13 Halloween Safety Tips

  Halloween is one of my kids favorite holidays - but it is also the most dangerous - so here are some quick tips to ensure you and your little ones have a safe and Happy Halloween!!

• Have adult supervision. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick-or-treat on their own.
• There is safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.
• Map out your plan. Designate a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.
• Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
• Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
• Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
• Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• Remember, shorter = safer.Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
• Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
• Quality-check treats. Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
• Say "no" to strangers.Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.
• Obey the law. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.
• Have a great time! Finally, make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy. 

(Courtesy of Kaboose)

Halloween Treats - fun for everyone!

 

Isn't this just too cute?? Click the picture to find out how to make your own!!

Halloween Crafts

Looking for some really GREAT Halloween crafts-costumes-recipes and more? Check out this place - they have it all!!

Super Mom

from DeviantART

Mom of 3 under 5 shares her tips

WAHM (Work-at-Home-Mom) Tips

#12 When you work in an office, going home is the signal that your work day is over. But if you are already home, work can easily stretch into the night and cause friction in family life. So when you work from home, set your work hours in advance. This gives your family an idea of when you are available and when you are not.
Setting working hours in advance can be as simple as making a mental plan at the beginning of each day or as complex as filling out a monthly schedule. But the key is to be realistic and factor in distractions and other tasks that will take time away from work. And sometimes you may have to work later than expected. It happens to everyone. But if your family knows your schedule it will seem more like an exception than the rule.

Want the rest? Click here.

Daily Stay at Home Mom schedule

Some things to remember when planning a daily Stay at Home Mom schedule:

1. Be flexible.
2. Don’t over schedule.
3. Schedule time for yourself.
4. Work within your and your child's personality.
5. Talk about your schedule with your significant other.
6. If you aren’t a morning person – don’t force it.
7. Establish routines: a morning routine, bedtime routine, dinner routine, etc.
8. Make sure your priorities are reflected within your daily schedule. Make sure to schedule quality time with God(if that's your thing), your husband, and children on a daily basis.
9. If all else fails – try, try, again. Don’t be afraid tweak your schedule throughout the day/week to come up with a permanent schedule that works with you and your family.

Developing a daily schedule can truly help to turn a life of chaos into a more productive – fulfilling – life!

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Vienna Art
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Me Time and The Best Romantic Novel Ever

For mom's it isn't always easy for us to find 'Me Time'. But when I do I love to read, I loved 'Eat. Pray. Love' the book was amazing! The movie was great - I love Julia Roberts!

But when I finished 'Eat. Pray. Love.' I was devastated - now what do I read? And if I don't find something quick my moments of 'me time' will vanish because I have nothing to do! Well, I was recommended the most amazing book! It is absolutely fabulous and if you enjoyed books like Eat Pray Love, The Notebook, The English Patient' or any other romantic travel novels, then you will devour 'Overland', it is by far the best romantic novel I have read thus far!

This is a story of a couple engaged to be married until she calls it off as she heads overland to Nepal! Danny Benson, who is just finishing up med school receives the letter from his fiance calling it off and he decides to go after her, and ends up on a journey he never dreamed of.

You just have to go pick it up! Tell everyone Krysten said so!

4 Things Every Stay-at-Home Mom Needs to Know

Thinking about becoming a stay-at-home mom? Many moms agree that while it can be a thankless job, it is also a richly rewarding experience -- one that they wouldn't trade for the world. Discover some of the best-kept secrets to stay-at-home success.

Sound good so far? The read more!

Relaxing evening for MOM

A great way to relax – is a bubble bath – a good book or music – maybe a glass of wine and some quite time.

If you have kids it is hard to get any time to yourself and even harder to find a night to yourself.

I suggest that you arrange things with your husband before hand or even a babysitter. To plan a night where the kids are taken care of and will not bother you – the kids could even be out of the house. Once the kids are taken care of then take time to plan the relaxing night by yourself – make sure it is special to you – even the planning should be special.

Plan what candles you want to use – the wine you want to drink – the music you want to listen to or the book you want to read – the bath oils or bubble bath you want – make sure the fragrance matches the candles.

Then relax and enjoy!!!

Tips for Busy Moms

If you are like me, work from home, run a household, shuttle kids, take care of animals, grocery shopping, yadda yadda yadda then check out this site: Busy Mom Tips, for some great ideas on how to simplify and even find some quality one-on-one 'me' time :)

Back-To-School

Is everyone ready? Do you have return students or little ones going for the first time?

'It's school time again! You're probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these "new" worries only stick around for a little while. Let's find out more about going back to school...(more)'

I hope these tips help everyone out! Happy New School Year!

A great site!!

While wandering around I found this great site, I will post the link here and add it to my links!

Swimming lessons at 31/2?

I know a lot of what I put here is other peoples thoughts and recommendations, mostly because as a newer mom I do not have many of my own. I look forward to hearing back from my readers in their comments about their own experiences of places they suggest to get more insight.
My kids are 1 and 3 and are the biggest goofballs. This summer we have been toying with the idea of getting our oldest some swimming lessons so we are ready to hit the pool next summer with out the water wings. When is it ok to start kids in swimming lessons? Too early at 3 almost 4 or have I already waited to late?

Good Eats

When it comes to nutrition, we keep it simple. We know you are busy juggling home, work and family. We focus on the basic principles of healthy eating. Our printable tips, healthy family goal sheets and trackers are practical and easy to implement. Healthcare professionals wrote all of our healthy eating and activity guides. Our dietitians are parents that understand the challenges of helping kids learn to eat healthy. They practice the balance between healthy food choices and keeping it fun with their own kids.

We believe in small, realistic changes because they are more sustainable and each small change adds to up a healthier child. There is room for all types of foods in a healthy diet, it is really about balance and amounts.

Family Health Tips

The best way to keep your family healthy is being knowledgeable. Read up on the latest health tips for your child, right here!

Top Ten Summer Boredom Busting Activities for Kids

Tried-and-true Activities for Younger Kids by Michelle Robinson

"Mommy, I'm bored...there's nothing fun to do..."

Sound familiar? If you are a parent of young kids, I would bet that you have heard this before. Especially during the summertime--sure, for the first couple of weeks after school ends, summer break is exciting to kids.
They are thrilled to be home all the time and able to relax and play all day. But after the newness of being out of school wears off, the boredom sets in for kids and that's when parents start hearing grumblings of discontent.

How do we handle the boredom? You can, of course, spend time playing with your children--board games are great for this--but that alone will not solve the issue. Kids need activities they can do on their own because parents do not always have the time to play; kids need to learn to occupy themselves (with parental supervision, of course).

So, I have compiled my top 10 boredom-busting activities for young kids. These are tried-and-true, both by my own children and by children I had in preschool and summer camp classes I used to teach. The activities I listed are best for younger children, I would say for ages 4 to 8--but, you can modify many of them to suit older kids.

1. Paint with water: This is an outside activity, best for a hot day. Give your child a small bucket of water (light enough for him to carry) and a paintbrush. Then tell him to go paint the fence, or the porch, or the sidewalk--or let him decide what to paint. This may not sound like a very exciting activity, but believe me--kids love it! Vary the size of paintbrushes you offer your child to keep him interested.

2. Vinegar water spray bottles: Think your kids don't like to clean? Try giving them their own spray bottle filled with a weak vinegar water solution (safe for kids and most household surfaces) and a rag and you will be amazed! My kids will actually ask if they can do this activity, and I had preschoolers in one of my classes as young as the age of 2 who had a blast doing this. You do need to make a rule or two, though--one of mine is "One spray, then wipe"--otherwise, the kids would be happy to just spray and spray...(more)

All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Diapers? Check. Endless supply of Goldfish crackers and juice boxes? Check. Puzzles, Barbie dolls and tiny plastic dinosaurs? Check, check, check.

Any parent knows that traveling with kids is an exercise in logistical planning. The good news is many all-inclusive vacation spots now exist that strive to understand what families need -- and provide it.

Tops on parents' wish list are activities to keep Junior occupied, a plentiful and always available supply of kid-friendly food (think buffet), family-friendly sleeping arrangements and even an extra set of hands to ensure Mom and Dad get a break too.

Catering to these needs -- and offering the bonus of a vacation tab that's nailed down in advance -- are all-inclusive family-oriented resorts. These establishments often feature fantastic pools, water sports and supervised kiddie clubs for the young ones, plus spas, fine dining and adult entertainment for their parents.

Deals vary, but your bill at most all-inclusive resorts includes lodging, food and drink (including alcoholic beverages), transportation to and from the resort, taxes, gratuities, non-motorized water sports, organized games and activities, kiddie clubs (though some resorts add a fee for this) and evening entertainment.

Taking advantage of these resorts lets parents spend less time thinking about where to eat and what their kids will do, and more time relaxing.

Below we've selected our top picks for resorts and resort companies that make time off with the kids as good as time off should feel.

Beaches Resorts
With its 3 family-focused properties in Jamaica and 1 in Turks and Caicos, all-inclusive Beaches caters to everyone in the family. An exclusive deal with Sesame Street means lots of opportunities to eat and play with the kids' favorite furry friends, from dinner with Elmo to staged shows and weekly parades with other Sesame Street characters. Beaches properties also offer Crayola Art camps, water parks (at Beaches Negril and Boscobel in Jamaica, with 1 coming soon to Beaches Turks and Caicos), water sports, multiple swimming pools (including kids-only pools), kids camps run by certified "ultra nannies," luxury family suites that sleep up to 5 people (Beaches Boscobel and Turks and Caicos) and a "Rockin' teen disco" (Beaches Boscobel), plus the usual -- sun, sand, surf and lots of food -- that you'd expect at a resort.

Club Med
This all-inclusive resort company boasts 8 properties that cater to families, offering up an assortment of features for kids and parents alike. Club Med's Baby Welcome program provides all the comforts of home -- crib, changing table, baby bath, bottle warmer and more -- in your room, plus microwaves, blenders, bottle warmers and kid seats in children's corners at resort dining spots. Select resorts also offer child care -- with face painting, games, puppet shows, arts and crafts, pajama parties and more -- for kids under 3 years old. There are programs for older kids too, with a Mini Club Med program for 4- to 10-year-olds that includes learning to fly the trapeze, soccer, sailing, in-line skating, science activities and other kid-centered fun. For older kids, Junior Club Med -- offered at no extra cost -- seeks to strike that balance between cool and safe while Passworld, offered at select resorts, presents teen-tailed activities like jewelry making, sound mixing and even graffiti work in exclusive areas built just for teens. There's also the Siesta Club, where you can leave your little ones in qualified hands to nap, listen to stories or cuddle up and watch a movie. And, of course, child-friendly Club Meds have kiddie meals; some even offer separate restaurants just for tiny diners.

FDR Pebbles
All-suite FDR Pebbles promises the usual appeal of sun, sand and sea, and the no-hassle attraction of an all-inclusive set-up, but with an added plus: every arriving family is assigned their own personal vacation nanny. The nanny is on duty all day to take over kid patrol in your suite or accompany your youngsters to the kids club, where they'll have their pick of games, books and activities. Teens and pre-teens have their own activities, including supervised trips to an outdoor campsite, beach parties, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, all-terrain bicycle trips and other field trips. That leaves Mom and Dad plenty of time to get a massage, read a book, tackle an adventure of their own or just enjoy a quiet meal -- in an adults-only restaurant -- without the constant chorus of little voices clamoring for attention. Be sure to check out their specials, which include a "Bring the grandparents for free" deal, "Family fly free" fall deal and family reunion package.

Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa
Surrounded on 3 sides by the glittering Caribbean, Dreams offers a luxurious setting that appeals to couples and families alike. They promise that "children are always welcome" at its Explorer's Club, a supervised program that keeps kids ages 3 to 12 busy with science and nature projects, as well as the usual array of games and activities (including a once-weekly camping adventure on the beach). For grown-up fun, there's a first-rate spa -- although you'll have to pay extra to use it -- fine dining, and a variety of land and water sports. Best of all is the newest attraction: the dolphinarium, a gleaming lagoon that's home to 5 dolphins. Book a room in 1 of the dolphin-view rooms and watch them frolic from your terrace. You can also take part in the Dolphin Experience, which offers a rare chance to swim with the dolphins.

(Article Courtesy of Travel Channel)

The Frugal Girls: Buget Friendly Summer Fun

Click below to learn more:)

Safety Basics

Safety Tips below are for 'Big Kids ages 5-9 at Home' but this site lets you choose any age group, any risk area and any location. Check it out for more tips:

Burn Prevention for Big Kids At Home

Flame burns (caused by direct contact with fire) are more common among older children. Because young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply. There are several precautions parents and caregivers can take to keep children safe from burns.
Learn More



Falls Prevention for Big Kids At Home

As children get older, they become more active and play in larger groups. But even when little kids grow bigger, their motor skills are still developing. Head injuries are associated with most deaths and severe injuries resulting from falls. Learn how to keep your child safe from fall-related injuries.
Learn More



Fire Prevention for Big Kids At Home

Big kids are curious about fire. Teaching your children about the hazards of playing with matches and other flammable materials, as well as practicing a fire escape route with your family, can help prevent accidents and injuries.
Learn More



Poison Prevention for Big Kids At Home

Big kids may spend more time without adult supervision. You can best protect your children by keeping harmful substances out of their sight and reach, and by testing for lead and carbon monoxide.
Learn More

Sanity Tips for Eating Out With the Kids

By Marion Winik

http://www.clubmom.com

Believe me when I tell you that the young gentlemen of my household, ages 12 and 9, are not cosmopolitan or gourmands. The best thing you could ever pack in their lunch boxes is a nice cold package of Lunchables, and they love beef jerky, french fries, and pizza. But - here's the surprise - they also sometimes get a yen for sushi, tofu, fried calamari, artichokes, Mexican food, or dim sum. They love to eat out, and they love to eat well.

I'm afraid I can't attribute their tastes to any exceptional quality of their attitudes or palates. I guess it's simply a result of continued exposure to these foods and environments. According to Isobel Contento, a professor of nutrition education at Columbia University's Teachers College in New York City, "Continued exposure to new foods is extremely important. Research suggests that children sometimes need to be exposed to food ten to fifteen times before they develop a liking to the food."

Research by Contento and many of her colleagues supports my hunch: Any kid can learn to dine out and enjoy a broader range of foods, if given the chance. Unfortunately, resisting the temptation to feed kids only "kid food" ordered from "kid menus" at "kid-friendly" restaurants is no piece of Tastycake. But if you don't, you wind up with kids whose narrow palates and general cluelessness about restaurant behavior are the self-fulfilling prophecies of Ronald, Wendy, and the Colonel.

I love going out to eat, but I don't love anything that comes in a nugget or is served in molded plastic. My solution is this: While we do consume our share of burgers and pizza, our family also patronizes real restaurants. If you're ready to try something a little more civilized and adventurous than another trip to KFC, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Tasting Tips for Kids

The journey of a thousand meals begins with a single bite - or something like that. Here are some clues to guiding that first morsel safely into the hangar.

* Don't make a huge deal out of the new food in question. Start simply - just let your kids see the grown-ups eating and enjoying it.

* While you don't want to flat-out lie, remember the old "tastes like chicken" ploy. You might say in your most casual tone, "Want a bite?" Then, when you're asked what it is, say, "It's like steak" (in other words, it's venison). Or try, "Taste a bite and see if you can guess."

* Never eschew bribes: "A quarter for the first person who can guess what it is." "Taste it and you can pick the dessert."

* If they absolutely hate it, do not make them eat it. If they're not sure, you might suggest a second taste, perhaps with soy sauce, pepper, or lemon to personalize the flavor.

Rules for Restaurants

Want to get your kids through an eating-out experience without a meltdown? Here are a few guidelines to make it more fun for everyone.

* Do keep paper and crayons or pens in your purse at all times. This way, the gimmick of kid-friendly restaurants is yours anywhere. Older kids can play hangman and "dots."

* Don't make a federal case about dressing up. Most restaurants these days don't mind casual clothes, and by choosing one with a relaxed dress code, you'll eliminate one area of dissent.

* Don't let kids have too much sugary soda before the food arrives.

* Don't let the waitperson serve meals to the kids first. If you do, the timing will get screwed up: They'll lose patience before you've finished your main course.

* Don't bring other kids who have more limited palates than your own do. You don't want to get an "ew" thing going.

* Do allow a field trip or two to the bathroom or the lobby. Accompany your kids the first time to demonstrate acceptable behavior.

* Don't let your child order some expensive item she's never had before without having her first try an appetizer or tasting portion.

Welcome...

This site will be dedicated to bettering your life, your partners life, your kids life and maybe even your pets life. Covering topics from great places to visit single, couples and families to health tips, tricks and advice and everything in between.

Feel free to add your own ideas, or websites you have found helpful- we just may add them here too:)

Thank you for visiting.