Many of our favorite traditions involve gathering in the same place with friends and extended family. But even if you can’t be in the same room, there are still plenty of creative ways to honor and enjoy these time-tested rituals at home.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your next celebration, and to help keep those incredible traditions alive! 

Do a virtual cooking class with your family 

Since we’re all spending more time at home, why not explore some home cooking together over video chat? It’s the perfect opportunity to share and pass down traditional recipes that have been in your family for generations. 

Plan a traditional game night 

Gather your family together for a little bit of friendly competition featuring games or activities you normally reserve for special occasions. A traditional game of Loteria is a great place to start, and creating your own boards is a fun activity for the whole family. 

Create a special playlist 

Whether you’re in the mood for some classic tunes, or perhaps something a little more modern — keeping your home alive with the sounds of your own culture is a great way to stay connected to your family’s traditions. Don’t forget to practice those dance moves, too!

Cheer on your team from home

Can’t make it to the stadium? Put on all your favorite fan gear, bust out the flags, and support your home team from your living room or backyard. You can even try recreating some of your favorite stadium snacks at home! 

Summer is a lot of fun, but fall brings cooler weather and beautiful scenery that are perfect for so many outdoor activities.  

Picnics in the park.
Lay out a blanket and enjoy the crisp autumn breeze. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and beverages that will please everyone in the group!

Outdoor sports.
Biking, golf, tennis, or rock climbing anyone? Enjoy your favorite activity at a safe distance in less-than-scorching weather.

Weekend road trip.
What better way to enjoy the gorgeous changing leaves than hitting the road with the ones you love and exploring?

Reading outside.
Head out on the porch or to the yard to enjoy some quality reading time and enjoy the fresh air.

Family hikes.
These are so much more enjoyable once the summer heat has died down! 

It’s fun to decorate the house for Halloween as a family, but carving pumpkins can get a little messy. Here are easy alternatives with no knife required that are just as festive!

Paint. Put on some old clothes, grab your paint brushes, and let the kids have fun making the pumpkins more colorful.

Glitter. All you need is some white glue and some sparkles to glam up your fall décor!

Googly eyes. Get some googly eye stickers and add them to your gourds for a comical twist.

Black marker. If there is an artist in the family, get them to draw intricate designs on the pumpkins with a permanent black marker.

Washi tape. Japanese tape comes in a variety of colours and patterns—just what’s needed to dress up your pumpkins!

September 15th to October 15th is officially recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month — and it’s an amazing opportunity to explore + celebrate one of the most vibrant and diverse cultures in the world. 

There’s no shortage of amazing flavors, music, art, and ideas worth honoring. So, if you’re wondering where to start, here are five of our favorite ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your entire family.  

Get artsy!  

Hispanic culture is rich in many things — and the fine arts are no exception. From Pablo Picasso to Diego Rivera, there’s so much beauty to explore. For a fun family activity, grab some paint brushes, and try to create your own masterpiece inspired by one of these incredible artists. 

Learn a Latin dance

There’s plenty of famous styles to try out: from samba to merengue, salsa, bomba, and the classic cha-cha-cha. A quick video search online will turn up all kinds of beginner’s tutorials, so carve out a little dance floor in your home, and start moving those hips! 

Support local businesses

From food to fashion and every shop in-between, America is filled with great, independent, Latino-owned businesses — and this month is the perfect time to show them extra support. 

Brush up on your Spanish!

If you aren’t already fluent, this month is the perfect time to start practicing. There are lots of free language apps + classes available online. Better yet, try finding a friend or family member who can help you, and challenge yourself to speak only Spanish for an entire day.

Try some new recipes

Or an old favorite that’s been passed down from generation to generation. Latin America has always been famous for its rich food culture, and you could easily pick a different country each week to inspire your family dinner planning. For a playful twist on some Hispanic classics, you can check out these recipes.

Fall is heading our way fast, and that can only mean one thing: football is back!

If you plan to huddle up and celebrate with your best pals at home instead of making the trek to the stadium to watch (and eat) with fellow fans, here are a few ideas to make the most of your homegating festivities:

Dips on dips on dips

Football, chips, and dip: can you name a more iconic trio? Use game day as an opportunity to try out a new recipe – like our delicious Kickoff Dip, which pairs perfectly with a bowl of Tostitos

A friendly wager

Feeling confident? Why not bet on your favorite team or player to score first (especially if the person you’re watching with is cheering for the other team). Loser has to clean up after the game’s over!

Get creative

We love wings and burgers as much (if not more?) than anyone – but why not mix things up with a less expected tailgate treat, like our Zesty Garlic Crunch Snack Mix made with Quaker® Oatmeal Squares™ Cereal. This zesty mix will have you doing a touchdown dance!

Fire up the grill

Best part of homegating? Your BBQ should already be set up and ready to rock. We suggest firing up some of these irresistible Low Country Pork Tenderloin Hoagies served with a side of Lay’s® Kettle Cooked Jalapeño Potato Chips and a refreshing Pepsi®.

Wherever and whoever you’re watching with, let’s make this season the tastiest yet! 

Although your to-do list may seem long this time of year, back-to-school doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplify your prep by checking out our top tips for success.

1. Start a family calendar Whether you write them down or use a digital calendar, keeping track of your family’s daily plans will make your week run smoothly.


2. Simplify the snacks Packing a snack in lunches doesn’t have to be stressful. Reach for 15 bag boxes of Smartfood^® Mix for easy, great-tasting snacks that are loaded with variety!


3. Schedule in downtime Back-to-school is a busy time of year for moms too. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Take time to recharge by setting aside “me time” in your calendar.


4. Plan for fun Don’t let the end of summer be the end of fun. Keep the excitement alive and make the back-to-school transition easier by planning fun weekend activities.


5. Get some rest That means going to bed earlier! When you’re well-rested, you’ll be better equipped to take on busy back-to-school routines.


6.