National S’more Day

If you haven’t made s’mores yet, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this quintessential summer treat. Whether you make a fire, use a microwave, burn your marshmallows, or get a slight singe, just make sure you indulge in one of summer’s simplest, yummiest pleasures. And what better way to enjoy a gooey s’more than being in the great outdoors?

While s’mores may be the best part of a camping trip, certainly there are many other aspects involved that can add to the enjoyment of one’s experience. Below are a few books to peruse before setting out for a night underneath the stars, from what to cook, where to go, and how to camp if you’ve never camped before. 

The Campout Cookbook: Inspired Recipes for Cooking Around the Fire and Under the Stars by Marnie Hanel 

Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures by B. A. Hoena 

Best Tent Camping Ohio: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization by Robert Loewendick 

Cook It Wild: Sensational Prep-ahead Meals for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Chris Nuttall-Smith 

See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors by Stephanie Puglisi 

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joseph R. Yogerst 

-Linnea 

Great Outdoors Month

We’re starting to experience some beautiful, sunny days here in Northeast Ohio now that it’s June, so it is very fitting that June is Great Outdoors Month!  

There are plenty of ways to spend some extra time outdoors, but if you’re looking for some ideas, look no further! 

The Good Garden: How to Nurture Pollinators, Soil, Native Wildlife, and Healthy Food–All in Your Own Backyard by Chris McLaughlin 

Best Hikes Cleveland by Joe Baur 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Handbook by Carolyn V. Platt 

Pedaling on the North Coast: Biking the Streets of Cleveland by Stan Purdum 

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joseph R. Yogerst 

How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables Over Live Fire by Steven Raichlen 

Chiles and Smoke: BBQ, Grilling, and Other Fire-Friendly Recipes with Spice and Flavor by Brad Prose 

How to Rock Climb! by John Long 

Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism by Valerie Stimac

-Linnea

Bored? DIY!

One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling restless and bored is to see how I can change up my living space. Sometimes all it takes is finally putting up that picture that’s been sitting on the floor since I got it or rearranging the furniture in my bedroom, but other times I want to tackle a project. I love flipping through interior design books and thinking “one day!”. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY books with inexpensive ideas to occupy my time for at least a few days. And sometimes all you need are quick ideas for holiday decorations or easy home improvement tips. Here are a few books to hopefully inspire you and maybe you’ll even learn some new tricks! 

If you have an outdoor space, often just mowing the lawn can feel like enough of a project. But if you’re interested in making that space into a focal point of your home, Big Impact Landscaping by Sara Bendrick is worth checking out. Build that privacy wall, the outdoor fireplace, or a stone patio you never thought you could and enjoy your new gathering space! 

Marian Parsons’ Feels Like Home takes us through each room in her home, showing us budget-friendly ways to incorporate our own uniqueness into each space. With tutorials, design ideas, and tips, your home will feel more like an extension of yourself in no time. 

While for most people, all 10,001 solutions won’t be new, almost anyone can learn something from Bruce and Jeanne Lubin’s Who Knew? 10,001 Household Solutions. You’ll learn a myriad of tricks with common household products, like using beer for removing rust or making fluffier pancakes, putting whole cloves in drawers or other spots you see creepy crawlies, and removing scuffs on shoes with lemon or rubbing alcohol.  

I’m sure most of us have spent too much money on pet accessories because how can you resist that cute cat bed?? But if you’re looking to cut down (but never entirely!) on fancy things your pet definitely needs, DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs by Armelle Rau has the inexpensive solution for even a novice DIY-er. From the ever-needed scratching posts to leash racks, this book covers a variety of projects, all in a functional, minimalist style to fit any home décor.  

Enjoy exploring your DIY side and your new handmade projects!