Nothing beats grilling outside in the summertime.  Whether it is a relaxed Tuesday night mixed-grill dinner or a Saturday afternoon bar-b-que with the neighbors, it’s your time to be in charge. Since you take the time to pick the perfect meat and veggies to put on your grill you want to make sure that they meet your expectations when they come off. So take care of your grill and ditch the old utensils-you don’t want your food to end up tasting dry and flavorless. Make the most of your grill time by using these three tools.

Metal Spatula-Treat yourself and invest in a higher end thin spatula with beveled edges. It will slide under your most delicate foods.

Thermometer-Avoid burning your meat by using a waterproof thermometer with a large, easy-to-read display.

Grill Brush-It’s very important to keep you grill in top shape so it will last for years. Clean it properly with a grill brush made of sturdy metal bristles and scraper that can lift stuck-on leftover bits from the grate.

Sports fans around the country can rejoice-it’s tailgating time! That means it’s time to pack up the necessary goodies for the pre-game party. Beer? Check. Burgers? Check. Radio? Check. But if you want to have the ultimate tailgating experience, check out these tools and gadgets. You can find most of them at your local sporting goods store. Now you’re ready to kick-off game day right!

Magnetic Coozies-The only thing worse than a warm beer is someone swiping your beer! Make sure that doesn’t happen with a coozie that sticks to your car or any metal surface. Now you’ve got ice cold beer and a free hand for flipping burgers.

Tailgate Table-You’ve cooked your hot dogs and hamburgers and now you need a place to sit. Check out tables that are designed to pull up to your tailgate. You can have a seat and eat without balancing a paper plate on your lap.

Portable Char-Broil Grill-The key to tailgating is grilling. Nowadays, many grills are designed specifically for tailgating. This is great because the time you spent lugging around a huge grill can now be spent enjoying yourself.

Gas-Powered Blender-You can whip up a batch of your favorite frozen beverages with a portable blender. It’s the perfect fix for long, hot afternoons.

Whether it’s early in the morning or later in the afternoon, it often doesn’t feel like the right time to exercise. It’s easier to use every excuse in the book to avoid high impact activity. But since exercise strengthens your heart, helps you become leaner and stronger, and alleviates stress it’s time to stop making excuses! If you need some help getting off the couch and out the door, see below for inspiration!

Put on Your Sneakers-If you get dressed and get out the door, you’ve already won 90% of the battle. Once you are out of the house commit to just ten minutes. Ten minutes are better than nothing and chances are you might keep moving.

Make it Your Mantra-Repeat the reason why you want to work out over and over. Whether you are trying to lose weight for an event or trying to gain more energy, let the reason get you going.

Find Something You Like-It sounds simple, but you’ll be more motivated to do an activity that you actually enjoy over one that you don’t. Try different classes at your local gym to find one that is fun and keeps you moving!

Buddy Up-You are more likely to stick to an exercise routine if you are doing it with a partner. Rely on your work out buddy to keep you motivated and do the same in return.

As the dog days of summer have yet to pass, it’s important to remember that your pets suffer from the heat just like you. So whether you’re preparing for your summertime getaway, taking a quick trip across town, or even going for a stroll, keep in mind these rules to keep your furry friends safe and happy.

Never leave your pets in the car – even for the shortest amount of time. Temperatures can reach well into the 100 degree mark in only a matter of minutes. The results can be fatal for your pets.

Make sure your pet always has plenty of water. If you are traveling-even in an air conditioned car-provide a non-slip, spill-proof water bowl for your pooch.

Protect your pet from the sun. If you are spending the day outside with your pet make sure that they have protection from the sun. An easy way to keep them safe from harmful rays is to have them wear an old T-shirt. For sensitive areas-inside ears, nose, and pink tummies-apply sun block.

Protect your pet from insects. Hot, humid days bring dreaded mosquitoes. Protect your pet from heartworm infections by giving your pet medicine or using a natural insect repellent.

Update your pets tags. If you’re on vacation, make sure your pet is wearing tags with all of your current contact information.

We hear different advice from experts all the time regarding what is best for our health. It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the latest trends in diet, sun protection, and exercise. Below are some of the most common health predicaments-and the simple answers. Whether you are thinking about dessert or trying to get a knot out of your back we can help you solve your everyday dilemma.

Dessert or Wine? Sweet seekers win this round! It is agreed that if you are deciding between dessert or alcohol-choose the baked treat. Of course, you have to remember to order a small portion so not to consume too many calories.

Eat a pastry for breakfast or skip breakfast completely? Believe it or not, it’s better to grab a quick doughnut when you’re running out the door than to skip breakfast entirely. Your blood sugar drops over night and you need to sustain energy.

Heat or Ice for Back Pain? The answer is both. If the soreness is recent, ice it! Keep reapplying an ice pack every 15 to 20 minutes. After 48 hours of back pain, however, heat can be soothing and help relax muscles.
Sleep in or Wake to Exercise? Although we are told to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, it is suggested to forego the extra hour of sleep in the morning to exercise. It will actually prolong your life.
Stretch or Walk to Warm Up? Before exercising, it is more beneficial to walk to warm up. You will minimize the risk of injury if your muscles are warm.

Weights or Cardio? Again, the answer is both. Aerobic exercise and strength training are essential for good health. If you only have a short time to work out, alternate between the two.

Soda or Lemonade? Another surprising answer: soda! Dentists recommend avoiding all citrus beverages because the acid they contain promotes tooth decay.