Sunday's Bread

Visiting the National Parks with Kids: Expectations Versus Reality

by manglade / September 15, 2020

We have visited over 10 national parks with our girls. Each one has been unique, breathtaking and full of ways to be active in the great outdoors. Today’s post is the first in a series about visiting the National Parks with kids – specifically what our expectations were for our trips, versus reality.

Expectation: Breathtaking scenery

Yes, we decided to travel across the country on several occasions for the pure beauty of the parks. This expectation was met and then some! What we did not expect was the sheer diversity. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, the majesty of the old growth forests in Olympic National Park, to the almost surreal scenery of Bryce Canyon, each park has been so unique and gorgeous. None disappointed in any way.

Expectation: The kids might be bored

Wrong. Our girls loved the parks at every age. We started visiting when our youngest had finished second grade and our oldest, fourth. They were the perfect age to become Junior Rangers. The Junior Ranger program has a self guided scavenger hunt, puzzles, and other activities that lead you to explore the park. At the end the girls would receive a badge. Each park has a unique Junior Ranger program, and they are all very educational with lots of science and often history.

Our girls also loved to hike, watch for wildlife and visit the historic sites. Where else could you pick fresh fruit from an orchard originally planted by pioneers (Capital Reef)? Or see the names of pioneers or Native American Hieroglyphs etched into the cliffs? (also Capital Reef).

Many of the places we stayed did not have Internet access. Guess what? We played board games, drew, listened to music and read. We also brought books on CD or used audible (more recently) to listen to books on long car rides. Many of the parks protect the night sky too so star gazing is amazing. Worried about boredom when visiting the National Parks with kids? No need…plenty of old fashioned fun to be had (and everyone is tired at night after hiking, rafting, touring).

Expectation: There would be numerous places to eat and stay outside the parks

Well, this one really depends on where you are visiting. Coming from the East Coast where you can’t throw a stone without seeing a highway exit with restaurant signs – we had a few surprises. After leaving Grand Canyon to drive to Zion we went hours without seeing a restaurant (and fast food would have been fine!). I highly recommend that when you start your tour, go to a store and stock up on snacks as well as a cooler. Fortunately we had done this so our girls were happily munching on fruit and Chex Mix until we found a place to eat. I also like to pack some breakfast items such as granola or muffins to eat when we stayed where breakfast was not included (time and money saving!).

Expectation: The highlight of the day would be the National Park

Hah. So with school age kids, our expectation was that they would be as enthused as we were to see such amazing sights. For the most part they loved it. However, in our case we often stayed outside the parks in chain hotels such as the Hilton Garden Inn, or Marriot Courtyard. These hotels often had a swimming pool and free breakfast. Let’s just say that usually around 3 p.m. our girls could not wait to hit that swimming pool. Oh, and as I do not buy sugary cereals…the hotel free breakfast was usually a hit too. So while I would not say that swimming pools and Fruit Loops were the highlight…they were a close second after the sights in the park.

Expectation: The parks are not really untouched and can be crowded

Ok, so in some of the parks there were crowds. Yellowstone had tour busses filled with tourists from abroad. Yet, 99% of those tourists would descend to see Old Faithful and get back on the bus. One ranger told us that fewer than 2% of visitors ever go beyond a mile or so from the main attractions. This fact presents a great opportunity if you do want to go off the beaten path.

In our case we ventured beyond the main attractions, and then you are really removed from the crowds. We stayed on the hiking trails, had a map, plenty of water and snacks and were able to see some amazing sights such as geysers and waterfalls with either no people around or one or two. In some parks you have to watch out for bears – they do not like surprises so we would often sing as we hiked to give them fair warning! We did see a bear twice but once from afar (a Grizzly mama and her cubs running across the plains of Yellowstone and a brown bear which the Park Rangers shooed away when he was too close to people). The parks do sell bear spray too if you are worried.

In general the parks are very wild and you need to heed all of the precautions. We always checked into the main park ranger station and reviewed the weather reports, spoke to the park rangers and outlined our day. We also followed directions and did not sit too close to the rim at Grand Canyon or at any of the incredible water falls we have visited. I can’t tell you how many people were not following those precautions. My theory is that people are used to visiting Disney and think they are safe like it is a ride. It is not! Heat can also be an issue in the Southwestern parks so you need to bring plenty of water and not stay out too long.

Final thoughts

In general, our expectations were exceeded at all of the National Parks we have visited with our kids. Visiting the National Parks is budget friendly, educational, fun and a great way to make memories with your family. Check back as I continue this series on the National Parks. My next post for Travel Tuesdays will be our two week tour of the Southwest National Parks including Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, The Arches, Mesa Verde and more.

Finance

Welcome to Money Mondays!

by manglade / September 14, 2020

So glad you are here. Money Mondays will be our time to chat about money and women (and how you can avoid being one of the statistics!). Sound boring? Scary?

Join me weekly, and I promise to break it down into easy-to-digest steps. Grab a cup of coffee while we chat about how to save money, what to do with your savings, how to set short and long-term goals, budget tips and more.

One of the reasons I started this blog is that I am passionate about money and women. Why? Well, in my own circle, some of my girlfriends and family members seem to struggle with money – whether saving enough for a goal or how to invest.

Some of these women have had unfortunate circumstances such as losing a spouse or being on the short end of a divorce. Or maybe they left the workforce to care for family, and now may be facing a spouse’s job loss. Lastly, attitudes do not help. The patriarchal past that states that men are in charge of money still seems to be alive and well in certain families.

Unfortunately society often tells girls they don’t have to learn about money. It is too hard. Or that their fathers and husbands will take care of them. Ladies, a man is not a financial plan. Make sure you understand how to take care of yourself. If you never have to then knowing how (and taking the steps to ensure you will be fine financially) will just be a nice insurance.

Still not sure you believe me? Read on for a few more stats.

Money and women in America

I started researching women and personal finance, and found my own circle was pretty indicative of the rest of the country.

Here are a few stats:

According to the U.S. Census, women are more likely than men to be single parents
Women live longer with an average life expectancy of 81 years compared to 73 for men
50% of marriages end in divorce
Women are more likely to leave the workforce to care for family. On average women are out of the workforce 15% of their eligible working years compared to 1.6% of men. As a result, women have lower social security benefits and sometimes difficulty earning an income when trying to return (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement).
Women occupy the majority of the lower paying, service jobs
According to the U.S. Census the average age of widowhood is 55 years old
80 to 90% of women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives due to divorce and longer life expectancies than men.

How can I help with money and women?

In my corner of the Internet – I am intent on helping other women succeed with money.

Full disclosure, I am not a professional financial advisor. Certified financial advisors can be excellent support and certain cases warrant one. Here I will be sharing what I have learned.

What is my background? One of my college majors was finance. I then went on to work in banking for five years for one of the largest banks in the country. After that I earned my MBA.

I will not be sharing complex stock option trading strategies. This blog will be focused on basic, practical advice around savings and investing – and my own experiences that have enabled me to reach my financial goals.

A bit more background

My father grew up in the depression and let’s just say Bob imparted a strong understanding of savings, investing and money for his daughters. I realize how lucky I am and how other women were not part of that conversation growing up. He was also very frank about getting a job that would support me financially after college. No basket weaving allowed!

Money is not boring

You see, personal finance may be sort of dry but what you can do with your money is not boring. We women often focus on being caregivers which is a wonderful and admirable trait. However, ladies, taking care of your money can mean taking care of your family, your life – and freedom from worry so you can spend your time doing what means most to you.

How great is it to be able to provide the kind of education for your children that you envision? Or a secure retirement for yourself so you won’t be a burden? Or maybe your dream house or vacation to make those family memories?

Join me for Money Mondays!

So let’s change that…come join me Mondays as we discover the world of personal finance to help you achieve your goals. We will take a topic every week ranging from savings (how to save, budget, where to put your savings) to investing (how you can build a bright future with investments).

How does your circle of female friends fare in the personal finance department? I welcome your comments.

Food

Potato Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

by manglade / September 12, 2020

I prepared this super flavorful, easy potato salad recipe (No Mayo) this morning. It is delicious, full of flavor, and I promise it comes out perfect every time! No mushy, watery potatoes here. The tangy vinaigrette is French inspired with a hint of Dijon mustard and plenty of herbs. This is the sort of potato salad I grew to adore on my many trips to France. I also like mayo sometimes but not on my potato salad.

I serve this potato salad warm, at room temperature or chilled. Furthermore, it will last in the fridge for up to five days (if you do not eat it all at once…it is that good!). And, it is vegan, vegetarian and gluten free so it will please many eaters.

Creamy new (or thin skinned) potatoes are paired with an herby vinaigrette dressing which combines virgin olive oil, wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Add a crunch of red onion, a bit of chives and a generous dose of herbs and you have a perfect potato salad recipe. And bonus – if you can find a mix of potatoes as I did, the purple variety is particularly healthy!

Where does potato salad originate?

Potato salad is German but varieties also come from France. Americans have embraced potato salad, and there are many varieties both with mayo and no mayo. Historians believe that potatoes originated in South America. Peru is well known for having many varieties of potatoes – up to 400!

Are potatoes healthy for me?

Potatoes have a bad rap as adding to weight gain and being full of carbs. However, the way you prepare them makes a huge difference. Deep fried potatoes for chips and fries are high in carbs, fats and calories, and the deep-frying removes much of the nutrition. Simply boiled or baked potatoes are full of fiber and contain plenty of vitamin C. I used a mix of heirloom fingerling potatoes today, and was happy to find out on Dr. Axe that they are very high in vitamins and antioxidants.

Can I substitute some of these ingredients?

Yes. This potato salad recipe is very versatile. You can add in chopped celery, hard cooked eggs, other fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro. Experiment with what you like best!

Potato Salad Recipe (No Mayo)

Tender, creamy new potatoes are combined with a tangy, French inspired dressing. Finely chopped red onions add crunch and fresh and dried herbs add bold bursts of flavor.

Print Pin

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, French, German

Keyword: Potato, Salad, Sides

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 11

Servings:

Cost: $5

Equipment

Equipment
Large Saucepan
Small mixing bowl
Whisk

Ingredients

2 pounds heirloom potatoes or thin skinned red potatoes
2 TBS granulated sugar plus a ½ teaspoon for vinaigrette
4 TBS white wine or red wine vinegar – divided in half
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Garlic salt to taste
1 TBS of Herbes de Provence
½ cup extra virgin olive oil I like Kirkland
3-4 cloves garlic – minced
2 tsp Dijon mustard Grey Poupon works well
¼ – ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup fresh parsley – gently packed & chopped
¼ cup fresh dill – gently packed & chopped
2 TBS of fresh chives chopped
1 small red onion – finely diced about ¾ cup

Instructions

Wash and quarter potatoes: It is important that you half or quarter the potatoes (depending on their size) so that all of the pieces are close to the same size. If the sizes vary, then some of the potatoes will become over cooked (this is where mushy potatoes happen!). You will also want to wash and chop your herbs, onion, garlic at this point too so that making the dressing moves quickly.
Cook the potatoes: Cover potatoes with cold water in a large sauce pan. Add potatoes and bring the water to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling add in 2 tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together oil, garlic, remaining 2 tablespoons of vinegar, Dijon, crushed red pepper flakes, Herbes de Provence and a ½ teaspoon of sugar. Season with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Whisk until fully combined. Add in the parsley, chives and dill. Stir until combined. Set aside.
Finish the potato salad: Drizzle half of the dressing over the warm potatoes and gently toss to combine. Add in the red onion. Combine gently again. Drizzle in the remaining dressing to taste. Gently combine until everything is coated. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve the salad: Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled. If serving warm and right away, let it sit out on the counter for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to come together.

Notes

Do NOT continuously boil the potatoes at a high heat or you run the risk of the potatoes falling apart, and becoming mushy/watery.

As soon as you drain the potatoes toss in the dressing. Warm potatoes soak up the dressing. Cold potatoes will not (and the dressing could become congealed when it hits the cold potatoes).

Lifestyle

Save Money Online Shopping

by manglade / September 11, 2020

TGIF. It was a short, jam packed week around here. While Monday was so nice to have as a holiday, I found I paid for all it week at work cramming five days of work into four! I had intentions to blog more…but am catching up Friday afternoon with my first style post. For this first post I thought I would share my fashion philosophy and give you three quick ways to save money online shopping.

Some background about me + fashion

I have always loved clothes, fashion and shopping. Growing up my friends and I followed fashion religiously. My mom and sisters loved to shop and we were always on the hunt for a great bargain.

If you have read anything about me, you know that I have spent a great deal of time in Paris, France. I lived there as an exchange student, college student, and I married a Parisian. I soaked in that French woman style, and it never left me. Visiting the capital of fashion gave me a great appreciation for high quality clothing and accessories. I can’t wait to share more about French style in coming posts!

In my twenties I also worked for a New York City based bank in the retail and fashion sector. So many of my clients were name brand fashion companies. I worked in the fashion district right on Broadway (Broadway is more than a theater district btw!). I was spoiled with designer sample sales.

Pandemic online shopping

So all of this has made me a fashion junky and quite a bargain hunter! Fast forward to now. I love online shopping and especially during the pandemic. I was already an avid fan but not having to go out has made life easier and safer. I am so thankful for our UPS and postal workers! So let’s get to the good stuff – there are some easy ways to save money online shopping.

How to save money online shopping

Ok, there are a number of apps, sites and even blogs dedicated to saving money online shopping. Some of these are just too time consuming. One that is not is Rakuten (which was formerly Ebates).

For Rakuten, you simply go to the Rakuten site before you start shopping. Today they are even offering $10 back when you sign up. Plug the retailer into their search bar to see if there is a percentage of your shopping trip back. In my case, I use their browser add-on so Rakuten will pop up and tell me if there is cash back.

Or let’s say I head over to Ann Taylor a pop up appears and I simply click the button. Rakuten will give me 2% back today on my shopping trip.

So 2% may not seem like much, but it adds up for a family shopping! My teen girls also love fashion so they use it too. My last check was $60…I don’t know about you, but an extra $60 for spending 2 seconds hitting a button for my shopping trips is well worth it!

Rakuten also covers more than just fashion – travel, beauty products, electronics and even some business services. Most major retailers participate (e.g., Kohls, Amazon, Macys, Ann Taylor, Loft, J Crew etc.)

Rakuten sends out a check every quarter. My checks have ranged from $9 to $100.

Save money online shopping with Honey automatic promo codes

So teen daughter told me about Honey. Honey is another browser extension that is super easy. Let’s say you are shopping at Macy’s and you know you saw some promotion codes somewhere. Honey automatically reviews your purchase and applies the coupons for you. I also installed the browser extension.

Per the Honey website, the average yearly savings for a member is $126 – again not bad for something that takes very little time and actually saves you time and effort.

Save money online by checking blogs

There are numerous blogs out there dedicated 100% to saving money! A few you may be interested in:

For Fashion:

Living in Yellow, A Thoughtful Place and Honey We Are Home all regularly list top sales and exclusive promo codes. I also really like their style so it is fun to follow them.

For general savings with a lot of online deals I like two in particular:

The Krazy Coupon Lady

Making Sense of Cents

There are many more and I promise to share. Oh, and I am starting a series on Mondays called (you guessed it) Money Mondays. Tune in this coming Monday for the launch post. As I mentioned above, I started my career in finance and can’t wait to share money saving tips as well as resources to help you invest and reach your goals.

Have a great weekend!

Mimi

Food

Camping and the Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad

by manglade / September 8, 2020

Nothing says summer picnic or cookout like pasta salad, and this Mediterranean pasta salad is my absolute favorite. I made it this weekend for a cookout and camping trip with friends.

Labor Day weekend was absolutely beautiful in CT, and we were blessed to be able to camp by the shore. While I have been a Girl Scout leader for both of my girls and have camped plenty of times at Girl Scout camp sites, I have never slept in a tent. Frankly I was worried…would I be able to sleep?

Would I Like Camping?

Well friends – I realize that I had always had mixed feelings about camping because I hated the cabins. They were often dusty, buggy and usually paired with a less than ideal restroom. While I adored the girls in the troop…they never would go to sleep!

The tent we borrowed from friends was airy, clean, and I could hear the bell on a channel marker out on Long Island sound. I loved it! (Don’t get me wrong a night or two is probably my limit…my bed felt pretty good the day after!).

Also, as you can see from my photos below, the sunrise was spectacular. I woke up when I heard the fishing boats leave at the crack of dawn.

Ribs and Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Of course we ate very well. Mr. SB made his famous ribs (someday I will get the recipe for his top secret basting sauce and share) and I made the Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe below. It has a Mediterranean influence as it pairs black olives, tomatoes and basil with a creamy pesto, Caesar dressing. This recipe takes all of twenty minutes to make (I prep mix ins while the pasta is cooking). It is a family favorite.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Tri-color rotini coated in a delicious pesto, creamy Caesar dressing with thinly sliced olives, tomatoes, red onion and basil. A family favorite at family cookouts, camping trips and potlucks.

Print Pin

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy, Pasta, Side Dish, vegetarian

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 12

Servings: people

Cost: $5