Tips and Tricks for a Day at the Beach

Jun 132018

Beach hacks

Nothing beats a day at the beach, the cool clear water, the sun shining down, hearing the waves roll in! Spending the day at a beach is the perfect way to enjoy a nice summer day. Below are some tips and tricks for a day at the beach, to make your life a little more simple.

Make your beach day trip unforgettable, and have fun creating those amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

Best Beach Day Hacks

Leave In Conditioner: The sun and salt water can cause a lot of damage to your hair, especially if you color it. To help prevent it, apply a leave in conditioner that has a UV protectant. Do this the morning of before you head to the beach.

Baby Oil on Legs: If you have freshly shaved, slather on baby oil on your legs. Fresh salt water can sting pretty good on fresh legs. I also suggest shaving with baby oil, use it like you would shaving cream.

Mesh Laundry Bag: Pack up all your items like kid toys, towels and such in the mesh laundry bag. Will help reduce trips to the car! Then at the end of the day when your items are all sandy, just toss back in the bag and sit in the back of your trunk. It will help reduce how much sand gets in your car, and some will shake out as you carry it to the car. Continue reading »

25 Things to do in Nantucket

Jun 122018

There is so much history to be enjoyed in Nantucket and I sure hope you’ll think about planning a summer trip to Nantucket soon. To help you start planning your getaway, here are 25 Things to do in Nantucket!

Nantucket houses 10,000 people permanently but is a known getaway for many tourists looking to enjoy vacation with the family. Located about 16 miles from Cape Cod, this Massachusetts location brings much joy to anyone who ventures to Nantucket. Today I am sharing 25 things to do in Nantucket so that you are inspired to travel this summer and enjoy all that Nantucket has to offer.

Impress Your Friends With This Orange Fluff Pie

Jun 112018

This Orange Fluff Pie is not only DELICIOUS, it is really easy to make and bring with you to all your summer cookouts! It is sure to impress your friends, too!

I don’t know about you, but half of my summer is already booked up with cookout invites. We have such a short summer here in New England and no one really even needs an excuse to have one. Since we always get invited to so many, I usually like to whip up something quick and easy to bring with me. I mean, who wants to turn the oven on in the summer? Right?

This Orange Fluff Pie is not only DELICIOUS, it is really easy to make and bring with you to all your summer cookouts! It is sure to impress your friends, too!

Orange Fluff Pie

This Orange Fluff Pie is not only DELICIOUS, it is really easy to make and bring with you to all your summer cookouts! It is sure to impress your friends, too!

Born for This – A New Musical is Coming to Boston (and a Ticket Giveaway)

Jun 072018

This giveaway has now ended. Congrats to #2, NDL.
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ArtsEmerson is honored that Born for This – A New Musical will take the stage this summer for a limited engagement, June 15 – July 15 at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St, Downtown Boston. With original music and lyrics by six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning icon BeBe Winans book by Charles Randolph-Wright, BeBe Winans, and Lisa D’Amour, and direction by Charles-Randolph Wright (Motown the Musical), Born For This celebrates the incredible true story of BeBe Winans – a young man who follows his heart and finds his destiny.

About Born for This – A New Musical

Detroit teenagers BeBe and CeCe Winans experience the ultimate in culture shock when they leave the comfort and safety of their family (the already-famous Winans musical dynasty) to join Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s Praise The Lord TV Network in Pineville, North Carolina. Jim and Tammy become an unlikely surrogate family as the siblings rapidly become the hottest stars in televangelical America. Eventually crossing over to mainstream fame, BeBe must learn to reconcile the temptations of stardom and fortune with the things he ultimately values more. Continue reading »

How to Make Your Own Patriotic Lip Balm

Jun 052018

This patriotic lip balm is easier to make than you think. It makes a great party favor, too!

We’re having some people over for a cookout on the 4th of July and when I have people over, I like to send my guests home with a little parting gift. I just think it’s fun to have little party favors, don’t you? This year I am making some Patriotic Lip Balm for my guests. The winters here in New England can be brutally cold and everyone can use some lip balm for their dry lips. But since I made them for the 4th of July, I wanted to make them festive – so I did. I was really happy with the way they came out and I know that my guests are going to love them.

This patriotic lip balm is easier to make than you think. It makes a great party favor, too!

Make Your Own Patriotic Lip Balm

Weird Roadside Attractions in Massachusetts

Jun 042018

Every state has its share of weird roadside attractions and Massachusetts is no different. When you're in the mood for the unusual, consider the following three options. You'll be glad you did!

Every state has its share of weird roadside attractions. Massachusetts is no different. When you’re in the mood for the unusual, consider the following options. You’ll be glad you did!

Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast (Fall River)
In August of 1892, Fall River residents Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered in their home. Their adult daughter Lizzie was accused of the crime but was acquitted after standing trial. The house remained empty for some time after Lizzie moved away. However, it eventually became a Bed and Breakfast catering to tourists looking for a spooky travel destination.

Today, the house has been restored to reflect its appearance around the time of the gruesome murders, along with crime scene photographs on the walls of each room to show how closely everything has been refurbished.

Guests who aren’t frightened away in the night are treated to breakfast in the morning, resembling the very meal the Borden’s ate on the day of their death. Continue reading »

Patriotic Cocoa Krispie Bars

Jun 042018

If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert for your 4th of July cookout, these Patriotic Cocoa Krispie Bars are exactly what you're looking for.

The 4th of July is coming up quick and whether you are heading out for a cookout with family and friends, or staying home and having one with your family – you need a dessert. A lot of prep and planning usually goes into the food for the cookout, but sometimes desserts are an after thought (well, at least in my case). If you’re planning a cookout or attending one, these Patriotic Cocoa Krispie Bars are a quick and easy dessert solution. Everyone will love them. Guaranteed.

Patriotic Cocoa Krispie Bars

If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert for your 4th of July cookout, these Patriotic Cocoa Krispie Bars are exactly what you're looking for.

25 Things to do on Cape Cod

May 292018

Whatever you decide to add to your Cape Cod’s vacation itinerary this summer season, be sure to choose some of these popular locations I shared today. Cape Cod is a great summer vacation family tradition to start now because it’s fun for all ages.

This hook-shaped peninsula located in the state of Massachusetts has been a popular summer destination for many generations. From lighthouses to seafood shacks and the quaint villages, every family member will surely enjoy a vacation to Cape Cod. Located near Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, many travelers enjoy all three locations while in vacationing in this area. Today I’m going to share 25 things to do on Cape Cod so that you can plan your itinerary before heading out to the open sea to visit this beautiful peninsula.

Poop Emoji Father’s Day Gift

May 292018

Dad has received a lot of gifts for Father’s Day over the years but one of the most memorable gifts he will likely ever receive is his own personal supply of TP! My Father’s Day Poop Emoji labels are going to make a lasting impression no matter what he calls this emoji. Be it poop, that other word, or a smiling swirl of ice cream (yes, I actually know someone who thought it was chocolate ice cream) – he’s never going to forget how much this year’s Father’s Day gift made him laugh! Guaranteed!

Poop Emoji Father’s Day Gift

Give dad a memorable gift this year for Father's Day with these Printable Poop emoji labels. He will never forget how much this year's Father's Day gift made his laugh!

Dirty Dancing is Coming to the Boch Center Shubert Theatre from June 13 – 17, 2018

May 242018

This contest is now over. Congrats to #4 – Nicole

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After three successful years on tour boasting numerous sold out engagements, this new adaptation of the worldwide smash-hit film, currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will continue to dazzle in more than 50 markets in North America, including Boston, at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre from June 13 – 17, 2018.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this timeless love story features the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Continue reading »

Best Food Trucks in Boston

May 222018

There are so many food trucks in Boston that it's hard to know which one to eat at first. Here are three of the best to help you decide which ones to eat at.

The City of Boston makes it super-easy to patronize your favorite food truck vendors, by providing residents and visitors with a handy Food Truck Schedule. It’s totally worth it to take a look! In the meantime, here are three popular options to consider.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese (http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/)
When Food Network featured Roxy’s Grilled Cheese on “The Great Food Truck Race,” this mobile eatery had already secured it’s claim to fame. One quick look at the menu proves it.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese specializes in giving you the meltiest, cheesiest grilled cheese experience ever! Constructed with a variety of cheeses including Vermont Cheddar, Fontina, Pimento, Swiss and Muenster, these grilled cheese sandwiches are like NO other.
For example, one of the most popular menu items, the “Mighty Rib” consists of a Fontina grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with caramelized onions and barbecue braised beef. In case you’re in the mood to over indulge yourself during your visit, order up a side of Roxy’s amazing hand-cut truffle fries to go with it! Continue reading »

Hulk Ice Pops

May 202018

Have a Marvel Superhero fan in your house? Make them some Hulk Ice Pops this summer! They could not be easier to make and what kid doesn't love a frozen treat on a hot day?

You know how some kids watch the same movie over and over again? Here in our house it’s the first Avengers movie. To say that we’ve seen it a couple hundred times is probably a huge understatement. A couple thousand is probably more on point. That’s ok, though…my boyfriend Hawkeye is more than enough eye candy to make it bearable time and time again. Swoon….

Anyways, now that the weather is finally warming up here in Boston, I decided to make some Hulk Ice Pops for the kiddos to enjoy when they are outside playing and need a little snack break. These Hulk Ice Pops could literally not be easier to make and what kid doesn’t love a frozen treat on a hot day? Am I right?

Hulk Ice Pops

Have a Marvel Superhero fan in your house? Make them some Hulk Ice Pops this summer! They could not be easier to make and what kid doesn't love a frozen treat on a hot day?

Spaghetti Pizza Recipe

May 162018

Spaghetti pizza is pizza made from leftover spaghetti. The spaghetti isn't a topping. It isn't stuffed inside of a bread dough. The crust itself IS spaghetti! AND it's really, really good! After a while, that second box of spaghetti that was accidentally prepared the night before, will be completely on purpose!

Spaghetti night is one of those nights when I’m just tossing together a meal and not really thinking about the aftermath. Sometimes I cook a box of pasta, other nights I go for two. How much will get eaten is anybody’s guess, but I have a backup plan just in case I end up with an entire pot of leftovers — spaghetti pizza!

Spaghetti pizza is pizza made from leftover spaghetti. The spaghetti isn’t a topping. It isn’t stuffed inside of a bread dough. The crust itself IS spaghetti! AND it’s really, really good! After a while, that second box of spaghetti that was accidentally prepared the night before, will be completely on purpose! You will make batches upon batches of spaghetti, to purposely have leftovers! You may even have family members going easy on your famous spaghetti, just because they want your spaghetti pizza the next day (true story!) Continue reading »

Griddling Isn’t Just Done Indoors Anymore!

May 152018

Spring has finally sprung here in New England and that means that everyone is getting themselves outside as much as possible. Seriously, we only have a few months of warm weather here, so we all have to make the most of it. One of the things that makes me happy in particular once the weather gets nice is cooking out.

Cooking and sharing a meal outside with my family makes my heart happy. But this year we are trying something a little bit different. Griddling outdoors (in addition to grilling of course). Outdoor griddling goes beyond the “same old, same old.” Anything that can be cooked on a typical grill can be cooked on a griddle – along with thousands of other foods.

How do I bring my family together over an outdoor griddle you ask? The answer is my new Blackstone 28” Griddle!

Outdoor griddling goes beyond the “same old, same old.” Anything that can be cooked on a typical grill can be cooked on a griddle - along with thousands of other foods.

As you can see, it is shipped in a box, so some assembly is required. It took my hubby, Christian, less than 20 minutes to put it together. You will need a propane tank to fire this baby up and one battery for the igniter, neither of which are included. We just pulled the propane tank off of our grill. Continue reading »

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices

May 082018

If you're craving a sweet snack, these Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices are ready in almost no time! They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

My boys come off the bus starving. Every. Single. Day. If I didn’t know better, I would swear they didn’t eat lunch. So like a good mom, I always have a snack ready for them when they get off the bus. Sometimes their snack is something as simple as a pack of Goldfish crackers, but every now and then I like to get a little more creative with the snacks. These Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices are a perfect after-school snack because not only are they delicious, they are ready in almost no time. Plus, the kids love them.

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices

If you're craving a sweet snack, these Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Orange Slices are ready in almost no time! They are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Plan a Family Friendly Getaway at Great Wolf Lodge New England

May 072018

Tucked away in central Massachusetts, Great Wolf Lodge New England is THE place to go for a weekend of family fun! Located in Fitchburg, Great Wolf Lodge is more than just a water park. Sure, your family is in for an incredible water park experience when you visit, but there is much, much more including tons of family friendly attractions, shopping, entertainment and various dining options – all under one roof! I was invited to spend this past weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with my family, so I am going to tell you all about it.

Great Wolf Lodge is more than just a water park. Sure, your family is in for an incredible water park experience when you visit, but there is much, much more including tons of family friendly attractions, shopping, entertainment and various dining options - all under one roof!

If you are like me, the Indoor water park is most likely the initial draw to Great Wolf Lodge. Obviously around these parts we have much more cold weather than we do hot weather, so that makes an indoor water park very appealing. The water park includes a number of awesome water slides, an indoor wave pool and Fort Mackenzie, which is a water fort tree house with slides and toys. You can also Grab a tube and float your way around Crooked Creek (lazy river), try to pass across the Big Foot Pass, where you have to cross these large, floating lily pads using only cargo nets for help or play in Chinook Cove, activity pool gives you the chance to swim, splash and shoot some hoops.

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

May 062018

Try this Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad this summer. It's easy to make and it is a perfect side dish to bring to cookouts and get-togethers.

Around here macaroni salad is a staple during the summer time. There is almost always a bowl of it in the fridge all summer long. I know that there are about a million different variations, but I make my mom’s Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad. It’s what I grew up with and to me, it’s the best version of macaroni salad out there. It’s easy to make and it’s a perfect dish to bring to all your summer get-togethers this year. I promise you it will be a big hit!

Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad

Try this Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad this summer. It's easy to make and it is a perfect side dish to bring to cookouts and get-togethers.

Avoiding Poison Ivy This Summer

May 022018

This shiny, invasive vine results in an extremely itchy rash that spreads rapidly and seems to take forever to go away, can be avoided if you know what to look for. Here are some tips for staying away from poison ivy this summer, and what to do if you get it.

“Leaves of three, leave them be.” That’s great advice, especially when there is always a chance that you might make contact with everybody’s least favorite plant -poison ivy. This shiny, invasive vine results in an extremely itchy rash that spreads rapidly and seems to take forever to go away, can be avoided if you know what to look for. Below, some tips for staying away from poison ivy this summer, and what to do if you get it. Continue reading »

Fresh Beef, Cooked to Order, Now Available at McDonald’s #McDMadeFresh

Apr 302018

You’ve been asking for it and they listened. Announcing the arrival of fresh beef at McDonald’s. Yes, I said fresh beef! It is cooked right when you order it and it’s available for all Quarter Pounder and Signature Crafted Recipe burgers in McDonald’s restaurants across New England.

You've been asking for it and they listened. Announcing the arrival of fresh beef at McDonald's. Yes, it is cooked right when you order it and it's available for all Quarter Pounder and Signature Crafted Recipe burgers in McDonald’s restaurants across New England.

The move to fresh beef quarter-pounds burgers is not only part of their journey to build a better McDonald’s, but it’s a commitment to bring their customers more delicious food offerings to their customers.

All McDonald’s fresh beef quarter-pound burgers use 100 percent beef with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives. Quarter-pound burgers include the Quarter Pounder, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Double Quarter Pounder and Signature Crafted Recipe burgers. Continue reading »

Mmmm! Blueberry Hand Pies

Apr 292018

These Blueberry Hand Pies are a quick, easy and delicious dessert! If you love individual sized desserts, this is the recipe for you!

In my house there is a lot of fighting over food. Mostly between my two growing boys, but sometimes I join in when it’s something I really like. Oh, and in case you were wondering, it’s 100% true what they say about growing boys eating you out of house and home. In the interest of less fighting, I have had to resort to making things in individual serving sizes whenever I can. We are all blueberry pie lovers in our family (uh, who DOESN’T love blueberry pie??!!??) and these Blueberry Hand Pies are perfect to keep the kids from fighting over dessert. Try them, it makes dessert time so much easier and plus, they are flippin’ delicious.

Blueberry Hand Pies

These Blueberry Hand Pies are a quick, easy and delicious dessert! If you love individual sized desserts, this is the recipe for you!

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