Tip of the Day 5/26/11

One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of Memorial Day and the first "Summer Holiday Weekend" is a cookout.  It may be raining where you are today, like it is here in Michigan's Great Southwest, but the sun is supposed to be shining all weekend and the temperature is supposed to climb to perfect.  So, let's get out that shopping list and plan a menu for the weekend.  Hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, ribs, brats, potato salad, baked beans, chips, sodas, brownies, cakes, and s'mores, and the lists go on and on.  In January we did a check of the condiments in the fridge and this is the perfect time to check them again.  No one wants to pick up a bottle of mustard this weekend to discover it expired in March or only has enough in the bottle for one hot dog.  Make sure you are well stocked for the summer with all the regularly used condiments.  They are on sale this week because of the holiday, so it is the perfect time to stock up.  Buy several of each and you will always be ready to serve a great cookout.  Don't forget the briquets, lighter fluid, and a lighter stick or matches.  Check the tiki torches for the yard and see if you need fluid.  How about the citrinella candles, do you need new ones?  Stock up on napkins and paper products as well.  Make sure your table cloth is clean.  Last, but most importantly, make sure your flag is in good condition and ready to be flown.  Let's get ready to celebrate our heroes that have fought to give us the freedom to live the lives we enjoy in this awesome country.