There are many benefits to owning your own single-family home. Ability to make important decisions, investment into your future, more space and amenities. But one benefit that doesn't get talked about much? The ability to have a backyard cookout with your family.

Byron likes to use a charcoal chimney for our grill. I hate the taste of "Match Light" charcoal so we use the untreated kind.

After getting the charcoal all fired up, Byron dumps it in the grill and we're ready to go.

The beef was marinated in salt and pepper, lemon juice and soy sauce. Yummy!

(Please note the beagle footprints on the picnic table. They think it is their own personal jungle gym.)

If you were wondering, this was indeed WAY too much meat for the two of us. I don't know what I was thinking. I headed to San Diego the next week, so Byron had pre-grilled leftovers!

Here's Part II of our wine reviews! We wrote about a red previously, here. Now, since the weather has warmed up, we tried a white (the things we do for our readers!).

A favorite of our friend Laura, Hogue Riesling comes highly-recommended.

This wine does not disappoint! We drank this lovely bottle with our first grilled steaks of the season. This wine is sweet, light, and very drinkable! And it's a bargain (we probably paid $8.99 or so). Another bonus of this bottle is that it is a twist-off top. While not as fancy as a cork, it's perfect for a picnic or tailgate when you might not have a corkscrew.

We'd definitely drink this bottle again, and you should too!

Salud!

Inspired by Michelle over at Blissful Musings, I wanted to post some art I've found on Etsy. I love the look of screen-printed posters and prints. Someday, if I can ever make up my mind, I'd love to buy a few for around the house!

Up first, a lovely sentiment from jessgonacha. A good reminder for the whole family. (5x7 for $8)

Up next, the ubiquitous "Keep Calm and Carry On" from pressureless. This one has been making the rounds on the home design blogs for a few years now. But I love the idea and design! (16x20 for $17.50)

Here's a light-hearted take on beagle-themed art! This one is super cute (from strawberryluna), but I can't figure out where I would put it! Suggestions? (11x14 for $16)

In honor of my new last name, here's a great hand-drawn monogram from jenskelley! Depending on the shade of blue, this would be great in our dining room or kitchen. I already have several "J"s around the house, maybe it's time to branch out! (8x10 for $15)

This one would be great in our kitchen! It's light green (which is the accent color in our grey and white kitchen) and features Fruit! :) (from luckybluebirdart - 8x10 for $16)

I really have to credit Michelle for the next one! I love a good gin and tonic and this would look great in our kitchen! (from dearcolleen - 6x7 for $19).





What do you think? Have any favorites? I can't wait to pick one (or a few) of these out for our house! Are there any other etsy sellers that you love?

Scenes from the Dog Park.

Location:

Hartwood Acres Off-Leash Area

Cast of Characters:

Dusty - 9 month-old yellow lab - parents are Kate and Adam
Finley - 1.5 year-old puggle - parents are Megan and Tom
Mocha - 4 year-old beagle - parents are us!