summer Archives | Arner Adventures

Summer Grilling – George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

We’re breaking in our fourth George Foreman grill and possibly my (Gerry) favorite of them all. Our new George Foreman grill is an indoor/outdoor type, like my last, that has a stand that makes it perfect for grilling on the back deck.

Our History With George Foreman

My history with Foreman grills started back in the 1990s with the small countertop version known as “The Champ”. I got a second one as a wedding gift, bringing our wedding day excitement up just a notch or two. My current Foreman Grill is our second of the larger, stand-up variety and is every bit “The Fighter” as the man himself. It is the George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Plus Electric Grill.

The first large Foreman Stand Up Grill was just gaining popularity a few years ago. It has since undergone several modifications that enhance its original design. The grill is very lightweight, making it easy to move from indoors to outdoors. It has a solid grill top so nothing can fall through. You can cook just about anything on it. It has a slide-out tray table, which my previous version did not have. This upgrade also has a cup holder and a tong/utensil holder.

I’ve come to love the idea of the electric grill, as there’s so much less work involved than there is with the charcoal or propane variety. The format of the George Foreman grill has really evolved over the last 25 years in so many shapes and sizes. “The champ” which is the original small tabletop is still going strong. There are the larger family-size grills, like my new one, a deep fryer, and roaster just to name a few.

Background on the George Foreman

Long before George Foreman became the spokesperson for the lean mean fat-reducing grilling machine, which is the original name for the grill and also sounds like something Muhammad Ali might have said, George was one of the all-time greats in the history of boxing. He’s also been an author and an ordained minister. He’s had his most success as an entrepreneur and has been a spokesperson for the grill since 1994. Foreman sold more than 80 million of these grills and pocketed more than a hundred fifty million big ones. This surpasses his total earnings in his storied boxing career.

The Jorge

A grill is typically a prized possession for many, much like an automobile or a boat or anything else of that status that works its way into a person’s everyday life. A guitar or any other musical instrument is yet another great example. These are the types of possessions that sometimes need a name to go with them. Boats are almost always named, and that name is slapped across the back of the boat in big bold letters. I’ve decided to name my grill, “Jorge”, which is Spanish for George. “The Jorge” is also fun to say! With summer here, the time is right for a lot of grilling. The Jorge will be in the center of the ring going blow to blow, round by round with whatever of my favorite cuisine I send its way.

At the end of these long summer days don’t be caught with your guard down and your back against the ropes. Don’t go to bed hungry. I’ll be taking The Jorge out on the back deck with a delicious cool beverage to whip up something savory to satisfy my taste buds. I can hardly wait!

Whatever outlet you may choose for summer grilling, just get outside and enjoy the outdoors, and relish in some delicious grilled food!

Can you leave the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill outside?

Yes, we purchased a cover for our George Foreman grill that was very inexpensive and keep ours outside. We clean it after each use and remove the power cord and take that inside after each use.

Can I use the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor grill inside?

Yes, you just need to make sure you keep the drip tray in place under the grill and you are good to go!

In books pandemic quarantine reading wanderlust ·

2020 Summer Reading List

When we share our reading list each year, we tend to have a theme, or underlying message that the books are sending through each page, however, this year, similar to 2020, the list runs the gamut of subjects and themes.

The books on the list were predominantly read by me (Shannon), with the exception of one, which is Woody Allen’s controversial book, “Apropos of Nothing.” We are Woody Allen fans, and were excited to read it when it was released. It is on my list to read, but since Gerry finished it and recommends it, we added it to our summer list.

The summer, which hasn’t even felt like summer, has been full of fear and uneasiness, with the pandemic luring. It is nice to escape, but to also be inspired, and I think this summer’s choices fulfilled what has been needed in our lives, through books.

The first book, which was digital, and that I recommended on Instagram is, “Ms. Bitch,” by Tricia O’Malley. Ms. Bitch is delicious! It is a story about finding independence and living your life the way you desire. If you are a wanderluster, or enjoy traveling as much as we do, you will also love this book. It is a great escape when you cannot physically do so.

Jennifer Weiner played a significant role in my summer reading. I love her, and love everything she writes. She released, “Big Summer” in May, and I could hardly wait to get it. When I pre-ordered it, I was pleasantly surprised that I also had not read her book, “Mrs. Everything,” so I purchased that one as well.

“Big Summer” was a fun read, allowing for a bit of suspense, adding some tidbits of the underlying world of social media influencers. This book is spot on for being socially relevant, and the perfect summer read. I zoomed through it!

“Mrs. Everything” is a big change from what I usually expect from Weiner, and I think it is by far, my favorite book of hers. It is beautifully written, and a heartfelt story of the lives of two sisters, who are on quite different paths, and the challenges they encounter. It takes you from the 1960’s, to current date. I don’t want to give anything away, but let’s just say, I laughed, I cried, I was fearful, then relieved… all of the emotions! Read this!

Jessica Simpson’s biography, “Open Book” was something I read, just before the quarantine, but I have spent the summer recommending it to people. Even if you are not a Jessica Simpson fan, but maybe are into Hollywood gossip, and basically, just being a voyeur of some of these paths, this is your book. I do like Jessica Simpson, and thought I knew all of the stories of her love life, her struggles with weight, her rise to fame, but I had no clue of all the little secrets she was keeping- thankfully, she wrote this book, and now we can all be fully aware, ahem, if that’s your thing. 😊

Last summer, I had a lot of self-help books on the list, so I had to include one this year, though, not the traditional self-help author that one would think of. “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter,” by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was THE motivating book of my summer. I love a story of a self-made person, rising from challenging circumstances, but 50 puts learning lessons into a whole new league of their own. This book not only stirs up drive and ambition from deep down, but it also shines a light into how calculated each of 50’s moves are. You don’t have to be a 50 Cent fan to appreciate this book, but if you are, you will love it!

Lastly, Ger’s summer pick, Woody Allen’s “Apropos of Nothing”– this book has had a rocky release. It was originally due to be published by Grand Central Publishing, in April 2020, but in March, they said they would no longer publish it, but thankfully it was published by an Italian publisher, Arcade Publishing in late March, after Woody received the rights back to it.

Gerry and I are big Woody Allen fans, as an artist. We love his humor, his films, and his writing. Since other people have always had so much to say about him, it is nice that there is a book written by Woody himself, telling his own story. This book is humbling, and honest. It is an informative book, that we wanted to make sure we included in our summer reading list.

Summer isn’t over yet, and we are always looking for books to read. What is on your list? Can you make any recommendations?

In books mental health Mindfulness Minimalism self-care ·

Summer Reading List

Traditionally, summer reading lists have included fun, trashy, and quick reads that are easy to digest in the middle of naps by the water, or on the porch. This summer, I had some of that, but I have also found myself inhaling books that come from the “self-help” area of the library- that’s right, the library! Once I moved to the Crystal Coast, and went tiny, I opted to no longer purchase books to take up space, I went to get a library card for our new county, and began regular trips to pick up a new book that would enhance a new way of thinking. Every once in a while, there will be a book that I really want to read, and sometimes the library doesn’t have in their catalog, so I either borrow it from someone, or if I purchase it, I donate it to the library for others to indulge, after I read it. I used to feel guilty about not supporting the authors by purchasing their books, but I have since read that many authors love their readers supporting them through the library system; it still promotes their books, and are purchased to share in the libraries, anyway.

My summer reading list has a mixture of fun, interesting, with an overall genre that generates a little more thought and reflection. The summer isn’t even over yet, and I am realizing, as I am typing this, that I have been one busy reader! My favorite time to read is, of course, while lying in the sun, by the ocean.

I also love my big comfy chair with my Bill Murray pillow, while Ger and Betty White take a nap. As you will read, I also keep a book in my bag and pull it out if I find myself having to wait for something, or some one, which seems to happen more often these days… you know, Island Time, and all. 🙂

Here is the list of how the summer reading started, a little synopsis of each one, and how each affected me and my summer journey:

A Salty Piece of Land, by Jimmy Buffett– this book was the first book I checked out with my new Carteret County library card. It is the quintessential, summer read. It’s a thick book, but if you are a Parrothead, or looking for a good read while vacationing, or lying around this summer, this is the book for you. This book allowed me to begin to appreciate every piece of sand my toes walk on, and of course, enhances my yearning to listen to Buffett songs all summer.

A Density of Souls, by Christopher Rice– this book was a revisit. I read it years ago, but saw it and wanted to dive in again since I had forgotten a lot of it, but remembered that I loved it. This book is intense! It follows the life of a gay male whose life just seems to be against him- lots of drama, twists and turns, but life appreciation at its best. I love Christopher Rice, and while this doesn’t seem, on the surface, as being very summer-ish, it is a great quick read that is eye-opening, and promotes our love and acceptance of all.

The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer– oh my! Even though this list is in order of how I read them, in terms of being the best and most influential, this should be first. This book, literally, changed my life. I talked about it in a previous blog post, but Singer has a way of making you aware of your inner voice, the way you think, and to appreciate the things around you that we take for granted. A little book that packs a huge punch. Such. a. great. book.

Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, by Wallace J. Nichols– this is the perfect book to read while sitting by the ocean, which is what I did. Each time I was lying in the sand, by the water, or on a dock, this is what I was reading. It is amazing that there is scientific proof of how your mind reacts to being near water. Living, playing, working, or doing pretty much anything near (or in) water, is good for your brain…and your soul. Proof is in the pudding! Much of it takes place in the NC Outer Banks, so that was fun!

Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen- this summer has been one of spirituality and awakening. Not only have I begun to open by heart, but open my soul and mind to learning more about spiritual practices. I have read several books on Buddhism in the past, and loved “Living Buddha, Living Christ” by Thich Nhat Hanh. I wanted something else to give me a clear and basic perception on Buddhism and the Buddhist practice. Like The Untethered Soul, it is another read that points out how important it is to be present and aware of life around you. An inspirational and serene summer read (or any time, for that matter).

Mastering Your Mean Girl, by Melissa Ambrosini– ladies, especially, listen up! This book is a must-read. I think it is also important for men, or anyone who has some shitty self-talk. This book has made me realize that I am super hard on myself. It is amazing that we allow ourselves to have some inner dialog that we would NEVER allow in our presence to someone we love and care about, so why does this change when we talk to ourselves? This book describes Melissa’s self-journey through a breakdown, and towards the light of self-love. She focuses on self-love, self-care, and bringing abundance to your life. I am a regular listener of her podcast, so I also highly recommend that, as well.

Happy Gut, by Vincent Pedre– ok, so, yeah, this doesn’t scream summertime reading, but some of the other books that I read, led me to this, and I am so glad that they did. It’s an interesting look at how many things we put into our body affect the balance of our gut. So many things that I feel after drinking a glass of wine, or having a soy latte, are totally explained. If you are into holistic health, or healing through food, read this! I found it to be super relatable, for both myself, but also for me and Ger.

Mon amie américaine, by Michèle Pétin– I just fell in love with this little book. I love all things Parisian, and this book is also something that I kept in my cross-body all summer. Any time I was waiting, or had a moment of impatience, I pulled it out of my bag and picked up on reading. It is a story of two friends, one having experienced a major medical trauma, and their friendship through it all. One is a New Yorker, and one is Parisian, so it was right up my alley! A great little summer read.
So, the summer isn’t over yet, but I already feel fulfilled with the amount of reading I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in, thus far! Looking back, I feel that my list is well-balanced between drama, fun, and enlightenment. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read more, since we didn’t have any time for books, in the past, while running our business. It is a way I practice, self care.

What books do you recommend that I try?