Holly & Heather’s Helpful Hint: Have a Family Fun Day!

Summer is the perfect time to pick a day and have some family togetherness. Schedules are a little more relaxed and parents usually have some vacation days carved out in July or August. As our children are growing, it’s not always “cool” to be hanging out with your parents. That, coupled with different interests and ideas on what to do with your free time, can make it hard to have regular bonding family time. Don’t let that discourage you! Family fun is important.  Making memories is something everybody will have with them for the rest of their lives. So, what to do? Here are some ideas for a fun day together, all of which we’ve done and loved:

*Take your bicycles to a local park where you can ride on lots of trails, free of motorists.  The scenery is beautiful and peaceful.  Pack some food for a nice lunch after your ride.

*Go into your nearest city or village for a day of walking and sightseeing.  If it’s a bit of a drive, take a train or ferry together, very conducive for conversation.  Take turns picking what to visit; let everybody pick their favorite place.  Be sure to stop for ice cream!

*Plan a day at home, playing games together.  Play a group video game together to satisfy the kids, a card game for dad and a board game for mom.  Let everyone pick their favorite.  End the day with an upbeat movie or action flick.

By all means, still take that week-long vacation if you can.  Sometimes it’s good to get away for a bit, reconnect and refresh the spirit with those closest to you – your family!  What’s your favorite thing to do for a family fun day?

Holly & Heather’s Helpful Hint: Stay Cool

Here in the Northeast, we are definitely in the “dog days” of summer. We are smack in the middle of an official heat wave with temperatures nearing 100 degrees today. What’s a person to do to survive these sweltering days? Well, we have a few helpful hints to help you keep cool:

* Visit your public library. It’s free, air-conditioned and good for your brain. Take the kids and make it a family affair.
* Make slushies. Crush some frozen ice, add a little juice of your choice and shake well. They definitely beat the heat.
* If you don’t have a pool or can’t get to a public one, run through a sprinkler. Sitting in the yard is definitely no fun on these hot days but sitting in the yard under a sprinkler is fun and refreshing 🙂

Take it slow on hot days and drink plenty of water. We all know to keep an eye out for small children, the elderly and pets but don’t forget about taking care of yourself as well.  How do you help to stay cool in the summer?

Holly & Heather’s Helpful Hint: We Hope You Dance!

That title is meant to be taken literally & figuratively! Dancing is our passion, we have been taking lessons and teaching for decades. We practically grew up in our mom’s dance studio, it is our home away from home. Dancing is so healthy for your body but also for your mind. A beautiful song can lift your spirit, a pop tune gets you groovin’ and classical music is calming. Whether it be tap, ballet, jazz or lyrical, dancing for us is pure joy. Maybe you like ballroom dancing, line dancing or just bopping around your house to a great song.  Dancing is fun and literally gets your circulation flowing.

Figuratively speaking, dancing in life is good for your soul.  It can be a metaphor for enjoying things, appreciating the little things, taking chances on something new every now and then.  Make time to have fun with your friends and family.  Walk outside on a beautiful day and take a deep breath, look around and admire the tiniest ant.  If you get the opportunity to do something new try it.  Maybe it’s a new dish at your favorite restaurant or a class at your local library.

Take the time to dance in your life!  And wish us “break a leg” as we embark on our 39th dance recital this week and help our mom celebrate her 40th year in the “dancing business” this September!!

Holly & Heather’s Helpful Hint: Celebrate Independence Day!

We are very thankful for the freedoms we have in America and love to celebrate on the 4th of July with a family barbecue. There will be hamburgers & hot dogs to eat and nighttime fireworks to watch. Play games and have strawberries, blueberries & whipped cream for dessert – a perfect red, white & blue combination!

Here’s a tasty broccoli salad that we love (and will be making!), adapted from an Amish recipe:
4 bunches of broccoli, cut in small pieces
1/2 jar bacon bits
1/3 cup raisins
3/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
In a large bowl combine the broccoli, bacon bits & raisins. In a separate bowl whisk together the mayo, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, onion powder and pepper. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least an hour, you can even make this the day before and keep refrigerated to let the flavors blend. Just before serving sprinkle sunflower seeds on top.

Happy 4th of July!