Why Ocean City, MD in the Winter? Let me tell you!

Ocean City, MD with my 11-year old daughter…in Winter…during the coldest week in years? Yep! And here is what we did and why we loved it!

Food, activities and a great hotel at a great price!

Let's start with the food.

While all of the restaurants are not open, some of the favorites are and they don't come with the summer wait that you might be used to from May to September. We were freezing, so we chose comfort food most of the weekend. We walked right into Alley Oops for great mac and cheese, Dumpsers for comfort food and an am
azing ice cream sundae and the Bayside Skillet for the best crepes I've ever had!  On top of the great food, the service was wonderful everywhere.  The servers were not busy and rushed so we chatted with them about living in OC during the winter and got wonderful service.

Between our yummy food, we enjoyed some activities together.

We started our weekend at Alley Oops! This place is like a smaller and more manageable Dave and Busters.  On top of good eats, they have a cool shark tank and an arcade with duck pin bowling.  Once you buy your arcade card, you can play typical games for tickets that get you prizes or use your card for bowling. Bowling bonus, no shoes required, you just walk up. Since the winter is less busy, the first-come, first-serve style was not a problem. We ended up playing two rounds and a few games. They have a special each day and that day, we got
$40 worth of games for $20 so we had plenty of points.

Our other out-of-the hotel activity was mini golf, indoor that is. Old Pro mini golf has a couple of locations that have indoor courses. We went to the one on 68^th street. It was a great course. Being inside did not make it any less fun. It is on multiple levels. You go up and down stairs and in and out of scenery. We had a great time, and I even won a free game! They also had a small arcade where we played ski ball (my fave) and a few other games
winning Ella a triangle game like the ones at Cracker Barrel.

Our hotel held our last activity. An indoor heated pool! We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Oceanfront on 28^th.  We stayed 2 nights. Santa paid for the hotel but if we had paid for it, it would have been half of one summer night! You read that right, 2 nights for 50% of one night! The pool area temperature fluctuated a little so I was chilly when I got out, but nothing a towel and robe could not fix.

If you were wondering what else was opened and closed, most of your summer things are open (less the boardwalk and rides) but maybe not every location. We went to Candy Kitchen, Sugar Planet and even popped into a Sunsations. We found that Google was accurate most if the time, but calling ahead might be helpful to just to make sure you don't drive to a closed location. We did not try to go down the boardwalk but did take one picture. It is crazy to see how empty it is.

Overall, we had a great few days away and did it at a great price. I would definitely recommend this for a quick getaway if you are in the area. 

If you want a video see my Tiktok @aimeesheriffstaff 

Adorable Edibles for Easter and Springtime

A friend sent me the below scone idea the other day which of course spiraled out of control into a 30  minute search for cute Easter ideas. Please tell me that I am not the only one goes off on these tangents. I am guessing that since Pinterest is so popular, I must be in good company with some one, right?

Anywho, here are my favorites from my search. I hope you find something that you like.


Chick Cheese Balls from Hungry Happenings


What? You do not think these are the cutest thing ever?
Do you have a heart?

Crescent Roll Carrots also from Hungry Happenings

These are so cute and could be filled with anything sweet or
savory.  I imagine you could sprinkle with seasonings or
cinnamon sugar afterwards.

Easy Easter Lamb Cake by Kraft Foods

Easy and adorable? I am in! This looks much easier than
the traditional lamb cake.

Hatching Chick Deviled Egg by Pop Sugar


These are actual eggs that look like
chicks popping out of eggs.
need I say more?



















Easter Resurrection Rolls by a Pinch of Joy

I have made these with my kids a few times. If you are
religious they are a really cool way to discuss
Jesus in the tomb.

Easter Bunny Bread by Taste of Home

So admittedly this looks a like a Pinterest fail waiting
to happen, but I'd still love to try it.

Easter Bunny Pancakes by This Little Piggy Stayed Home

A pretty easy breakfast that my kids will
like and that cute tail...yes, please!

White Chocolate Pretzel Easter Egg Nests by Green Thumb White Apron


I just love the Springiness of these.























Easter Carrot Scones from Michael's

The recipe that started the search.  Crazy enough, I have
never made scones at home, but I may have to, now.

Summer Rules for my 8 Year-Old Son that Strike a Balance

Let me start by saying that if you are a Tiger Mom looking for a strict way to keep your child on point this summer, this may not be the place for you.  I want my son to have some responsibility this summer and keep up with what he has learned, but I also feel that breaks should give our kids some time to relax.  The summer breaks have gotten shorter. Here in Maryland, our kids have about two months off.  I don't know about your kids, but my son works hard all year at school and at extra circular activities.  Some weeks and weekends we are very busy.  My son loves his sports and needs his school, but I also think taking a real break is OK.  To be honest, if he found school easier, I may do less worksheets over the summer and just learn through activities, but he is just not a kid that can afford to lose too much. 

That being said, here are my draft set of rules for weekdays during the summer at my house this year.

1. You may watch a little TV when you first wake up, but just for 30 minutes. After that, it is time to move around.

2. Each day, you need to do each of the following:

• Read for 20 minutes. This can be your bedtime reading.
• Play outside for at least an hour. This can include the pool or any sports camps you go to.  If it's raining, you can be active inside. (This one will be easy and I am sure it will be exceeded most days)
• Play for 30 minutes inside without the TV on. (Toys, Board Games, drawing, etc.)
• Do one educational worksheet, write someone a letter or do some creative writing.
• Do one house chore

3. Unless someone is spending the night, you will be in bed by 10 pm.  (I know this may seem late for some 8 year-olds, but he would stay up until midnight if I let him. And do not worry, he gets plenty of sleep since he is not an early riser.)

4. When we are on vacation, you will still bring a book to read. The rest of the rules? Well, we'll see.

5. If you play Xbox, write at least two sentences about each game you played or team/character you created.

6. If you watch TV, write at least two sentences about each show you watch.

7. If you get bored try to come up with something to do out of the bored jar that we will make together.  If you ask Daddy what you can do more than once a day, he will give you a chore or make you write.

8. These rules can change at anytime based on your behavior. If you have been good, we may wipe all the rules and have a totally fun day. If you choose not to cooperate,  they may become more strict.

Please tell me what you think. This is my first year of making written rules. I wonder if I am being too soft or if the whole idea of written rules over the summer is ridiculous.

Today, I am Tired

Each day I try to post about something that is relevant to me and I hope it will help or affect other moms in some way. If I am researching something or something happens in my life, that is what I write about. Well, today, I am tired. So tired. That kind of tired where I want to close my eyes at a stop light for just 2 minutes and hope no one notices.

As a result, this is where my brain is...

Thank you, Mom, for All of the Little Things

My mom's birthday was yesterday and I was thinking about all the things she does, and has done, for me.  As we get older and have responsibilities and kids of our own, I think it becomes so much clearer how much our parents sacrifice for us.  I have tried to be pretty good about thanking my mom for all of the big things, but then I got to thinking about all of the little things that she did, the things that no one thanks you for. So, Mom, thank you for all of things that I never thanked you for.

 Thank you for listening to my unending stories about friends, boys, teacher, clothes, work, and everything else under the sun.  With 4 girls, the amount of talking in our house was insane, but you have always listened and cared. Well that, or at least faked it really well!

Thank you for caring about things that are important to me.  My interests and yours have a great deal of similarities, but they also vary widely in some case. Some of the things that I share with you, I am sure are of no interest to you, but you always show interest and support me.

Thank you for doing endless amounts of laundry. Between schools clothes, play clothes, dance clothes, sport uniforms and all of the clothes that just ended up on the floor after we changed clothes 5 times, I cannot imagine how much laundry 4 girls created. Thank you.

Thank you for dealing with my meaningless tears, often with compassion. I know it is a mom's job to help her child when they are genuinely hurt, physically or emotionally, but I am pretty sure that I racked up more tears for nothing in the first 16 years of my life than I did tears that were actually warranted. While I know you got frustrated and often reminded me that I might run out of tears, you did not show the amount of frustration that I am sure you felt.

Thank you for staying up late for our 11:20 pm chats. I am not sure why important things could not come up at a reasonable time in high school, but thank you. Thank dad for this one, also. He missed so many sports reports.

Thank you for letting me lay on you at night when we watched TV. I know that as the baby, you probably had more tolerance for my need to cuddle because your cuddle time was coming to an end, but I also know that at the end of a long day, sometimes you just want to sit by yourself. However, you always let me lay across your lap when I woke up, after dinner or to watch TV.

Thank you for letting me grow. As I watch the older nieces and nephews, I can see how you would want to hold your children back to protect them. I can see how you may want to delay working, getting a driver's license, traveling abroad or going to college, but you didn't. You showed excitement and support and you never made me feel guilty for doing those things.

Thank you for understanding my need to keep the parts of meal separate.  Our family may have teased, but you always understood, or at least respected it. Even when you made a plate to bring up to play practice you kept things separate. A lot of parents would have made me get over it, but not you.

Thank you for driving all over the place for our schedules. So many times that I am in the car, I think of all of the things that I could be doing if I was at home. I am sure you thought the same thing as you drove to and from the dance studio but, yet, you did it.

Thank you for putting a full dinner on the table every night of the week. Dad gets a lot of credit for cooking, now, because he pitches in so much more in the last 20 years or so, but I know that for the first 20-30, you were the one that decided what to cook and got it on the table most of the time. I am now realizing that is no easy task.

I know this list just touches the tip of the iceberg, but I hope it represents my deep gratitude to you. I am thank full for all of the big things, but I am also thankful for all of the little things you did every day that added up over time. I'm thankful for all of the thankless tasks. I love you and am so blessed to have you. 

Father's Day Gift Ideas (Most Under $100) - Buy Him Something He'll Really Like

As I was thinking about Father's day this year, I tried to think about something that my husband and dad would like and find useful.  I obvioulsy won't be able to buy all of this, but at least I have a list to pick from.

There are a variety of gifts at the top of the list and then a few smilar style gifts grouped together towards the lower portion.

 I hope you find something for the dad in your life!
*If you were looking for something Homemade, Click here






Weekender Bag (Herschel) - Comes in Various Colors 
$98

Hammack
Santorini Premium Reversible Two Person Fabric Quilted Hammock
$221      




 
Power Station - Backup Power for tablet and Smart Phone
$49


 



Golf Trainer
$69.99

Give him his family history. Do it for him or just buy a subscription to ancestry.com








Nice Sunglasses

 
Armani Exchange Classics
$70






Poloroid 61mm Aviator 
$96

Carrera Speedway Aviator
$96



 

Watches

Caravelle New York by Bulova
Men's Chronograph Black Strap Watch 40mm $95










planisphere watch                      
$64.00








BBQ Gadgets



Digital BBQ Thermometer

Grill Steam Cleaner
$59










Grilling Tool Set
$89

 



High Heat Gloves
$29

Chromed Zinc Meat Marker
$11.19

Bamboo Meat Marker
#2.48






Beer & Liquor



Chillsner
Available at Target
$16.99








Beer Opening Glass
$11.99




Personalized Growler
$29.99

Growler Tote
$24.95

Home Brewing Kit
$49.99

Buy his Favorite Beer
(I get on my husband sometimes for some of the pricier beers he likes. This is a chance for him to enjoy with no nagging!)

Scotch or Whiskey
Buy him a nice bottle of Scotch or whiskey that may cost a little more than he woudl spend on himself.

Ice Rocks
Cool his drink without dilluting it
$15.95






A few other ideas are:

Clothes or shoes - Dads don't buy for themselves but they might like sneakers, a team jersey or nice work clothes.

Tools - Take him to the hardware store and see what he likes

A Book - I know it may sound silly, but husband loves books when he has the right one. Here is a list to give you some ideas.

Good Luck and Happy Father's day to all of the Dad's out there!

You could also make something. See my post about useful and fun Homemade Father's Day Gifts

It's Not Perfect but It's the Picture of My Life

I hate being in pictures which is probably why I am always the photographer. However, I do worry that my kids will never have pictures that I am in, so I try to get in a few from time to time.

Well, a few weeks ago, I saw a few pictures where the mom is kissing the baby. They are cute pictures and as a bonus, it seems to make the mom's face look thin.

So I decide to try to take a picture like this...

After a few tries, my pictures turned out like this...

A tried a few more times with no avail, but then I realized...this is my life. This a "true" selfie.  I am kissing my daughter because I love her but looking in another direction because something else was probably ongoing. My daughter is crying because she is a diva who cries when she does not get what she wants. (Pray for me with this one!)  My son is photobombing because he is crazy and has to make sure that he gets attantion also.  For right now, my life is not a pretty picture, it is a crazy one, but I will take it!

Maybe Being Surrounded by Each Other Isn't Enough

I belong to a moms’ group on Facebook that shares ongoings in our lives and this week, with the death of Robin Williams, we were talking about depression and support.  In one post, one of the women said something that really hit me.   She said, “I think God designed us to be connected to others, not surrounded by others.” I want to say that again, “I think God designed us to be connected to others, not surrounded by others”. 

If you let that really sink it, you may find, like I did, that this is something so many of us need to hear. In a world of technology we are often “connected” by social media, surrounded by the words of each other but are we really connecting with each other?  Do we have at least a few people to which we communicate with and relate to?   How often do we look another person in the eye or even talk on the phone with someone and really focus on them, knowing that they are doing the same? Do we even really connect with those closest to us? Do we take the time to sit with our kids, our spouses, our siblings, our parents, our friends and make every effort to connect with them. Do we spend time together doing what they like to do or teaching them about something that interests us or do we just sit near each other in silence with our face in our phone?     

Maybe it’s time to turn off the TV system in car and talk to each other or at least bond over singing a song at the top of our lungs and laughing when the next car over looks at us like we are crazy. Maybe it’s time to pull up a chair next to our kids and watch their shows or play their games with them in an effort to connect so that next time they may talk to us when we turn the TV off.  Maybe more often we need to go outside with our kids instead of telling them to go outside.  Maybe it is time to ask our spouse how their day was and really listen when the answer.  Maybe we need to make more time for girls night and date night.

Our lives are busy, I understand that, but are they busy with the right things? Are we making the most of our time? Are we putting people first and things last?  When we only have a short time with the people in our lives are we making the most of that time?  

When I read the post in my moms’ group, these and so many more thoughts ran through my head.  I also thought about the fact that so many of us have” friends” on facebook, but do we have friends?  Do we have a support group and are we part of someone’s support group?  Are we connecting in a way that we are really sharing of ourselves in way that matters?

That sentence, the one at the top that I repeated twice, is so simple, yet so deep.  I hope that you will take the time to think about it and make an effort to connect with someone.  While you’re at it, maybe you could take some time to connect with yourself. Many of us need that, too.