How to Build the Perfect Backyard Brewing System for your Next Home Brew

*This is a guest post*

Everyone loves a nice refreshing beverage after a long day of work and for many people, that refreshing beverage is a nice cold beer. Some people have taken such an interest in their beer that they have thought to try their hand at crafting their own unique brew. Locally brewed craft beers offer amazing flavor and taste that can’t be beat by the big name brands found in grocery stores. Craft beer is quickly becoming more popular and accessible than ever before, and this recent trend is helping beer drinkers all over have access to the things they need to brew beer inside the kitchens, garages or basements. There are those people out there who enjoy brewing their own beer so much that they have even decided to build a small home brewing facility out of an old shed or an unused space of land. It’s a fun and easy project that’s perfect for summer; they simply start from the ground up and build their very own backyard brewery.

 

This will help guide you through the basics of what you need to do in order to build your own backyard brewery from the ground up.

 

Construction needs:

  • Foundation
    • Getting the help of a professional is a good idea here, they will help you slope the foundation perfectly into a drain system. Don’t forget to remove any slab/foundation you need to run utilities into the building
  • Framing
    • Sometimes this can be done on your own, sometimes you may require handyman or carpentry services for a bit of help
  • Siding/roofing
    • Once you get your framing squared away it will be time to put some walls and a roof up on the exterior of your structure
  • Windows/Doors
    • You don’t want to be brewing in a cave! Let some of that beautiful sunlight in. The windows will let you know when the sun goes down, since the hours will be flying by while you brew.
  • Electrical/gas
    • This is another critical aspect of your backyard brewery and can make or break your entire project, make sure to get it done right. Electrical can be tedious, not to mention dangerous work, if you are unqualified to install the electrical work, please get in touch with someone who specializes in electrical services
  • Plumbing
    • This facet of your homebrew system is absolutely crucial, if you have any doubts about your abilities as a DIY plumber, make sure to call professional plumbing services who can get the job done right
  • Insulation
    • You will most likely be spending a lot of time in your new favorite place and you don’t want to freeze during winter! Check out your local home improvement store for the their advice
  • Drywall
    • Drywall is often one of the most overlooked parts of any project, it can be extremely difficult to work with, so be sure to get the help of some experienced friends or a contractor
  • Painting
    • Painting is often one of the last big projects that will help you complete your homebrew area, so consider this the homestretch! Once you are done with painting you can start enjoying all of that beautiful beer you have been brewing, because let’s not kid around here, we know that as soon as you were able you started brewing before construction was complete!

 

There you have it, everything you need to get your own backyard brewery up and running. These quick and easy steps will help you get started on an exciting new outdoor home renovation project for summer. A home brewery is a great way to take advantage of empty space in your yard, transforming unused potential into a well-designed and functional add-on. Not only is this a great way to add long-term value to your current property, but also a fun and exciting way to get firsthand experience in the world of hops and home brewing. Impress friends and family this summer by inviting them over for a backyard barbeque complete with your own home-brewed craft beer. For everything you need to actually brew your beer, check out Brew Hardware, or Bargain Fittings. There you’ll find all the products and tools necessary for even the most inexperienced novice to get started brewing craft beers and ales like a seasoned professional. Have a blast building your ultimate backyard brewery this summer and don’t forget that half the fun is in the journey!  

America Commutes with Contigo

*This post is made possible by Contigo.  I received a promotional item in exchange for this post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Last month, I shared our experience with Contigo and their water bottles and insulated travel mugs.  

Since we were first introduced to Contigo, we have all been taking advantage of our new drink containers.  The kids are always armed with their water bottles and really, for the last 2 weeks, my pretty purple West Loop Travel Mug has been one of my best friends and has been traveling with me everywhere!

Check out this great infographic about how America commutes and let me know what surprises you the most!

I found it very interesting that given the current economy and gas prices that only 10.1% of America carpools. 

AmeCommuters copy

How do you commute? 

What do you drink on your drive?

What do you enjoy/dislike most about your commute?

The Color Run – Green Bay September 29th

*This post is made possible by The Color Run. I received a promotional item in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
 

You may have seen pictures all over Facebook, Instagram and Twitter of people running while covered in what looks like different colors of paint.  Well, now’s your chance to be part of it, The Color Run is coming to Green Bay WI September 29th and I have 2 teenage kids who are looking forward to running in it!

The Color Run™, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community

Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic “Color Festival,” using more colored powder to create happiness and lasting memories, not to mention millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5k party on the planet!

With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow: Wear white at the starting line and finish plastered in color!

 

Be sure to register now and use the promo code COLOR5OFF and save $5 on registration for ANY city that is NOT sold out! Register now as this is an event that usually sells out!

Want to run with a team?

When you register in a team of 4 or more it is automatically $5 cheaper, you can then also use the promo code on top of that and save $10.00. Details are online.

How does a “Color Team” work compared with a solo runner?

Pretty simple, you register as a (4 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual. You get to pick a groovy custom team name, anything from The Roy G Biv All-stars to We Sweat Rainbows. You then get to run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the 5 color kilometers. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately.

*This code DOES NOT guarantee you a spot in the race so be sure to register if there are still openings available.

Still not sure if The Color Run is for you? Check out this great video for more information!

Planning on participating?  Let me know and I will be sure to watch for you on race day!

Sesame Street Live: Make A New Friend Nov. 15-17th 2013

**This post and giveaway is made possible by Vee Corporation.  I received a promotional item in exchange for this post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  This post may contain affiliate links.**

Last November, Alex and I had the opportunity to take Alexander and Ellie to see Sesame Street Live:  Can’t Stop Singing at the Brown County Veteran’s Memorial  Arena.  Of course, Ellie was just shy of 11 months old at the time, so she didn’t really get it but Alexander had an absolute blast.  

Now that Ellie has discovered Sesame Street and has fallen for Elmo, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the gang, we are excited that we will be returning to the arena this November to see Sesame Street Live:  Make A New Friend.

No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies! Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family!
Sesame Street Live:  Make A New Friend will be at the Brown County Veteran’s Memorial November 15th-17 for 6 shows.  

You can catch a performance on one of the following days:

Friday, November 15th: 7pm
Saturday, November 16th: 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm
Sunday, November 17th: 1pm & 4:30pm

Ticket prices:

Sunny Seats (VIP) $56
Gold Circle $29 & $21

VIP tickets include a pre-show photo opportunity with two characters from the show.
Any child who has reached his or her first birthday must have a ticket.
The $21 seats are $14 on opening night.

Baby Bump Update: Nearing the end!

I can’t believe the end is near!!!

Before we know it we will be snuggling our new little bundle of joy.

That time cannot come soon enough!

This week has been rough.  I’ve been having some pretty good contractions since Wednesday.  So good, we took a trip to the doctor to have things checked out.  As of Wednesday I haven’t dialated at all but my cervix is softened and things are changing in the nether regions!

YAY!

While at the office on Wednesday I sat on the monitor for a bit to check out the contractions and they are indeed contractions.  Since then, they have been getting stronger and longer now I just need them to get closer!  I also had an ultrasound just to scope things out and everything looked good too!

Now lets just hope for a baby….soon!

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