With a little imagination and a couple of picnic benches, your backyard can be the main venue for your some of your summertime activities. Being home with family can turn out to be one of the best things to come out of the pandemic, so much so that you found you really like spending time together. Here are some ideas for outdoor dining in your very own backyard.
1. Throwing Shade Can Be a Good Thing
With summertime around the corner, the sun will be shining its toasty rays down upon you very soon. Fun in the sun is good, but alternate time soaking up that vitamin D with some relaxing and rehydrating in the shade. Shelter from the heat can include an oversized umbrella, a gazebo, or an awning over your patio.
2. Time to Refill the Propane
When you make the list for your outdoor dining necessities, put a propane tank or cylinder near the top. It is one of the most cost effective and clean ways to cook. Propane comes in handy not only for grilling but for fire pits and heat lamps. Keeping your backyard warm with heat lamps or a fire pit when the evening starts to cool down will let your perfect day continue long after the little ones start to doze off
3. Helium Balloons and Water Activities
What kid doesn’t love colorful balloons? Round up a helium tank for your festivities and kids of all ages will be lining up to get their balloons. Backyard summertime favorites that pair well with outdoor dining include playing in the sprinklers, water balloon fights, and croquet. If your yard is big enough, there is a variety of inflatable water slides that your kids would probably love to play on anytime they want to.
4. Formal Dining Outdoors to Make Any Day Special
Pick up the fancy linen tablecloth and napkins that you forgot were at the dry cleaners and break out your equivalent of ooh-la-la silver and china that your family uses for special occasions. Eating al fresco can be as decadent as dining at a fine restaurant. You don’t have to spend a fortune to dine in style.
5. Keep the Bugs Away
Bugs like to congregate wherever there is food, so put bug spray on everyone ahead of time. Citronella candles will also help to keep the bugs at bay and allow you to enjoy your friends and family without continually slapping away the irritating insects.
For ideas on more fun ways to enjoy time with your family, see other posts on this blog. There are plenty of ways to make memories together without even leaving home.
Boston Massachusetts is one of the gems of New England and a great place to bring the family. Fall in Boston is arguably the best time to visit.
Thinking about a vacation in Boston? Here is a must-see/do list that you will need for your fall vacation destination.
1. Oh, the Food!
One thing that you must do is compare the two famous bakeries just one block from each other in the upper north end of Boston. Bova’s has been in business since 1932, and Mike’s since 1946.
Take a walk through Chinatown for some authentic Chinese bakeries and restaurants, and for a bit of cultural immersion.
And, don’t worry if you dropped a little something on your shirt at dinner, let the folks at Utopia Cleaners handle that for you.
Tobin bridge, Zakim bridge and Boston skyline panorama at sunset.
2. Arts & History Attractions in Boston
Wednesdays after 3 pm at The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is only $5, and always has some great installations to check out. Allow yourself at least an hour as the museum has 3 levels and over 51,000 square feet of art space to enjoy.
If you’re into a different type of art, you won’t want to miss these:
Graffiti Alley
The murals of Lynn & Salem
There are a few different trolley bus tours that offer guided historical sightseeing through the city if you are ready for a history lesson.
While the weather is great, seasonal allergies do happen. Don’t let hayfever ruin your day. Stop by your local pharmacy for some allergy medicine.
3. Boston Has Great Parks
Did you know that Boston has over 200 parks? There are waterfront parks, parks downtown, and plenty of parks with playgrounds to take the kids to.
The Boston Public Garden is in the heart of Boston, attached to the Commons. And, Franklin Park is the largest in the city.
4. Nothing Beats A Halloween in Boston
Bostonians love the fall, and especially Halloween. There are plenty of bar crawls, parties, and events all across the city to celebrate the spooky holiday.
Salem is only a short drive away and they start celebrating early with a parade in early October. They will have scary witch-themed events throughout the month and end with a huge fireworks display on Halloween night over the Harbor.
Take the night off, you deserve it! Leave the kids with the babysitter, and call into Visiting Angels for companion care for your elderly loved ones.
5. Leaf Peeping
All over the New England area, the fall foliage brings visitors from near and far to see the leaves changing bright tones of red, orange, and yellow. This plus the crisp cool air makes for great camping weather.
Throwing dinner on the grill is one of the favorite fall activities in Boston. Don’t forget to fill up the propane tank at AGP Gas beforehand!
Fall in Boston!
Beantown is always a lively place to visit at any time of year. Fall in Boston, however, is very special as the leaves are brightly colored and the air is crisp and cool; plus, all the seasonal foods and drinks to enjoy while exploring the city.
Need some spooky season inspiration? Well, then you’ve come to the right place.
It’s that time of year again when the leaves begin to drop, the weather gets crisp, and ghosts roam the streets. And while there are tons of fall activities to do this season, it can be extra fun to get into the spooky spirit too.
Keep reading to learn 5 Halloween celebration ideas for 2021.
1. Throw a Costume Party
If you want to have a wild Halloween night, invite some friends over for a costume party.
To prepare, put up some Halloween party decorations, put out party food and drinks, and get the spooky music blasting. And if you’re over 21, make some fun Halloween cocktails or get pumpkin beer!
Pro tip: if you want to have the perfect costume, get it dry cleaned or altered before the party.
Young People in Costumes Celebrating Halloween. Group of Young Happy Friends Wearing Halloween Costumes having Fun at Party in Nightclub by doing Scary faces. Celebration of Halloween
2. Make Spooky Treats
If you’re over eating Halloween candy, make some spooky treats instead! Here are some desserts you can make:
Caramel apples
Rice Krispie treat mummies
Pumpkin bread
S’mores dip
Ghost shaped sugar cookies
“Bloody” red velvet cake
Candy corn cupcakes
Pro tip: need to lay off the sugar because of overall health or medications? Make savory food like bandaged wrapped severed toes! Don’t worry, they’re just pigs in a blanket.
3. Watch Scary Movies
There’s no better time to watch scary movies than Halloween night! So grab your popcorn (and maybe some candy) and get ready for a fright. Here are some of the best ones to watch:
Scream
IT
Halloween
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Us
The Strangers
Children of the Corn
The Conjuring
Pro tip: if you’re not into scary movies, watch a movie like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, or It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.
4. Play Halloween Games
If you have children, playing games is a great way to celebrate this holiday. Here are some of the best Halloween games you can play:
Bobbing for apples (or donuts)
Halloween scavenger hunt
Pin the spider on the web
Guess the candy corn count
Pro tip: invite the extended family over for a tournament! It’s also a great way to spend time with elderly family members who need companion care.
5. Decorate Your Home
Even if you’re not planning Halloween parties, it can be fun to decorate your house for the occasion. Here are some awesome decoration ideas:
Jack o’lanterns
Fake spider webs
A bubbling cauldron (dry ice)
Hanging ghosts
Candy jars
Colorful glass pumpkins
An outdoor scarecrow
Pro tip: if you’re making jack o’lanterns, make sure you have first aid supplies nearby just in case!
Did You Like Those Halloween Celebration Ideas?
No matter which of these Halloween celebration ideas you choose, you can’t go wrong. So whether you throw a big costume party or watch a few scary movies, you’re sure to have a blast. Just watch out for any ghouls and goblins on Halloween night!
How many times have you tried to develop an exercise routine but failed, simply because it’s just really boring? You might have tried running in the past, but abandoned your efforts due to sheer lack of willpower.
Developing and sticking to an exercise routine can be tough. But making your routine a family activity, and having a specific goal in mind does wonders for your motivation. If you’re looking for a fun, healthy, activity that gets the whole family outdoors, why not train together for the Boston Marathon?
Why Should I Be Running?
Cardiovascular exercise is a fundamental part of building a healthy lifestyle. But why is it so important? Research shows that just 10 minutes of running a day can drastically lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Did you know that running can also prevent knee and back pain as you get older? By integrating running into your daily routine, you’re less likely to experience arthritis and back problems that come with age.
These wonderful benefits aside, it is also particularly good for maintaining a healthy weight and building fitness levels. Just make sure to check in with a healthcare professional if you suffer from any chronic injuries.
Running is not only great for your physical health but does incredible things for your mental well-being too. Running is great for upping your energy and boosting your mood. It helps maintain focus and has even been known to help you sleep better.
How To Make Running Fun
Running can get lonely and monotonous. It can also be discouraging when you can’t see an immediate improvement. But there are some proven tricks to making running fun. These include setting realistic and specific goals to work towards and getting your whole family involved!
Make A Marathon Goal
Saying that running is good for your health just isn’t enough motivation to build a habit. You need to be able to set a realistic goal and hold yourself accountable for it.
That’s where marathons come into the equation. Signing up for a marathon like the Boston Marathon is the perfect way to set a running goal.
Marathons are great events, as they usually provide a few distances to choose from, depending on your fitness. If you’re still a newbie, sign up for a half marathon to get a feel for it. As you build your confidence, you can work your way up to a full marathon.
Marathons are also great for the whole family. They’re social events where people gather to cheer you on and show support. There’s usually an air of excitement and encouragement that makes the whole process a lot easier. Plus, they’re outdoors which makes for a safer COVID-friendly family activity. Even your elderly loved ones can be involved, by enrolling them to keep track of everyone’s progress, and acting as cheerleaders. Taking part in family activities reduces the need to hire home care aides for companion care.
Train Together
Now that you’ve set a specific goal for a specific date, it’s time to make running a family activity. This makes exercising less lonely as you have other people working with you towards your goal. It’s also a great bonding activity, as you cheer each other on and spend quality time together during training.
It’s essential that kids spend some time outdoors to get exercise and fresh air. If you’re doing it together as a family, you’re setting a great example and encouraging your kids to lead healthy lifestyles. Plus, you can hold each other accountable. It’s harder to skip a training session when the whole family is relying on you to show up.
Running Fun With Family: How Should I Start?
In order to make running a family activity, you have to start slow. If your kids are younger, or you’re starting from a low level of fitness, start with very short distances. Once you’re able to run a short distance without struggling, you can increase your training miles.
You should also vary your training activities so that you don’t get stuck in a rut. You might run around the block one week and do a trail run the next. Treadmill running can also be a good addition to your training schedule.
But you might be wondering how to make treadmill running fun. The secret here is to build a great playlist and focus solely on running to music. It’s recommended that you don’t listen to music if you’re running around the block as your eyes and ears should be aware of any traffic.
The only drawback to running or most other exercises is that you’ll end up with a lot of sweaty clothes to wash — just kidding. You can always use a nearby laundry service to take care of it.
Go for The Boston Marathon
All it takes to make running fun is making it a family activity, and setting a realistic goal. If you live in Massachusetts, the Boston Marathon is the perfect event to aspire to. This historic running event attracts thousands of visitors every year and is a celebrated sporting activity for the whole family.
If you’re looking for some more excellent family-related activities and tips and tricks, or you have any questions about our site, follow our blog!
It depends on who you ask but I personally think hiking is best in New England during the summer and fall months. However, if you’re the adventurous type and have the right gear, winter can be perfect too, especially if you’re craving solitude. Having gone through the pandemic for a whole year with nothing much to do except hiking, we’ve explored some hikes that we think you’ll really enjoy too at any time of the year.
Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, Natick, MA. Image from Sdkb
For something close to home, we love going to Broadmoor in Natick and actually go hiking here year round. You can buy a membership and enter for free or pay a fee as a non-member. While it is currently operating under timed ticket entrances, it has worked well. Some days I’ve literally booked a few hours before going. The trails are clean and range from easy to rugged but I would say that one of the big perks of this hike is the universally accessible boardwalk. Seniors in wheelchairs or with walkers or walking canes can access the boardwalk without much fuss, although they are usually accompanied by friends or family or a professional caregiver. You can even download an audio interpretation to listen to the 12 stops along this .06 mile boardwalk trail and rest on a bench when you want to take in the view of the frogs croaking or the turtles coming up for air. There are a total of 9 trails with many intersecting each other and interesting sights to see along streams, marshland, open fields and ponds. You’ll want to bring bug sprayand sunscreen if you plan to be there for more than an hour as some areas by the fields will be more open and sunny and areas by the marshland may be buggy and humid.
Although dog parks with hoops, hurdles, tunnels, planks and pods are great fun for your canine baby, one place that we’ve discovered that is popular with dog owners is Ashland State Park. The trail goes around the perimeter of the Ashland Reservoir and can be done in about 2–3 hours depending on how fast you go. Both dogs and humans get a great workout and on hot summer days, you’ll often see dogs taking a dip in the water. This is a huge park but it does tend to get crowded on weekends. A few points of interest include a beach with picnic areas, a boat launch and a few ropes swinging from trees that kids and teenagers take advantage of when they are feeling like Tarzan.
Lastly we go to the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury when we want to make a day out of it and really get off the grid. It’s great if you’re looking for more solitude. There are over 15 miles of trail on wetlands and forested areas. One neat thing you’ll see are the old abandoned World War II era ammunition bunkers. Over the years, moss and vegetation have covered the top of the bunker but yet they remain visible remnants of the past. For these longer hikes, I’ll carry a daypack stocked with snacks and drinks for the hike and usually also carry a little medical safety kit consisting of band aids and bandages, whistle, compass, and pocket knife. The wonderful thing about being out in nature is the opportunity to teach kids how to navigate their surroundings and be ready for small emergencies.
There’s usually quite a bit of clean up to do after hiking, soil in the car, shoes, and even clothing. Here are some tips to treat mud stains and grass stains. If those fail, just take the soiled clothes to a professional laundry service nearby.
Like other parts of the country, the state of Massachusetts is preparing for another surge of COVID cases after the Christmas and New Year holidays. There will be further restrictions including higher capacity limits at restaurants, theaters, performance venues, personal services, casinos, offices, places of worship, retail, golf facilities, libraries, gyms and museums, etc. and new gathering limits at private homes outdoors and indoors. With COVID fatigue, it is particularly difficult to fight the winter blues under these circumstances. Nonetheless, we should pick ourselves up, bundle up, and grab some sunshine and fresh air outside to cheer ourselves up!
Don’t forget that there are plenty of heating options to make fun activities possible, such as patio heaters, hot tubs, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. So stock up on firewood or schedule for regular propane deliveries so that you never run out. Here are some suggestions for fun outdoor activities for winter.
Playing with Snow
This is not only fun but also great exercise for the whole family. Making a snow man is classic, but you can go further by building a snow fort, a whole family or village of snow people, organize a snowman competition with neighbors, etc. Start a snow fight to spice up the fun!
When you begin to feel the cold, make some hot chocolate and warm up near a fire. Toast some marshmallows and add into your hot chocolate – hmm, yummy!
Bird and Animal Watching
With the foliage gone, winter is a great time for bird and animal watching. Set up some birdfeeders to draw birds to your backyard or garden. You may spot some red cardinals and bluebirds quite easily, but goldfinches, sparrows, doves and wrens are also common. There are squirrels, chipmunks and depending on where you live, you might even spot a deer.
If you love taking pictures, birds and animals are great subjects, but not easy to photograph. However, you can readily capture stunning winter scenes such as snow-covered landscapes, icicles on trees, frozen lakes and rivers, you name it.
Stargazing
On clear nights, enjoy stargazing while relaxing in a heated pool or soaking in a bubbly hot tub or heated pool. Play some festive music or romantic music, depending on your mood.
Stay healthy while you enjoy the outdoors. Keep off-the-counter cough and cold medicines, skin care and pain relief products in the house just in case. Watch for snow stains on your clothes and remove them before throwing the clothing into the washing machine. If you use a laundry service in Boston, it would be a good idea to put a note about the stains in the laundry bag.
Winter can be fun even during the pandemic. Stay active and upbeat. With the help of vaccines, we can look forward to a healthier and happier Spring!
Fall isn’t often thought about as the season where we spend all our time outdoors, but it should be! The weather is the perfect mix of not too hot, not too cool and nature puts on quite a show displaying a wide array of beautiful colors. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Fall. Here are some tips to prepare for them.
Fall Cookout
Barbecues aren’t just for the summertime. In fact, Fall is perfect grilling weather! Get out those autumn themed linens and set the picnic table. Don’t forget to take them to a dry cleaner nearby for a refresher. Also, fill up that propane tank for the grill. How about a nature theme for the decor? Pumpkins, gourds, corn cobs and leaves are never in short supply this season.
Forest Hike
The changing leaves are one of the best things about Fall. A family hike through the woods is the perfect way to enjoy the show up close. Be sure to pack supplies like bug spray and a first aid kit, the forest can be unpredictable in this season. Your local pharmacy should have everything you need to prepare.
Bonfires
Be sure to check your local town ordinances for the rules on backyard bonfires. But if they’re allowed, go for it! The fall is the absolute best time of year to enjoy a backyard fire. Home supply stores usually carry firewood if you don’t have your own supply. Even your local drugstore may carry some seasonally, be sure to call ahead to check. Also, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions like purchasing a fire extinguisher. If you already own one, check the expiration date and replace it if necessary. Don’t forget S’mores supplies from your local grocery store!
Bike Rides
A bike ride around the neighborhood or through the park is a great outdoor activity for the Fall. Don’t forget the helmets! While we’re talking safety, it’s always a good idea to have an updated first aid kit on hand for things like bike rides and hikes. Your local pharmacy should have all the supplies you need like bandaids, gauze, antibacterial gel and pain relievers.
Outdoor activities are even more fun in the Fall. So with a little preparation, you can take advantage of all nature has to offer while enjoying the outdoors before winter hits.
Summer is here, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Most of us are still leery of flying, so vacationing overseas or out of state is not under consideration. Although we are in phase 2 of re-opening and many restaurants and shops are now open, our safest activities this summer would be outdoors, especially in parks and beaches, with social distancing, of course. One place I’d like to visit with my family is the Minuteman Campground in Lexington, which is just 30 miles northwest of Boston. There, you can enjoy a quiet, spacious campsite among the tall pines. The campground has tent campsites, RV campsites and cabins. The RV sites have picnic tables, Wi-Fi, laundry, fire pits and electricity hookups, so you won’t need propane for RV generator. For fun, the campground provides kids playground, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and more.
As long as the family is outdoors, you always should be prepared with insect sprays and sunscreens, first aid kits and wound care supplies such as bandages, dressings and wound cleansers.
If you have a senior loved one at home, you may not be able to bring him or her along. In that case, it would be a good idea to get respite care service from a trustworthy home care agency. A professional home care aide can provide companionship, as well as take care of daily tasks such as simple meal preparation, errands, and also make sure that your loved one is taking prescribed medications.
Worried about your routine household chores while you are on vacation? Take a break and let others do them for you. Use the nearby dry cleaner to do your dirty laundry, maid service to clean your house, and a personal concierge to do whatever else that needs to be done. With their help, even though you are still in the Boston area, you can take your mind off your daily routine to rest, recharge and have fun!
The 4th of July is always the event of the summer, but things are a little different this year. Maybe we can’t go to parades or fireworks celebrations, or have a giant neighborhood block party, but we can still have a good time. Here’s are some ways to celebrate the 4th during a pandemic.
Freshen Up Your Flag
You may have already been proudly displaying your American flag, but preparing for the Fourth is the perfect reason to freshen it up a bit. Most dry cleaners will clean flags for free, so give them a call to ask about their policies. A flag can get a bit grimy and even moldy after swaying in the breeze through all sorts of weather, so you should have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. If it’s a big flag, you should take advantage of a free laundry delivery service in your area.
Plan a Picnic With Your Family
You may not be able to have a giant backyard BBQ this year, but you can still plan a fun picnic with your family. Now would be a perfect time to prep your linens and blankets, and anything else you may need for a picnic in the grass. Most of these items can be machine washed, but for fancier or delicate fabrics, you may want to take them to your local dry cleaners. Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen, both available at your nearby pharmacy.
Go Camping
Now’s the perfect time to go on a camping trip, even if it’s not very far away. If you don’t own an RV or camper, think about renting or borrowing one, for a great weekend getaway on a budget. Don’t forget to fill that propane tank so you’re all ready to go.
4th of July during a pandemic doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside, think outside the box and enjoy some quality time with your family safely!
We usually celebrate Mother’s Day with flowers and gifts for mom, taking her out to dinner and may be a shopping spree or a trip to the spa or salon. While our city is still in lockdown, with restaurants, salons and shops closed, how are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day Gifts
For the most part, we can order gifts online and get them ready by Mother’s Day. If you cannot get a gift delivered in time, don’t forget that your local drugstore is still open and carries a variety of health and beauty products that your mom would love – from age-defying skin care, hair coloring and styling to perfumes and manicure products. Your community pharmacy may provide curbside service so you can stay safe.
Take a load off
Mom is always busy caring for her family. The list of household chores is never ending. During the quarantine, the amount of cleaning and disinfecting has probably quadrupled. So a great gift would be to take over some of her work. How about letting the local dry cleaner nearby do the laundry? Schedule a laundry pickup before Mother’s Day, so that she is relaxed and not worried about doing the laundry.
If mom’s work includes caring for grandpa and or grandma, which is not unusual in this age of the “Caregiving Crunch,” you can take a load off her by hiring respite care providers from the local home care agency. A home health aide can provide respectful professional care and companionship for a senior loved one while the family caregiver takes a break.
Fun activity together
Do something fun with your mom at home, such as watch a movie on tv, take a trip down memory lane by viewing old photos together, make handicrafts or artwork, give mom a manicure, and so on.
Dinner
If your mother is living in the same house, you can perhaps cook a nice dinner or if you are not a good cook, you can order a big meal online and get it delivered to the house. But if your mother is not under the same roof, you can try sharing a virtual dinner on Zoom. That way, you can still see and chat with each other during dinner.
With a little creativity and preparation, we can still give mom a memorable Mother’s Day during these unprecedented times. Stay safe and have fun with your mom on Mother’s Day!
Home and Family 
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