Ways to Get Your Kids Motivated | #parenting

Motivating kiddos to work, or to get anything done can be a huge challenge. Growing up my mom would always come up with the most ingenious ideas to get all of us working. One thing that never seems to fail when it comes to kids, is having a goal to work towards. Even if it's something small, such as homemade Popsicle for dessert, goals are a great way to get the kiddos to stop whining and start working. For example, if the yard or basement is in desperate need of cleaning this spring, one idea is to motivate kids is…
Continue Reading »

Tips for Taking Better iPhone Photos | #iphone #photography

It seems like more and more people are turning to their iPhone camera to record memories and special events. With the new iOS7 update, I can't exactly blame them. The new camera has a lot of great features like in camera editing and new grid options that the iOS6 didn't support. Even better, taking great iPhone photos is less complicated than ever before. Photography, even with an iPhone, is an art that requires patience. Remember to use a steady hand when capturing photos. Shaking and moving around will obviously result in a blurry, or distorted photo. If you need to,…
Continue Reading »

Why Your Teen Should Volunteer this Summer

Everyone talks about volunteering as an important part on a senior's college application, but what about other aspects of volunteering? Volunteering is something important in any teenager's life, and not just because of how great it looks on a college application. The most important part of volunteering is the ability to give back and to do good in your community. Whether it's something as simple as looking after kids in the children's church on Sunday, working at a food pantry once a week, collecting items for a shelter, or even visiting seniors. There are so many ways to encourage your…
Continue Reading »

Keeping Kids Active this Spring | #kids #getactive

While some kids have been bundles of energy since the day that they were born, everyone has the one child who is glued to the couch. Keeping these kids active, and the hyperactive kids from destroying the house can be a challenge, but it's not an impossible feat. Visit a local pool- Most kids are more than ready for summer, give them a little taste by unpacking their swimsuits and visiting the local pool one Saturday afternoon. The hyperactive kiddos will be completely tuckered out in time for bed, and your less active children will have a chance to get moving!…
Continue Reading »

Dying Easter Eggs Naturally | #Easter #EasterEggs #Natural

Dying Easter Eggs naturally is actually far less complicated and time consuming than it sounds. It's actually a really fun science experiment that the kids will love! The chemistry and science behind finding the right color for your eggs is pretty awesome in and of itself. To dye your own eggs naturally you'll need white hard boiled eggs and vinegar. There are a variety of options available that you can use for dye material, but considering that kids will be helping, it’s always a good idea to start simple. To make yellow eggs, use ¾ teaspoon of turmeric for every…
Continue Reading »

Four Apps that Every High School Student Needs | #highschool #teens

High school is stressful for both teenagers and their parents. Between homework, prepping for the SAT, and fitting in all the extra curricular activities, it's no wonder anxiety is on the rise among teenagers. Thankfully, technology is helping to reduce the stress and worry with some awesome apps. myHomework Student Planner-  This app is the best thing since Spotify made mobile playlists free to use. First, it's very clean and user friendly which I love. Secondly, on top of keeping track of homework assignments and exams, students are rewarded with Amazon credits, movie tickets, and food coupons for completely assignments.…
Continue Reading »

Limiting the Sugar Intake Over Easter | #Easter

Easter this coming weekend, and with it comes alllll that candy from well meaning relatives and older neighbors. They have sweet intentions to be sure, but what about the hyperactivity and sticky faces that you’ll be dealing with for the next week? In order to avoid cavities and accidents due to hyperactive craziness, get creative and find ways to limit your children’s sugar intake over Easter and the days that follow. Don’t allow your kiddos to have all the candy at once. Give them a handful on Easter, and then space it over the next week or two. One idea…
Continue Reading »

Ways to Celebrate Spring With Your Kids | #spring #kids

Spring is finally here after what seems like a never ending winter, and there are quite a few ways to celebrate the arrival of lightweight jackets and cherry blossoms.   Go to the park and feed the ducks- Kids love being able to feed the ducks at the local pond, and what better way to celebrate spring than to welcome back the ducks?   Throw a spring party- Put a new twist on tea parties with your little girls and throw a spring inspired party instead. It can be for just the family at lunch one Saturday, or with a…
Continue Reading »

Battling Spring Colds | #spring #naturalremedies

Winter might gone, but wet weather is still lurking in some states. And with all the rain comes the risk of your family contracting a spring bug that no one wants to have around. If you’re unlucky enough to catch something, here are a few tips to get rid of and prevent illnesses. Drink herbal tea- I know coffee drinkers might be aghast at this idea, personally I’d much rather have a good old latte, but in times of sickness definitely turn to tea. Blends like peppermint, lemon, and chamomile greatly help to boost your immune system and kick the…
Continue Reading »

Installing A Love of Reading in Children | #reading #books #children

While a love of reading has been tossed aside in favor of videos games, bringing back a love of books isn’t impossible. While some kids might scorn the idea of reading, once they’re introduced to the magic of Hogwarts and the lure of fighting monsters with Percy Jackson, they won’t look back.   The important thing is to find books based on your child’s interests. Getting active kids to read can be a challenge, but starting them off with comic books is a good place to begin. And for a next step up, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and…
Continue Reading »