For us Northern chicks it is almost Canada Day. This means two things: Yay Canada! and Yay long weekend! The Southern chicks shouldn't feel left out though because July 4th is just around the corner. 

How will you be spending your extra time off?

If you're in need of some inspiration, you've come to the right place. We have drink recipes, a few ideas for munchies, some great backyard activities and in case it rains, some great games to spend some quality time off. 

For a Rainy Day 

 
1. Beezi: The Spelling Bee Game (C$29.99)
 
2. Game of Life (C$23.96)

3. Apples to Apples (C$29.65)

4. Battleship (C$19.96)

5. The Settlers of Catan (C$35.84)

6. Operation (C$15.96)

7. Ticket to Ride Day of Wonder (C$47.53)

Delicious Snacks and Apps 
 

Make this fresh and satisfying Zucchini Feta Mint Quiche

Watermelon and Feta Salad: recipe right here


An impressive but simple Artichoke Appetizer 
 
In a pinch for time? This Ridiculously Easy Bruschetta is for you

Cocktails 


(from left to right) 
 
Mixologist Nathan Cameron of Finn MacCool's, created this Grapefruit and Sage Margarita. We have the recipe for all you DIY'ers out there. But if you have the chance, I highly suggest to stop by and sample one there!

Step 1:  Preparing Sage Simple Syrup

Ingredients
18 oz Water
6 oz Sugar
1 1/2 oz Fresh Sage (leaf and stalk)

Add all items to small saucepan over high heat.
Boil for approx. 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook for another 5 minutes.  
Remove from heat. Remove sage and place in a clean container.
Let cool, then place in 2x12 oz. squeeze bottles and use as needed.

Syrup has a shelf life of 10-12 days.

Step 2:  Making Margarita

Ingredients 
1 oz  Cazadores Tequila
1 oz  Sage Simple Syrup                            
1/2 oz Sun Orchard Blend                    
3 oz Grapefruit Juice

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker with ascoop of ice.
Shake well and strain into ice-packed Collins glass.
Garnish with a slice of ruby red grapefruit.

Is there any better way to celebrate Canada Day than with a Canadian made cocktail? This Maple BBQ Caesar, made by Mott’s Clamato Mixing Officer, Clint Pattemore is everything delicious in one glass: 

What you need: 

Highball glass

For garnish: Lime Wedge
Freshly Cracked Pepper 
Maple Bacon on skewer 

For rim: Bacon bits, Freshly cracked salt and pepper 
 
Ingredients:  
1 oz Canadian Whisky 
1 spoon Maple BBQ Sauce
2 dashes Hot Sauce
3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce  
3 dashes Freshly Cracked Salt and Pepper
4 oz Mott's Clamato

Rim your highball and fill with ice.
Add ingredients in order and stir, then garnish! 

Nathan Cameron also created this Blueberry Cider Sangria for Casey's Grill Bar, perfect for summer sipping on a patio: 

Ingredients 

3 Blueberries 
2 Lime Wheels
1/2 oz Smirnoff Blueberry Vodka 
1 oz Peller Estates Cabernet/Merlot 
1 oz Sun Orchard Blend 
3 oz Somersby Cider
2 oz Soda Water

In the order listed above, add in all ingredients to an ice packed glass.
Stir well and garnish with lime wheel. 

Outdoor Fun 
 

Get some vitamin D and pack a picnic. If you're feeling adventurous, take a bike ride. Bring along a few lawn games for fun. 
 
 
DIY outdoor Twister is easy to put together and great for groups. For hot days, water fights are always a must have. 

How will you be spending your long weekend? 
 
(images via ana-rosa.tumblr.com, centsationalgirl.com, all-star-pics.blogspot.jp, inspiredbythis.com, chickadvisor.com)