The days are long and bright, the cooler's full and the grill is lit. Don't let a rogue thunderstorm or patch of poison ivy ruin that perfect scene: Keep your summer calamity-free with 49 genius fixes.
It's been a downright brutal winter and you've plum forgotten how to build the perfect burger. Here's how it's done, champ.
It's too hot for your go-to grilled cheese and tomato soup. Meet your new summer sidepiece.
If you're upping the barbecue ante, you'd better level up your sad old can of baked beans to match.
Who left the ice cream out on the counter? Too melty for cones, but just right for bread.
Sally down the block always wins "prettiest dish" at the neighborhood picnic. Not this year, Sally.
These lobster and shrimp sandwiches have a gingery Asian slaw.
That beach trip was blissful until you came home with a wicked sunburn. Find relief in your pantry (of all places).
You're terrified of yet another Pinterest fail. Fret not, these poppers are e-a-s-y.
Your seaside rental house has everything, except instructions on how to cook your freshly-caught dinner.
It's your kids vs. your arch rival's kids in a lemonade stand battle royale. Time to call in the reinforcements.
You picked pie for the potluck but ain't nobody got time to make pie crust. It's a no-bake banana cream 911.
Can't face a sink full of pots and pans post-dinner tonight? Grab the foil and set yourself free.
Just because you're camping doesn't mean you have to eat like an animal.
Your brunch guests arrived early and you need a not-boring nibble on the fly. Step it up.
Ho-hum grilled chicken breasts are just "basic." Sharpen those skewers.
A side salad would complete your summer meal but you're really just craving a bag of chips. No shame here.
You're officially over amateur-hour barbecue. Time to get your smoke on like a bonafide pit master.
You go for Texas barbecue but your friends demand St. Louis-style. Ribs for both sides of this Jets vs. Sharks debate await.
Can't afford to go anywhere exotic this year? Hit the travel mags and pour yourself one of these.
Mayday, mayday! You ran out of hot dog buns at the height of grilling season.
Feeling a little too skinny in your bathing suit? These should help.
Peach-picking was a great idea until you got home with an orchard's worth of fruit about to go boots up. Make like Princess Peach and try peaches every way.
That long-awaited road trip starts tomorrow and you need car snacks, stat.
For when half the family wants burgers but the other half wants pizza.
Knock, knock, knock. Got unexpected guests and only one bottle of wine in the house? Stretch it like so.
Embarrassed over your non-uniform watermelon slices? Here's how the pros do it.
Weeds may have temporarily won the backyard battle, but you'll win the war.
Gone vegan this bikini season? Ice cream's still on the menu.
Less-than-ripe tomatoes call for an emergency juice transfusion. Set them swimming in this sweet-tart marinade.
Kids suffering from the mid-summer boredom blues? These should perk them right up.
Summer thunderstorm killed your campfire? Take your s'mores indoors.
Your fancy cocktail party's falling a little flat. Bring back the fun like you did in college.
Major calendar fail: You mixed up the dates for the state fair and missed all the fun. Let the funnel cakes come to you.
The mercury just hit 100 degrees and you need a break from grill duty. Slow cooker or bust!
Can't swing that super yacht rental this year? Here's the boat for you.
If you eat one more plain Jane corn on the cob this summer, you'll scream.
Ah, the great outdoors. That hike in the woods was rejuvenating until you wandered into a patch of poison ivy. Itching, begone!
The kids are screaming for ice cream but there's no machine in sight. You don't need no stinkin' machine.
That swarm of bees was super distracting and you over-grilled the chicken. Slather on some salsa and no one's the wiser.
Your family thinks you're stuck in a flavor rut? Make them eat their words.
Are the fireworks louder this year? Here's a little something for your frazzled nerves.
Yes, it's deep summer, but dang it, you're craving comfort food.
Surprise! The boss is coming to dinner and you've been boasting 'bout your grill skills around the office. Show up or shut up.
There's no time to make dessert but you're no quitter. Time for a little smoke and mirrors.
The kids want to help out with the hot dogs but you can't let them near the hot grill. Try these on for size.
A little overzealous with your tomato crop this year? Toss those crisp green guys in the fryer.
Summer birthday season is in full force and you've run out of cake recipes. Wow them with way-easier ice cream cakes galore.
Uh oh, you promised the family a seafood feast they'd never forget, and they've finally come to collect.
It's the last backyard bash of the season and you'd better bring it. Ice bowls > all other bowls.
