Day Trips

Outdoor excursion to the lake, require a few essential items can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and comfort. First and foremost, a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for addressing any minor injuries or ailments that may occur during your adventure. I love Coleman’s mini travel kit. I have been using it for years. It’s great for the playground as well. Additionally, a water filtration canteen provides a convenient and reliable means of obtaining clean and safe drinking water from the lake. This ensures hydration without the need to carry heavy water bottles. You can always bring your own water in a Canteen and drop a water purifier pod. I don’t recommend plastic bottles for anything, especially not bottled water. I avoid it as much as possible. When the plastic bottle heats up in the sun, it’s totally toxic. I literally never leave home without my stainless steel water canteen or for the longer days or camping trips I bring a larger insulated classic thermos. You know, the big green one our parents had in the 70’s. It’s worth every penny. I bought mine in Whole Foods market in NYC over 8 years ago. Love it. Good for everything. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a light sweater. As temperatures near bodies of water can fluctuate, especially during the evening or in cooler seasons. Believe it or not, it works in every season. I prefer natural fibers with Cashmere being my “go to” every time. It trumps everything. This versatile layer will keep you warm and cozy, allowing you to fully enjoy your lakeside experience. By having these essentials on hand, you can enhance your outdoor excursion and be prepared for any unexpected circumstances.

Klean-Kanteen stainless steel water bottle, Coleman-USA-first-aid kit, j crew blue Oxford shirt and picnic basket next to a lake

Gir reading a book in a red hammock hanging over the lake

Klean Kanteen stainless steal water bottle with wool sailing scarf

Loving this

Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack

{also comes in jet black for the city girls}

Outdoor Eats

The pleasures of food on an outdoor excursion are undeniable, especially when shared with friends. Fresh fruit, like berries and melon. Vegetable crudité with hummus. Dried fruit, nuts and green salads with a good vinaigrette and of course, a nice selection of hard and soft cheeses, figs, assorted crackers and mixed olives are staples on my menu. So good !! It’s literally the highlight of my day. 🙂 I usually pack a small cutting board, proper eating utensils whether it be from my kitchen, wooden chopsticks or untreated bamboo.

Open faced sandwich on a classic red and white picnic napkin.

Blue and white picnic blanket with array of food

Me and Sasha on grass LIC Summer 2016 or 17 copy

Klean Kanteen stainless steel portable storage containers with stainless steel folding eating utensils. Green apple on top for decoration

Antique stainless steel portable, foldable, package eating utensils

Chickpea summer salad with all fresh ingredients. Fresh Tomatoes, red onion, kale salt, pepper and olive oil

Favorite Picnic Eats and Recipes

All certified / bio ingredients

Chick Pea Salad

I prefer to buy them dry and soak my chickpeas overnight in cold water in a ceramic bowl. Next day… rinse and put into a pot covered in cold water. Boil and skim the foam from the top before adding the following ingredients. Then boil for a few hours until soft. I garnish with fresh tomatoes, red onions, sautéed kale, olive oil, salt, pepper and Harisa for a little kick. That’s it. Pack and carry. Nutritional Value: Vitamin A, E, C, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium and Iron and that’s just the Chickpeas. *wink 🙂

1. Four (4) big fat cloves of garlic

2. Two (2) tablespoons of cumin seed

3. One (1) tablespoon of sea salt

Arugula Salad

Organic arugula (rocket) salad. Wash, rinse and lay a damp chemical free paper towel over the top before packing into a portable container. I love the Snow Peak Tobachi containers. They are insulated lunch boxes with multiple meal components. The set comes with small containers for the toppings as well. It’s a system designed to keep your food fresh until ready to mix. They are designed to travel.

1. Avocado ( slice just before eating. Bring a spoon

2. Sesame seeds

3. Fresh tomatoes

4. Watercress

5. Olive oil infused with garlic, herbs or just plain.

6. Balsamic Vinegar

Meg's Greek Salad

Slice organic Feta or Hinter Kase (Shepard’s cheese) into bite sized cubes or break into crumbles. Add fresh sliced tomatoes – make sure they’re super fresh otherwise they’ll destroy the balance. Try and find a ripe, sweet tomato to compliment the salt and vinegar. Slice a whole cucumber into bite sized thick pieces – wedges. Dice a crispy red onion and finally oregano. Pack the dressing mix separately and add at the time of eating. Again, I love the Snow Peak Tobachi containers. Any stainless steel container will do, Klean Kanteen, Eco Box are also great. Make sure whatever you use does’t have aluminum. Stainless Steel containers aren’t cheap but are worth the investment. The are designed to travel, not to leak and to last many generations.

1. Feta or Shepard’s cheese

2. Fresh Tomatoes

3. Fresh Cucumber

4. Red Onion

5. Olive oil

6. Red Wine vinegar

7. Oregano

Klean Kanteen

Stainless Steel 10 oz Cup 4 Pack

This is another must have and forever set. Stainless Steel 10 oz Cup 4 Pack. Good for grown ups or kid’s parties, picnics, camping, or just use at home. The size is great for adult beverages such as wine or cocktails. It stacks and is very lightweight and durable.

SUSTAINABLE WATER BOTTLE. Stainless Steel and Lead Free

Talk about sustainable!! This is the best on the market. I have had mine for 9 years now.

Classic Water bottle with a sports cap

Pretty in pink. Love this bottle. It’s really the perfect water bottle for any sport. It’s also stainless steel and lead free. Sharing is caring. Just sharing. That’s what I do 🙂

Adventure

Lakeside Picnic {ing} Tips

Loving this

Madeline Midi Cooler Backpack