By: Marilyn Bohn

Seasons are changing and it is time to think about putting away your summer or winter clothing—depending on where you live—and getting out the clothes that have been stored away.

This is a good time to look at every article of clothing you have in your closet. Take out each one and check it for rips and stains. Analyze if you still like it, if you even wore it this year and if you want to keep it. The statistic is that 80 of what we have hanging in our closets.

When you find something that needs repairing then place it in a basket to be mended. I prefer a basket because the items can be seen and in a bag they can be forgotten. “Out of sight, out of mind.” Either take these items to the room where your sewing supplies are if it is something you can fix or place it in a pile to give to someone else to mend. If it needs mending but you know you will never get it done do not hang on to it. Get it out of your closet. Either give it to someone you know would like it (letting them know the problem) or donate it to a charity.

For clothing that needs to be dry cleaned place in a bag and take it out to your vehicle, then when you are out and about you can drop it at the cleaners. Schedule the day you will go to the cleaners in your planner, the chances are greater that you will get the articles there. If your clothes are dirty or have stains on them now is the time to wash them and remove stains so you can put them away clean. The longer a stain is left the harder it is to remove.

For the clothes that are clean and in good repair but you don’t see yourself ever wearing them again, or don’t any more donate to a local charity.

Now the clothes you are keeping for next year which are left in your closet either move to a different closet in your home, or possibly store in a large garment box movers use. The clothes can hang and you can put the box in your garage or storage room. If your closet is large enough you can move your clothes to the back of your closet if you have no where else to move them to.

For the clothes you fold, place in plastic bins that are clearly labeled on the outside. You can label the boxes by using a label maker or a 3X5 card taped with clear packing tape on the outside of the box. You can label either by the season or just seasonal.

Go through your coat closet and take out winter coats and winter sport clothes and put either in a different closet or with your seasonal clothes.

After you have taken out all of your seasonal clothes take the ‘current season’ clothes and organize them in your closet. Check to see if any of these need repairing or cleaning in case they slipped past inspection last year.

Shoes can be stored with out-of-season clothing. Clean and polish all shoes and boots and check to see if they need repairing. If they do, now is the time to take them to the shoe repair shop. Place them in a bag and put them in the car so they can be dropped off when you are out and about. For tall boots to keep their shape and prevent creases insert an empty paper towel roll into the boot and store them upright. Or stuff with tissue paper.

By rotating your clothes you have space in your closet to see what you have to wear and it is also a time to weed out clothes you don’t want to keep.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2714.shtml

By: Kelvin Ho

Kids love to be creative. Cooking is a great outlet for kids to express their creativity. It can also help provide a wonderful way to build and develop self-esteem.

One-on-one Time

With our lives so busy, cooking provides a wonderful way to spend quality one-on-one time. The memories that are created while cooking together will last a lifetime. I am sure many of you have fond memories of learning and helping your parents or grandparents cook. It may take extra patience and time to prepare the meal, but the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to clean up.

Age Appropriate

Depending on age of your child, pick age appropriate tasks. For example, if your kids are too young to measure or assemble ingredients, let them have a quick stir or let them pour something into the bowl. They will be thrilled to just be able to help.

Older kids can help with things like measuring, stirring, assembling and helping follow the recipe. Teenagers can also help by preparing, shopping and cooking the meals with minimal guidance.

Benefits

So what are some of the benefits? Some you will see immediately and others may take a life time to notice. Either way, there are many great benefits.

Not only does it teach kids a lifelong skill, but it also helps instill healthy eating habits. Kids that learn to cook and eat healthy will be more likely to continue with good eating habits into adulthood. Encouraging kids to cook and eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in the home can also help reduce the amount of junk food they are consuming.

It also can reduce the number of times a family runs through the drive though or picks up take out, thus helping the family save money and reduce caloric intake while developing healthier eating habits.

Family Time

Another added benefit is that it provides children with structured family time. Children love stability and cooking and eating together is a chance to provide family togetherness. It also helps kids feel like they are contributing to the family. Plus when they help prepare the meal, they are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and actually want to eat the meal. Picky eaters will even venture out to try food they helped prepare, more so than they would if you simply put a plate of food in front of them. Now what parent does not wish that mealtimes would go a little smoother?

Great family recipes and secrets are learned and passed down the line. Many of our favorite recipes get passed down the line from past generations. If your family has a great cooking history, pass it along to your kids. In turn, they will share it with their future families.

Have fun sharing and creating memories with your kids.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2560.shtml

By: Colette Robicheau

Finding the right Christmas gift for everyone on your list can be tricky, not to mention stressful. So here are some handy tips that will help make your seasonal shopping simple and stress-free:

1) The thought counts – Put some thought into each gift so it matches the tastes of each recipient. Everyone will appreciate it, and appreciate you more for it.

2) Bright and early – Start your shopping early with a set deadline. It’s best to go early in the day and at the start of the week when fewer shoppers are out.

3) The perfect getaway – Plan a day or weekend getaway with a friend that includes a visit to a museum or gallery for unique gift ideas.

4) Get creative – Have a knack for crafts or culinary delights? Why not buy some supplies and make something special for someone special?

5) Encourage an interest – Know a wine enthusiast? Give them a wine kit. Know someone who wants to learn how to tango? Enroll them in lessons. Once you know someone’s interests, the possibilities are limitless.

6) Certified smiles – Gift certificates allow everyone on your list to treat themselves to anything from a night at the movies to a day at the spa. They also save you time spent shopping and wrapping while reducing clutter.

7) It’s great to delegate – Some stores feature personal shopping services, offering gift advice for everyone on your list based on their personalities and tastes.

Get online – many retailers have websites that allow you to shop at any hour from the comfort of your home.

9) Give an upgrade – Make that ‘can’t-live-without-it’ item even better. Buy the new version of a popular video game or computer program, or upgrade someone from a CD player to an MP3.

10) Don’t ‘top up’ – Giving gifts is about finding the right present, not how much you spend. So resist the temptation to buy that extra gift just to make someone happy.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2681.shtml

By: Susan Hawkins

Here’s a message for first-time moms. Any seasoned mother will tell you - the newborn stage flies by like a cheetah on caffeine, so remember these two things: Cherish those precious, middle-of-the-night moments when it’s just you and your baby, and resist the temptation to go hog wild on your infant’s initial wardrobe.

During their first month, most newborns continue to gain weight at a rate of at least 5 ounces (141 grams) a week. They generally grow in height about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.54 to 3.81 centimeters) during the first month. Many newborns go through a period of rapid growth when they are 7 to 10 days old and again at 3 and 6 weeks.

Infants grow so quickly that many experienced mothers suggest starting out with the layette items you receive for baby shower gifts, supplemented if necessary by some items of your own choice and a few hand-me-downs. Save your money (and your urge to have the world’s best-dressed baby) until the rapid growth process takes a breather.

You won’t have to wait long. Physical growth slows down during the second half of the first year, yet by that first birthday cake, your baby will probably have almost tripled his or her birth weight and will have grown about 10 inches (25 centimeters).

Perhaps the definition of a layette will help you focus on your needs. A layette is quite simply a complete assortment of clothing and accessories for a new baby. And keep in mind, many newborn babies hardly spend a month in the 0-3 month sizes, so concentrate on size 0-6 months. To help you prepare the nursery with the essentials in infant finery without breaking the piggy bank, follow this checklist and you’ll be all set with the perfect layette:

Clothing:

1 “Take Me Home” Outfit

8 Bodysuits

3 Shirt and Pants Sets

4 Coveralls (one-piece footed outfits)

1 Sweater

6 Pairs of Socks

8 Sleep Gowns with Elastic Bottom

2 Sleep Sacks

Lots of Burp Cloths

4-6 Drool Bibs

Bath Accessories:

2 Large Hooded Towels

4-6 Receiving Blankets

6-9 Washcloths

1-2 Washcloth Mittens

1-2 After-Bath Cover-Ups

3-6 Crib Blankets

Accessories:

1-2 Caps and Booties

1-2 Mittens

Depending on where you live:

Coat, Hat and Snowsuit

Swimsuit and Brimmed Sun Hat

Last, but not least, you’ll need a good supply of cloth or disposable diapers, whichever you prefer. How many will you need? Well, if you’re breastfeeding, and your baby is eating regularly around the clock, expect to use about eight to 10 diapers a day. That’s 70 a week, so stay well-stocked!

Don’t forget - your baby shower will probably yield lots of wonderful surprises in any of the above categories, including personalized baby gifts that will start your baby out in style. And count on a couple of baby gift baskets in the mix, too. It’s no sweat - you’ll be all set and not in debt from your layette!

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2670.shtml

By: Sharon Vaz

Many adults are getting married with children already in the wings. The result – blended families – can be greatly rewarding, although not without conflict. This article highlights some areas of concern for blended families and how to deal with them.

It is not uncommon these days for couples to pursue remarriage with children already in tow. Blended family statistics show that at least one in three Americans is now a stepchild, stepparent, a stepsibling, or some part of a blended family.

Blended families are usually the result of remarriage after divorce, where both bride and groom have kids under their wings. Or perhaps it’s a first time wedding for two single parents. Whatever the reason, families that are united by virtue of marriage and not blood are on the rise, bringing hope and stability to many people’s lives.

Blended Family Remarriage Conflicts

It’s not much of a surprise, however, that kids who suddenly have to deal with a “stepmother” or “stepfather” tend to shy away, become closed off, or openly rebel towards change. It’s a normal blended family issue that can be dealt with successfully; one must be prepared for resistance though.

Another blended family problem that often crops up is experienced by adults who can’t deal with children that are not their own. This usually stems from the idea that because a child is not one’s own flesh and blood, one has no real right to get involved in that child’s life. Like every other blended family conflict, it can be dealt with positively and effectively.

If you are part of a stepfamily, you’re probably familiar with these and other situations. The good news is, these are all perfectly normal and each situation can be resolved given sufficient time, love, and understanding.

The following are some common stepfamily conflicts and how you can handle them positively, solidifying your family’s unity and strength.

The Blended Family – Start Off With A Statement

It’s a good idea to make a commitment from the very beginning of your relationship. Couples have found that engaging in a unity family ceremony during the wedding is a great way to encourage family members to accept and love each other.

Basically, a unity family ceremony is when the bride, groom, and children all take turns pouring different colored sand into a glass jar or vase, creating a unique symbol of their unity. Families can also recite a blended family vow for the wedding to verbally signify their commitment to unity and harmony. It’s a great step towards getting along with each other and is very conducive to the growth of familial relationships.

The Blended Family – Decide On Where to Live

A big factor in establishing harmony in a family is your place of residence after getting married. Obviously, there’s no place like home and some children resent the idea of having to move into a step-siblings house (while the original resident stepsibling doesn’t have to endure the same sacrifice). A new home for everyone means the entire family has to start over and everyone is equal. It can be refreshing and exciting to move into a new home together.

The Blended Family – Face and Bury Old Conflicts

If a family is formed after a remarriage, children and parents are liable to carry over hurts and resentments from the previous marriage that can affect the harmony of the new family. For example, anger towards ex-husbands or wives, disappointment in children that their biological parents won’t ever work things out – these things can be deeply painful to deal with.

It’s best to handle these issues in a loving, non-judgmental manner, with everyone agreeing to support each other until the emotional wounds have healed. Constant verbal support and affirmation, hugs and kisses, and other forms of affection can all have massive impact on individual feelings.

Being negative and standoffish will only perpetuate ill-feelings and disharmony. Start your remarriage by being positive and strong for others in all situations.

How to Build Blended Family Relationships

The overall secret to building a strong blended family is to pay attention to the feelings of everyone involved and to build good faith between each other as a result.

Regarding the issue of discipline: a parent can start exerting authority and instating rules once he or she has earned the trust of the children. You can do this by listening, empathizing, and taking a genuine liking to a child’s interests. Once you have proved you are for real and you truly care, they will trust you even when you discipline. It’s all about building caring relationships above anything else.

We wish all parents and children good luck as you strive to build a strong blended family. To quote the Beatles, “All you need is love.” That, in a nutshell, is what makes both natural and blended families work out.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2545.shtml

By: Elizabeth Ellis

A sturdy types of cup used for drinking hot bevaerages are called mugs. They are bigger and can be filled with more water. It is usually made of ceramic but you can also find some that are made from high quality glass. Mugs have earned its place in record such as the Holy Grail.

Latest technologies in photo transfers have made it achievable to print photos on to mugs. It could also be produced in large quantity with low cost although it was quite expensive before. A good thing about this recent development is that these photo mugs make great souvenirs for organizations and personal use. Mugs are made out of earthenware, stainless steal, plastic and many other types of materials.

People use mugs on a daily basis. Therefore it is a great way of reminding someone you love of how important they are and what they mean to you. It is delightful to use mugs with your favorite images and words of motivation especially at work. A photo mug will also be a great way to promote your company and its product.

Mugs make great advertising means. The mugs are of personal use so there are no better ways to get potential customers to think about your company. The latest design employs the usage of disappearing ink that is sensitive to heat. The sensitive color is applied after the normal earthenware imprint colors have been printed and baked on. The photos will only appear after hot water is poured them mysteriously vanish when heat expires. The mugs with these fantastic effects make great photo gifts as well. Companies can make use of these mugs to boost company’s repute.

When you want to give someone something with a personal touch, consider personalized photo mugs. Just pick out any photos that are special for both you and the receiver. This way you can let them know you are thinking of them every time they have their coffee. For someone living on a budget, these mugs are cost efficient yet effective.

Mugs have always been around to serve us. We use it everyday but most of us do not realize the ability of these simple everyday utensils that can serve as great gifts for those we cherish.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2592.shtml

By: Jerry R. Guy

Making funeral plans can be a very stressful event. Many

things must be considered and decisions made. This usually

comes at a time when most people are at their worst,

mentally.

Today, it is not uncommon for traditional funeral and burial

costs to be well over $10,000+ in many areas of the United

States, and these costs continue to rise fast! This is due

in large part, to the rapid increase in cremation rates over

the past few years. As a result, many families are finding

it difficult to pay these expenses. This makes an already

difficult time much harder for the family.

As an active licensed funeral director with over 28 years

funeral service experience, I have personally assisted

thousands of families in making funeral plans for a loved

one. While some were prepared, unfortunately in my

experiences, most were not and finances was usually the key

issue.

One way to avoid this problem is to consider prearranging

funeral services. Many funeral homes and cemeteries now

offer programs that allow you to preplan funeral and burial

arrangements. In some cases, they will even freeze your

costs for these services. As a funeral director, I strongly

urge anyone to consider looking into these options at your

facility of choice. This one thing alone could potentially

save you thousands of dollars as funeral prices continue to

escalate.

Another way is to become educated about the process of

funeral planning. There is an abundance of material

available on this subject and much of it is free for the

asking. Contact your funeral facility of choice, most will

be happy to send you educational material that could

possibly save you thousands of dollars when the time of

need arises and hopefully make that time less stressful.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2653.shtml

By: Frank Fourchalk

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year. Many retailers solely survive on these weeks because they often account for 70 percent of their annual revenue. Because of this, retail stores tend to hype this festive season to the hilt creating a buying frenzy.

Stocking our homes with the latest electronic gadgets, computers, jewelry and clothing is a given.

Unfortunately while we are in the mood for giving and receiving, somebody is in the mood for taking. “Taking,” is definitely on the home burglar’s mind as he or she views the holiday season through different eyes. Eyes that are focused on your home to complete their own shopping list.

Christmas is a magical time of year when family and friends come together to celebrate the season. To help preserve your special times and thwart intruders, I have compiled a Christmas Home Security Check List.

Do not display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window. This is an invitation for burglars to check out the inventory.

If you must place your tree in front of the window, make sure that you don’t display gifts under it until closer to Christmas.

Do not hide door keys under mats. The first place a burglar will look for a house key is under a mat. Rocks, flower pots and door ledges are next on a burglars search list, so don’t get caught being security complacent.

If you must leave a key for emergency purposes make sure that you leave it with a trusted friend or neighbor.

Christmas tends to bring out the handyman in some of us. Don’t get caught feeding an extension through a locking window and jeopardizing your home’s security.

If you must, install outside electrical outlets for your outside lights and decorative Christmas fixtures.

Make sure that you lock all windows and doors, even if just leaving your home for a few minutes. Intruders only need a few seconds to ruin your day.

Don’t give information on answering machines. It is best just to say that you are busy at the moment and to leave your name and number and you will return the call.

If you can, call forward your home phone number to your cell or neighbor for the duration of your absence.

Keep your drapes or window blinds closed at night. When going out for the evening make use of inexpensive timers to give the illusion of occupancy.

Photo cell lighting is also an inexpensive way of simulating activity.

Do not let newspapers pile up on your front door step. Try to keep the front door area swept and clean. Messy front door entrances can give the wrong message to a burglar.

Conceal all gift boxes after Christmas, so as not to alert burglars. Make sure that you cut up all boxes and place them in solid plastic bags for garbage pick-up.

Make sure that you have target hardened your home by installing the proper hardware - hardware like deadbolts, strike plates, window locks, door hinges, door viewers, and even alarm systems.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2469.shtml

By: Crizza Reyes

We all know practically that there’s nothing more exciting in this world of having a baby. It is difficult for you to appreciate this kind of stuff if you are younger. It’s not uncommon for children, teens and even adults to comment on how annoying babies and toddlers are. For them, they are annoying but, if you have your own, that point in life will change. The rules suddenly don’t apply to your child. He or she’s not annoying and complaining like the rest of them. And even if he or she is, you don’t really mind. Of course you don’t; because this small miracle is a part of you. Some mother want to scream out loud to the entire world in order to let others know that they now a baby. They send notifications by mail such as baby girl birth announcements with decorative borders and adorable photos. Although acquaintances receive a head-ups, is this truly a wise route in this day and age? Several says it’s not.

As a matter of fact, the birth of a child is an exciting time. Parents make phone calls to tell all their family and friends and everyone buys presents for the newest person in their world. Proud parents and excited grandparents want the world to know about this great little person that has entered their life. As a logical parents they want to announce their child’s birth formally with baby birth announcements.

Honestly speaking, i don’t think many new parents give baby boy and baby girl birth announcements a second thought. All they can think about is how proud and excited they are having a beautiful child has come into their life. However, spreading the word about your new, little joy can be somewhat dangerous. Check this out. Let’s say you and your spouse just had a baby boy. Like many couples, you tie beautiful balloons to your mailbox. Their baby blue color gives away the fact that you just brought home a baby boy. Now anyone that may pass by your home, knows that a newborn boy is inside. Hmmm, this is not something I would advertise to every unpleasant person, pervert and criminal in town. Especially in 2007.

Having a baby birth announcement this is the first impression that your child makes in the minds of friends and families that do not live close by so you likely want to make it a good impression to them. our baby’s birth announcement will be seen on fridges, mantel pieces, and in wallets of those who just can’t wait to boast a little. This idea of having a baby birth announcement is something that people save in their scrapbooks to show off to future generations to come and send across the world to help distant family members feel more to keep in touch. You can make a good impressions by making your baby birth announcement unique and pleasing to the eye.

You can find a beautiful baby card announcements with many contemporary designs that allow you to add your favorite baby photo to create it more special. Designs that help make the color come alive accentuate the announcement and make it unforgettable. A special verse or quotation can be chosen to individualize it. Or simply buy the finished card to the stores and choose the best one that fits to your baby and more unique.

If you’re in love with the idea of sending baby girl birth or boy birth announcement out there, then I highly suggest you to keep it to close family and friends. You tell one person, he or she informs ten more. Before you know it, half the town knows about your newborn child. Lastly, consider drugstore baby boy or baby girl birth announcements, as opposed to the fancy ones. We all know that once people read cards, they go straight to the trash can.

By then, if you are having a problem in finding baby birth announcements that are as unique and as special as your child, you can log on online using online catalogue to broaden your choices. You can find great scope of selections to choose from online. And also, you can find places online where you can design your own birth announcements. You can add special graphics, the names of the other members of the family, pictures of the baby, fancy backgrounds, and other things to make your baby birth announcements extraordinary. You can add up also, a special Bible verse, a few lines of a poem, or sincere thought from the proud parents may be that extra-special touch that will make it memorable. You can find a great array of affordable, elegant, and stylish custom designs to choose from. Birth announcements that you order online can be printed out and mailed to you or you can send a baby announcement e-card to as many people as you like.

If you want your baby birth announcement to be remembered, memorable and will be treasured by families and friends and also by other people, make it stylish and unique. Remember, your baby birth announcements are the first impressions that many will have of your new family addition, so isn’t it worth your time and effort to make it exceptional?

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_2690.shtml