Review: Cave Tools BBQ Brush (15% promo code)

Well, here I am back with another great Cave Tools product! This time around I have been given a BBQ Brush for review! And just in time for all the summer time BBQ parties.

This isn't your typical run of the mill brush, either. Most brushes you buy from the store are a single bristle or those weird bristles that poke straight up which bend and are never the same after one use.

Cave Tools has made a triple bristle stainless steel BBQ brush.

What does that mean? Well, look at the design.. It is 3 full bristles that are clipped together for extra power.

The innovative way that they are positioned help you easily get in between the grates on your BBQ grill, which is where all the grimy build up happens.

To check out this brush, I started out with a grill top that had been previously cooked on. I believe we had made a tri-tip on it with sauce so it was extra gross and caked on.

As with all other brushes, we heated up the grill just a bit to make the baked on bits a little easier to remove.

Come to find out, that is an unneeded step with this brush! As soon as we started to clean the grill, it was just coming off with so much ease.

Normally we have to really scrub to get the stuff off, but not with the Cave Tools Grill Brush.

It cut our usual prep time in half which is always nice.

We were able to warm the BBQ up, clean the grate and cook within 30 minutes. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

This brush is also 100% rust proof so you don't have to worry about bringing in your tool after use. I always hated finding my brush damaged or rusted after forgetting it and letting it get rained on.

My only criticism (and it really does not even affect the product itself) is that the company logo on the brush was scraped half way off when it arrived. Maybe a little quality control is needed before shipping just to ensure that their logo (which is what customers look for) is looking perfect!

At only $11.99, the Cave Tools Grill Brush would be a great gift for the BBQ fanatics in your life - if you have a grill, you need this brush!

Cave Tools is offering our readers a 15% discount on the Grill Brush with Triple Stainless Steel Bristles if you purchase from their website.  Use the code BBQBRUSH15 at checkout.

Grill Brush on Cavetools.com
Amazon Listing
https://twitter.com/CaveTools
http://www.pinterest.com/cavetools/
https://www.facebook.com/CaveToolsGrilling

Dehydrated Watermelon Snacks

A few weeks ago, a status update from my friend, Crystal, hit my Facebook wall - she said she'd made some dehydrated watermelon snacks.

Say what??  I like dried fruit and I have a Nesco dehydrator (that I don't use nearly as much as I should), but I'd never heard of drying watermelon.

I actually tried to talk Crystal into posting about it, but she said something like 'what's there to write about it - slice watermelon. Dehydrate it. Done!"

And that's about it, too.

A couple weeks later, I got a seedless watermelon about the size of a soccer ball in our produce box, and ate some of it fresh but Michael doesn't care for it and at some point, I'd had enough to eat and still had a lot of juicy red melon left.

I remembered what Crystal had said, and decided to go for it.

I like my Nesco, because it is very easy to use - stack each tray - if you don't need them all, just leave some off, top it with the lid and set the dial according to what you're drying - it includes a temperature guide right on the lid for fast reference.

The fan that powers it is in the lid, but you can use it without power if you have a hot, dry place to just leave it, like a closed up car on a summer's day.  Vents in the stacked trays will allow dry, hot air to circulate through it, with or without plugging it in.

Obviously, the time it would take would be a lot more variable that way, but I'm curious to give it a try some time!

I cut my watermelon into 1" thick slices, and then sliced of 1/4" slices from those, filling each tray of the Nesco and then topping it with the next tray.  It wound up using all of them.  The thinner the slices, the thinner (and dryer) the dried watermelon will be.  if you want this to keep, you want it dry, not sticky and moist.

After it was filled, I topped it with the lid, set the dial for 135F, and left it alone for 8 hours.  By then, the top two trays were dry and finished and the bottom two still needed another couple hours.   This seems to be typical, since any moisture from the upper trays would drip down into the lower ones, so they're likely to be slightly damper.

The finished watermelon snacks were about as thin as a wonton wrapper, still pliable but leathery dry, and shrunk down quite a bit from their original size.

The taste was really vibrant - like other dried fruits, the sweetness and flavor is ramped way up once  the moisture is removed.

I popped these in a bag to store in the refrigerator, and have been eating them out of hand.  Michael even likes them and decided his distaste for melon was about texture, not flavor.

I think bite sized bits of this would be really tasty on a green salad with some basil, cucumber and feta cheese, but I'm mostly happy to have a light sweet snack with no added sugar.  A bite or two is enough to satisfy my passing sugar cravings.

I did this mostly on a whim, so I wasn't prepared but I want to do it again while watermelons are still available, and pickle the rind while I'm at it.  If I practice a little bit of self-control, I could then have an at-hand bit of summer to tide me over on wintery cold days.

Sparkles & Glue

The Gathering Spot

and

(Mis)Adventures Monday

Shared with:
~ Anything Goes, BFF Open House, City of Links, Crafting Along, Fabulously Creative Friday, Fabulous Finds, Feathered Nest Friday, Fight Back Friday, Flaunt It Friday, Foodie Friday, Foodie Friends Friday, Freedom Fridays, Friday Favorites, Fridays Unfolded, Frugal Friday, Get Him Fed Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Handmade Hangout, Home Sweet Home Friday, Junkin' Joe, Let's Get Real Friday, Old Fashioned Friday, Party Bunch, Pin Junkie Pin Party, Pinworthy Projects, Rattlebridge Farm Foodie Friday, Real Food Fridays, Shabbilicious Friday, Show and Tell Friday, Simple Meals Friday, Unprocesed Fridays, Weekend Re-Treat, Weekend Social.
~ Dare to Share, Link Party Palooza, No-Rules Weekend, Saturday Sharefest, Say G'Day Saturday, Serenity You, Show and Tell Saturday, Showstopper Saturday, Simple Saturdays Blog Hop, Simply Natural Saturday, Sparkles of Inspiration, Super Saturday, Weekend Potluck, Weekend Recipe Link Party.
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~ A Round Tuit, Amaze Me Monday, Busy Monday, Clever Chicks Blog Hop, Craftastic Monday, Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop, Gathering Spot, Homemade Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, In and Out of the Kitchen, Inspiration Monday, Inspire Me Monday, Mad Skills Monday, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Mod Mix Monday, Mommy Monday, Much Ado About Monday, Pinterest Foodie Link Party,  Real Food Recipe Round Up, Sweet Sharing Monday, Thank Goodness It's Monday, This Momma's Meandering Monday, Tutorials & Tips Link Party.
~ Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Awesome Things Tuesday, Backyard Farming Connection, Be Inspired, Brag About It, Create ~ Link ~ Inspire, Fat Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Healthy Tuesday, Hearth & Soul Hop, One Project At a Time, The Scoop, Share It Link Party, Show & Share Party, Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday, Turn It Up Tuesday, Totally Talented Tuesdays, Treasure Box Tuesday, Tuesdays At Our Home, Tutorial Tuesday, Two Cup Tuesday, You're Gonna Love It Tuesday.
~ Cast Party Wednesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Down Home Blog Hop, Fluster's Creative Bluster, Gluten-Free Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Inspiration Board, Inspiration Exchange, Link Up Your Posts, Moonlight & Mason Jars, Make ~ Bake ~ Create, Penny Pinching Party, Project Parade, Real Food Wednesday,  Share Your Fun Creations, Show + Tell Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, Wednesday Round Up, Wednesday Whatsits, Wellness Wednesday, What Are You Doing Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday, What's It Wednesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday,  Whatever Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Wonderfully Creative Wednesday, Work It Wednesday, Works For Me Wednesday, Wow Me Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Your Whims Wednesday,  The Yuck Stops Here.        
                                                   
                             

Independence Day DIY Round Up

Independence Day is just under a week away, but there's still time to enjoy a little DIY for the occasion.  We've rounded up a few great ideas bloggers have shared over the last few weeks. There are so many wonderful things people are doing!

Vintage Style Decor

I really like July 4th decor that feels old - more subtle colonial colors that hark back to he original Independence Day. These are a few projects that I really love.

1. DIY Planked American Flag ~ Maison de Pax
I adore this project!  Faded Old Glory makes for the perfect focal point in this attic bedroom.

2. Patriotic Vintage Book Page Wreath ~ Yellow Bliss Road
Old book pages, food coloring and some ribbon come together in this shabby chic wreath.

3. Patriotic Stitching for Summertime ~ Lovely Messes
I am such a sucker for needlework, and this sweet little piece makes a lovely tuck-in for an Independence Day vignette.

4.  DIY Patriotic Banner ~ Blooming Homestead
Red, white and blue fabric scraps make this no-sew banner a unique piece of rustic charm.

5. Summertime Wreath ~ Vintage Zest
A few items from the craft store and some scrapbook paper makes a cherry wreath you can hang all summer.

Outdoor Ideas

A few ideas for celebrating Independence Day outdoors - decor, party decorations, and a reminder about flag etiquette.

1. 4th of July Patriotic Burlap Wreath ~ A Mom's Take
 The perfect wreath for the front door - clear directions explain how  to use a wire wreath frame and lengths of burlap to pull this together in time for the big day.

2. 4th of July Tin Can Windsock ~ Mama To 5 Blessings
A project the kids can do - imagine how fun a few of these jaunty windsocks would be, hanging from the porch or trees.

3.  Patriotic Ribbon, Lace, and Scrap Flag ~ Craftiments
I love this!  Lengths of scrap material, denim and buttons make up a flag banner that will sway in the breeze.  I can't wait to give this a try.

4. U.S. Flag Primer ~ Oh, Mrs. Tucker!
If you decide to fly the flag for the occasion (or keep it up year 'round), it's a good idea to refresh the guidelines for displaying it appropriately.

5. Tin Can Luminaries ~ Crafts For All Seasons
A cute and practical way to repurpose tin cans, these luminaries would add cute pools of candlelight that won't interfere with watching the fireworks.

Printables

As time gets short for making more complicated projects, a few printables can help add just the right touch of red, white and blue.

1. Star Spangled Banner ~ Tatertots and Jello
Lines from The National Anthem show off the red, white and blue.  The printable comes in three different sizes, and the post includes instructions for creating an entire Independence Day vignette.


2. Let Freedom Ring ~ My Fabuless Life
A simple and colorful printable that would look great in a frame.  Comes in either aqua and red, or navy and read.

3. America the Beautiful ~ Landee See, Landee Do
A simple colonial style motif, printed and put into a frame, can add a fast and subtle bit of Americana to your everyday decor.

4. Make Your Own United States Flag ~ Our Adventure Story
A coloring sheet that includes flag information and instructions for turning it into a waveable flag - have the kids make some up to take to a local parade. Long may it wave!

5. Printable 4th of July Banner ~ Salt and Pepper Moms 
Print and cut out these banner pieces and string them together to say "Land of the Free".  Sweet touch!

What to Wear

Once you've got your home decorated, what about yourself?  Here's some cute ideas for decking out for your barbecue or fireworks watching party.

1. No Sew Simple Fabric Bracelet ~ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Bandanna wrapped tube bracelets create cute and easy accessories for the 4th of July.

2. DIY Patriotic Firework Shirt ~ A Mother's Shadow
Markers and a plain T-shirt come together to create a fireworks.  This would be a fun project for kids!

3. DIY Paint Spattered Patriotic Tote Bag ~ Titi-Crafty
Spatter painting over stencils is a wonderful technique used here to create a fashionable tote bag to carry treats and other necessities.

4. DIY Hair Chalking ~ Girl Loves Glam
Just for fun, try some temporary red, white and blue hair coloring.  These instructions show you how to use chalk pastels to give your hair some patriotic flair.

5. Patriotic Flip Flops ~ A Mother's Shadow
Clear instructions show how to use beading to decorate a plain pair of flip-flops.

6. Firecracker Nails ~ Thirty One: 10
Not all the fireworks will be up in  the sky - try this method to create some sizzle on your nails as well. Messy, but too cute!

Food Ideas

Come the big day, a few special menu ideas, mixed in with your favorite summer fare, will make for a memorable Independence Day.  Here are just a few ideas that caught our eye:

1. Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites ~ Reviews, Chews & How-Tos
Yes, this one is ours!  Add these bratwurst bites to the menu along with the more typical hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and ribs - low carb and bursting with flavor, they'll be gone before you know it. (so hide a few for yourself)

2. Chili Lime Corn on the Cob ~ Simply... Suzanne's At Home
I grew up in Nebraska and for me corn on the cob is as All-American a part of the 4th of July as, well, Apple Pie.  This take on it brings in some spice and citrus, making it a sophisticated and attractive addition to the Independence Day table.  I love the way the husks are arranged to be attractive and accessible.

3. Red, White & Blue Watermelon Salad with Watermelon Vinaigrette ~ FIVE Heart HOME 
This is as beautiful as it is delicious!  Greens, blueberries, almonds and feta and watermelon star cutouts! The remaining watermelon is used to make a vinaigrette.  I can't wait to try this one.

4. Salted Watermelon Slushies ~ Cherished Bliss
Pureed watermelon makes or a refreshing (and healthy!) cold slushie drink.  Perfect for the holiday and throughout summer.

5. Easy Red, White & Blue Ice Box Cake ~ Hello Little Home
Graham crackers, layered with sweetened cream cheese, strawberries and blueberries, and chilled until ready to serve - are you drooling yet? I am!

6. No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits ~ Spend with Pennies
One of my oldest 'guilty pleasures' is a no-bake cheesecake, the one that was in every ad for cream cheese for a couple generations - this is a version without the crust.  Delicious whipped cream cheese with lemon layered with cherry pie filling and blueberry pie filling.  Nope, not one bit healthy - just delectable!  The only downside I can see is that if you eat this, you may miss the fireworks, what with your eyes rolling back into your head in sheer bliss, and all.

I hope you enjoyed this round up.  Have a Happy Independence Day if you celebrate it, and enjoy your summer!

Fabulous Finds & Linky Party

Shared with:
~ Link Party Palooza, My Favorite Things Saturday, No-Rules Weekend, Say G'Day Saturday, Serenity Saturday, Show & Tell Saturday, Showstopper Saturday, Super Saturday, Weekend Wind-Down.
~ Creative Collection, DIY Inspired, DIY Sunday Showcase, Happiness is Homemade, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Share Your Creativity, Silver Pennies Sunday, Sunday Funday.
~ A Round Tuit, Amaze Me Monday, Clever Chicks Blog Hop, Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop, Inspiration Monday, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Mix It Up Monday, Monday Funday, Monday's Reflection, Motivation Monday,  Sweet Sharing Monday.
~ Brag About It, Create - Link - Inspire, Do Tell Tuesday, Good Tips Tuesday, Handmade Tuesdays, One Project at a Time, Show & Share, Take-a-Look Tuesday, Totally Talented Tuesdays, Treasure Box Tuesday, Tuesdays at Our Home, Two Cup Tuesday, You're Gonna Love It Tuesday.  
~ Cast Party Wednesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Happy Summer Link Up, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Homemaking Link Up, Inspiration Board: Creative Party, Inspiration Exchange, Lovely Ladies Linky, Made By Me, Make - Bake - Create, Penny Pinching Party, Pretty Wednesday, Summer Family Fun Series, Wake Up Wednesdays, Wednesday Round Up, Wednesday Whatsits, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Wonderfully Creative Wednesdays, Work It Wednesday, Works For Me Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Your Whims Wednesday.
~ Creative Ways, Fabulously Frugal Thursday, Home & Garden Thursday, It's A Party, Moonlight & Mason Jars, Share Your Cup Thursday, Showcase Your Talent Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things.
~ Anything Goes, BFF Open House Link Party, City of Links, Fabulously Creative Friday, Feathered Nest Friday, Freedom Fridays, Fridays Unfolded, Handmade Hangout, Kitchen Fun & Crafty Friday,Party Bunch, Pinworthy Projects Party, Show and Tell Friday, TGIF Linky Party, Weekend Re-Treat, Weekend Social.