Tag: lake life

5 Toys You Need for Your Pontoon Boat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Having a pontoon boat will open up a whole new world of fun for you and your family. There are many different activities that you can do on a pontoon boat, and if you purchase amazing add-ons you can add even more fun to the experience.

Click on any of the links below for more information!

pontoon boat on the lake

Pontoon Fire Pit

Even though you can already fish, cruise, camp and ski on your boat, you can also add a fire pit.

These fire pits, fueled by natural propane, offer yet another way to relax an evening on the lake, particularly during cooler weather.

Pontoon Lighting

Lighting that can be put under the deck offers illumination for nighttime barbeques and parties. Though not something you will use every time you’re on the water, these lights create the perfect ambiance for a night ride.

The lights mounted to the underside of the boat will make the water glow with amazingly vibrant colors.

Your pontoon lights can even be used to liven up the mood the next time you have a party on your dock!

Mounted Barbeque Grill

There are numerous options for boat mounted barbeque grills. Most options offer a mounting unit with an accessory pole that fits into the same hole where you would put a drink table.

These on-board grills offer a way to cook for your family and friends without having to leave the water. All you have to do is throw some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill while everyone is swimming!

Diving Board

Half the fun of going out on the pontoon boat is getting to swim. Why not make a splash out there by purchasing a pontoon diving board?

Boards come in various sizes, which can be securely fasted to the boat and used like a regular diving board.

Before taking the first plunge, make sure you check for debris in the water and to ensure that the water is deep enough for safe diving.

Slides

Whether you want a permanent fixture or one that you can put up and take down as you please, there is a pontoon slide out there for you.

Slides can be made of metal or strong plastic and attached to the boat itself for unlimited fun. But if some occasions don’t call for such adventure, say a leisurely cruise along the shore, purchase an inflatable attachment.

These can be blown up and used, and then when it is time to pack it up for the day, the slide is deflated and can be packed away to offer more space.

 

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

One half of fatalities from recreational boating happen on the calm water, often even close to the shore.

In most cases life jackets are on board, but either go unworn or are not worn properly.

Activities that calls for life jackets are:

  • collection of life jacketsCruising
  • Paddling
  • Angling
  • Waterskiing
  • Racing
  • Swimming
  • Being Next to the Water

All people, from adult males to young children and pets, should wear the life jackets. Here are ways to ensure you have the right one.

Checking the Size

The size and weight information for each jacket can be found on the label. This will tell the range of weight the floatation device can support as well as the recommend height range of users.

Make sure that the jacket is fastened in the right fashion.

To do this, hold your arms over your head. If the tops of the arm openings can be pulled up past your chin, then the jacket is too big. It needs to be able to hold your head out of the water.

Auto Inflatable Life Jackets

This type of life jacket will automatically inflate upon immersion or from manual activation.

If a person wearing an inflatable jacket is in an accident and rendered unconscious, the device will turn the wearer face upwards.

These life jackets are not meant to be worn by children 16 years of age and younger. Additionally, this floatation device is not suitable for use in water sports.

Manual Inflatable Life Jackets

These jackets inflate only when wearers manually trigger the inflation device.

Manually inflatable jackets are cool and comfortable to wear since they are not bulky like most other life jackets.

This kind of jacket will also turn the wearer face up should they be rendered unconscious; however, it has to be inflated before their accident.

These do require some regular maintenance to insure inflation devices and pull cords are in working order and that there are no holes in the jacket itself.  Jackets of this kind should not be worn by children 16 or younger.

They are not recommended for water sports either.

Belt Pack Inflatable

This life preserver will also inflate automatically if it is submerged or it can be manually inflated.

Very easy to wear, this device wraps around and is secured to the wearer’s waist.

It should be placed over the head after it has been inflated and also requires regular maintenance.

Belt packs are not meant for water sports or children 16 and younger.

Vest Life Jackets

This is the most seen life jacket. They are typically orange.

The vest can turn an unconscious person face up and requires very little maintenance.

This is a great life jacket for those who do not know how to swim. It is also versatile as it is great for using as a flotation device. It is normally less bulky than other off-shore vests.

Children’s Hybrid Inflatable

These types of life jackets offer automatic inflation, but it can also be inflated manually.

These do require regular maintenance, and will turn an unconscious person upward like others mention previously.

It is not meant to wear during water sports.

Children’s Life Jacket

These types of life jackets are designed for possible immersion.

It may not turn a person face up, but requires little maintenance.

Most types of life jackets typically includes safety features for your child.

For more information check out the How to Choose the Right Life Jacket brochure from the United States Coast Guard found here.

Golf For Beginners: The Swing

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Golf can be a relaxing past time or extremely competitive. However, no matter how you look at it, golf offers an opportunity for bonding time for fathers and sons, and even networking among groups of friends.

There is nothing like hitting the green with an ice-cold beer and being surrounded by good friends.

Though it is an extremely complex and complicated sport, here are some tips to get you on the right path enjoying “the greatest game ever played.”

Your Golf Club Grip Matters

Those who have never golfed a day in their lives will have a tendency to grab the club and grip it just like a baseball bat.

While it may seem like it is unnatural in the beginning, it is important to become accustomed to using the grip properly.

man demonstrating how to properly grip a golf club

Take your club in the palm of the lead hand. The lead hand is the one that is at the end of the club.

You will need your thumb to run up the top of the grip that goes down. Slide the back hand below the other hand.

Then, interlock the back hand’s small finger with the lead hand’s pointer finger. The back hand’s thumb should run down the front of the club grip.

Approach and Posture

Proper back posture is also referred to as “the approach” in golf.

The basics include bending your knees slightly, leaning your upper body over your ball and placing your arms in front of you.

Your feet will need to be shoulder width apart. For the beginning golfer, your ball should be positioned so it is equal distance between the front and the back foot.

In order to figure out if it lines up right, take your 7 iron and run the shaft from the lead foot toe to the back foot toe. The club will point to where you will be hitting your ball.

Take the club, and then put the club head behind your ball. It should be at a 45-degree angle, and it should naturally fit in your hands.

Golf Swing’s Have Steps

There are three essential steps to a golf swing:  the take away, the impact and the follow through. Each one of the steps is vital to making solid contact with your ball.

With the grip and “the approach” taken care of, then it is all about hitting your ball.

For a beginning golfer, it is best to keep your feet planted throughout your swing and impact with the ball. Your head and your upper body should stay relatively still.

You should look at where your ball is through the entire process. As you bring back the club, try to keep the lead arm straight, rotate your hips, and then transition your weight to the back foot.

As you come down to make contact, your hips should begin to rotate forward while your weight should shift to the lead foot.

Keep your eye on your ball as you make contact. Allow your hips to keep rotating. At the end of the swing, your upper torso should face the hole.

 

While these instructions are very elementary, they make for a great starting point for you to get out there, and hit the greens!

 

Why You Need a Double-Decker Dock on Deep Water

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Docks are not only useful for storing your boat, they can also be a hot spot for fun. Having a double-decker dock can almost be compared to having a tree house, but on the lake! And the best part: two decks means two times the fun!

Here are just five of the many reasons to have a double-decker dock:

double decker dock on the lake1. Sun Bathing

Some people like privacy when they sun bathe. Not only do double-decker docks offer privacy when you are sun bathing on the top deck which is often enclosed with a slated fence, they also offer you direct sunlight.

On the top level, you can either enjoy time sunning by yourself, or furnish the area with a small table and a few chairs for others.

You can even offer a storage area to put your sun lotion, towels, blankets and radio in. Just make sure that the storage container is waterproof so your items aren’t damaged by the elements.

2. Boat Protection

Boat protection is another great aspect of having a double-decker dock, as the second floor shields the boat from exposure.

You can also add on to the structure by adding a closet to store fishing poles, life jackets, and other boating essentials.

You can even install a boat lift on the dock to raise your boat out of the water when not in use; just another way to help preserve and protect the investment that is your boat!

3. A Slide

Thrill seekers will enjoy the added height of a double-decker dock which are often as tall as 30 feet above the water.

Slides can be installed one of two ways:

The first starts the rider at the second level and is ridden down to the lower level, at which point the rider is deposited into the lake.

The second and more adventurous option would be installing a ladder to the top of the slide and once the rider reaches the bottom of the slide they fall from the height of the second level to the water below.

4. A Diving Board

Everyone enjoys a fun high dive! With the height of the second level plus the spring of the diving board, you can really soar before plunging into the lake below!

One safety precaution to consider before installing a diving board is to make absolutely sure the water around your dock is deep enough for diving.

This is also important to check even when diving without the aide of a board, as diving into shallow water is extremely dangerous.

Also make sure that the area is clear of all underwater debris, such as old man-made objects or downed trees.

5. Additional Entertaining Area

Having a double-decker dock offers more than double the capacity of a single level dock. You can have extra company, extra activities and the dock will offer much more space for patio furniture or even a grill.

With a double-decker dock, you are essentially providing an extra porch or patio for all sorts of entertaining right on the water!

 

5 Go To Burger Recipes for Summer Grilling

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

What is a barbeque without grilled hamburgers? Listed here are five amazing burger recipes that you can use to kick up the meal for the family and friends. From spicy to classic, these recipes will offer great tasting food that your guests are sure to enjoy.

To make it fun, you can always make it a burger sampler and competition. Reduce the recipes and make each type of burger into sliders, have everyone try each type, then find out which burger is the favorite!

1. Grilled Ketchup with Onions and Yellow Pepper

grilling burgers by the lakeSmoky, spicy and tangy, this great recipe offers a great-tasting burger that has a unique taste. The grilled bell peppers and onions add even more of a charred flavor to any burger.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Pounds of Roma Tomatoes – Cored, Halved
  • ½ Cup of Malt Vinegar
  • 4 tsp. of Salt
  • 2 tsp. of Spicy Pepper Sauce
  • 1 tsp. of Allspice
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Medium Sized Onion – Cut into ½ inch Rounds, Separate Rings
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper – Cored, Seeded, Cut to ½ Inch Strips
  • 2 Tbsp. of Oil
  • 1 ½ pounds of Ground Beef
  • Pepper
  • 4 Buns

Directions:

  1. For the tomato ketchup, heat up the grill pan to a medium-high heat. Grill the tomatoes with the skin side down until it has dark grill lines. It will take about five minutes.
  2. Flip them over and cook for 10 minutes. Chop them to pieces.
  3. Transfer the tomatoes to a sauté pan. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, salt, allspice, bay leaf, spicy pepper sauce, and cinnamon stick.
  4. Sauté it until it is almost dry.
  5. For the burgers, sprinkle the onions and the peppers with ½ teaspoon of salt and toss it with 1 tablespoon of oil.
  6. Grill the onions and the peppers until they are charred and softened. Flip only once. It will take about six minutes.
  7. Cook the burgers and then top it with the ketchup and the onions.

2. Upscale Slider Burgers

These taste amazing and will leave people wanting more. This recipe is very easy to do and you will have an easy recipe that packs a great flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 6 Slices of Pancetta
  • 1 Pound of Ground Beef Sirloin
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. of Oil
  • 6 Slices of Gruyere
  • 6 Mini Buns – Toasted
  • 3 Tbsp. of Stone Ground Mustard
  • 6 Cornichons

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill to 400 degree Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper, and then spread the pancetta slices on it. Bake until crisp. It will take about 10 minutes.
  2. Divide the beef into six portions and then into patties. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
  3. Oil the grill, and cook the patties for five to seven minutes on each side until it is done.
  4. Add the Gruyere slices on the patties. Cover them with the lid so that the cheese melts. Remove them from the grill.
  5. Assemble your burgers on the buns with the crisp pancetta.

3. Latin Macho Burger

If you like jalapenos, then you are going to love this burger. From onions and jalapenos to brown sugar and adobo seasoning, this burger offers a punch of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 12 Ounces of Ground Beef
  • 8 Ounces of Chorizo
  • 1 Tbsp. of Adobo Seasoning
  • 3 Large Yellow Onions – 1 Sliced Thin, 1 Grated
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • ½ Cup of Minced Jalapeno
  • ½ Cup of Brown Sugar
  • ¾ Cup of Mayonnaise
  • 2 Red Bell Peppers – Roasted
  • 6 Potato Rolls – Split
  • 6 Slices of Cheese

Directions:

  1. Mix the chorizo, beef, adobo, and the grated onion in a large mixing bowl. Form it into six patties. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Add in the sliced onions and the salt and pepper. Add in the jalapeno peppers and the brown sugar. Sauté until the onions are completely caramelized. Make sure they are soft.
  3. Puree the mayo and the red peppers in a food processor or a blender until creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat the grill on high. Grill your patties until they are cooked to desired degree.
  5. Spread about one tablespoon of red pepper sauce on both sides of the bread. Lay the burger on the half and then top it with the caramelized onions.

4. The Classic Burger

This is a recipe for those who want a simple, classic, cheeseburger. There is not much seasoning in the recipe so the focal point of the flavor is on the meat, so make sure you buy high quality 80/20 or 70/30 ground beef.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ Pounds of Ground Beef
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. of Oil
  • 4 Slices of Cheese
  • 4 Buns – Split, Toasted
  • Burger toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard)

Directions:

  1. Divide your meat in 4 equal portions. Form patties from it. Push the middle down to form an indention. Season both of the sides of the burger with some salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the grill on high. Brush your burgers with the oil.
  3. Grill your burgers until it is brown.
  4. Add the cheese to the tops of the burgers on the last minute of them cooking to melt the cheese.

5. Cheese Stuffed Grill Burgers

Because you can never go wrong by adding more cheese to any recipe! This is another recipe in which not a lot of seasoning is needed, but on the inside you will find melty, cheesy, goodness!

Ingredients:

  • 2 Pounds of Ground Beef
  • 1 tsp. of Salt
  • ½ tsp. of Pepper
  • 8 Ounces of Cheese – Your Choice

Directions:

  1. Mix the beef with salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and form it into 8 balls. Press the cube of cheese into the center of the balls.
  2. Cover the cheese with the meat.
  3. Form the balls into hamburger patties.
  4. Grill the burgers until they are done.

Grilling out and cooking burgers at the lake is an All-American tradition enjoyed by many every summer. Keep in mind that burgers are great blank canvases, so don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment with your own recipes!

Head out to the lake, and light up the grill with your friends and family this weekend! And while you’re at it, give some of these great summer cocktail recipes a try.

 

Stargazing: A Beginners Guide

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

stargazing on the lakeWith stargazing you can discover an amazing range of objects in the night sky, from our Moon and planets, to far away galaxies.

A relaxing past time, stargazing can be enjoyed by oneself or with friends and family.

Getting started is easy; if you are able to follow a map, then you will be able to find your way around a night sky.

To begin, you will need a good sense of a star chart. The chart will offer information on where to find the brightest stars and where popular constellations are located at specific times and places.

You can download and print charts from SkyMaps.com or download an app for your smart phone.

Steps to Begin

  • Find a good location that is isolated from the street and any house lights. Stray lights will make it a bit harder for you to see the fainter stars. Also, for this reason, avoid nights that have a full moon or a moon that has too much of a haze. Many lakes are located far from big cities, which cuts down on light pollution.
  • Once you are outside, give your eyes five to 10 minutes to adjust to the dark. Use a red LED flashlight or even a white flashlight covered with a piece of red plastic. The red light will help preserve the sensitivity of your eyes, or “night vision” for viewing objects in the night.
  • Pick a direction in which to begin looking. Rotate your chart so that the direction is at the bottom. Raise the chart over your head. The directions on your chart will correspond to the directions of the sky.
  • Do not try to take on the whole sky at one time. Choose a quarter of your map, preferably one that has many bright starts or a large constellation like Ursa Major or Orion. Look up at that part of the sky that corresponds with the map. Make a connection with what you are seeing in the sky with what you see on your map.
  • Learn a few stars at a time. Once you have identified a few stars and the constellations, move on to the next few.
  • If you end up seeing an out-of-place star near the ecliptic, it is probably a plantet. Since planets move around the sky almost on a daily basis, you will nee to consult a website or a smartphone app to figure it out.

Perfect Magazine Subscriptions for Your Lake Home

Posted on Staff

If you have a lake home or a vacation home, then you will need some appropriate reading material. Magazines that are theme based offer great ideas, interesting articles, how-to articles, and so much more.

Here is a list of different magazines that will offer you amazing content perfect for your getaway:

couple reading a magazineSouthern Living Magazine

Southern Living is a magazine that concentrates on all aspects of the southern life. It includes recipes, places to visit, people, and so much more.

The subscription is very fairly priced and will offer you hours of reading material.

They have even done an article title “The Best Lakes Across the South,” so check it out!

Ideal Living

For those with thoughts of retirement on the horizon, look no further than Ideal Living. This lifestyle mag focuses solely on destinations tailored specifically for those looking to live an almost resort-like life after retiring.

They often feature many lakes throughout the United States, as well as mountain homes and beach locations.

National Geographic Travel Magazine

This magazine offers great information on different locations found all over the world from lakes to mountains. It offers interesting information on local and exotic locations.

Most people who love lake life also love nature and the great outdoors. National Geographic provides just that!

Cottage Journal Magazine

Cottage Journal Magazine is inspired by seasonal homes and gardens that offer fresh styles and beautiful photography. You can find great articles that will give you great ideas for your lake home. It offers designs and creative ways to offer great ways to relax in your home.

Cabin Life

Similar to the Cottage Journal, Cabin Life is another great read focused on cabin living, which often times goes hand to hand with lake living!

Go Local

If you would like to have more local information, many lakes have regional or even lake specific publications that you can subscribe to. It will offer information about your area, as well as surrounding areas, as well as current events. Some great examples include:

Though many of these can resemble newspapers more so than magazines, they are an excellent source of information to have sent directly to your home!

Portrait of Eli Kirkley

 

Eli Kirkley is Director of Communications at Lake Homes Realty

 

 

 

Lake Fun: How to Pack the Perfect Picnic

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picnic basketPicnics are great inexpensive ways to get out and enjoy nature, particularly at the lake, but there are preparations that must be made! From cleanup to non-perishable foods, there are some guidelines to help you along. Here are ways to ensure that your picnic will be perfect, no matter if it is for a family outing or for a romantic lunch for two.

Beverages and Foods

What is a picnic without foods and beverages? Here are tips to keep your picnic on point and to ensure its perfection.

Types of Foods

Picnic FoodIt is best to pack foods that do not have to be refrigerated. Foods that you can pack can include fruit, sandwiches, chips, and other items that do not require cold to be preserved.

However, if you are packing anything that includes dairy, ensure that you are packing it with ice.

Containers

Make sure that you are using re-sealable bags or containers with lids.  If you do not, then the food could spill inside the basket, which can cause an interruption in the picnic to clean up.

Containers with lids also provide an easy way to transport leftover food back home with you. There are also containers that you can use that will have a place for ice inside the same container in order to keep your foods fresh.

Drinks

Of course you will need to plan on having drinks for the picnic. It is best to bring a cooler stocked with bottled or canned drinks that do not require cups.

Adding in cups will require clean ice and cups. This will produce more waste and ultimately more items to carry. Bottled water, soda, or juice is best when planning the perfect picnic.

Condiments

There are foods that call for condiments. To help make your haul weigh less, you can pack mini bottles of mustard and ketchup, or use mini packets like you see at fast food restaurants. This will ensure that you are not lugging big bottles. Using packets will make clean up much less work as well.

Another idea is to take everyone’s order before you make the meal and apply the condiments to the sandwiches for each person as it is made.

Picnic Tableware

Eating on the grass or an old picnic table can take away from the perfection of your picnic. Here are ways to ensure a peaceful and clean environment to eat outside and enjoy your company.

Utensils

Although you will be using paper plates and cups, it is best to you reusable utensils. To keep clean up easy and fast, bring a freezer bag to place dirty utensils in after the picnic is over.

Napkins

Napkins are a must for personal clean up and messes. Make sure to pack enough per person and a handful for other uses.

Cleanup

Cleanup items are very important. You cannot just leave things behind. Here is a list of items you will need for your picnic.

  • Trash Bag
  • Moist Towlettes
  • Napkins
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Paper Towels

In order to have a perfect picnic, you will have to plan it out. Make sure that you have adequate amounts of food and other items. Make sure that you use a tote that will not fall apart and leave your picnic in the grass. Pack a blanket or a tablecloth and enjoy the day out at the lake!

Keep Your Family Safe, Comfortable, and Active At The Lake

Posted on John Sims

It’s the time of year when outdoor activities ramp up and those enjoying the lake lifestyle lead the way in heading outside.  Taking care of the basics will ensure your family is prepared for all the fun that waits while avoiding some very common, and preventable, family fun killers.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drink Water.  Depending on whom you ask, water constitutes 65% to 75% of your child’s body while an adult body contains approximately 65% water…not soda, Kool-Aid or sports drinks. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, crankiness, and can even affect concentration.

If you feel thirsty, you’re probably already starting to dehydrate. So make sure you drink water regularly.  The recommended daily amount of water varies by age from 5 glasses for your five year old to 10 for pre-teens and up.

Food is Awesome

Don’t forget the snacks. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Handbook, Children should eat three main meals per day and, depending on age, eat 1 to 2 in between meals or healthy snacks.

Two are recommended for younger children while older children may require only a mid afternoon snack. The immediate effect of going too long between meals is a drop in blood sugar levels causing irritability, lack of energy, even confusion.

None of these effects go well with family fun at the lake so enjoy a good meal before heading out and keep those healthy snacks handy.

Prepare for the Power of the Sun

Nothing interferes with family fun like the negative effects of too much sun. Whether it’s the inability to participate in outdoor fun or a child (and parent’s) inability to sleep with sunburn, the sun can be a showstopper.

Use sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 30 (SPF 30) to block both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the better the protection. UVA causes premature aging and suppression of the immune system, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

UVB rays cause sunburn. The intensity of UVB rays varies according to your location, the season, and time of day. 10am to 4pm are peak hours for both UVB rays and family fun so keep the sunscreen handy and apply often.

Clothing is an often-overlooked way of protecting your family from the sun’s harmful rays. All clothing provides some measure of UV protection.

However, clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is specifically designed to protect you and your loved ones.

Depending on your skin type, clothing with a UPF rating of 15 (Good) to 50+ (Excellent) may be required. Those with the most need for UPF rated clothing are children, people with fair skin, and anyone spending an extended period of time on reflective surfaces such as water.

Despite our best efforts, emergencies sometimes happen. Being prepared is key no matter how mild or serious the situation. Immediate access to emergency contact information is a stress reducer and lifesaver.

Prepare Your Smart Phone

Whether you’re a resident, frequent visitor, or enjoying the lake for the first time, programming local emergency numbers and medical providers in your phone saves time when you don’t have time to waste. Protecting your smart phone and all it’s information from water damage will ensure you have the information if needed.

Anything from a water protective case to a well-sealed storage bag will do. Your phone doesn’t float so consider throwing an empty water bottle in the storage bag or attach a float to the case for buoyancy.

If pets are along for the fun, don’t forget to include a local vet in your contacts list.

Keeping your family safe and healthy will ensure your time together is fun for all. It only takes a little thought and preparation to ensure everyone is energized and equipped to go out and make those great family memories that last a lifetime. That’s what the lake lifestyle is all about.