First Day Photo Two Kids

10 Ways a Family Assistant Can Help With Back to School

The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it also brings a long list of tasks. Parents need to buy supplies, update calendars, schedule appointments, plan after-school activities and make sure each child has what they need.

Even with careful planning, a forgotten form or last-minute request can quickly change the day. Simplified’s Personal Family Assistants can help your household prepare for school and stay organized once the year begins.

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Girl holding mom's hand going to school

How a Family Assistant Can Simplify the School Year

A new school year brings fresh notebooks, new shoes and the excitement of a new beginning. It also brings full calendars, school forms, appointments, activities and many small tasks that parents need to remember.

Before the excitement gets buried under a long to-do list, it helps to create a plan for managing the year ahead. Simplified’s Family Assistant Services can support your household throughout the school year, giving you more time to focus on your family.

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8 Things to Do in Boston on Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is a popular time to visit Boston and enjoy the final days of summer. The long weekend offers opportunities to explore the city’s history, museums, parks, neighborhoods, and waterfront before fall routines begin.

Whether you are visiting Boston, planning a staycation, or hosting out-of-town guests, these activities can help you create a memorable Labor Day weekend itinerary.

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End of summer on Cape Cod

Cape Cod Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Second Homeowners

When summer winds down on Cape Cod, second homeowners have an important opportunity to inspect their properties, complete seasonal maintenance, and prepare for the months ahead. Taking care of these projects in early fall can help prevent problems during colder weather and make reopening your home easier next season.

Whether you are wrapping up your own summer stays, preparing a vacation rental for the off-season, or managing your property from a distance, this Cape Cod fall home maintenance checklist will help you determine what needs attention.

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organized mud room white

How to Organize a Mudroom for Fall and Winter

During the colder months, a well-organized mudroom can make everyday arrivals and departures much easier. As boots, jackets, hats, gloves, backpacks, and sports equipment accumulate, this hardworking space can quickly become cluttered.

Whether you have a dedicated mudroom or a small entryway, the right storage system can help your family find what they need, contain wet and muddy gear, and keep clutter from spreading throughout the house.

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8 Things to Do on Cape Cod Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is one of the last opportunities to enjoy summer on Cape Cod. Beaches, bike trails, farmers’ markets, whale watches, museums, and coastal towns offer plenty of ways to spend the long weekend.

Whether you are visiting Cape Cod, returning to your second home, or planning activities for family and friends, here are eight ways to make the most of Labor Day weekend on the Cape.

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Cranberry Bog in Fall

12 Best Things to Do on Cape Cod in the Fall

Fall brings a quieter pace and an entirely different experience to Cape Cod. Cooler temperatures make it easier to explore beaches and trails, while cranberry harvests, festivals, farmers’ markets, and seasonal foods offer a taste of autumn in New England.

From touring a working cranberry bog to visiting local farms and exploring Cape Cod’s coastal towns, here are some of the best things to do on Cape Cod in the fall.

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Boston fall leaves

6 Best Things to Do in Boston in the Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Boston. Cooler temperatures make it comfortable to explore the city, autumn foliage adds color to parks and historic neighborhoods, and destinations outside Boston offer hiking, apple picking, and classic New England scenery.

Whether you are planning a fall trip to Boston, hosting out-of-town guests, or looking for a seasonal day trip from the city, these activities can help you experience the best of autumn in Boston and the surrounding area.

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Kids Family Volunteering

Family Volunteer Opportunities in Boston: 5 Ways to Help

Volunteering as a family can help children understand their community, practice generosity, and see how small actions can make a meaningful difference. However, finding volunteer opportunities that welcome children is not always easy.

Fortunately, Boston-area families can give back in many ways, including organizing donation drives, assembling needed supplies, participating in service events, and supporting local nonprofits from home.

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The Part of Business Travel No One Plans For

If you travel for work, you already know this feeling. You land exhausted, suitcase still half packed, and the fridge holds nothing but a jar of mustard and half a shriveled lime. Mail is piled against the door. The dry cleaning is still hanging on a rack three blocks away, waiting on a pickup that never happened. Somewhere between the flight and the rental car return, it occurs to you that your dog has been more patient with the pet sitter this week than you’ve been with anyone.

By the time you get home, the to-do list has only gotten longer. Continue reading