As we pack away our holiday decorations and kick 2020 to the curb, local businesses are working harder than ever to keep their doors open and remain a part of our community. While businesses continue to fight against closures amidst this continuing pandemic, consider supporting some of your favorite local spots to show them that we are all in this together. This month’s newsletter serves as a guide to highlight different ways that you can safely support your favorite restaurants, breweries, salons, boutiques, and local businesses in the Sacramento area and beyond!

Local Restaurants: With the future of many restaurants still uncertain, your business means more to them now than ever. So show them some love by ordering takeout or delivery at one (or a few) of the below spots. We’ve categorized some of our favorite restaurants by cuisine type and location in case you have a hankering for a fresh sushi roll or tasty burger.

Italian Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Craving authentic Italian? Check out Il Forno Classico, located in Gold River Town Center. This spot is known for its decadent pasta dishes made from scratch, fresh seafood, and hand-tossed pizzas. Check out their online menu here.

Seritellas (Carmichael)

Cafe Italiano (Fair Oaks)

Fabians Italian Bistro & Bar (Fair Oaks)

Cafe Vinoteca (Sacramento)

Paseanos (Sacramento)

Piatti (Sacramento)

Obo’ Italian Table & Bar (Sacramento)

Pizzeria Classico (Folsom)

Visconti’s Ristorante (Folsom)

Vaiano Trattoria (Granite Bay)

Boulevard 41 (El Dorado Hills)

Papa Gianni’s Cameron Park

The Place (Roseville & Placerville)

Il Fornaio (Roseville)

Via Roma Pizzeria Con Cucina (Rocklin)

Mexican/Spanish Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Located in the Carmichael Milagro Centre, Mesa Mercado serves up a variety of fresh and authentic Mexican dishes like their marinated skirt steak and roasted pork tacos, or their chicken stuffed enchiladas. If you’re a fan of guac, don’t forget to order their homemade guacamole and chips appetizer! Check out their to-go menu here.

Carmelita’s (Fair Oaks & Roseville)

Tapa the World (Sacramento)

Zocalo (Sacramento, Roseville & Folsom)

Cantina Alley (Sacramento)

Mas Taco Bar (Sacramento & Folsom)

Centro Cocina (Sacramento)

Alaro Craft Brewery (Sacramento)

Nixtaco (Roseville)

Mezcalito (Rocklin & Folsom)

French Cuisine/Wine Bars: 

Business Highlight: The Waterboy is a neighborhood restaurant in Midtown Sacramento that features a seasonal menu, inspired primarily by the beautiful cuisines of northern Italy and southern France. Their takeout menu features winter favorites including chicken pot pie with crostata-style crust, homemade lasagna, and antipasto plates with cured meats, housemade charcuterie, olives, crostini, and more! Pick your favorite pairings here.

Revolution Wines (Sacramento)

The Rind (Sacramento)

Whired Wine (Sacramento)

Brasserie Capitale (Sacramento)

Danielle’s Creperie (Sacramento)

La Provence (Roseville)

Hawks (Roseville)

Celestin’s Restaurant (East Sacramento)

Julian’s Patisserie & Cafe (Folsom)

American/California Inspired Cuisine: 

Business Highlight: Located in East Sacramento, Canon offers a seasonal menu with the freshest local ingredients. They focus on shareable plates with favorites including their whole roast chicken, smoked beef cheeks, and fingerling potatoes. They are now offering their full menu online! Order Canon to-go here and enjoy your meal in the comforts of your own home.

Wildwood (Sacramento)

Paragary’s (Sacramento)

Bennett’s Kitchen (Roseville)

Sienna (El Dorado Hills & Roseville)

Milestone (El Dorado Hills)

Hook & Ladder (Sacramento)

Farmhaus (Granite Bay)

Asian-Inspired Cuisine:

Business Highlight: Silver Sake has served up delicious sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine in Carmichael since 2002. For starters, try their mouth-watering lava bites with deep-fried spicy tuna, cream cheese, and habanero tobiko topped with spicy sauce. Looking for something lighter? You can’t go wrong with their fresh sashimi platter and a warm bowl of miso soup. Call in or order online here.

Kru (Sacramento)

Mikunis (Sacramento, Folsom, Fair Oaks, Roseville & Elk Grove)

Miyagi Sushi (Sacramento)

Fats (Folsom & Roseville)

PF Changs (Roseville)

Taiko (Carmichael, Folsom & Natomas)

Hazumi Sushi Bar (Granite Bay)

Umi (Roseville)

Local Breweries: Any beer lovers out there? Similar to restaurants in our area, there are many local breweries that are struggling to keep their doors open. Check out a few breweries that could sure use our support and business! And prepare yourselves for some refreshing beer…

Business Highlight: Tower Brewing in East Sacramento takes pride in offering a variety of beers with 16 rotating taps! They have everything from IPAs and Lagers to Stours and Sours. Order beer for pick-up or delivery (YES they deliver) here.

River City Brewing Company (Carmichael)

Porchlight Brewing (Sacramento)

Fieldwork Brewing Company (Sacramento)

New Glory Craft Brewery (Sacramento)

Track 7 Brewing (Sacramento)

Big Sexy Brewing Company (Sacramento)

Sac City Brews (Sacramento)

Moska Brewery (Rocklin)

Out of Bounds Brewing Company (Rocklin)

Loomis Basin Brewing Company (Loomis)

The Monks Cellar (Roseville)

Red Bus Brewing Company (Folsom)

Mraz Brewing Company (El Dorado Hills)

There are plenty of other affected industries – from health and beauty to fashion and entertainment – that also need our support due to their mandated closures. Below are a few creative ways that you can help keep some of your favorite places in business.

1. Purchase Gift Cards: Purchasing gift cards is a great idea for businesses that you visit frequently. It gives businesses like salons, yoga studios, and local fashion boutiques some much-needed income to support employees and reassures them that they will still have loyal customers. If you have the means, consider purchasing gift cards like you would a chain letter. Send a $10 gift card to a local friend, and then ask them to do the same for another business. Paying it forward can make all the difference in keeping our community and economy thriving.
2. Purchase Products and Merchandise Online: Purchase your favorite shampoo and hair-styling products at your hair salon or workout gear at your local gym. You can even gift them to friends and family for special occasions or just because.
3. Post and Promote on Social Media: Social media plugs are a great way to show your support to your favorite spots and the payoff is almost instantaneous. Post generously and encourage family and friends to do the same!
4. Write a Positive Review: Have you been meaning to leave a glowing Yelp review? Now’s the time to do it! This is another great way to help direct new clients to the business and the best part is that it’s FREE.

KCRA 3 created an interactive list of Northern California small businesses ready to serve you. Click here to view! 

#SHOPLOCAL

While the most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner, it’s safe to say that our holiday festivities might look a little different amid the growing pandemic. This year, we have been asked to forgo our large celebrations with extended family and keep within our immediate “family bubbles”. It’s easy to feel discouraged and alone during a time like this, but now more than ever, it’s important to appreciate the gift of health, our loved ones, and the magic of the holiday season.

I hope to bring some much-needed holiday cheer in this month’s newsletter, which covers everything from the best light displays, to family-friendly holiday activities, to socially distanced local events and happenings!

You can still make this holiday a memorable one while keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe with these local (and virtual) happenings in and around your area:

Virtual Philharmonic Performances
What: The Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera is offering a digital series, so you can live stream these amazing performances from your home! Concert links are available with a gift of $25 or more. The streams will go live at 7:00 pm the evening of the concert and will be available for up to 30 days afterwards.
When: Saturday, December 19th at 7:00 pm
Where: Donate online to the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera to receive a link.

Curbside Shopping With Santa
What: Curbside Holiday is a wonderful opportunity for your kids to see Santa while shopping safely and locally. Shop online with local favorites like Capital Books, the Crest Theatre, the Kitchen Table, and more! You’ll select a pickup window and Santa will bring your gifts directly to your car!
When:
Saturday, December 19th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 20th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Shop online at curbside holiday and pick up your gifts in the designated zone between 1011 and 1013 K Street.

 

A Christmas Carol Livestream
What: Manual Cinema is bringing a breathtaking reinvention of “A Christmas Carol” to audiences of all ages. This new take on a holiday classic is presented by the Mondavi Center at UC Davis.
When:
Friday, December 18th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 19th at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 20th at 4:00 pm
Where: Get tickets from the Mondavi Center.

 

Outdoor Ice Skating
What: Treat your family to an afternoon of outdoor ice skating in Historic Folsom! To make sure you stay safe, please observe social distancing and wear a mask while skating.
When: Open now through January 18th.
Where: Purchase tickets online to skate at the rink located at 200 Wool Street, Folsom CA.
Dance Gavin Dance Tower Bridge Livestream
What: Tree City Sessions Volume 2 features Dance Gavin Dance performing a fan-voted setlist featuring hits and tracks that have never been played live, all from the bands hometown in Sacramento on the iconic Tower Bridge.
When: Saturday, December 19th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Where: Purchase your tickets here for this virtual event.

 

Waterfront Wheel in Old Sacramento
What: Located at the newly activated Waterfront Park (in front of Rio City Café), a visually-exciting and whimsical 65’ Ferris wheel, operated by Brass Ring Amusements, Inc, will take center stage for the holidays. Rides offered now through January 31, 2021.
When: Rides offered now through January 31, 2021.
Where: Purchase your tickets here to ride the Waterfront Wheel at 1150 Front Street, Sacramento CA.

Wondering where you can catch a dazzling light display this year from the comfort of your car? Check out some of my favorite holiday light displays!

1. Bayside Christmas Lights Drive-Thru in Roseville (Now through December 31): Join Bayside for its 5th Annual Christmas Lights Drive-Thru that is sure to delight the entire community. Round up your loved ones, jump in the car, listen to your favorite Christmas music, and enjoy a mile of spectacular lights! Free tickets are required to manage traffic flow and are limited. Click here to learn more.
2. East Sacramento’s Fab 40s Christmas Lights (Neighborhood Event): Grab your hot chocolate and bundle up while you admire this classic, established East Sacramento neighborhood for its beautiful homes and brilliant light displays. This neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with lights and garland draped around the tree-lined streets.
3. Pebble Creek Christmas Lights in Rocklin (Neighborhood Event): This neighborhood has been attracting spectators for years with its popular Disney-themed homes and elaborate light displays! Stroll through the neighborhood by foot at a safe distance from others or bundle up in the car and roll down the windows for an impressive display of lights!

Please visit CaliforniaChristmasLights.com or SacBee.com for a full directory of homes displaying lights.

Are you going a little stir-crazy in your home this year? Relish in all that this holiday season has to offer by baking a dessert, playing a game with your family, or creating your very own DIY hot chocolate bar. Check out some of these festive ideas below.

1. Liven Things Up With Christmas Karaoke: There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some Christmas Karaoke! Liven up the party with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” or classics like “Jingle Bell Rock”. Spotify has some great Christmas Karaoke playlists. Check them out here. YouTube also has a great selection of free Karaoke playlists.
2. Host a Gingerbread House Competition: Show off your decorating skills with this sweet holiday activity that the entire family will enjoy. Add an element of competition by having each family member create their own…winner gets to open the first present on Christmas morning! You can also include the extended family by setting up a Zoom call for an online competition. Purchase your gingerbread making kits here.
3. Plan a Christmas Craft Day: Entertain the kiddos with an afternoon full of holiday-themed arts and crafts like this fun DIY ornament making activity. Check out some other crafts ideas to make your home merry and bright here.
4. Create Your Own Candles for the Perfect Holiday Gift: Spread the holiday cheer with these DIY scented candles, which make the perfect Christmas gift! It’s surprisingly easy, plus there are dozens of essential oils that make delightful Christmas scents. Think frankincense, cinnamon, vanilla, and Douglas fir.
5. Host a Family Game Night: Christmas games are a fun way for the family to come together—and dedicating your evening to playing a few is an easy way to infuse a regular old Friday night with some holiday joy. There are tons of options including Christmas movie trivia, holiday charades, a kid-friendly scavenger hunt, festive Mad Libs, or a good old fashioned board game.
6. Whip Up These Adorable Snow Globe Cupcakes: These Snow Globe Cupcakes topped with edible gelatin bubbles are the perfect treat to serve up during the holidays. Check out the recipe here.
7. Set Up Your Own Hot Chocolate Bar: Any hot chocolate lovers out there? Make a big batch of hot chocolate and set out plenty of toppings—think marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and crushed peppermints—then let everyone in the family go to town. Learn how to set up a hot chocolate bar here.
8. Host a (Socially-Distant) Cookie Swap: For a socially-distant spin on the Cookie Swap tradition, invite 5-10 people to participate, and ask each person to drop a half-dozen cookies on the doorstep of each participant. Check out some delicious holiday cookie recipes here.

 

Wishing you and your loved ones joy, good health, and some much needed holiday cheer this Christmas season!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you might be wondering how you can celebrate safely this year amid the pandemic…Many of us will forgo our usual traditions and spend this holiday away from our extended family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside of the box and create new traditions. This year is an opportunity to switch things up and show your family, friends, and community all of the ways that you’re thankful for them – even if it can’t be done in person. Below are a few creative ideas to help you celebrate Turkey Day, 2020-style.

This year, we are encouraged to celebrate Thanksgiving “al fresco”, as outdoor gatherings are deemed significantly safer than indoor ones. And with the forecast showing plenty of sunshine and a high of 63 degrees in the Sacramento area, it’s not totally out of the question. So grab some outdoor heaters, crank up that fire pit and throw on a sweater and warm attire for a memorable outdoor celebration. If you are celebrating with different households, create a potluck station where each household can take turns loading up on their favorite dishes. Check out some of the below essentials—from kitchenware to décor – for a successful outdoor gathering. You might find that you already have some of these items lying around the house…

Outdoor Heaters Fire pit Throw Blankets Stainless Steel Coffee Urn Hot Chocolate Bar Slow Cookers Champagne/wine bucket stand Folding Tables

Folding Chairs DIY Thanksgiving Place Cards Thanksgiving Centerpiece Festive Chargers Stemless Wine Glasses Flatware collection Dinner Napkins

 

 

 

If you are unable to celebrate with extended family and friends, consider organizing a virtual Thanksgiving experience with your loved ones. Not sure how to set up a Zoom call? Check out this helpful guide.

Recipe Swap: Participate in a Thanksgiving recipe swap, where you can share your favorite recipes, test them out and set up a Zoom call for a taste test challenge! You can easily exchange family recipes online using one of these existing Google Doc templates.

Game Night: Who loves game night? Host a virtual game night with these 10 kid-friendly games (Thanksgiving themed of course) that can be played easily from behind the screens. You can also make a game out of these Thanksgiving Trivia questions, where the winner receives an e-gift card or prize of your choice.

Macy’s Parade: For many of us, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together is a favorite tradition, and this year they are going virtual. So why not go virtual as well and watch along with your extended family and friends using Zoom or FaceTime? Find out how you can tune in here.

Zoom Dinner: Last but certainly not least, consider hosting a virtual Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones that are not able to attend using Zoom or Facetime. Set up a call using your phone or laptop and share your meal as you normally would, go around the table and say what you are thankful for, catch up with the family…the possibilities are endless!

This Thanksgiving, it’s especially important to help those in need as many have been affected by this pandemic, both health-wise and financially. Below are some ways that you can donate your time, money, and resources to charitable organizations, businesses, and community members.

Support Our Local Restaurants: Many of our local restaurants are especially hurting during this time. Consider ordering takeout this year at one of your favorite spots. Check out Sac Bee’s list of restaurants that are offering delicious Thanksgiving feasts. OpenTable® also has a growing list of its own—see what made the list here.

Help Out a Neighbor in Need: Volunteer to go grocery shopping for a neighbor or friend who may be at-risk or elderly.

Donate to a Food Bank or Shelter: Find a local food kitchen or shelter that may need your help this year. Donate your time or money to the Sacramento Food Bank here or a local shelter here.

Give Back to our Furry Friends: Our furry friends need love too! Volunteer, donate, or adopt a pet at a local shelter, including The Sacramento SPCA or the Front Street Animal Shelter.

Run to Feed the Hungry (Virtual Event): Participate in the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ first-ever, Virtual Run to Feed the Hungry event.

Meals on Wheels: Find a Meals on Wheels near you and sign up to volunteer. This widespread organization is committed to supporting our senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

 

Sending warm, heartfelt wishes from my home to yours this Thanksgiving!

Halloween will look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t entertain your own ghosts and ghouls at home! Check out this month’s newsletter for some festive (and social distance approved) entertaining ideas, recipes, and tips that will haunt your loved ones for years to come…in a good way of course.

Enter if you dare! Try out these frighteningly fun decorating ideas to stop even the bravest member of your household dead in their tracks.

Attack of the Spiders

Spooky Apothecary Jars

Frightful Foyer

Bleeding Halloween Candles

Halloween Tablescape

Bones and Bodies

Haunted Mirror

Add Cob Webs

Incorporate Spooky Plants

Monster Halloween Door

Tombstone Yard

Floating Witch Hat Luminaries

DIY Pumpkin Luminaries

Decorated Tree Branches

Buried Bannister

Specimen Jars

Plaster Hands

DIY Witch Leg Chandelier

Don’t leave your guests rolling in their graves all because of a bad music playlist…Try out one of the below Halloween playlists to match the occasion!

YouTube Halloween Hits from the 80’s

Disney’s “This is Halloween” Playlist

Spotify Halloween Playlists

Pandora Halloween Playlist

Grab the popcorn, cozy blankets and turn on your favorite Halloween flick on one of the below streaming services!

Netflix Line-Up

Hulu Haunts

Amazon Picks

Disney Plus Magic

TV Classics

You don’t need a spell to whip up some delicious “boos”. These creative concoctions (and fun mocktails) will get everyone into the holiday spirit in no time!

Adult Cocktails –

Potion De Muerto Cocktail

Sweet Poison Cocktail

Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita

Shimmery Liqueur Cocktail

Eye Ball Martini

The Vampire Cocktail

Halloween Pumpkin Punch

Black Sangria

Mr. Hyde Potion

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Bleeding Heart Martini

Purple Witches Brew

Shrunken Heads in Cider

Mocktails –

Hocus Pocus Halloween Fizz

Swamp Juice

Creepy Shirley Temples

Goosebumps Punch

Little Monster Mocktail

Pumpkin Butterbeer

Sparkling Pumpkin Pie Mocktail

Purple People Eater Punch

Slow Cooker Vampire Punch

Wondering what to brew up in the kitchen? See below for some serious food inspiration that will have your little monsters “dying” for seconds!

Jack-o-Lantern Pot Pies

Black and Blue Mac & Cheese

Spider Web Pizza

Eye Ball Pasta

Turkey Eyeballs

Halloween Stuffed Peppers

Pumpkin Bread Rolls

Pumpkin Chowder

Pumpkin Cannelloni with Sage Brown-Butter Sauce

Pumpkin Risotto in Hollowed-Out Pumpkin

Spooky Short Ribs

Cider Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Gouda

Batty Chicken Wings

It’s all treats and no tricks here! From bewitching breadsticks to spider cookies, we have a delectable line-up of homemade appetizers and treats that are “to die” for.

Apps –

Puking Pumpkin

Mummy Dogs

Bewitching Breadsticks

Spooky Spider Deviled Eggs

Skull Veggie Platter

Elegant Meat & Cheese Board

Terrifying Skeleton Cheese Platter

Halloween Ghost Fruit Kabobs

Ghostbusters Green Slimed Popcorn

Halloweeno Poppers

Monster Munch Party Mix

Pumpkin Cheeseball

Desserts –

Strawberry Ghosts

Spider Cookies

“Poison” Apples

Screaming Pretzels

Cake Pop Eye Balls

Rice Krispie Treat Monsters

Dracula Dentures

Spider Web Cake

Hocus Pocus Inspired Smore Pops

Haunted Halloween Brownies

Jack O’ Lantern Bowls

Blood Drip Cupcakes

Mummy Apple Pie

Witch’s Hat Cupcakes

Graveyard Chocolate Cheesecake Dip

While large gatherings are discouraged during this time, you can still drop off some “parting” favors for your friends and family to remember for all of eternity… We’ve got you covered with some creative finds below.

DIY Halloween Smore Kit

Ghostly Grub Treat Bag

Witch’s Broom Favors

Monster Slime

Monster Cookie Kit

Bugs & Kisses Treat Bag (Include Hershey’s kisses)

DIY Candy Corn Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Trick-or-treating is going to look different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you should hang up your costume just yet.

Trick-or-treating is not impossible under Sacramento County Public Health’s (SCPH) new guidelines. The county says that trick-or-treating with modifications will be the way to do it this year. Click here to learn more.

As our communities work hard to flatten the curve, we also continue to face new challenges and learning curves of our own. This August looks very different from last year for many children and families throughout the country. Virtual back-to-school nights and remote learning from home have become the new norm. Not to mention, working parents are adjusting their schedules to oversee their children during the school day. 

This month’s newsletter explores some of the challenges of at-home learning with the goal of offering some helpful resources, classroom design inspiration, lunch ideas and more. We also take a look at the local real estate market, which has earned very high marks throughout this pandemic. Read on for the full scoop!

Class is in session…at home! With many of our homes now doubling as classrooms, we’ve found a few ways to transform any room or small space into the perfect study spot. Check out these fun and creative ideas for some inspiration. 

Create a Cozy Study Space: Limited on space? Build a “Study Nook” in your child’s room to create a comfortable, organized, and efficient place for them to learn from home. You can also utilize a space in the bonus room, art, music, game or playroom. Check out this adorable Parsons Mini Smart Desk from Pottery Barn. If your child is on the go, they also have a great mobile Lap Desk.

Designate a Special Area for Reading: It’s no surprise that children tend to get stir crazy when sitting in one place for long periods of time. So switch things up when it comes to reading time! Whether you have a playroom or a small space in your child’s bedroom, designate an area where your child can escape from the “classroom” and curl up with a good book. Use your imagination and gather a reading chair and comfy blankets, some fluffy pillows, a bean bag chair, reading tent…the possibilities are endless! You can also purchase a bookshelf to store their books and tie the space together.

Stay Organized: Organization is essential to staying on track for the school year…especially when merging the classroom and home. Take advantage of color-coded bins to store homework for each subject, add initials next to each child’s workspace, personalize cubbies, organize school supplies in an easily accessible rolling cart, and hang floating shelves and file holders to your room of choice. 

Utilize Natural Light: Have you ever been stuck working in a poorly lit cubicle and had a hard time focusing? The same applies to your kiddos…Help them stay motivated by letting nature inspire them! Creating a study room near windows is not only easier on the eyes, but it will also help them focus on their studies better. You can also breathe some life into the room with beautiful succulents or indoor plants. 

Choose Active Seating: Do your little ones have a hard time sitting still? Encourage them to stay active while they’re studying by swapping out traditional chairs with exercise balls. This is also a great option if you’re trying to fit everything into a small study room.

Be Mindful of Distractions: When choosing a study room or area, be mindful of distractions and noises like the television, phones, tablets and anything that might interest them more than their upcoming math test. Opt for background music or silence during study time. 

Forget about that boring PB&J sandwich, stale cookie, and those uneaten apple slices…Lunches at home mean that we can be a little more creative and healthy, even when we’re on a time crunch. Check out these simple yet satisfying lunch recipes that will have your kids asking for seconds! Quesadillas with a Twist: Pair this black bean and sweet potato quesadilla with avocado slices, pineapple chunks, and tortilla chips for a healthy (and easy to make) lunch.  Turkey Roll-Ups: If your kid is a fan of the classics, you can’t go wrong with these turkey roll-ups. Pack with pretzels, celery sticks dipped in peanut butter, and cinnamon-sprinkled apple slices for a well-balanced meal.  Pasta Salad: If your kids are adventurous, try this California pasta salad, which is loaded with veggies. Pair with some fruit slices for a hearty lunch. Breakfast for Lunch: Is your kid a fan of brunch? Turn on the skillet and whip up these delicious buttermilk pancakes. Pair with some strawberry slices, a hard-boiled egg, and squeezable yogurt for a delicious meal. Easy Pizza Pocket: Short on time? Make these easy pizza pockets with a can of refrigerated biscuits, lots of cheese, and pizza toppings of your choice. You can save even more time by buying a jar of pizza sauce. These pair perfectly with a side salad. Cookie Bars: Ok so these may not be the healthiest option, but they’re certainly better for us than processed cookies. So put the Oreos down and make a fresh batch of cookie bars for the school week! You can’t go wrong with this chocolate chip recipe from Tollhouse.    Having the kids home from school is taking on new meaning these days. That’s why we’ve pulled together some informational links and resources to help you overcome the learning curve that comes with this big change.  In this article, the author reaches out to teachers for tips on designing environments at home that are as conducive to learning and discovery as the classrooms they have lovingly created. This article published by Children and Screens shares 10 tips for successfully navigating the new realities of online learning.  A recent online article published by Time magazine shares the secrets to keeping your kids happy, busy, and learning during school closures.  Julie Mason, a former teacher, and now mother of three and head of content and curriculum at TeacherVision, shares a helpful guide and at-home learning resources for both parents and students. This online article published by The Center for Discovery outlines some safe indoor and outdoor activities for families during Coronavirus.  According to a recent article from Redfin, more than 27% of homebuyers are searching out of town, with Phoenix, Sacramento and Las Vegas being the most popular destinations. The reasoning behind this? The pandemic is causing homebuyers to rethink what they want in a home, with more people relocating to places where they can afford more outdoor space and room for home offices, according to the article. Click here to read the full article.