Whether you’re having a Labor Day cookout or just contributing a dish, what better way is there to observe the #holiday than by avoiding hard labor in the kitchen? Choose an easy, surefire recipe that people like, and your friends and family will wonder why they thought spending hours over a hot grill was a good idea. Taste of Home has collected 100 recipes that are perfect for a summer-ending party or picnic, promising that none will take more than 15 minutes’ prep time. Featuring everything from cucumber salad to bacon dip to grilled bananas, these recipes prove that the summertime living is easy. #LaborDay
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Avoid Work to Celebrate Labor Day
Labor Day was created to celebrate the social and economic contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being. The unofficial end of #summer, Many Americans opt to celebrate Labor Day with parades, picnics and cookouts. But Love to Know suggests that you shouldn’t feel bad about celebrating Labor Day by doing no labor whatsoever. “The diligent American people of the past made Labor Day something to celebrate. Honor them by taking the day off from all back-breaking work. Do zero chores, order dinner in so no one has to cook or clean up, and feel free to lie around in your pajamas all day long.” #LaborDay
Start the School Year Clutter-Free
It’s back-to-school time, and if you are a parent of a student or a student yourself, you know that the sudden influx of homework, books and other supplies makes it a challenge to stay #organized and on top of tasks. But several strategies can help manage all that #stuff better while keeping track of assignments, due dates and extracurricular activities.
Parents can help young students stay #organized by streamlining the household environment. Invest in a chore chart, white board and academic planner, Good Housekeeping suggests. And to keep clothing, books, shoes and other items from getting #disorganized, get as many shelves, bins and cubbies as you need and label them.
A homework station is a good idea for students of all ages — and WFH parents, too. You’ll need a rolling cart, plastic storage baskets, a dry-erase calendar and a desk, Woman’s Day says. Post a calendar, a daily schedule and a pegboard organizer or bulletin board nearby, and it will be easier to keep track of tasks and needed supplies.
Teens who build good habits in school will keep them their whole lives. Student empowerment specialist Daniel Wong offers 30 tips on using routines to stay focused, get homework done on time and still have time to relax with family and friends.
One is to #declutter one’s #workspace on a weekly basis. “Look through all the papers, notes, brochures, and other things you’ve accumulated,” Wong says. “Recycle or throw away all the things you don’t need. Clutter attracts clutter, so if you declutter once a week, you’ll be more likely to stay organized in general.”
#Thrift stores supplied by #donations of clothing and goods to ClothingDonations.org are a great place to look for lightly used organizers, baskets and bins. You might even find a good selection of stylish #clothing that growing students can wear to #school at prices that won’t break the bank.
And if you find anything your students won’t be needing in the as they move ahead in school — disused sporting goods, books, outgrown clothing, etc. — contact ClothingDonations.org to schedule a free, contactless #donation #pickup. Here’s to a happy, healthy school year!
Pick a Destination and Pile in the Car
One of the best ways to have a last-minute #summer #getaway with Kkids is to pick a convenient destination and pile into the car with a cooler full of snacks and drinks. VacationIdea suggests exploring family-friendly destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Sonoma, Santa Fe and other historic/interesting mid-size cities across the county. Gas prices have receded from their record highs, so you can simply pick a location within a day’s drive, arrange accommodations (maybe with a pool) and take off. Even a long weekend away can refresh the whole family and fight those back-to-school blues. If you want to get back to #nature rather than stay in hotels, there are plenty of campsites throughout the country where you can rough it, see the stars and get some fresh air inexpensively. #LastMinuteSummerTravel
Search Flights Now to Travel Before Fall
#Summer isn’t officially over for five more weeks, so if you don’t have kids in school there’s time to book an inexpensive #flight to destinations across the country. Remember that airfares on most domestic carriers except for Southwest go up three weeks ahead of departure, however, and plan accordingly. To save money when booking, try searching for two one-way flights instead of a round-trip, says Scott’s Cheap Flights, and always check alternate dates and nearby airports. Depending on the destination, midweek flights may be cheaper, and factor in all fees when picking a flight — if an airline offers a $200 roundtrip but adds $30 each way in baggage and other fees, for example, a $250 flight that includes bags is the cheaper option. #LastMinuteSummerTravel