Friday, September 30, 2011
Time out for style
8:00 AM | Posted by
OceansideMommies |
A common complaint of many mothers is the daily struggle of what to wear. Most mothers express exasperation that they dress too casually, and some say, sloppily. Many mothers do not have the time in their busy schedules to devote to finding appropriate and attractive clothing. Help can be found with a wardrobe consultant who will review your closet, assist you in determining your clothing needs, provide shopping assistance, and organize your closet.
If you find that you stand in front of your closet full of clothes and have nothing to wear, I recommend that you find someone to watch the children for a half day and devote it to reviewing the clothing in your closet. Put on some music of your choice and pop open a Diet Coke or have a glass of wine if you're feeling more adventuresome. You'll need to try on everything, unless by sight you find that an item is too worn, stained, or a size that you haven't seen for awhile.
Once you try on the remaining clothing ask yourself the following questions:
1. Does it fit?
2. Does the color suit me?
3. When was the last time I wore this?
4. Does this fit into my current life situation? (i.e. a stay-at-home mom doesn't need a closet full of power suits);and,
5. Do I like it? (can I run into an old boyfriend and feel attractive?).
Items that don't meet the above criteria can be donated to a charity. Please make sure that the item is in good condition; the rule is to only donate what you would consider buying. Items with tags still attached can be sold on eBay or at a consignment shop. The balance of the items can be tossed or recycled for your rag bag.
Most women need the following for a casual winter wardrobe:
1. Jeans in a darker wash;
2. A pair of black pants. The current style recalling Audrey Hepburn looks good on most women and can be dressed up or down. I recommend that you have several pairs so that when one pair is in the wash, you have another to wear;
3. A pair of corduroy pants in a boot cut style;
4. A few sweaters in a classic style. I happen to like the J Crew Wesley cable style in the v-neck so you can layer a blouse or t-shirt under. Plus, they are really soft and wear well;
5. A pair of short boots to wear under your jeans and pants;
6. A pair of flat shoes to wear with your black pants. Try black or an animal print for more style;
7. T-shirts in white and other colors that you like. The Old Navy ones are a terrific value;
8. A sweater coat - a Fair Isle type weave will add pop to your pants and jeans. Also, it doesn't get that cold in Richmond, and, since we spend most of our days in cars, a heavy coat isn't needed for most days; and,
9. A realwinter coat for colder days.
That's all you need. I find that the more choices women have, the harder it is to decide what to wear. Pare down and you'll find that you are more confident and ready to face the world!
The best part of the above list is that you can order these by catalog or on the internet. This is my favorite way to shop because I can try the clothing on at my own pace and match them to my existing pieces. No need to drag a 2 and 4 year old through the mall!
Now you need to organize your closet. Take out anything that isn't clothing related. Find a new place for Christmas paper, sport equipment, and toys. When you're doing this its a great time to streamline your home. Make sure that you are using the same style of hanger; it takes up less rod space. I like the plastic jewel style hanger that you find in department stores. You should also buy a few shoe boxes and some baskets to put belts and scarves in. You can get these items at Target for a reasonable price.
Originally posted by: RichmondMommies
If you find that you stand in front of your closet full of clothes and have nothing to wear, I recommend that you find someone to watch the children for a half day and devote it to reviewing the clothing in your closet. Put on some music of your choice and pop open a Diet Coke or have a glass of wine if you're feeling more adventuresome. You'll need to try on everything, unless by sight you find that an item is too worn, stained, or a size that you haven't seen for awhile.
Once you try on the remaining clothing ask yourself the following questions:
1. Does it fit?
2. Does the color suit me?
3. When was the last time I wore this?
4. Does this fit into my current life situation? (i.e. a stay-at-home mom doesn't need a closet full of power suits);and,
5. Do I like it? (can I run into an old boyfriend and feel attractive?).
Items that don't meet the above criteria can be donated to a charity. Please make sure that the item is in good condition; the rule is to only donate what you would consider buying. Items with tags still attached can be sold on eBay or at a consignment shop. The balance of the items can be tossed or recycled for your rag bag.
Most women need the following for a casual winter wardrobe:
1. Jeans in a darker wash;
2. A pair of black pants. The current style recalling Audrey Hepburn looks good on most women and can be dressed up or down. I recommend that you have several pairs so that when one pair is in the wash, you have another to wear;
3. A pair of corduroy pants in a boot cut style;
4. A few sweaters in a classic style. I happen to like the J Crew Wesley cable style in the v-neck so you can layer a blouse or t-shirt under. Plus, they are really soft and wear well;
5. A pair of short boots to wear under your jeans and pants;
6. A pair of flat shoes to wear with your black pants. Try black or an animal print for more style;
7. T-shirts in white and other colors that you like. The Old Navy ones are a terrific value;
8. A sweater coat - a Fair Isle type weave will add pop to your pants and jeans. Also, it doesn't get that cold in Richmond, and, since we spend most of our days in cars, a heavy coat isn't needed for most days; and,
9. A realwinter coat for colder days.
That's all you need. I find that the more choices women have, the harder it is to decide what to wear. Pare down and you'll find that you are more confident and ready to face the world!
The best part of the above list is that you can order these by catalog or on the internet. This is my favorite way to shop because I can try the clothing on at my own pace and match them to my existing pieces. No need to drag a 2 and 4 year old through the mall!
Now you need to organize your closet. Take out anything that isn't clothing related. Find a new place for Christmas paper, sport equipment, and toys. When you're doing this its a great time to streamline your home. Make sure that you are using the same style of hanger; it takes up less rod space. I like the plastic jewel style hanger that you find in department stores. You should also buy a few shoe boxes and some baskets to put belts and scarves in. You can get these items at Target for a reasonable price.
Originally posted by: RichmondMommies
Labels:
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Mommy, look at that dog!
You and your children are enjoying a sunny afternoon at the park when they suddenly say, “Mommy, look at that dog! Let’s go see him!” This innocent request could turn emotionally and physically harmful for your children if your children don’t know the proper manners for meeting a new dog.
What do you need to know? Bonnie Buchanan, owner of Bon-Clyde Training Center in Sanford, NC and professional dog trainer offers some advice.
“Dogs need to be treated like human strangers,” says Bonnie. Parents should observe the owner and the dog’s body language. Does the dog look relaxed or nervous? Does the owner have control over the dog? Bonnie also notes that “it’s also important to remember that dogs react differently to adults and to children. Children often make faster and jerkier movements that can make a dog nervous. For a dog that hasn’t been ‘kidsocialized’, children can be threatening.”
Here are a few tips to keep your next encounter with a four-legged friend a positive one:
- The number one rule: Never stare a dog in the eyes. A dog interprets staring as an attempt to be dominant and this can cause a negative reaction from the dog.
- Always ask the owner’s permission before you approach the dog.
-Slowly lift the back of your hand for the dog to sniff.
- Scratch under the chin first. Never pet the top of the head because this is a sign of dominance.
- Keep your voice soft.
- If a dog runs up to you, then remain calm, don’t run or scream.
The dog’s owner may not be aware of the dog’s behavior, so watch for these signs and don’t approach a dog if he is doing any of the following:
- Staring at you intensely
- Tipped forward on the front feet
- Ears pressed against the head
These are all signs of aggression and it is best to stay away. If you have any doubt about the dog or owner, then avoid them. Dog bites are 100 percent preventable.
What can you do if your child loves dogs, but you don’t want to make one part of your family just yet? Here are a few suggestions:
- Training Centers like Bon-Clyde offer a variety of classes and seminars open to the public to observe.
- Attend fundraisers or dog festivals
- Attend local dog shows
What can you do if your child is scared of dogs?
- Find a Therapy Dog volunteer dog. Therapy Dogs are used in nursing homes and hospitals and have undergone special training to be gentle and calm.
- Encourage the dog owner’s to tell your child something special about the dog.
- Ask if your child and the dog can “shake hands”.
It is important to remember that dogs will be dogs and even the most well trained dog can have a bad day. Dogs have personalities as unpredictable and complex as humans. It is these personalities that make dogs irresistible to adults and children.
Originally posted by: CharlotteMommies
What do you need to know? Bonnie Buchanan, owner of Bon-Clyde Training Center in Sanford, NC and professional dog trainer offers some advice.
“Dogs need to be treated like human strangers,” says Bonnie. Parents should observe the owner and the dog’s body language. Does the dog look relaxed or nervous? Does the owner have control over the dog? Bonnie also notes that “it’s also important to remember that dogs react differently to adults and to children. Children often make faster and jerkier movements that can make a dog nervous. For a dog that hasn’t been ‘kidsocialized’, children can be threatening.”
Here are a few tips to keep your next encounter with a four-legged friend a positive one:
- The number one rule: Never stare a dog in the eyes. A dog interprets staring as an attempt to be dominant and this can cause a negative reaction from the dog.
- Always ask the owner’s permission before you approach the dog.
-Slowly lift the back of your hand for the dog to sniff.
- Scratch under the chin first. Never pet the top of the head because this is a sign of dominance.
- Keep your voice soft.
- If a dog runs up to you, then remain calm, don’t run or scream.
The dog’s owner may not be aware of the dog’s behavior, so watch for these signs and don’t approach a dog if he is doing any of the following:
- Staring at you intensely
- Tipped forward on the front feet
- Ears pressed against the head
These are all signs of aggression and it is best to stay away. If you have any doubt about the dog or owner, then avoid them. Dog bites are 100 percent preventable.
What can you do if your child loves dogs, but you don’t want to make one part of your family just yet? Here are a few suggestions:
- Training Centers like Bon-Clyde offer a variety of classes and seminars open to the public to observe.
- Attend fundraisers or dog festivals
- Attend local dog shows
What can you do if your child is scared of dogs?
- Find a Therapy Dog volunteer dog. Therapy Dogs are used in nursing homes and hospitals and have undergone special training to be gentle and calm.
- Encourage the dog owner’s to tell your child something special about the dog.
- Ask if your child and the dog can “shake hands”.
It is important to remember that dogs will be dogs and even the most well trained dog can have a bad day. Dogs have personalities as unpredictable and complex as humans. It is these personalities that make dogs irresistible to adults and children.
Originally posted by: CharlotteMommies
Monday, September 26, 2011
Menu Monday Heathers No-Salt Table Blend
Heather's No-Salt Table Blend
Ingredients:
6 tbsp. dried oregano
7 tbsp. onion powder
4 tsp. dried marjoram
4 tbsp. dried basil
4 tsp. dried savory
6 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried sage
3 tsp. black pepper
Cooking Instructions:
Mix together and store in an airtight container.
Additional Comments:
This is a lovely addition to the table. My family and friends are crazy about this mix and are constantly asking me to package it up for them.
Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by "Heather"
6 tbsp. dried oregano
7 tbsp. onion powder
4 tsp. dried marjoram
4 tbsp. dried basil
4 tsp. dried savory
6 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried sage
3 tsp. black pepper
Cooking Instructions:
Mix together and store in an airtight container.
Additional Comments:
This is a lovely addition to the table. My family and friends are crazy about this mix and are constantly asking me to package it up for them.
Submitted to The Mommies Network recipe database by "Heather"
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Child Safety Tips: Was there ever an age of innocence?
Within a span of two days, I was given a view as to how children in this day and age are a constant worry. How do you explain to preschoolers how dangerous it is for them to be a normal preschooler?
Let me go back and explain the last two days of my life. Day one started out as a great bonding time with my kids. We went to the park to feed the ducks and play. I can't explain the pure joy I had watching my five-year-old and one-year-old chase ducks. That joy quickly turned to terror within the hour. I watched as my sweet, innocent five-year-old, who was supposed to be playing on the big slide, struck up a conversation with a strange man. I, on the other hand, was by the little slide a good distance away with the one-year-old. I immediately began to yell at my son, only to have him so caught up in his conversation that he did not hear me.
I felt torn between my two kids. Do I panic the one-year-old and run up the slide to grab her and lose sight entirely of my son for the brief second. Or do I run to him and leave her on the top of the slide. I continued to yell and waited for her to come down. We immediately began heading towards my son. Of course, he finally heard me yelling and came running.
When asked who he was talking to, he replied, "My friend's dad." What friend, I immediately asked. "The girl I met on the slide." Where is she, I asked. "Over there on the slide." I was scared and upset all at once. Did I not explain to him the dangers of talking to strangers? Does he not realize the amount of kids taken each day? Is it fair to ask him not to be friendly? Is it fair to take away his naive view to the world as a five-year-old?
My husband and I realied that we weren't living in an age of innocence anymore and really don't remember a time when there was one. Therefore, we decided to have the stranger talk with our son before bedtime.
The next day, my son and I would watch first hand the fear and terror of losing a child. Our mall has a play area for kids - complete with squishy floors, slides and animals to jump on. As we entered the mall that day to play, we heard a woman screaming hysterically. One of her three kids was missing. My son held on to my leg as we watched this woman, with the help of all the other mothers in the crowd, tearfully look for this little lost girl. The good news is that the girl was found in a toy store. She had gotten out of the play area and, as a three-year-old, could not resist the toys. Her mother just sat holding her crying. The girl did not even realize why her mom was so upset.
It really got me to thinking. How do we teach our kids safety without scaring them? Is it more important to take away their innocence about what the world is really like? I think it has to be done. So here are a few tips that I am doing with my children.
Personal Information
It is essential that your children know your first and last names, not just mommy or daddy, as well as their own first and last names, at the very least. As soon as they can learn, teach them their phone number and address.
Who is safe?
Teach kids that if lost they can always go to a police man, security guard, teacher or even the person behind a cash register to call out your name. Teach them not to talk to adults who they do not know unless you are there with them.
Practice
Teach them that it is ok to scream if an adult approaches them and makes them feel uneasy. Practice what they should do if an adult approaches them without a parent present. Teach them to run immediately to their mom and dad. Other parents will not be offended because they realize the danger as well. Also, lecture the importance of staying close to mom and dad.
What belongs to them
Teach kids that any area covered by clothes is their private area and should not be shown or touched by anyone. Anytime someone makes them feel uncomfortable they should tell you. They should not be embarrassed or ashamed. After all, it wasn't their fault.
Inform caregivers
Make sure those watching your child, either in a daycare setting or babysitting in a home, know who is allowed to pick up your child in case of emergencies.
Follow rules
No matter where the child is, explain the importance of following rules. Explain how rules are set up for their safety and when rules are not followed harm can result. Explain that it is imperative for children to follow the rules at school or even with you. As a teacher, it was heartbreaking to hear about kids getting hit by a bus or not being in the right line and being sent to the wrong neighborhood.
Be suspicious
Inform kids to stay away from cars when playing outside. If one stops by them, they are to immediately run inside. Also teach them to never take candy from a stranger and to know that just because an adult knows their name does not mean they are safe to be around.
Kids are never too young to have these types of conversations. Unfortunately, in our society, there are too many who are willing to hurt a child. It is, of course, a parent's worse fear to lose a child. It brings me to tears to think of all who have.
Originally posted by: SaltLakeCityMommies
Let me go back and explain the last two days of my life. Day one started out as a great bonding time with my kids. We went to the park to feed the ducks and play. I can't explain the pure joy I had watching my five-year-old and one-year-old chase ducks. That joy quickly turned to terror within the hour. I watched as my sweet, innocent five-year-old, who was supposed to be playing on the big slide, struck up a conversation with a strange man. I, on the other hand, was by the little slide a good distance away with the one-year-old. I immediately began to yell at my son, only to have him so caught up in his conversation that he did not hear me.
I felt torn between my two kids. Do I panic the one-year-old and run up the slide to grab her and lose sight entirely of my son for the brief second. Or do I run to him and leave her on the top of the slide. I continued to yell and waited for her to come down. We immediately began heading towards my son. Of course, he finally heard me yelling and came running.
When asked who he was talking to, he replied, "My friend's dad." What friend, I immediately asked. "The girl I met on the slide." Where is she, I asked. "Over there on the slide." I was scared and upset all at once. Did I not explain to him the dangers of talking to strangers? Does he not realize the amount of kids taken each day? Is it fair to ask him not to be friendly? Is it fair to take away his naive view to the world as a five-year-old?
My husband and I realied that we weren't living in an age of innocence anymore and really don't remember a time when there was one. Therefore, we decided to have the stranger talk with our son before bedtime.
The next day, my son and I would watch first hand the fear and terror of losing a child. Our mall has a play area for kids - complete with squishy floors, slides and animals to jump on. As we entered the mall that day to play, we heard a woman screaming hysterically. One of her three kids was missing. My son held on to my leg as we watched this woman, with the help of all the other mothers in the crowd, tearfully look for this little lost girl. The good news is that the girl was found in a toy store. She had gotten out of the play area and, as a three-year-old, could not resist the toys. Her mother just sat holding her crying. The girl did not even realize why her mom was so upset.
It really got me to thinking. How do we teach our kids safety without scaring them? Is it more important to take away their innocence about what the world is really like? I think it has to be done. So here are a few tips that I am doing with my children.
Personal Information
It is essential that your children know your first and last names, not just mommy or daddy, as well as their own first and last names, at the very least. As soon as they can learn, teach them their phone number and address.
Who is safe?
Teach kids that if lost they can always go to a police man, security guard, teacher or even the person behind a cash register to call out your name. Teach them not to talk to adults who they do not know unless you are there with them.
Practice
Teach them that it is ok to scream if an adult approaches them and makes them feel uneasy. Practice what they should do if an adult approaches them without a parent present. Teach them to run immediately to their mom and dad. Other parents will not be offended because they realize the danger as well. Also, lecture the importance of staying close to mom and dad.
What belongs to them
Teach kids that any area covered by clothes is their private area and should not be shown or touched by anyone. Anytime someone makes them feel uncomfortable they should tell you. They should not be embarrassed or ashamed. After all, it wasn't their fault.
Inform caregivers
Make sure those watching your child, either in a daycare setting or babysitting in a home, know who is allowed to pick up your child in case of emergencies.
Follow rules
No matter where the child is, explain the importance of following rules. Explain how rules are set up for their safety and when rules are not followed harm can result. Explain that it is imperative for children to follow the rules at school or even with you. As a teacher, it was heartbreaking to hear about kids getting hit by a bus or not being in the right line and being sent to the wrong neighborhood.
Be suspicious
Inform kids to stay away from cars when playing outside. If one stops by them, they are to immediately run inside. Also teach them to never take candy from a stranger and to know that just because an adult knows their name does not mean they are safe to be around.
Kids are never too young to have these types of conversations. Unfortunately, in our society, there are too many who are willing to hurt a child. It is, of course, a parent's worse fear to lose a child. It brings me to tears to think of all who have.
Originally posted by: SaltLakeCityMommies
Friday, September 23, 2011
Ten Steps for Developing Good Study Habits
Your child can expect to spend more than thirteen years going through school from pre-school to high school. How he/she performs during those thirteen years determines how well she’ll do in college and later in life. Grades are extremely important when determining scholarships or if
internships are granted. But how can you ensure your child will do well in her/his classes? The first step for great performance in school and college is to learn good study habits. The sooner your child learns good study habits, the sooner she’ll/he'll start making the grades and opening the doors to opportunities.
There are basically ten steps to developing good study habits.
1. Understand the necessity of studying- As a parent, you must convey to your child as soon as possible why studying is important. You must also be interested in school; your child will take an interest because you do. The earlier he/she becomes interested in school the better. Keep the child motivated to achieve his/her goals, not only in life but also in classes. One way of doing this is writing down where your child wants to be in five years. For younger children, try next year or even a few months. The important thing is to get the child used to developing goals. For older students, the issue becomes what profession does he/she want to study? Writing down a list of goals will serve as a reminder to study your child of what she/he wants to achieve and is a great motivator when she/he doesn't feel like studying.
2. Pay Attention- Pay attention to the lectures in class. Be attentive, to what the teacher is going over in class.
3. Plan out a time and place to study- Locate a place where your child can study. If possible this area should be specifically designated for studying. The child must go to this area everyday at the same time to devote to studying. You are building up a habit of when your child is in this area at a certain time, he/she is there to study.
4. Do Homework Immediately- As soon your child arrives at home, start on homework. If the child plays sports, homework should be performed as soon as you arrive home from practice. If other items are placed before completing the homework, the child may forget to complete his/her homework. Once homework is behind, it is sometimes difficult to catch up.
5. Know the Weak and Strong Subjects- Know your child's weak and strong subjects. Devote more time to the weak subjects.
6. Sleep- Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Being tired during classes makes it difficult to be attentive during class and makes it even harder to study later on.
7. Do Practice Tests- If a test is coming up, make up practice tests to take at home during the study time. Concentrate on the missed questions and concentrate on those areas.
8. No cramming!- Your child should study for a test or quiz as soon as it is announced that one is approaching. Cramming for a test undermines student confidence and produces a great deal of stress the day of the test.
9. Take Notes- Assist your child with writing notes. Writing notes provide key points to refer back to when studying, and contrary to popular belief, note taking must be taught. No one is born knowing how to take notes. Notes also provide questions for the practice test. Notes should also be taken during lectures.
10. Repeat steps 1-9- Repeating steps one through nine each day will help develop good study habits. Remember it’s never too young to start developing study habits.
Nicole Givens “Ten Steps to Good Study Habits”
It is essential in today’s competitive markets that individuals develop good studying habits for all aspects of life, not just high school or college. For what better test to pass than the test of life.
Ten Online Websites for Homework Help:
1. Find homework help for all subjects and grade levels from AOL (http://school.aol.com).
2. DiscoverySchool (http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/bjpinchbeck/) assists students with homework in Science, English, Computer Internet, even PE and much more.
3. About.com (http://www.about.com/homework) is also a great place for homework help. They offer an expanded list of subjects that they give assistance in.
4. Homeworkhelp.com (http://www.homeworkhelp.com) offers homework help (like it name implies) but you must be a member to receive assistance. The membership isn’t free, but you receive access to teachers.
5. bigchalk.com (http://www.bigchalk.com) provides homework assistance. The site is divided into three categories: elementary, middle and high school.
6. Homework Spot (http://www.homeworkspot.com) is the spot for all subjects. They even offer a reference desk for finding information.
7. Algebra.com (http://www.algebra.com) is a website devoted to assisting students with their algebra homework. This includes pre-algebra, algebra and algebra II.
8. National Geographic Kids (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/education/homework) offers help in the areas of maps, geography, animals and other social sciences.
9. Math.com (http://www.math.com) boasts that it is the “world of math” location. Indeed they offer help with all levels of math including Calculus and Trigonometry.
10. KidsClick (http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!/) is a searchable website developed for students by librarians. This is sure to offer some answers for those tough homework English questions.
Originally posted by: CharlotteMommies
internships are granted. But how can you ensure your child will do well in her/his classes? The first step for great performance in school and college is to learn good study habits. The sooner your child learns good study habits, the sooner she’ll/he'll start making the grades and opening the doors to opportunities.
There are basically ten steps to developing good study habits.
1. Understand the necessity of studying- As a parent, you must convey to your child as soon as possible why studying is important. You must also be interested in school; your child will take an interest because you do. The earlier he/she becomes interested in school the better. Keep the child motivated to achieve his/her goals, not only in life but also in classes. One way of doing this is writing down where your child wants to be in five years. For younger children, try next year or even a few months. The important thing is to get the child used to developing goals. For older students, the issue becomes what profession does he/she want to study? Writing down a list of goals will serve as a reminder to study your child of what she/he wants to achieve and is a great motivator when she/he doesn't feel like studying.
2. Pay Attention- Pay attention to the lectures in class. Be attentive, to what the teacher is going over in class.
3. Plan out a time and place to study- Locate a place where your child can study. If possible this area should be specifically designated for studying. The child must go to this area everyday at the same time to devote to studying. You are building up a habit of when your child is in this area at a certain time, he/she is there to study.
4. Do Homework Immediately- As soon your child arrives at home, start on homework. If the child plays sports, homework should be performed as soon as you arrive home from practice. If other items are placed before completing the homework, the child may forget to complete his/her homework. Once homework is behind, it is sometimes difficult to catch up.
5. Know the Weak and Strong Subjects- Know your child's weak and strong subjects. Devote more time to the weak subjects.
6. Sleep- Make sure your child is getting enough sleep. Being tired during classes makes it difficult to be attentive during class and makes it even harder to study later on.
7. Do Practice Tests- If a test is coming up, make up practice tests to take at home during the study time. Concentrate on the missed questions and concentrate on those areas.
8. No cramming!- Your child should study for a test or quiz as soon as it is announced that one is approaching. Cramming for a test undermines student confidence and produces a great deal of stress the day of the test.
9. Take Notes- Assist your child with writing notes. Writing notes provide key points to refer back to when studying, and contrary to popular belief, note taking must be taught. No one is born knowing how to take notes. Notes also provide questions for the practice test. Notes should also be taken during lectures.
10. Repeat steps 1-9- Repeating steps one through nine each day will help develop good study habits. Remember it’s never too young to start developing study habits.
Nicole Givens “Ten Steps to Good Study Habits”
It is essential in today’s competitive markets that individuals develop good studying habits for all aspects of life, not just high school or college. For what better test to pass than the test of life.
Ten Online Websites for Homework Help:
1. Find homework help for all subjects and grade levels from AOL (http://school.aol.com).
2. DiscoverySchool (http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/bjpinchbeck/) assists students with homework in Science, English, Computer Internet, even PE and much more.
3. About.com (http://www.about.com/homework) is also a great place for homework help. They offer an expanded list of subjects that they give assistance in.
4. Homeworkhelp.com (http://www.homeworkhelp.com) offers homework help (like it name implies) but you must be a member to receive assistance. The membership isn’t free, but you receive access to teachers.
5. bigchalk.com (http://www.bigchalk.com) provides homework assistance. The site is divided into three categories: elementary, middle and high school.
6. Homework Spot (http://www.homeworkspot.com) is the spot for all subjects. They even offer a reference desk for finding information.
7. Algebra.com (http://www.algebra.com) is a website devoted to assisting students with their algebra homework. This includes pre-algebra, algebra and algebra II.
8. National Geographic Kids (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/education/homework) offers help in the areas of maps, geography, animals and other social sciences.
9. Math.com (http://www.math.com) boasts that it is the “world of math” location. Indeed they offer help with all levels of math including Calculus and Trigonometry.
10. KidsClick (http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/KidsClick!/) is a searchable website developed for students by librarians. This is sure to offer some answers for those tough homework English questions.
Originally posted by: CharlotteMommies
Monday, September 19, 2011
Menu Monday Potato Pierogi
Potato Pierogi
Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds red potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons butter
2 onions, chopped
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
6 ounces mild cheddar cheese
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/4 corn oil
Cooking Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until well done, drain and mash with butter. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat cook the onions and bacon together. Reserve 1/2 cup of mixture for spooning over the cooked pierogi. Add the remaining bacon and onions to the potatoes. Stir the cheese into the potato mixture. Mix well. Chill until very cold. Mix flour and salt in large bowl. Make a well in the middle. Pour water and oil into the well. Mix together. Add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time until dough is firm. Knead dough until mixture does not stick to hands. Cover tightly and let stand for 1/2 hour in a warm place. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut in 2-inch diameter circles. Add 1 teaspoon filling, fold over 1 half of circle and press the edges together to seal. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon oil, then add pierogi. Stir occasionally to pierogi won't stick to the bottom. When perogi rise to the top, add 1 cup cold water to stop the cooking. Remove the perogi with a slotted spoon. Perogi will cook in 3 to 4 minutes. Serve topped with reserved onion-bacon mixture.
Recipe submitted by "Sarah" to The Mommies Network recipe database.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Menu Monday Australian Lime Pie
Potato Pierogi
Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds red potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons butter
2 onions, chopped
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
6 ounces mild cheddar cheese
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/4 corn oil
Cooking Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until well done, drain and mash with butter. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat cook the onions and bacon together. Reserve 1/2 cup of mixture for spooning over the cooked pierogi. Add the remaining bacon and onions to the potatoes. Stir the cheese into the potato mixture. Mix well. Chill until very cold. Mix flour and salt in large bowl. Make a well in the middle. Pour water and oil into the well. Mix together. Add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time until dough is firm. Knead dough until mixture does not stick to hands. Cover tightly and let stand for 1/2 hour in a warm place. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut in 2-inch diameter circles. Add 1 teaspoon filling, fold over 1 half of circle and press the edges together to seal. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon oil, then add pierogi. Stir occasionally to pierogi won't stick to the bottom. When perogi rise to the top, add 1 cup cold water to stop the cooking. Remove the perogi with a slotted spoon. Perogi will cook in 3 to 4 minutes. Serve topped with reserved onion-bacon mixture.
Recipe submitted by "Sarah" to The Mommies Network recipe database.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Everyone Deserves a Second Chance!
The Mommies Network would like to thank everyone who participated in the National Auction! Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the auction will go to support Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The remaining 75 percent of funds raised will be used to further The Mommies Network mission to provide a safe, secure, FREE place for mothers to find support and encouragement from other mothers and to empower them to be better women, parents, and community leaders.
The Mommies Network National Auction received a number of last-minute donations! These new items, along with some previously listed, will go up for sale in a limited-time Second Chance Auction! Get your shop on Sept. 5–11 on the National Forum!
Click here to shop today!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Labor Day History
As the Industrial Revolution took hold of the nation, the average American in the late 1800s worked 12-hour days, seven days a week in order to make a basic living. Children were also working, as they provided cheap labor to employers and laws against child labor were not strongly enforced.
With the long hours and terrible working conditions, American unions became more prominent and voiced their demands for a better way of life. On Tuesday September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.
On May 11, 1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago struck to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. They sought support from their union led by Eugene V. Debs and on June 26 the American Railroad Union called a boycott of all Pullman railway cars. Within days, 50,000 rail workers complied and railroad traffic out of Chicago came to a halt. On July 4, President Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to Chicago. Much rioting and bloodshed ensued, but the government's actions broke the strike and the boycott soon collapsed. Debs and three other union officials were jailed for disobeying the injunction. The strike brought worker's rights to the public eye and Congress declared, in 1894, that the first Monday in September would be the holiday for workers, known as Labor Day.
The founder of Labor Day remains unclear, but some credit either Peter McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, for proposing the holiday.
Although Labor Day is meant as a celebration of the labor movement and its achievements, it has come to be celebrated as the last, long summer weekend before Autumn.
Originally posted by: AlamanceMommies
OceansideMommies hopes you have a safe and unlaboring labor day!
With the long hours and terrible working conditions, American unions became more prominent and voiced their demands for a better way of life. On Tuesday September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched from city hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first-ever Labor Day parade. Participants took an upaid day-off to honor the workers of America, as well as vocalize issues they had with employers. As years passed, more states began to hold these parades, but Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later.
On May 11, 1894, workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago struck to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. They sought support from their union led by Eugene V. Debs and on June 26 the American Railroad Union called a boycott of all Pullman railway cars. Within days, 50,000 rail workers complied and railroad traffic out of Chicago came to a halt. On July 4, President Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to Chicago. Much rioting and bloodshed ensued, but the government's actions broke the strike and the boycott soon collapsed. Debs and three other union officials were jailed for disobeying the injunction. The strike brought worker's rights to the public eye and Congress declared, in 1894, that the first Monday in September would be the holiday for workers, known as Labor Day.
The founder of Labor Day remains unclear, but some credit either Peter McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, for proposing the holiday.
Although Labor Day is meant as a celebration of the labor movement and its achievements, it has come to be celebrated as the last, long summer weekend before Autumn.
Originally posted by: AlamanceMommies
OceansideMommies hopes you have a safe and unlaboring labor day!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Moms' 6 biggest sleep mistakes and how to fix them!
You are how you sleep. It's the one-third of your life that most affects the two others. Of course, when your kids are young and you need lots of energy to get through the day, getting a good night's rest can be challenging.
If you're not sleeping well, you're not alone:
• Two-thirds of women report symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week.
• The average woman over age 30 sleeps only six hours and 41 minutes a night. No doubt, moms of babies or toddlers are lucky to get that much!
As a mom, some of the very things you do in the name of good parenting can compromise your sleep. Here are some common mistakes moms make, and how to fix them so you can sleep like a baby, or, even better, like a well-rested adult. (Parenting.com: Guaranteed ways to get decent rest.)
Mistake: Trying to get everything done after the kids go to bed "As soon as my daughters are tucked in at eight, I clean, iron, pay the bills, and so on," says Mercedes Gray, a mom of three in Ontario, California. Instead of winding down before her own bedtime, she speeds up. By 11 p.m., Gray says, "I'm so keyed up that it takes me a while to fall asleep."
A better approach: Don't use all of your free time to multitask. Just as your child needs a bedtime routine that settles her down for the night, so do you. "Thirty to sixty minutes before your bedtime, begin to do things that relax you," says Clete Kushida, M.D., director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research. "Take a bath, read quietly, watch a favorite show, whatever works. If possible, minimize your exposure to bright light during this time. Follow a similar pattern every night and your body gets conditioned to expect that it's time for bed, so you'll fall asleep more easily." If you have a snack, try small portions of low-fat carbs, such as toast with a little jam or cereal with milk. Want a drink? Chamomile tea and honey are both natural sedatives. Just don't eat a big meal within three hours of going to bed. Digesting a large amount of food has been shown to make you less sleepy.
Mistake: Staying in your child's room until he falls asleep Your child will become dependent on you to nod off. And when he awakens in the middle of the night (as everyone does), he won't be able to fall back to sleep on his own. Not only will you not get enough sleep, but it'll also be fragmented, and not very restorative. (Parenting.com: How to keep your preschooler out of your bed. )
A better approach: Pave the way for your child to sleep in his own room by himself. "Stick to a specific bedtime," says Dr. Kushida. "Tell him that if he needs to use the bathroom or get a drink of water, he should do it beforehand. Follow a soothing routine -- perhaps a bath and reading together -- then say good night and leave." Naturally, your child isn't going to like this at first. When my son, Liam, was a toddler, we got into the habit of playing a tape of kids' songs to lull him to sleep. The problem? If he woke up during the night, the music wouldn't be on, and he'd yell "Tape!" in a blood-curdling scream. My husband or I would run to play the tape, bleary-eyed from the interrupted sleep. So we decided to cut him off cold turkey, which involved two horrible nights of Liam crying himself to sleep. We felt like the worst parents in the world. By the third night, though, he grumbled a little and started to snooze in about five minutes. So stay firm. Your child will eventually adapt to your new routine and everyone will catch more zzz's.
Mistake: Sleeping late on the weekends when your husband can watch the kids Of course it's tempting, and you deserve the break. But sleep regularity is just as important as sleep quantity, says Amy Wolfson, Ph.D., author of "The Woman's Book of Sleep." "If you've been sleep-deprived all week, getting a little extra on the weekends may be beneficial. But don't overdo it, or you'll throw off your sleep/wake cycle and Monday morning will be brutal."
A better approach: By all means, take your husband up on the offer. Just don't sleep in longer than one hour, which is enough to make you feel refreshed. Consider doing something else with the extra time -- take a walk with a friend or read the Sunday paper uninterrupted.
Mistake: Not exercising at all or exercising too close to bedtime Physical activity can help you nod off more easily and improve the quality of your sleep. How? No one knows for sure, but there are theories: It may help regulate your body's circadian rhythms. Or, because exercise raises body temperature during the day, your body may try to lower its temperature at night, which makes you drowsy. Or perhaps exercise cuts down on anxiety and other problems that may interfere with sleep. Exercising close to your bedtime, though, can make you too wired and your body too warm to sleep. (Parenting.com: Making fitness fun. )
A better approach: Be active during the day if possible, but not within two to three hours of bedtime. In a recent study, women who worked out first thing in the morning reaped the most sleep benefits. If you take your child to preschool every day and you don't have to rush to work, wear workout clothes and exercise right after. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes per day of aerobic activity. Even a brisk 10-minute walk three times a day helps. To fit exercise into her busy day, Lynn Lombard of Akron, New York, turned her basement -- where she keeps exercise equipment -- into a playroom for her 4-year-old. "That's the only place in the house where Amanda's allowed to paint or use Play-Dough, so she loves being down there, and I get to work out in peace." She also started planning dinners in advance, so she has more time to work out.
Mistake: Napping when your baby naps This classic advice applies only when you're getting up every few hours at night to feed your newborn. Once he's a few months old and sleeping longer -- and especially if he's sleeping through the night and you are, too-- you don't need to nap much. Babies should get about 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. You need about eight. If you snooze for three hours during the day, you may have trouble sleeping at night.
A better approach: If you're tired, take a catnap at about the same time every day. Ten to 20 minutes will help you feel refreshed for another couple of hours. Doze much longer than that and you can wake up feeling groggy and worse than you did before.
Mistake: Ignoring your health issues You'd never miss a well-baby checkup, but when was your last physical? Many treatable conditions interfere with a good night's sleep, including PMS, asthma, restless leg syndrome and bladder problems. (Going to the bathroom once in the middle of the night is normal; going three or four times is not.) About 50 percent of people who have chronic insomnia have an underlying psychiatric issue, such as anxiety disorder or depression. (Parenting.com: Why you shouldn't lie to your doctor. )
A better approach: See your doctor if you think any health concerns are affecting your sleep. All of the problems mentioned above can be helped with medication and lifestyle changes. Says Nancy Collop, M.D., spokeswoman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "You don't have to suffer."
Originally posted by: LakeNormanMommies
If you're not sleeping well, you're not alone:
• Two-thirds of women report symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week.
• The average woman over age 30 sleeps only six hours and 41 minutes a night. No doubt, moms of babies or toddlers are lucky to get that much!
As a mom, some of the very things you do in the name of good parenting can compromise your sleep. Here are some common mistakes moms make, and how to fix them so you can sleep like a baby, or, even better, like a well-rested adult. (Parenting.com: Guaranteed ways to get decent rest.)
Mistake: Trying to get everything done after the kids go to bed "As soon as my daughters are tucked in at eight, I clean, iron, pay the bills, and so on," says Mercedes Gray, a mom of three in Ontario, California. Instead of winding down before her own bedtime, she speeds up. By 11 p.m., Gray says, "I'm so keyed up that it takes me a while to fall asleep."
A better approach: Don't use all of your free time to multitask. Just as your child needs a bedtime routine that settles her down for the night, so do you. "Thirty to sixty minutes before your bedtime, begin to do things that relax you," says Clete Kushida, M.D., director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research. "Take a bath, read quietly, watch a favorite show, whatever works. If possible, minimize your exposure to bright light during this time. Follow a similar pattern every night and your body gets conditioned to expect that it's time for bed, so you'll fall asleep more easily." If you have a snack, try small portions of low-fat carbs, such as toast with a little jam or cereal with milk. Want a drink? Chamomile tea and honey are both natural sedatives. Just don't eat a big meal within three hours of going to bed. Digesting a large amount of food has been shown to make you less sleepy.
Mistake: Staying in your child's room until he falls asleep Your child will become dependent on you to nod off. And when he awakens in the middle of the night (as everyone does), he won't be able to fall back to sleep on his own. Not only will you not get enough sleep, but it'll also be fragmented, and not very restorative. (Parenting.com: How to keep your preschooler out of your bed. )
A better approach: Pave the way for your child to sleep in his own room by himself. "Stick to a specific bedtime," says Dr. Kushida. "Tell him that if he needs to use the bathroom or get a drink of water, he should do it beforehand. Follow a soothing routine -- perhaps a bath and reading together -- then say good night and leave." Naturally, your child isn't going to like this at first. When my son, Liam, was a toddler, we got into the habit of playing a tape of kids' songs to lull him to sleep. The problem? If he woke up during the night, the music wouldn't be on, and he'd yell "Tape!" in a blood-curdling scream. My husband or I would run to play the tape, bleary-eyed from the interrupted sleep. So we decided to cut him off cold turkey, which involved two horrible nights of Liam crying himself to sleep. We felt like the worst parents in the world. By the third night, though, he grumbled a little and started to snooze in about five minutes. So stay firm. Your child will eventually adapt to your new routine and everyone will catch more zzz's.
Mistake: Sleeping late on the weekends when your husband can watch the kids Of course it's tempting, and you deserve the break. But sleep regularity is just as important as sleep quantity, says Amy Wolfson, Ph.D., author of "The Woman's Book of Sleep." "If you've been sleep-deprived all week, getting a little extra on the weekends may be beneficial. But don't overdo it, or you'll throw off your sleep/wake cycle and Monday morning will be brutal."
A better approach: By all means, take your husband up on the offer. Just don't sleep in longer than one hour, which is enough to make you feel refreshed. Consider doing something else with the extra time -- take a walk with a friend or read the Sunday paper uninterrupted.
Mistake: Not exercising at all or exercising too close to bedtime Physical activity can help you nod off more easily and improve the quality of your sleep. How? No one knows for sure, but there are theories: It may help regulate your body's circadian rhythms. Or, because exercise raises body temperature during the day, your body may try to lower its temperature at night, which makes you drowsy. Or perhaps exercise cuts down on anxiety and other problems that may interfere with sleep. Exercising close to your bedtime, though, can make you too wired and your body too warm to sleep. (Parenting.com: Making fitness fun. )
A better approach: Be active during the day if possible, but not within two to three hours of bedtime. In a recent study, women who worked out first thing in the morning reaped the most sleep benefits. If you take your child to preschool every day and you don't have to rush to work, wear workout clothes and exercise right after. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes per day of aerobic activity. Even a brisk 10-minute walk three times a day helps. To fit exercise into her busy day, Lynn Lombard of Akron, New York, turned her basement -- where she keeps exercise equipment -- into a playroom for her 4-year-old. "That's the only place in the house where Amanda's allowed to paint or use Play-Dough, so she loves being down there, and I get to work out in peace." She also started planning dinners in advance, so she has more time to work out.
Mistake: Napping when your baby naps This classic advice applies only when you're getting up every few hours at night to feed your newborn. Once he's a few months old and sleeping longer -- and especially if he's sleeping through the night and you are, too-- you don't need to nap much. Babies should get about 15 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. You need about eight. If you snooze for three hours during the day, you may have trouble sleeping at night.
A better approach: If you're tired, take a catnap at about the same time every day. Ten to 20 minutes will help you feel refreshed for another couple of hours. Doze much longer than that and you can wake up feeling groggy and worse than you did before.
Mistake: Ignoring your health issues You'd never miss a well-baby checkup, but when was your last physical? Many treatable conditions interfere with a good night's sleep, including PMS, asthma, restless leg syndrome and bladder problems. (Going to the bathroom once in the middle of the night is normal; going three or four times is not.) About 50 percent of people who have chronic insomnia have an underlying psychiatric issue, such as anxiety disorder or depression. (Parenting.com: Why you shouldn't lie to your doctor. )
A better approach: See your doctor if you think any health concerns are affecting your sleep. All of the problems mentioned above can be helped with medication and lifestyle changes. Says Nancy Collop, M.D., spokeswoman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "You don't have to suffer."
Originally posted by: LakeNormanMommies
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