Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

May 212019
 

Every year on Mother’s Day my family goes for a hike at one of our AHmazing state parks called Purgatory Chasm. We’ve done a lot of hikes around New England, but Purgatory Chasm is definitley our favorite! Made up of towering granite walls that run for approximately a quarter of a mile, makes it is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family!

Purgatory Chasm is the best hike in Massachusetts! If you are looking for a mix of hiking and rock climbing in New England, Purgatory Chasm is perfect!

The thing about Purgatory Chasm is that it’s more than just a hike – it involves a lot of rock climbing. There are trails around the chasm itself, but it’s way more fun to make your way right through the chasm. Continue reading »

Cheap Eats in Boston

May 162019
 

If you are looking for cheap eats in Boston, here are six of the best places to get some grub. Your tummy will be happy and your wallet will be lighter.

Boston may be known for its fine dining options (my mind goes right to the Top of the Hub when I say that), but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to have a decent meal when you’re there. In fact, there are plenty of cheap eats around Boston, so you have plenty of dining options.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Cheap Eats in Boston

Sapporo Ramen (Cambridge)
Ramen lovers rejoice! Sapporo Ramen brings you a massive bowl of ramen for just over $10, and while the place might be surrounded by several other Asian restaurants, this one is definitely worth visiting! You’ll also get to choose from different options- the bases, the toppings and some side dishes too. Continue reading »

Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

May 142019
 

Make your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebrations extra fun with these Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes! They're easy to make and will be a huge hit!

While we’ve had a cold & rainy start to spring here in New England this year, that’s not going to stop Memorial Day and July 4th from coming up quick. Most of us will find ourselves at either a Memorial Day cookout or one for July 4th (or both). Why not make your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebrations extra fun with these Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes? They’re wicked easy to whip up and will be a huge hit! Continue reading »

Easy Teacher’s Appreciation Day Gift

May 072019
 

May 7th is Teacher's Appreciation Day. Show your kids teachers how much you appreciate them with this simple, but fun gift idea.

Hey, did you know that today is Teacher’s Appreciation Day? I have always said that teachers have one of the hardest jobs there is.  I have been volunteering in both of my kids classrooms for years now!  My oldest son is a freshman and while I don’t volunteer in his class anymore (because he would never be caught dead), I have been volunteering since he was in kindergarten – and that’s a long time! I have literally volunteered every year since then.  Guys, that was 10 years ago!

Having spent so much time in the different classrooms over the years, I have seen what goes on first hand, I can personally attest to the fact that it’s NOT easy. Between super long days (sometimes they stay until 6 or 7 pm making photo copies for the next day), difficult kids, deadlines, standardized testing prep and actually teaching the required curriculum – I don’t know how some of them do it. Seriously. Continue reading »

Keep Kids Busy This Summer With These Fun Ideas

May 062019
 

With summer break around the corner, many parents are wondering what in the world the kids will do. When you have younger kids it may be easier to entertain them, but as your kids get older what is it that they enjoy doing during the summer season? Today I’m featuring a summer bucket list with things for kids of all ages to do.

Keep Kids Busy This Summer With These Fun Ideas

With summer break around the corner, many parents are wondering what to do with the kids all summer. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Learn a Magic Trick

Whether you give the kids YouTube to find a new magic trick or you purchase a magic trick kit, learning a magic trick is fun for all ages during summer break. See what magic trick your kids will learn when you give them free rein to come up with a clever trick to entertain the family. Continue reading »

White Bean Dip with Seasoned Pita Chips

May 032019
 

This delicious white bean dip is a great addition to any party menu. It is quick and easy to make – and your guests are sure to love the subtle balance of flavors packed into each bite

Now that spring is just about here, it’s party time – well at least for us.  We LOVE having people over for get-togethers, but of course that means I need to whip up lots of snacks for my guests. This delicious white bean dip is a great addition to any party menu. It is quick and easy to make – and your guests are sure to love the subtle balance of flavors packed into each bite. It is perfect with mildly seasoned pita chips or veggie platters.

White Bean Dip with Seasoned Pita Chips

This delicious white bean dip is a great addition to any party menu. It is quick and easy to make – and your guests are sure to love the subtle balance of flavors packed into each bite

Continue reading »

Why STEM is so Important for Kids #bestsummerever #summersmarter

Apr 262019
 

STEM learning is focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These four areas are some of the fasted growing areas in the world of careers and have become something that’s highly focused on educating kids. With the advancement of technology and the rise of jobs that require a background in STEM, it’s no wonder more and more STEM camps for kids have started to appear throughout the country. Today I’m going to share why STEM is so important for kids and share a fabulous camp for your kids to attend this year called iD Tech.

Why-STEM-is-so-Important-for-Kids

Why STEM is so Important for Kids

Advanced Intelligence

Having kids with a solid background in STEM education helps to provide kids with the opportunity to advance their intellect and iD Tech is here to help with that. We use STEM in our everyday life as well as in various ways that most people don’t even realize. We need math to bake, cook a homemade meal and budget our finances but beyond that, STEM is an area that will encourage kids to think deeper about the world around them providing them with a chance to advance their intelligence while enjoying fun activities. Spending time at iD Tech will help kids improve in all of these areas. Continue reading »

Froot Loops Milkshake. You’re Welcome!

Apr 172019
 

This easy to make Froot Loops Milkshake is seriously the Bee's Knees! Using only three ingredients, it's super yummy and will be ready in just minutes.

We were out food shopping recently and the little one spotted Froot Loops as we were walking down the cereal aisle.  He had to have them and since I can’t say no to that kid, we walked out with a bowl of Froot Loops even though I knew he was only going to have a bowl or two and then he’s be all set with them. Sure enough, three bowls later and he was done with Froot Loops. So there I was with 2/3 of a box of Froot Loops that I needed to use up.  I decided to make a Froot Loops Milkshake out of some of them and it ended up being a huge hit with the boys. And me. And my husband. Seriously, making Froot Loops Milkshakes was one of the smartest ideas I’ve ever had and since I made them this first time, I’ve ended up making them a bunch more times because everyone loved them so much.

Froot Loops Milkshake

This easy to make Froot Loops Milkshake is seriously the Bee's Knees! Using only three ingredients, it's super yummy and will be ready in just minutes.

Continue reading »

Creamy and Delicious White Chicken Chili

Apr 012019
 

If you are looking for a hearty winter meal, try this Creamy and Delicious White Chicken Chili. It's easy to make and your family will love this delicious recipe.Since we still have another month or two of the cold weather here in New England, I am not ready to put the crockpot away for the season yet. I don’t know what I’d do without my beloved crockpot!  I use that thing several times a week and one of my family’s favorite meals is this Creamy and Delicious White Chicken Chili. It’s not easy to get everyone in the house to agree on a meal, but this is one that everyone likes – so needless to say I make it fairly often. It’s easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious.

Creamy and Delicious White Chicken Chili

If you are looking for a hearty winter meal, try this Creamy and Delicious White Chicken Chili. It's easy to make and your family will love this delicious recipe.

Here’s what you need:

  • 24 oz chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cups chicken, shredded
  • 2 cans white beans
  • 7 oz can green chilies
  • Cilantro to taste
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 15 oz canned corn, drained

Continue reading »

Mickey Mouse Bark

Mar 182019
 

This Mickey Mouse bark is not only really easy to make, you only need a few ingredients to make it. It's the perfect treat for your favorite Disney fan!

You probably already know this, but I am a complete and utter Disney fanatic. I am raising my kids to be the same way and hopefully they will carry on the love with their own children some day. In addition to yearly trips to Orlando to visit the parks, on occasion I like to surprise the family with fun treats like this Mickey Mouse Bark that I whipped up recently. Guys, it’s so easy to make and if you know a major Disney fan, make some for them – they will love it.

This Mickey Mouse bark is wicked easy to make and you only need a few ingredients to make it. And before you ask, you can find the Mickey Mouse sprinkles right on Amazon (that’s where I got mine).

Mickey Mouse Bark

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 1/2 cups white candy melts
  • Red M&M’s
  • Yellow M&M’s
  • Mickey Mouse Sprinkles
  • Red and white sprinkles

Continue reading »

Oreo Basketball Pops

Mar 062019
 

Do you love basketball? If the answer is yes, why not whip up some of these oreo basketball pops for an easy and fun treat to eat while you watch the game.

For years my oldest (who is not 14) struggled to find his “thing”. He tried all kinds of different sports over the years and he even took drum lesson for a few years. We thought we finally found something he loved in karate, but the horrible people that ran his dojo ended up making him hate something he really loved for a while there.

Anyways, last year (almost two full years after he quit karate), it happened. He’s FINALLY found “his thing” – basketball. He plays on a church league run by my town, which he absolutely loves! His team made the playoffs this season and the first playoff game is this weekend so I made these Oreo basketball pops to celebrate the accomplishment. They are wicked easy to make and seriously, who doesn’t love chocolate covered Oreos?

Oreo Basketball Pops

Do you love basketball? If the answer is yes, why not whip up some of these oreo basketball pops for an easy and fun treat to eat while you watch the game.
Continue reading »

New England Outdoor Living and Garden Show THIS WEEKEND!

Mar 052019
 

The New England Outdoor Living and Garden Show is coming to the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island THIS WEEKEND, March 8 – 10, 2019!

Talented artists, designers, and gardeners have created mini-outdoor oases that will be displayed indoors for show guests to walk through, experiencing the vision, the smells, the touch and the feelings as if you are really outside on a beautiful day. In addition to the walk through experience, there will be a Marketplace with over 45 vendors offering chances to purchase items such as: Garden Accessories, Hand Made Garden Art, Outdoor Furniture, Culinary Food, Beverages and more. Learn from the best in design and entertaining, by attending our Master Classes. These are not just demonstrations; we are offering intimate opportunities to meet the experts in their craft.

Some special show highlights include: Continue reading »

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Dr. Seuss Inspired Green Eggs Snack Idea

Feb 252019
 

Dr Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Dessert Recipe

Dr. Seuss’s birthday is a wonderful time to enjoy all things Seuss related! The book Green Eggs and Ham is no doubt a favorite amongst children, which is why this Dr. Seuss Green Eggs recipe is sure to be a hit in your house. You can make your own green eggs in just minutes, and this is one sweet treat you won’t have to beg kids to eat! Here is how you can get started making your own green eggs.

Here’s what you need:

  • Vanilla pudding
  • Green food coloring
  • Nilla wafers

Dr Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Dessert

We found everything we needed at our local Dollar Tree. The vanilla pudding cups make it easy to add the coloring and for kids to stir. Plus, each cup makes two eggs which is perfect per child. You can also find the smaller sized Nilla Wafers like we used here. Perfect! Continue reading »

DIY Leprechaun Rocks

Feb 182019
 

If you're in need of a fun and easy St. Patrick's Day craft idea, look no further than these Leprechaun Rocks.

St. Patrick’s Day will be here before you know it – it’s already less than a month away.  When my boys were little, they always loved it when I pull out our craft bucket because it always meant something fun was about to happen! Making Leprechaun Rocks was one of those fun things we made every year and today I want to show you how to make them.  They are super easy to make and the kids always love them (because who doesn’t love anything covered in glitter?). If you’re in need of a fun and easy St. Patrick’s Day craft idea, look no further than these Leprechaun Rocks.

Leprechaun Rocks

Here’s what you need:

  • River Rocks or Stones (you can find them at Dollar Tree if you don’t have access to a beach or river to collect your own)
  • Fine or Extra Fine Gold Glitter (you can find it at any craft store like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby)
  • Mod Podge (matte finish)
  • Craft Foam Brush
  • Newspaper to cover you work area (optional, but highly recommended)

Leprechaun Rocks Supplies

Here’s what you do: Continue reading »

Salsa Verde Pork Chops

Feb 112019
 

If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea, these salsa verde pork chops are the answer. This recipe can be made quickly and it's delicious!

My mom was one of the best cooks in the world.  You have no idea how much I miss her home-cooked dinners sometimes.  As most of you know, I lost her in 2017 and while most of her recipes live on, it’s just not the same.  But as much as I loved her cooking, there were a few things she made that I just could not stand.  She made this horrible apricot chicken dish that I nicknamed “yucken” when I was a kid -and the name just sort of stuck. Another thing I just didn’t like when I was a kid were pork chops.  No matter how she made them, it took everything I had not to gag over every  bite.

Now that I’m an adult, I understand that it’s a texture issue, but as a kid I just thought pork chops were gross.  Speaking of being an adult, we all know that means you have to do things you don’t like sometimes and since I want my kids to at least TRY new foods, I made pork for dinner recently.  I ended up finding this recipe for Salsa Verde Pork Chops, so I made it.

Salsa Verde Pork Chops

If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea, these salsa verde pork chops are the answer. This recipe can be made quickly and it's delicious!
Continue reading »

The New England Boat Show is Coming to Boston THIS WEEKEND!

Feb 042019
 

It’s that time of year again…time for the New England Boat Show that is. My husband is obsessed with boats so attending the boat show is an annual tradition for us. This year the New England Boat show is in Boston from February​ ​9-17,​ ​2019, so be sure to make some time to get to over there to visit while the event is going on. The New England Boat Show attracts over 50,000 marine enthusiasts of all ages and definitley has something for everyone.

Here’s are some of the things you can expect at the 2019 Progressive Insurance New England Boat Show this year: Continue reading »

Fitness Hacks for Busy Moms

Feb 042019
 

Here are a few easy fitness hacks for busy moms so that you can get everything done while building that muscle tone as well!

Being a busy mom means that you end up putting everyone else before your own needs or wants. Well, that’s not any way to live life, but alas, it’s the life of busy moms everywhere. Even though you’re a busy mom, it’s still important to squeeze in some fitness during your busy days. Today I’m featuring some fitness hacks for busy moms so that you can get everything done while building that muscle tone too.

5 Fitness Hacks for Busy Moms

Brushing Teeth Wall Sit

You’re supposed to brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, right?! Will utilize this time to sneak in a little fitness. While you’re brushing your teeth do wall sits. Simply place your back against the wall, lower yourself into a “sitting position”, without a chair, and hold that pose for the entire 2 minutes of teeth brushing. Depending on how fit you are, you may not be able to do the full 2 minutes at first, but you’ll work your way up in no time. Continue reading »

Crockpot Turtle Brownies

Jan 282019
 

Looking for an easy dessert idea? Try these Crockpot Turtle Brownies. This recipe is really easy to make and the brownies come out all gooey and delicious.

When it comes to making desserts, I don’t like to make things that are too complicated. I could sit here and tell you it’s because I’m such a busy mom and I don’t have time to make anything too involved, but the truth is I’m lazy.  I definitely prefer to just throw a few things together and make something real quick. Or grab an ice cream sandwich from the freezer….

But you know that sometimes you want more than a boring old ice cream sandwich.

I actually discovered recently that I could use my crockpot to make things other than dinners, so I have been going  a little crazy trying all sorts of desserts in my crockpot. Did you know that you could make desserts in your crockpot?  It’s kind of the best thing ever! Anyhow, these Crockpot Turtle Brownies are so easy to make, and trust me, they are super delicious. They are perfect for us lazy dessert makers.

Crockpot Turtle Brownies


Continue reading »

College Bound…..Or Not?

Jan 242019
 

My son is in his junior year of high school; the time when teenagers are looking at colleges, taking SATs, and thinking about their future.  Teachers, parents, and grandparent expect that their kids will go to college, but let’s be honest…. college isn’t for everyone. Somehow that gets forgotten.  Don’t get me wrong…I value education. I am halfway through my Master of Science in Nursing program. I wish my son wanted to go to college, but he doesn’t….and that’s okay.

I have always stressed the value of an education to him, whether it be college or a trade school.  We spent time talking about how you have to have a marketable skill. How a job making minimum wage is not enough to support himself on.  Do I wish he had this overwhelming desire to be a doctor? Of course, but he doesn’t.

Unfortunately for him, his high school doesn’t seem ok with it.  He has to research colleges and write papers on them. Some classes are spent going to school sponsored college fairs.  It was stressing him out to the point that he was afraid to tell me that he didn’t want to go to college, and I am not okay with that.  I never want him to be afraid to tell me something. Continue reading »

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