Never-Ending Summer
Why does summer have to end on Labor Day? Shoulder season is here, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel abroad to enjoy this time. Be a tourist in your own neighborhood! Is there a restaurant you’ve been meaning to go to? Book it! That hike you keep meaning to take the dog on? Pack up the dog and the kids (possibly in that order), and hit the road! Pick up some sandwiches on the way and get to exploring- no passport or hotel stay required!
Hit the Beach, take the bikes!
No traffic, no fees (we’re talking to you, New Jersey!). September is the perfect time to enjoy the beach without the crowds. Load up the bicycles and head to the shore for a relaxing day, enjoying the beach without the crowds.
Farmer’s Markets
Seek out local farmers’ markets: Fresh, local produce is at its peak this time of year. Corn, ripe tomatoes, and zucchini (try our zucchini gratin recipe below!). Get the kids involved and have them pick out some vegetables they want to try out.
Zucchini Gratin
3 zucchinis sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, diced
2 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic powder, onion powder
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp Soy sauce
Fennel seeds and Italian seasonings
4 tbsp parmesan
4 tbsp Marscapone
4 tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
In a stove-to-oven safe pan: Sauté onion, garlic, and zucchini rounds, add all seasonings and soy sauce. Sauté until just soft. Add parmesan and marscapone, top with breadcrumbs, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 350°F until the top is golden, about 15 minutes.
Firepit Fridays
New school year, new teachers, and new friends. Just like your kids, making new friends is hard. Break the ice by inviting some parents over. Organize a parent and child get together, keep it casual. This gives parents and kids an opportunity to hang out outside of school.
Cheers!
Maria and Rick