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.  

Saying goodbye to summer can be a real bummer. It means the end of carefree days, warm summer nights and fun by the pool. Here are some ways you can make that summer feeling last longer.

Soak up the sun. Even though the days may start feeling cooler, plan activities that let you make the most of the warmest part of the day.

Savor the taste of summer.Snacking on Ruffles® BBQ potato chips will make you feel like you’re back by the pool! Enjoy these and all of our other delicious flavors.

Make a photo album. Look back at your photos from the summer and put the best into an album. As the days get shorter, you’ll have great memories of summer fun.

Stay active. During the summer, we tend to be more active. Make a plan now to carry this trend forward after the season officially ends.

Although you should take time to recharge your batteries all year round, summer is a particularly lovely time… for “me time”.

Drink your coffee outside. Instead of sipping your morning coffee while checking your phone or email, why not take it outside on the porch or balcony, and breathe for a few minutes while you savor it?

Take a stroll around the block. Get up and move throughout the day—and leave your phone behind you. It’ll help clear your head even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Power nap or relax. Just 15 minutes can do wonders. Bonus points if you can do it outside!

Enjoy your guilty pleasure. Be it catching up on gossip in a magazine, reading a book or watching an episode of your favorite show, take a few minutes to enjoy your guilty pleasure.

Munch on your favourite snack. Treat yourself to some Smartfood^® Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn flavored popcorn and savor every bite.

Are you hosting a 4th of July party this year? There are so many moving parts that you probably haven’t considered how to turn this year’s Independence party into an environmentally friendly bash. That’s where we come in!

1. CREATE YOUR OWN FROZEN TREATS AT HOME-RECIPES

Frozen treats are the perfect complement to sweaty summer days, however, many packaged popsicles and ice creams come with layers of plastic wrap that can’t be recycled. A fun, alternative to store-bought desserts are homemade sweets! You can make your own popsicles and frozen desserts at home with fruit juice, yogurt, and other common ingredients.

2. MAKE IT EASY FOR GUESTS TO RECYCLE

For every trash can, consider placing sorted recycling bins right next to it. You’ll want to use a bin for aluminum cans, one for plastics and one for paper items. This renewable party tip will eliminate any confusion your guests may have, and ensure your recyclables avoid the landfills this year.

3. SWAP OUT ONE-TIME USE PLASTICS

Instead, opt for using your regular washable dishes and cutlery.  If reusable dishes are just not an option, opt for compostable flatware made of corn, potato or bamboo. Be sure to look for these labels when purchasing.

4. REUSE AND REPURPOSE YOUR DECORATIONS

Instead of buying new decorations, use what you already have. White Christmas lights, flowers from your garden, or a bowl of bright-red strawberries, blueberries, and apples all look great!