Busy Moms Tips

Bubble Away Boredom

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:37:00 +0000

Nights are longer and the weather is warmer – and the kids are getting antsy. Alas, summer must be here heralding cries of “I’m bored,” “There is nothing to do,” or “Do we have to go there?” Time to break out the dish soap and conjure up batches of bubble solution!

You can do this by taking 2/3 cup of dish soap (Dawn or Joy seem to work better than most brands); 1 tablespoon of glycerin (available at most grocery and drug stores); and 1 gallon of water. Mix the solution together and let the fun begin!

Look for interesting “wands” the kids can blow through such as a funnel or large slotted spoon. Metal coat hangers and floral wire can be molded into fun shapes. The green mesh baskets that strawberries come in or Styrofoam cups with a hole cut out of the bottom are also handy. Half the fun will be searching for items that can be used as bubble wands.

Create bubble “art” by adding a few drops of food coloring to the solution and having the kids catch the bubbles on a sheet of paper; let it dry and wah-la! (Note: this is definitely an outdoor activity because the coloring may cause stains.)

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Tips for Using Magazine Perfume Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Women’s magazines have been featuring perfume samplers tucked in between their glossy pages for decades as an unobtrusive way to entice buyers to try their products. Not only are these fragrant little sheets a great way to “window shop” while sitting in your PJs, they can also be used in a myriad of other ways:

Open them up and tuck them in your suitcase to dispel musty odors while keeping clothes and lingerie smelling pretty
Sample the perfume by rubbing the sampler on your skin and then save your favorites to refer to later as a “wishlist”
Tuck them into dresser drawers (especially lingerie)
Forego pricey car fresheners and stash a sampler under the car seat
Place one in your purse for fragrance on-the-go
Store them in shoes – especially those stinky sneakers and high-top boots
Slip one inside of a pillowcase for sweet-smelling dreams
If you put seasonal clothes in storage, tuck one inside the box before closing it up
Perfume samplers even make fragrant bookmarks!

You can also pick up perfume sample sheets in your favorite department store by asking the clerk to spray select fragrances on individual cards that you can take home and reuse. Or if you prefer, you can to use your own personal fragrance by simply spritzing your perfume on a piece of tissue paper or index card.

Five Low-Carb Breakfast Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:44:00 +0000

For quite some time my doctor has encouraged me to adopt a low-carb lifestyle which I have resisted until recently. Lunch and dinner have been relatively easy to manage with low-carb alternatives; however, breakfast is somewhat of a challenge because of the morning rush activities. There really isn’t enough time to whip up a veggie frittata or Eggs Florentine. Besides, I would be the only one eating any of those since the rest of my family are dedicated cereal crunchers. So here are five quick and easy low-carb breakfast ideas I have come up with:

Fruits: If your low-carb diet plan allows fruits (mine does in limited quantities), try spooning some cottage cheese over a slice of cantaloupe. This is so yummy! You can also mix a spoonful of berries with plain Greek yogurt (fewer carbs than traditional yogurt) or one of the low-carb yogurts such as DANNON® Light & Fit®.

Egg Sandwich: This requires a little pre-planning because you will need to boil or scramble your eggs the night before. Then, in the morning toast one or two slices of low-carb, multi-grain bread and layer thinly sliced hard boiled eggs over one slice. Or spoon on some scrambled eggs that have been reheated a few seconds in the microwave. Add a slice of cheese and either cover with the second slice of bread or eat open-face style.

Ham and Cheese Roll-ups: Take a slice of deli-style ham and layer a slice of cheese over top. Then just roll up and eat 2 or 3 of these for a fast, super easy breakfast. You can also spoon some cottage cheese or pre-cooked scrambled eggs over the cheese slice before rolling up. For lunch, I also like to wrap the ham and cheese in a lettuce leaf and add a dribble of peanut sauce.

Vegetable Frittata: Okay, I know I said there wasn’t enough time to whip up a frittata in the mornings, and that’s true. Unless you do it on a weekend morning or some other convenient time. Then you can cut the frittata into wedges, freeze each one individually and reheat in the microwave on a busy morning before rushing out of the door. Check out these easy instructions on how to Make a Frittata at About.com.

Low-Carb Cereal: For die-hard cereal lover fans, there are several low-carb cereals at the supermarket that are actually quite tasty such as Kellogg's® Special K® ProteinPlus cereal. They even have a $1-off coupon! Pour some yummilicious almond or soy milk over a bowl and enjoy.

Other ideas for eating a low-carb breakfast on the run are precooked packages of bacon or sausage which only take a few seconds to heat in the microwave; cheese sticks; hard-boiled eggs; or frozen multi-grain muffins or pancakes that can be easily thawed and heated.

A protein shake or smoothie is another low-carb breakfast option that can be easily made with a cup of almond or soy milk, a scoop of protein powder, and some frozen fruit such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. After combining the ingredients, give them a whirl in the blender and drink it on your way to work.

Things You Should Never Buy Used

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Everyone loves a good bargain, especially during these tough economic times. Often, some of the best bargains can be found at garage sales and thrift shops for a fraction of the cost they would be if you bought them brand-new.

However, some items should never be bought used because of unknown safety risks. Most people know that used car seats can be problematic because one out of ten has been involved in a car accident making them unreliable in the event of another accident. The same rule applies to used tires – if they have been involved in one car accident then there is a high risk of instability in another.

Something else to think about is purchasing a used mattress. With the high infestation of bed bugs being reported around the country, there is no telling if you would be bringing home some unpleasant house pests. Plus, the mattress can be a host to the former resident’s sweat, grime, bacteria, and other unmentionable fluids. Best to just purchase the used bedroom furniture and look for a new mattress on sale.

There are quite a few more used items you should cross off your list, so click the following link for a list of Reader’s Digest 10 Things You Should Never Buy at Garage Sales.

Tips for Moms to Eat Healthy and Stay Fit on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:08:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I find it pretty tough keeping up with the stress of being Superwoman all the time. So many of us are bringing in an income, raising our children, and keeping the house clean (sort of), while running a slew of errands and trying to find something to put on the dinner table every night.

However, with all of that going on one of the first things many women start to let slide is their own health. Eating healthy and hitting the gym often goes out the window when moms are too busy to take time out for themselves. Below are some great tips for all of us to eat healthy and stay in shape while on the go:

1. Fast Food doesn’t have to mean high calorie. There are some great apps out now that help busy folks make better food choices when they have to grab food on the go. Of course, cooking at home is still the best option, but with the handy-dandy apps available on your smart phone you can still keep track of the nutrition information at all of your local fast food chains. Don’t get fooled into eating a thousand calorie salad, when there are healthier options. It only takes a few seconds to check out the restaurant, and then you can go in with a solid plan for getting the most nutrition with the least amount of calories.

2. Always keep good snacks in your bag. A great way to avoid chowing down on a juicy Big Mac is to keep some nice, healthy snacks within easy reach during the day. It can be easy to forget to grab a meal and sometimes food is a matter of opportunity. Give yourself the tools to eat healthy even while on the run.

3. Switch to water. Busy moms on the go often forget to carry the obligatory bottle of water, so always keep a bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated. Not only will this help keep up your energy levels, but it will also help flush out toxins that accumulate in the body. When you switch to drinking water you get all the hydration benefits and none of the calories that fill sodas and juices.

4. Keep moving. Even when you don’t have time to hit the gym there are lots of ways to keep your body toned and fit. Take the stairs whenever possible to get the cardio benefit and work out the gluteus muscles. Take a nice brisk walk during your lunch hour to get in some extra exercise and clear your head for the rest of the day. Use a headset for telephone calls so you can walk instead of sitting down at your desk. There are also some great pieces of exercise equipment that can fit under your desk so that you can keep working even in a seated position.

It isn’t easy to juggle all the responsibilities when you work and raise a family, but keeping up with your health isn’t optional. Stay healthy so that you can keep up with your busy lifestyle.

When Your Child is too Sick to go to School

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

Death, taxes and sick children; the certainties in life. These things are inevitable so you need to have a game plan for all three contingencies. For example, when you have a sick child but can’t stay home with them, plan in advance who will take care of them when school or daycare is out of the question. Sending them to school sick doesn’t count as a game plan.

A child should not return to school until he/she has been fever-free and/or hasn’t vomited for 24 hours. Also, you should not send a child to school who has an uncontrolled cough, has green or yellow mucus, eye drainage, a sore throat, earache, explosive diarrhea, an undiagnosed rash, or is lethargic and mopey.

Sending a sick child to school isn’t fair to…

The teachers/staff
The other students who are exposed to your child’s illness
Most of all - your child! A sick child needs to know they can recuperate in comfort and in the amount of time needed. Otherwise you’ll only prolong the illness and cause them to do less than their best at school.

If you’re fortunate enough to have an understanding employer who allows for family sick days, count your blessings. But if you’re not, you need to implement a “sick day game plan” using one or more of the following ideas to assure you and your child are comfortable with how sick days are handled.

1. Whenever possible, let Dad take a turn staying home. Also, consider working in shifts. Perhaps Dad could go to work in the morning and then come home so that Mom can take the afternoon shift.

2. It would be great if you have the luxury of having grandparents or other relatives living close by. If so, make arrangements for one or two of them to be an alternate caregiver on days you can’t stay home. Older relatives are generally happy to accommodate and will provide plenty of TLC to make the day as pleasant as possible.

3. Offer to pay a trusted friend or neighbor such as a stay-at-home mom whose children are in school all day. Ask her to come to your home to avoid spreading germs to her household. If she won’t accept the pay, flowers or a gift card are definitely in order.

4. Find out if there someone in your church who might consider helping out on occasion. Naturally, you should offer compensation as added incentive.

The key to a successful sick day game plan is to have everything worked out in advance, and perhaps even a second back-up plan in case your first one doesn’t work out. Of course, you may not know you need to put the plan into play until waking your child for school, so your caregiver needs to understand she may have very short notice. In other words, whoever you plan to ask should have agreed prior to being needed.

Naturally, there’s no one like mom when a little one is sick, so whenever possible give them that special attention. But when life gets in the way make it easier for everyone by having a prearranged game plan worked out. Your family will be most appreciative!

Start Living Green in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:48:00 +0000

“Green Living, Going Green, Eco-Friendly, and Environment Footprints.” These topics have become so popular newsletters, tips, websites, blogs and even reality shows are constantly being launched to educate the masses on how we can save the planet. Though some people have adopted solutions such as wearing organic clothing or buying eco-friendly cars, there are a number of things you can implement on a smaller level to start off the New Year by living green.

Turn Off Appliances. People are generally conscientious about saving electricity; however, there is still a great deal of effort that needs to go into eliminating phantom electricity – a/k/a standby power. This is the energy that is silently used when your electrical appliances are on standby, such as with TV’s, laptop chargers, coffee pots, AC’s and many other home appliances. Although the individual amount of consumption is negligible the aggregate amount can add up to 22 percent of all appliance consumption. If you don’t want to walk around the house shutting off different appliances with the remote or power button, another simple solution for conservation of energy is turn off the appliances from the main power switch before walking out of the door.

Use Eco-Friendly Products. If you’re willing to be a green consumer the benefits to the environment are endless. There is no limit to the power consumers have when making educated decisions on the products they purchase. By showing industries that consumers are only going to buy products which are healthy for the environment, companies will be forced to change their manufacturing strategies along with the final product. Being a green consumer is quite simple. Try buying products with little or recycled packaging along with those that cause little pollution to produce. Educate yourself by finding out about the companies you regularly buy from and make sure they have some form of environment friendly goal or statement on their website.

Educate the Kids. Along with educating yourself you should educate your children on adopting a green lifestyle, as well. Instilling the importance of green living at an early age will ensure that children grow up to be responsible adults who will carry on the effort that you started. The enthusiasm of children is a great trait to use in getting them involved in activities such as recycling, ‘electricity monitoring’ duty, or even starting an organic garden at home or at school.

Recycle, reduce, reuse. Recycling was perhaps the first smart step taken by most people in saving the environment and truly living green. With more and more green living tips available the importance of this simple and proven step is sometimes forgotten. Other than the standard recycling of plastic, paper, and glass in recycling bins it is important to remember that glass bottles can be recycled in the kitchen, paper can be reprinted on, and even food scraps can be recycled to make compost for the garden. Keep your creative mind open in other ways to recycle everyday items at home; almost everything can have a second life.

Healthy Eating and Drinking. The choices you make for food and drink consumption may not seem to be the most obvious ways to live green but taking little steps such as decreasing the frequency of eating out, drinking less soda, and drinking filtered tap water or buying water in large bottles will significantly reduce your carbon footprint on the Earth. Buying things at the local farmer’s market not only increases your green living style but also supports the farmers as well.

There are many ways you can become a smarter, more proactive citizen of the Earth. The small steps taken each individual will help solve the puzzle to saving the environment. Keep yourself up to date with other simple techniques that can be implemented both at home and in the office. For more green living tips check out the article, Which is Greener? for some interesting and economical ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Tips on Keeping your Pets Safe During the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:46:00 +0000

The holidays should be fun for everyone including our favorite canines and felines. By taking appropriate safeguards, you can ensure they are safe and stress-free with these helpful tips:

1. Keep tree ornaments out of reach. If your pet shows interest in the tree and all of those dangling things, hang wooden and fabric ornaments on the bottom of the tree to reduce the risk of your pet chewing on glass or plastic. Also, don’t use tinsel because that can be toxic. Anything unfamiliar and shiny has the potential to be a play toy in your pet’s eyes.

2. Keep cords bound together and tucked away so pets won’t get tangled in them causing damage to themselves and/or your home. If your pets are left alone in your home during the day, make sure all exposed cords are unplugged.

3. If you give an edible gift to someone with an indoor dog or cat, let them know so they will not put the gift under the tree where it might be ‘opened’ early. Pets (especially dogs) can pick up the scent of food through layers of wrapping paper or even decorative tins.

4. Keep cedar and pine needles swept up so that pets will not ingest them. Evergreen needles and pine cones are dangerous to your pet’s digestive track.

5. If you have a real tree, don’t use additives in the water because animals will drink from the tree stand. As an alternative, you can take an aluminum pie tin, cut a slit from edge to center and fit around the tree stand, or cover it with aluminum foil.

6. Don’t leave open bowls or trays of cookies and candies out for mischievous pets to get into.

7. Holly and poinsettias are toxic, so please keep them away from pets.

8. This may sound like a no-brainer, but don’t neglect your pet in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Seriously, you would be surprised how many people forget to:

Make sure pets are walked and exercised regularly
Make sure pets are taken out to relieve themselves on a normal schedule
Make arrangements for pets to be cared for if traveling over the holidays

Finally, relax and spend some quality time with your pet. Although they will appreciate holiday treats (healthy ones, of course) and cute toys, the gift of time spent with you will be the best gift of all.

For more tips on keeping your pet safe and warm during this cold, winter season, check out these Chilly Dog Tips.

Make Good Use of Thanksgiving Leftovers

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Flickr / Muffet

The day after Thanksgiving is both the best and worst day of the year. It’s the best day because of all the bargains to be had on Black Friday. And yes, even the most skeptical have to concede that there are bargains to be had. It’s also the worst day if you’re the one who is left to deal with all of those Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. But this year you don’t need to go out of your way to hide turkey and sweet potatoes in every meal for the next three days. Instead, consider some of the following:

1. Give the leftovers away. Prior to Thanksgiving, make arrangements with a local shelter to bring plates by for residents. Then, after dinner, fix plates of food (using sturdy paper plates), seal and deliver. Or perhaps your local fire department would appreciate some good, homecooking.

2. Don’t have leftovers. While you don’t want to run out of food, don’t over-prepare. If you’re having eight people for dinner, cook for eight to ten – not fifteen to twenty.

3. Save the broth. Keep the broth from the turkey, including the yummy tidbits and freeze what is left so that it retains its moisture and flavor. You can do the same with corn, sweet potatoes and dressing. Then, on a cold, winter night when you don’t feel like cooking, pull it out, thaw, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time. Some desserts can also freeze well. But then again, when is there ever any dessert left over?

4. Don’t ‘suffer’ alone. Send goodie bags home with every family. No one can say ‘no’.

5. Throw leftovers away. No, not everything, but there is no use in taking up space in the refrigerator to store food that won’t be eaten and end up getting thrown out anyway. If it can’t be frozen or given away, set aside what will actually be eaten over the next two or three days and get rid of the rest. This may seem wasteful, but it’s now or later, right?

Here are some additional ways to make use of leftovers:

1. Replace the chicken in your favorite chicken pot pie recipe with turkey.

2. Shred the turkey and simmer in barbeque sauce. Serve on toasted buns with leftover veggies.

3. Mashed potatoes are delicious when served in the form of potato pancakes before hitting the mall, or even a breakfast for supper type menu after you’ve shopped till you dropped.

4. Add the turkey to the dressing, bake till crusty on top and serve with leftover sweet potatoes that have been mashed and seasoned with melted butter.

5. Make a tasty chowder with leftover turkey, broth, gravy and veggies. Add additional canned broth and/or veggies, if necessary.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Add additional holiday flavor to your Thanksgiving table with these fun and creative ideas for festive centerpieces:

1. Fill empty jelly jars with candy corn and stick taper candles in the center, gently pushing the bottom of the candle to the bottom of the jar. Fix enough of these to go the entire length of your table, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. NOTE: Select candles in fall colors.

2. Hollow out a white pumpkin, place a piece of floral foam inside and secure yellow and white roses in the foam. Add water. On either side of the pumpkin arrangement, sprinkle rose petals and scatter miniature pumpkins and/or gourds down the center of the table.

3. Fill a three-tiered candy dish with miniature gourds and pumpkins. Accent with colorful leaves gathered out of the yard. NOTE: Silk leaves from the craft store will also work.

4. Purchase several pillar candles in different fall colors and different sizes. Brush a layer of glue around each candle (one at a time) 2-4 inches in height, approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the candle. Roll the candles in a variety of the following: Dried peas, pinto beans, black beans, Indian corn, popcorn, sunflower seeds (in the shell). Cover the glued area and dry completely. Prepare enough of these candles to a) go the entire length of your table or b) arrange 5-7 of them on a tray in the center of the table.

5. A large colorful mum placed in the center of the table with Thanksgiving-themed wired ribbon trailing down each side. Scatter miniature candy bars in fall wrappers among the ribbon.

6. Fill a wicker basket with apples, pears, fall leaves, miniature pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn.

7. Place small to medium sized pots of mums inside hollowed pumpkins.

8. Hollow out large apples to hold votive candles. Place 6-8 inches apart the entire length of your table and scatter cinnamon sticks and fall leaves among them.

9. Fill a large clear glass vase (at least 10 inches tall) with dried beans or corn. Insert a faux tree branch securely in the vase. Tie miniature pumpkins from the ‘arms’ of the branch. NOTE: You’ll need to make sure you balance the weight so it doesn’t topple over.

10. Fill small clear glass bowls and jars with dried beans and seeds. Layering with different colors is extra nice. Place a white votive or pillar candle in each. Do 5-7 of these to arrange in the center of the table.

Thanksgiving Strategies for Your Holiday Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of feasting with family and friends. It’s a time to gather together in thanks for all of life’s blessings, for the freedoms we enjoy in out great nation and for the fruitful abundance we have.

Thanksgiving can also be a season of stress if you try to take on too much with all of the meal planning and preparation. Often, the holiday ends up being anything but a time of festive enjoyment for the cook/hostess of the day. Don’t let that be the case this holiday season. Implement a few of the following tips into your Thanksgiving holiday plans and you’ll find yourself with time on your hands:

Prepare more of less. Instead of having a dozen different dishes, have the traditional turkey and dressing potatoes with three or four family favorites, salad, bread and dessert. Maybe three different pies are necessary, but six Jell-O salads are not.

Delegate. Just because the meal is being served in your home doesn’t mean you have to prepare it all. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask each family unit to provide one or two of the side dishes to go with the turkey and dressing you prepare. And most people appreciate being included in the process.

Be non-traditional. You can be just as thankful over a bowl of homemade chili or vegetable soup and a afternoon of family Olympics, as you can with turkey and all of the fixin’s.

Celebrate your family’s history. America is the melting pot of the world. If your family is of Scandinavian decent serve a traditional Scandinavian meal with Danish red cabbage and a lingonberry sauce. If they’re Irish, go with corned beef and cabbage. Chinese-Americans might prefer Peking Duck and spiced carrots. You get the picture.

Advance preparation. No matter what you decide to fix, do as much of the cooking ahead of time as possible. The turkey doesn’t have to come straight from the oven in one piece. Cook it the day before, slice it and marinate it in its own juices. Sealed tightly, it can be warmed in the over and taste just as moist and fresh as if it were just baked Thanksgiving morning. Pies can be done a day or two ahead of time, as can Jell-O salads and deviled eggs. Most vegetables can be heated and served quickly and easily, and peeling all those potatoes the night before also helps save time. If you’re trying a new recipe, make sure it has been tested in advance.

The key to planning for Thanksgiving dinner or any other event is simplicity. Trying to take on more than you’re comfortable with can lead to frustration and disappointment. All great feasts begin with a well-thought out plan, so start writing yours out today. And be sure to share some of your tips with us!

For some great Thanksgiving recipes visit our sister site, Busy Moms Recipes!

Tricks to Handing out Healthy Halloween Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:17:00 +0000

iStockphoto / Sean Locke

Everyone knows that candy is a Halloween staple, and nowadays it seems to be in a food group all its own. But with one-third of the children in the United States extremely overweight or obese, maybe it’s time to consider some healthy alternatives that won’t get your house TP’d.

Most kids (especially their parents) will be just fine with nutritious snacks. However, you should use caution when passing out food items that could cause allergic reactions in some children such as peanuts, milk, or wheat. Just make sure the contents or ingredients are easily identified, even if that means sticking a label on the wrapper or bag.

Here is a list of healthy Halloween treats you can give out at the door or send to your child’s school or preschool class:

Popcorn: Add a little salt and seal in a decorative baggie.
Nuts: Roasted peanuts still in the shell are always fun to eat. Or you can use the pre-packaged individual bags of nuts.
Apples or oranges
Individual packages of snack crackers
String cheese sticks, individually packaged
Lunch-sized bags of pretzels
Baggies with carrot sticks (and maybe even little packets of dip to go with them)
Baggies of celery sticks with peanut butter packets
Beef jerky sticks
Animal crackers in cute little party bags or plastic baggies decorated with stickers
Juice boxes
Yogurt covered raisins
Fruit snacks: Only a few brands actually have real fruit juice and they all contain sugar, but it’s still a better alternative than candy corn.
Cereal bars: There are several varieties to choose from.

When you’re thinking about healthy alternatives, you can take it a step farther and hand out non-food items. Fun little trinkets gives kids something to do long after they’ve brushed the last of the chocolate out of their teeth. Companies like Oriental Trading can be a valuable (and inexpensive) source for treats of this nature. So can your local dollar store. Some suggestions are:

Temporary tattoos
Fingernail decals for the girls and stickers for the boys
Glow sticks
Halloween pencils or erasers
Mini packets of crayons and a coloring sheet or booklet
Bubbles
Bouncy balls
Coupons for fast-food ice cream treats

Halloween is among a kid’s favorite days of the year. Make it fun and safe with a healthy treat they’ll love!

Tips on Making Pumpkins Last

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Pumpkins are one the best things of the fall season. The bright orange orbs (and sometimes green or white) are an easy and festive way to decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Plus they yield tasty treats such as pumpkin pie, cookies, bread and pumpkin seed brittle.

Pumpkins that are not carved are relatively easy to care for and often last through Thanksgiving. Tips on prolonging the life of a pumpkin are:

Set pumpkin(s) on a solid surface so the skin doesn’t get nicked or punctured. Once that happens they will begin to deteriorate quickly.
If you live in an area where there is medium to heavy frost at night, lay a blanket over the pumpkins that are outside in the yard or on the porch at night. Remove the covering shortly after the sun comes up each morning.
If you live in a warmer climate in the southern region, place the pumpkins in a cool, shaded area. Keeping them in an air conditioned environment is even better.
You can also spray clear acrylic spray over the pumpkins to help them last longer. It makes them shinier, too!

Most likely, you’ll carve at least one of your pumpkins into a Jack-o-lantern or some other artistic masterpiece. Caring for carved pumpkins takes a bit more work. After all, carving your pumpkin includes removing its ‘brains’ (the slimly fibers inside), so the little guys can’t take care of themselves anymore. Preserve your carved pumpkins by:

Keeping it on a solid surface so the skin doesn’t get nicked or punctured.
Once the brains and seeds are removed, coat the inside with either petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening or a commercial pumpkin preserving spray. The spray can be purchased at most floral supply shops or online. Using one of these methods will keep your pumpkin looking fresh for approximately 2-3 weeks.
Keep the pumpkin hydrated and protected against mold with a bleach wash every day. This will also preserve your “veggie art.” Mix 2 tablespoons bleach with a gallon of water. Set the pumpkin in the mixture for a few minutes each day, and voila! However, if this is a lot of trouble or if the pumpkin is too big, spray your pumpkin inside and out each day with bleach household cleaning spray.
Clean and treat the pumpkins inside and out. And don’t forget to do the underneath side of the lid.
Keep your pumpkin safe from frost by bringing it in at night or covering it with a towel or blanket.

Just remember that a carved pumpkin is fruit that’s been cut. And once it has been cut it is only going to last so long before mold and deterioration set in. Instead of carving your pumpkin, consider painting funny faces or creative designs using acrylic paints or even permanent markers.

No matter how long they last (or not), this fall produce will always be a favorite of children and adults everywhere. Pumpkins are great fun, so enjoy!

6 Tips For Preventing Or Stopping Runs In Your Tights

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Runs in tights or hosiery can happen at any time. Nearly every women who's ever worn tights knows that sinking feeling that you get when you realize you've got a run in your hosiery. Although a run is almost always eventually inevitable, you can prolong the life of your tights with these tips.

Tip #1: Hairspray

Many women report that the first thing they do is to spray their hosiery down with hairspray. Although any kind works well, an aerosol can provides the best coverage with the least amount of work. It's thought that hairspray strengthens the fibers in the hosiery, making them resistant to runs and tears and many women spray them both before and after they've put their hosiery on. Hairspray is also reported to stop runs after they've started, although that method isn't as well-known as the next tip.

Tip #2: Clear Nail Polish

If you're wearing tights, a small bottle of clear nail polish should be your best friend. A little dab of nail polish will stop a run in its tracks so it's an excellent way to keep a run from expanding and ruining the entire pair. Although clear nail polish is best because it's invisible, colored polishes can also work, as long as the run is in a spot covered by your skirt, pants or shoes. Take care when removing your tights since the nail polish can sometimes cause them to stick to your legs. Although you might be tempted to pull quickly, like you would with a bandage, this could weaken the fibers in the tights. Pull slowly -- it will only hurt for a second.

Tip #3: Hand Wash, Hang Dry

When washing your tights or hosiery, take care to hand wash each time. The constant friction caused by a washing machine can weaken your tights, making them vulnerable to runs and rips. Some people are tempted to use a lingerie bag or pillowcase, and while this can do in a pinch, the best washing method truly is by hand. Take care to use lukewarm water, not hot and always hang dry. The heat from your dryer is bad news for hosiery.

Tip #4: Keep Nails Neat And Remove Jewelry

When working with your hosiery (either putting them on or washing them) take care to remove your jewelry and make sure your nails and cuticles are neat. Trimmed nails mean there's less for the hosiery to snag on and removing your jewelry just makes good sense. How many times have you accidentally caught your rings on something, whether it's a sweater or a pair of hosiery? If your heels are rough and calloused, get yourself to the closest nail salon for a pedicure - it's not just nails that can snag your tights.

Tip #5: Reinforce The Toe

One great tip combines an old pair of hosiery with a new one to create an extra reinforced toe. If your hosiery is constantly ripping or running in the toe area, cut off the toes of an old pair and put your 'toe protectors' on first. Your toes will have double the protection and no one will notice if you're wearing a pair of closed toe shoes.

Tip #6: Keep A Spare Handy

Okay, it's not exactly a tip on how to keep runs from happening, but eventually, even the best cared for tights will run. If you're at a special occasion, and you can't save them or remove them completely, consider packing a spare in your bag. A pair of hosiery or tights can roll up small enough for even the smallest bag. It's a good idea to place them in a protective plastic bag to make sure they won't catch on anything in your purse. After all, you don't want to replace one pair of torn hosiery with another.

Taking care of your hosiery and knowing what steps to take before, during and after a run or snag can go a long way towards preserving the life of your tights.

More Tights Resources:

Storing Tights, Hosiery And Leggings: 4 Storage Ideas And Tips
The Guide To Wearing Brightly Colored Tights
How To: 5 Ways to Wear Shorts and Tights
The 8 Hosiery Commandments: How To Look Beautiful In Tights

About the Author:

Cindy Prosser is a former underwear model turned freelance writer and mom. She's not ashamed to admit she looks gorgeous in Wolford tights, which honestly isn't that difficult but you have to count your victories :) When not glamorously overdressing for grocery store visits she stays busy writing for Bare Necessities.

Go Green This Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:31:00 +0000

iStockphoto / Oleg Prikhodko

Commercial holidays give the retail industry a huge boost every year and Halloween is no exception. The National Retail Federation predicts this Halloween season will bring in almost $6 billion nationwide, as evidenced by the rash of costume and party stores popping up in strip malls and abandoned stores. What’s really scary about this time of year is the impact of the carbon footprint that goes along with all that consumption. Here are some eco-friendly tips to help you and your family “go green” this Halloween:

1. Say “NO” to plastic. And I’m not just talking about credit cards. Many plastic Halloween costumes and masks are cheaply made from toxic PVC which can leach harmful chemicals. This makes it a poor choice of material to place over a child’s face. If you really need or desire a retail costume or mask look for ones marked “PVC Free.”

2. Recycled costumes. Instead of buying a costume, start looking around at home for items that can be turned into a creative, one-of-a-kind costume. Why send your child out looking like everyone else when you can put together something that is totally unique and every other kid will want? You can find some great ideas for recycled Halloween costumes at The Daily Green. If you aren’t feeling all that crafty or simply don’t have the time, consider some of the Halloween costume swap sites such as ThredUp.

3. Go easy on the makeup. Makeup is essential for many Halloween costumes. You simply can’t get that ghastly green-faced witch without some form of cosmetic. However, you can make sure that you use only organic products that don’t have the mercury and other harmful chemicals found in many big name cosmetic brands. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics offers some DIY recipes for homemade face paints that use food-based ingredients. (Note: the same rules apply to hair dyes and sprays. Use natural and organic dyes so that when the remaining product goes down the drain you aren’t dumping toxic chemicals into the water supply.)

4. Avoid traditional sweet treats. Halloween really wouldn’t be worth celebrating for many people if all candy were excluded from the fun. However, carefully choosing the type of treats handed out can prevent kiddies from ingesting chemicals and preservatives that are stuffed into many popular candies. Besides, organic, natural alternatives often taste better. Look for fair trade-sourced chocolates, candy made with real cane sugar or fruit juice and without artificial colors. If you want to avoid candy altogether, pocket toys or craft items can be a lot of fun to pass out.

5. Use frighteningly frugal decorations. Plan to decorate for decades by avoiding disposable products. Craft a scarecrow using old clothes stuffed with newspapers and burlap for the head and hands. Make a real cornucopia with mini-pumpkins and gourds from the local pumpkin patch. This is also a great place to find the perfect Jack-o-lantern. Scoop out the insides to be used in recipes that call for pumpkin. And don’t forget to toast the seeds for a crunchy snack. Light up the night with soy candles that are produced from environmentally safe soy bean crops – unlike their scary paraffin and petroleum candle counterparts. Purchase reusable decorations from garage sales and thrift shops that can be used year after year.

Here’s to a safe, happy and green Halloween!

Storm Preparedness Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:43:00 +0000

It seems that we have certainly seen our fair share of natural disasters lately with flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and now – earthquakes. Plus, we have a major hurricane barreling towards the United States that is expected to make landfall along the East coast the end of this week.

We already know from previous disasters that it’s difficult to see our homes, as well as the homes of family and friends, destroyed in a matter of minutes. While you can never be completely prepared for such a catastrophic event, there are several things you can do to make a tragic situation just a little bit better.

1. Pay attention and stay alert. Don’t become complacent and think a disaster will never happen to you or your community. When the media issues warnings and instructions - listen and obey.

2. Know the proper procedures for contacting emergency personnel in the event of a storm or other natural disaster to let them know you need help.

3. Using a small notebook, write down information such as bank accounts, insurance policy, prescription drugs, and credit card numbers. Keep this somewhere you will be able to easily grab it in the event you need to take cover in your home.

4. In addition to your book of numbers, you should have readily accessible some bottled water, a few non-perishable snacks, two or three day’s worth of medication, health insurance information, two or three day’s supplies for your infant if you have one, personal identification in the event you are injured and unconscious, contact information of family members in case of medical emergencies, a battery powered clock/radio, a CD on which you’ve copied all your family photographs, a couple of day’s worth of pet food if you have a pet, and a change of clothes. The National Hurricane Center has a good disaster supply checklist on their website.

5. As a family, develop a plan of action in the event of natural disasters. Identify a safe room within the house in case you need to take immediate cover. In the event you have to immediately evacuate, discuss escape routes and designate a meeting place in case you become separated. Have a list of emergency contact numbers in a designated place that includes an out-of-state friend or family member who can be the point of contact.

Keep in mind that the type of natural disaster will dictate how much time you have to prepare and will sometimes give you the opportunity to minimize the amount of your loss. Floods, hurricanes and wildfires don’t hit in the blink of an eye like a tornado does. With most natural disasters you are usually given several days notification to gather belongings, board up and evacuate. While this in no way negates the emotional, physical and often financial toil it takes on you, it’s important to make the most of the advance warnings you are given.

Finally, understand that after a storm that has caused considerable destruction to your family or community, it is not uncommon to experience what is referred to as “survivor’s guilt”. You may feel guilty because you didn’t lose your home, or if you did, you didn’t lose your life. These feelings are natural but don’t try to dismiss them. Instead, share your feelings with your preacher, your doctor, a close friend or family member. Then give of yourself to help rebuild the lives and structure of the place you call home.

Take care my friends and be safe!

Tips on Staying Cool During Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Stay hydrated this summer! Drink lots of water, water, water, as well as lemonade or juices. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol as these will raise your body temperature. Sodas will only increase your thirst.

Fruit juice popsicles that are low in sugar are a great way to stay hydrated. Frozen bananas and grapes are also a cool treat. Keep in mind that if you suddenly realize you are thirsty, you have waited too long to drink.

Find indoor activities like going to the movies or taking the kids bowling. This is a great time to reintroduce fun board games and puzzles while sitting in front of a cool fan.

For more great tips on how to stay cool this summer, check out these 25 Steps to Keep You Safe During a Heatwave from TotallyReady.com.

Tips on Organizing the Food Pantry

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Setting up a well-organized food pantry is the secret ingredient to maintaining an efficient kitchen. Keeping a good stock of foodstuffs and sundries on hand will save money and stress by cutting back on unplanned trips to the supermarket. Plus, it will help you to be prepared for weather-related emergencies.

Before stocking your pantry with the necessary essentials, you first have to make room. If you haven’t cleaned out the cupboard or pantry shelves in a while, you should probably give them an overhaul before heading off to the grocery store.

Here are some tips on reorganizing the kitchen pantry or cupboards:

Check expiration dates and toss anything that is past its prime.
If an item has not expired but no one has shown any interest in eating it in the past three to six months, donate it to a local food bank. If you haven’t eaten it by now, chances are you are not going to.
Create “zones” and group like foods together. For example, store all canned fruits or vegetables in one area and dry goods (such as rice and pasta) in another. Ditto for baking goods, soups, drinks, and pet food. Use shelf dividers or baskets to make this process easier. Not only does it help identify what you have on hand, it also makes putting away the groceries easier.
Keep regularly used items front and center, and replenish often. You’ll save time by not continuously hunting for these items or dashing off to the store for more.
Designate a lunch or snack shelf (or cupboard) and keep it amply stocked with healthy choices such as peanut butter, crackers, pretzels, fruit snacks, etc. Also, keep plastic and/or paper bags on the same shelf for easy access when on the go.
Use canisters to store loose dry goods such as rice, flour, and sugar, and be sure to label them. Keep in mind that square canisters take up less room than round.
Clear out the fridge each week – usually the night before trash pickup. Leftovers have a short shelf life and you don’t want to risk getting sick by eating something that should have been thrown-out a day or two earlier.

Although many of today’s new homes have built-in pantries, a pantry can be any place you decide will work best for your needs. A small, urban apartment can even have a pantry such as a cupboard or coat closet. Turn the guest bedroom closet into a pantry.

If the space simply isn’t available, then purchase large plastic or cardboard boxes and store your pantry items in those. Throw a tablecloth over it and ta-da! You now have a side table. Likewise, you can store canned goods in a long shallow box and push it under the bed.

The idea is to be prepared in a clutter-free way. In doing so, you may discover than you enjoy cooking even more than before!

Stay tuned for next week when I’ll post an article on what items you actually need to have in your pantry. See you then!

Tips for Online Coupon Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:45:00 +0000

For all of the busy moms who are coupon enthusiasts, I wanted to pass along some sites offering decent coupons on their products. I tend to shop by brand, so I look specifically for those coupons. I’ll keep updating this page as I find more sites, so keep checking back. Also, please share some of your favorite coupon sites with us!

Stouffers
- Get $1.00 off any variety Farmers’ Harvest™ single-serve entrées
- Get $1.50 off any variety Stouffer’s Sautés for Two™

Coffee-Mate
- Save $0.75 on TWO Coffee-mate products (liquid or powder)
- Save $0.55 on ONE Coffee-mate product (liquid or powder)

Nestle® Toll House®
- Save $0.75 on Mini-Morsels Toppers
- Save $0.50 on Morsels
- Save $1.50 on Refrigerated Cookie Dough
- Save $0.50 on Carnation Evaporated Milk
Note: this section is updated frequently, so coupon offers may change without notice.

Birds Eye® (click “Special Offers” at the bottom)
- Save $0.35 on Steamfresh® Lightly Sauced Varieties

Pompeian
- $1.00 off Olive Oil
- $0.50 off Vinegar

Newman’s Own
Different coupons ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 off on a variety of products. Coupons usually change monthly.

Claritin®
Variety of coupons on all non-drowsy Claritin and children’s Claritin products – most are $2.00-$4.00 savings.

Smart Balance
Registration is required to access coupons. Currently has $0.75 coupons for any Smart Balance product.

Lactaid®
Currently has $1.00 coupons for several Lactaid products including milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and supplements. Site registration is required.

Betty Crocker
Lots of coupons that change each month. Site registration is required.

Swiffer, Cascade, Febreeze, Mr. Clean, Dawn
Up to $35 in savings. Coupons are not downloadable – they will be mailed when you register for their FREE Organize in Style booklet.

Pillsbury
Lots of coupons that change each month. Site registration is required.

Other sites with a variety of coupon offers are:

Coupons (they have a really cool toolbar)

RedPlum - you may also find their flyers in your mailbox every week

SmartSource – some of these coupons are often included in the Sunday paper

CouponMom – has a very broad database

Local Supermarkets: Don’t forget to sign up for newsletters and specials from your local supermarket! I personally love Publix and they have a wonderful, interactive site that includes a personalized grocery list with the store coupons and specials I select.

NOTE: When registering on websites for coupons and sweepstakes be sure to use a separate email address so that your regular one doesn’t get a lot of spam. I personally prefer Gmail (free) because I can set up folders for different sites, but there are many other free email sites available.

Busy Moms Tips: Cleaning List

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:10:00 +0000

Household chores can quickly become overwhelming if they are not handled on a routine basis. Using a detailed cleaning list can help you stay on task by reminding you what needs to be done and when. Busy Moms Tips has a great master cleaning list to help you with daily, weekly, monthly, and even quarterly cleaning chores.

Click here to download and print out your FREE cleaning list today!

Tips on Finding the Perfect Fit Bra

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:20:00 +0000

This post comes courtesy of Classy Bras, a blog about bras! In addition to tips about fitting and style, there is an very complete Bra Buyer's Guide with a list of 100 top-rated bras.

How to Find the Perfect Fitting Bra

Anyone who watches Oprah already knows what million of lingerie stores all over the world have been telling us for years; most women wear the wrong size bra! It’s true that up to 80% of women are in bras that they spill out of, bras that are not supportive, bras where the straps fall down constantly and bras that flatten, squish, droop or just plain look unattractive on the body.

So how do you find the perfect fitting bra? Well, the simple answer is to go to a custom professional bra fitter. They can be found in higher end lingerie shops as well as many department stores. However, many women either can’t afford this or are too embarrassed to stand in front of someone who pokes, prods, measures and lifts. If this is you, don’t be concerned; there are other ways to find the best fitting bra for your needs.

Take Your Measurements

First and foremost, you must take your own measurements immediately. Step away from the computer, put down the remote and run, don’t walk, to find your measuring tape. Stand up straight in front of a mirror, lower your shoulders breathe normally and most of all just relax. Using a soft measuring tape, make sure to measure all the way around your body, placing the tape right below your breasts. If you have someone else to do it for you, it is preferable so you can make sure the tape stays completely straight and as parallel to the ground as possible.

Once you have your measurement, you'll need to add 5" if the measurement was less than 33". If the measurement was more than 33", add 3". If you come up with an odd number, or a measurement with a fraction of an inch, round up to the next even number. For example, you measure around your body, and get 34". Because you're more than 33", you add 3". Your size is 37", but since that's an odd number, you round up to 38". Confusing? Sure. Is it necessary? Absolutely!

Now that you have your band size you need to work on your cup size. While wearing a traditional bra, not a padded one, you need to measure the fullest part of your breast making sure to go directly over the nipple without pulling the measuring tape too tight. Again, having someone do it for you makes this step much easier but if you don’t, take the time to look in the mirror confirming the tape is straight all the way around.

Using the following guide, take the difference to find your cup size.

1" is A cup
2" is B cup
3" is C cup
4" is D cup
5" is DD cup
6" is DDD cup

And so on…

For example, if your band size is 38 and your measurement around the bust is 3 inches more than that then you would be a 38 C cup. It’s just that simple!

But wait…

Bras also have “sister sizes.” Most women don’t realize that each bra you try on has a sister size. That simply means that since bras differ depending on brand, style and manufacturing, sometimes a sister size in a certain style or from a different brand will fit you better than the size you just measured. For example, if while wearing a Bali bra you feel very comfortable and supported in a 36C, you may need to wear a 34D in a Playtex or maybe a 38 B in a Victoria's Secret bra.

Basically, if the band size goes up the cup size goes down and if the band size goes down the cup size goes up. So, if after finding the perfect bra you want to try different brands but they are too tight in the band or too loose in the cup size follow the rule that says “Band size up cup size down” and “Band size down cup size up.” Never just go to a smaller band with the same cup or a larger band with the same cup. That will again lead you down the path of the ill-fitting bra.

In short, whenever you try a new bra brand or style, always try on your sister sizes to make sure you get the best fit.

What Else Is There to Know About a Perfect Fitting Bra?

We’re not done yet… there are a few more things you need to take into consideration. The underwire for instance; it’s everyone’s favorite look but often the most difficult to master. Wire circumference is so important. Your underwire should surround and support your breasts, not poke you! If the wire pulls away from the body in the center, your cup size is too small. To find out if you are living with the wrong underwire, sit down while wearing your bra to make sure the bra isn’t pulling away from your body. If the cups stay secure against the breasts then you are in the right cup size.

Final Tips:

• A new bra should fit a little more snug at first so don’t be surprised if the bra that is the right size feels a bit tight. The Lycra will become looser as the bra gets a little more wear.

• Women who are petite or full figured need a bra with a defined or structured cup to help the body look better under clothing also known as your silhouette.

• When your clothing size changes, you need to measure your bra size again. As little as 5 pounds can make a huge difference in bra size.

• Never wear the same bra you wear everyday as the bra you wear to workout in. You need a special sports bra to support you during any strenuous activity so remember, make sure you have both work bras and work out bras.

Ladies, a bra is something you need to wear for the rest of your life, you might as well make it as comfortable as it can be. Make sure you are a part of the 20% of women who DO wear the right size!

Americans Urged to “Upgrade” Family Meals and Activities to Reduce Calories Kids Consume

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:16:00 +0000

Survey Finds Parents Are Not Taking Steps to Improve Their Children’s Weight Status

Citing new evidence that many parents lack the information to prevent obesity in their children, Shape Up America! and National Turkey Federation (NTF) have announced a national mobilization to help First Lady Michelle Obama fight childhood obesity by arming parents with the facts and tools to make simple changes – or “upgrades” – in favorite meals and physical activity levels so everyone can reap the benefits of taking in less calories.

Coming at a time when more than 12 million children in the United States are classified as obese and more than 23 million young Americans are considered overweight, the organizations are stepping up their efforts to show parents how they can improve their children’s weight status using an online tool called the Meal Upgrade Calculator. Besides showing consumers how to “upgrade” favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, this interactive website now gives parents the means to assess the weight status of their children and reduce the calories and fat consumed in meals served at school and in restaurants. Another new feature is the Family Activity Calculator, which shows parents how to increase the time children spend being physically active.

While there is no single approach to fighting childhood obesity, Shape Up America! estimates that by taking advantage of these meal and activity “upgrades,” families can save an average of 100 calories a day through improvements to family meals and another 100 calories through increased physical activity – or 200 fewer calories a day. These savings are significant and demonstrate that small changes in meal preparation and increased physical activity can pay off in meaningful health improvements.

“When it comes to healthier eating and moving more, small changes add up to both weight control and measurable health improvements,” said Barbara J. Moore, Ph.D., Shape Up America! president and CEO. “That is the purpose of these new features to our Meal Upgrade Calculator – to show consumers and especially busy moms how to make simple ‘upgrades’ in children’s meals and activities that will keep them at a healthy weight and instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”

Helping Teens to Get It Together

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:33:00 +0000

It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together, by Peter Walsh (New York Times bestselling author and TLC host), is a great book for teens and college students (and grownups) who need help getting organized and on track by figuring it all out and learning how to prioritize. It teaches the younger generation how to identify clutter – whether internal, external, mental, and/or physical, and how to get rid of it. This includes applying decluttering skills to ALL aspects of life such goals, school work, extracurricular activities, and relationships.

For example, Walsh writes that one of the excuses teens (and many other people) use to hang on to things is because they “might need it one day.” Really? Who needs 27 sheets of poster board or 1,483 mismatched buttons? Besides, it would take a week to find the matching button if you really did need it.

While planning for the future is important and is something we try to teach the younger generation to prepare for, saving stuff “just in case” is not the way. Peter Walsh teaches teens that, “No matter what your reasons for hanging on to your clutter, there’s an even better reason for getting rid of it: Getting rid of clutter will improve your life!”

G I V E A W A Y ! !

Join our Facebook Page for an opportunity to win a FREE copy of this book! When we reach the 500 “likes” pinnacle (we’re currently at 480), a lucky winner will be randomly selected. We’re almost there, so hurry up and join Busy Moms Tips on Facebook.

UPDATE...

CONGRATULATIONS go to Michele Howerton of Virginia for being the lucky winner of the It’s All Too Much, So Get It Together, book by Peter Walsh (New York Times bestselling author and TLC host). Thanks to all of you for being Facebook fans of Busy Moms Tips. And stay tuned, because more giveaways and freebies are on their way!

4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:43:00 +0000

4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

By Dr. Richard Gentry

Adapted from his new book, "Raising Confident Readers"

Lots of parents read aloud to their baby and toddler, but few take the next step: encouraging early writing. Did you know that babies can draw pictures (prewriting) and create narratives at between 2 and 3 years of age? A young child who is stimulated with targeted activities early and often can be writing and illustrating complex stories by age 4 or 5.

Why does this matter? Because studies show that when reading and writing is taught to children starting at birth, their neural pathways develop in different ways. They are more intelligent, have a 32-million-word advantage by kindergarten over children who did not get this exposure, and are less likely to develop learning problems such as dyslexia.

Over 30 years as an early childhood literacy, reading, and writing specialist, I have developed fun and simple activities parents can do with their babies and young children that help them develop writers' brains. They can be summed up in four easy-to-remember words in the acronym READ.

Repetition. Joyful repeated readings of favorite books are a hallmark of early reading and writing success. Long after you are exhausted rereading these favorite books, your baby or toddler will thrill in reading them over and over again. Babies love repetition, which encourages him to mimic the words and babble sounds -- early language responses. Over time, this mimicking behavior turns into higher-order concepts and understandings, and eventually memory "reading." Babies also mimic feelings during book sharing. If you read with feeling, it encourages your baby to have positive associations with reading.

Enthusiasm. Many experts agree that talking to your child and having frequent read-alouds, surrounded by talk about books during book sharing, are the most important brain-stimulation activities in parenting. You are activating her social, hearing, emotional, and linguistic systems all at once. The other E's in this step are Enticement, Exploration, Engagement, and Explosion. By enticing your child with fun reading activities, exploring new books, and engaging her in the process, her vocabulary, knowledge, and love of learning will explode. From birth to age 6 is when your baby's brain has the greatest ability to establish language proficiency.

Attention. When you read or write with your child, you are constantly making decisions about how to direct his attention. Since reading and writing are complex, at various times you must focus his attention to the many different aspects of language, reading, writing, or spelling. You are switching off between attention to sounds, meaning, rhythm or musicality of language, expression, feelings, letter naming, and letter formation, to name a few. The key is to do a variety of targeted reading and writing activities with your child that are appropriate and fun for his phase of development.

Drawing. Your child might be ready to scribble on paper long before you think she's able. Early scribbling is the precursor to early writing. With early marking and scribbling, she is showing an internal desire to communicate, joy in expressing ideas, and the urge to make meaning. Experts agree that drawing almost always opens the gate to early literacy. There are lots of fun and easy activities you can do with your toddler or preschooler to help her be an early writer.

* * *

J. Richard Gentry PhD is the author of Raising Confident Readers: How to Teach Your Child to Read and Write -- from Baby to Age 7 (Da Capo / Perseus, http://www.jrichardgentry.com/), which is chock-full of reading and writing development tips and activities you can do with your baby and young child. Dr. Gentry is a nationally acclaimed expert on childhood literacy, reading, and spelling development, with more than 30 years of experience working with beginning readers. A former university professor and elementary school teacher, he is currently an educational consultant in Florida.

Busy Moms Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Davis) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 19:20:00 +0000

Here’s what going on over at our sister site – Busy Moms Recipes:

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
These are some quick and easy ways to maximize leftover food that are resourceful and tasty.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
A family favorite that is super easy to prepare!

Mushroom and Kale Lasagna
This sauce for this recipe is pure gold! And it can be used in many other recipes that call for an Italian sauce such as spaghetti. Great for make-ahead meals. This recipe is a bit labor intensive but shortcuts are provided, if needed.

Comfort Food: Home Soup Stock
One of the best things about homemade soup is that you know what is and isn’t in it. Plus, it’s a much healthier alternative than the canned varieties which are often high in sodium.