Raising A Family » Quick Tips

Scented Candles

Amy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:06:23 +0000

Here’s a tip to help you get the most out of your scented candles. Often times I will burn a candle and the wick will run out before the wax is gone. A great way to use up that wax is to simmer it on the stove in a pot with some water. Just make sure to watch it though so your pot doesn’t run dry.

Removing Permanent Marker

Amy — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:52:05 +0000

How to remove permanent marker.

Frozen Peas are Great for Teething

Amy — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:02:10 +0000

My infants and toddlers have always seemed to love frozen peas, and they like them even more when they’re teething. I learned this tip from my sister one day. I was curious when she grabbed a bag of frozen peas from my freezer and poured a few out for my son. He gobbled them up and they were great for his painful gums. I’ve been giving them away like “treats” ever since.

*Something tragic happened when our middle child stopped teething, he also stopped eating the peas. Maybe one day he’ll rediscover them.

Toothbrush Holder is Great for Holding Baby Spoons

Amy — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:00:54 +0000

I found this tip over at the parent hacks website and thought it was worth passing on. A toothbrush holder can double as a baby spoon holder in the diaper bag. Now there’s no more searching for a spoon that always seems to fall to the bottom of the bag. And when you’re finished using it, you have a nice place to put the spoon until it can be washed.

3 Tips To Get A Good Deal On A Car

Julie — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:21:09 +0000

The price of cars is constantly increasing. It is amazing how much certain vehicles cost these days. We all need a good reliable vehicle, so in our search for a good deal and a quality car, it helps to have some tips along the way. I found this great article featured on CNN.com the other day. It gives some fantastic advice on how to shop around and ensure you are getting the best deal possible. It suggests in your quest for the best dealerships to check their reputations on local blogs. I would have never thought to do that. He also suggests that you will get more for your current vehicle by selling it yourself and not banking on it for a trade-in. If you’re in the market for a new car, take a look at the article here. It’s worth a few minutes of your time.

Handwriting Tip

Amy — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:01:54 +0000

Today I did a writing activity with the kids. I had them write the alphabet in lower case and capital letters the best they could. Once they were finished they pointed out the two letters they thought they did the best job on. Then I asked them to go back and circle any letters they thought needed a little more practice. It worked out great because they got to be the critic and didn’t feel like I was “correcting” their work or criticizing what they had accomplished. And now we have an idea of what we need to work on.

Our 5 year old started to get a little too critical with himself and wanted to circle every letter that wasn’t perfect. But I guess the more practice he gets the better.

Removing Ink From Microfiber Furniture

Amy — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:01:20 +0000

For the first time ever, even after several years of childcare in my home, our toddler found a marker and went straight for the couch. Thank goodness I found something to take the ink out. The secret was rubbing alcohol. I dabbed it on with a cloth and the ink came right out. So if this happens to you, it’s worth a try. You’ll probably want to test it on a small area first because all fabrics are different.

Magazine Subscriptions for Kids

Amy — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:01:42 +0000

When you get a magazine subscription for you kids make sure to put it in their name. They will love ot see their own name on the magazine and it will make it more personal for them.

Redirecting Kids Away From the T.V.

Amy — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:00:10 +0000

I have to admit, I love it when my kids sit down to watch a show on t.v. They’re happy and entertained and I have a little time to get dinner made, a load of laundry folded, or just sit and surf the web. Altough it may seem wonderful we really shouldn’t let our kids veg out in front of the t.v. all day everyday. If your child is constantly asking to watch t.v. try redirecting them by suggesting other activities. You might offer to get out the paint, or go for a walk. Other suggestions could be building a fort together or inviting a friend over. Kids love to feel in control and when they choose the next activity they are leaving the t.v. without you sounding like the big bad parent telling them no all the time. When offering suggestions plan wisely and be prepared to do the activity they may choose. You don’t want to find yourself taking a walk when it’s 20 degrees outside.

Washing Your Crocs

Amy — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:02:58 +0000

An easy way to wash your Crocs is to throw them in the dishwasher. There’s no scrubbing on your part and they come out squeaky clean.