Fun Things To Do During Summer Other Than Worrying About Your Roof

After reading our last blog post on preparing your roof for summer, hopefully you’ve got your roof needs covered so that you can switch your focus on enjoying the rest of the season. 

Today, we veer from our typical content and discuss how to make the most of your summer. 

Hey, we’re only in the dog days with a lot of heat and sunshine left to go!

Barbecuing: Tips For Smoking Meat

There’s nothing quite like the taste of slow-smoked barbecue, and with a little practice, anyone can master the art of smoking meat. 

The key to great barbecue is low and slow cooking, meaning the meat is cooked at a low temperature over a long period of time. This allows the fat and collagen to break down, resulting in tender, juicy meat. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when smoking meat:

• First, start with a good quality cut of meat.
• It’s also important to use the right wood for smoking; different woods will impart different flavors on the meat. Fruit woods like apple or cherry are good for poultry, while hickory or mesquite are better for beef.
• It’s also important to control the amount of heat and smoke that your meat is exposed to; too much can result in a bitter flavor. 

With a little practice, you’ll be smoking mouth-watering barbecue that will have your friends and family begging for more.

Make Your Own Summer Cocktails

There’s nothing like a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer day. 

But with so many different recipes out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some recommendations:

Watermelon Margarita – For something fruity and fun, simply combine fresh watermelon juice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Then pour into glasses rimmed with salt and garnish with a slice of lime.

Piña Colada – If you’re in the mood for something tart and tropical, give this classic cocktail a try. Start by blending pineapple juice, coconut milk, rum, and ice in a blender until smooth. Then garnish with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry.

Moscow Mule – Always a winner, all it takes to make a Moscow Mule is combining vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into glasses over fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Curate a Music Playlist

One of the best things about summer is listening to music outdoors. 

Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbecue or just soaking up some rays on the beach, nothing beats a good summer playlist. Here’s what I advise for entertaining a group or just yourself:

• Start with a solid foundation. A great summer playlist should have a mix of old and new hits, classics and guilty pleasures.
• Add some variety. Yes, we all love a good pop or rock song, but your playlist will be more interesting if it includes a mix of genres. throw in some R&B, Hip-Hop, EDM, or whatever else gets you going.
• Make it personal. A summer playlist is the perfect opportunity to show off your unique taste in music, so don’t be afraid to include those deep cuts that only you know and love. 

Go to a Concert(s)

If you’re looking for a great concert experience, there’s no shortage of acts or venues in Chicagoland. 

From the Chicago Symphony Center and Ravinia Festival to more intimate settings like the Hideout, Chicago has something to offer every music lover. 

Some guidance: 

Do your research –  With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Be sure to check out venue websites and read reviews from other concert-goers to get an idea of what each place has to offer.

Attend a Festival – Take advantage of Chicago’s many music festivals. From blues and jazz to country and rock, there’s a festival for every taste. Attendees can typically purchase day passes or tickets for the entire weekend, so you can pick and choose which shows you want to see. Check out this list of Chicago summer music festivals. 

Get there early – Even if you have reserved seating, I love to arrive early to shows so that I can soak up the atmosphere before the music starts. If you have a general admission ticket for the Ravinia lawn or GA section at Wrigley Field, then you definitely need to be an early bird. This way, you’ll be sure to get a good spot and won’t miss any of the action.

Look at that! We managed to write an entire blog post without any roof-speak. There will be plenty of that down the pike, but for now go ahead and live in the summer moment. 

The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference 

When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.