Fire up the grill, it’s time to invite the neighbors over and welcome the season with an outdoor soiree!  Summertime means relaxed and carefree get-togethers coupled with sunny days and balmy nights, the perfect combination for laid-back meals outdoors.

Whether you’re grilling on the deck, prepping for a pool party, or gathering friends for an outdoor dinner party, figuring out what recipes to mix and match to create the perfect menu can be a challenge. However, one staple for every All-American cookout that no serious griller should go without is a flavor- infusing, homemade BBQ sauce that can turn any chicken, pork or beef dish into a mouthwatering meal.

Using a BBQ sauce when grilling infuses flavor into the meat, ensuring a delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more. From cola to coffee and molasses to mustard, these recipes contain ingredients that you might already have stocked in your pantry or cabinets.

For great grilling tools and accessories make sure you check out CHEFS  where you can save $25 OFF a $200 purchase at and get your order shipped fast with FREE 2-Day Shipping from ShopRunner.

Here is one of several homemade BBQ recipes that can be found at Food Network and is a sure fire way to get people asking for the recipe.

Cola Barbecue Sauce Recipe

From: FoodNetwork.com
view & print recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a generous pinch for the garlic
• 3 cups cola
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 slightly heaping tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, plus additional for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

Photo Credit: FoodNetwork

With the dawn of June comes summer and outdoor activities including camping … specifically summer camps for kids!

Sending a child away to camp can be nerve wracking (and scary!),  after all your kids depend on you for so much.

When packing for camp, it is important to pack enough, yet to keep it minimal. Be sure to incorporate the items below into your child’s outdoor adventure:

__ Sleeping Bag or Bedding
__ Pillow
__ Pajamas
__ Jacket or Sweatshirt for Chilly Nights
__ Rain Coat or Poncho
__ Hiking Boots or Closed Toe Shoes with Good Soles
__ Shower Shoes/Flip Flops
__ Socks
__ Wash Cloth
__ Towels
__ Toothbrush
__ Toothpaste
__ Shampoo – Travel sizes are always best
__ Bar of Soap – This can be left behind
__ Deodorant
__ Laundry or Plastic Bag
__ Hairbrush
__ Hair Ties for Long Hair
__ Small Back Pack for Hikes
__ Undergarments
__ Swim suit
__ Fast Drying Clothing
__ Flashlight and Extra Batteries
__ Water Bottle
__ Sunscreen
__ Bug Repellent
__ Hat
__ Sunglasses
__ Stationary/Journal
__ Pen/Pencil
__ Postage Stamps
__ Camera (Disposable is Best)
__ Deck of Cards

And if you can, tuck in something sentimental, just to let your little camper know that you are thinking of them while they are gone. (keep in mind that things DO get lost at camp, so make sure it is replaceable if need be) – stuffed animal, picture from home, etc.

It’s important to leave many items at home; candy, electronics, snacks (unless allowed by the camp), valuable items, and any other prohibited materials that typically would not be allowed in a school or classroom setting. If your child has allergies or perhaps needs a particular medication, be sure to label it appropriately and check with your summer camp how that medicine should be administered. It is always wise to copy your child’s medical insurance card. Your camp should ask for important phone numbers including your own, your child’s doctor, and who else to call in case of emergency.

You might consider giving your child a trial run at camping by having a family campout in the back yard beforehand. This will give them an idea of what to expect, and only add to the memories that you create together while preparing for this new adventure in independence that your child is embarking on!

For outdoor equipment and camping gear, make sure to check out Eastern Mountain Sports for all kinds of outdoor wear and gear that will enhance your summer camping adventures. As an added bonus, they are currently featuring a North Face closeout sale where you can get items up to 30% off!! Also make sure to check out their sale on camping equipment with items discounted 20-40% off!

Best of all, you’ll get FREE 2-Day Shipping at ShopRunner partner stores so that you will have your camping essentials on hand when you need them!

The biggest and most important thing to pack is a positive attitude….this will be learning and exciting experience your child will never forget!  Happy camping!

Summertime is for spending time with family and making life long memories! Whether you’re into backyard barbecues, back country camping, or taking your annual family vacation … ShopRunner has you covered!

To get the very most out of your summer experience, make sure to visit our ShopRunner Summer Essentials page. We have chosen a great selection of summer essentials that will inspire you to get the very most out of your summer time adventures:

• Entertaining: You will find party ideas, decorations, bar accessories and more to host a great summer party.
• Summer Camp: Send the kids to camp knowing they have all of the essentials from sandals to sunscreen, and everything in between!
• Travel Plans: Travel in style (and with confidence) with our helpful travel tips and tricks!
• Summer Apparel: Stylish summer wear from head to toe!
• Outdoor Activities: For fun in the sun, we’ve got your outdoor needs covered!
• By the Pool: If your summer includes a lot of poolside activity, you will want to make sure to check out our poolside essentials.

Best of all, you’ll get FREE 2-Day Shipping at ShopRunner partner stores so that you will have your summer essentials on hand when you need them!

Father’s Day is right around the corner and sometimes finding the perfect gift is not always easy,  especially when that gift might not be something physical that you can hand dad. For example, how about some quality time together!

Or create a give that combines both quality time with dad and hobby that he loves! For example, how about giving dad a brand new box of Golf tees, a golf glove, golf balls and then attach a sweet little note saying “You are a ‘Tee-rrific’ Dad!”

Head over to Sports Authority and see what you can find! If you spend over $100, make sure to use the ShopRunner Member Only Coupon to save you $15 off of a $100 purchase. Remember, you will also get FREE 2-Day Shipping with ShopRunner!

With summer right around the corner … Moms across America are looking for time and energy fillers to keep those kids busy!  Make your summer vacation, a summer staycation by turning your backyard into the coolest (literally!) play area on the block…and do it all on a budget!  Some of our favorite toys for this summer can all be found at Toy ‘R Us where they have a HUGE selection of outdoor water toys!   Kids + Water = Fun. . . and FREE 2-Day Shipping via ShopRunner will make an even bigger splash out of your summer fun!