Celebrate Mother’s Day in Boston: A Perfect Family Day Out

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the incredible women in our lives. Boston, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery, offers a plethora of activities for families to make this day memorable. Here’s a guide to enjoying a delightful Mother’s Day in Boston with the whole family.

Morning: Brunch with a View

Start your Mother’s Day celebration with a delicious brunch. Boston boasts numerous family-friendly restaurants that offer special Mother’s Day menus. Some top picks include:

City Table: Located in the Lenox Hotel in Back Bay, City Table offers a relaxed, elegant atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
The Friendly Toast: This quirky spot in Back Bay serves up hearty and creative breakfast dishes that both kids and adults will love.
Stephanie’s on Newbury: Known for its comfort food, Stephanie’s offers a cozy atmosphere and a lovely outdoor patio for enjoying the spring weather.

Late Morning: Stroll Through the Boston Public Garden

After brunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Boston Public Garden. The garden is in full bloom in May, making it a picturesque spot for a family walk. Don’t miss the famous Swan Boats, a beloved Boston tradition since 1877. A ride on these pedal-powered boats offers a peaceful and scenic view of the garden’s lagoon.

Boston Public Garden. Bob Linsdell, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Afternoon: Explore the Museum of Fine Arts or the New England Aquarium

Depending on your family’s interests, you have a couple of great options for the afternoon:

Museum of Fine Arts: Spend a few hours exploring the vast collection of artwork. The museum often hosts special exhibits and activities for families. Be sure to check out the Art of the Americas Wing and the stunning contemporary art galleries.
New England Aquarium: If your family loves marine life, the aquarium is a must-visit. From the mesmerizing Giant Ocean Tank to the playful penguins and touch tanks, there’s plenty to see and do.

If your mom is elderly and has a home caregiver who often takes her for walks, this is the perfect opportunity to take her somewhere special. Spend the afternoon exploring a museum like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These cultural institutions offer a peaceful and enriching experience that she will surely appreciate.

Late Afternoon: Charles River Esplanade

Head to the Charles River Esplanade for some outdoor fun. This picturesque park along the Charles River is perfect for a family bike ride or a relaxing picnic. You can rent bikes, paddleboats, or simply enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air. There are also playgrounds for the kids to enjoy.

Evening: Dinner and a Sweet Treat

End the day with a lovely dinner at one of Boston’s family-friendly restaurants. Consider:

Legal Sea Foods: A Boston staple, Legal Sea Foods offers fresh seafood and a kid-friendly menu.
North End: For Italian cuisine lovers, head to the North End. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, each offering delicious pasta, pizza, and other Italian delights.

After dinner, treat mom to something sweet. Visit Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry in the North End for a famous cannoli, or stop by J.P. Licks for some homemade ice cream.

Evening: Catch a Show or Relax

If you’re up for it, catch an evening show. Boston’s theater district often features family-friendly performances. Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter evening, head back home and relax with a family movie night or play some board games.

Take a Load Off Mom

So instead of laundry, cooking, and cleaning, take a load off mom. Get laundry pickup and delivery from your local Boston dry cleaner and eat out so that you can take mom on a shopping spree and help her find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Treat her to a day of relaxation and pampering, letting her know just how much she is appreciated.

Tips for a Smooth Mother’s Day Outing

Plan Ahead: Make reservations for brunch and dinner to avoid long wait times.
Dress Comfortably: Boston’s weather in May can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Capture the Moments: Don’t forget to take lots of photos to remember this special day.

Mother’s Day is all about making mom feel cherished and appreciated. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Boston offers the perfect setting for a memorable family celebration. Whether you’re exploring the city’s landmarks, enjoying delicious meals, or simply spending quality time together, Mother’s Day in Boston is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Back to School: Tips for Parents in Boston

As the end of the summer break approaches, it’s natural for students and their parents to start planning for their return to school. Starting a new school year can be exciting, daunting, challenging, and nerve-wracking for children, so as parents, we need to help them get ready for the new school year. Here are a few back-to-school tips.

Organize Your Home

Over the break, it’s normal for your home to have become somewhat messier than normal. Make a team effort with the whole family to clean up, de-clutter and get organized. Not only does this put everyone back into work mode and set the scene for being back in school, but it also means your kids have no excuse for not being able to find their gym kit or book bag the night before going back in school. If you’ve got lots of junk to get rid of, save time by renting a dumpster. It’s so much easier to be able to toss things away as you’re sorting, rather than maneuvering around piles in your home and making multiple trips to the local recycling center.

Clean Out Your Closets

Linked to above, make sure you sort through your closets while getting your home in tip-top order. If your child has had a summer growth spurt, it’s better to know beforehand instead of finding out they have nothing suitable to wear for their first day in school! It also helps your child find everything they will need for their schooldays. Get rid of clothes and shoes that no longer fit or are showing signs of wear and tear. You can donate items in good condition and discard the rest. In case you open the closets and discover a huge pile of hidden laundry, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed — get practical time-saving help from your local laundry or dry-cleaning service.

Get Vaccines

School can be a veritable breeding ground for germs. When kids start mingling again in school, you might find that your child comes home with colds, sore throats and earaches more frequently than when they’re off school. Head to your local pharmacy to get the family updated with their flu shots. While you are there, you can also conveniently pick up various school supplies and other back-to-school items like backpacks.

Check School Updates in Advance

Nobody likes being surprised on the first day back to school. Put your mind at rest and check for pertinent updates on your school’s website and prepare accordingly. Are there any special supplies your child needs for the next academic year? Give yourself plenty of time to make any necessary purchases. Confirm the actual first day back and read up on your school’s most recent COVID policy. Get any required COVID supplies like masks while you are at the drug store as well.

Arrange Activities

It doesn’t need to be all work and no play when the kids go back to school. Keep your kids engaged and motivated outside of the classroom by making sure they have plenty of fun with their peers in the evenings and on weekends. It can be as simple as arranging with other Boston parents for kids to meet up in the neighborhood park or playground. Alternatively, take a look at your town’s library calendar to find diverse activities and events geared toward youngsters.

Set those school year daily routines in motion, like school transportation, lunches, study habits, bed time, etc. Finally, give your child a good pep talk, a pat on the back, hugs and kisses, and send them off to a good start!

Preparing for the Winter Holidays

Getting ready for the oncoming festivities and winter holidays can definitely be a hectic time. Winter in Boston is always magical, but when you’re in the mood to start preparing right away for what’s to come, here are a few tips to get you started.

Get Essential Chores Out Of The Way

Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or are planning to hold a party pretty soon, it’s crucial to have a list of essential tasks. Without having a list, you might end up forgetting important things like having fresh and clean tablecloths for parties or not having any snacks for your guests to munch on.

It’s best to start compiling this list as soon as you decide to get prepared because it gives you more time to add any tasks that might have slipped out of your mind. Don’t let the Boston chill get to your head or your festivities when you’re prepared ahead of time!

Look Your Best For the Holidays

Winters are undoubtedly a time for parties, family gatherings, and much more. When you’re gearing up for the festivities, you mustn’t forget to look your best for each event.

Consider dry cleaning fancy dresses and formal wear that you’re planning to wear this year so you can be prepared even for the last-minute party your friend is throwing two blocks away. You don’t want to be worried about last year’s stains when you’re out to celebrate!

Keep Seasonal Ailments Away

If you’ve started preparing for winter a bit earlier than usual, then it’s the perfect time to stock up on over-the-counter flu medicines as well as some regular cold medicine. Winters are a notorious time catching seasonal viral and more, so it’s best to buy some vitamins and supplements from your local pharmacy to keep your immune system strong.

When you’ve managed to slip on some ice or snow and are feeling sore all over, it’s best to have pain gel on hand to help you out. When you’re fully stocked and ready to go, no winter ailment can keep you confined.

Arrange for Professional Care

Understandably, holidays can be a busy time for you and your family. It can be quite concerning when you have an elderly loved one who can’t attend your celebrations. Ensure that they’re getting the best care even when you can’t devote your full attention to them by getting professional respite care.

Professional living assistance by certified home care aides can ensure that their needs and ailments are being taken care of holistically and that you don’t constantly have to be running from here to there trying to take care of it all.

Don’t Forget About Yourself

The holidays can be stressful, and you need to ensure that you’re giving yourself some TLC from time to time. Keep your mind relaxed and your body healthy when you’re taking little breaks to take care of yourself.

Whether it’s your laundry that needs to be taken care of through a delivery service or taking a soak in a hot tub, there are many self-care activities you can do in no time at all. You can also look for sitters for your elderly loved one to ensure that while your needs are being taken care of, theirs don’t go amiss.

Enjoy your winter festivities when you keep these tips in mind to make the holidays hassle-free for you!

5 Best Ways to Enjoy the Fall in Boston for Visitors

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.

Spring Gardening: A Healthy Habit For Seniors

Gardening is a great way to make your yard look nice, but it’s also much more than that. Gardening is good for the mind and for the body. It’s also a lovely activity to do with your older loved one. The two of you can bond, and you’ll both reap the physical and mental benefits.

Gardening is good, safe exercise.

Many older adults do not get enough exercise. They may not be capable of going for a jog or even a long walk, but gardening is an approachable activity, even for adults with limited mobility.

If you garden alongside your older loved one, you can let them handle what they can, and then pick up the slack. For example, you can let them put plants in the dirt while you do the more demanding activities — like raking and mulching.

If your loved one has an in-home caregiver, you can also suggest gardening as an activity for the two of them to do together. Drop off any supplies they may need, like pots and potting soil.

Gardening has other health benefits.

In addition to being good exercise, gardening is a great way to get some vitamin D. Deficiencies of vitamin D are common in people of all ages, but especially in older adults who do not go outside very often. In exposing their skin to the sun for just a few minutes a day while they garden, your loved one can raise their vitamin D level. Like vitamins and supplements, this is good for bone health and mental health and it is free!

Just make sure you have the right supplies on-hand for safety as you garden. Visit a pharmacy nearby to stock up on sunscreen, first aid kits, and wound care kits.

Gardening creates dirty clothing.

Your senior loved one’s new gardening habit may create a lot of dirty laundry. Clothing may get soil stains when you’re out playing in the dirt! Sunscreen stains can also ruin your clothing. I always take my stained clothing to the local dry cleaner near me. They know what they are doing when it comes to stain removal! In any case, it’s good idea to have a laundry pickup service take care of your loved one’s laundry. This will take the burden off them and lead to a better quality of life as they age at home.

If you are looking for a fun, safe way to get some exercise with your loved one, try gardening. You’ll have a lovely time out in the fresh air, and in the end, your yard will be that much more beautiful.

4 Ways to Prepare for Springtime

Spring will be here before we know it! This season represents a fresh new start. The warm air, budding trees, and birds chirping are all so enjoyable after a chilly winter. So, how can you prepare for the arrival of this rejuvenating season? Start with these suggestions.

1. Clean Your House

Spring cleaning is an age-old tradition. And indeed, this is the perfect time of year for a thorough, deep clean. Most people like to go room by room, as this makes it easy to divide the whole-house cleaning across a few days. Some important cleaning tasks to include are:

Pulling furniture away from the walls to clean behind it.
Wiping down ceiling fan blades and vent covers.
Washing your curtains or window treatments.
Cleaning light fixtures.
Wiping down window sills.
Changing your furnace and air conditioner filters.
Wiping down baseboards and doorframes.

2. Re-Organize Your Closets

How much stuff has accumulated in your closet that you no longer use? Spend a day sorting through your clothing. Donate anything you no longer need to charity, or throw it away if it is torn or stained.

This is also the perfect time to take winter clothes out of your closet and put your summer clothing in. Take your winter clothing, coats, and comforters to the dry cleaners before packing them into storage for the spring.

3. Restock Your Medicine Cabinets

Go through your medicine cabinet, and get rid of any expired medications. Then, head to your local pharmacy, and purchase items to restock your cabinet.

Make sure you have basic medications, such as pain relievers and anti-nausea drugs, on-hand. Stock some basic first aid supplies, like Band-Aids and antibiotic cream, too. You can even pick up your Rx refills at the same time to save yourself a trip.

4. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Spring is also a good time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Look at the date on the back to see if the device is due to be replaced. Also, change the batteries to ensure that if there is an emergency, the alarm will alert you as intended. This is particularly important if you use propane for heating or cooking at home.

The arrival of spring marks a season of renewal and the perfect opportunity for a fresh, new start. With a clean home, an organized closet, a well-stocked medicine cabinet, and safe smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you’ll be well prepared for springtime.

When There is No Parade on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is typically an occasion that calls for big parades and parties in the streets. But since most of us have still not received vaccinations against COVID-19, social distancing is still vital — which means this St. Paddy’s Day will feel a little different. There can still be plenty of fun, safe ways to celebrate the luck o’ the Irish! Here are a few ideas.

1. Plan a Camping Trip

With the weather growing warmer, this is the perfect time to plan a camping trip. Buy some sunscreen at the pharmacy, as you can sunburn even when it’s cloudy. Bring along a propane tank and a small grill, and enjoy a weekend in the woods.

Here are a few fun ways to work a St. Patrick’s Day theme into your camping trip:

Have a contest to see who finds a 4-leaf clover first.
Prepare a traditional Irish dish, like boiled cabbage and bacon, over the fire.
Drink an Irish drink, like Guinness or Bailey’s, by the fire.

2. Have a Costume Party on Zoom

Have everyone in the family make their own St. Patrick’s Day costume. You can dress up like leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, or even as a cabbages! Host a family Zoom call so everyone can admire each other’s customers from a safe distance. You could even have a costume content. Reward the winner with some Irish tea or a Guinness (depending on age).

3. Bake Green Cupcakes

This is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day activity for families with kids. Mix up a vanilla cake mix according to package instructions, but add about a half teaspoon of green food coloring to the batter. Bake and cool the cupcakes, then top them with green frosting.

You can also make green cookies and green soda simply by adding a few drops of food coloring.

4. Practice Irish Dancing

Irish dancing is lively, lighthearted, and fun — just what we all need right now! Look up some Irish dancing routines on YouTube, and do your best to follow along. It’s okay if you don’t master the steps. The goal is to have fun.

Hopefully we’ve inspired you to have some safe St. Paddy’s Day fun during these unusual times. At the end of the day, don’t sweat the cleanup. Save time by using alaundry delivery service, and revel in the luck and joy of the Irish a little longer.

Taking Care of Your Dry Skin in Winter

The winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin. It can be even worse if you have sensitive skin to begin with. It’s important not to ignore the beginning signs of dry skin, since it can quickly become flaky and cracked if ignored. Cracked skin can lead to pain, bleeding and even skin infections. Here are some ways to take care of your dry skin in the wintertime.

Stock Up on Good Quality Lotions, Creams and Moisturizers

Lotion is an absolute must in the winter. You’ll find that you need to moisturize much more often than you do the rest of the year. Having several bottles of good quality moisturizer or cream in your house, in your car and in your purse or backpack will keep you prepared. Apply it on your hands and forearms several times a day, as those are the areas that tend to get the driest. But also apply to your whole body right after a hot shower, that will ensure your skin will stay moisturized longer. The pharmacy near me has a great selection of lotions, creams and moisturizers, and I can also consult the pharmacists there for the products that suit my skin. If needed, they also offer skin compounding service, providing compounded medications with specific strengths, dosages and forms for skin conditions such as eczyma and psoriasis.

Don’t Forget About the Kiddos

Kids tend to get incredibly dry skin in the winter, and may not think or be able to tell you. Be sure you’re applying lotion daily to sensitive areas. Always check the ingredients and try to use unscented or undyed when possible. And don’t forget the diaper cream!

Beware of Irritants

Dry flaky skin can be especially sensitive to irritants. So it’s important to be aware of what kind of products you’re using on your laundry in the winter time. If you use a wash and fold service, or take items to the dry cleaner, be sure to let them know about your sensitive skin and allergies.

Aging Skin Can be Particularly Dry and Sensitive

If you are caring for an elderly family member, be sure to keep their skin moisturized in the winter time as well. Any home caregivers or medical help should be aware of any sensitivities or allergies your loved one has. Keep an eye out for reactions from certain products.

Dry skin can be a nuisance, but by taking a few extra steps in the winter, you can keep your skin soft and moisturized.

New Year, New You

It’s a new year! That, of course, doesn’t mean that the hardships and uncertainty of 2020 will disappear. However, we can make a conscious effort to declutter our minds by simplifying our lives. So, to maintain that “New Year, New You” mentality, here are some great tips that are easy to implement.

Take Care of Your Health

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to focus on our health and the health of our loved ones. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be as easy as starting to take a multi-vitamin every day, if you don’t already. Talk to your doctor about any nutritional supplements that might be beneficial for your specific health concerns. Your local pharmacy should carry everything you need. And you may even be able to get a nutritional consultation from your pharmacy as well.

Don’t Stress About the Little Things

We all have daily chores that can get ahead of us if we let them. It’s silly to stress about things like housework and laundry. If clothes are piling up, and it’s just adding too much stress to your life, consider hiring a laundry service. Having someone pick up your dirty laundry, wash, dry and fold them and deliver them back to you can be quite a lifesaver. There’s no reason to feel guilty about spending money on something like that if it’s within your budget. Checking things off your list that add to your stress is a good thing.

Make an Effort to Improve the Lives of Others

There’s no better way to improve your own life than by improving the life of someone you love. This past year has probably been especially tough on your elderly loved ones and neighbors. Be sure to check in on them often. Even if they have a home health aide or caregiver, they may be missing that personal contact from their loved ones. Nothing can replace a phone call from someone you love. This goes for friends with little ones at home too. Parents have played both caregiver and teacher roles for the last year, and it can be incredibly stressful. Just ordering a meal or sending over a gift basket to a mom or dad in your life would be an incredible gesture.

Doing these simple things can lead to a new you in this coming year!

Fighting the Winter Blues

2020 was a tough year. And as much as we wish it were true, the clock turning to 12:01 on New Years Day doesn’t make all of that hardship disappear. Sure, we’re going into the New Year with a sense of optimism and hope, but that still doesn’t mean we all can’t get bogged down with a case of the winter blues. That term in itself has a deeper meaning this year. Luckily, there’s plenty of easy things we can do to make things a bit simpler.

Clean House

Did you know that studies have shown that keeping your house tidy and eliminating clutter can actually decrease anxiety and lessen depression? Executing a little action on the things we can actually control in our life keeps us from dreading the things we can’t. So winter is the perfect time to do those chores you’ve been putting off all year. Clean out that crawl space, organize that closet, rearrange that pantry. All these things can create a little order in a chaotic time. Take those blankets and comforters to the dry cleaners or consider a laundry service for those piles of laundry that just can’t figure out how to wash themselves.

Stay Healthy

When you’re experiencing the winter blues, it’s even more important to take care of your physical health. Eat lots of healthy, fresh whole foods. Take a daily multi-vitamin. Pick up your prescribed medications on time, and talk to your doctor about any health changes or concerns. Your local pharmacy has everything you need to keep up with your health. And don’t forget your flu shot!

Stay Warm

Winter brings lots of unexpected weather. Be sure you have plenty of backup methods of keeping warm in preparation for winter storms. Space heaters are great, but if the power goes out, they’re not going to be much help. Consider a propane heater for Plan B. Check out the nearest propane tank refill service to ensure your supply.

Think of Others

If you’re experiencing the winter blues, think of how hard it might be for those that don’t enjoy the independence you do. Elderly loved ones can feel especially isolated and lonely this time of year. Consider hiring a home care aide for your loved one that could use a little extra help around the house.

Fighting the winter blues can be a team effort if you consider all the resources already at your fingertips in your community.