Blogs & Tips

As a parent, I couldn't imagine depriving my kids of a hobby that will last a lifetime. That's why I give them books. Not only is it fun, but it helps them learn and their imaginations grow. The difficult

Fathers of young children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more likely to find their marriages under stress, new research suggests. Scientists at the State University of New York-Buffalo looked

If you are considering remodeling or updating your bedroom check out these "green" tips. Some of the suggestions seem obvious but serve to remind us that there are simple things we can do within our homes

I felt like I outgrew Parenting Magazine once my daughter started school; it seemed as though the emphasis was on babies and preschoolers.  Now I found out that Parenting is publishing a new magazine, called

Going green is slowly becoming much cooler (no pun intended) but some people still have the view of a green mom as a hippy woman in a burlap sack in the woods who smells.  Just check out www.figandsage.com

I signed up for www.centerd.com and have found that it makes planning "anything" from a party to traveling a cinch.  The reason is that it is an easy to use online tool that allows you to share responsiblities

It's that time of year where the heat is starting to get turned on again-at least in Michigan it is.  Here at my home we have a wood stove which primarily use to heat the house.  Last year my husband

Layaway is making a come back! Many of us remember making the trek to the department store with our parents who were reportedly going to put some money toward their layaway.....mostly holiday or birthday presents

I doubt I need to ask this, but I will ask anyway: do you want to save some money? Of course you do, and I will tell you how! This week many K-marts are participating in Super Doubles.  This is where they

I have found an excellent use for outgrown clothes, toys and books that have accumulated at our house.  I donate them to an elementary school in our city where the majority of the student

Two kids, one husband and a dog = a house that doesn't always smell as fresh as I would like it too.  But I found this great way to make my house smell incredible while doing something that needs to get

A couple weeks ago I was in a hurry to get out the door.  As I rushed around getting everyone dressed, I quickly got tired of pushing my hair out of my eyes.  "Oh wait!" I thought, "There

This link allows you to search all Craig's Lists throughout the country at the same time.  Just put in your search term and click.  This is a great way to easily find bargains on items

This week is my week to read to my daughter's first grade class.   So in trying to choose the "perfect book" to read, I discovered this site that lists great read aloud books by grade level

Since the news broke that her 17-year-old, unmarried daughter is pregnant, people have been buzzing about vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's stance on family and fatherhood. Many right-wing voters who

Ok, I will admit it, I have rust stains in my tub, toilets and sinks.  I know it's not my fault but I still want them to sparkle like the day they were installed.  I also want to use only household

It's that time of year again when ghosts and goblins roam the streets. Halloween brings out the child in all of us so get into the spirit and collaborate with your child to wear a tag team costume set.There's

I REALLY, really need to buy some of these collars for my dogs from this cool company.  I just adore the look of them and the website is so fun to navigate! Dublin Dog will be a stop on my list

Looking for family friendly photographers who love their job and it shows?  Check out "Traveling Portraits" - this two mom photography team is a dynamic duo who not only takes fabulous photos, but

Women often spend a lot of time and thought focused on becoming pregnant, being pregnant, and their precious new bundle of joy, but many of them often don't give a whole lot of thought to their labor and delivery

I haven't seen a great article like this before. If your parent has moved in with you, leave this lying around in a conspicous spot for them to find. It gives six tips for peaceful living: 1.Share expenses fairly2.Sort

I was looking for information on family finances in these troubled times, and I found this Kiplinger's article about blended family finances. I don't have a blended family, but the article was interesting

This website provides free printable downloads for dealing with everyday problems that kids have.....anger management, self-esteem, grief and loss, etc.  There are also reward pages for good effort and a job well

When parents divorce or separate, the whole family is affected.  This website offers FREE downloadable printables to help your child deal with his/her feelings regarding parental separation and divorce. 

TodaysMama.com is a website for today's mother. You will find here everything including articles, blogs, photos, polls, forums, and much more.You can also sign up for a newsletter, check out a calendar

I love this organizational system by Busy Body Book - Personal and Family Grid Organizer.  The weekly calendar with 7 columns to put on the fridge is something I need right about NOW.  I'm

When my baby was little I bought the Gerber baby food in the plastic containers. Then I realize that I could make my own baby food and reuse the little containers. It worked so well and was way cheaper. After babyhood

Usborne Books Kid Kits are the perfect holiday gift!   They're books with an activity packaged in a resealable, reusable bag.  Their topics include:pirates, princesses, fairies, volcanoes

The next time you have a dinner party or open house, try these unique ideas for votive candle holders: Using a paring knife and a melon baller, cut out a small whole in an apple at the stem.  Place the votive

Good Housekeeping has some great information on pruning and maintenance plans for your garden.  They even have some instructions on starting a compost pile.  Check out their helpful information at www.goodhousekeep

I've found a great company that helps me to get rid of all those used cds and dvds I have piled up over the years.  The Women-owned "Back Thru The Future" company is a great place to send your

I LOVE Discount School Supply for its vast array of materials for kids.  Many friends of mine, some homeschoolers, enjoy purchasing from this company on a weekly basis.  I've been searching for some

The title of Barack Obama's first memoir was Dreams from My Father - and fatherhood seems to occupy a central role in the Democratic presidential candidate's vision of a strong America. Much has been made

Even the best of parents can benefit from a little reminder about keeping the lines of communication open with our child/children. It's especially easy to forget when you are busy, tired or managing more than

When I was out today, I stumbled upon a craft fair here in Charlotte, NC.  There were several vendors, but one that stood out to me was Tiffany Jones, artist.  I really love the vibrant colors she uses

I pride myself on figuring out how to make things, use things, cook things, etc at home and by hand.  Now I've found a great website to give me ideas and suggestions!  Self Sufficient-ish website

This is like Craigslist but aimed more specifically towards selling/buying maternity clothes, misc stuff for mom and kids items.  Divided up by region, they are trying to branch out into other areas. 

I've always been a huge fan of mason jars, not for canning but for decorating! The jars are charming and are fun to use.  Here is a list of creative ways to use them. Vases:  I love to fill

A new ebook entitled; M.O.M.S. (Mom-on-Mom-Support) GUIDE:Eating to Survive the First Years of Motherhood looks great for the first-time mom or fourth.  The easy tips and recipes all in a quick format

During my internet explorations, I came across two interesting free programs.  One is CoolIris which allows your browser to view internet sites as a 3D wall for content search.  The program is actually

You can turn any home into a haunted house for Halloween by adding the right Halloween decorations. Here are simple do-it-yourself suggestions for Halloween decorations that you, your family, and the neighbors will

I have been searching discount stores for sheet separates with minimal luck. While searching online, I stumbled on this site and couldn't believe the prices.  They are a clearance outlet so they

We've been storing our flammable paints and substances in our basement YIKES!  This is very dangerous as they were near our hot water heater.  We've decided to move all that potentially dangerous

We've been fortunate to have been given some amazing quilts from family members over the years.  My goal is to preserve these little handmade treasures for my girls to enjoy into adulthood. This is how

Do enjoy taking surveys? Do you have a child that enjoys watching the Sprout channel? If you answered yes to these questions than you should join the Sprout's Viewer Circle. You will receive email invitations

I have a number of friends who have children with severe food allergies and they all swear by this Food Allergy Network site.  It's sort of like a Tipspoke for families dealing with severe food allergies.  

Some favorite Earth-friendly pet websites             www.naturpet.com             www.honestkitchen.com

This splinter removal technique works like a charm! Cut a small sliver of a white potato.  Place it on the splinter.  Wrap a bandage over the potato to keep it in place.  Let it remain on the splinter

After searching online, I've found a great website on which you can purchase earth-friendly items like:  fitness, bath, body, allergen control,and water quality supplies. My favorite so far is the hemp

Instead of purchasing vinyl or plastic shower curtains that may emit chemicals and are non-biodegradable, purchase shower curtain made with hemp.  Help curtains do get wet, but they won’t let the wetness