Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Snowbird hobbies can be simple, creative and distinctly unique, such as constructing sand castles on the beach. SNOWBIRD HOBBIES 125 Ideas For Snowbirds A hobby is defined by Wikipedia as, “An activity, interest, enthusiasm, or pastime that is undertaken for pleasure or relaxation, done during …
Snowbirds deal with a range of coping challenges no matter where they are. [ Seaside, Florida, South Walton County] Where Do I Belong? Recently I was asked by a reader about coping with the challenges of living in and between two homes and communities. Specifically, …
Security is essential for snowbirds who travel hundreds of miles away from their primary home for an extensive time, strategically planning for the best outcome of no major issues while away. For improved peace of mind, not only while in your warm weather home, but all year round, increasing your security system is well worth the effort. It's amazing how much better we felt after installing security cameras. Not only can we check out what is or isn't happening at home, we can also see what is going on with our neighbors, the weather and if/when our driveway is plowed or a package is delivered. Cameras help us feel connected. As summer winds down, take time to review, plan and improve your security systems so the work is completely finished and field-tested well ahead of your departure date.
Many people tend to put off making investments in their security systems until there is a problem. The problem may be encountered by a neighbor or loved one, even if not your own residence. Remember, the households with the most lax security measures will be the preferred targets.
What is your weakest link? Probably an unlocked door or window. Don't overlook the core basics. The best security systems are comprised of many layers: physical barriers, lighting, alarm systems, cameras, noise and more. Plus your barking dog, of course. The following ten layers of security can be applied to both your primary and southern residences. Although anyone renting their snowbird home will have much less flexibility, it's an opportunity to get creative.
The first layer of security starts with your environment. Fences, gates, and strategic landscaping, such as low, prickly bushes under the windows all play a key role. If your landscaping has grown up over the windows and around the exterior doors, cut it back. Don't provide an easy hiding place for someone checking out your home.
I don't know of anyone who doesn't have locks on their doors, windows and vehicles, but I do know of many people who are lax about using them. Be consistent, especially at night. Set up a daily routine of who is responsible for what so that closing overhead garage doors, locking vehicles, doors and windows is an ingrained habit. Locks are the most basic form of security, so stick with the basics, whether at home or away.
Keypad entries or twist-style knob locks combined with chain locks are good for exterior doors. Deadbolts are the best. If your home doesn't have deadbolts on every door, it's another easy, basic strategy. Your weakest link is any door without a deadbolt.
Layer your doors and locks. If you don't already have storm doors for each exterior entry, add them. Not only do they provide an extra barrier of entry, they will help with hot and cold weather drafts. It's not too much to have locked storm doors combined with a twist lock and a deadbolt.
Locks on your interior doors are also important. Install a safe bolted to a shelf in a closet with a locked door. Lock your file cabinet drawers too.
Keypad entries for overhead garage doors are an easy, cost-effective method for allowing access to your home without a key. If a trusted neighbor needs to place your mail or a package in the garage, they don't need a key. It's easy to change the code periodically as needed. However, don't leave for the season without first changing the battery on your keyless entry.
Don't forget to have a plan in place in case you get locked out of your home. There are many creative ways to hide keys, including small keypad cases that can be discreetly mounted to an exterior wall. For your rental snowbird home, make sure you memorize the keypad code and/or can easily contact the property manager if you get locked out.
Simple, strategic signs placed on your windows and near exterior doors can prove effective, whether or not you actually employ the measure. "Property Under Electronic Surveillance," "Protected by: XYZ Security," "Cameras in Use" and "Beware of Dog" signs are all popular. Signage that can be removed from your southern rental upon departure is fair game. Bluffing works when playing card games and is also a good security strategy.
Another basic strategy: lighting. Yes, it costs money to keep your porch or yard light on for a period of time every night, but is well worth it for the improved security so you can see your driveway, yard and front entry. Install a timer so the light will turn on at dusk and off by itself a few hours later, regardless if you are there or not. Measures that make it appear someone is home year round help deter criminals.
Motion-activated flood lights require more work to install, but are great for areas such as your side or back yard.
There are monitoring systems that offer multiple levels of features, including the ability to turn on lights from an app.
Alarms are highly beneficial for not only security, but fire and flood as well. There are many reputable companies who offer various packages and plans. Not only do you receive the benefit of 24/7 monitoring of your residence, check with your insurance agent for an annual homeowner's discount if available.
When installing an alarm system, plan well in advance to do your research, select a company and get scheduled for the installation.
Allow plenty of time to learn how to use your system, as well as the features. Some systems have more than one option for tripping the alarm, such as laser beams that will be triggered upon motion of any kind; glass break sensors for your doors/windows and extra loud sirens.
There are monitoring systems that allow you to turn the alarm on/off from your cell phone app and computer. Priceless for the snowbird who wants to absolutely ensure the alarm is set or needs to turn the alarm off to allow someone access to their Northern home while hundreds of miles away. Being able to control an alarm system from afar goes a long way for peace of mind.
Our system allows us to assign specific entry codes for each family member, neighbor or friend and then compiles a list of who entered our residence from distinguished doors on a given date/time. For example, Person A entered the house through the kitchen door on 1-18 at 13:23 hours. On many occasions throughout the year, we've used this information to verify that in fact, someone kept their word and didn't just lead us to believe they were there, when in fact, they were not or vice versa.
I can't say enough good things about installing security cameras
in and around your home. Cameras keep you connected, emotionally and physically. My only regret is wondering why didn't we install them sooner?
Make a list of the most important considerations, do your research, select a product and install the cameras. Field test your system well in advance of departure so you can tweak it before hitting the road. For example, before departing for our time away, we installed a camera inside the garage in what to us was the perfect vantage point. We quickly realized our "perfect" camera angle was completely obstructed by the overhead garage door when it was open.
Our initial goal was to install cameras trained on every exterior door. However, after being away, it became important to me to view not only each exterior door, but to see in every direction outside our house: East, West, North, South. It's kind of like knowing a storm is approaching, but not having a window on that side of the house to see it coming. When you're away, you fully realize how important it is to see every view, not just limited views.
--No monthly contract
--Cost/value
--Easy to install and operate
--Modular, so we can add more future cameras
--High image quality during day and night lighting conditions
If you have a camera malfunction during your time away, have a plan in place for someone who you can call on to investigate the issue and be able to correct the problem. Examples, include replacing burned out batteries; wiping bird droppings, dirt, condensation or fog from the camera lens; adding, replacing and/or repositioning camera/s; and resetting or troubleshooting issues with the sync module.
Security cameras may be in use on the premises of your Southern residence. Inquire about them so you know where they are and if they actually function. Then make an effort to park your vehicle and stay within view of them at night.
Another strategy we have used in our southern rental home: web cams. We place a laptop computer facing the entry door when we're out to dinner and then check in periodically to make sure all is well and our dog is not creating a nuisance by barking excessively. It's a relief to see him sleeping comfortably by the door, waiting for our return.
With the portability of modern camera systems, it's easy to temporarily install cameras in your snowbird home and monitor them via your phone.
Don't underestimate your dog. Even small barking dogs can be a good deterrent because they create noise. However, since your dog will likely be with you in your southern home, use that as a layer of security while there since it's not possible to install permanent alarm systems in your rental property. However, as mentioned previously, web cams or removable cameras are an ideal temporary solution. If you own your snowbird home, installing alarms and/or cameras are a solid investment.
This is also why it's super important to have other layers of security in your Northern home to make up for the lack of your dog's protection while you are not there.
Since you can't leave your music streaming device or TV on at your primary home while away for weeks/months, use the technique in your snowbird residence with the caveat it will not disturb your neighbors. Noise is effective as a deterrent.
Snowbirds know they absolutely need to rely on a trusted "home" team to help as needed. We've had fliers and packages inadvertently delivered to our doorstep that need removed; items that have to be retrieved from our home and shipped to us as well as other issues that have come up.
A member of our home team plows the drive and walkway as needed so it looks occupied. We have our mail brought in every few days and our neighbors know to watch not only our home, but the one across the street from us because they, too, are snowbirds.
We also have built an "away" team of friends and neighbors who all look out for each other.
It all boils down to the basics. Set up your layers of security systems, consistently follow your procedures and trust that the best outcome will be to encounter no major issues.
Note: Content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended for any purposes other than that. This report does not take into account the personal objectives, situation or specific needs of any particular recipient.
-- Bruce Schneier, Internationally Renowned Security Guru
Oakwood Resort is a gorgeous Midwestern lakefront resort, an hour’s drive from our home, has beautiful spacious rooms and is dog friendly WEEKEND LAKE GETAWAY For us, there’s a long gap from the winter snowbird season until we begin again, so weekend getaways are an …
I was a little skeptical about an electric grill until I tried the food cooked on our CharBroil® TRU-infrared™ grill and now I’m an enthusiast. Electric Infrared Grill Review Grilling meat, fish, vegetables and poultry is a favorite activity of many snowbirds, including my husband. …
Many wonder how to be a working snowbird in a seasonal southern community. Working snowbirds are increasing in numbers with advances in modern technology that allow easier remote job access via the internet, phone and video conferences and/or returning for mandatory work commitments as needed. Working snowbirds who have full time jobs in their Northern community may not stay an entire season, instead opting for shorter stays such as three to six weeks. Semi-retired and retired snowbirds may work part-time jobs in their warm weather home to offset the added expenses of being a snowbird.
There is one common trait among working snowbirds and that is the ability to keep a laser focus on work rather than allowing oneself to get sidetracked with the beach, mountains, hobbies or other temptations in their southern homes.
Not every business or job can be accomplished remotely, so if you are in a profession or industry that requires being present in your winter community, you may want to postpone your snowbird aspirations into the future. Or consider staying a much shorter time, such as a week or two. In some cases, perhaps consider a career change so it's possible to work remotely.
Seasonal and part-time working snowbirds have to consider the timing, type of employment and distance to their warm weather home. Other factors include pay rate and whether they can work out schedules and sharing a vehicle with their spouse / partner.
Job prospects could include one's hobbies such as the golf course or entertainment industry; retail; food service; delivery; driver; maintenance or office work. Check into online ads, temp agencies and seek referrals. There are many ways to find jobs and many employers are happy to find reliable help to fill openings. Emphasize your qualities, experience and skills and be candid about your availability if it's only intended to be a short term situation. Once established with a place of employment that you enjoy, it's easier to keep the relationship each returning season.
Moving one's home-based company to a southern home can be quite challenging. It takes a lot of forethought and organization to anticipate and prepare for moving everything you might need across the country to set up your business. Accessing cloud-based digital files solves many logistical issues of not having to bring a file cabinet full of paperwork.
Items that will not realistically transport in your vehicle will need to be shipped to/from your destination. Interruption of service to your staff, customers, reps and suppliers is another unavoidable factor to prepare for. Communication is key to keep your company operating smoothly while in the migration process.
Access to shipping packages and reliable high speed wi-fi are two huge considerations for my husband's business. We turned down several housing options because they were too far away from a shipping hub.
My husband informally named his southern company as "Company Name - Florida" to distinguish our warm-weather operations from our Midwestern headquarters. Set up your company address as "Your Company Name - Your Snowbird Home" in your shipping portals to make sure you can quickly and easily distinguish the two to avoid delivery mistakes.
Prior to moving your company to a new seasonal location, think it through and evaluate every worst case scenario that might happen.
Snowbirds who are in a job or profession that allows working remotely are also increasing in popularity. High speed internet, teleconferencing and remote access are key elements.
The same traits of what makes a remote employee successful in their northern home are what will translate to their southern home.
Accessibility to an airport may need to be taken into consideration as well. If travel back to the home office or to meet with clients is necessary, be prepared for the logistical and emotional challenges. No one wants to miss out on time that could be spent in their snowbird home, but it often plays a part of a working snowbird's life.
Snowbirds who are self employed or work remotely need to consider the following:
--Access to needed amenities such as reliable, high speed wi-fi, shipping / receiving, banking
--Space for a desk, computer, files, printer, supplies, equipment / components and product/s within one's southern home
--Use of a vehicle and be willing / able to share it with one's spouse or partner
--Access to an airport, if applicable, to travel for work commitments
--Adjust to and work within a different time zone
--Reliable home team: trusted neighbors, friends and family members who can help out with anything needed while away
--If just one snowbird is working, a supportive spouse / partner is essential to help as needed with the unpredictable situations that will undoubtedly arise
First and foremost, commitment to one's work is absolutely essential to a working snowbird. Working snowbirds cannot allow the warm weather and beautiful scenery to derail their business or job because they are fully aware that working is what finances their time away. They also cannot take much time off during normal business hours because sooner or later it will catch up in the form of slowed sales or less-than-stellar service or job performance.
Therefore, when well-meaning friends and family say, "Enjoy your vacation" or "How was your vacation?" it's simply more than likely inaccurate. Self-employed snowbirds, especially, do not take true vacations, ever. Maybe a long weekend here and there, but it is almost impossible to shut a business down for a week to take time off, ignore the phone / emails and decompress in the sun. A better question is to ask, "How was your time away?"
Packing and moving is stressful enough, without the added pressure of moving your small business to your southern home. I readily admit, there are times I question the sanity of it all.
The timing begins several months prior to departure. Notifying all vested parties of dates, contact information and location changes takes time.
Keeping everyone on track is a logistical challenge as well. We've asked friends to intercept and redirect packages from vendors and customers that inadvertently were delivered to our Northern location despite our best efforts to prevent it.
Having a solid home team to help at your Northern headquarters as needed is absolutely essential. Make sure you have family and trusted neighbors who are willing and available to locate needed files, supplies, parts and so forth, and able to prepare a package to send. Remember, during the unpredictable winters in your home state, family may not be able to drive across the city to assist with your needs, so you will have no other option than to ask a neighbor for assistance.
Anyone who is self-employed also knows the stress of slower sales is compounded that much more when you're spending a lot of money to pay for two homes. Make sure you are adequately funded to support a down turn due to any number of reasons.
Don't forget to get the basics correct. I was in a hurry to get an online order placed for delivery to our southern home and transposed the street address numbers. The delivery person couldn't find the non-existent address and the package was returned to the sender, causing further delays.
Non-working spouses/partners have to do their part to be supportive. That means doing everything possible to help pick up the work load as needed and making sure you are not demotivating your working spouse. As an example, going to lunch with your friends or golfing with your buddies is fine once in awhile. Don't make a daily habit of sitting in the sun, taking long walks on the beach, socializing with the neighbors and other activities that will make your working spouse either resent you and / or cause them to lose their motivation to stay focused on work. It's hard enough to sit next to a window with a great view and try to accomplish your work without being needlessly tempted by your spouse and your friends.
--Marie Forleo, American Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author and Web Television Host
Location, outdoor space and a gorgeous view are all tops on the list of the most sought-after rentals in snowbird communities What to Look for in A Snowbird Rental Figuring out your warm weather rental home is the single-largest factor to being happy when away …
Basic everyday household items such as glassware can easily be repurposed in your snowbird home 40 Snowbird Hacks, Tips No one wants to haul a bunch of limited use household items to/from their snowbird home, nor is it practical to purchase everything while away …
Snowbird menu ideas for 100+ easy, simple, go-to breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that are designed to be flexible, using hardworking basic ingredients without requiring special gadgets and appliances. Shop local, take advantage of access to fresh fish and regional or seasonal specialties in your snowbird home. Oftentimes we mix it up -- breakfast for dinner, leftovers for lunch and a more complicated meal on the weekends. I recommend "snowbird shortcuts" such as buying salad kits in a bag, instant rice, pre-grated cheeses, pre-made dips / spreads / desserts and semi-homemade recipes as much as possible.
Bagel with Neufchatel / cream cheese / flavored cream cheese and for special occasions, add lox, capers and red onion
Beverages: Coffee / tea / filtered water
Biscuits and gravy
Biscuits with sliced berries, jelly, jam, preserves or honey
Breakfast burritos: ground meat or egg, cheese, tomatoes, salsa and Greek yogurt
Bread: muffins / cinnamon rolls / biscuits / banana bread / croissants / toast and chutney or preserves / English muffins
Breakfast bars / Granola
Breakfast Casserole: with eggs, cheese, milk, sausage, mushrooms over a crust
Cereal with fresh fruit
Eggs: hard boiled / sunny side up / fried / poached / scrambled
English muffin with Canadian bacon / sausage patty, fresh spinach, egg and cheese
Fresh fruit: bananas / oranges / grapes / mango / strawberries / blueberries / blackberries / raspberries / cherries / stone fruits / apples / grapefruit / pears / specialty fruits
Grits with cheese topped with any of the following: bacon / shrimp / ham / sausage / nuts/ mushrooms and spinach
Juice: Orange / apple / grapefruit / tomato
Meats: bacon / sausage / Canadian bacon / chicken
Omelette: eggs, cheese, bell peppers, meat / poultry, onions, mushrooms
Pancakes* French toast or waffles* with blueberries and syrup
Pastries: Coffee cake / cinnamon rolls / donuts / biscuits / scones / muffins / banana bread
Parfaits with fresh berries, honey whipped cream and toasted oatmeal
Potatoes: Home fries / hash browns / pan fried
Quiche: Lorraine / ham / sausage / mushroom / seafood
Smoothies: fruit / green smoothie's
Yogurt: plain / fruit / Greek
Salads:
Caesar with Romaine, homemade dressing, shaved Parmesan cheese, black olives and croutons
Caprese salad: with Romaine, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, sliced tomatoes and balsamic vinegar
Greens with blue cheese, Ranch or red wine vinaigrette homemade salad dressing and vegetables, olives, avocado, cheese, nuts, croutons
Greek salad with greens, black olives, tomatoes, Feta cheese, cucumbers and homemade dressing
Layered Chop Salad: Romaine, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, shredded cheese and scallions
Mayo Salads: Egg salad / ham salad / chicken salad / seafood / imitation crab / tuna with croissant or fresh bread
Pasta salad with nuts, onions, red bell pepper, traditional or turkey pepperoni, Parmesan cheese
Potato salad: traditional or variations such as green olive, sour cream and hard boiled egg
Salad kits from the grocery (an essential snowbird short cut)
Slaw: traditional or Asian style
Spinach salad with red onions, diced eggs, strawberries, nuts and warm bacon dressing
Taco Salad: with Romaine, ground meat, cheese, onions, black olives, tomatoes, salsa, smashed chips
Sandwiches:
Burgers: Seasoned steak cheeseburger / hamburger / turkey burger / veggie burger and Parmesan aioli
Club: Bacon (turkey or pork), avocado, tomato, lettuce and mayo on fresh bread or lettuce cup
Crab melts with lump crab, melted Swiss and scallions
Crackers: with lunch meat, cheese, avocado or cream cheese / Neufchatel cheese / flavored cream cheese
Deli meat and cheese: ham / turkey / chicken / roast beef either chilled or Baked Cheesy Deli Sliders with butter sauce, olives and mayo
Fish fillets* with cheese, lettuce, mayo, Sriracha mayo, aioli or tartar sauce on a fresh bun
Grilled cheese with tomato and Canadian bacon
Hot dogs / kielbasa / brats: plain with traditional condiments or chili-cheese style with chili, onions, cheese, Dijon mustard on a fresh bun
Meatball: with sliced cheese and marinara sauce on a fresh bun
Muffuletta with a variety of deli meats, cheese and olive tapenade on crusty bread
Open faced versions of your favorites: such as mini Lump Crab Melts
Peanut butter and jelly (or peanut butter and honey) on fresh bread
Pulled pork with barbecue sauce on a bakery bun
Reuben: Corned beef with sauerkraut and Thousand Island sauce on pumpernickel, swirl or Rye bread
Sloppy Joe's with pickles on a fresh bun
Wraps: Deli meat with Ranch, cheese, lettuce and julienne-sliced vegetables or your favorite combination in a flour tortilla or lettuce cup
Entrees:
Burritos* or soft / crunchy tacos (fresh or frozen) with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, black olives, salsa, Greek yogurt
Chili-Spaghetti: Angel hair pasta topped with chili (from a can), diced onions and shredded cheese
Egg rolls* with Dijon mustard, apricot or sweet / sour sauce
Mac 'n cheese (from a box) with seasoned ground beef or ground turkey
Quesadillas with chicken or beef, cheese/s, grilled onions, tomatoes or salsa, Greek yogurt
Sides:
Applesauce
Baked beans
Chips, plain or with optional dip such as Fire Roasted Salsa or New England Clam Dip
Cottage cheese
Fruit: fresh or canned
Fries: white potato / yam
Hummus
Parmesan Crisps: with Kosher salt, fresh rosemary or bacon and bleu
Pickle spears
Vegetables: crudite with optional dip or grilled
Soups/Stews:
Refer to dinner menu
Salads: refer to the lunch menu
Sandwiches: refer to the lunch menu
Entrees:
Baked spaghetti with cheese, green olives, onions, mushrooms and Parmesan cheese
Beef and noodles
Broccoli Con Capellini with fresh steamed broccoli, baby bella mushrooms, pasta and Parmesan cheese
Casserole: Broccoli, rice, cheese, chicken and mushroom sauce
Casseroles -- send your favorite casserole recipes to me!
Chicken and noodles
Chicken alfredo with fettucine / linguini
Chicken parmesan with marinara sauce and noodles
Chicken wings with celery, buffalo sauce or blue cheese sauce
Crab cakes with fresh herb sauce
Crusted fish or chicken with Parmesan-panko-garlic-pecans
Eggplant parmesan with marinara sauce
Fish fillets: broiled / baked Tilapia whitefish / pan fried / grilled Amberjack from the fish market or frozen / Salmon / Mahi Mahi en papillote
Grits with shrimp, bacon, Canadian bacon and/or mushrooms / spinach / white wine sauce
Gumbo: seafood, kielbasa and chicken, bell pepper, onion, celery with rice
Jalapenos stuffed with cheese, ground meat
Jambalaya with rice
Kielbasa / brats / sausage with grilled onions and pierogies or fresh bun and condiments
Lasagna: frozen or homemade with noodles, marinara, seasoned ground meat, ricotta and Parmesan cheese
Mac 'n cheese (homemade) baked with two+ cheeses and creamy sauce
Meat: grilled / pan fried / baked poultry / pork / beef
Meatballs with angel hair pasta and Parmesan cheese
Meatloaf / ham loaf
Nachos with poultry / ground meat / seafood and tomatoes, lettuce, olives, cheese, Greek yogurt
Pierogies* with kielbasa and grilled onions
Pizza: frozen / homemade / flatbread with pesto, fresh mozzarella and roasted chicken
Poblano peppers stuffed with meat / cheese and chili releno sauce
Pot pie: beef / chicken / turkey with fresh vegetables, sauce in a crust
Pulled pork and mashed potatoes / pasta / bun and barbecue sauce
Scottish Mashed Potatoes with Sausage and Whiskey Gravy
Seafood: fish fillets / salmon / cod / white fish / shrimp / scallops / mussels / clams / crab / lobster
Seafood en papillote (in parchment paper)
Shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta
Stroganoff: ground meat with mushrooms, onions, sour cream with rice or egg noodles
Stuffed cabbage with green olives and tomato sauce
Stuffed pasta shells with ricotta, mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce
Stir fry: chicken / pork / beef / seafood with fresh vegetables
Salmon patties with fresh herb sauce
Sides:
Bread: Sour dough / rolls / garlic / cheesy / popovers / biscuits / croissants / pumpernickel / focaccia and specialty breads
Legumes / quinoa / hummus
Pasta: angel hair / spaghetti / fettuccine / egg noodles / shells / tortellini / linguini / gnocchi / pierogies / couscous / orzo
Potatoes: mashed / baked / twice baked / hash browns / home style / cheesy potato casserole / pierogies / latkes
Rice: White / brown / wild / basmati / jasmine / Caribbean / Tex-Mex / sunset style / risotto
Stuffed Baby Bella mushrooms with Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, mozzarella and fresh rosemary
Vegetables GREEN: Avocados / green beans / peas / asparagus / broccoli / brussels sprouts / lima beans / zucchini squash / bell peppers / poblano peppers / Jalapeno peppers
Vegetables YELLOW/WHITE: Corn / potatoes / cauliflower / bell peppers / yellow squash / mushrooms / onions
Vegetables ORANGE/RED/PURPLE: Tomatoes / yams / sweet potatoes / egg plant / carrots / bell peppers / onions / butternut squash / acorn squash
Soups/Stews:
Beer cheese with popcorn
Bisque: Seafood / shrimp / crab / lobster
Butternut squash
Chicken noodle
Chili with cheese and onions
Chowder: clam / fish / seafood / corn
Cream of fresh broccoli / mushroom / chicken / shrimp / leek / potato
French onion with crusty bread, grilled onions and cheese
Potato and bacon
Seafood gumbo
Vegetable soup
Brownies / cookies / bars: semi homemade or from the bakery
Cheese cake: semi homemade or from the bakery
Cobbler: fruit with vanilla ice cream
Fruit: salad with whipped topping / tart / parfait style
Ice cream: plain or with chocolate, caramel or strawberry syrup, chopped nuts, whipped topping
Parfait: with fresh berries and whipped cream
Pudding: semi homemade or from the canned food section
Pie / cake: semi homemade or from the bakery; Bourbon Chocolate Nut pie
White Chocolate Popcorn: with peanuts, chocolate and butter
* denotes from the freezer section
Contact me with your favorite snowbird recipes and casseroles!
--Carrie Latet
Take inventory of your refrigerator and freezer and focus on using those items up first during the last two to three weeks of your stay Snowbird Meal Planning In the past, I didn’t truly understand what the concept of meal planning entails. I had heard …