ML Interest Tag: pot-luck

12 Simple Ways Connect with Your Neighbors

by Amber Guetebier

Do you ever wonder how to be a good neighbor? It can be as simple as waving hi, chatting up the family next door, or helping someone out when they need a hand. Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen your bond with the people who live next door, across the street, or at the end of the block. Here are 12 simple ways you and the kids can connect with your neighbors today and every day.

how to be a good neighbor
Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

1. Ask them their name. This seems like a no-brainer, but so often we don’t know even know our neighbor’s names!

2. Exchange phone numbers. A simple gesture that says you’re looking out for them.

3. Bake something. The holidays often bring this kind of tradition, but why not invoke it on a random Wednesday? Few people will be disappointed in freshly baked bread, cookies, or other goodies. And everybody loves coffee cake.

4. Plant it. A cutting from your favorite houseplant or a pre-potted begonia: even a small bouquet of flowers is a sweet and inexpensive way to say, “Hey!”

5. Arrange an interview. Use this get-to-know-your-neighbors guide to help your kids interview your neighbors.

6. Make it a double. Next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bar of soap, dishwashing liquid or another cleaning product and gift it to your neighbor. It doesn’t need to be expensive, and keep in mind many people have chemical and scent sensitivities.

7. Make a hello card. Have the kids paint or draw a simple card that just says “Hello, neighbor!”

8. Carry the load. Help unload the trunk of the car or pick up a package from the bottom of the stairs and place it in front of their door.

9. Invite them to dinner. Make dinner at your house or meet them at your favorite place. There are so many options for your comfort level.

10. Do a work exchange. Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, pull weeds or something similar. Even if you live in an apartment building you can help tidy up communal spaces or carry their recycling down to the street.

11. Organize a pot-luck. If you don’t have the space to do this in your own place, use a nearby park or community center. Make simple invites that you hand-deliver and set a time limit.

12. Start a club. If you share a passion or hobby with your neighbor, do this hobby together or start a group in your community. This could be a book club, knitting club, woodworking club and so on. The options are endless!

—Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier

 

RELATED STORIES
16 Ways Kids Can Give Back Right from Home
22 Ways to Make Your Hometown More Awesome
(Nearly) Effortless Ways You Can Help End Food Insecurity

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

13 Easy-to-Make Memories This Summer

By Joan Lowell

 

Life is hectic and if your summer is anything like mine so far, it’s flying by fast! Here are 13 great ways to make those classic childhood memories while the sun is shining (and even if it’s not!).

  1. Go to a baseball game. Whether it is a little league game in town or a big league game in the city, get some peanuts or cracker jacks, chew some bubblegum and bring your glove to catch those foul balls.

  2. Visit a local landmark (for my mom it was Plymouth Rock every summer). Celebrate summer vacation and learn about a local historical place at the same time. Many are free and allow strolling and picnicking.

  3. Amusement park. These can be pricey and rides are size-dependant so choose a park based on what your kids will enjoy.

  4. Water slides, water park or splash pad. Summer means warm weather and warm weather means water, so why not a water park? If you can’t afford a regular water park, try to find a splash pad near you.

  5. Simple lawn games. Challenge your kids to a game of horseshoes or corn hole or chukka ball. My kids made up lawn Olympics one year with those and some of their own, like clothing-change-relay races, obstacle courses and more.

  6. Summer fairs. Kids are usually free admission to these fun fairs, but be prepared to spend a few bucks on games or midway food. We love to join some of the contests too, like pie and cookie baking or flower arranging.

  7. Sleep at grandma’s house. Some of my best childhood memories are at my grandparents’ farm, surrounded by family and activity. Grandma’s or grandpa’s are the best!

  8. Visit the ocean. This only works if you live within an hour or two of the ocean, like me. My kids are very good swimmers, but we still need to take care and beware of the undertow and the powerful waves. If you can’t get to the beach, go to a local swimming hole or a friend’s pool.

  9. Camping, even if it’s the backyard. Set up a tent or just sleep under the stars. My husband and I even slept out with the kids last week. I recommend an air mattress.

  10. Campfire with s’ mores, even if they’re in the microwave. We love to make s’ mores, and your kids will too. Yes, they are messy, but so what? Bring a washcloth or some baby wipes, or just jump in the pool to cool and clean off. Microwave s’ mores aren’t as awesome and be sure not to explode the marshmallow; that stuff is hard to clean off the microwave and is HOT!

  11. Local zoo, children’s museum or aquarium (or all three). Check to see if they have a free day or evening, or check with your local library to get a pass to one of these kid-friendly locations. Kids love to touch stuff and not get yelled at for doing it and kids’ museums are the place!

  12. Go for a train ride. Whether it is a real ride on a big-boy train or a little one at a park, zoo or other place, train rides are fun! If you can’t squeeze in a train ride this summer, it is a ride with a view when the leaves turn in the fall.

  13. Have a barbeque or cook-out. Invite friends and family and make it a pot-luck. All you need is good weather and a yard. Throw in a few yard games and a maybe a water balloon fight and your summer is made! If you don’t have a great yard, find a public park near you and bring chairs, blankets, and games there.

Pick and choose from the list or do the ones you can afford. Maybe you have a teenager or college student who could tag along and help out with the kiddos. Whatever you do, get together with friends and family and have fun! No matter where you live, you still have at least six to ten good weeks left until the dreaded “S” word!

Go Au Pair representative, cultural childcare advocate, Mom to six great kids, I earned my BS at RI College and MEd at Providence College. My hats: educator, tutor and writer of local blog for Go Au Pair families and Au Pairs. Baking, gardening, reading and relaxing on the porch are hobbies.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Veggie-ful Italian Orzo Salad

by Veggies Don't Bite

Pot luck dish. Dinner side. Lunch main. This veggie-packed recipe from the food blog, Veggies Don’t Bite is one of the most versatile dishes you’ll rely on this summer. Packed with veggies is fresh and delicious, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup fresh basil
2 cups sliced crimini mushrooms (about 12-13 mushrooms)
3 ounces sun dried tomatoes (I use the dried ones in a bag)
16 oz package orzo (I use whole wheat but gluten free is also available)
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas
¼ cup veggie broth
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme
Himalayan pink salt to taste, if needed

Note from the Chef: I measure the spinach and basil packed in. You can use sundried tomatoes in a jar just make sure they are packed in water if you want to keep this oil free. You don’t need much, if any, salt because the sun dried tomatoes have plenty but adjust to your preference.

Tips to prep ahead: Wash and slice all veggies and basil. Cook the orzo.

Method:
1. Wash and slice the spinach, basil, and mushrooms and chop sun dried tomatoes. Place in the bottom of a pasta strainer.

2. Cook the orzo according to package directions. When ready to drain, pour the whole pot, orzo with water, over the veggies in the bottom of the pasta strainer. This will slightly cook them. Rinse with hot water to remove starchiness from the pasta. Place everything in a big bowl once drained.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl and mix until well combined. Enjoy!

What do you think of this recipe? Tell us any additions or substitutions you made in the Comments below!

Sophia DeSantis is the author of Veggies Don’t Bite, a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free food blog targeted to all types of eaters. She is the mom of two beautiful boys and wife to an amazing husband. Her and her family live a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free life 90% of the time because she believes that the stress of having to be perfect shouldn’t overpower the benefits that their healthy lifestyle brings. Through her website, she hopes to reach anybody interested in making a positive health change in their life.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Top Ten Reasons Parents Will Love the New Joan’s

by Meghan Rose

There’s a new spot in Studio City, and Valley parents are rejoicing. The ever popular Joan’s On Third in the heart of LA opened a new location and with breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, marketplace, to-go foods and even kid-catering – you’ll find yourself wondering how you fed your family before it opened. While everyone loves Joan’s, read on to find the top ten reasons parents love it the most.

Of course you’re a longtime fan of Joan’s on Third. For years (decades?) you thought it was your secret spot for a Dean and Deluca-like lunch, cupcakes that made work mates swoon, and cocktail hour elegance in an instant. The paparazzi and expansion clued you in that the word was out. But you’ve moved – literally, and figuratively – and with kids (you don’t need those divine Hollywood Bowl picnics anymore) and distance (you moved to the Valley to have a bigger yard and better school) you haven’t been to Joan’s in a while. Joan’s second location has arrived, and with a wide-open seating plan and easy parking, it’s worth the drive for families across LA. Here’s why:

1. Kid Catering: Joan’s has a spectacular catering menu, and it has a whole section just for kids. So next time you want to elevate your birthday party fare, call Joan’s and serve Three Cheese Macaroni, fresh Chicken Tenders, crustless sammies, A Kids’ Garden Basket and mini cupcakes & cookies.

2. Soccer Night: We’ve all been there – you get home from soccer practice at 7:30 p.m. The kids are starving, you’re exhausted and the cupboards are bare. Swing by Joan’s while they’re kicking the ball and pick up Turkey Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes and a side of farm fresh veggies. You can even get wine!

3. Breakfast On the Go: Call as you leave the house and swing by to pick up your fried or scrambled egg and bacon breakfast sandwich or Irish steel cut oatmeal on your way to school. It’s a much better start to a long day than cold cereal. The coffee and croissant are for you.

4. Parking: No one will ever argue the fact that parking in the Valley is SO much easier than parking in town. Plenty of street parking is available, and there’s a valet for when you’re in a rush.

5. Misters: Another indisputable Valley fact of life is heat. The new Joan’s has 30 seats outside on the covered patio, and don’t worry about the heat, they’ll mist you down to keep you cool. Ahhhhh.

6. Open Floor Plan, Open Kitchen: Kids like to run around. They need things to look at. Joan knows (this is a family business, with her kids working alongside her, and grandkids taste-testing the kid menu items) and so the open floor plan affords plenty of room to spread out and makes it easy to keep an eye on them. And the open kitchen gives little peepers something to distract them while they wait for their food – catch the action as chefs serve up salads, sandwiches, cheeses and pastries. In fact, the drool worthy pastry counter will keep them plenty busy, deciding what to eat after lunch.

7. Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger: (Bonus points if you know the classic SNL skit.) What’s new here is the cheeseburger, which is available Mondays only at the original Joan’s, but will be on the menu here every day starting at 3 p.m. It’s the perfect after school or pre-ballet class snack, not to mention dinner (for here or to go!).

8. Float That By Me: Also new for Studio City is the Root Beer Float. Premium ingredients, so while your kid will order it, you get to execute the ‘Mama Tax’ and sneak several sips.

9. Because The Holidays Approach: Need pies, cakes, an appetizer or cheese plate to bring to the pot-luck or family sit down? Why worry? Why work? Just swing and get one to go and guaranteed, your contribution will be the hit of the party.

10. Listen, Cupcake: Before there was a cupcake craze, there were Joan’s cupcakes. They are moist, decadent and perfect. When mini-cake mania moves on, there will still be Joan’s cupcakes. For teachers treats, birthday parties or for after you drop the kids at school and just because you deserve it – you gotta get a cupcake.   We’re nuts for the Marshmallow Cream Filled Chocolate, but we wouldn’t fault you if you prefer Red Velvet.

 

Now open Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Joan’s on Third in Studio City
12059 Ventura Place
Studio City
Phone: 818-201-3900
Online: joansonthird.com

-Meghan Rose

What’s your favorite local go-to spot for each and every meal? Let us know!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement