How to Have the Best Labor Day Weekend!
Labor Day weekend is the sure sign for many Americans that summer break is over and it's time to get back to the work and school grind! But not before one last three- day weekend to celebrate summer's last hoorah! Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and pays tribute to all of the hard working Americans before us. Labor Day was created by the labor movement and in 1894 became a federal holiday- that means no banks, schools or federal offices will be open during the holiday! Many people celebrate this holiday with fun, outdoor activities- camping, cookouts, athletic events, pool parties- you name it! Many will even travel for one last mini- vacay before the Thanksgiving/Christmas season starts in November. If you're not hosting, you're sure to be invited to some sort of end-of-summer, labor day event!
Attending or hosting a cookout, BBQ or picnic? It's just bad manners to show up empty handed- so first ask the host what you can contribute! Easy dishes like casseroles, salads, fruit bowls or kabobs are pretty standard- but show up with Individual 7 Layer Dip Cups and the whole crew will be impressed with your skills! We've included the recipe below. These events are typically hosted in someone's backyard, at the beach or a nice local park so be sure to bring a cooler of icy drinks to stay hydrated! Now you’re probably wondering ‘ what would make the event more fun’? Everyone enjoys tossing around the pigskin, playing life size Jenga or a competitive game of cornhole. If you're hosting, be sure to gather plenty of activities for guests to participate in. If you're a guest, ask the host what will be provided and offer to bring a game or two yourself.
Maybe you're just going to relax at the beach or by the pool? Get an early start so you have no trouble finding parking or a spot to claim beach/poolside for that matter! Pack a picnic of sandwiches, fruit, and corn or pasta salad, plenty of drinks and sunblock, a couple of towels, floats and a frisbee! Now you’re set for a full day of entertaining fun! Don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen!
Are you traveling? Be sure to have reservations already made if you plan to stay at a hotel! Factor in extra holiday traffic and higher than normal gas prices- plan ahead for the trip! Take off to your destination of choice- visit family or friends in another town or state. Go enjoy the mountains in Georgia or Tennessee or a fresh, Florida spring. Use the three-day weekend to really enjoy yourself- however that may be. Be sure to take plenty of breaks to stretch those legs if you plan to drive!
Maybe visit a local theme park or water park. Tampa offers several options, and of course there is tons of family fun to be had if you travel over to Orlando for the weekend, or just make it a quick day trip! Check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Aquatica, Disney Springs or any of the other family fun attractions the tourist town has to offer! Take plenty of pics and post them to Facebook!
Whichever route you decide to take this Labor Day weekend, remember the most important thing is to HAVE FUN, RELAX & ENJOY the time off because come Tuesday the 4th- it's back to work and school we all go!
Individual 7 Layer Dip
Ingredients· 1 (15.5 oz) can refried beans
· 1 1/2 Tbsp taco seasoning , recipe follows in notes (or to taste)
· 3 medium ripe avocados
· 2 Tbsp fresh lime or lemon juice
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
· 1 cup sour cream
· 1 cup thick and chunky salsa (optional, I prefer it without)
· 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
· 2 large Roma tomatoes , diced
· 2/3 cup black olives , diced
· 2 - 3 green onions , diced
· Also needed , 8 (9 oz) cups
Instructions
1. In a bowl, using a fork, stir together refried beans with 2 Tbsp water (or more to reach desired consistency. You don't want them to be runny but not so thick they'll break the chips either). Mix in taco seasoning.
2. Peel and core avocados and mash with lime juice to reach desired texture, while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. To assemble:
4. Add a heaping spoonful of the bean mixture to the bottom of cup (careful not to smear it along the edges or you'll mess up the look of the layers. It doesn't have to be perfect and you can wipe it of with a damp paper towel as needed) then spread into an even layer using the back of a spoon. Add a heaping spoonful of the avocado mixture over bean layer and spread into an even layer, then follow with a layer of a spoonful of sour cream (spread) then a spoonful of salsa if using (spread). Sprinkle with a layer of cheese, then finish by layering tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Store in refrigerator and serve with tortilla chips.
5. Recipe Source: adapted fromThe Girl Who Ate Everything
For the tacos seasoning: in a bowl combine 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper. Use what is needed then store remainder in an airtight container for another use.
