Quick Tip: Simplify cooking with a handy conversion apron from Life Hacker

“Once you’ve got the ball rolling in the kitchen, nothing puts a damper on your head of steam like an unwieldy, unfamiliar unit conversion. Sure you could use Google’s conversion calculator, but your hands are covered with flour and your keyboard’s already dirty enough as is. That’s why we love the idea behind this clever apron…”

That sounds like a pretty good idea to me! An alternative to posting a sheet of conversions somewhere in the kitchen, the apron comes out when you’re cooking and goes back into hiding when your food is done. Plus, the text is upside down, so all you have to do is look down to read it!  Spring the apron!

Image Source: Life Hacker

Quick Tip: Put together a kids’ travel kit before you hit the road, from Martha Stewart

“Be sure to include writing instruments, such as crayons or colored pencils, as well as an activity book and educational book. Always include a healthy snack, such as trail mix, and a water bottle with a top.”

Bring along things like maps, markers, coloring books, and snacks.  Not only will your kids be entertained, but it might just cut down on the number of times you hear, “Are we there yet?”

Spring the packing list!

Image Source: Martha Stewart

Last week’s meals went pretty well – and breakfast for dinner was great! I’ll definitely have to do that again. I’m really excited to make this week’s special treat, I found the recipe awhile ago and it looks delicious!

Monday
Pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe Spring the recipe!

Tuesday
Grilled Adobo chicken Spring the recipe!

Wednesday
Parmesan crusted baked zucchini sticks with marinara sauce
Spring the recipe!

Thursday
Braised chicken with orange and scallions Spring the recipe!

Friday
Sea salt and lime grilled fish tacos Spring the recipe!

And for a special treat
Salt caramel molten chocolate cake Spring the recipe!

Has creating a weekly meal plan simplified my life? Of course, and the help from my weekly meal planner goes a long way.

I’m really happy with the way that last week’s meals turned out… and I’m excited for Tuesday, I’m doing breakfast for dinner! What’s your favorite themed meal?

Monday
Chicken enchilada roll-ups Spring the recipe!

Tuesday
Apple-topped German pancake Spring the recipe!

Wednesday
Homemade pizza Spring the recipe!

Thursday
Chicken artichoke casserole Spring the recipe!

Friday
Open face grilled goat cheese panini with sundried tomatoes and herbs
Spring the recipe!

And for a special treat
Monkeybread Spring the recipe!

Has creating a weekly meal plan simplified my life? Of course!

Summer Restaurant Week in Boston has arrived! For two weeks (August 9-14 and 16-21), many of Boston’s upper-echelon restaurants will offer a Prix Fixe menu with 3-course lunches for $20.09 and dinners for $33.09. It’s a great opportunity to get out into the city and try all that these restaurants have to offer!

This restaurant week, I’m planning on trying out…
Elephant Walk Spring the restaurant!
29 Newbury Spring the restaurant!

Other restaurants to check out during restaurant week:
Rocca Spring the restaurant!
Oceanaire Seafood Room Spring the restaurant!
Durgin Park Spring the restaurant!

Use springpad to organize the restaurants you’d like to try & even to make reservations!  These places get pretty busy during restaurant week, so don’t forget to call ahead.

Has planning ahead for Restaurant Week simplified my life? Sure has!  Find Restaurant Week in your city.

Monday
Spinach salad with strawberries and almonds Spring the recipe!

Tuesday
Poached egg with asparagus and truffle oil Spring the recipe!

Wednesday
Mini steak sandwiches with horseradish and tomato
Spring the recipe!

Thursday
Tomato basil pasta Spring the recipe!

Friday
Teriyaki turkey burgers Spring the recipe!

And for a special treat
Chocolate cookie cheesecake Spring the recipe!

Has creating a weekly meal plan simplified my life? Yes, and the springpad weekly meal planner is helping a lot!

Monday
Herb Roasted Chicken Spring the recipe!

Tuesday
Manicotti Spring the recipe!

Wednesday
Saag paneer Spring the recipe!

Thursday
Stuffed red peppers Spring the recipe!

Friday
Sauteed chicken with pear-raspberry sauce Spring the recipe!

And for a special treat
Lemon-glazed strawberry tart with pastry cream Spring the recipe!

Has creating a weekly meal plan simplified my life? Of course! I kinda missed creating a weekly meal plan while on vacation!

Check out these DIY stain removal tips from Gal’s Guide.  You’ll be happy to have them as a reference the next time you have a spill.  I’ve made a list of everything you need to remove practically every type of stain. Take a look at the list & put together a little kit to make sure you’re prepared!

Stain Removal Must Haves: Spring the list!
- dish washing detergent
- white vinegar
- salt
- ammonia
- an iron
- sponge
- paper towels
- shampoo
- laundry detergent
- baking soda
- unseasoned meat tenderizer
- club soda
- salt
- lemon

Does creating a stain removal kit simplify my life? Yup. Now I’ll be prepared for the next inevitable wine spill!

If you’ve seen the movie 27 Dresses, you know that brides can choose pretty hideous dresses for their bridesmaids. That’s why I was thrilled when my brother’s fiance told me I could pick my own dress – something I felt comfortable in and liked, but that also fit the bride’s specifications.

In order to aid in the often difficult dress shopping process, I suggest following these helpful tips, inspired by Musings of a Housewife:

Prep:
- Make yourself pretty – no dress, no matter how perfect, looks good with greasy hair
- Look online for ideas – did you know that JCrew and Ann Taylor now carry bridesmaid dresses? Why not scope them out before hitting the mall?

Bring: Spring the list!
- a pair of high heels- 2-3 inches high works well
- strapless bra, preferably nude
- body shaper (optional)
- a few bobby pins to help simulate an updo
- a friend, because a second opinion is always helpful

Does preparing before bridesmaid dress shopping simplify my life? For sure. Who knows if I would have found a dress otherwise…

Going back to meal planning last week was great for me. It’s finally starting to feel like summer in Boston, and that’s definitely reflected in my meal choices this week…

Monday
Beer can chicken Spring the recipe!

Tuesday
Grilled veggie burgers and perfect french fries Spring the recipe!

Wednesday
Grilled corn with shrimp salad Spring the recipe!

Thursday
Summer spaghetti caprese style Spring the recipe!

Friday
Rosemary ranch chicken kabobs Spring the recipe!

And for a special treat
Frozen watermelon-lime bars Spring the recipe!

Has creating a weekly meal plan simplified my life? Yes, planning ahead with the springpad weekly meal planner always makes things easier!