Chill Out While You Grill

Sponge Water Bombs:

Cut a sponge lengthwise into 3 strips. Repeat with another sponge. You can use 2 or 3 sponges for this. Stack the strips 2 up and 3 across (as if they were 2 whole sponges stacked on top of each other). Wrap a string around them as tightly as possible. Fluff it out into a ball shape. Wet the sponge ball and let the fun begin.

Ice Pop Pairing:

Use long ice pops as drink stirrers, but also to keep your drinks from getting watered down while adding flavor. A lime pop pairs perfectly with a margarita. Add an orange pop to your mimosa to intensify the orange flavor. Want to change the flavor profile of your mojito (or any cocktail for that matter)? Add a strawberry pop stirrer! 

Frozen Bundt Pan Shrimp Cocktail:

Fill a bundt pan with water that's been boiled twice (boiling the water makes the ice freeze clear). Freeze for 6 hours; do not over-freeze, or the ring may crack. Pop the ice mold out of the pan and arrange your shrimp cocktail around the ring. Put a dish of cocktail sauce in the center of the ring. This will keep your shrimp cocktail cold for hours!

Canine Ice Cake:

Place a layer of your dog's favorite toys in a bucket. It's best to use plastic or rubber toys; don't use stuffed animals or rawhides. Fill the bucket with water, covering the toys completely. You can also use chicken or beef stock mixed with water. If you're using squeaky toys, fill them with water so they don't float. Freeze this layer until solid.

Add another layer of water and toys. The bottom layer may float to the top when you add the second layer of water. If this happens, remove the frozen bottom layer and add another set of dog toys (filled with water if needed) underneath. Put the frozen layer back in. Freeze until completely solid. Pop the ice block out of the bucket and give to your favorite canine pal.

Pool Noodle Sprinkler:

Puncture a pool noodle randomly around all sides with a metal kitchen skewer. Puncture the noodle at an angle so the water shoots up. The more holes, the better spray. 

Stuff one end with a plastic 2-liter bottle cap, then duct tape the end securely. Position your hose (over a tree branch is best) and then slide the end of the hose into the foam noodle, pushing it in a few inches so it holds securely. Turn on the hose.