My kids went to school today for less than 3 hours. This was their last day of school and now the excitement begins for pool time, vacation and relaxation – possibly. I have not really begun to think about activities for them yet as our vacation is approaching. Sometimes I think the last minute plans are the best! This week, in between work we will head to the beach a few times and enjoy the pool. What last minute plans do you have?
Month: June 2012
We were at New England Cable News this morning talking about Father’s day gifts! Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
I love a good lunch (and dinner too) and what is better than lunch or dinner for a cause? Maggiano’s Little Italy in Boston is hosting “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish†now until June 27. For each new “LIKE” Maggiano’s receives on Facebook during the campaign, $1 will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000. Visit https://a.wish.org/Maggianos61112.
There are several ways you can help:
1. Eat from the  “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish®†menu.  Maggiano’s will donate $1 per food item and $.50 per drink to Make-A-Wish®. I loved the Fresh Berry Tiramisu!
2. Make a star card donation – guests can purchase for an amount of their choosing with 100 percent of funds going directly to Make-A-Wish®
3. Purchase the wish list compilation CD  – The “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish†campaign has the first-ever “The Wish List†CD. It has the best selections from the music in Maggiano’s restaurants (think Frank Sinatra, etc). Purchase it in the restaurant next time you are there for $7.90.
Maggiano’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston and is very kid friendly.  Today I had my favorite – the Maggiano’s salad – love the crispy prosciutto and the eggplant parmesan is the best. I have heard the chicken romano and veal meatball bolognese is pretty good too! Stop by and dine in for a good cause.
Disclosure:Â I was treated to lunch, received a gift card and CD. All opinions are my own.
I love a good lunch (and dinner too) and what is better than lunch or dinner for a cause? Maggiano’s Little Italy in Boston is hosting “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish†now until June 27. For each new “LIKE” Maggiano’s receives on Facebook during the campaign, $1 will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000. Visit https://a.wish.org/Maggianos61112.
There are several ways you can help:
1. Eat from the  “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish®†menu.  Maggiano’s will donate $1 per food item and $.50 per drink to Make-A-Wish®. I loved the Fresh Berry Tiramisu!
2. Make a star card donation – guests can purchase for an amount of their choosing with 100 percent of funds going directly to Make-A-Wish®
3. Purchase the wish list compilation CD  – The “Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish†campaign has the first-ever “The Wish List†CD. It has the best selections from the music in Maggiano’s restaurants (think Frank Sinatra, etc). Purchase it in the restaurant next time you are there for $7.90.
Maggiano’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston and is very kid friendly.  Today I had my favorite – the Maggiano’s salad – love the crispy prosciutto and the eggplant parmesan is the best. I have heard the chicken romano and veal meatball bolognese is pretty good too! Stop by and dine in for a good cause.
Disclosure:Â I was treated to lunch, received a gift card and CD. All opinions are my own.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
What do you get dad for Father’s Day?? I love practical gifts so here are a few suggestions for gifts for dad this year!
- Gift Bags! You can put whatever you want in a bag or get one already made up. My husband loves to bike and he loves Balance Bar® as a sweet treat. Balance Bar is offering its first-ever Father’s Day Gift Set. The limited-edition Balance Bar Father’s Day Gift Set includes: fifteen Balance BARE™ bars in three delicious flavors – Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter; Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond; and Blueberry Acai, a water bottle with a compartment for storing BARE bars and a card.
- Sports Authority:Â You name it my hubby loves this store and he loves the Under Armour Short Sleeve Tee($23.99). Made with a revolutionary fabric dye that reflects heat and UV rays and help dad stay cooler and more protected than ever before.
- For a sweet treat try Yonanas. This is a small machine that turns frozen fruit into a dessert that looks and tastes like soft-serve ice cream without the help of milk, cream, sugar, etc. Yonanas is sold in major retailers nationwide for $49.99.
- When you think technology you think gadgets for your phone, computer but here is one very interesting technology– polar pillow for a good night’s rest.  The scientifically formulated gel technology is designed to regulate body temperature disorders.  Thousands of micro air-beads will work to keep Dad cool while he sleeps and also provide a stable sleeping system that contours to the neck and head.  It requires no electricity, water or refrigeration-  the pillow works all by itself.
- TIMEX Marathon GPS Watch ($99): Perfect for all runners, this watch tracks distance and has GPS speed options. Another great find at Sports Authority
If dad needs a little pampering here are some suggestions:
- The BMR Facial Toner is a unique, discreet, and easy-to-use device that allows you to rejuvenate the face. Â The Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System by Clarisonic is a must have and it now comes in a grey color for dad
- The Tria hair removal laser is FDA cleared and perfect to get rid of unwanted hair- Price: $395
- If wrinkles are a concern for dad try the LightStim for Wrinkles  Price: $249
- It is hard to find organic skin care for men. Organic Male OM4 is a four step, skin specific fitness and conditioning system, featuring a dry, normal, oil, sensitive and anti aging collections. Every product is easy to use, requiring less than four minutes to apply, while each product targets a certain characteristic of the male skin. OM4 delivers natural “skin food†to address the differences in male and female skin. This seriously scientific skin care routine is perfect for good ole’ dad and for men who want to protect their skin and keep it healthy everyday.   Each set retails for $170
- If he’s a “guy’s guyâ€, the Around The World Beer Bucket is perfect for him from Gifts.com
- Personalized items – you all know I love anything personalized – Personalization Mall has the best selection  – check out the beer mugs or a cooler for his beer!
- If dad loves the great outdoors buy this to keep away the bugs! The Terminix ALLCLEAR Mosquito Mister Lantern is a must and it is portable.  $79.99. Available at ACE and True Value Hardware
Disclosure: All the products listed above were sent to me for review. All opinions are my own.
Monday, June 11
Last full week of school, last field trip- Let’s hear it for the teachers!
Today I volunteered for my second graders field trip. It was her last one for the year and the last one at this school. She moves onto 3rd grade in the fall, which in our town is a different school. The trip was right up the street from their school – Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – and it was great to see the kids exploring and making observations. It was also a hoot to see some of the kids’ reactions! I have to give her teacher and the assistant teacher credit for their patience (especially with 20 kids near a pond of water!) They really are kind and gentle and were reminding the kids not to throw mud, dirt, or step in the ponds! I do have a great deal of respect for our teachers as it seems like a very difficult job getting the kids to focus on the last week of school. Plus with so many little personalities in the classroom I am sure patience is a must! Let’s hear it for the teachers and hope they all have a wonderful summer to unwind!
https://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatmeadows/
What do you get dad for Father’s Day?? I love practical gifts so here are a few suggestions for gifts for dad this year!
- Gift Bags! You can put whatever you want in a bag or get one already made up. My husband loves to bike and he loves Balance Bar® as a sweet treat. Balance Bar is offering its first-ever Father’s Day Gift Set. The limited-edition Balance Bar Father’s Day Gift Set includes: fifteen Balance BARE™ bars in three delicious flavors – Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter; Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond; and Blueberry Acai, a water bottle with a compartment for storing BARE bars and a card.
- Sports Authority:Â You name it my hubby loves this store and he loves the Under Armour Short Sleeve Tee($23.99). Made with a revolutionary fabric dye that reflects heat and UV rays and help dad stay cooler and more protected than ever before.
- For a sweet treat try Yonanas. This is a small machine that turns frozen fruit into a dessert that looks and tastes like soft-serve ice cream without the help of milk, cream, sugar, etc. Yonanas is sold in major retailers nationwide for $49.99.
- When you think technology you think gadgets for your phone, computer but here is one very interesting technology– polar pillow for a good night’s rest.  The scientifically formulated gel technology is designed to regulate body temperature disorders.  Thousands of micro air-beads will work to keep Dad cool while he sleeps and also provide a stable sleeping system that contours to the neck and head.  It requires no electricity, water or refrigeration-  the pillow works all by itself.
- TIMEX Marathon GPS Watch ($99): Perfect for all runners, this watch tracks distance and has GPS speed options. Another great find at Sports Authority
If dad needs a little pampering here are some suggestions:
- The BMR Facial Toner is a unique, discreet, and easy-to-use device that allows you to rejuvenate the face. Â The Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System by Clarisonic is a must have and it now comes in a grey color for dad
- The Tria hair removal laser is FDA cleared and perfect to get rid of unwanted hair- Price: $395
- If wrinkles are a concern for dad try the LightStim for Wrinkles  Price: $249
- It is hard to find organic skin care for men. Organic Male OM4 is a four step, skin specific fitness and conditioning system, featuring a dry, normal, oil, sensitive and anti aging collections. Every product is easy to use, requiring less than four minutes to apply, while each product targets a certain characteristic of the male skin. OM4 delivers natural “skin food†to address the differences in male and female skin. This seriously scientific skin care routine is perfect for good ole’ dad and for men who want to protect their skin and keep it healthy everyday.   Each set retails for $170
- If he’s a “guy’s guyâ€, the Around The World Beer Bucket is perfect for him from Gifts.com
- Personalized items – you all know I love anything personalized – Personalization Mall has the best selection  – check out the beer mugs or a cooler for his beer!
- If dad loves the great outdoors buy this to keep away the bugs! The Terminix ALLCLEAR Mosquito Mister Lantern is a must and it is portable.  $79.99. Available at ACE and True Value Hardware
Disclosure: All the products listed above were sent to me for review. All opinions are my own.
Monday, June 11
Last full week of school, last field trip- Let’s hear it for the teachers!
Today I volunteered for my second graders field trip. It was her last one for the year and the last one at this school. She moves onto 3rd grade in the fall, which in our town is a different school. The trip was right up the street from their school – Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – and it was great to see the kids exploring and making observations. It was also a hoot to see some of the kids’ reactions! I have to give her teacher and the assistant teacher credit for their patience (especially with 20 kids near a pond of water!) They really are kind and gentle and were reminding the kids not to throw mud, dirt, or step in the ponds! I do have a great deal of respect for our teachers as it seems like a very difficult job getting the kids to focus on the last week of school. Plus with so many little personalities in the classroom I am sure patience is a must! Let’s hear it for the teachers and hope they all have a wonderful summer to unwind!
https://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatmeadows/
Today I volunteered for my second graders’ field trip. It was her last one for the year and the last one at this school. She moves onto 3rd grade in the fall, which in our town is a different school. The trip was right up the street from their school – Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – and it was great to see the kids exploring and making observations. It was also a hoot to see some of the kids’ reactions! I have to give her teacher and the assistant teacher credit for their patience (especially with 20 kids near a pond of water!) They really are kind and gentle and were reminding the kids not to throw mud, dirt, or step in the ponds! I do have a great deal of respect for our teachers as it seems like a very difficult job getting the kids to focus on the last week of school. Plus with so many little personalities in the classroom I am sure patience is a must – which they both have a lot of!! Let’s hear it for the teachers and the tough job they do everyday. I hope all of our teachers enjoy their summer vacation!
SO school is almost out and I really wanted to get in some last minute volunteering as both my kids are moving on to new schools. In our town we have grades k-2 in one school, 3-5 and then 6-8. My youngest is heading to 3rd grade and then middle school for the older one (ugh!) Between field day, challenge day, chorus concert, foreign language concert, 2nd grade party, cafeteria duty (or as us moms like to call it pee patrol!) I am running around like crazy! Throw in a few birthday parties, make-up soccer and lacrosse games and charity bike ride and I think I need to clone myself! (did I mention I have to work too?) How do you handle the end of the school year madness? Do you split it up with the hubby? I should learn to say no more. Instead I will be a ball of stress these last few weeks of school and then take a breath when our vacation arrives. Whew!
SO school is almost out and I really wanted to get in some last minute volunteering as both my kids are moving on to new schools. In our town we have grades k-2 in one school, 3-5 and then 6-8. My youngest is heading to 3rd grade and then middle school for the older one (ugh!) Between field day, challenge day, chorus concert, foreign language concert, 2nd grade party, cafeteria duty (or as us moms like to call it pee patrol!) I am running around like crazy! Throw in a few birthday parties, make-up soccer and lacrosse games and charity bike ride and I think I need to clone myself! (did I mention I have to work too?) How do you handle the end of the school year madness? Do you split it up with the hubby? I should learn to say no more. Instead I will be a ball of stress these last few weeks of school and then take a breath when our vacation arrives. Whew!
Looking for a new make-up bag or storage for your kids Legos? Try the Lay-n-Go! Lay-n-go is a 5 foot diameter activity mat that coverts to a satchel allowing for quick and easy clean up of toys. There is a smaller Lay-n-Go Lite which is a smaller, personal activity mat and a Lay-n-Go “cosmo” cosmetics bag. It is great for storing small items and for on the go activities where you need a mat too. They call it their activity mat, cleanup, carryall and storage solution in one (yeah, finally!)Â This was a great solution for me as most days I am dumping the contents of my make-up case on the bed, counter or wherever I am to do my make-up. It wipes clean and is a much more functional cosmetics bag. Plus, perfect for those annoying little toys like polly pockets!
Disclosure: the company sent me the Lay-n-Go cosmo for review. All opinions are my own.