Have a Safe Memorial Day!

How are you planning to celebrate/ honor Memorial Day weekend?  Is the occasion a chance to barbeque and hang with friends, or is it a more solemn occasion as you remember a loved one?  Share with us!

But no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, we want you to stay safe.  Here are some tips for grill safety this weekend:

 

• Keep food covered or refrigerated until ready to be cooked.  Cook meat to 170 degrees Farenheit as a minimum. 
• Cooking meat (particularly red meat and chicken) until surface charring occurs can cause cancer causing substances (Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)) to form.   To avoid this, use marinades and turn the meat frequently.
• Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order.
• Don't use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies.
• When using a grill, you should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including your house.
• Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill.
• Only use approved ignition fluids – don't use gasoline to ignite a grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire.

Read more here.

Decatur Arts Festival

If you have missed some of the opening acts of the Decatur Arts Festival, don’t worry.  The Festival kicks into high gear next week!  On Friday, May 27th, local shops, retailers and restaurants host Decatur’s Art Walk with city-wide art show openings and receptions that are free and open to the public.    The Performing Arts stage will host a variety of musical acts beginning at 11am.  Be sure to visit the Silent Auction adjacent to the stage beginning at 10am.  Walk through the  Artists Market Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th featuring more than 160 artists selected through a competitive jury process. The market is known for its high quality of artwork and attracts artists from all over the southeast and beyond. 

And these are just some of the highlights of the event!  For a complete program, check out the Decatur Arts Festival website.

Don’t Forget Mother’s Day

 

 

 

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 8th!  Haven’t gotten her a present yet?  Here are a couple of last minute ideas to help you out:

 

1) Take her on a picnic.

2) Make a basket filled with her favorite things.

3) Write a journal to give to her that includes “My Favorite Times with Mom.”

4) Make a scrapbook for Mom that includes “My Favorite Pictures of Mom.”

5) Cook her favorite dinner instead of just taking her out.

6) Give Mom a coupon book with special chores or favors you will do for her. Mom can redeem her coupons whenever she needs your help.

7) Plant her a garden. 

8) Spend the day with her and take lots of pictures so she can have those memories forever.

9) Wash her car.

10) When in doubt, CHOCOLATE!

 

Here are some interesting facts on Mother’s Day and moms!