Inspiring DIY Home Improvement Projects

 

Inspiring DIY Home Improvement Projects

How many can you accomplish before Labor Day?

Home improvement projects are always hottest in the summer when the weather is nice and homeowners feel inspired to spruce up their home’s exterior and interior. There are so many different ways to increase your quality of life, boost your curb appeal, and modernize your house, one fun home improvement project at a time. You can work solo or as a family, you can invite friends over for a weekend of pizza and paint, or you can unlock your inner craftsman and really go all-out on home renovations.

Visit our blog often, we're about to share a few ideas for you to consider...

What to know about Boerner Botanical Gardens

 

What to know about Boerner Botanical Gardens

Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners, is part of the Milwaukee County Parks system.  Here's what to know if you're planning a visit.

Where is Boerner Botanical Gardens?

The gardens are located inside Whitnall Park.

When is Boerner Botanical Gardens open?

The gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily May 1-Sept. 10, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Sept. 11-April 30.

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12 Milwaukee-area festivals into Autumn

 

Some festivals in Wisconsin are just about the food.

Ethnic and community festivals focus on specific beverages or foods relevant to business or culture, and fairs offer regional and new food products. Local restaurants and vendors show off their specialties, and autumn brings harvest foods and wines.

Dig in, drink up and bring your appetite to these area festivals.

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Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?

 

Hiring a contractor in Wisconsin?

What to know about licenses, insurance and lien waivers.

Hiring a contractor for your home project can be overwhelming, and people fall victim to home improvement scams every year.

Here are some questions the pros suggest asking before hiring a contractor. 

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Grilling Trend # 6 - Grilled Whole Fish and Shell-On Seafood

 

Grilled Whole Fish and Shell-On Seafood

In other popular protein news, fish and seafood is a major grilling trend for 2024. And we’re not just talking about salmon filets.

Try grilling whole fish... Get a fish basket, they work great for grilling any size fish. The pros suggest you infuse the fish with Mediterranean flavors.

If you’re in the mood for other grilled seafood in a shell, add Grilled Mussels or Shrimp with Garlic Butter to your summer bucket list.

Grilling Trend #5 - Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat

 

Grilled Unique Cuts of Meat

If you’ve taken a peek at your supermarket bill lately, you’ve most likely noticed some significant increases. Groceries are getting more expensive across the board, and one of the fastest-spiking categories is beef. (Beef prices jumped 7 percent from April 2023 to April 2024, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service.)

If you’re watching your budget, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to skip beef all together if you enjoy it. The secret lies in choosing a different kind of steak and using a marinade.

People are getting more experimental with their grilling. They are going beyond the basic steak, chicken breast, and burger. Not only are many of these cuts a better value, but they do very well on the grill.

Consider adding these value proteins to your shopping list: Denver steak, Teres major steak, Hanger steak, Skirt steak, Beef cheeks, Chicken thighs and Lamb.

Grilling Trend #4 - Bold Marinades, Rubs and Sauces

Bold Marinades, Rubs, and Sauces

There’s nothing light or shy about the flavors that will be big this summer. In 2024, grill lovers will be experimenting with bolder flavors when it comes to marinades, ribs, and sauces. Here’s what to look for...

Sassy spice blends. Shake it up with a generous dose of Caribbean flavors.

Global inspiration. There’s no need to feel like you must stick to the same cuisine for your marinade, rub, and sauce. Global meet-ups of ingredients, mixing and matching flavors from across the world even if they aren't from the same culinary culture, are a huge trend right now.

Perky marinades. Bored by your usual olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano combo? Try adding unique flavors of vinegars, a spoonful of miso, a drizzle of pomegranate or grape molasses, or a splash of fruit juice to your marinades.

Boosted butters. Coat your grilled corn on the cob with kalamata olive butter, and we’re still on a Cowboy Butter kick after it went wild on social media last year. If you’d rather outsource the blending, try one of Churn Foods’ compound butters, which come in flavors like bruschetta, black garlic, hot honey, and pesto.

 

Grilling Trend #3 - Grilled Fruits and Desserts

 Grilled Fruits and Desserts

When in doubt about what to grill, default to fruit and pound cake! :) 

2024 favorites include stone fruits like peaches and nectarines, slabs or skewers of pineapple, thick slices of tomato, and avocado halves. The textures, slightly charred flavor and caramelization of the fruit more than satisfies any sweet tooth.

You can incorporate fruit into classic desserts like crumbles, crisps, and pies, then opt to “bake” them on the grill instead of in the oven.