I received some products to add to this guide, free of charge, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.
This post may contain affiliate links. If these links are clicked, I may receive a small compensation. Regardless of these affiliations with these companies, my opinions are always 100% my own.
Summer Fun Gift Guide See What Our Top Picks Are!
When I was a teacher in the actual classroom Summer fun consisted of doing everything that didn’t always get done throughout the school year at home completed. But we always made the time to spend time together as a family, go and see new things, or even travel when time allowed. In the last few years our Summers and lives have changed drastically and there is one thing I’ve learned and that is to be ever-changing. Life changes so slowly but yet quickly you don’t always see what is happening before your eyes, so if you still have littles at home take the time away from work to enjoy those littles. I promise one day you will blink and all of the chaos you have now will be gone and you will be hearing the echoes of silence in your home.
While we are enjoying the Empty Nester stage of life, we are enjoying being Grandparents even more, and we have been spending more and more time with “Tater & Punkin.” While some of our things haven’t been taken care of, we focus on the most important thing in life: the memories. We didn’t always take the time to create the “memories” with Elizabeth, so we are overcompensating for that now in some ways…But just with grandkids, how could you not?
Simple Meal Solutions for Insulin Resistance
This addition is one that I find myself keeping right on hand to decide what to have for our next meal. The cookbook Simple Meal Solutions for Insulin Resistance has 75 delicious recipes that support stable blood sugar. As someone who has had diabetes and dare I say, insulin resistance, I’ve found it an invaluable resource for changing my diet as well as my environment. This cookbook has also helped me make a few mindshift changes that I know will have me beating some of the health issues I’m currently facing.
This cookbook has you covered in helping you stock your kitchen with insulin-friendly ingredients, making an action plan and of course delicious recipes most ready in under 30 minutes. These mouthwatering meals are packed with flavor and simple, but enjoyable making it a win, win, win.
Pick up your copy of Simple Meal Solutions for Insulin Resistance today, and I promise it will be your go-to cookbook for effortlessly balancing blood sugar levels while indulging in mouthwatering meals.
Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol
As an “aging” adult, I’ve had a few incidents over the years ,and health scares are right up there among them. However, serious health conditions can be managed with diet and exercise (take it from someone who has lost over 100 pounds!) While I’m not an expert, or even a professional, I know that winning the fight against obesity and high cholesterol is hard work. I still have high cholesterol, but with simple meal solutions for high cholesterol, I’m working along-side my Doctor to keep going.
If you want to lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health while maintaining your busy lifestyle, finding quick, easy, and satisfying recipes tailored to your needs is crucial. Simple Meal Solutions for High Cholesterol is going to be your go-to cookbook for effectively managing your cholesterol while indulging in mouthwatering meals.
I also love that included is a preparing for your lower-cholestorl journey helping you get your journey started for success. There are 75 recipes that are all delicious as well as nutritious, my favorite is the Cobb Pasta Salad (that I make with homemade pasta) and it’s amazing.
While it won’t solve your issues overnight, with exercise and a healthy diet helps us all age gracefully in a whole new way.
About the Author
Ashley Reaver is a registered dietitian and cookbook author. She received her undergraduate, graduate, and dietetics training from Cornell University, Tufts University, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Ashley combines her expertise in nutrition and dietetics as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, where she educates future dietitians and shares her passion for cooking. Ashley also owns a private nutrition counseling practice, guiding clients toward balanced lifestyles that help them reach their health and performance goals. She specializes in cholesterol management. Originally from Emmitsburg, Maryland, she currently resides in Los Gatos, California, with her husband, Eric, and son, Miles.
CASEKOO
Protecting our electronics has been very important to me because they get lots of use daily. Plus, Nana always said, “Take care of your stuff and it will last longer”, so I’ve adopted that into all facets of life whenever possible. But since I purchased a new phone in December, I’ve used the same cell phone case, not because I couldn’t purchase more, just never made it a priority.
So when CASEKOO reached out, I agreed to partner with them to check out their cases. They sent me the iPhone Pro Max 16 sunflower case I requested, along with their The Pawfect Chill Time case set that has 3 magic stickers. The 3 stickers represent Manyu (a dog who has over 30 million followers!) and these different moods are perfect for your phone case, or even the front of the fridge, when not on the case. Manyu takes the meaning of CHILL to a whole new level, and the best part is that they are fun. The best part about a CASEKOO case is that it allows your phone to stand on its own. Now my phone is always where I put it, and within reach and always right where I left it, well unless the grandkids are near. Check out all of the great cases CASEKOO has to offer and find the perfect case to fit your mood.
Matter
Waste not, want not, was a saying my Nana used to tell us day in and day out. While I never quite understood as much then as I do now, I am channeling my inner Nana and trying to live a more green lifestyle. Each month, I implement something new to help us on this journey. This month’s products are from Matter and we are adding in sandwich bags, quart bags and compostable cups.
We are always busy doing something during the summer months, and single-use products are convenient, especially during BBQ season. However, with minor changes, we can all make a big difference in helping the environment.
Switching to compostable single-use products is a great way to set and achieve our sustainable goals as a family. Some of the benefits include leaving our planet a little better for our grandkids and improving the environment overall. Matter’s single-use products are made from plants and natural fibers, so you’re using items made from nature that will return to nature.
Plus, we have a home compost bin, so my Matter products will be added to it and not thrown in the landfill. With all of Matter’s great products, you can take advantage of single-use products and take care of our planet at the same time.
Kubo Tea
Another area we have been working on is our health and wellness; during the summer, we drink a lot of beverages. I usually drink coffee and ice water, but I’ve learned to enjoy a lovely cuppa tea over the last few months. While I don’t love hot drinks when it is hot, there is nothing more refreshing than a glass of tea from Kubo Tea.
I LOVE that Kubo Tea is a clean, natural energy source that are sugar-free, high in antioxidants, and utterly delicious. The ingredient list includes all organic items as well as tea, roots, and natural flavor is the LAST ingredient. So yes, there is some “natural flavor” in there, but go read other labels in your home, and I bet that you also switch to Kubo Tea.
It’s a hydrating flavor and gives you the boost of caffeine we all need. Elevating your energy is as easy as opening the bag, steeping the tea, and pouring over ice to enjoy. Kubo Tea activates your metabolism and increases energy levels without the crash after coffee. Make thWhe switch to Kubo Tea today and enjoy the added benefits and stay hydrated all summer long.
What’s Next? A Life-Size Game
When this game arrived our grandson wanted to play it, however since I was expecting a game for 21+ I told him we would have to do it another day. However, after some investigations later when the kids weren’t around I realized it wasn’t the adult game at all, it was a kids game. The game includes 25 foam tiles, 1 large die, 1 mesh bag, and the game piece is you! Your aim is to be the last person standing and the first 1 to pass tile 24.
We haven’t had the kids again to play it yet, but setting it up is easy, but be warned, it takes a little bit of room to get it set up. Let the good times roll playing What’s Next? with your friends and family for your 4th of July BBQ get together!
What’s Next? A Life-Size Drinking Game
For your next party break out The Ultimate Party Game! It’s a fun twist on the What’s Next game, and while the box says 18+ I would recommend 21 plus especially since there is drinking involved. However, you could make those between the ages of 18-21 drink a bottle of water every time they have to drink, because they could miss a turn or two that way depending on how long they took to go to the restroom.
Drinking Games like beer pong, quarters, Beeramid, Flip Cup and so many more are fun, but they are typical drinking games. Elevate your drinking game with What’s Next? A Life-Size Drinking Game. It’s the ultimate adult drinking game for parties that gets you moving, laughing, and toasting to the good times!
Kamsah
I love natural wood, especially in the kitchen, so the olive wood trivet from Kamsah was the perfect addition. This beautiful trivet is made from olive wood, which is water-resistant. The spaces between the wood slats allow for water draining, making it even more perfect for the kitchen. Each piece of the trivet is unique in its way because of its natural coloring and the grain of olive wood.
Plus, olive wood’s natural oil content kills bacteria and is, therefore, more hygienic than other wood or plastic products. I’ve been on a mission to eliminate plastic, so this is the perfect addition to any kitchen. The trivet is finished with wax and oil, so it will not taint any food it is in contact with. This perfect trivet also protects your counters and other surfaces from heat, making it a win-win for everyone.
Triple Threat Foldable Duffle Bag
The one thing that makes me bonkers is the amount of “bags” and things that you need to keep on hand for various things. However, my stack is getting smaller because the Triple Threat Foldable Duffle Bag from Kedzie is quickly becoming my favorite bag for everyday use. This versatile bag is perfect for the gym, a road trip, or even an overnight trip, without having to check a bag.
My favorite part is that it snaps down and fits into your luggage or another storage spot without having to have its own spot on the shelf. It folds practically flat and securely snaps so you know it’s not going anywhere. You can hand carry it, use it as a crossbody, or use it as a pop-open bag if you need more room. It is perfectly portable and surprisingly spacious making it a must-have for everyone’s summer.
TRAVALO
While traveling, there are zero reasons you can’t pack lighter with the help from my friends over at TRAVALO. Gone are the days of carrying your full bottle of perfume with their atomizers! Their perfectly sized atomizer is fits into any travel bag, without adding a bunch of extra weight. No more perfume leaks, or shattered bottles in your future because you can always have your perfume with you.
TRAVALO is made from durable, high-quality materials that are shatter resistant. The leak-proof design protects your personal belongings from getting ruined and your wallet will thank you as well. Simply fill, toss in your bag and you are ready to go. Always at your fingertips TRAVALO is the most convenient and travel-friendly way to smell good on the go.
Ways to Keep Kids Busy
It’s summertime; exciting right! Now that school is out, you have to think of ways to keep those youngsters out of trouble and entertained for the next two months. This year keeping the kids busy is an all-time new challenge and the I’m bored statements have already started. What are you going to do?
Here are some fun ways to keep kids entertained this summer and keep your sanity:
Take Advantage of Museum Free Days: Most museums have a free day one day of the month. If you don’t have museums in your city call around to nearby museums and ask about their free day. This is a great opportunity to get your kids out of the house and keep them learning.
Plan Science Experiments: Did you know that your kids can lose up to 2 months of knowledge over the summer? Just because school out doesn’t mean your kids can’t keep learning. Plan fun science experiments such as making flubber, an erupting volcano, a tornado, or a real snowflake. Science provides your child with vocabulary skills, measuring skills, and prediction making skills. It only takes one science activity a week to help your child retain the knowledge they learned in school.
Plan Summer Friend Days: Plan a few days out of the month when your kids can invite a friend to come over for food, games, and fun. If you have enough kids, you can go to the park for a baseball game, basketball game, or relay race. Get the kids excited and outside using all their energy.
When kids get bored, they start to get into trouble and can make any parent feel insane. Keep your kids busy this summer and keep your sanity.
Kids Backyard Activities
Get out Soap: For a slippery good time, get out the soap. Use a tarp or even your twister game and add soap and water on it for a homemade slip-n-slide. Or, actually, try to play a slippery game of twister.
Outside Toys: But my all time favorite is to grab the outside toys and head out to the yard or even the park. We have even had water fights to help cool off on those scorching hot days, but just check out everything you can get and have it on hand for a fun filled day when boredom strikes.