Coffee Lovers Favorites of Summer

Over the last few months, nothing has been better for my soul than my coffee time. I love to sneak away to the kitchen and watch the squirrels and birds come visit the feeder with a cup in hand. If quiet coffee time in the morning can make one feel so good, adding a little bit of the bean to the rest of the day is a recipe for success! Here are a few of the best ways to bring coffee to all parts of the day!

Samples may have been provided, or affiliate links may have been used.

Nothing smells quite as lovely as coffee. Once Upon a Candle captures the fragrance with mouth watering perfection! Check out their wonderful assortment of fragrances and they also offer fresh coffee bath bombs that are wonderful for the skin and the spirit.Order online for a special gift, or an indulgence for your self care routine. Candles are about $18. 

Getting a great blend of coffee is easier than ever. You can get whole bean, or freshly ground options delivered right to your door starting at about $17 a bag, with Yes Plz Weekly. Set your delivery preference and get ready for the best brew in town to happen in your kitchen.

I could sip those wonderful little bottles of coffee all day long, but they have so many calories. Milkadamia makes really great dairy free creamer that has like 10 calories a serving. Add it to your favorite coffee and enjoy a creamy, low cal way to get your fix without milk. Locate a store near you to stock up on this creamer.

Kickbar is one of my new favorite things ever. These little coffee bean bars are so easy to eat on the go, and they are really good too! You can get all of the flavor and benefits of a cup of coffee, anytime, anywhere. I love to toss them in my bag and take a tasty pick me up along on all of my adventures. Get a 20 pack of Kickbar in latte, coffee, or mixed for $40. Order online.

This summer, I have been skipping the coffee shop and making my own drinks at home, adding a splash of Torani puremade syrup to your cold brew for a summery kick to your coffee. I love the smoked black cherry with a dark roast coffee. Explore the extensive line of syrups and locate a store near you on the Torani website.

Cowffee is a unique coffee drink that you will want to try ice cold. It is a premium blend of coffee and milk with CLA protein to create a thick and delicious drink that is filling and has all the kick you want from coffee with a hint of sweetness.

I have been avoiding retail enviroments as much as possible since March. With the avoidance of my beloved Tim Horton's, I have a surplus in my coffee budget. I have been loving the indulgence of whole beans, roasted to perfection. If you too want to sip on some stellar brew, check out the offerings from Unrest coffee. You can get a monthly subscription for under $12 and the bags of beans are generously sized. Order online.

Wouldn't it be great if you could get all the good stuff like caffeine, on the go, in a portable little package? With a Viter Mint,  your get up and go got up and mint. With 5 tasty flavors, you are bound to find a few to love. Order online for about $18 a 5 pack. These are perfect for an afternoon pick me up without the cup of coffee.

Good beans make a good brew, and a good brew can give anyone a good brain. Rube's Good Brain Coffee makes for a great way to get that indulgence we discussed earlier delivered to your door. Get a subscription starting at about $13 a month for those times when great coffee is required.

If you want a coffee service that delivers fresh roasted and flavorful beans, you will want to check out Rave Coffee. This UK based subscription service is one of the best coffees I have tried. The beans are roasted to perfection, and provide a robust flavorful brew. I highly recommend! Get info on ordering, with international shipping options online.

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Find more of my best of 2020 posts here

Best Toys of Summer

Is it just me, or does it feel like summer of 2020 has been going on for a really long time now? My kids have been riding their bikes, playing Minecraft for days, and taking plenty of dips in the pool. But, even with all of that fun going on, they are still looking for ways to play! We rounded up some of our favorite toys of summer and I know you are going to want to check some of these ideas out for your family too.

Samples might have been provided for some items listed or affiliate links may have been used.

My kids have been hip to politics since the 2016 election when they made a facebook hit song about the new president. We put our difference of opinion aside and appreciated the innocence and patriotism of little kids. To keep their interest in this presidential election year, we got this fun Election Night board game the whole family can enjoy. Play one on one, or form teams to make your way to the white house. Order this fun game for about $40.

My kids are crafting kids. Some of you know this already. For years we hosted a kids crafting show on facebook with our friends at Quirky Momma. Now that they are older, we love to add education to craft time. Little Learning Hands is the perfect option for kids. It gives a taste of other cultures with a fun project, and a chance to practice life skills. My kids thought the little backpacks were cute, and they really enjoyed learning about other cultures! Order a subscription for a little global learner in your life. These would be perfect for kids who will be attending school remotely this year as a fun way to add social studies to their day!

My kids are big fans of stomp rockets. These are fun, kid powered  toys. I love them because they encourage active play. The kids love them because it becomes a competition to see who can stomp their rocket the highest. There are a ton of different stomp rockets to chose from. Check them out and find a retailer near you on the Stomp Rocket website.

The men in my house are big fans of  Evel Knievel. So much that my son was fully prepared to portray Evel in the wax museum at his school, until the pandemic upended his plans. Luckily, the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle rode into his summer with daring jumps and stunts. This throwback toy is perfect for adding a little pizzazz to the day. Order online for about $40 to delight kids of all ages. Husbands will dig it too!

STEM projects are my favorite way to keep the kids learning, engaged and creating. This Solar Powered Rovers kit from Thames and Kosmos gives kids everything they need to make vehicles that are powered by the sun. This is the ideal amount of challenge and fun for elementary aged kids. Order it online for about $20.

Take the fun outdoors when the sun sets with this My Discovery Telescope by Thames and Kosmos. This is perfect for introducing kids to astronomy in an economical fashion. Order this starter telescope for about $20. Kids will also love exploring wildlife with great detail at a distance. 

Osmo Creative is a great way to step up screen time to include games and invitations to get creative. For about $88 you can buy a 3 game starter with an Osmo base, that works with ipad or Kindle Fire. These are so much fun for elementary age kids. I think this is a must have for anyone keeping their kids home this fall too.

Kids First Crystals, Rocks and Minerals from Thames and Kosmos is a great way to get kids learning about geology with hands on fun. This kit has everything you need to complete introductory experiments. Kids will love admiring the rocks and crystals too. Order for about $45. This makes a must have for  a home school and is a perfect way to entertain the kids all summer long!

Little kids will love to build in a unique way with Magformers. These are magnetic tiles that kids will want to play with all of the time. These are perfect for imaginative building sessions. Basic sets start at about $13. There are an assortment of great options including vehicles, animals and more.

Set your sights on fun and be prepared to hit a Bull's Eye with this fun game for preschoolers that brings non stop fun while building short term memory skills. This game has mini plungers that make picking up the cards fast and fun! Order at Amazon for an action packed twist on memory games.

We have been LOVING this really fun Wizards and Werewolves game from Starlux. It gives the kids and their friends something fun to do after dark, and it keeps them super active! I don't know about your kids, but mine always sleep good after a good running session and this game offers just that. Kid can be a wizard or a werewolf; they hunt for the glowing red gems or protect them in this action packed game. Order it for about $30. It is well worth it.

Keep the fun of game time going strong with this fun Doggy Bag game. It combines fine motor skills with hand eye coordination for a ton of fun for preschoolers!  Order this from Amazon because it will become a favorite with your little kids!

I hope these ideas help keep your kids entertained this summer!

6 Family Friendly Day Trips

If you've just purchased one of the Columbus houses for sale, or you've lived in the city for a while and are looking for something a little different, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities for family-friendly day tripping.

Columbus is centrally located between Ohio's two other major cities, Cincinnati and Cleveland, and there is a long list of historic towns, parks, and many other fun destinations within easy reach to explore.

Downtown Mansfield, the Carousel District

The kids will love visiting Mansfield, with its downtown area known as the Carousel District. Located just an hour from Columbus, it's home to the Richland Carousel Park which made history when in 1991 it opened America's first new hand-carved carousel in 60 years. It was inspired by G.A. Dentzel, one of the most highly acclaimed carvers of the early 20th century and includes 52 creatures including horses, chariots, and a menagerie of others, like a mythical hippocampus.

Mansfield is also home to a fantastic children's museum, an immersive attraction aimed at kids aged two through 10, with dozens of exhibits, including a dinosaur dig where the kids can play paleontologist as they discover bones from prehistoric creatures, a doctor's office where they can perform exams and take X-rays, and a petting farm where they can ride a horse, feed pigs and milk cows while.

Hocking Hills State Park

An hour southeast of Columbus you'll find Hocking Hills State Park, home to unusual rock, caves, a spectacular waterfall, and all sorts of hiking trails. A walk in autumn brings the chance to stroll through brilliant fall colors. Zipline rides, kayaking, and rock climbing are all possibilities here too, but the highlight may be Ash Cave, which forms a huge recess in the rock that you can walk into.

Amish Country

There are more than 330,000 Amish in America, and Ohio is home to its own Amish Country, made up of several towns, with the largest Millersburg, about an hour and 40-minute drive from Columbus. You'll be in a place that feels foreign; in fact, in many of the communities, people speak Pennsylvania Dutch as their first language. The Amish live without cars and most modern technology - you can see them getting around in horse-drawn carriages and purchase some of their magnificent handcrafted items downtown.

Cuyahoga National Park

Less than two hours north of Columbus is the state's only national park. Stretching from Cleveland to Akron, this huge park is a magnificent area of natural beauty following the course of the Cuyahoga River with walking and biking trails, caves, and waterfalls. A 2.2-mile trek, perfect for miles, will take you around the Virginia Kendall Ledges, passing through the forest dotted with mossy cliffs, caves, and huge limestone boulders. There are several notable waterfalls too, but the most impressive is 65-foot-tall Brandywine Falls, easily accessed via a wooden boardwalk.

Olentangy Indian Caverns

For those who have an interest in Native American history and perhaps want to teach their kids more about it too, the Olentangy Indian Caverns are less than a 30-minute drive north of Columbus. The natural cave system was once used by the native Huron people as their shelter. The caverns stretch over three floors and provided a safe haven during war, as they're hard to see from above ground. Guided tours can take you underground to explore them. Other attractions can be enjoyed here too, including mini-golf, a petting zoo, treasure hunt maze, and gem mining.

Springfield

Just 45 minutes from Columbus, Springfield is home to a fun farmer's market, a unique rock garden, and a child-friendly art museum. At Young's Jersey Dairy, you can visit a petting zoo, hit the batting cage, play mini-golf and enjoy famously delicious ice cream cones. On a warm day, Buck Creek State Park hosts a large lake for watersports like swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating.

Mulberry Lime Soda

Mulberry Lime Soda is a perfect summer treat! Make with fresh berries for a mocktail the whole family will love. There is nothing like this fresh, and perfectly tart homemade soda!

Summer is here and my neighbor has a mulberry tree. Lucky for me, he doesn't eat them himself and he is gracious enough to let my family linger in his yard and pick as many as we like. I love to pick them daily at the peak of ripeness, take them home to clean them, then pop them in the freezer for my pet turtle who loves to eat them. They make a nice treat in the winter for her. But this time, I decided to use a few to make a total summer treat. This mulberry lime soda is perfect for sharing or sipping solo.

This is such an easy soda to make. 

Use club soda, sprite or a soda stream machine for the base of the drink. 

Supplies:

1 lime

1/2 cup of mulberries

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of water

Mesh Strainer

Directions:

Combine berries, water, juice from half of a lime and sugar in a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and allow the fruit syrup to simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour through a mesh strainer.

Discard fruit (This is wonderful over ice cream if you are so inclined.)

Allow the syrup to cool then store it in a bottle or mason jar.

When you are ready to enjoy this mulberry lime soda fill a glass with ice. Add sprite or club soda, leave a little room at the top of the glass.

Add 1 to 2 ounces of syrup to the glass. 

Garnish with a lime wedge or a few fresh berries.

Enjoy.

You can find all of my homemade soda recipes here.

Reader favorites include:

Cherry Orange Soda

Strawberry Peach Soda

Christmas in July Gift Ideas

Last week, when I made a rare visit to the retail world, I found myself buying school supplies, Halloween decorations, and a few Christmas gifts, along with our groceries and supplies. My family thought that was a little crazy, but what hasn't been just a little crazy this year? With that in mind, I have latched onto Christmas in July. It is my newest obsession!I can't wait to share a few of these fun gift ideas that I think you might want to buy now, to take the stress out of the winter holidays. 

Affiliate links and samples were provided for consideration.

If you want to give a good clean gift for the holidays, check out these super effective cleaning products from Good Green Cleaner. These are so good! You fill with water, attach the cleaner pod, give it a shake, and add a nozzle. Adding the water at home, makes these easy to store, helps reduce plastic usage with the refill pods and they really smell good. Order online for about $13 a package.

Pink MahogHany Fragrances makes a really fantastic hand sanitizer for the males in your life who don't want to smell like a flower or fruit.  This hand sanitizer is called The Wood, and it has hints of vanilla, cedar and more for a fragrant way to keep clean  on the go.

Give the gift of smooth, beautiful skin with minimal additives this year. I love Stone & Tumble Smoothing Serum. This is packed with ingredients that promote healing of the skin, like sweet almond and sunflower seed oil. Order it online for all skin types at $42 a bottle.

Girls with long hair will love showering like a girl with short hair thanks to Pony Dry. This little wrap keeps the ponytail dry for an easy shower but lets you wash your roots for cleaner hair with less dry time. Order online for about $30.

If you are expecting a new addition to your family or circle this year around the holidays, get these Sleep sacks now. Swaddle Sack and Zip Me Sack by Swaddle Designs make wonderful ways to keep baby comfy and safe when it is time to sleep. Order these online, where prices start around $22.

Give the gift of great dental hygiene with Burst oral care. This electric tooth brush has been proven to remove ten times more plaque than manual brushing. Order for under $70, and take advantage of the brush replacement subscription while you are there.

If you need a gift for an athlete, someone who loves the beach, or anyone who might need a hiding spot that they can take with them, the Bindle Bottle makes a great and super useful gift. You can unscrew the bottom of the bottle to reveal a hiding place for cash, debit cards, or even your keys. Order online for about $39 for a 20 ounce slim bottle.

While most of our lives have gone digital, there is something classy about a manual watch. This year, polish a special ladies look with a understated watch from Eila Cherie. These are fantastic because they are great quality at a modest price. For about $48 you can get the Melinda in several colors to match her style. Order online.

Anyone who has a tablet or smartphone wants to keep it safe from the unexpected, but that doesn't always happen. With the temps getting higher, more people seek out the water, and that leads to the risk of getting a pricey phone wet. Absorb-Its are these handy little pouches that can dry out your phone or tablet should the worst happen. Get these starting at about $13 online to rescue your valuables if they ever get soaked.

If you need to find a useful gift for an active person, let me recommend the Nomader bottle. I dig these because you fill it with water, then you can collapse the bottle for easy carrying when empty.  They are leak-proof and stylish. Order them online for about $25.

Give the gift of a well protected and clean cell phone with Gadget Guard. The Black Ice Screen Protectors are incredibly durable and keep your phone scratch free. The Techtonic Cleaner they offer is a must have in this climate of cleanliness. Order screen protectors, cases and cleaners online. Prices start at about $25.

Give the gift of good dental health with some vitamin enriched toothpaste. Vitamin Paste has a formula for both kids and adults and makes a great addition to your daily routine. Order online for about $5 a tube and add up to 50% more vitamins to your day.

Which of these items do you feel like would make a great gift for someone in your life?

S'mores Charcuterie Board

A S'mores Charcuterie board is the perfect way to take your summer entertaining to the next level. Make one to wow your kids, or impress your friends with your incredibly creative tastes!

If you invite me to a party and it has a chartreuse board, I am instantly impressed. There is something about having an assortment of goodies to pick from at snack time that makes it feel special. Calling it a Charcuterie board instead of a platter of any sorts? Watch me swoon.

Well, we might not be doing a whole lot of entertaining these days, but I wanted to wow my kids over the 4th of July holiday. S'mores seem to be the key to their hearts this summer. So this s'mores Charcuterie board was the perfect way to make the day seem so much fancier.

I used an assortment of our favorites to create this board. That is the beauty of it. You can use what you like the most and make the offerings super special.

This post uses affiliate links.

In this Charcuterie board you see graham crackers, regular marshmallows, smash mallows, Oreo cookies and an assortment of chocolates and truffles. The key is to start in the center, working your way out and filling in all of the spots on a large dish. Offer this to your family or friends with an assortment of roasting sticks and a small campfire. You have an instant most memorable and delicious s'mores bar!

Pros and Cons of Moving to Singapore with Children

Singapore is listed among the world’s top economies, meaning that it is a country with many job opportunities. The Singaporean government is committed towards economic growth, giving major trade incentives for various industries. The finance industry is particularly doing well and over the recent years it has attracted expats from all over the world. 

There are a lot of reasons why foreign expats prefer staying and working in Singapore. First of all, the Singaporean government does not bar foreigners from rendering their professional services in Singapore. Moreover, Singapore boasts a tropical climate, attractive sites, and multicultural ethnicity. This makes Singapore a popular destination for holiday visits. 

If you are planning to move to Singapore with children, you have to factor in the quality of education, level of healthcare systems, and whether the children will adapt in a new environment. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of moving to Singapore with children. 

Pros

The advantages of moving to the city state with children include:

Family friendly

This is perhaps the main reason why Singapore is one of the top tourist-attracting countries. It boasts museums, shopping centers, and restaurants, all of which are welcoming to children. Your family can also visit the Singapore zoo, various parks, and educational centers for fun. If you want to move to Singapore, you can apply for your visa online at https://www.singapore-visa.net.

Quality education systems

The education level in Singapore is considered to be one of the best in the world. There are plenty of school offering an international curriculum. These schools will also enable your kids to quickly settle in and make new friends. 

International schools will help the children maintain consistency in their education. If your switch to Singapore is for a long period of time, then you can enroll your children in public schools, which are incredible and also require lower fees. 

Better healthcare systems

The Singaporean government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector. Once you are in Singapore, you will be assured that your family is in good hands in case a health issue arises. Once you become a permanent resident, you gain access to subsidized public healthcare.  Find top rated NDIS supported speech pathology in Singapore.

Cons

The following are some of the cons of moving to Singapore with children:

Cost of living

This is the greatest challenge that expats who move to Singapore face. A lot of things are costly, even basic stuff like groceries. On top of that, you receive high monthly bills and the luxury of consuming alcohol will not be available if your income is limited. 

For the past couple of years, Singapore has been constantly ranked as one of the most expensive countries to live in. This should be a major consideration before you decide to move to Singapore with a family. The majority of the income is spent on education and accommodation. 

Weather

Singapore boasts a tropical climate, but unfortunately, this does not last all year long. For the better part of the year, the weather is hot and humid, which can sometimes be unbearable. During the hottest months, stepping outside even becomes difficult. One of the major health risks that your family can face is sunburn and dehydration. 

Conclusion

Singapore is a family-friendly city. Once you move in, it is easy for your family to integrate with the residents. On top of that, you do not have to worry about the education of your children as there are a lot of reputable schools. You are, however, advised to start looking for a school for your children as soon as possible because of competition for places in the classroom.

Find more travel posts here.

Sheet Pan Shrimp, Potatoes, Carrots and Asparagus

Sheet Pan Shrimp, Potatoes, Carrots and Asparagus is the perfect easy summer meal. It is packed with veggies, only takes a moment to prep and the whole family will love it.

School has been out for well over 120 days now. It has been pretty cool having the whole family home for months on end. We have been swimming in the pool. Staying up late, sleeping in a little. Walking the dogs a lot. And eating every stinking meal at home, *almost* every day. 

Dishes are now the enemy. I have no shame in admitting I want to wash less! It feels like I am always washing dishes, and as soon as I finish, I find a few more here and there. The kids do this cool thing where they use every dish in the house. So, sheet pan meals have become my favorite dinner option.

This recipe couldn't be easier.  It is lightly seasoned and bakes to perfection in minimal time. I do want to note that depending upon the shrimp you use, your bake time will vary! Keep this in mind as you prep your meal. If your shrimp are thawed, or are smaller in size, you may need to adjust your temp and time.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed

2 cups of carrots, I used a colorful medley of organic carrots

1 pound of baby red potatoes, quartered

Peeled and de-veined shrimp

Garlic, crushed, to taste

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

*optional crab cakes as pictured

2 tablespoons of butter

Directions:

Layer trimmed asparagus on a sheet pan

Layer carrots on sheet pan, I cut the really round ones in half

Layer quartered baby red potatoes on the sheet pan.

Place shrimp and optional crab cakes on the sheet.

Drizzle carrots and asparagus with olive oil lightly.

Add a little crushed garlic all over the sheet pan.

Salt and Pepper as desired.

Place a few small pats of butter on the potatoes, shrimp and crab cakes.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until the veggies and shrimp are tender.