Disclosure: I received a back to school kit from Hanes, and they are providing this prize. All opinions are my own. It's almost time for back to school here in the Boston suburbs. My kids go back to school next Wednesday, and it feels like they just got out of school for the summer. We've had a full summer, with weeks of camp, weekends of softball, days at the pool, and an epic vacation to Greece. But I'm still sad that our summer is over. To prepare for the kids' return back to school, we've done lots of shopping - here are some of the things to add to your list. Back to School Shopping Ideas School supplies Many school districts supply families with school supply lists, so you'll just need to take your list to the store and shop. If you don't have a list, you may just want to get ... View Post
Tips to Prepare for Back to School
I feel like my kids just left school for the summer, and we're already talking back to school. Since we go back to school in late August, we have just about a month left. While I totally plan to enjoy our summer vacation for the next few weeks, there are a few things that we can do now to prepare for back to school. Taking the time now to do a few things is a great way to make sure that I'm not stressed days before they go back. Here are my tips to prepare for back to school. Tips to Prepare for Back to School Get School Forms Ready This year, my kids' pediatrician's office requested that we sent medical form requests well in advance of the start of the school year. It's becoming more difficult for them to do these forms at the last minute. If your child takes medication at school, ... View Post
Saving for College in the Teen Years
Disclosure: I’m working with Fidelity Investments and MEFA to spread the word on the U.Fund Dreams Tour. All opinions are my own. As a parent, there comes a time when you look at your little one and realize that they aren't so little anymore. That tiny toddler who needed help with everything is now a fully-functioning human. You may suddenly realize that college is right around the corner, and while that brings its own sadness, another big concern is cost. College tuition is becoming more and more expensive, and while it may have seemed like a lifetime away, it suddenly isn't. If you haven't put away much money for college, or you haven't started, here are some tips for saving for college in the teen years. Saving for College in the Teen Years Don't Panic It can definitely be ... View Post
10 Places to Add to Your Family Travel Bucket List
There are so many fantastic places that you can visit with kids. However, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where to go. While it can be tempting to go back to the same place year after year, it's also fun to explore new places. Looking for some family travel inspiration? Here are some places that we've recently traveled to, and have loved. There are plenty of options here for your family travel bucket list, at a variety of prices. 10 Places to Add to Your Family Travel Bucket List New England If you haven't visited New England with your kids yet, you definitely should add it to your list. With six small states that are easily accessible from each other, it's also the perfect location for a family road trip. Unless you enjoy skiing, I'd probably recommend saving your ... View Post
Cobb-Inspired Chopped Salad Recipe
I love eating hearty entree salads in the summer. Anytime that I don't have to turn on my oven in the summer is a big win. Salads are a great option because you can incorporate fresh, local ingredients in the summer. This salad, which is inspired by the popular Cobb salad, can mostly be prepared ahead of time, so that it's quick to prepare when it's time to eat. It's great for those busy nights when you are running around to various fields. You can also bring it along to a picnic, BBQ, or summer party (just make sure it stays refrigerated). You can also add your own touches to it by incorporating some of your favorite ingredients. Cobb-Inspired Chopped Salad Recipe Ingredients 2 medium-sized tomatoes 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese 1 head of lettuce (I use Boston Bibb ... View Post
Peach and Lemon Instant Pot Iced Tea Recipe
I love iced tea, and drink it all four seasons. It's a refreshing drink that can be low calorie if you limit the amount of sugar or sweetener that you add. Making my own individual servings of iced tea can be a bit time consuming, so I prefer to make a small pitcher that I can drink over a few days. When I first learned that I could make Instant Pot iced tea, I was intrigued. I love sun tea, but it can definitely be challenging to make here in New England. I wanted to make an Instant Pot iced tea that was strong, but not bitter, and included some of my favorite summer flavors. I spend some time working through this recipe for peach and lemon instant pot iced tea, and I think it's absolutely delicious. Note: when using your Instant Pot, be sure to use caution and follow all of the ... View Post
