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How to Transform a Wrap into a Crispy Flatbread

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Even if you don’t love wraps, you’ll love flatbreads. Because sometimes, you just need a crunch.

 

I’m not much of a wrap person. Sometimes it works for me, but usually not. But when counting calories and trying to limit bread intake, sometimes you’re stuck with the wrap as the healthiest, lowest calorie option.  But it doesn’t mean you have to have your wrap and eat it, too…

 

Transform them into flatbreads! Crispy, flavorful flatbreads – or crackers – can be so much more satisfying to eat than a soggy wrap. So I take that same wrap and make it do what I want it to do.

 

Place a wrap (or two – they store well after being baked) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

 

Spray with a bit of cooking spray and add your favorite seasonings. I like some sea salt and Italian seasoning, maybe za’atar, or just some garlic salt. Try to match it up to the dish with which you’ll be pairing the cracker.

Use a sharp knife to cut into strips, or squares if you want smaller crackers.

 

Bake at 400ºF for 7-8 minutes, depending on how well done you like them. They will harden a bit more after you remove them from the oven.  

 

Voila! Bye-bye wrap, hello crispy crunchy goodness!

The post How to Transform a Wrap into a Crispy Flatbread appeared first on Between Carpools.


The Best Outdoor Toddler & Little Kid Toys for Summer

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There’s some toys that just go hand in hand with outdoor fun. Here’s some of our favorite outdoor toys that will entertain your toddlers and little kids and will last for years to come.

 

I love anything and everything made by Step2. The designs are intuitive, the quality is top, and the best part…they’re easy to assemble.

First, the Step2 Push Around Buggy is one of those must-have toddler toys that you’ll see in front of almost every home. This will be an item you use every single day for those walks around the block with your baby or toddler. Make sure you put your name and phone number on it in a Sharpie or it’s certain to get mixed up with your neighbors (I learned from experience)! The Step2 Push Around Car is a similar product.

 

If you have two children between the ages of 1 and 3, then you’ll want to two seater option. I’m going with this Step2 Wagon for Two this summer.

 

The Step2 Roller Coaster is best toy purchase this year. Though it was a gift for my 2-year-old, the bigger kids always try to sneak a ride on it. It accommodates up to 50 pounds, so there’s a nice range of ages that can use it. (There is a “more extreme” version for older kids up to 75 pounds, but it’s triple the price).

 

Of course, every household needs a few Razor scooters for the bigger kids who go zooming about (we try to keep you posted when there’s a deal on these!), the LaScoot Scooter is great for little kids who aren’t strong enough to push pedals but still want to move on their own, and it’ll grow with them.

 

For a traditional scooter, the Micro Kickboard is pricey, but it’s the most recommended one out there for kids ages 2-5. You may be able to find a copy of this scooter locally for less.

 

Kids seem to gravitate towards trampolines. They sit for hours and enjoy the outdoors. But lots of you are concerned about trampolines because of safety issues. Here’s a solution for the little ones. The Little Tikes Climb n’ Slide Trampoline is low to the ground, includes fun stairs and a slide, and it’s still cozy enough to be a hangout. It’s recommended for kids age 3 – 10. Bonus: You won’t need to hire someone to assemble it.

 

Got boys? I own this Fisher Price Grow 2 Pro for literally almost 10 years (the older model – we use this indoors all year round). Though there are similar products by other brands, including the Step 2 versionI can vouch for this one because my boys have been literally dunking on it since they were toddlers. Most of the time, they decide to start playing around bedtime.  

 

A few years ago, my sister-in-law bought a water table for her kids. It kept the little ones very busy and cool on days she didn’t want to go to the pool. There’s lots of fun options in this category, including the Little Tikes Waterpark Play Table and the Step 2 Duck Dive Water Table or the more elaborate Rain Showers or Spill and Splash Tables.

 

If you’re kids are more into sand than water, Esti loved this Step2 Naturally Playful Sand Table. Unlike with a traditional sandbox, since the kids don’t sit in the sand here, they don’t get full of it and stray animals don’t get in either. Esti recommends filling it with Crayola’s Colorful Play Sand for extra fun!

 

If your littlest ones are too small for the big swings, the Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber is compact enough for use indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer. It works for the littlest climbers, even pre-walkers.

 

Have a baby pool in your backyard? Add a Little Tikes First Slide and it’s turned into an instant water park.

 

What outdoor toys are your favorites?

 

The post The Best Outdoor Toddler & Little Kid Toys for Summer appeared first on Between Carpools.

These Tuna Bites Are the Perfect Summer Appetizer

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This light and refreshing tuna appetizer is fun to make, fun to assemble, and fun to eat.

 

Our Pulled Beef Tacos have become almost a weekly staple in my house. And this lighter version, where the wontons are baked and not fried, is popular too! Serve it for seudah shelishit, a sheva brachos appetizer, or simply serve it with more tuna for a fun, light summer dinner. The dish is very low in calories (compared to its Pulled Beef Taco cousin for sure!), but company will love and appreciate it just the same. I’ve also made this with pulled chicken and it was just as popular! Other times, I use pineapple instead of mango too.  

Tuna Bites
 
Ingredients
  • ½ pound good quality fresh tuna steak
  • Sesame oil, for brushing
  • Montreal steak seasoning, for sprinkling
  • Round wonton wrappers
  • Mango Salsa
Avocado-Basil Sauce:
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 2 frozen basil cubes
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Spicy Mayo:
  • 4 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Pinch paprika
Lime Aioli:
  • 4 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • Juice and zest of ½ lime
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425ºF.
  2. Prepare the wonton chips. Place wonton wrappers on a parchment lined baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 6 minutes.
  3. Prepare the salsa. Combine all ingredients. This can be done ahead.
  4. Prepare the tuna. Slice into rectangle shapes. Brush tuna with sesame oil and sprinkle with Montreal steak seasoning.
  5. Grease a frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add tuna and sear, for just a few seconds until only the surface is cooked but not any of the inside. Flip and repeat on other side and remove from pan. Slice into rectangle-shaped slices.
  6. Prepare the sauces. For each sauce, combine all ingredients. For the avocado sauce, you’ll need a small blender.
  7. Have fun with the presentation! Place a little of the salsa on the wonton chip, top with a tuna square, then some aioli, them drizzle with sauces. I like to assemble these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle away. Then I remove the tuna bites, discard the parchment, and place them on a clean platter.

You don’t need to prepare all the sauces when preparing this dish, it just looks pretty to have 3 different colors.

The post These Tuna Bites Are the Perfect Summer Appetizer appeared first on Between Carpools.

These Oreo Pops Are Way Too Adorable

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They’re no bake and can be made to match any color scheme. Sandwich cookie pops are great for a simcha, and are an easy last minute addition to any meal or party.

 

By Chana Sara Posen

 

Colored Sandwich Cookie Pops

1 package chocolate sandwich cookies
1 semi-sweet baking bar
3 different colored baking bars
1 package mini popsicle sticks
Parchment lined baking sheet
Microwave safe bowls, one for each type of chocolate

1. Melt a bit of the semi sweet baking bar, in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir, repeat until melted.
2. Open the sandwich cookies.
3. Dip the lower third of the popsicle stick into the chocolate and place it onto the cream of one half of the cookie.
4. Close the other half of the sandwich cookie on top and place onto the baking sheet. Lightly press the sandwich cookie.
5. Let the chocolate set for a couple of minutes.
6. In the interim, melt the semisweet chocolate and the 3 colored chocolates, each in their own bowls.
7. Start by completely dipping the whole cookie into the semisweet chocolate, then place onto the baking sheet to dry.
8. Once they are dry, dip a bit of each sandwich pop into the different colored chocolates in any order, letting it dry before dipping it into the second and third colors.


About Chana Sara:

Chana Sara Posen is a Southern girl at heart raising her family in Lakewood, NJ. She loves to cook and bake hence the name @bakesandsteaks. She enjoys feeding the people she loves and is currently baking more babka than anything else, which now, due to popular demand, are available nationwide.

The post These Oreo Pops Are Way Too Adorable appeared first on Between Carpools.

Basics: How to Clean Your Urn

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Your urn will be clean, shiny, and look like new in one easy step.

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You know how there are some things that lose their shininess and newness and you just resign yourself to the fact that it’s how the world works? Well, here’s one simple way to restore the glow to one simple thing in your life.

Your hot water urn. Yeah, not so glamorous, but it’s still nice to have it look new again.  And it only takes seconds of your time.

Basics: How to Clean Your Urn. Your urn will be clean, shiny, and look like new in one easy step.

All you need is some sour salt aka citric acid. Pour about a third of a cup into the urn, fill with water and bring to a boil. You can literally watch the mineral deposits peel away from the sides on their own. Empty the urn after about half an hour and voila! Sparkly! Just run a batch of clean water through the urn when you’re done or you might have some funny tasting tea, like one of the BCP husbands may or may not have had.

Basics: How to Clean Your Urn. Your urn will be clean, shiny, and look like new in one easy step. Basics: How to Clean Your Urn. Your urn will be clean, shiny, and look like new in one easy step.


The post Basics: How to Clean Your Urn appeared first on Between Carpools.

No-Graphic Boys T-Shirts for Summer

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Having trouble finding no-graphic t-shirts for your son? Here’s our favorite looks.

 

While the trend out in the world of boys’ t-shirts has been increasingly louder and louder graphics, frankly, I’m not a fan. Even if your boys’ camp doesn’t have a no graphics/slogans rule, I think that most of us agree that we prefer a clean and crisp look, even when boys are more casual in their shorts and tees. In some cases, I included some simpler types of graphics that still offer that clean look.

 

When writing this post, I had one quandary. Should I sort the t-shirts by “type” so that it looks organized? Or should I sort them by vendor, to make it easier for you to see whose t-shirts you like best (because I know, if you’re in the need of some tee’s, you’re more likely to want to get them all at one or two vendors (to get free shipping and not have to checkout so many times). I chose the latter to make it easier for you.

 

I love both these Football-Style T-shirt

and this Colorblock Henley from J Crew.

Or this Contrast Pocket T-Shirt in a few different colors.

 

I did well for my boys at Gap this season. One child who is a Henley fan got this in all colors and he loves it.  

 

I don’t mind simpler, monochromatic types of graphics that add a little something to a plain V-neck like this one.

 

This two-tone one-button Jersey Colorblock Henley is a nice clean look.

 

If you do want a solid-colored tee, go with a V Neck. These V Necks from Gap have a nice fit. I feel they have a more finished look that a plain crewneck tee.

Note that many of these items are available at both Gap and Gap Factory at different pricing!

 

I love this Anchor Tee from H&M for a little boy paired with white short.

You can’t go wrong with a 2-pack including this Shark Tee too. A Palm Tree Tee is also cute for the little ones (it has some barely noticeable wording).

 

For the big boys, V-Neck tees are a great value. For more style, I love these Colorblock Tees and got them for my own boys. It comes in two color schemes.

 

Do you want a specific colored solid colored t-shirt to match certain bottoms? You’ll find your right color at Primary. The Popular Slub Tee will coordinate with anything.

 

The Tucker + Tate brands has great, stylish non-graphic tees for boys. For little boys, I love this Washed Tape shirt or this adorable Zipper Shark t-shirt.

 

For big boys, Tucker and Tate has great colorblock options, like this Grey and Ash tee or this Baseball Style tee.

 

Does your son have any of those floral-motif bathing shorts? This Billabong tee will look great with it.

 

Old Navy has a really cute line of t-shirts where the graphic is simply climbing out of the pocket. I also like the performance tees where the soccer or basketball are in the pocket.

 

For a little more color, Lands End has a fun Dip Dyed Tee.

 

Finally, if you want a little graphics for some summer fun, but want to still keep it classy, J Crew does a really good job at designing styles that work. I love this Sailboats T-Shirt

and this Monster T-Shirt for little boys.

 

This Airplane T-shirt has that type of monochromatic graphic that I find works.

 

What t-shirts do you love for your boys? For a roundup of polo shirts for boys, see this post.

 

The post No-Graphic Boys T-Shirts for Summer appeared first on Between Carpools.

Before You Complain About Your Kids…Read This

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Infertility taught something very important to this new mom.

 

By Shevy Levine

`

I wish I could say,

See the miracle within,

I don’t think you can grasp,

The gift you’ve been given…

 

It’s been a while since I penned those words and I can’t recall which expecting woman inspired them. The poem remains unfinished though – at first, it was too painful to keep writing, and now, the joy of my little one fills my day. Getting here was anything but easy. The grit, the wrenching struggle, there aren’t enough words to describe it. But that’s not for here and now. We’re Mommies after all, isn’t that what this site is all about? Carpools and dinners and shopping lists and hurried inspiration between goodnight kisses and the out to school rush (and why do they always seems to follow each other in such quick succession?!) The blessed humdrum that envelopes our days…

 

Infertility may have been my strongest teacher, but I’ve learnt a lot as a Mommy too. I’ve realized that sleepless nights can do a number on the most level-headed individual, and sometimes you just need quiet. That much as your heart is exploding with love, your body needs to function too, and when you let yourself get overrun, nobody gains. And yet, there’s something more.

 

Sitting in the yard, the park, Shabbos afternoons, there’s something different about my interactions with my child. Others have noticed it too. Granted I have one, not many. But it’s more than that. Maybe it’s the way I’ve heard others say “I just can’t take her anymore!” or the half-joking, completely depleted “anyone want my little guy? I’m putting him up for adoption” or the non-stop incessant stream of “I wanted to do x, but he wanted y – again”  or “vacationing with kids is just impossible” Sigh. I mean, how annoying are children anyways?

 

I know. I know a mother’s love is infinite, that mothers are human, and that you don’t really mean it, you don’t. I know you don’t want to hear about mothers-at-heart who are waiting and waiting (and waiting and waiting, and waiting… and wishing, and hoping, and praying) with empty arms. I mean, eating a second helping of chicken doesn’t help starving kids in Africa, right? And yet, I expect more. I know you can.

So think about this. And maybe, just maybe, when you’re at the end of your rope, you’ll try venting about his habits instead of him as a child. When you’re running on empty and ready to throw your hands up, maybe you’ll summon the strength to say “…but I wouldn’t give him up for the world.” And when you wipe down the fifth spill of the day, between the grumbles, you’ll whisper Baruch Hashem. And if you can’t muster a whisper, at least you’ll feel it in your heart.

 

And maybe… can you try just once to picture the pain of those who are waiting? Not to overwhelm yourself with guilt, but to envision the reason behind their pain (what is it that they’re missing after all?) so that you in turn can value your gift for what it is. Please, see the beauty in what you’ve been granted. Hug your children. Complain if you must – but not about them. Cherish them for the neshamos they are, and realize what a treasure you have. Amid the laundry, amid the fevers, know that you are blessed.


About Shevy:

Shevy is a proud wife and lucky Mommy, who loves to fool around with her baby when she’s not working her day job as a designer. Shevy made her first appearance in the blogosphere via her personal experience journal, onwardandupfertility.com. While the blog is no longer active (for happy reasons only!) Shevy enjoys putting pen to paper whenever her little one allows.

 

The post Before You Complain About Your Kids…Read This appeared first on Between Carpools.

Chavi Chase’s Top 5 Budget Picks for Your Summer Table

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Set a beautiful table, even on a budget with these great tabletop picks (bonus: they’re all Prime).

 

By Chavi Chase

Do you entertain more often in the summer? Everyone loves getting out more often, and when company is coming, it could be a great time to add some budget-friendly upgrades to your table. Here are a few ideas!

 

Let these vinyl metallic placemats make their debut on your summer table, then enjoy that gilded look all year round.

 

Match them to this super pack of disposables dishes, cups, napkins, and flatware…everything you need in one click!

 

And these vases finish off the look perfectly with a minimalistic modern touch…you won’t need tons of florals to fill them. Bonus: You can still speak to the person on the opposite side of the table!

 

Want a new table runner, or a new fresh white linen cloth as a base for your tablescape? This one with a hemstitched border is a super value.

 

Want to go exotic? You simply cannot get a better value + impact that you can with these leaf placemats.

 


About Chavi:

Chavi Chase is an event and party stylist in the central NJ area that’s full of pep and bursting with creative, out-of-the-box party decor ideas. See her work on Instagram @pret_a_partee or contact her at pretapartee@gmail.com

 

The post Chavi Chase’s Top 5 Budget Picks for Your Summer Table appeared first on Between Carpools.


Hosting a Simcha at Home? 3 Things to Keep in Mind

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Some of the most beautiful simchas are the ones in your own home. Yes, it comes with a big mess, but there’s nothing quite like celebrating a milestone in your most comfortable place.

 

Often, out of town guests come to participate in a Shabbos simcha. And since they all can’t fit in your home, often neighbors are gracious and accommodating. But you’re still the host and having family over, there’s lots of details on your shoulder. Here’s a few tips to make every guest feel like they are truly cared for, wanted, and appreciated…plus make enjoying the simcha easier on your end.

 

 

  • All the Details for the Guests

 

Keep in mind that your guest staying by your neighbors will come to you for breakfast and coffee because they don’t feel comfortable eating at strangers, especially if they have little children.

You may want to prepare:

Tea/coffee station

Towels to wipe hands

Havdalah – extra besomim

Diaper/fresh wipes – changing station so that it’s not all over your house

Bathroom station with anything ppl would need (Deodorant, mouthwash..)

 

Having lots of kids over?

They don’t need to empty the toy closet. Close up those toy closet doors and remove four age-appropriate games. Set aside some balls and jump ropes. You can visit a dollar store and buy toys to keep everyone busy for the day so your children don’t come crying afterwards that the guests messed up all their toys.

Hire a neighborhood girl to run a Bnos type of group. Read books, play a game. Everyone gets an ices for the hour. Or separate the boys for some parsha and a story.

 

Feed ‘em first

Right before Shalosh Seudos, put out a large trays with yogurts, straws, string cheese, crackers or rolls, so that when the adults sit down to eat the kids don’t take all the little cookies and dairy cheesecakes.

 

The post Hosting a Simcha at Home? 3 Things to Keep in Mind appeared first on Between Carpools.

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Basics: How to Prep Skirt Steak

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The two essential first steps when preparing your perfect skirt steak.

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I love serving skirt steak because it’s so effortless and everyone loves it. My latest favorite is grilled simply and paired with this salad. You can also try this version (Newsflash: skirt steak goes well with mango), and we have a new skirt steak recipe for your grill coming up soon.

But it does need two essential steps for it to be it’s best: that’s the soaking and pouding. Soaking eliminates some saltiness and pounding makes for extra tender steak. Though skirt steak is usually pricey, I find that it’s so stretchy, that even a small package can feed a few people and present as nicely-sized steaks. Also, it doesn’t matter if you buy it frozen because it’ll defrost during soaking anyway.

 

Two Easy Skirt Steak Steps:

Soak skirt steak in water, massaging the meat. I usually just soak once, but while working on Everyday Secret Restaurant Recipes, Leah and I received some tips from Offy Shiffman, owner of Backyard BBQ in Surfside, Florida. He  recommended draining and adding fresh water after a few minutes so the steak isn’t sitting in the heaviest concentration of salty water. Then, soak for 10 minutes. Drain and add fresh water again and soak for 20 minutes. (If you prefer saltier meat, omit the last soaking.)

Pat meat dry and pound thin to tenderize. If you don’t have a meat mallet, use the bottom of a pot. Meat is now ready for marinating.

The post Basics: How to Prep Skirt Steak appeared first on Between Carpools.

Chimichurri Skirt Steak is a BBQ Hit

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Tired of sliders, hot dogs, and even chicken skewers? Try chimichurri skirt steak at your next barbecue.

 

By Naomi Hazan

 

I serve this alongside a salad, but have also paired it with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. It’s also awesome because of how common the ingredients are. You’ll love this one!

To learn how to prep your skirt steak before using in this recipe, see BCP’s Skirt Steak Basics.

Chimichurri Skirt Steak
 
Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds of skirt steak (about 2 medium steaks)
  • ½ teaspoon dry thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dry cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon dry oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice (fresh/bottled)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large flat baking dish or in a large Ziploc bag.
  2. Add the skirt steak and toss in the marinade. For a quick marinade, stab the meat using a fork or a paring knife to allow the seasoning to penetrate the steak.
  3. For outdoor grilling: Preheat your BBQ for at least 10 minutes on high heat; grill for 4 minutes on each side.
  4. For indoor grilling: Heat a grill pan/heavy duty pan on high heat for 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium high, then cook the meat for 4-6 minutes on each side.
  5. Allow the meat to rest on a plate or cutting board for 5 minutes, then slice the meat thinly against the grain. Serve over a salad or in a sandwich.

 


About Naomi:

Naomi Hazan is a self-taught chef based in Brooklyn. She’s a food columnist for Marine Park’s Jewish Echo Magazine and others. Naomi recently launched her own vegan sweets line that is sold in stores around the New York area. During her free time, she loves to blog about her cooking journeys. She’s been in love with food for as long as she can remember and credits that to her Middle Eastern roots. Naomi always believed that good food is one of the best ways to bring people together. After all, some of the best times are shared over a great meal. See her work at on Instagram @onelifetoeat or contact her at myonelifetoeat@gmail.com.

 

The post Chimichurri Skirt Steak is a BBQ Hit appeared first on Between Carpools.

Swim in Style with 15 Modest Swim Coverups for Women and Teens

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Do you like separates or a dress? Find the modest swimwear and cover ups that work for you.

 

Everyone has different cover up needs for swimming. Some wear them to the pool, some wear them in the pool…and some simply use modest swim gear as active wear for wherever summer takes them. No matter your need or modesty level, you’ll find a swim cover up that fits your needs.

 

Mix and Match

 

Do you prefer separates? Choose a rashguard you like and pair it with a black (or coordinating color) skirt. Here’s some picks for tops and bottoms.

 

This rashguard has a half zip and comes in lots of fun colors…

 

But for a sleek and sporty look, Tesla offers even more options.

 

Here’s a full zip rashguard, also from Tesla, for practicality and ease.

 

This Lands End half zip rashguard definitely offers style for the active woman…

 

And this swim tee is just easy to wear…

 

Pair any rashguard with this black swim skirt. This swim skirt is customizable! You choose the size and any length from the drop down menu, from 15 to 22 inches.

 

The reviews on this swim skirt says it hits to the knee, so most likely will work as swim gear for teens or shorter women. There’s also tankini bottom attached underneath for full coverage while swimming.

 

This A-line Swim Skirt from Undercover Waterwear is 24 inches and might be the most useful piece in your closet this summer, as it can easily go from pool to…carpools? Here it is in lots of great colors.

 

Here’s a version with leggings attached (great for active swim, sports, biking, etc.)

 

Swim Dresses

And now for some of our favorite dresses!

 

This G-Dress is a very flattering style.

 

The FLOW dress is amazing…not sure if you’ll make it to the pool? The Flow can go with you anywhere.

 

You can also go with a basic solid black. Or solid pink.

 

Need shorts for under your dress? You can find them here.

 

The post Swim in Style with 15 Modest Swim Coverups for Women and Teens appeared first on Between Carpools.

How to Clean Your Grill

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They say grilling is supposed to keep the mess out of the kitchen. So then what do I do with the mess of my grates? I set out to find the easy cleaning solution.

 

By Shaindy Niederman

 

Ahhh!! I am finally seeing the rays of sunshine! Summer is a time that I take a break from my kitchen and enjoy the beauty of Hashem’s nature. I sit out with my kids and watch them play and create memories for the future.

Throughout the summer, we enjoy grilled dinners, from hot dogs to grilled corn with a quick fresh salad on the side. We also enjoy s’mores on the grill for a quick dessert.

But at the end of the day, when my kids are asleep, I see the mess and wonder: Was it all worth it? This year I was determined to find the perfect solution how to clean and maintain my grill.

 

Before Grilling: Get the Grates Ready

If you hate to spray your grates with oil, try an onion instead. Slice an onion in half, and rub it onto the grates. This will prevent your food from sticking. When you’re done grilling, use the other half of the onion to remove any grease that is stuck on the grates.

 

After Grilling: Don’t Procrastinate!

Clean your grill while it’s still hot. If your bristles are made out of plastic, they will melt. Instead, roll up a piece of silver foil into a ball and use as a brush. Wear oven mitts (or use a pair of metal tongs) as the foil becomes very hot. For a deeper cleaning, dip your ball into water then sprinkle on some baking soda. Start scrubbing. Make sure you follow the directions of the grill bars. Rinse and wipe clean.

 

Throughout the season, you don’t need to use any fancy sprays or cleaning detergent to clean your grates. The heat destroys the bacteria. The added benefit of use is that the grates become “seasoned,” and this enhances your grilled meat.

 

I’d like to thank @foodmakesthemood and all my friends for helping me with this blog post.

 

Do you have a great grilling or cleaning tip? Feel free to comment!


About Shaindy:

Shaindy is a mother of three boys. She enjoys spending time in the kitchen, creating healthier recipes for her family. Follow her on Instagram @cookingwithshaindy

 

The post How to Clean Your Grill appeared first on Between Carpools.

Deals We Love! Puddle Jumpers for only $9.89


6 Essential Grilling Tips

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These simple steps will ensure you’ll enjoy juicy and perfectly grilled meats all summer long.

 

By Shaindy Niederman

 

While making some calls to friends to learn how to clean my grill this summer (those great tips are included in this post on How to Clean Your Grill), I received some great grilling tips too!

Let Meat Come to Room Temperature

For perfectly cooked meats, remove from the refrigerator one hour prior grilling. This will insure the inside and outside are done at the same time.

Season Simply

A good piece of steak doesn’t need any fancy marinates, salt and pepper will do the trick. Salt your meats while they are resting on the counter. Just add the pepper before grilling. The salt will bring out the flavors. (Note: Hanger and skirt steak do not need any salt. Soak for 1 hour before grilling, changing the water 2-3 times). Alternately, marinate the meat in oil, salt and pepper while it is sitting on the counter.

 

Soak Skewers

To prevent burning, always soak your wooden skewers for an half hour before using them for your kabobs.

 

Avoid Dry Franks

Do your franks become puffy and dry after grilling? Poke some holes in your franks and marinate them in duck sauce. You’ll have juicy grilled franks.

 

Preheat the Grill

Always preheat your grill to the highest temperature and leave for 10 minutes. This will ensure your steaks have a beautiful crust on the outside and a juicy inside.

 

Don’t Dig In Just Yet!

Let your meat rest for 4-5 minutes before cutting.

 

When your done for the day, turn the gas valve off and enjoy your dinner!

 

About Shaindy:

Shaindy is a mother of three boys. She enjoys spending time in the kitchen, creating healthier recipes for her family. Follow her on Instagram @cookingwithshaindy

 

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5 Activities Parents Can Do to Improve Their Children’s Reading Skills Over the Summer

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Don’t let your primary and first grade children lose the reading skills they gained over the school year during the summertime.

By Lieba Steinfeld

 

As a busy reading specialist in Lakewood, I often hear the following from parents: “My child made so much progress in her reading abilities during the school year; I’m worried that now she will lose it all over the summer.”

It’s a valid concern. Children spend hours in schools and private tutoring sessions learning their letters and sounds, only to put all that knowledge on the back burner for almost three months. If summer school isn’t an option, what can parents do to ensure that their children don’t fall behind?

Below is a list of activities mothers can do with their children to strengthen their pre-reading skills. This list is intended for children in grades Pre-K through first grade, although it can be used for children in older grades, as well. For more tips and tricks, or for help with a specific child, feel free to contact me at info@lakewoodreadingclinic.com.

• Read rhyming books with your child. Recognizing words that rhyme is an important pre-reading skill. I love Dr. Seuss books for this skill. As you read to your child, pause before a rhyming word and see if your child can fill in the blank. For example, read, “Too wet to go out and too cold to play ball, so we sat in the house; we did nothing at _________,” and see if your child can supply the word “all”. Other books that are great for teaching rhyming are “The Hungry Thing” by Slepian and Seidler, “Ten Cats Have Hats” by Marzollo, and “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Martin, Jr. Encourage your child to think of more words that rhyme with the words in the book.

• Read a story to your child. Then, ask your child to retell the story in his/her own words. In the beginning, your child may struggle to do this; if so, ask him/her who, what, when, why, and where questions about the story. After a while, your child will get the hang of it and will be able to summarize the story, giving you the main idea. This develops a child’s oral language skills, comprehension, and ability to distill the main idea from the details.

• Play I-Spy with your child. Say to your child, “I spy an object that begins with the letter B…” or “I spy an object that ends with the letter L.” This game has your child identifying letters and their sounds and isolating them in words, both key processes in phonemic awareness.

• Take a paper bag or shoebox and write a letter on the outside. Then, have your child go around the house and gather objects that begin with that letter, placing them inside the bag. You may want to offer a motivation of some sort. For example, if you write the letter C on the outside of the bag, allow your child to keep the candy he put inside the bag.

• Make up silly rhymes with your child. For example, say, “Let’s jump, jump, jump to the tree stump, stump, stump.” Or, as one of my students supplied, “Don’t be afraid to drink Minute Maid.” As your child plays with these sounds, he/she will develop an understanding of the different sounds in words, which ease the process of sounding out words later on.


 

About Leiba:

Leiba is a veteran reading specialist with a busy private practice in Lakewood. She can be reached at info@lakewoodreadingclinic.com.

 

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Long Sleeve (and No Words!) Tees for Girls

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It’s too hot to layer, but it’s hard to find long sleeve t-shirts for girls in the summer. Here’s my favs.

 

Those words jumped out at me from the day camp paperwork and my brain threw a little panic attack. My little girl is transitioning to big girl camp this summer and that means we have a dress code. Not a uniform like all year, but a dress code which means searching for the right clothes.

 

Mission: Find t-shirts and dresses that cover the elbow without requiring layering. Online. And, though the pickings may be slim, here’s a roundup so you don’t have to do the searching.

 

Flip sequins are all the rage and OshKosh has put some on long sleeved t-shirts your girls will love, including this Osh Kosh heart flip tee

and this Osh Kosh star tee.

 

No sequins for you? No problem. Here’s a glittery heart.

 

Junee had a very nice selection of cute t-shirts in their brick and mortar store, but this Junee lemonade tee and the Junee bag tee were a couple we liked that are currently available on their website.

 

For the easiest of summer dressing, dresses with long or ¾ sleeves are the ultimate. This Junee heart dress is adorable for the younger set…

 

…while this tie-dye dress is cooler for bigger girls

 

I love this sweet llama t-shirt from Next.

 

H&M has a classic striped t-shirt with a little ruffle added in for a fun twist.

 

Primary has a great variety of solid t-shirts in loads of colors. They come in a slim fit version, or

for girls who are a little thicker in the middle, you can try the Primary long sleeve t-shirt in a classic fit, rather than the fitted one.

 

This sweet Boden pointelle t-shirt will be a hit with your girly girl.

 

Have an active girl in your life? She’ll love this long sleeved tech shirt by New Balance. These are perfect for that serious basketball or soccer tournament!

 

Here’s another great option for solid color t-shirts to coordinate with any cute printed skirt.

 

I’m really hoping some of you out there have found other options you’ll share with us. Let’s all help each other out!

 

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Disposable Travel Bags Are the Thing You Didn’t Know You Needed

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Chanie Appelbaum posted about these bags on her road trip from NY to Florida. We think they’re brilliant. Disposables suitcases. When do they come in handy?

*On road trips over overnights, easily pack bulky thinks like blankets and pillows.

*If you’re taking things to the country or a summer house, use them to pack clothing.

*If you’re moving to a house that’s close by and won’t be bringing everything in a truck, they’re more practical than boxes.

We also love Space Saver bags.

 Simply place your items in and suck out the air to save space. Though they’re not recommended for air travel, as the bags become very dense once the air is sucked out, they’re great for packing clothing and blankets compactly for camp.

 

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How to Clean Natives or Crocs

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They’re durable and practical, but with all that wear, Natives and Crocs can get pretty dirty in the summer. Here’s how to get them looking like new.

By Shulamis Weil

To clean Natives or Crocs, use any all purpose cleaner (such as Fantastik) and an old toothbrush, and scrub away! They’ll come out looking like new.

If you want a less labor intensive option, these shoes will get clean in the washing machine, but the machine won’t get into the grooves like the toothbrush will. The machine is not recommended for iridescent Natives.

 

Be careful when using a Magic Eraser, if you choose to use that to clean. If your Natives or Crocs have a design on them, the eraser can take it off if you rub too hard.

 


About Shulamis:

Shulamis is a busy mother of 7 who lives in Lakewood, NJ. Shulamis has taken her first passion, teaching, combined with her passion for home organization, to help other busy mothers get organized. Follow her on instagram @real_life_organizing for more great tips and to view her amazing work.

 

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