Most of us love summer. What’s there not to love, longer nights, days at the beach or the lake? BBQs with family and friends. Too many great things to list! Let’s be honest though, as a working parent in the mortgage industry or any industry that ebbs and flows it can be a bit stressful. Day camps, sleep overs, family vacations (oh boy). If you are like many of us parents, you are already trying to figure out how to make the most of the sweet 10-12 weeks of no school without messing up or losing your mind. You may not have the strict schedule of “7-3 p.m.” but you are picking up and managing so much more! If I am being honest and I know I am speaking for many working moms, by mid-summer we cannot wait to get the back-to-school schedules in the mail.
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Big questions come into play when you say to yourself, how am I going to get through summer and what are my biggest pain points.
Kate DiBenedetto, Mortgage LO,
Total Mortgage
What to cook for dinner? For me, it comes down to ... You mean I have to cook when it’s 103 degrees outside (save me now)? After talking to long-time friend Kate D. and Katie King they shared the same complaints. While Kate tends to not deviate from her normal day-to-day menu, they both agreed that more BBQs are the way to make dinner easier, different, and more fun. Taking advantage of farms and roadside stands nearby, it’s a great way to shop local and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Katie King, VP, Partner Strategy &
Risk, Gateless, Inc.
For some other friends, like Laura Cassady … ”Crock Pots are magical”! With a ‘set it and forget it’ mindset, dinner time can be a lot less stressful as individuals in the household can eat as their schedule or hunger allows.
Do I keep the kids on a sleep schedule? 10 p.m. sounds reasonable right and no sleeping until noon (I just laughed out loud)? Collectively we all were in agreement that summertime for kids is less about a schedule and more about making memories and having fun, as long as they are rested, and not CRANKY! But, this all starts to come to an end in mid-August when we need to start preparing them for the school year and the realities of catching the bus at 7 a.m.
Laura Cassady, Mortgage Veteran
and Operations Leader
Do I have to keep them active physically and mentally all summer? Not easy getting kids to do schoolwork during the school year let alone the summer (or is this just my house)? My son would rather play video games most nights as opposed to cornhole in the backyard. Katie likes to focus her daughters attention on playing, exploring and adventures. For her, there’s no working on vacation! While she continues to encourage reading and writing, she wants her 1st grader to enjoy every moment of summer.
Like so many of us, Kate and Laura utilize local camps and activities to keep their children busy. Many of these camps incorporate education into their daily events, like crossword puzzles, word-finds, etc. Even these small activities help stimulate their minds without even realizing they are re-enforcing what they learned during the school year.
What are some fun activities that will keep kids busy (enough) to prevent them from fighting with their siblings or teasing the dog so we can get our work done? If I have to yell one more time, you are not going to the beach tomorrow (OMG I am my mother)! All kidding aside my son loves his video games but given the chance to shoot some hoops or ride the jet skis he is all in! Kate’s daughter plays in softball tournaments throughout the summer, so they love to plan vacations around the towns she is playing in and engages her daughter in making those choices. Katie’s family loves the water. Give them a day at the waterpark, a splash pad or even a water balloon fight and they are happy! Laura speaks my language! The beach! Rain or shine, there is always plenty to do. Riding the waves, building sandcastles or walking the boardwalk for pizza!
For inspirational ideas I thought it would be great to share some favorite summertime recipes that are fresh, quick, and tasty!
PEACH CAPRESE GRILLED CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS
1 cup balsamic vinegar
4–5 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½ inch slices
4–5 medium peaches, pitted and sliced
Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
Make the balsamic glaze: Pour a cup of balsamic vinegar in a saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Then, reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Check the consistency by dipping a spoon in the mixture. If it coats the back of the spoon, the glaze is ready. As the reduction cools, the consistency will become more syrup-like. If you happen to reduce the vinegar too much and it becomes a bit too sticky, simply stir a bit of water into the mixture over low heat. Remove the glaze from heat.
Prepare and grill the chicken: **Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally. Place the halves, two at a time, between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the meat until thin. Repeat until all halves are pounded thin. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Rub the oil over the chicken to evenly coat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-8 minutes per side.
Plate the dish: Place the grilled chicken on a platter. Top the chicken breasts with an even layer of mozzarella slices. Spread the peach slices over the mozzarella. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the chicken, mozzarella, and peaches. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the entire dish.
WATERMELON FETA SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3 c. cubed seedless watermelon
1 c. medium cucumber, chopped
1 c. crumbled feta
1/2 c. red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 c. coarsely chopped mint, plus more for garnish
Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, and salt.
In a large serving bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, red onion, and mint. Add dressing and toss to coat.
Garnish with more mint and flaky sea salt if desired.
RAW ZUCCHINI AND SQUASH SALAD
GATHER
1-2 zucchini. Grate in long strips with a vegetable peeler.
1-2 squash. Grate in long strips with a vegetable peeler.
¼ to ½ of a red onion thinly sliced.
Fresh Basil chiffonade
Toasted sliced or crushed almonds
Parmesan Reggiano or Pecorino. Grate in long strips with a vegetable peeler.
DRESSING
1 small shallot minced
Juice of one lemon
Good olive oil
Sea salt/fresh ground pepper
Wash squash and zucchini well. Use vegetable peeler and grate the zucchini and squash in long thin strips. When you get to the core spot with the seeds, stop peeling.
Make dressing with mincing some shallot and whisk in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
Thinly slice red onion (or mince 1 shallot if you prefer). Add to zucchini and squash. Grate the cheese with veggie peeler and add to the salad.
Put in fridge for 10 minutes to chill.
Before serving toss in fresh chopped basil.
Top with toasted almonds.
This article was originally published in the Mortgage Women Magazine July 2023 issue.
