Cleanest Beaches in the U.S.

Summer vacations are in full swing and many people are heading to the beaches on each coast and at lakes for a relaxing break from the daily grind. Familykenkel would like to share information about the cleanest beaches to visit this year.

According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency, ten percent of samples taken from US coastal and lake beaches failed to meet federal safety standards for bacteria and viruses. The polluted water at some beaches stems from storm run-off and sewage overflows near where people swim and sunbathe. In light of this, there are some stellar beaches where vacationers can enjoy clean water.  The US agency puts these five areas at the top of their list:

• Delaware: Dewey Beach-Swedes in Sussex County
• Florida: Bowman's Beach in Lee County
• Georgia: Tybee Island North in Chatham County
• Massachusetts: Singing Beach in Essex County
• New Jersey: Stone Harbor at 96th St. in Cape May County

These are all popular locations for family vacations every summer. Other places to visit where water quality sample results were favorable are:

• The Delmarva Peninsula area on the East Coast
• Delaware, New Hampshire and New Jersey

The Familykenkel invites readers to explore these clean coastal areas. There is so much to do and enjoy there that everyone will be happy. Take a dip in the water knowing that no bacteria or viruses will cause illness or a rash this summer. Enjoy!

Love Our Pets on Summer

As hot as it is outside for humans, it can be hotter for our pets. Familykenkel takes time to share some summer tips for those of us with a four legged child.

Regardless of whatever is posted on the Internet, there are some hard fast rules for summer when it comes to pets. 

Help pets stay cool by letting them come inside the home during the heat of the day. 

Ice is not harmful to a dog so go ahead and drop a cube or two in the water bowl. 

If the dog seems to be having a heat stroke, place ice packs under his or her front shoulders and massage rubbing alcohol into the paws. Rush the animal to the vet for further treatment. 

Familykenkel also suggests walking dogs in the early morning and early evening when it is cooler outside. If mid day walks are needed, make them short and encourage the animal to walk in the grass. 

Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, notes that the some animal behaviorists recommend freezing toys or treats for dogs to chew on. It is also noteworthy to know that dog ice cream bars are also a favorite goody in the summer. 

Our pets love to be with us when we are inside and outside. Be sure to keep them safe and healthy with access to fresh clean water all day and a cool place to rest that is out of the sun. 

New Summer Treat

Ice cream is a summer staple for dessert or a snack when you get home from swimming.  To make it special, turn it into a sandwich. Familykenkel shares some of the new summer treats.

Ice cream sandwiches are a cool, creamy favorite any time of the day or evening. But there are some that are being made that are delectably delicious. While the below are made by ice cream stores, a unique ice cream sandwich is simply a figment of imagination turned into yummy reality.

Cookies used to be the main item for the sandwich. However, some eateries are using waffles, churros and donuts instead. Ice cream chefs are finding flavorful ways to blend cookies, ice cream and a sauce into one hard-to-put-down goodie.

Mix and match the flavors such as a red velvet waffle with cinnamon ice cream. Familykenkel learns that making them at home is just as easy as the ones that can be bought in ice cream stores. Just be creative. Also, be sure the cookie, waffle, donut, ladyfinger, etc is flat and even. Try different kinds of ice cream or whip up your own using a base flavor like vanilla and add flavorings. Don’t forget a special sauce to hold it all together. There are a myriad of choices to make or buy. Enjoy one in front of one of the fireplaces mentioned below.

Eco-Friendly Fireplaces Help Create Clean and Warm Spaces

Does it seem odd to read a post about fireplaces right before summer begins? Familykenkel heats up the conversation about Eco-friendly, mobile fireplaces and how they are the best option for heating rooms while keeping air clean.

Even though summer is literally days away, there are still some locations which might benefit from having a non-wood burning fireplace in the home. One of the greatest benefits of a mobile heater is that they warm the space you are in and not the entire home. This is called zone heating.

Another way to heat a room is to use the existing fireplace but install a fireplace insert in it. The inserts come in several varieties including electric, pellet stove and bio fuel, like ethanol. The ethanol fireplaces burn clean air, produce no smoke and are sustainable. A true green supplement to any home, like the ones Ignis Products sells. They are stylish and can be taken to the lakeside cabin, the beach house or to the bedroom to warm up a cool evening. Price ranges are not, but if you want a free one, why not enter the Familykenkel to read the easy entry rules. Tell us why you are a hopeful romantic in 200 to 300 words and be on your way to winning an artful, Eco-friendly fireplace for your living space.

Truly Amazing RVs

When was the last time you rode in an RV? Chances are that might have been long before these huge and elaborately detailed vehicles were on the road. Familykenkel takes a look inside some truly amazing RVs.

For those who drive a small to mid-sized car, the RVs of today seem like a beast on the road. They are nearly the size of a commercial bus and outfitted with some mighty bells and whistles. They have the comforts of home from king sized beds to wide screen HD televisions, a full kitchen and are beautifully decorated. It is home for many who choose to live in one while exploring the country.

Recreational vehicles can be bought or rented. For those who want to pack more and bring more on long journeys, this is the transportation mode to consider. And for people who just have to have a balcony, some models come equipped with a pull out balcony to sit back and admire the sunrise or sunset. Let’s say you also want to tool around a new city in something easier to park. Some RVs provide a separate cargo space to store a small car in, and most others include a towing feature.

The Familykenkel also notes there are smaller models for people who want something to hitch on the back of a heavy duty pick-up truck. While they do not offer some of the luxuries of the larger models, they do give the traveler a safe and comfortable space to sleep, make meals and move around in.  If your next vacation idea is to see America, why not explore the many versions and price ranges available. You just might be surprised at what you find and can afford.