Summer entertaining showcases its patriotic side

From the weekend Sunday dinner to the Fourth of July barbecue, summer entertaining often has a patriotic theme. From the classic red, white and blue color scheme to American imagery, summer is all about patriotic touches. Adding a few patriotic themed items to any gathering can make the event more special. Here are a few easy ways to add patriotic items to your next summer event. 

Epicurean cutting boards

Do your friends have a fierce loyal pride to the state of Florida? Maybe the Cheesehead down the street bleeds green and gold? Then again, the whole USA is ready to cheer with Olympic pride later this summer. Epicurean offers USA shaped and state shaped cutting boards that are perfect for summer entertaining. 

Epicurean cutting boards are made in the USA. Whether used simply as a cutting board or used as a serving plate, these cutting boards are made for summer entertaining. Serve up some Wisconsin cheddar on the Wisconsin cutting board or some summer fruit on the Florida shaped board. The Epicurean cutting boards add some flare to the party. 

Tovolo: clear ice and pop molds

A good summer party comes with a beverage or two. The key to a great cocktail is how it is served. The Tovolo Clear Ice Maker System brings both style and taste to your summer cocktails. The perfectly insulated system creates a controlled environment where the oxygen is pushed into the bottom, classic sphere, leaving the top sphere crystal-clear and ultra-slow melting.  With these cubes margaritas, bourbons and even iced tea tastes better. 

Since everyone at the party should have a little amusement, Tovolo has a variety of novelty ice trays that can add a little fun to the party. At a patriotic themed summer party, the shapes can have guests cheering anchors away. 

American wines:

From various regions all around the United States, American wine has such amazing variety. From California’s bold reds to Washington’s subtle whites, everyone can find a wine that they can appreciate. For a summer patriotic party, a few wines will appease even the pickiest wine drinker. A wine from Josh Cellars is a drinkable. a California wine. Sourced from regions across California, Josh Cellars is a bold yet approachable wine perfect for sharing with family and friends. For Washington the enthusiasts, Skyfall is Washington’s Columbia Valley.  Skyfall Vineyard Wines are well balanced between the crisp acidity, firm tannins, and ripe fruit structure, ready for immediate enjoyment. Don’t forget to drink the wine from your favorite Govino glass.

2016 Rio Summer Games, never forget to dream big

Every four years, the world takes a moment to celebrate the achievements of an amazing, yet small group, of individuals. The 2016 Summer Games exemplifies the best athletes in the world. From well known athletes to names few are able to pronounce, these men and women exemplify heart and dedication. While only a few will win gold, silver and bronze, each and every person who participates is deserving of all our adulation.

As a parent of two competitive swimmers, I often debate in my head the situations that my children face. When this four year cycle comes around, the kids talk big dreams, lofty goals and possibly unattainable results for their future. The realist in me knows that only a few, very few will even get the opportunity to compete at a high level. But, how can you impose that realism on a young child's dream? And should I?

Recently, my children had an amazing opportunity to watch the South African Olympic swim team train prior to the 2016 Rio Summer Games.The team practiced at the same pool my kids train in every day. The opportunity to watch, listen (really gawk) at these accomplished athletes was amazing. These swimmers are some of the best athletes in their sport. While their accomplishments in the pool are well touted, their graciousness to the younger swimmers was even more impressive. A simple picture, a word of encouragement or just a smile meant more to those young swimmers than anyone could have imagined.

After watching these South African athletes, I hope that my kids take away one item. It's not the dedication in the pool, the years of sacrifice or the physical ability that these young men and women have. I want my children to remember that each and every athlete and coach from that South African was gracious.

Each and member of the South African delegation always said thank you for the words of encouragement as we walked passed them and wished them well in Rio. That these young people and coaches took a moment to take pictures with us. That the South African coach stopped my son and asked about his Springbok jersey, appreciated that my son answered him in the one word of Afrikaans that he knows and had a conversation with him about our trip to South Africa. Not a single person we interacted with had an ounce of ego (which is so rare in today's athletics). Yes, the passion that these young men and women have for their sport is great, but their passion to encourage others is more inspiring.

As the swimming events start today at the Rio Summer Games, our family will watch and cheer the wins that come down to the fraction of a second. We will cheer for Team USA and Team SA to achieve medals, world records or personal bests.

Even with all those once in a lifetime memories slated to happen in Rio, I remember a different story from the Rio Summer Games. I will think of a group of Olympic athletes that taught my children to be gracious. Those moments in a swim race are fleeting, but the impression that you leave on others will be carried with them for a lifetime.

Baie Dankie South African Swimming

Welcome to Have Plate Will Travel

Welcome to Have Plate Will Travel. This collection of articles, reviews, advice and thoughts hopefully will inspire readers to eat more, travel more and embrace all that life has to offer. From the simple pleasures to lasting family memories, each and every moment can be lived to its fullest.

Many of the older articles on this website represent articles originally published in my Examiner.com columns. Having written for over eight years with that publication, I wanted to ensure that these items were preserved after the organization stopped publishing.

For more information my writing, adventures and other explorations, please visit me on social media at @more4momsbuck twitter or @more4momsbuck instagram or @Strublepublications on Facebook on my media page at www.cristinestruble.blogspot.com.

Enjoy where life takes you!

National margarita day celebrates the popular drink with a few twists

While no one knows the exact origin, the margarita has become an extremely popular beverage. Whether enjoyed on the rocks or frozen, the libation that combines tequila, triple sec, and lime juice can be enjoyed any time of the year. This popular mixed drink even has a day to celebrate. On February 22, National Margarita Day is a perfect excuse to tip back this popular libation.

With classically just three ingredients, the margarita should be easy to master. The key to a great, not good, margarita is quality ingredients. While a prepared mix is easy, simple, natural ingredients can make for a more flavorful cocktail.

From a favorite classic to a modern twist, these margaritas are delightful for a toast to National Margarita Day.

Elevated Margarita

Ingredients:

2 parts Avión Silver or Reposado

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 part Agave Nectar

Directions: Combine ingredients in shaker with ice, shake vigorously until well chilled. Fine strain over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel.

Chipotle Cocoa Margarita

Ingredients:

3 Slices of Orange

1 Slice of Lemon

1/4 oz. Light Agave

2 oz. Avión Añejo

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Chipotle Powder

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass that has been rimmed with a mixture of cocoa powder and chipotle powder, and garnish with an orange twist.

Blood Orange Margarita

Ingredients:

1½ parts Tequila Avión

¾ part Cointreau Orange Liqueur

1 part Blood Orange Juice

½ part Fresh Sour Mix

Directions: In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients with ice.  Shake and strain; best served over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.

Flying Pomegranate Margarita

Ingredients:

1 1/2 parts Avión Silver

1 3/4 part Pomegranate Juice

3/4 part Orange Liqueur

3/4 part Sour Mix (2:1 Lime/Simple Syrup)

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a lime twist.

Kiwi Margarita

Ingredients:

Handful of Fresh Kiwi

1 teaspoon Brown Sugar

1 oz. Cointreau

Fresh Lime Juice

2 oz. Avión Añejo

Garnish with Kiwi Wheel

Directions: Muddle a handful of fresh kiwi in a pint glass to bring out the juices and flavor. Add one teaspoon brown sugar, a dash of Cointreau and fresh lime. Then, finish it off with 2 ounces of Avión Añejo. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a kiwi wheel.

Father’s Day gadgets for the foodie of the house

As Father’s Day approaches, kids, moms and friends search for the perfect gift to show dad how much he means to them. For the foodie of the house, the options for Father’s Day gifts are plentiful. From the grill to cocktail hour, dad will be excited to open these gift options this Father’s Day. 

Sip and savor 

Wine isn’t just for girl’s night out. The gentlemen of the house can appreciate a delicious glass of wine. Josh Cellars is offering a special Father’s Day option for the man in your life. For an outstanding wine presentation, Josh Cellars is offering free personalized wine labels. With a dedicated 140-character note to dad, the gift giver can tell him how he’s Captain Awesome to the family. Included in the personalization, the label has his name at the top and the gift givers name across the bottom. The labels can be created online at www.JoshCellars.com, and will be sent, also free, directly to the consumer’s home to affix to their bottle for a unique Father’s Day gift.

For a larger wine celebration, Josh Cellars will be offering a limited “Collector’s Edition” Magnum bottle. The “Collector’s Edition” Magnum bottles of Josh Cellars Paso Robles wine will retail for $34.99 with gold foil on the bottle. These bottles will be produced in a limited quantity and available in stores nationwide.

Mix up healthy eating

Dads, and families, often try to incorporate better eating choices into their daily meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are important to a healthy lifestyle. A morning smoothie can be a perfect way to increase the daily intake of fruits and vegetables. With the Salton Harley Pasternak Power Blender, fresh smoothies and more are just a minute away. 

The Salton Harley Pasternak Power Blender makes quick work of dad’s blending needs. The powerful motor and sharp blades creates a lovely consistency for smoothies or full fruit juices. With easy to use controls, this blender will become a mainstay in dad’s kitchen. From salsas to margaritas and purees to soups, dad will be king of the kitchen with this power blender. Available at various retails, the Salton Harley Pasternak Power Blender retails for approximately $299. Dad might be on his way to helping the whole family eat better.  

Get grilling

Dad is often considered master of the grill. His special day can better with new tools to perfect his grilling technique. Summer rain won’t rain on dad’s parade with the George Foreman 15 Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill  With five times more durable non-stick ceramic surface, the indoor/outdoor grill is perfect for any area where propane shouldn’t be used. Rain won’t derail any grilling with this 15 serving grill. Dad can cook up burgers, steaks or even some fish kabobs. The George Foreman 15 Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill retails for approximately $129.99. 

The grill-master dad needs a mighty tool for his task. The Vader’s Lightsaber BBQ Tongs give dad the force to be the best possible grill-master. Both Star Wars fans and those grillers seeking a little fun with their grilling will appreciate these tongs. The metal tongs feature heatproof plastic handle and dark red storage case. The tongs even have the classic lightsaber ‘vwww-ing!’ sound effects to add extra Star Wars fun to proceedings.