Jersey Shore Mom Blog!!

Affordable and Fun!

2011-07-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

NEVER in a million years did I think that I would even consider CAMPING at the shore...Why, when a couple of miles down the road I can find "luxury and comfort"? I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful family who happens to own such a campground, Avalon Campground. This has inspired me to do a little investigation. I must say this place sounds like it would be more fun than our traditional beach getaway. Not only are there tents available, but cabins and trailers for rent. The best part is the prices are less than HALF what you would spend a place closer to the beach, and there are more options available to you! You definitely can't have a campfire in the middle of Sea Isle! We are now planning a trip, with our gaggle of children, and can't wait to post the details and pictures!!

Planking

2011-06-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

So, I've been reading about the "face-down" or "planking" sensation and now I'm feeling a bit competitive. I tried an easy one....but I am looking to branch out and go bold...any ideas?

Shore Webcams!

2011-06-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

Wow, I had no idea there were so many cool sites to see at the South Jersey Shore via webcam!! I will post them all here, but hopefully, in the future, I will post them to www.RainyDayattheBeach.com!

THEY ARE LISTED BELOW!! ENJOY!!

Quick and Healthy Meal-Mexican Pizza

2011-06-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, due to circumstances WAY beyond my control, my family and I have not been to the shore as much as we usually are this year. BUT...on my radar at all times are ways to make it easier on me for when we do go :-)

While in panic mode the other day...I accidentally created a healthy, yummy dinner that my kids were pretty jazzed about eating...Let's call them....Mexican Pizza's!

You will need: Flat Tostadas, can of FAT FREE Refried Beans (these are fantastic), a can of pizza sauce, some shredded cheese, and frozen corn

First microwave the corn according to the instructions.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
Now, spread the beans on your tostadas
Add a thin layer of the corn on top of the beans
Next, spread the pizza sauce on top of the corn
Now, a thin layer of cheese to top it off

Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted (about 5-7 minutes) You can use sour cream as a topping if you'd like, but my kids LOVED cottage cheese on top

Let me know how it works out for you! This is the perfect meal to throw together after the beach..virtually NO MESS

The unwanted souvenir: Bedbugs

2011-03-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

Salt water taffy for your secretary, fudge for Grandpop, but the only critter you want tagging along for the ride is a hermit crab...but even that is a giant maybe.

The bedbug buzz is getting louder than ever...these sneaky little creatures are rampant and are expert hitchhikers. No one is immune. High end hotels are infested as well as quaint B&B's.

First and foremost, as "skeevy" as these little blood suckers are, they do not carry disease. But as with any break in the skin, there is risk of a secondary infection from scratching or exposure to another germ.

This summer could wreak havoc on your dermatologic health if certain considerations aren't made. The shore is a meeting place for people of all walks of life and from diverse geographical locations. Who knows what "friends" vacationers pack along with them?

First thing is first, before you rent ask the property owner if they have had any issues with infestations of any kind, and if they have, what they have done about it. Of course, never take their word for it!
There are a number of things you can do to check before you lay claim to the joint and bring your belongings inside. Leave your luggage in the CAR and carry a flashlight to the property. First, carefully remove the sheets, take care and don't allow them to touch your body, hair or clothes. Then, check the mattresses. You know that seam that runs around the entire mattress? Look inside the seam on the top of the mattress as well as the flip side..You aren't necessarily looking for the bugs themselves, but what they leave behind...poop and blood. Yes gross, but that's why we are checking, aren't we?

Since you can never be sure that a rental is free of bed bugs, you should still follow some simple precautions if you don't find evidence upon your initial inspection. Keep your luggage off the floor...if available, use the luggage racks. The bathtub is a great option too, bedbugs have a hard time scaling the slippery surface. Lastly, once you get home...do laundry..right away.

Once you have checked the bed, you need to check everything else too for signs of the little critters. Nightstands, drapes, artwork, are all cozy little spots for bedbugs to hide.

http://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/#identify <-----Great site to see photos of what you are looking for

So, investigate before you book your trip. Assess the situation once you arrive. Keep your luggage off the floor, away from the bed, or in the bathtub. The best answer, sit on the beach all day and burn those little suckers before they get you!

Adopt a Beach Path?

2011-03-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

March 30, 2011

SEA ISLE CITY’S BEACH PATH ADOPTION PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR SPONSORS

SEA ISLE CITY, NJ – In recent years, several of Sea Isle City’s beach entrances have been installed with Mobimat pathways (rigid, plastic carpets that give beach-goers additional footing while entering and exiting the beach during the summer months). This year, Sea Isle City has purchased additional Mobimats, which will soon be placed at most of the resort’s beach entrances, depending on allowable conditions.
In an effort to maintain these popular pathways, Sea Isle City has initiated a Beach Path Adoption Program, which incorporates the help of local volunteers to keep the synthetic carpets clear and safe. According to City officials, in addition to ensuring that debris and sand does not accumulate on the Mobimats, the new adoption program will also quickly identify the need for additional maintenance and any potential hazards that may arise.
Volunteers will report problems or unsafe conditions directly to Sea Isle City’s Department of Public Works, which oversees the installation of the mats and the general maintenance of Sea Isle’s beaches. Volunteers will also be asked to follow a set of standard safety practices while clearing debris from their paths, such as wearing protective gloves.
To thank volunteers, the city will place a sign at each beach entrance, which will be inscribed with the name of the local group, business, family or individual who has volunteered to maintain that particular pathway. The first to join the Beach Path Adoption Program was Sea Isle Revitalization, a group of local business leaders and professionals that supports many worthwhile community efforts throughout the year.
“We anticipate that more and more people will be able to enjoy a day at the beach because of this worthwhile investment of Mobimats,” said Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio.
To learn more about Sea Isle City’s Beach Path Adoption Program, phone (609) 263-6000, ext.19.

http://www.nbc40.net/news/16942/

2011-03-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

OFFICIALS AWAITING FINALIZED PLANS FOR AC MUSIC FESTIVAL

Matt Lerario ( mlerario@nbc40.net) - 3/25/11 04:27 pm
ATLANTIC CITY -- We are now just under three months away from a highly anticipated music festival headlined by The Dave Matthews Band in Atlantic City and city officials are still awaiting finalized plans for the location where tens of thousands will gather.

Bader field has stood unused since it was closed back in 2006, but got a new lease on life when it was recently chosen to be the location of the first of four music festivals being held along the East Coast.

However, city officials tell us the band's promoters have yet to deliver a final layout plan that will determine key aspects of the big show, including where the stage will be placed.

In the mean time, they are still making headway in other stages of the plan.

"In the past three to four weeks we have been able to remove about 90,000 pounds of recyclable materials from the field. the metals, old cars, ther was an existing hangar that was here athat we removed. there was also a trailer that was used for office space that was also removed and many vehicles and many other types of metals that have been dumped there. we've also cleared most of all of the area from the grown up brush and trees from around the fence lne and that have also grown from within the field over the last few years," said Paul Jerkins, Director of Public Works Authority.

Meanwhile, tickets also went on sale to the general public today. Only three day passes are available.

MobiMat?

2011-03-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what a MobiMat is? It sounds crazy and high tech..but really, it's going to make YOUR life easier in Sea Isle this summer!

Apparently, MobiMats are "carpet-like" pathways made of rigid plastic that will help you walk onto the beach with additional safety. We have been notified that Sea Isle will have these nifty mats at most beach entrances this summer!

So pile on the toys Dad, your load just got a little easier to handle!!

Best Beach

2011-03-24T15:29:00.001-07:00

The NJ Grant Consortium has shaken up the competition and has decided to award a Best Beach award for each shore county! Quick get your favorite photos from last year and send them to info@njtoptenbeaches.org as an attachment....the deadline is tomorrow, March 25th! For complete info go to njtoptenbeaches.org.

The site will open up for public voting on April 2...make sure you vote for your favorite!