Well, as a mother of two young children, I have two days left to prepare Valentine’s Day cards and treats for both my kids’ classes. I can’t decide if we’re doing the homemade cards or if I will just buy the cheezy store-bought kind.
I love the internet. There are so many creative ideas out there like the one pictured from FamilyFunCrafts. Looks like we’ll be breaking out the glue and scissors after school today. And, if all else fails, I still have time to get to the store. What are your plans?
Shorts and bathing suits on Thanksgiving?
I must admit that spending Thanksgiving in South Florida isn’t quite the same as in New England. Though, something must be said for swimming in the pool after turkey dinner. Still, the warm temperatures make me yearn for those crisp autumn days with the hint of snow in the air.
Christmas Trees & Macy’s Parade
When I was growing up, we would eat Thanksgiving dinner and then walk it off by searching for a Christmas tree. We’d cut the tree and decorate it the following day. This family tradition still continues for the rest of my family as my dad owns/operates a Christmas Tree Farm in rural New Hampshire.
Back in 2000, I started a new tradition — hosting Thanksgiving dinner in New York City. My younger sister and her family would drive down from New Hampshire and we’d invite all of our friends that were staying in the City. One year we managed to squeeze 21 adults and 4 children into our Manhattan apartment. We’d start the day with a quick breakfast and then walk up to Central Park and scope out a good spot to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Once it passed, we’d head back to our apartment and catch the final tv coverage of the parade finishing up in Herald Square. Shortly there after we’d enjoy our Thanksgiving feast.
Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble! Gobble!
What’s your Thanksgiving family tradition or favorite childhood memory?
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Swingsets Recalled
Several models of Adventure Playsets are being recalled to Repair Backyard Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard. The playsets were sold at Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy Sports, Menards, and Mill stores nationwide, and online at Walmart.com, ToyRUs.com, Willygoat.com and through the DMSI catalog from January 2004 through December 2007 for between $300 and $600. Several models are included in the recall, not just the model pictured. Please see the following link for full details and instructions:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10029.html
Art Easel Recalled
Children’s Art Easels Recalled by MacPherson’s Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10032.html
Surrounded by Paper in a Paperless Age
We’re fast approaching 2010 where everything is done electronically. I can’t imagine life without cell phones, iPhones, Blackberries, MP3 players, etc. I keep my calendar electronically, send e-mails for everything and barely use my landline. In fact, if we didn’t live in a hurricane zone, I’d probably cancel the landline and just rely on our cell phones. So, I ask, why is there so much paper in my house?
Unlimited Paper Airplane Supply
With all of this technology, and Save the Trees groups, why are our lives filled with paper? There seems to be an endless supply; from junk mail, newspapers, magazines, to the kids’ schoolwork. My family alone has enough paper to make paper airplanes until the kids head off to college.
Toss the kids’ Schoolwork Without Tears
My oldest is only in First Grade and the schoolwork and art projects have already piled up. At this rate, we’ll need to devote a closet just to the papers she brings home on a weekly basis. I’ve come up with a solution that makes her happy and also creates an inexpensive gift idea for the grandparents. Each year, I take individual digital photos of her artwork. From there, we make a digital photo book. This is much faster than scanning each piece individually and serves as a keepsake for the year’s work. And, when she’s not looking, I toss the pile (minus a few favorites).
Photobook Deals
SnapFish.com has a Buy One Get One Book Free Deal – just enter FALLBOOKS09 at checkout (deal expires 11/6/09)
MyPublisher.com is offering a 40% discount on orders over $100 and 20% discount off of orders over $50.00 by entering code HOLSAV40 at checkout (deal expires 11/4/09)
I’d love to hear how you survive the paper madness.
Aren’t Coupons Gold-Plated?
Both of my kids know that coupons are treated like gold in our house. If they find a coupon anywhere they tell me (along with the rest of the world) right away. Doesn’t matter if the coupon has expired; I will beam at their discovery.
They are also fully aware that Sunday mornings are coupon time. They read the funnies while I scour the coupon inserts. Once I start clipping, they get out their blunt-tip scissors and rummage through the leftover insert pieces to make collages, etc. Who knew my coupon obsession would help improve my four-year-old son’s scissor dexterity? He’s particularly fond of all the animals featured in the pet food ads. My daughter goes for anything princess related and arguments quickly ensue whenever there’s a toy ad. And, with the holidays fast approaching, toy ads are more and more plentiful each week.
Parade? What’s the celebration?
Granted, after all of this coupon clipping, collage making, scissor cutting madness, you’d swear a ticket tape parade went through our family room, but it’s worth it. Everyone is having fun and mom saves money!!!!
It’s “SNOWING” coupons in South Florida
Last week I was trimming internet printable coupons. My kids started gathering up the scraps and cutting them into confetti. Before long, a pile had formed. My daughter picked up a bunch and tossed them into the air saying, “Mom, it’s snowing.” The excitement continued and entertained them for about 45 minutes. It also made a colossal mess but, seeing that we live in South Florida, that just might be the only “snow” they see this winter.
There’s Nothing Funnier than a Frugal 4-year-old
The other day, my son and I were grocery shopping and walking down the toothpaste aisle. He points and says, “Look, Mom. That’s on sale.” as he points to the Polident. I reply, “thanks, but Mom doesn’t need that right now in her life.” while thinking, “let’s go down the wine aisle instead”…
Next he spots a box of cereal he likes. ”Do you have a coupon? Can we can get it?” At this young age, he knows that mom refuses to pay full price for a box of cereal or crackers. He’s also learned that we aren’t buying anything that’s not on sale. As a result, we might be buying a different brand this time around or not at all. I quickly explain that we aren’t buying cereal this week as I have at least 10 boxes in our pantry, but I need his help to pick out ice cream (it’s Buy 1, Get 1 Free and I have two coupons!).
My Future Marketing Executive
Where my four-year-old son gets all excited about coupons, my six-year-old daughter is obsessed by advertising. She won’t be paying attention to the TV, but her ears immediately perk up at the hint of an infomercial. She concentrates on every word and repeats the words back verbatim in her sales pitch. You’d swear she makes a commission on all of the items sold on TV. It’s not uncommon to hear, “Mom. You have plants. You need those glass watering bulbs. They are only $19.95 for the set.” Or, “we have walls, we need those picture hangers and they are on sale.” My favorite was the scratch pen for automobiles and appliances. “Mom, you have a car and a refrigerator.”
Fortunately, she’s not familiar with QVC or the Home Shopping Network.
My two children, ages 4.5yo and 6 yo, are both seasoned travelers so it’s safe to say the following tips have been put to the test.
GoGo Babyz Kidz Travelmate
As my review states, this thing is the best thing ever invented. If you travel a lot, the GoGo Babyz Kidz Travelmate is a must have!
Gate Check Strollers
Whatever you gate check will go into the cargo area. However, in all our travel experience, I have found that items that are gate checked are less likely to get damaged than checking with baggage.
Bring Car Seat on Board
If you purchased your child a seat, I highly recommend you bring the car seat on board the airplane. If your child is under two years old and you didn’t purchase a ticket, bring the car seat to the gate. If a seat is available, most times you are allowed to use the car seat. Yes, it’s a slight inconvenience, but so worth it. Both you and your child will be more comfortable. The car seat is familiar, keeps child safely contained and frees up your hands.
Items to bring/do on the plane (vary according to age of child)
1. Remove your child’s shoes.
2. Introduce your child to the person sitting in front of him so you can say, “Let’s not kick the seat. You are disturbing Mrs. Smith.” (My friend, Lynn, suggested this and it worked great!)
3. Bring lots of snacks!!! (small items that take a long time to eat– cheerios, etc.)
4. Bring lots of toys – DVD player, video game, mp3 player, magna doodle, playdoh, silly putty, stickers,crayons, colorforms for window (if you bring the carseat, he’ll have to sit in the window seat), books, Color Wonder markers and paper, coloring books where you “paint” with water. I try to avoid small objects like cars, etc. that they can easily drop and then make you fish under the seat. Another great suggestion from my friend, Lynn, was taking a doll and a box of bandaids. This kept my daughter occupied for a long time!
5. Children have sensitive ears and often experience discomfort during takeoff and landing. Sucking and swallowing help relieve this discomfort. Depending on your child’s age, this may mean a bottle, a sippie cup or a lollipop. You can purchase beverages after going through security. If you need milk, I highly recommend buying it in the terminal as they don’t always have stock on the plane.
6. Layer your child’s clothing so it may be easily added/removed. I normally do clothes without buckles, etc. (sweatpants, pj’s) for comfort and make sure they are wearing long sleeves, pants and socks. I also bring a small blanket.
7. Bring a carry on bag/backpack with more snacks, diapers, wipes, change of clothes (including a shirt for you) than you think you will need. You never know if you’re going to get stuck on the tarmack for hours. If your child is potty trained, you might want to consider using a pull up on board. During take off, landing, or any turbulent weather, you will not be able to leave your seat. Children can’t always wait 20-30 minutes.
8. I always talk up the trip in advance so the kids get excited about going on the airplane.
9. Most of all, just go with the flow. Your child may love it! If not, just try reading to him, singing, keeping him entertained. If anyone says anything, just tell them off or offer to buy a round of drinks. LOL. I find most people are fairly helpful and understanding if you’re making an effort.
I’d love to hear any suggestions/tricks that work for your family.
