but so worth it. Keep clicking and you will get some good ones. That’s the genius of digital, it’s easy to delete the bad photos.

Tip 3

The photographer doesn’t need to be an adult. It can be fun to see what the kids focus on when they get to take photos. Let everyone have a turn at taking a few photos. This, again, will increase the diversity of your photo gallery.

Tip 4

You don’t need a big event to grab the camera. It can just be a day with you and the kids in the backyard playing, maybe swimming in the pool.

I know I love the photos I have of my own children when it was just the 3 of us playing in the pool. They were such hams, jumping in the pool over and over. It gave me plenty of time to practice my skill of capturing them in mid-air. Those photos are just as precious to me as the professional shots of the 4 of us posing for the camera.

Tip 5

Those photos you just took are great, but will be better categorized and put in an album. It can be either a physical album or digital. But doing it as soon as possible after your take the photos is best.

You will want to note the people in the photos, in case there is some extended family or friends. Doing it 20 years later makes it tough to remember every name with every face.

You can share albums and use them to look back on past traditions. I love looking at photos of my grandparents, long gone, but so happy at family gatherings.

I hope these tips help you enjoy your backyard fun, over and over again.

Interview: Lauren Robson

Have you tried cactus water?

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder of Lauro, Lauren Robson. It was a great conversation about the origins of the company and the benefits of cactus water.

Lauro is a great drink to add to your backyard life. Whether your day includes gardening, laying by the pool or playing with the kids, you need to stay hydrated. This product is delicious, easy to drink and will keep you hydrated.

I asked Lauren why she started Lauro. She told me about traveling for work and experiencing headaches. After consulting with a doctor, she was simply encouraged to drink more water. I think we all know we need to and should drink more water. I, also, know that, for me, after drinking water all day long, I want something else. Something with flavor, something with electrolytes, something other than water. Lauren felt this way, too. She also wanted to find something that would keep her children hydrated on hot days. Because, as many parents will tell you, children don’t like being told to drink more water either!

Lauren had a background in the health and wellness industry. So she set out to find a beverage that would fulfill this need for her and her family. Through her research, she found that the fruit from the prickly pear cactus would give her the benefits she was looking for.

Most cactus water is made from concentrate, Lauren decided to work with puree. That is why the color is so vibrant and Lauro has a more intense flavor than competitors beverages.

Lauro is made from prickly pear puree, sparkling water, blue agave nectar and lime juice. Prickly pear cactus can be found world-wide. The species is only native to the Americas, but through human intervention, now grow in many parts of the world with an arid climate. The prickly pear, and thus Lauro, is high in magnesium, potassium and electrolytes. Lauro is quite simply plant-based hydration.

Lauren has been able to source the prickly pear puree world-wide. Each batch has a different flavor profile based upon the country of origin for the puree. This concept might sound familiar to those of you wine aficionados. The flavor profile of a beverage or plant based dish is significantly impacted by where the plant grows. The can I am currently enjoying has flavor notes of watermelon and cucumbers. I can’t wait to try the next batch.

If you want to try Lauro for yourself, please go directly to the website, drinkcactus.com. You can purchase directly from the website, on Amazon, or look for information about local retailers. You can also reach out through social channels to let Lauren know you like her product. You can also find inspiring ways to use Lauro as a cocktail mixer and gathering beverage.

I hope you enjoy Lauro as much as I do. The headquarters are based right here in Phoenix, AZ and I love to support local, women owned business. So if you have a company (or know of one) that you would like showcased on BKYDLife.com, please let me know!