When visiting my grandparents on Long Pond in Parsonfield, I quickly learned that lakes in Maine, including Southern Maine, were often referred to as ponds. What determines if a body is water is called a pond or a lake? Well, for starters, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection says … [Read more...] about List of Lakes in Southern Maine
Best Maine Lobster Shacks Near Portland
While Old Port offers some of the best lobster rolls in Portland, Maine, there are plenty of great rolls in other parts of the city and the surrounding communities. We moved beyond the Portland waterfront and checked out street carts, bona fide lobster shacks as well as sit down … [Read more...] about Best Maine Lobster Shacks Near Portland
Maine Blueberries
Whenever visiting my grandparents at their Maine home in the summer, we would often head out back to pick blueberries. No, they weren't blueberry farmers — actually, they were apple farmers. Instead, they had a patch of low bush blueberries growing naturally in their backyard. Even our dog Misty got … [Read more...] about Maine Blueberries
SUN Bucks for Maine Kids This Summer
One of the challenges for Maine families whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch at school is what to do when school lets out. With June around the corner and the last school day as well, there is a way that Maine families will be able to continue feeding their children without an … [Read more...] about SUN Bucks for Maine Kids This Summer
Surprising Places to Use SNAP EBT Benefits
Did you know that SNAP EBT benefits used to be called food stamps and that recipients can use those benefits to get healthy food in places other than supermarkets? Farmers markets are one of those unexpected places that take SNAP EBT — and many markets are opening for the spring season now. Here is … [Read more...] about Surprising Places to Use SNAP EBT Benefits
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids
While I grew up doing the summer reading program at my public library, these days you can experience the same kind of reading programs at booksellers, too. This includes at the new Barnes and Noble that just opened in South Portland earlier this month. The store is located in the former Bed, Bath … [Read more...] about Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids
Southern Maine Community Gardens
We just got back from visiting friends in Providence, Rhode Island. They had a hard time believing that we had just got leaves on the trees in Southern Maine, let alone that we hadn't even planted our vegetable garden yet. However, with winter-like weather expanding into May, it isn't always easy or … [Read more...] about Southern Maine Community Gardens
Maine Grocery Stores that Accept EBT Online
For the longest time, SNAP EBT recipients--in Maine or elsewhere--didn't have the option to shop at grocery stores online. Thankfully, the USDA has a SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program up and running now. This gives SNAP recipients the option to grocery shop online using SNAP EBT benefits. The … [Read more...] about Maine Grocery Stores that Accept EBT Online
How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries
Did you know that 99 percent of fresh blueberries picked in Maine are sold frozen? In fact, most are frozen within 24 hours of picking. That's why if you've ever gotten fresh Maine blueberries and didn't want to have them go to waste, you need to learn how to freeze them. Also, just because you … [Read more...] about How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries
Target Lowering Prices on Everyday Items
Despite reports from the federal government that inflation is improving, everyday shoppers like you and me probably aren't seeing that on an everyday level. For example, while shopping at Hannaford recently, I spied a can of whipped cream costing close to $7. Seven dollars. While the cost of … [Read more...] about Target Lowering Prices on Everyday Items
The Best Places to Visit in Maine
By some estimates, Maine has more than 3,000 miles of coastline. It is the most of any state in the lower 48. Given so much proximity to water, here are the best places to visit along the Pine Tree State’s seacoast in the summer. Visiting Maine’s big cities and small towns The Maine license … [Read more...] about The Best Places to Visit in Maine
Healthcare Worker Discounts
National Nurses Week (May 6-12) is the perfect time to share discounts that healthcare workers, including nurses, can enjoy year round. What is a healthcare worker discount? Those working in the medical field are able to save money when shopping at certain stores. All they need to do is confirm … [Read more...] about Healthcare Worker Discounts