Travel the Boston and Nova Scotia Loop: What You Don’t Want to Miss
If you love lighthouses, fresh seawater, ferry rides, and eating fresh lobster then this trip is for you! Traveling the Boston to Nova Scotia is totally doable and so much fun. With amazing scenery and a lot of adventure, there is something for every age in your family. Here are some ideas of what to do in each state along this route.
Boston, Massachusetts
1. There is so much to see in Boston, one of the best ways to do it all is by grabbing a Go City Boston pass here on Groupon and you will be able to hit all of the sites. Be sure to do the Freedom trail. You can read about that here. They include:
- Cape Cod Maritime Museum
- CityView Hop-on Hop-off Boston Trolley Tour
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Historic Sightseeing Cruise
- Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House Combo Ticket
- New England Aquarium
- Museum of Science
- Fenway Park Tour
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Paul Revere House
- Salem Witch Museum
- Swan Boats of Boston
- Sam Adams Brewery Tour
- And more!
Be sure to eat at a few yummy places like Mikes Pastries, Eataly, Tasty Burger, Atlantic Fish Co, Abe & Loui’s, Friendly Toast and find some fresh lobster.
Bar Harbor, Maine
- Acadia National Forest
- Bike ride around Eagle Lake
- Berry picking
- Ferry ride to Nova Scotia
- Eat lobster rolls
- Camp in the Maine forest
- Visit local orchards and creameries
- Play in the water- kayak, boat, raft
Nova Scotia (Halifax, Yarmouth, Peggy’s Cove, Dartmouth)
- Attend a Halifax Wanderers FC game. You can find their schedule here.
- Walk the boardwalk. Did you know Halifax has one of the longest boardwalks in the world? Check it out!
- Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historical Site
- Take a Ferry ride around the water front
- Visit Lighthouses: Peggy’s Cove, Gilbert Cove, Cape Forchu to name a few.
- Whale watching tour
- Visit an Artisan Market
- Play at a waterfront playground
- Travel to Cape Breton Island
- Relax on a beach
- Enjoy a traditional lobster meal
Fun Family Things to Do in Rocky Point, Mexico
We recently returned from Puerto Penasco, Mexico or Rocky Point. It was our first time going there so I had some concerns but ultimately loved it there. We were able to explore the area, eat amazing food, relax just enough and create some fun memories. If you have this on your list, check out these must dos!
- Swim at Sandy Beach. This beach is amazing with soft sand and beautiful views. You will see plenty of vendors on the beach selling food and souvenirs. You can even stay in a hotel on that beach so you can walk it every day.
- Search for sand dollars at La Choya beach. Check the local time for the lowest tide and head to the beach then. You will find tons of sand dollars at this beach. It’s so fun to see them on the beach. Take the kids and find the sand dollars.
- Eat at the local restaurants. We have found a few favorites to eat at, including: Pollo Lucas (Lucas Chicken), Taqueria El Poblano #1 and Churros Penasco.
- Walk the Pier. There are the most yummy pina coladas on the pier. You can look out into the ocean and walk the souvenir stores.
- Flour Tortilla Factory. Stock up on fresh daily made tortillas from their factory. We went and got a few stacks which we ate throughout the week. There is also a corn tortilla place close by.
- Ride 4-wheelers. Our boys loved riding the 4-wheelers around the resorts. You will see different people trying to get you to rent them for an hour or so. You can choose any place you want! They are relatively inexpensive and a good time.
Unique Easter Egg Hunt Ideas- Your Kids Will Love
Easter is coming soon. Are you ready? I have to admit, when I was little I was never super fond of Easter Eggs hunts. It seemed like I was always the one at the end who couldn’t find those last few eggs. It was only months down the road that those eggs would show up! So that’s where they were! However, being a mom of little kids, I have to give in and do egg hunts every year. Most years it seems like we end up doing one with each side of the family so MORE egg hunts for us! I will admit it is pretty fun to see the kids eyes light up with excitement as they find those eggs. So, if they are happy, I’m happy. Here are 10 unique Easter Egg hunt ideas that just may have you (and me!) a little more excited for egg hunts this year.
- Scavenger Egg Hunt: Write a clue in the first egg that will direct them to the next egg. Continue with this for however long you want until they get to the last clue with the prize/presents at the end. You could even make a scavenger hunt for each kid if they are old enough to do them on their own.
- Color Code Eggs: This is a tradition in my family. Every Easter morning we are given a color that is our color for the egg hunt. That means we can only find those eggs that have stickers with our color on it. If we see an egg with a different color sticker on it, then we leave it and don’t tell anyone. We have a number of how many eggs/prizes we get to find. This helps with those little kids that may need some “easy” hiding places. Put those out in the open and hide the older kids a little harder. This way you can also get the same amount of eggs/prizes for every kid. No fighting!
- Gold Easter Egg: Tell the kids that during their hunt they each get to find one Gold Easter Egg. Inside put something special and personal. Like “Date night with mom & dad” or “Late Night with Friends” or “Let’s go to the Movies!” Something that would help you spend more time with them. This gives a little more excitement to the hunt as well.
- Tag Team Easter Egg Hunt: If you are having an egg hunt with a big family, this is super fun! Split the group into even teams. Then you say “Go!” the first person from each team runs and finds an egg and brings it back. They tag the next person on the team and then they go find an egg. The first team to get through their whole team either once or twice (depending on how many eggs you have) wins.
- The REAL Egg Hunt: Does anyone ever use REAL eggs anymore? I feel like they are mostly plastic now days. But with this hunt you need to make and dye Easter Eggs. Which is half the fun, right?? Once they are dyed and decorated then hide them in designated location. Have each person try to find a certain number of eggs and none of them can be ones that they made. This is super fun at the end to see the designs of other people.
- In the Dark Egg Hunt: This is super fun for those older kids that may think they are done with eggs hunts. Put small pieces of glow sticks in Easter eggs and hide them around the yard when it’s dark outside. You can then let them outside and see who can get the most or just let them go for it. It makes it pretty cool looking too.
- Let’s Move! Egg Hunt: In each egg have an action or exercise that they need to accomplish before going on to the next egg. It’s funny to watch them go find the eggs. You’ll suddenly see them start doing jumping jacks, somersaults, cartwheels, jumping and running. If you need to get energy out, this is a great way to do it!
- Puzzle Egg Hunt: Buy a puzzle that is appropriate for your age group. When you buy it you need to put it together first and then write your secret message on the back. It could be a rhyme or poem describing where they can find their end treasure. Then put 1 piece of the puzzle in each egg. The kids have to work together to find all of the eggs and then put the puzzle together. They then need to solve the question on the back of the puzzle and go find their prize. So fun!
You can fill the eggs up with candy or small toys from your local store, Amazon or Walmart or Target.
How to Save Money on Spring Break Staycations
- Look on your city and neighboring cities website for events going on. Most likely there will be a few FREE events that you can go to.
- Go to your local library and see what activities they have going on. Our local library even has a calendar set out so we can play our spring break week with activities they have going on.
- Check websites and social media for deals on food at local restaurants. Mostly likely they know that it’s spring break and they will be offering deals for those that are still around.
- Make a budget for the week so you know what you can splurge on and what you want to pass on. This helps when deciding what to do for the week.
- Check your local movie theatres for their discounted days and go then!
- Bring your own food from home when you go out for the day. Save that money on fast food to go to a fun restaurant for the week (using a deal of course!).
Super Easy and Yummy Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe- Perfect for Easter
YUM! I’m seeing the strawberries on sale, which means it’s time to make this yummy Strawberries and Cream Poke Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect Easter dessert that the whole family will enjoy.
Strawberries and Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Picture and recipe by Six Sisters Stuff
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix 15.25 ounces
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 3 ounce box strawberry flavored Jell-o
- 1/2 cup cold water
Frosting
- 1 8 ounce tub Cool-Whip non-dairy whipped topping
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping
- 1 pound strawberries diced
Instructions
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Make cake as directed on the back of the box for a 9×13″ pan.
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Let the cake cool for 20 minutes and “poke” the cake with a large fork (I space my pokes about 1/2″ apart and do it until the entire surface of the cake is covered).
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Mix together the boiling water and Jell-o until the Jell-o is completely dissolved. Pour in the cold water and mix well then pour over the cake.
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Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for three hours.
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Combine the Cool-Whip, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla and beat until smooth (I have found that it’s easiest to use an electric mixer, but you don’t have to). Spread on top of cake.
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Top with strawberries and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Non-Candy Easter Basket Filler Ideas
Easter is coming in a few short weeks. Some of you may do the traditional Easter baskets filled with candy and fun toys. Over the past years, I’ve come to the conclusion my kids don’t need more candy. Every holiday includes some sort of treat and it’s just too much! For Easter I try and do some fun outdoor toys, books, and new spring clothing. If you need more ideas of non-candy Easter basket fillers, here they are. I love buying my items at Target, Walmart or Amazon. If you want to shop and snag a cute spring outfit then check out your local Burlington, I love their clothing sets. You can also checkout Target’s Cat & Jack clothing. I love them!
Babies:
- Teether
- Pacifier
- Board Book
- Stuffed Animal
- Blanket
- Egg Shaker
- Onesie
- Finger Puppets
- Swimsuit
- Summer Hat
Toddlers
- Sensory Balls
- Umbrella
- Board Books
- Bubbles
- Music Shaker
- Bath Toys
- Finger Paint
- Whistle
- Glow Sticks
- Fake Bugs
- Stickers
- Sippy Cup
Children 3-5
- Playdough
- Magnifying Glass
- Hair Bows
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Watercolors
- Crayons and Coloring Books
- Chapstick
- Coin Purse
- Bubble Bath
- Stick on Earrings
- Mini Flashlight
- Kids movie
- Spring shorts
- Spring shirts
- Sandals
Children 5-7
- Toy Figures
- Slime
- Doll
- Craft Kits
- Microscope
- Soccer Ball
- Temporary Tattoos
- Small Toy Cars
- Bath Bombs
- Wikki Stix
- Twist Pencils
- Puzzles
- Spring shorts
- Spring shirts
- Sandals
Children 7-10
- Putty
- Art Set
- Books
- Sugar free gum
- Sunglasses
- Chapstick
- LEGO’s
- Butterfly Growing Kit
- Finger Nail Polish
- Card Games
- Beads
- Gift Certificate
- Movie Tickets
- Spring Shorts
- Spring Shirts
- Sandals
Pre-Teen
- Earbuds
- Makeup
- Earrings
- Gift Cards
- Keychains
- Posters
- Deck of cards
- Blanket
- Brain Games
- Books
- Phone case
- Water bottle
- Water bottle stickers
- Spring Shorts
- Spring Shirts
- Sandals
4 Beauty Items Under $20 You Need to Try
Wearing makeup everyday is fun but can definitely add up! I love finding beauty items that don’t break the bank. I’ve tried a variety of beauty items over the years and have found some great ones that are all under $20. Check these out!
- Beakey 5 Piece Makeup Sponge Set. I love having these on hand to do my foundation. Right now they are on sale for around $6 with the coupon. Makeup sponges for all kinds of cosmetics foundation, BB cream, powder, concealer, isolation, liquid, etc.
- Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil. There are so many more expensive eyebrow pencils, but I keep coming back to this one. These are around $8 or under with the coupon now available. Fill in eyebrows with this must-have defining eyebrow pencil, featuring a teardrop tip; Shape and blend with the eyebrow spoolie brush, for a softly defined natural-looking brow.
- KRADAA Painless Hair Removal Device. I love having this for peach fuzz on my face. This is right at $20 with the coupon available now. It’s super easy to use and portable to bring on vacations. The facial hair remover blade is sharp and rounded low-friction protection heads prevents skin damage.
- Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush by Keshima. Made with premium quality synthetic fibers – as soft as real hair, don’t absorb foundation into the brush itself, and are easily cleaned.
4 Household Cleaning Items You Need to Try
Cleaning a house is never ending. You may have it cleaned up and then the kids get home from school and BAM, it’s time for a cleanup again. No matter how many times you are cleaning your home, there are products that make it almost “fun” to clean and some of them even save me time. Check these items out!
- Shark Steam Pocket Mop Hard Floor Cleaner. I have this mop and love it. I’ve been through quite a few and this is the one to keep. The great thing about this mop is the reusable microfiber pads. You just take it off after use, throw it in the washer and dryer and then reuse. You also don’t need to buy some fancy cleaning solution to put in the mop. You just use water! I do use distilled water which helps it stay nice and clean and it should run longer.
- Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser. This cleaner is amazing. If you have hard water or spot that tend to get tough stains, then give this a try. It’s safe to use on just about anything. I use this in my bathrooms- tubs, showers, sinks around the toilets, and even my kitchen sinks to give it a good shine.
- Thieves Household Cleaner by Young Living Essential Oils. This is the solution that I use all of the time on my kitchen counters and table. It’s safe and smells so good. All you need to do is get a spray bottle and add some water and a bit of this cleaner. Then spray away. A little goes a long way with this cleaner so it lasts a good long time!
- Swedish Dishcloths. My friend recently introduced me to these dishcloths and they are amazing! You can just throw them in the washer and reuse them over and over. The best thing about these is they don’t stink! I love being able to have them and reuse them throughout the day and not have strange smell coming from my sink. Give them a try!
5 Fun & Budget Friendly Things to do in St. George, Utah
During the winter seasons it’s always nice to escape the cold and snow and enjoy some warmer weather somewhere else. Our family loves going south to St. George, Utah. It’s a beautiful red rock community that is completely different than the Wasatch front. It’s a fun change. If you want to explore, here are 5 Fun & Budget Friendly Things to do in St. George, Utah.
- Thunder Junction Park. This park is the best that I’ve seen in the whole state! It’s fun for all ages. You can also ride a fun train around the park for a small fee. There are so many different areas to play in for all ages. There are pavilions as well to bring some food and enjoy being outside. This is an all abilities park which is made for those who need accessibility to the park.
- Hiking. There are so many different places to hike around St. George and the best part is it’s free! So check out this website and see what route would be best for your situation. If you have younger kids then the shorter ones would be perfect. Be sure to bring water and enjoy the scenery. It’s always so nice to be out in nature.
- Snake Hollow Bike Park. This is a fun bike park that has some fun trails. There are hundreds of features and four skills zones: Rattler’s Revenge (dirt jump zone), Snake Den (pump track and skills loop), Venom Drops (gravity skills) and Sidewinder Slopestyle (gravity jump trails). This is such a fun place to visit. Our kids could have stayed there for hours.
- Pioneer Park. This is seriously a favorite for our whole family. This isn’t the typical park. It’s a rock climbing adventure in open space. While there be sure to clip to the top and see the beautiful view down below. Make sure there is parental supervision while climbing. There are steep ledges, so you’ll want to climb together as a family. My little 3 year old even loved climbing around the red rocks. You can find the location here.
- Washington City Aquatic Center. We went here with my son’s soccer team and they all loved it! There is a BIG slide that circles around (and even goes outside!) that is super fun as well as slides for the younger crowd. You can check out the details here. If the place you are staying doesn’t have a pool then check this place out. It’s not too pricey which is nice and fun for the whole family.
Kick the Winter Blues with These 5 Tricks
It’s nearing the end of February which means that most of us are ready for Spring. With the lack of sunlight and the colder weather, Winter can seem so long. Many people experience the winter blues especially as the winter months have gone on and on. Check out these 5 tricks that I try and do every winter to keep my spirits high and dare I say, even enjoy Winter!
- Go outside everyday. This year I have noticed more and more people walking outside during the cold days. I used to hear my mom say, “there is not a walk we can’t dress for.” That basically means that in the winter you can wear all the layers you have, bundle up, and go for a walk. Being our in nature will change your mood and somehow when you walk back inside you feel happier.
- Try a winter sport. If you live in an area with snow then use it to your benefit! Try snowshoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, tubing, ice fishing, ice skating, or sledding. Look at a local second hand store for equipment or borrow some from a neighbor. Who knows, you may come to like it so much you can invest in your own gear.
- Exercise. Have you noticed that when it’s darker for longer it’s harder to get up in the mornings? I sure do! That’s my time to exercise and every morning I don’t want to get up! I notice the days that I do a quick exercise in the morning I’m happier. I can control my emotions better and my body feels so good. Is it hard? Definitely, but you’ll notice a difference in your day. If you need some motivation, then email your support people like sisters, brothers, friends or co-workers. Make an exercise motivation group where you can help each other through these darker months. I started an email with my sisters stating what exercise program I would do each morning. This way I was accountable and had people to cheer me on. Give it a try.
- Serve Others. When we forget about ourselves and think of others, our moodiness suddenly disappears. We are focusing our thoughts and energy onto someone else. You will probably also notice that other people have struggles too and sometimes they are far worse than your own. Look around in your neighborhood and community. Where could you volunteer your time and talents? Who is sad and lonely? Even a nice homemade cooked meal for someone who is struggling is a big thing. We try to shovel our neighbors driveways whenever we can. Being outside and serving really lifts the spirits. Your kids can even join in. Try making a goal for once a week to help someone in need. This will direct your focus outwards instead of keeping it on yourself.
- Do something spontaneous. If you are getting in a rut then it’s time to do something a little crazy. Look online for things to do around you. Then choose one that you normally would not do. For example, I’ve seen activities like a midnight snowshoeing, or a night triathlon or downhill snow tubing. My neighbor even mentioned to get a headlight and dress warm and then when it’s super dark at night go on a walk through our little wooded area by us and listen for owls. My brain would normally say NO! Stay in a warm house and go to bed on time. However, if you try one of these activities that you wouldn’t normally it will wake you up from your funk and put a smile on your face.
How to Save Money on Ski Rentals & Tickets
If you live in a snowy climate where skiing is available, then you’ll know how expensive it can get! By the time you buy the or rent the skis/board, boots, accessories and the tickets it adds up. We have a family of 6 so skiing is definitely an investment, but so fun. If you want to begin skiing then here are some money saving tips to save money on ski rentals & tickets.
- Watch for lift ticket “specials” for each day of the week. I know a few resorts that do date night deals, family night deals, kids ski free days. Check websites before you go and notice that the spring months will have cheaper prices. Be sure to search for coupons at your local resort as well. A little research will go a long way.
- Check out the package deals if you are considering staying overnights. These packages will include lift tickets as well as lodging and even entertainment at some resorts. This way you won’t be buying everything individually.
- Purchase ski tickets in advance. If you know the day(s) you will be skiing then buy them early. You will save money the earlier you buy them. You’ll notice that if you buy them the day of, they will be more money.
- Saving money on your ski equipment- check out your local university. Did you know if you live in a skiing community some universities rent out gear? We went to Weber State University which is near where we live and we were able to rent skis for our kids for cheaper than any other ski rental shop. So cool! Check a university near you.
- End of year clearance sales. Did you know that a lot of store start putting their ski gear on clearance starting in March? That’s when I get my stuff to finish off the ski season now or to start the new ski season next Winter. It’s the best time to grab new clothing, coats, gloves, hats, skis and more. So shop your favorite brands and save!
- Shop on Facebook Market Place or local classifieds. If you want to buy some ski gear, then be sure to check these places first. Especially right now in the Spring, people will be selling items they didn’t use this year. So it’s a Win-Win!
Easy Cake Mix Cookie Recipe- Perfect for Santa’s Christmas Eve Cookies
I love making cookies, especially at this time of year. I turn on a little Christmas music and get baking. I had to share with you one of my most favorite cookie recipes. These cake mix cookies are AWESOME. What makes them awesome? They are fool proof. Seriously. It requires little ingredients, not a lot of time, and they turn out great! You can also make them with a variety of cake mixes and add in different candies, chips and sprinkles. YUM! Kids can even help with this recipe. I like to have them help me with these cookies for Christmas Eve. Then we leave a few out for Santa. I hope you enjoy these as much as our family does.
Ingredients:
1 Package Dry Cake Mix of your choice
1/3 Cup Oil
2 Eggs
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together well with a fork or spoon. Roll balls into 1-1 1/2 inch balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Don’t over bake. Once they start to crack on top they are done!
**You can mix and match cake mixes and add ins. Try making a devils food cake mix with mint chocolate chips. You can also get a vanilla or lemon cake mix and add in sprinkles or butterscotch chips. Try a chocolate cake mix and add in crushed peanut butter cups. There are so many different ways to make these and they are always yummy!
Fun Last Minute Gifts for Grandparents
Giving a gift is so special this time of year, but sometimes it’s HARD to figure out the right gift. This year we did a few fun gifts for grandparents. They aren’t big or extravagant, but they are more fun and thoughtful. Most grandparents have all of the “things” they need. So to give them a fun thoughtful gift is just perfect.
- Fill a stocking for them. I have extra stockings and thought it would be fun to go to the dollar store with the kiddos. If you don’t have an extra stocking, check the dollar store! They each picked out 8-10 different things to put in the stocking. We then wrapped each item in tissue paper and put them in the stocking. This is so fun for the grandparents to open their stocking on Christmas morning.
- Draw a picture. Each of our kids drew a picture for the grandparents. The older they get the more fun this could be. One of my sons drew of picture of his grandparents living room at Christmas time. He remembered where the tree, fireplace, and windows were. If you want, you could also grab a frame and put the pictures in them. If you have younger kids, try using this fun youtube channel to create something so cool.
- Favorite treat and lights. Our grandparents love to spend time with us. So why not go see some Christmas lights and surprise them with their favorite treats.
- Coupon book. Go back to the basics and make a coupon book for them. That way they can redeem these items in the next month, but be sure to DO them! Some ideas could be: wash their windows, make a treat with them, go see a movie, or movie at home, game night and so forth. Time and service is what we are giving here.
Homemade Black Licorice Caramel Recipe
One of my favorite things to eat during the holidays are homemade caramels. They are SO good. If you want to break out of the traditional caramels, you should give black licorice caramels a go. I make these every year with a batch of the normal caramels (you can find that recipe here) and I put a few of each in a cute bag and give them as gifts to neighbors. I always get compliments on these black licorice caramels. Even people that don’t typically like black licorice really enjoy these ones!
Homemade Black Licorice Caramel Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Butter
1 1/2 Cup Light Corn Syrup
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 1/4 Tsp Anise Extract
1 Tsp Black Paste Coloring
Directions:
- Butter Sides of a big heavy pan
- Medium heat add all ingredients to the pan except for the anise and paste coloring.
- Bring to a steady boil and stir constantly. Use a candy thermometer until it gets to 234 degrees.
- Take off heat and add anise extract and black paste.
- Pour into a buttered 9×13 pan – do not scrape the cooking pan.
- Cool completely before touching/cutting.
- Cut into squares and roll in wax paper.
Super Easy and Yummy Christmas Caramel Recipe
Every year we like to give a small gift to our neighbors and teachers. Our gift has evolved over the years to these yummy Christmas caramels. They are easy enough that the kids can even help. They do take time to stir and to cut and wrap them up, but they are so worth it. Enjoy!
Christmas Caramel Recipe
Ingredients
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1Tsp Mexican Vanilla
Dash of Salt
Directions
1. Butter side of heavy pan.
2. Put at medium heat and add all ingredients, except Vanilla, and slowly bring to a boil. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon at a rolling boil and cook to softball.
3. Use candy thermometer and cook to 234 degrees.
4. Take off heat and add vanilla.
5. Pour into a buttered 9×13 pan – do not scrape the cooking pan.
6. Cool completely before touching/cutting.
7. Cut into squares and roll in wax paper.