Probably Jakarta has more than Bali...explore it

What comes to your mind when you think of Indonesia? It is Bali, right? But instead of it why don't you fly into Jakarta this 2020 and see what it has? After all, it is the capital city of Indonesia and has a more lively life than Bali. 

Here are few most visited places where you can bring back your life after boring lock down and quarantine. 

The National Monument:

This 132 meters iconic landmark is where you can kick start your journey to explore Jakarta. Constructed in honor of independence struggle you can just enjoy the amazing view of architecture from the ground itself or move to the top to see how beautiful and vivid the city is. It has untold importance in the hearts of locals and is the most visited spot not only by tourists but also the Indonesians. The best way to capture the visiting memories of this place is by visiting it at night to see its beauty magnified by lights. 

Istiqlal Mosque:

This marble wonder was built in 1978 and is the biggest mosque across Southeast Asia. Your Indonesia trip isn’t complete without paying a visit to this beautiful holy place. It can accommodate 200,000 people at a time and has an astonishing courtyard with decorative minarets and designer marble. The interiors of it with attractive Islamic designs are another wonder. The design and architecture are what that makes this mosque unique. 

Merdeka Square:

Spread in more than 1 KM it’s a perfect respite after your tiresome Jakarta exploration. Just go there and relax for some time and see the magic it brings to your mind. In case you have been to Tiananmen Square, Beijing and gotten that peace of mind then for sure you will also enjoy this place. You will get 5 times more than what you got in Beijing as it is 5 times bigger to Tiananmen Square.

Filled with footpaths, wooded areas and remarkable water spots probably you need more time and a comfortable shoe pair to walk around and explore this splendid hangout. It is also the best hangout to spend some time with your soul mate. 

Thousand Islands:

Your perfect escapade from the fast-paced life and it is usually something different to what you see in the mainland city that’s always happening. Situated on the city’s north coast these islands are places to stay close to nature. You have marvelous forests, serene golden beaches, yummy restaurants and more importantly lush greenery. Here, nature provides you with the chance to dip in the sunshine and relax to your heart. All nature lovers, photography freaks and trekkers don't miss this place.

Taman Mini Indonesia Park:

You need not read books or roam about the whole of Indonesia to know the culture and history of the land just visit this park and your cultural tour is finished. It is spread in 250 acres and gives you complete Indonesian tradition and heritage in on ego. It has IMAX theater, a detailed replica of the country’s archipelago, a cable car for you to roam and a conventional theater with one event or the other. 

So, with all these what more does one need. 

Ancol Dreamland: 

Irrespective of your age this is your theme park to visit. A visit here is a must when you are moving with kids. It has bowling arena, Ocean Dream Samudra, Fantasy World, Water Adventure Park, lot many roller coaster rides, beaches and aquarium. Apart from all these attractions it also gives you a chance to escape the harsh humid climate of the country as long as you are here. 

National Museum of Indonesia:

Close to Merdeka Square, this museum is the place where you have the chance to see historic exhibits. It has an incredible compilation of artifacts which present a detailed view of the country’s cultural lineage and history. If exploring history is your choice then this is a must-visit. While the Hindu-Buddhist architecture of the museum will mesmerize you the treasure room with breathtaking golden objects will astonish you. You also have a collection of prehistoric objects, ancient ceramics and weapons to stare at.  

To wind up your Jakarta visit, finish it with a visit to Jakarta Chinatown to explore Chinese traditions and culture in Indonesia. A visit to this place is like seeing Indonesia and China at once. 

10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make

If you are looking for a delicious dinner idea that will dirty very few dishes, then you are going to want to check these ideas out! I found 10+ Tasty Sheet Pan Meals to Make that you are going to want to try! These are all totally delicious dinners and they are so easy to clean up for the win!

Guys, I love my family. Like I love these people more than life itself. But, I am tired of washing their dishes and I have cooked a million meals since quarantine started. And I am over it all. I miss restaurants so much.  While they are open with limited seating here, I am still not taking my kids out just yet.

Sheet Pan Dinners have become my saving grace. They are so easy to make and there is basically no clean up.I have found some amazing options. From pork chops to salmon, these dinner ideas are perfect for feeding a family without the fuss. If you use a paper plate to make things even easier, there will be no judgment on my part. Make sure you click through the links to visit the posts. Share your favorites to show some love to the bloggers.


Pork Chops with Broccoli by Lynchburg Mama
Sheet Pan Breakfast Bake by Delicious on a Dime
One Sheet Asian Chicken by Domestic Superhero
One Pan Chicken Shawarma  by Spend with Pennies
Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos by We Dish It Up
Cajun Shrimp Sheet Pan Meal by Taste Galaxy
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Chicken and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner by Tastes of Lizzy T
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies by Live Laugh Rowe
Lemon Garlic Salmon by Love Bakes Good Cakes

Looking for more tasty stuff?
Don't miss these reader favorites:
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Blackberry Cheesecake Floats

Pine Cone Rescue Fine Motor Activity

This easy fine motor activity is perfect for keeping little hands busy without requiring any special materials! This Pine Cone Rescue is great for quarantine, or anytime you need to challenge little learners with simple supplies.

This is a super easy to set up activity, but let me be honest, this is HARD! It will challenge the kids and their fingers!  Last week my kids were restless and they were looking to argue with each other and I whisked them outside for a walk, hoping to get the ants out of their pants. 

It didn't work; they had a fight or three in the middle of the street. As the 6 year old picked up a pine cone to throw it at her older brother, inspiration hit me. Busy work was exactly what they needed!

Supplies:

Affiliate links are used, if you buy, I earn a small advertising fee.

Rainbow Loom Bands

Pine Cones

Directions:

Place the small rubber bands around the pine cones.

Add more bands for older kids, and fewer for younger kids.

Encourage your kids to rescue the pine cone.

Be sure to dispose of the bands properly after removal because they can pose a hazard to small kids and pets.

Removing the bands is challenging! So, this is a great activity for kids of all ages. 

You can find more boredom busters for kids here
Mermaid Tail
Leaf Foxes
Easy iPad Stands

Queen of Hearts Bookmark

These easy no sew queen of hearts bookmarks are perfect for making and sharing! Give a few as a gift, or keep a few near your bookcase.

Summer is here and I am loving the lazy mornings by the pool. As soon as the kids get up they are want to jump in and spend the day there. We often joke they are going to grow fins if they don't come out and dry off for a little while. I don't mind sitting pool side, observing the kids and reading a book.  So, in the warm months, book marks are essential to my life.

I wanted to make something a little bit fancier than a paper bookmark so I checked out my craft supplies and decided to make a few of these. They were so easy and required no sewing, but are substantial enough to not fly away on a windy day.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn an advertisers fee.

Supplies:

Wide Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun

Jump ring and clasp

Charm

Directions:

Cut a section of ribbon that is twice as long as the average book.

Fold the ribbon in half and liberally add hot glue.

Fold the ribbon over on to the hot glue and press.
At the end of the ribbon, insert a necklace clasp so that it just  barely hangs out of the ribbon.

Secure with hot glue.

Attach a jump ring to the clasp.
Attach the charm to the jump ring.
Secure with hot glue.

These are great for stashing around the house, where ever you like to relax and read.

These no sew bookmarks are also awesome to share. My husband is a school librarian and we love to make bookmarks to share with the kids, so I have a stockpile started for the day our kids can return to school and enjoy a visit to the school library.

You can find more craft ideas here

Reader favorites include:

Mermaid Tails

Paper Pizza Craft for Kids

8 Ways to Revamp Your Home and Reflect Your Family

A house isn’t really a home until you decorate it and make it your own. It takes months, sometimes,
years of tinkering with spaces before it becomes a space that you and your family can enjoy living in.

This is why you shouldn’t feel pressured to have everything set up in your home right away. Years later,

 you might come across a beautiful rug from your trip --one that you’ve always dreamed about and now
 it’s sitting beautifully beside your bed. Or you might receive a unique vase from a beloved family
 member, and you find that it perfectly suits your living room. There is always something to add to make
 your home reflect your family.


However, if it feels like your space is looking lackluster lately, there are some things you can do to
change that.


1. Add in personal mementos
Fll in dead spaces with your personal favorite items --things that bring you joy whenever you look at
them whether it’s your favorite books, a memorable item from your travels, a postcard from a friend,
your favorite scent. You’ll enjoy your home more when you catch sight of these items.


2. Get rid of the unnecessary
There are things that bring you joy, then there’s those that you feel ambivalent about, or really dislike.
Have a discussion with your family members so they have a say on the items they want to keep. Then
 by the end of it, dedicate a day to getting rid of this stuff. You can put them up for sale or donate them to
 your nearest charity.


3. Vote with your money
Anything that you bring into your home, make sure that it is in line with what you believe in. For example,
 if you’re trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, only purchase furniture that’s either secondhand or
 has been sourced ethically and made with sustainable materials. You only want to use products that reflect your family’s values. It just feels good to do so and makes domestic living more harmonious.


4. Take on a  DIY project
Dedicate a day in the week to work on the decor that you want in your home. There are plenty of DIY
projects you can work on. You can repaint your dresser, repurpose that extra wood in the garage, or
create a customized piece of furniture from scratch. Take your time on these as you want a finished
product that you’ll want displayed in your home.


5. Grow your own herbs
Take an inventory of the herbs that you often use in cooking and add pots of these in your kitchen. You’ll
 love watching them grow every day and it just feels great grabbing a few sprigs of herbs you need for
 that meal that you’re making.


6. Place flowers in a vase
Not the fake kind, please. The real thing is much, much better. Grab a bouquet of flowers from the
market and place them in a nice vase to put in your living room or kitchen. It instantly spruces up a
 room and will make you smile every time you come by it.


7. Frame pictures and artwork
Do you have a favorite print you’ve always wanted to display? How about some family vacation photos
 you’ve been meaning to get printed out? Now is the time to get them framed and display them on your
 walls. This adds warmth to a space and makes the space truly your family’s.


8. Light up a candle
Find a candle with your favorite scent and one that all your family members love. Light it up every now
and then so that it leaves a nice scent every time you enter a room. Every time you get a whiff of these
 fragrances, it’ll remind you of the cozy home you created with your family. 

Bonus:

Want to spice up your home decor? Try something unique, something you’ve never done before, like

using gorgeous Roman statues or figures. They will add character and a museum vibe to your interior 

decoration. You can top them off with other artworks, like paintings and sculptures, to complete the 

art-gallery look.

Which of these tips do you love the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.