One issue (if you can call it that!) is that a lot of people bring bottled beverages (especially beer) to these get-togethers. The only problem is there’s usually only one bottle opener to go around, so folks are either constantly looking for it or are just get so relaxed they don’t want to even bother looking for it and will use whatever else is close by instead (ask me how I know).

In the video above, bartender Moe Harris, who competes professionally in flair bar tending competitions around the world and teaches bar tending at his own school, shares the many different ways you can get a bottle of beer opened without an opener.

First, he explains the simple science behind a bottle opener, and then shows you how to do it using everything from another bottle of beer, a ring, a counter top (which fits into the “ask me how I know” from above — the counter top at our last house was especially beat up after a barbecue), a shaker tin, a cigarette lighter, a spoon, your teeth (uh, no, I’ll pass on that one!) and amazingly, a piece of paper.

Moe also stresses safety when using anything that’s not actually meant to open a glass bottle, which you should keep in mind if you plan to try any of his methods!

Do you have any unusual ways of opening a glass bottle if there is no opener around?

Post from: Blisstree

Open a Beer Without A Bottle Opener

IMG: The life of a Home Mom

IMG: The Life of a Home Mom

We decided to finally meet the hubby’s co-workers and went to the company picnic. Course right before going I was walking around the house barefoot and hit a wheel (playpen) right between my 3rd & 4th toe. OUCH! I’m guessing I hit the gone or maybe just the vessel either way it swelled a big blue bump and has changed all types of wonderful colors. I’d deal with the colors if it wouldn’t hurt so much. So this limited what I did at the picnic but yes we still went.

IMG: Elizabeth Ferree

We got to meet the faces I’ve got to know throught the
phone which was great. The kids played a ton of games that the work picked out for them. They played a pop the balloon race, toss the water balloon, bounced in the bouncers and played with other kids. I got to see the oldest, he’s 12, interact with older teens. I must admit I loved seeing that, oh and of course the little blonde. hehe.

The girls hung out either playing games or chatting at the swings and slides. On occasion their baby brother joined them and he shows no fear and is very adventurous. All-in-all they had a blast and I relaxed.

Over the weekend we stopped by Hy-Vee where we grabbed some deli meat, juice, bread and some water and hit the park for a picnic lunch. When was the last time you had a lunch in the park? It really is a lot of fun and something I think they’ll have memories from them.

Post from: Blisstree

Spending Time With the Family

Kohl’s has a good selection of insulated wine coolers, which works out great for me, because I can step outside and walk over to the store in 3 minutes. If you happen to live a little further afield, then do your shopping online at Kohls.com. In fact, some of the coolers below are online exclusives.

Picnic Time® Duet Striped Insulated Wine Cooler
$34.99

Measures 14″H x 10″W x 6″D, with a striped, sturdy canvas exterior, polyester interior, and convenient shoulder straps. Inside find pockets containing a small cutting board, knife, and corkscrew.

Picnic Time® Insulated Wine Cooler
$59.99

This one is just a little roomier, a little fancier. Measures 14″H x 10″W x 9″D, holds 2 wine glasses, 2 wine bottles, a stopper, and napkins. 

Image credit: Kohls.com

Post from: Blisstree

Perfect For A Picnic For Two

Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch by Robust Cooking

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade at All Holiday Cafe

Rice Krispie Treats at Keeping the Castle

Homemade Oreo Ice Cream at Chocolate Bytes

Cool Summer Snacking at Inside Motherhood

Baking Delights is bringing enough chocolate for everyone to catch a chocobuzz with her favorite brownies

Nothing like sweet tea on a hot, summer day…Wait..I taste lime..mint…is that a non-alcoholic Mojito?  Kettle and Cup has the answer.

Blogfabulous is serving up a super easy, keep your butt out of the hot kitchen solution to Hors’ devours.

Weary Parent is serving Chocolate Puppy Chow, a snack that’s bound to be popular with the kids

Offbeat Homes is sharing details on how to hold an offbeat picnic in four easy steps.

Tree Hugging Family shares 10 tips for an easy green picnic or green potluck

Just because you choose to live thrifty doesn’t mean you have to throw a thrifty picnic.  Simply Thrifty shares tips for an elegant and inexpensive potluck

What fun is a summer BBQ if you feel disorganized and in disarray?  Declutter It shares five tips to help you organize your summer BBQ.

10 Summer party ideas and themes for your next backyard barbecue, or potluck.

Add some backyard Olympic games to your next barbecue, in honor of the Summer Olympics

And speaking of games, Marriage Actually is bringing a fun game for the grownups.  Life Stories – a fun way to find out more about your spouse, friends and extended family.

Cyndi won’t go anyplace to picnic unless she can grill, but she doesn’t want to spend all day doing it.  Try her tips for Grilling Chicken Fast, and get a jumpstart on your next picnic!

Who says picnics have to be complicated affairs?  Keep it simple with cheeses, meats and homemade bread.  Brewha-ha.com has a few suggestions – including a recipe for Polish beer rye bread

Whether you’re having a picnic, a barbecue or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids outside, Susan at PlayLibrary offers a list of 50 outdoor toys and games that are perfect for summer.

This time of year there are bugs everywhere, don’t forget to bring the bug repellent along with your favorite dish to your next cookout.

Christine at Mad Cropper not only shares her favourite winter or summer recipe but also shares that you can turn recipes into creative works of arts. Find out how!

And while you’re out having all the fun and good food you can handle, don’t forget your pets – they enjoy special summer treats too!

At Quilting and Patchwork enjoy an array of potluck foods and memories from the Food Bloggers.

You never know what medical emergency could happen while your are picnicking…Marye at Simply Home Remedies is bringing the antidote for nearly ANYTHING!

Eliza at Babylune provides a checklist of tips to consider when taking baby picnicking.

Finally, when it’s all said and done – perhaps you can kick back with a nice frozen beverage.  MomGadget prefers the Dominican Coco Loco.

Enjoy the BBQ season!

Post from: Blisstree

b5media Lifestyles Picnic