Tag Archives: teens

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Camelback Resort Aquatopia a great weekend for you and your Teens Review

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This past weekend we had the opportunity to visit Camelback resort and lodge in the Pennsylvania Poconos featuring Aquatopia.  Camelback was nice enough to host us and sponsor us for the Fasllfest weekend.  We took my son age 16, nephew 16,  my daughter age 12  and with my niece 13 to this great family experience so everyone was happy.

We started the weekend by checking into the lovely resort we ended up with a great room on the fifth floor overlooking the ski slopes during the winter you can actually ski right into the lodge from the slopes which is sound super fantastic to me. Check out this video of what our room look like which was a king bunkhouse room.

As soon as we checked into the room  in the kids immediately wanted to go down to Aquatopia. Which is Camelback resorts indoor waterpark featuring a glass roof!  Which is great because you get the sunshine even when you’re indoors and the temp is perfect 365 days a year. Since we checked in the evening we went to the hot tub first my husband and I went in the indoor/outdoor hot tub. The kids join us for a little bit but they were busy exploring all the fantastic things that are in Aquatopia.  The area features many rides both tube rides and large two rides I can be done together as a family. They also have a Lost River that you can either ride in a tube or you can swim through.  The Lost River features a lot of waterfalls and lights to really enhance the experience of being on the river.  My nephew really enjoyed the Flow Rider which is the first attraction you see when you walk in to Aquatopia. He wrote it for hours he’s been on it a few times but he is doing some tricks check them out right here and at this video.

The great thing about staying is the Camelback resort is your wristband gives you full access to the resort if you choose.  Your wristband is your room key can can also be your wallet so no need to carry anything but a towel and a smile.   We found this was a great option for the teens gave them a sense of freedom.

Here is an video showing a tour of Camelbacks Resorts Aquatopia so you have a full review and layout for the entire family:

In honor of the Fall Fest, we also checked out Kartrites’s Curse a haunted house on Monster Mountain. It was The kids first experience in a haunted house.  I wanted to make sure wasn’t crazy violence but a great time had by all. The kids loved it they thought it was just scary enough and suspenseful enough to really get the juices going.  To be honest we had to push a few through the whole haunted house.

Check out this video of their thoughts pf Camelback’s Resorts  Kartrites Curse Haunted House :

Monster Mountain a also had some really great other Halloween themed events for the weekend that will be going on now through November like the Monster coaster which is in Alpine coaster ride down at night sounded really really fantastic.

They also had “Lights out” zip lining that sound like fun where you could ride the zip lines that were lighted for the night time. My kids are not the greatest with Heights so we decided not to do that but I think if you had a thrill seeker they want to take spirit something different I definitely think the Halloween themes at Camelback resort are perfect for a unique Halloween experience.

The food at Camelback resort was wonderful they have a great buffet which is about $16 for adults little less for kids that’s in the morning for breakfast I can highly recommend it. Wondering what they had check out my video on the food at Camelback.

Wanted to know what else they had when you need a break from the water a Camelback Arcadia which was an out of the water experience for the entire family. Arcadia featured rock climbing, Llser tag, laser room, mini-golf, hi hi ropes challenge course and also an arcade. At Acadia  you could buy different passes depending on what type of experience you wanted so we had a Discovery pass which was about $29 that included all day rock climbing, unlimited mini golf, unlimited high ropes course, unlimited laser room, and one trip to the laser tag. Plus a five dollar credit for the arcade.

Check out the different experiences at Arcadia below in the videos.

Fall Fest : They also had a lot of other weekend activities that would be great for your younger children such as pumpkin painting, doughnut decorating, apple chucking, balloon animals, and many more activities.

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I have to say this weekend was a truly spectacular weekend for my entire family not only is Camelback Resort and lodge perfect for the younger kids but it is amazing for the older kids.   Which if you go to these types of waters parks sometime they tend to only focus on the little kids. The Camelback Resort designers created an experience for the entire family.  My teens loved every minutes and there was something to do for everyone.  We found one day would not  have been enough time.  We spend 2 nights which was great to get the full experience,  if we were skiing/snowboarding we would want a week.  My kids, niece, and nephew had a wonderful weekend.    Everybody fell sleep as soon as we left which is the sign of a good weekend.  Be sure to check out Camelback Resort and Aquatopia as your next fall family getaway.

Camelback Lodge Aquatopia

Product Reviews

Meal Planning

mushrooms

 

This week is a fun week. My daughter has her many choir this week,  She sings in 3 choirs one at church and 2 at school.  She also is starting addutions for a church play and also go found out she is singing solo for the talent show at school.  I am so Proud of my little singing angel.  I love hearing her sing,  she sounds so happy.

My Son has finished swimming.  I was a great season. He has decided to volunteer with kids and is loving it he is teaching see kids swim.  He is so happy and working hard.  So far I expect this to be a good week with a teenager.

Meal Planning with Teens

Sunday : Chicken Pot Pies

Monday: Broccoli Cheese soup

Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Butternut Squash, Spinach

Wednesday: London Broil, Rice and Beans,Broccoli

Thursday: Pork Roast, Brussels Sprouts, Fingerling Potatoes

Friday:  Pasta Night

Saturday: Homemade Spring Rolls, Fried Rice, Pot Stickers

 

Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway

Link up with : Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

Cooking

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers: We are back to a somewhat 1/2 busy life. Swimteam is over and no more 5am practices, I have to drive him too. Also hopefully he will start to eat a little less but with a son that is over 6’1” at 14 that might not change. Also this week he turns 15, which makes me really sad to know he is growing up so fast.

Since things are currently slow with my superhero cape business I try to be keeping an eye out for great deals. I love Aldi and many grocery stores have wonderful deals on meat. Which my family loves their protein is my biggest expense. I know Shoprite puts chicken on sale 40% off every few weeks, Fresh Market has Chicken Breast and Fresh Farm Raised Ground Beef on sale for $3.99 a lb every Tues.  If I am out towards Fresh Market I make it on a Tuesday.

A few weeks ago I was able to pick up a Ditz and Watson semi bone less ham for $9.08 for 16 lb. I also purchase a smaller ham for 8lb for $5. We made soup, steaks, and breakfast for a week on the 8 lb ham. When I went to the store the hams were on mangers special. They we not expired till April, the manger just need the room. The large ham we will save for Easter.

I find my deal my deals early morning after 7am I go right after I drop my son off at school. I know many bloggers say late at night, but mornings always work best at my stores.

How to menu plan on a budget with teens:

Monday: Rack of ribs (sale $5.30) Loaded Baked Potatoes ($2.00) and Saute Spinach ($2)
Tuesday: Tacos Venison (free), Rice ($1), Cheese ($1), Salsa (fridge)
Wednesday: Chili : Beef 1/12 Pound ($5) Beans 2 cans ($2.79) Onion (.50)
Thursday: Aisa Style chicken thigh ($4 /8 thighs) and Fried Rice (left over rice from Tues with broccoli )
Friday: Soup Potato Cheese and Broccoli

Breakfast:
Eggs sandwiches, Banana Smoothies, eggs and avocados

Lunches :
My husband: does leftovers altering days,
My son: started bringing sandwiches
My daughter: loves cold cereal in a bag with veggies and fruit- Everyone get a brown paper bag of stove top popcorn. (made fresh every morning)
Me: Spinach salad, with varieties of topping, been, nuts, olives

Afterschool snack:
Ready made soup, fruit, home banana bread, cupcakes, gram crackers

That is this week:
Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway

 

 

Cooking, LIfe

Pulled Pork Mac N Cheese and Menu Planning 11-16-15

My heart breaks for Paris and Beirut.  When think of Paris I am reminded of a city that is kind and patient to foreigners which has been my experience.  I hope and wish love, peace, for safety for all in Paris and Beirut.

Kindness and understand can change the world

This weekend was fun, I went to NYC for a the KidzVuz Holiday event which is a toy and product showcase for bloggers.  Due to the events in Paris I was nervous about taking the train and going to Time Square with my daughter. I love taking my daughter every year to this event.  This year I decided to live by my mantra Never Live Scared so my daughter and I went to NYC.   After 911, I flew 11 days after on 9/22 with my family.  The point of a terrorist is to instill terror, I have to live and not give into the terror.   I feel it is important to share persistence and love of life with my children.

My daughter understood what happened in Paris, because she was watching the TV with me when the reports came on.  When we  on the train she showed me her earrings she told me it was in support of the victims.  I thought how thoughtful even a 10 year old can understand the impact.

 

eiffel towern earring from stella and dot

More on my trip- I love eating when in NYC because even the inexpensive restaurants are good, make sure you order the fresh cooked food.  The reason is because it is really hard to get a restaurant to survive in New York City with so much competition and the ablity for people to leave reviews if your food is bad you are gone.   My daughter and I stop by a little deli  she had a BLT and I had a Gyro both were fresh sandwiches with fries and the cost with 2 drinks $18.00.   What a great deal.

I also made Pulled Pork Mac n’ Cheese this past weekend will Pulled Pork on top.   I had a small pork roast 1.7 lb too small to make a fresh roast and I did not feel like cutting it into chops stuck it frozen in the slow cooker for a few hours with a can of broth, shredded it and tossed in BBQ sauce.  I also had left over Pasta from a dinner during the week.  I made a cheese sauce mixed the pasta, I had some small pie trays baked the mac n’ cheese for 30 min.  I add the pork and more cheese on top broiled till golden.  Yummy,  it was an unplanned meal I would do again.

Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese

Menu Planning

Those week my my son starts swim team which means he will be exhausted and hungry. He gets to swim 3 hours a day for high school swim team exhausting right.. I don’t think I could do one lap. The meal plan this week must be hardy.

Monday: Perogies and Kielbasa

Tuesday: Chicken and Rice

Wednesday: Fish Asparagus and Couscous

Thursday: Sausage and Peppers with Homemade fries

Friday: Pizza

Saturday : Fend for yourselves night

linking up to

Organizing Junkie Meal Planning Monday

Motivation Monday

 

Cooking, Product Reviews

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers

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Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers:   I cook every night and since the change in our life several years ago (my husband lost his job),   I had to do budget friendly  dinners.  Now that he has a job, life is still a little tight because my business has slowed down.  My family still eats well on a budget.  I cook every night and going out to eat is a real treat.

Tips for Menu Planning with Teenagers on a Budget

I read a lot of meal menu planning on a budget.. I have noticed many of my blogging friends have  2 adults and 2 small children (under 8). I am well past that and I could not relate to make that small amount of food. I have 2 adults also 6’1″ 14 year old teenage boy, and a 10 year old girl with a size 9 women’s foot.. So no little kids here.  My kids to not dabblers in food and they do not graze at dinner.   My Son is a meat eater.. I gave him alot of veggies as a kid once he turned 9/10 years old veggies where a do not touch  food and meat/fish was in.

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers

Find Produce Store or Asia Market:  I will tell you I live near a Produce Junction.  Which is a produce store that sells veggies and produce at a discount, most are close to expiration so you have to use them quick.  It saves me from the grocery store prices.  Prices like 2 lb of crimini mushrooms for $2, Broccoli is $2 for 3lb, Potatoes are $2 for 5lb.

Stock up on Sales:  I also watch good sales and stock up when something is good sale.  This Past week Purdue chicken was 40% off.   So I stocked up on ground chicken $2.57 a pound.  The chicken legs and thighs were $.79 a lb.   The turkey bacon was 3 for $5 (I use it for breakfast sandwiches and BLTS) , Cheese blocks 1.99  Here are Some other items:

  • Tortilla great for dinner but after school snacks
  • Can good -tomatoes, beans, soups, tuna, canned chicken,
  • Cereal I only buy it if it is under $1.99( buy many boxes if it is a good sale)
  • Box cake Mix (cupcakes not frosted are my kids favorite)  (choose one that take oil, water, and eggs) (avoid the ones that need butter)
  • Butter if it is $1.99 or $2.50 stock up
  • Pop Corn Great snack (air popped or stove method) large bag is $3.00)
  • Cheese freezes well
  • Oil by gallon is cheaper then smaller bottles keep smaller bottle to transfer into
  • Soy sauce buy the gallon

Make Extra and spread out over the week:

  • Rice: a side one day,  then a base for fried rice later in the week. (fried rice is a great catch all for left over meat, so are rice and chill.
  • Potatoes: Mashed  are also side one day then, later in the week a great topping for shepherds pie.
  • Meat: Brown meat make double and save for later in the week

Meats that are amazing on a budget  :

  • London Broils are great red meat cut for teens, I slice it really thin so it looks like a lot, taste great and I usually have left overs, vs a steak the teen will want to eat the entire piece.
  • Chicken legs and Thighs –  They are great and the most flavorful part of the chicken.  I trim all the fat off prior to cooking.  You can always find them at a great Price.  My son will eat a entire baked leg and extra thigh- (we are talking $1.50 to fill him). My recipe is here.   I also trim the thighs up remove skin  and throw them in a crock pot with bones, and 1/2 bottle of Italian dressing 1 cup of water and let them cook 3-4 hours on a Sunday. Pick out bones and joints- It makes great meat for chicken Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Chicken salad, soup, chicken tacos
  • Sausage:  I always keep some in my freezer,   whether is Kielbasa, Smoked sausage, or Italian sausage.  They can be added to many meals, from Perogis, to pasta, slow cooked sausage and peppers over rice, or an add to fried rice.

Flavor is King : Taste is the way to eat on a budget and still have amazing food: If it taste good they will eat it.

  • Mirepoix: Onion, Carrots, Celery (when they are on sale, make extra, freeze and sales time and money)
  • Seasoning : Onion Power, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Salt and Pepper

Pasta:  Back up Dinner not a go to meal : If you serve pasta too often your family will notice.  I use Spaghetti when I need a meal making break or when I end up with many teenagers in my house.    I find if my son brings home friends I like to have the kids over but usaly I do not have the meat planned out for the surprise company.

  • Always have sauce/pasta in pantry.
  • Always have large can crushed tomatoes to extend the sauce.
  • Keep a package of mild  sausage (Jimmy Dean Tube)  in the freezer, or Links If you cut it small it goes father, 1lb of ground sausage spreads nicely through sauce.
  • Use shells to straight pasta,  the sauce is cradled and the space in the shells visually look like more food.

Check out My actual Budget Meal Planning with Teens:

Please note I live in the suburbs outside Philadelphia.  Food is not cheap here the cost of living is higher than other areas of the country.   I mainly shop at Aldi, Shoprite,  with watching the sales at  Pathmark, Acme and Giant (which I might go to if they have an amazing sale) .   The prices i use reflect my Area.

 

Cooking

How to Budget Meal Planning with Teens

7 Meals = $69 meal planning Family 4 with Teenagers

Budget Meal Planning with Teens: Times are tight for all of us.  Meal Planning is one of the best ways to save money.  I have been meal planning for years, I found that many people who shared their meal plans online had a different family than I did.  I have Teens and Preteens –  lets face it 4 hamburgers is not enough to feed a family of 4 with growing over 6ft boy..   I just could not relate to feeding my family on $50 a week ?   They  were not in the world I lived in.

I do however feed my family well on a budget.  I can do 7 dinner  with leftovers for about $70.   No one leave hungry. My husband is the envy of his coworkers for have amazing left over lunches,  while his coworkers heat up their Frozen TV dinners.

Check out my post on Tips for Menu Planning on a budget with Teens.

So this is what meal planning looks like when you try to fees your family on a budget for the weeks of Sept 27, 2015:

Budget Meal Planning with Teens:

  • Sunday : Pork Chops (4 for 4.85) , 3 heads broccoli ($2.00) , and 3 cup dry  Rice ($1.79)  (I make extra rice for fried rice later in the week) =$8.61
  • Monday :  Easy Roasted Chicken  12 thighs ($7.00), Butternut  Squash 2 (3.50 3.5 lb ), Salad (2.00) (tomatoes= garden, onion,  Pantry, peppers .50)  (left overs)=$12.50
  • Tuesday: Fried Rice (Left over from Sunday), with low sodium spam (2.50), left over broccoli, 2 egg (.52 for 2 eggs), Mushrooms 1. 50, Carrots.50 onion .50 corn starch = $ 5.52
  • Wednesday: Fish (5.99) and couscous ($2.59)  with asparagus  (2.99)=$11.57
  • Thursday: BLT  (Summers Tomatoes), Turkey Bacon ($1.66 a pound sale), Lettuce, Avocado ($1.50), Bread $1.25  6 Potatoes homemade french fries (1.50) =  $5.91
  • Friday: Enchiladas,  (left over chicken if any, ground chicken Meat $2.57), Cheese 1.99, Large can Of Enchilada Sauce ($2.59), Corn Tortillas $2.09) = $9.24
  • Saturday: Family choice- Make it and forget soup (I use chicken, mirpox, and noodles on the side- cost about $7.00) or chili $10.00

7 dinners  = 69.92   ($2.49 per person per meal w/ left overs)

Please note I live in the suburbs outside Philadelphia.  Food is not cheap here the cost of living is higher than other areas of the country.   I mainly shop at Aldi, Shoprite,  and my Local Produce Market/Outlet  with watching the sales at  Pathmark, Acme and Giant (which I might go to if they have an amazing sale) .   The prices I use reflect my Area.

Come back next week to see how I save next week Budget Meal Planning with Teens .

Be sure to check out my Post on 16 must have food items for 25 meals:

16 Must have Food Items for $38 to make different 25 meals

Link up to Motivation Monday and Organizing Junkie.