Start Planning for Summer Vacation Now With These Tips!

Memorial Day is next week which means the unofficial start to summer is almost here! Pool days and outdoor fun are in order for the whole family for the next few months. Here are some great ways you can help your family prepare for summer now so you can enjoy fun in the sun!

 

1 – Make sure you purchase new sunscreens. Sunscreen has a shelf life just as food does. Check expiration dates on yours to make sure you are keeping your family safe in the sun.

2 – Do the same for your insect repellents! If you prefer natural remedies, make sure to stock up on essential oils like peppermint to repel the bugs.

3 – Locate and wash the swimsuits and pool towels. Pack a beach bag that has towels, sunscreen, bug sprays etc. so it’s always ready for an unexpected pool day.

4 – Start making plans for summer activities. Look out for local camp signups,  community events and mark any special dates on your calendar.

5 – Prepare a summer schedule for the kids so they know what to expect. It might include chores, sports, camps and of course plenty of downtime to have fun and relax.

6 – Pack the car with beach chairs, a blanket, sand toys and an umbrella. You never know when you’ll need these items in the summer and you’ll be glad you have them!

 

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend! Cheers to a great summer ahead.

8 At Home Valentine Activities for the Whole Family

Sometimes staying in is just as fun as going out! If you’ve decided to stay in this year, here are 5 at home Valentine date ideas to try with the whole family.

 

1 – Movie Marathon. Everybody gets to choose their favorite movie (bonus if it is a love story). Spend the day watching the movies and eating fun, Valentine snacks together.

2 – Cooking Dinner Together. There are many at-home meal delivery services these days. Try ordering dinner for the family and sharing the task of preparing the meal.

3 – Decorating Treats. Whether its cupcakes or cookies, the whole family will have fun decorating some festive desserts together.

4 – Making Homemade Valentines. There is nothing better than a homemade card. Grab the art supplies and put your creative hats on to make valentines for each other.

5 – Play Valentine Bingo. You can download a fun version of Valentine bingo here. Instead of using the typical bingo markers, use conversation hearts to give it a fun, Valentine touch.

6 – Make a Valentine Playlist. Add everyone’s favorite love songs and play it all day on Valentine’s Day!

7 – Wear Matching Festive, Pajamas. Many stores are offering festive, Valentine pajamas for the whole family. Get warm, and cozy together in matching pjs this year.

8 – Drink Valentine Hot Chocolate. Pickup some cocoa bombs at the store or make yours festive by adding whipped cream and sprinkles.

 

However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day this year we hope you have a wonderful time together!

End of Summer Bucket List

The long, sunny days of summer are dwindling! Before we know it the sun will be setting on our beach days and boat rides and the cooler temperatures will move in. Before summer ends make sure to take a look at this summer bucket list and check off as many items as you can…

 

1 – Visit a local New England beach

2 – Eat an ice cream from your favorite ice cream stand

3 – Toast marshmallows around a campfire

4 – Ride on a boat

5 – Go on a summery, nature scavenger hunt with your kids

6 – Hike your favorite trail

7 – Float down a river in an inflatable tube

8 – Make homemade popsicles

9 – Flip hamburgers on the grill (eat them with all the best summer fixings)

10 – Go camping under the stars

11 – Watch fireworks

12 – Drink an ice coffee from your favorite local coffee shop

13 – Visit a summer farmer’s market

14 – Water-ski or go tubing in a New England lake

15 – Make a salad with vegetables from your own garden

10 Things To Do Before Summer is Over

If you’ve visited a department store recently you’ve probably noticed that school supplies and backpacks have taken the place of bathing suits and pool toys. July is almost over so now is the time to make sure you’ve crossed a few items off your summer bucket list before it’s too late. If you’re looking for some summer-themed activities to make the most of your last week’s of summer keep reading….

1 – Visit a beach at sunset

2 – Go to a water park or splash pad

3 – Go strawberry and blueberry picking

4 – Host a barbecue

5 – Go to an outdoor concert

6 – Take a boat ride

7 – Make homemade popsicles

8 – Drink lemonade

9 – Sit by an outdoor fire

10 – Dine al fresco at a restaurant

10 Activities To Do With Mom

When it comes to Mother’s Day, flowers and cards tend to be the most common gifts. Instead of wrapping up something this year why not take Mom out for a fun activity to celebrate the day? Here are 10 fun things to do to celebrate the woman you call mom!

 

  1. Invite the whole family to brunch at a local restaurant
  2. Take mom to a paint bar to test her artistic skills
  3. If mom is a little bit competitive, take her and the rest of the family to bowl a few strings
  4. Check the schedule at your local theater and buy tickets for a show or play
  5. Does Mom like wine? Bring her to a local wine making shop to make her own
  6. If the weather is nice, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your meal outdoors at a local park
  7. If mom likes the outdoors, plan a hike for the two of you
  8. Pamper her by making an appointment for her to have a manicure and pedicure
  9. Want to stay in? Buy all the fixings for her favorite meal and serve her dinner
  10. Everyone loves movies, get tickets for a flick and grab dinner afterwards