It's all great to hear advice during your pregnancy, especially unwelcome advice. I'm sure you've been told by one person or another how to live. Am I right? It only gets worse the further along in your pregnancy you are. Someone will want to tell you that you shouldn't bend, or walk a certain way, not to pick up a baby in case you hurt the one in your stomach or put yourself in labor. As the pregnancy gets closer to the due date you'll be told many different home remedies of how to put yourself in labor. Got a headache? Someone can tell you exactly what to drink to get rid of it without any medication, remember it is important to ask a doctor before trying to take something you've never tried before doing it. But the most fun I have during the course of the 9-10 months stretch is hearing all the wives tales, also known as myths.
I'm pretty sure you aren't going to even care at this point what sex the baby is, all you want is for the morning sickness to stop. You may even be counting down the days until the first trimester is over. Chances are if you morning sickness someone is bound to tell you what sex of the baby is. One wives tale is if you are having severe morning sickness is a sign you are having a girl.
Here's a wives tale that is a lot of fun and you can test it on everyone in your household. Take a thin piece of string or your hair, slide your ring down it, hold it above your belly and let the ring dangle above it. If the rings spins in a circle it is a boy, but if it goes from one side to the other, it is a girl. Once you've tried it out on your tummy, get someone in your house and do it above their hand. Does the ring spin in a circle above your husband's hand? Hmm, is it really and old wives tale or is there really something to it?
Many women claim to suffer from bouts of heartburn during the pregnancy, according to the old wives tell this would mean your baby will be born with a head full of hair. Right before the end of your first trimester your doctor will listen to your baby's heart rate, this is to make sure the baby is doing alright. The wives tale goes, if the heart rate is high it is a girl and a low one is a boy.
Ever have someone tell you that you are carrying high or low and wonder what that really means? Basically if you are carrying your baby low it is closer to your abdomen, a high baby is closer to your chest. Look at yourself in the mirror. How is your baby sitting? The old tale says that if you are carrying high it is a girl, carrying low is a boy.
Wives tales can be a lot of fun but keep in mind these aren't fact. Don't go preparing your child's room just because one of these told you, you were going to have a girl.
About the Author
To learn about first signs of pregnancy and bleeding during pregnancy, visit Pregnancy Facts
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Teaching Parents the most important thing to do
This is the only thing a Parent needs to know.
It's Obvious that our culture had become obsessed with teaching Teens how to be successful in corporate America. Kids are exposed to so much information now in school with the advent of the computer and the information age. Of course education is important, and striving for higher goals is not in of its self a bad thing.
But a life of excelling in education and spelling bees does not assure a productive and happy individual. Being successful in life can only be accomplished by a person who knows how to think, how to place value on self, on responsibility and never placing the outcome of the race before the journey of the race.
Research has shown that most people who win the lottery will eventually wind up in worse shape than they were before they won. This is simply because no amount of money will change the way a person thinks or his priorities. Then of course we have powerful and "successful" CEO's who become power hungry and obsessed with money and public standing who wind up destroying a company along with the investors life savings.
These things can happen when a person is not raised with the fundamental building blocks that create a happy and well balanced person. Sure, they learned all the academic information they needed, but they were never taught how to place value on the most important part of being alive.
Living in America, the most rewarding country of all, Teens are still neglected from learning these principles. They go to school, some go to church, they watch extremely adult programming on TV and also they watch their parents and others reactions to life situations. Through all of this, still they do not get direct understanding of how powerful their mind and thoughts are. They learn reactions from others, never being taught that each reaction should be a choice and not a habitual response.
Kids and Parents these days really have their hands full more so than ever. Its no longer possible to shield a kid from the negatives of the world. If a kid is not aware of these things, the day will come when they become exposed to them on their own. There may be a silver lining to that however, as honesty is really the best policy.
Even the best parents however may not have a priority to teach kids these principles simply because they were not raised with them their selves; even as they may have a loving and supportive home which is very important, they may not be teaching their kids how to react out of choice rather than habitual reactions.
Just as an example, perhaps a kid notices how a parent opens a bill then becomes upset that the bill has been raised. The parent may go on a mini tyrant about how they are getting ripped off, how can they afford it ect. Well kids learn everything from example. Usually a kid will emulate that of the same sex parent. Therefore a kid learns through repetition how to react to that situation. This is of course an obvious condition, since most kids will eventually take on the same political side of the parents, the same religion, etc. Kids learn by the parents example. The parent is in fact just continuing that example set by their own parent years and years ago.
So, what is wrong with a person becoming irate when they open yet another higher bill? Well that is a very interesting question and a very important one as well. Surly we can all justify that this situation should justify a pouting reaction. After all something beyond my control happened to me, taking something I value away from me. This makes me angry and when I get angry everyone will know about it! Now I feel helpless for I have no control, so I will get angry and try to scare the hell out of this bill! Subconsciously I remember my parents doing this and that's how I'm supposed to react.
And of course this reaction is not just limited to opening the monthly bills, but I also use this when I'm issued extra work at my company. And you better believe I'm going to get pissed when I get pulled over for going 85 miles and hour on my way to work! If I'm having a particularly challenging week, I may find myself in a pissed off state for most of the day. Now I've developed a certain look in my eyes, and if I cut my eyes to you with this certain death stare, you have better have only good news for me. ha ha.
Well part of being an adult is that we do not let our selves become angry because we simply did not get our way. After all, we tell our kids this all the time. Its just implied that they do what we say, not what we do! Unfortunately we never got direct instructions on how to actually live this way ourselves. Let me just address the serious negatives to this situation starting from the end state. I have become shielded in a mood of discomfort. I dwell on each situation that is causing me distress. In fact, I go through them all one by one and as if that wasn't fun enough, I do it again. Maybe if I think about this long enough I will find some loop hold that will set me free from this hideous cycle of self condemnation.
Living in this bubble of self inflicted discomfort, now I'm oblivious to other things in my life. I haven't even noticed that my son cleaned up his room. I haven't noticed that the roses in the back yard have begun blooming. My mood is tense, my heart rate is high. My awareness is now limited to only the negatives I'm dwelling on. People can easily sense that I'm in no mood for conversation and my sense of humor is fast asleep on me now. After numerous cycles or repeating the same thoughts through my head, now I'm creating a whole new cycle of interesting thoughts. I'm thinking about my retirement now and I wonder if I will have enough to retire with. Then I think, "holy cow, who's worried about retirement when I have kids who need to go to college". Then a stray thought pops into my head, "I wonder if my boss will consider me for a promotion this year? I doubt it, with my luck I'll probably get fired".
Its just simply a universal law that "like attracts like". This principle is not limited to only physical matter, but is also quite valid with a persons own thoughts and experiences. In the example above we have all taken a turn on that ride. You don't need to be a philosopher, a priest or a rocket scientist to see how this principle works. Taking this a step farther we all know someone who is the doom and gloom type of person, and this person will truly have what seems to be one unlucky experience after another. And my personal favorite (not really) is the complainer. This person never ever has anything go right for them; for them life is one long day of one disaster after another. And if you will notice, a few minutes with this person will become infectious. You will suddenly find your own self participating in this disrespect for life trying to top his next complaint with your own. After you manage to pull yourself away from this spiritual vampire, you will find yourself feeling drained, and certainly not happy.
So why do we choose to jump into this bubble of discomfort? It can be such a habitual reaction that we may find ourselves in it before we knew what hit us. It was certainly not something that was forced on us. We voluntarily jumped into it with a sense of familiarity that almost felt like home. It happened so quickly that we didn't even notice it was actually a choice that we made.
At any moment we find ourselves in, in-life, there are an infinite number of things we can think about. Certainly there is a world full of negative things all over the planet that we can choose to think about if we decide too. On the other hand, at any one moment there is a whole world of positive things that exist in that moment that we can think about. Why is that statement so important?
Simply because that is all you have. What you think about is responsible for your experience of each moment and for your whole life experience; your relationships, your memories, your contemplation of the future, all of this is done inside your own head and heart. The KEY is of course CHOICE! In a sense, just for arguments sake, nothing exists outside of a person. Sure our eyes and ears say something is over there. But our experience of that is always and forever, inside us.
This becomes important for you to understand because you have to teach your kids that no experience on the "outside" of them can cause them any harm unless they choose for it to do so. Naturally I'm not speaking of physical dangers, but experiences.
Suppose your Teen starts a new school, in a new state. His first day maybe he finds out that the other kids don't dress like he does. Maybe they don't even talk about the same things as he is used too. Your kid fits in fine where he comes from, but is clearly an outsider at this new school. Some of the older kids tease him, he doesn't feel like he can make friends with these strange kids. Naturally he does what all kids do and becomes upset and he jumps into his bubble of discomfort.
Looking at the big picture how is it possible that this situation causes him harm or discomfort? This situation is completely on the outside of him. In a sense its not much different than watching a new TV show. He is experiencing something new as an observer. His attention is focused on what his new surroundings are, the new people, the new conversations, and even the teasing. Unfortunately he doesn't yet understand that outward experiences have no power to change his mood UNLESS he allows it to do so. Once again in that moment the world is full of experience, and memories. There are great ones, and negative ones. The ones that a person gets in tune with are the ones that they CHOOSE!
Don't you think that our kids need to know that they are not victims to whatever crosses their minds? That they are not victims to things they observe. The most powerful magic that they possess is the ability control what and how they think! What they choose to think about is what they choose to feel. A person should go through life feeling GOOD! A kid should be well informed and taught how to use the most powerful computer on earth, their brains! Once again, I'm not talking about algebra or compound sentences, I'm talking about the foundation of the mind.
In the earlier example of opening the bill, a parent who going to set an example of power and confidence may do something like this. Open the bill, look at it, and set it down. And that's about it!
That's because in his mind, he knows that sacrificing even a minute on being upset and angry is just ridiculous. In the big picture he knows that the whole world is set up on a system of giving and receiving energy. The symbol for this is of course money. He understands that the electricity is something that he wants, something that he needs, and something that really if he had too, would pay twice as much for it as he does. He knows the electric company has a lot of employees and a lot of expenses themselves. When he makes his payment, he is contributing to the whole community for a service that he requests to have. More than that, a 2 percent increase is basically nothing in the big picture of life.
More than that, he keeps the positive attitude that he CHOSE to expereince. No outward force of discomfort invaded his mind and emotions. He did not sacrifice one moment of what he wanted for the chance to pitch a temper tantrum. He sees things in the big picture. He chooses to see the best in people and circumstances. He understands that the quality of his journey through life has nothing to so with opening envelopes or checks for that matter. It is simply, a state of mind.
There is a magical aspect to this that actually goes much farther than just avoiding the temper tantrum. Wise men and women throughout history have tried to tell us in as many ways as they could about these principles.
The magical aspect is that "like attracts like". A positive attitude not only saves the moment, but goes out to save future moments too. That is called the law of attraction. When a person decides to choose positive experiences the universe will began to provide more and more of them for you to experience. These situations are sometimes called luck. Sometimes they are called blessings from God.
I have purposely avoided addressing religious theologies, as there are so many of them and so many different views. And whatever your theology is, just relate these principles to that of your creator. These principles do exist; they were made into the fabric of the whole system just as the planets and forces of nature.
Some famous quotes that reflect these principles; "Cast your bread upon the waters and in many days it returns" "Spirit is the Life, Mind is the builder, the physical is the result" "Live by the sword, die by the sword" "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change"
These are just a few of countless quotes that are simple ways of explaining how our thoughts DO influence experiences they we actually create.What a person believes and expects about the world are key to how this person's life unfolds. Have you noticed that the world is EXACTLY how you believe it is? Think about that. That is a very powerful statement! It is both true for you, and your kids.
In short, always stretch for a better feeling thought than where you are. Teach your kids to do the same. The road to happiness is in choosing how to feel, not reacting to how to feel.
If you want to drive to another state, you may use a road map for directions. When you drive through life, your directions to happiness are your emotions. When you feel bad, you are going the wrong way. Find a better feeling thought, find relief, then you will be headed back in the right direction. The best thing you can do to Parent your kids is to teach them how to use this magical roadmap of life!
About the Author
Author, Baboo Says - a Life Manual for Kids. http://www.baboosays.com
It's Obvious that our culture had become obsessed with teaching Teens how to be successful in corporate America. Kids are exposed to so much information now in school with the advent of the computer and the information age. Of course education is important, and striving for higher goals is not in of its self a bad thing.
But a life of excelling in education and spelling bees does not assure a productive and happy individual. Being successful in life can only be accomplished by a person who knows how to think, how to place value on self, on responsibility and never placing the outcome of the race before the journey of the race.
Research has shown that most people who win the lottery will eventually wind up in worse shape than they were before they won. This is simply because no amount of money will change the way a person thinks or his priorities. Then of course we have powerful and "successful" CEO's who become power hungry and obsessed with money and public standing who wind up destroying a company along with the investors life savings.
These things can happen when a person is not raised with the fundamental building blocks that create a happy and well balanced person. Sure, they learned all the academic information they needed, but they were never taught how to place value on the most important part of being alive.
Living in America, the most rewarding country of all, Teens are still neglected from learning these principles. They go to school, some go to church, they watch extremely adult programming on TV and also they watch their parents and others reactions to life situations. Through all of this, still they do not get direct understanding of how powerful their mind and thoughts are. They learn reactions from others, never being taught that each reaction should be a choice and not a habitual response.
Kids and Parents these days really have their hands full more so than ever. Its no longer possible to shield a kid from the negatives of the world. If a kid is not aware of these things, the day will come when they become exposed to them on their own. There may be a silver lining to that however, as honesty is really the best policy.
Even the best parents however may not have a priority to teach kids these principles simply because they were not raised with them their selves; even as they may have a loving and supportive home which is very important, they may not be teaching their kids how to react out of choice rather than habitual reactions.
Just as an example, perhaps a kid notices how a parent opens a bill then becomes upset that the bill has been raised. The parent may go on a mini tyrant about how they are getting ripped off, how can they afford it ect. Well kids learn everything from example. Usually a kid will emulate that of the same sex parent. Therefore a kid learns through repetition how to react to that situation. This is of course an obvious condition, since most kids will eventually take on the same political side of the parents, the same religion, etc. Kids learn by the parents example. The parent is in fact just continuing that example set by their own parent years and years ago.
So, what is wrong with a person becoming irate when they open yet another higher bill? Well that is a very interesting question and a very important one as well. Surly we can all justify that this situation should justify a pouting reaction. After all something beyond my control happened to me, taking something I value away from me. This makes me angry and when I get angry everyone will know about it! Now I feel helpless for I have no control, so I will get angry and try to scare the hell out of this bill! Subconsciously I remember my parents doing this and that's how I'm supposed to react.
And of course this reaction is not just limited to opening the monthly bills, but I also use this when I'm issued extra work at my company. And you better believe I'm going to get pissed when I get pulled over for going 85 miles and hour on my way to work! If I'm having a particularly challenging week, I may find myself in a pissed off state for most of the day. Now I've developed a certain look in my eyes, and if I cut my eyes to you with this certain death stare, you have better have only good news for me. ha ha.
Well part of being an adult is that we do not let our selves become angry because we simply did not get our way. After all, we tell our kids this all the time. Its just implied that they do what we say, not what we do! Unfortunately we never got direct instructions on how to actually live this way ourselves. Let me just address the serious negatives to this situation starting from the end state. I have become shielded in a mood of discomfort. I dwell on each situation that is causing me distress. In fact, I go through them all one by one and as if that wasn't fun enough, I do it again. Maybe if I think about this long enough I will find some loop hold that will set me free from this hideous cycle of self condemnation.
Living in this bubble of self inflicted discomfort, now I'm oblivious to other things in my life. I haven't even noticed that my son cleaned up his room. I haven't noticed that the roses in the back yard have begun blooming. My mood is tense, my heart rate is high. My awareness is now limited to only the negatives I'm dwelling on. People can easily sense that I'm in no mood for conversation and my sense of humor is fast asleep on me now. After numerous cycles or repeating the same thoughts through my head, now I'm creating a whole new cycle of interesting thoughts. I'm thinking about my retirement now and I wonder if I will have enough to retire with. Then I think, "holy cow, who's worried about retirement when I have kids who need to go to college". Then a stray thought pops into my head, "I wonder if my boss will consider me for a promotion this year? I doubt it, with my luck I'll probably get fired".
Its just simply a universal law that "like attracts like". This principle is not limited to only physical matter, but is also quite valid with a persons own thoughts and experiences. In the example above we have all taken a turn on that ride. You don't need to be a philosopher, a priest or a rocket scientist to see how this principle works. Taking this a step farther we all know someone who is the doom and gloom type of person, and this person will truly have what seems to be one unlucky experience after another. And my personal favorite (not really) is the complainer. This person never ever has anything go right for them; for them life is one long day of one disaster after another. And if you will notice, a few minutes with this person will become infectious. You will suddenly find your own self participating in this disrespect for life trying to top his next complaint with your own. After you manage to pull yourself away from this spiritual vampire, you will find yourself feeling drained, and certainly not happy.
So why do we choose to jump into this bubble of discomfort? It can be such a habitual reaction that we may find ourselves in it before we knew what hit us. It was certainly not something that was forced on us. We voluntarily jumped into it with a sense of familiarity that almost felt like home. It happened so quickly that we didn't even notice it was actually a choice that we made.
At any moment we find ourselves in, in-life, there are an infinite number of things we can think about. Certainly there is a world full of negative things all over the planet that we can choose to think about if we decide too. On the other hand, at any one moment there is a whole world of positive things that exist in that moment that we can think about. Why is that statement so important?
Simply because that is all you have. What you think about is responsible for your experience of each moment and for your whole life experience; your relationships, your memories, your contemplation of the future, all of this is done inside your own head and heart. The KEY is of course CHOICE! In a sense, just for arguments sake, nothing exists outside of a person. Sure our eyes and ears say something is over there. But our experience of that is always and forever, inside us.
This becomes important for you to understand because you have to teach your kids that no experience on the "outside" of them can cause them any harm unless they choose for it to do so. Naturally I'm not speaking of physical dangers, but experiences.
Suppose your Teen starts a new school, in a new state. His first day maybe he finds out that the other kids don't dress like he does. Maybe they don't even talk about the same things as he is used too. Your kid fits in fine where he comes from, but is clearly an outsider at this new school. Some of the older kids tease him, he doesn't feel like he can make friends with these strange kids. Naturally he does what all kids do and becomes upset and he jumps into his bubble of discomfort.
Looking at the big picture how is it possible that this situation causes him harm or discomfort? This situation is completely on the outside of him. In a sense its not much different than watching a new TV show. He is experiencing something new as an observer. His attention is focused on what his new surroundings are, the new people, the new conversations, and even the teasing. Unfortunately he doesn't yet understand that outward experiences have no power to change his mood UNLESS he allows it to do so. Once again in that moment the world is full of experience, and memories. There are great ones, and negative ones. The ones that a person gets in tune with are the ones that they CHOOSE!
Don't you think that our kids need to know that they are not victims to whatever crosses their minds? That they are not victims to things they observe. The most powerful magic that they possess is the ability control what and how they think! What they choose to think about is what they choose to feel. A person should go through life feeling GOOD! A kid should be well informed and taught how to use the most powerful computer on earth, their brains! Once again, I'm not talking about algebra or compound sentences, I'm talking about the foundation of the mind.
In the earlier example of opening the bill, a parent who going to set an example of power and confidence may do something like this. Open the bill, look at it, and set it down. And that's about it!
That's because in his mind, he knows that sacrificing even a minute on being upset and angry is just ridiculous. In the big picture he knows that the whole world is set up on a system of giving and receiving energy. The symbol for this is of course money. He understands that the electricity is something that he wants, something that he needs, and something that really if he had too, would pay twice as much for it as he does. He knows the electric company has a lot of employees and a lot of expenses themselves. When he makes his payment, he is contributing to the whole community for a service that he requests to have. More than that, a 2 percent increase is basically nothing in the big picture of life.
More than that, he keeps the positive attitude that he CHOSE to expereince. No outward force of discomfort invaded his mind and emotions. He did not sacrifice one moment of what he wanted for the chance to pitch a temper tantrum. He sees things in the big picture. He chooses to see the best in people and circumstances. He understands that the quality of his journey through life has nothing to so with opening envelopes or checks for that matter. It is simply, a state of mind.
There is a magical aspect to this that actually goes much farther than just avoiding the temper tantrum. Wise men and women throughout history have tried to tell us in as many ways as they could about these principles.
The magical aspect is that "like attracts like". A positive attitude not only saves the moment, but goes out to save future moments too. That is called the law of attraction. When a person decides to choose positive experiences the universe will began to provide more and more of them for you to experience. These situations are sometimes called luck. Sometimes they are called blessings from God.
I have purposely avoided addressing religious theologies, as there are so many of them and so many different views. And whatever your theology is, just relate these principles to that of your creator. These principles do exist; they were made into the fabric of the whole system just as the planets and forces of nature.
Some famous quotes that reflect these principles; "Cast your bread upon the waters and in many days it returns" "Spirit is the Life, Mind is the builder, the physical is the result" "Live by the sword, die by the sword" "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change"
These are just a few of countless quotes that are simple ways of explaining how our thoughts DO influence experiences they we actually create.What a person believes and expects about the world are key to how this person's life unfolds. Have you noticed that the world is EXACTLY how you believe it is? Think about that. That is a very powerful statement! It is both true for you, and your kids.
In short, always stretch for a better feeling thought than where you are. Teach your kids to do the same. The road to happiness is in choosing how to feel, not reacting to how to feel.
If you want to drive to another state, you may use a road map for directions. When you drive through life, your directions to happiness are your emotions. When you feel bad, you are going the wrong way. Find a better feeling thought, find relief, then you will be headed back in the right direction. The best thing you can do to Parent your kids is to teach them how to use this magical roadmap of life!
About the Author
Author, Baboo Says - a Life Manual for Kids. http://www.baboosays.com
Friday, July 11, 2008
To Relocate Or Not To Relocate
"We're moving to Finland," says my husband. "What? When? How?" say I. "We don't want to move out of the country," scream my children. "Wait, let me get on my breathing machine," says my mother. "Don't do it," says my father-in-law. But my husband can't help but get excited.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he says. "I'll be too old to get another offer like this if I wait until the kids graduate from high school. And I know this stuff. I'm good at it and I won't have to learn anything new."
I couldn't believe it. He was seriously considering a move to Finland--a country we know absolutely nothing about. After being out of work for nearly two years, the $75,000 yearly salary seemed too good to pass up. It would mean getting back to where we were before we left his secure job in California and ventured out to start a new life. It would mean no more financial juggling. It would mean that I wouldn't have to work so hard and it would mean I could go back to enjoying the role of mother and part-time business woman. And besides, we've always talked about working overseas and traveling the globe.
But could we really pack up and move to Finland? Had the offer been for Italy, Rome, France, Germany, Hawaii, or even the Bahamas, I probably would've jumped on the band wagon with him. But Finland? We can't even stand the cold of Wisconsin. And then there were our kids to consider.
After a long family discussion with the kids, I'm happy to report that my husband has turned down the offer. Sure, it was a great opportunity. Yes, the pay was excellent. And the benefits were great, too. But my husband decided that no amount of money would be worth uprooting our kids from their grandparents to move to a country they didn't want to be in.
Now if a job in the United States would just open up, we could relieve some of the financial stress and I could start enjoying "family time" again.
What To Do When You Decide To Relocate Taking the time to determine if relocating your family is the right decision is more than just dollar and cents. Moving to a new place can be a heart wrenching experience for children. In fact, it can be just as hard on parents as you leave behind close family, friends, familiar activities, and the life you've grown to love. But sometimes, moving is the only solution to keeping peace in the house or staying financially afloat.
Answer these questions before you decide to relocate your family across town or across state:
1. Are you moving to better your family life or to afford more luxuries?
2. Will moving give you better health insurance or take your insurance away?
3. Will you lose the money you put into your retirement account or can it be transferred?
4. Are you moving because of a job promotion, because there are no jobs in your area, or because you are changing careers?
5. Have you discussed what the move would mean to your spouse and his/her career?
6. Have you discussed the move with your children and given them a say in the decision?
7. Have you made a list of pros and cons with regards to your new job and new location? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
Once you've answered the above questions, you can help prepare your children for the move by getting your children involved in the process from the start:
1. Tell your children why you are planning to move.
2. Ask your children about their concerns. Address their fears, worries, and anger with an open-mind.
3. Show your children a map of the town they'll be relocating to.
4. Order an apartment guide or home owner's guide and let your children pick out their dream home and then narrow it down by what you can afford to pay for rent or mortgage payments.
5. Order tourist information and show your children all the fun things there are to do in the area.
6. Order the local paper and read the good stuff to your children, but keep the negatives to yourself. Knowing the good and bad about a town is essential from a parent's point of view, but not the best way to ease a child's mind.
7. Take a mini-vacation to the area you plan to relocate to. Let your children see and experience the area first-hand. Let them discuss the pros and cons of the new area and don't be afraid to agree with any of their cons. It's important that you don't paint a flawless picture because no place is perfect.
About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author of several highly praised e-books designed to help you work from home. To discover how you can earn $50 in two hours or up to $10K in your spare time visit her store: http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he says. "I'll be too old to get another offer like this if I wait until the kids graduate from high school. And I know this stuff. I'm good at it and I won't have to learn anything new."
I couldn't believe it. He was seriously considering a move to Finland--a country we know absolutely nothing about. After being out of work for nearly two years, the $75,000 yearly salary seemed too good to pass up. It would mean getting back to where we were before we left his secure job in California and ventured out to start a new life. It would mean no more financial juggling. It would mean that I wouldn't have to work so hard and it would mean I could go back to enjoying the role of mother and part-time business woman. And besides, we've always talked about working overseas and traveling the globe.
But could we really pack up and move to Finland? Had the offer been for Italy, Rome, France, Germany, Hawaii, or even the Bahamas, I probably would've jumped on the band wagon with him. But Finland? We can't even stand the cold of Wisconsin. And then there were our kids to consider.
After a long family discussion with the kids, I'm happy to report that my husband has turned down the offer. Sure, it was a great opportunity. Yes, the pay was excellent. And the benefits were great, too. But my husband decided that no amount of money would be worth uprooting our kids from their grandparents to move to a country they didn't want to be in.
Now if a job in the United States would just open up, we could relieve some of the financial stress and I could start enjoying "family time" again.
What To Do When You Decide To Relocate Taking the time to determine if relocating your family is the right decision is more than just dollar and cents. Moving to a new place can be a heart wrenching experience for children. In fact, it can be just as hard on parents as you leave behind close family, friends, familiar activities, and the life you've grown to love. But sometimes, moving is the only solution to keeping peace in the house or staying financially afloat.
Answer these questions before you decide to relocate your family across town or across state:
1. Are you moving to better your family life or to afford more luxuries?
2. Will moving give you better health insurance or take your insurance away?
3. Will you lose the money you put into your retirement account or can it be transferred?
4. Are you moving because of a job promotion, because there are no jobs in your area, or because you are changing careers?
5. Have you discussed what the move would mean to your spouse and his/her career?
6. Have you discussed the move with your children and given them a say in the decision?
7. Have you made a list of pros and cons with regards to your new job and new location? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
Once you've answered the above questions, you can help prepare your children for the move by getting your children involved in the process from the start:
1. Tell your children why you are planning to move.
2. Ask your children about their concerns. Address their fears, worries, and anger with an open-mind.
3. Show your children a map of the town they'll be relocating to.
4. Order an apartment guide or home owner's guide and let your children pick out their dream home and then narrow it down by what you can afford to pay for rent or mortgage payments.
5. Order tourist information and show your children all the fun things there are to do in the area.
6. Order the local paper and read the good stuff to your children, but keep the negatives to yourself. Knowing the good and bad about a town is essential from a parent's point of view, but not the best way to ease a child's mind.
7. Take a mini-vacation to the area you plan to relocate to. Let your children see and experience the area first-hand. Let them discuss the pros and cons of the new area and don't be afraid to agree with any of their cons. It's important that you don't paint a flawless picture because no place is perfect.
About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author of several highly praised e-books designed to help you work from home. To discover how you can earn $50 in two hours or up to $10K in your spare time visit her store: http://thedabblingmum.com/ebookstore
Important Swimming Pool Safety Tips For Children
As Summer draws near and the amount of daylight grows, the activity that grows more prevalent in many people's minds, especially many children's minds, is swimming.
We seem to be instinctively drawn back to the water from which our most distant ancestors came (and perhaps this is a key to unlocking the door on the mystery of why dolphins so love human beings).
However--we land-lubber human beings no longer have gills or fins. And contrary to a commonly held myth, swimming is not second nature to us (infant water therapy notwithstanding). So, as much fun as swimming in the water can be for us, it can also be deadly.
Statistically, a home with a back yard pool is more dangerous, more potentially deadly, to children than a home in which the parents keep a locked gun cabinet. Each year, there are more children who die by drowning in swimming pools than there are who die because of a gun accident.
There are certain vitally important safety measures that adults should make sure they practice with children whenever there is a swimming pool or a beach, a lake, etc where children are playing in the water.
First and foremost, no children under the age of 14 should ever be left alone near the water. Not for a second. It takes only a split second for a child to fall into a pool, hit her head on the edge on the way in, and die in a matter of minutes, or to have something very similar happen just as quickly and tragically. If you have to go somewhere, all young children need to go with you.
Another thing to do is be wary of pools bearing toys. Even if it isn't your own back yard pool, but one close by your home, pay special attention to small children going into the pool to play with the toys. Always keep your pool toy free when you're not there, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Also keep your pool fenced in, and make sure the fence is locked and is too tall for small children to climb over. Children have little sense of the dangers of pools and won't think to ask for adult supervision.
Teach your children to swim, or have them taught, from the earliest possible age. Ignore their protests if they put up resistance. They will thank you later, and it could very well save their lives one day.
Children also need to be taught never to swim alone. They should always have at least one friend with them whenever they are going swimming. First aid kits and life-savers should always be close by the pool. If you are swimming at a place such as a lake, take first aid kits and life-savers with you. As a parent, learn CPR.
However, even more safety can be afforded to children who are going swimming, or boating or fishing on a boat, with the use of one of the best water safety inventions ever devised--the life jacket or safety vest.
At Avendales, there is a wide array of Coast Guard approved safety vests and related water safety items that are offered to give children added protection in or near the water.
Their Finis Swim Vest can be adjusted by adding or removing foam layers that alter the buoyancy. The vest also acts to keep children upright in the water. The large life vest for children is designed to promote floating on one's back, one of the safest positions to take in the water.
Their Sprint Children Therapy Wet Suit was especially designed to be worn by autistic children to keep them safe while they, too, enjoy the water and the sunlight. The Swim-Tee Trainer is a tank top swimming suit with a heavy duty inflatable inner tube designed for small children just learning to swim. This trainer promotes self-confidence in the water while providing a very high degree of safety.
The Spring Duck Mat is used to provide safety and support for water therapy rehabilitation or water aerobics.
Avendales offers a Water Sports Helmet to be used with such water sports as tubing, water skiing, and wake boarding. The impact resistant outer shell adds much more protection to potentially dangerous but exciting sports.
About the Author
You can find these children' approved safety products and many other pool fun toys, lounges and other accessories at Avendales.com in their Swim Shop department.
We seem to be instinctively drawn back to the water from which our most distant ancestors came (and perhaps this is a key to unlocking the door on the mystery of why dolphins so love human beings).
However--we land-lubber human beings no longer have gills or fins. And contrary to a commonly held myth, swimming is not second nature to us (infant water therapy notwithstanding). So, as much fun as swimming in the water can be for us, it can also be deadly.
Statistically, a home with a back yard pool is more dangerous, more potentially deadly, to children than a home in which the parents keep a locked gun cabinet. Each year, there are more children who die by drowning in swimming pools than there are who die because of a gun accident.
There are certain vitally important safety measures that adults should make sure they practice with children whenever there is a swimming pool or a beach, a lake, etc where children are playing in the water.
First and foremost, no children under the age of 14 should ever be left alone near the water. Not for a second. It takes only a split second for a child to fall into a pool, hit her head on the edge on the way in, and die in a matter of minutes, or to have something very similar happen just as quickly and tragically. If you have to go somewhere, all young children need to go with you.
Another thing to do is be wary of pools bearing toys. Even if it isn't your own back yard pool, but one close by your home, pay special attention to small children going into the pool to play with the toys. Always keep your pool toy free when you're not there, and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Also keep your pool fenced in, and make sure the fence is locked and is too tall for small children to climb over. Children have little sense of the dangers of pools and won't think to ask for adult supervision.
Teach your children to swim, or have them taught, from the earliest possible age. Ignore their protests if they put up resistance. They will thank you later, and it could very well save their lives one day.
Children also need to be taught never to swim alone. They should always have at least one friend with them whenever they are going swimming. First aid kits and life-savers should always be close by the pool. If you are swimming at a place such as a lake, take first aid kits and life-savers with you. As a parent, learn CPR.
However, even more safety can be afforded to children who are going swimming, or boating or fishing on a boat, with the use of one of the best water safety inventions ever devised--the life jacket or safety vest.
At Avendales, there is a wide array of Coast Guard approved safety vests and related water safety items that are offered to give children added protection in or near the water.
Their Finis Swim Vest can be adjusted by adding or removing foam layers that alter the buoyancy. The vest also acts to keep children upright in the water. The large life vest for children is designed to promote floating on one's back, one of the safest positions to take in the water.
Their Sprint Children Therapy Wet Suit was especially designed to be worn by autistic children to keep them safe while they, too, enjoy the water and the sunlight. The Swim-Tee Trainer is a tank top swimming suit with a heavy duty inflatable inner tube designed for small children just learning to swim. This trainer promotes self-confidence in the water while providing a very high degree of safety.
The Spring Duck Mat is used to provide safety and support for water therapy rehabilitation or water aerobics.
Avendales offers a Water Sports Helmet to be used with such water sports as tubing, water skiing, and wake boarding. The impact resistant outer shell adds much more protection to potentially dangerous but exciting sports.
About the Author
You can find these children' approved safety products and many other pool fun toys, lounges and other accessories at Avendales.com in their Swim Shop department.
Family Health- Parents - Kids Have Stress Too
Do you remember searching for four leaf clovers in the grass when you were a kid? Making dandelion necklace? Building forts with old cardboard boxes? What will your kids remember? Sitting in the back of a minivan? Ordering dinner at drive -thru? Being shuttled from activity? More importantly, how will it affect their mental and physical health?
Emergency doctors are noticing more and more children coming into emergency rooms with racing hearts, sweating, feeling like they're going to die, etc... all adult symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Common children stressors include: problems at home or school, parental conflicts, family money problems, health problems, changes to routine, distressing world events, and social problems, such as teasing and bullying.
Children often say "the morning rush hour stresses me": I have to eat quickly, I have to get dressed fast, brush my teeth quickly, then pack my stuff!....
Academic stress or competitive sports can be healthy for children but it depends on how children manage the stressors and their sense of control. "If the stress is something over which they have no control, and that could be anything from a certain disaster to problems in the family, the results can be long-term physical and psychological health effects.
Signs that a child might be experiencing undue stress are: • Recurring headaches, tummy aches or neck pain • Increased irritability, sadness, panic, anger • Trouble relaxing or sleeping • Lethargy, daydreaming, withdrawal from activities • Excessive energy or restlessness • Reverting to less mature behaviour • Nail biting, hair twisting, thumb sucking or sighing deeply • Friend trouble • Behavioural problems, such as biting, kicking, poor listening, restlessness, acting out, impulsiveness, poor school performance, whining, crying, and fighting.
Although there's more research regarding the health effects of stress on adults, there's no reason children wouldn't experience similar effects.
What parents can do is often too simple, but due to their own stressors and busy lives, it often becomes challenging or pushed to the side:
1. Stop, look, and listen! This is one of the most effective and simplest strategies: really look at the child and seeing what they are doing, whether it's darting eyes or raised shoulders.... and really listening to their concerns while a connection is established.
2. Help kids cope: the best defence against stress is a healthy balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, quiet time and relaxation techniques, with a primary emphasis on affectionate parents who are good listeners.
3. Be a good role model. Parents are terrible stress models for kids. "Where's the balance that we're modelling for kids as we answer cell phone calls in the middle of soccer games or we bring briefcase of work on holidays?
Helping children gain a sense of control through effective problem solving and decision making are great strategies for stress management. But it's important that parents first emulate the behaviour. Many professionals encourage parents to share their mistakes and challenges with their kids; this is an excellent and efficient way to teach them to problem solve when, for example they hear " I blew it at work today and this is what I'm going to do to retrace my steps"
4. Play with your kids: Above all, parents need to play with their kids. "Get to know your kids and let them get to know you." It's the only way parents can determine if stress is a problem in their child's life.
Some of the most important nutrients to help children cope with stress are the ones that strengthen the adrenal glands (stress glands):
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)-helps the adrenals function adequately • Vitamin C-is vital for proper functioning of the adrenals • L-Tyrosine (amino acid)-relieves excess stress put on the glands raw adrenal extract (adrenal glandular)-helps rebuild and repair the glands • Coenzyme Q10-carries oxygen to the glands • Multi vitamin-mineral complex-contains nutrients needed for correct functioning of the body
Naturopathic medicine offers many other therapies for reducing stress caused by the begining of school, such as: botanical medicine, acupuncture and chinese medicine,homeopathy,etc.
And now I'd like to invite you to learn more how naturopathy can help your child recover from stress and anxiety by offering you a free access to my upcoming Tele-seminar on natural kids health: for details, go here: http://www.doctoranca.com From: Dr. Anca Martalog, N.D -http://www.telehealthsecrets.com
About the Author
Dr.Anca Martalog,N.D., survivors’ coach, is a Naturopathic Doctor in private practice in Richmond Hill, Canada, since 1995. As a stroke survivor and a Naturopathic Dr., she holds the secret to overcoming adversity naturally. She also deliver coaching programs thru teleweb training sessions to cancer, stroke and heart disease survivors, who are interested in learning how to live their life to the fullest, at their maximum Energy level, in best
Emergency doctors are noticing more and more children coming into emergency rooms with racing hearts, sweating, feeling like they're going to die, etc... all adult symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Common children stressors include: problems at home or school, parental conflicts, family money problems, health problems, changes to routine, distressing world events, and social problems, such as teasing and bullying.
Children often say "the morning rush hour stresses me": I have to eat quickly, I have to get dressed fast, brush my teeth quickly, then pack my stuff!....
Academic stress or competitive sports can be healthy for children but it depends on how children manage the stressors and their sense of control. "If the stress is something over which they have no control, and that could be anything from a certain disaster to problems in the family, the results can be long-term physical and psychological health effects.
Signs that a child might be experiencing undue stress are: • Recurring headaches, tummy aches or neck pain • Increased irritability, sadness, panic, anger • Trouble relaxing or sleeping • Lethargy, daydreaming, withdrawal from activities • Excessive energy or restlessness • Reverting to less mature behaviour • Nail biting, hair twisting, thumb sucking or sighing deeply • Friend trouble • Behavioural problems, such as biting, kicking, poor listening, restlessness, acting out, impulsiveness, poor school performance, whining, crying, and fighting.
Although there's more research regarding the health effects of stress on adults, there's no reason children wouldn't experience similar effects.
What parents can do is often too simple, but due to their own stressors and busy lives, it often becomes challenging or pushed to the side:
1. Stop, look, and listen! This is one of the most effective and simplest strategies: really look at the child and seeing what they are doing, whether it's darting eyes or raised shoulders.... and really listening to their concerns while a connection is established.
2. Help kids cope: the best defence against stress is a healthy balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, quiet time and relaxation techniques, with a primary emphasis on affectionate parents who are good listeners.
3. Be a good role model. Parents are terrible stress models for kids. "Where's the balance that we're modelling for kids as we answer cell phone calls in the middle of soccer games or we bring briefcase of work on holidays?
Helping children gain a sense of control through effective problem solving and decision making are great strategies for stress management. But it's important that parents first emulate the behaviour. Many professionals encourage parents to share their mistakes and challenges with their kids; this is an excellent and efficient way to teach them to problem solve when, for example they hear " I blew it at work today and this is what I'm going to do to retrace my steps"
4. Play with your kids: Above all, parents need to play with their kids. "Get to know your kids and let them get to know you." It's the only way parents can determine if stress is a problem in their child's life.
Some of the most important nutrients to help children cope with stress are the ones that strengthen the adrenal glands (stress glands):
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)-helps the adrenals function adequately • Vitamin C-is vital for proper functioning of the adrenals • L-Tyrosine (amino acid)-relieves excess stress put on the glands raw adrenal extract (adrenal glandular)-helps rebuild and repair the glands • Coenzyme Q10-carries oxygen to the glands • Multi vitamin-mineral complex-contains nutrients needed for correct functioning of the body
Naturopathic medicine offers many other therapies for reducing stress caused by the begining of school, such as: botanical medicine, acupuncture and chinese medicine,homeopathy,etc.
And now I'd like to invite you to learn more how naturopathy can help your child recover from stress and anxiety by offering you a free access to my upcoming Tele-seminar on natural kids health: for details, go here: http://www.doctoranca.com From: Dr. Anca Martalog, N.D -http://www.telehealthsecrets.com
About the Author
Dr.Anca Martalog,N.D., survivors’ coach, is a Naturopathic Doctor in private practice in Richmond Hill, Canada, since 1995. As a stroke survivor and a Naturopathic Dr., she holds the secret to overcoming adversity naturally. She also deliver coaching programs thru teleweb training sessions to cancer, stroke and heart disease survivors, who are interested in learning how to live their life to the fullest, at their maximum Energy level, in best
US Government Recall Agencies
There are many government agencies that have some limited form of product recall responsibilities, such as the Coast Guard's responsibility for certain marine-product recalls like floatation devices, and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) jurisdiction over recalls involving harm to the environment. However, the bulk of recalls in the United States goes through one of four government agencies: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This article aims to inform consumers about which agency to contact when they have a complaint to make about a product, and how to go about contacting the agency.
Food Recalls
Both the FDA and USDA are responsible for foods, but each has its own jurisdictions. If you have a complaint to make about meat, poultry, dairy and egg products, the USDA should be informed right away. See the end of this article for contact information on all agencies. For all other food products (i.e. canned goods, fruit & veggies, processed foods, snacks, restaurant food, etcetera...) you should contact the FDA.
Pharmaceutical Drugs, Over-The-Counter Drugs and Health Supplements
The FDA is in charge or regulating these, although their ability to regulate health supplements and 'herbal remedies' is somewhat limited at present. It is very important that you contact the FDA in the event of an unexpected side effect from any drug or health supplement so they can investigate quickly in order to save others from similar - or worse - reactions.
Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUVs, ATVs and Motorcycles
Most things with an engine and four-wheels are covered by the NHTSA, although certain ATVs and motorbikes may also be covered by the CPSC. In general, if it is legal to drive it on the street you should contact the USDA. If it is a motorized toy or recreational vehicle, contact the CPSC.
Auto parts, Tires, Infant Car Seats and Vehicle Accessories
If it is directly related to the automobile, such as a part or tires, contact the NHTSA. Infant car seats and most non-essential automobile accessories are handled by the CPSC.
Toys, Electronics, Furniture, Clothes, Etcetera...
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the most to worry about in terms of overall products. Just about everything you can think of that was not covered in one of the above paragraphs is handled by the CPSC.
How To Contact Each Agency
FDA - www.fda.gov 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
USDA - www.usda.gov 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250
CPSC - www.cpsc.gov 4330 East West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814
NHTSA - www.nhtsa.gov NHTSA Office of Defects Investigations/CRD NVS-216 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590
Learn More
History of the USDA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-u-s-department-of-agriculture-usda.html
History of the FDA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-food-and-drug-administration-fda.html
History of the CPSC http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/05/us-consumer-product-safety-commission-cpsc.html
History of the NHTSA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-u-s-national-highway-traffic-safety-administration-nhtsa.html
About the Author
Everett Sizemore is an online copywriter with content interests in yoga, consumer safety and green living.
Food Recalls
Both the FDA and USDA are responsible for foods, but each has its own jurisdictions. If you have a complaint to make about meat, poultry, dairy and egg products, the USDA should be informed right away. See the end of this article for contact information on all agencies. For all other food products (i.e. canned goods, fruit & veggies, processed foods, snacks, restaurant food, etcetera...) you should contact the FDA.
Pharmaceutical Drugs, Over-The-Counter Drugs and Health Supplements
The FDA is in charge or regulating these, although their ability to regulate health supplements and 'herbal remedies' is somewhat limited at present. It is very important that you contact the FDA in the event of an unexpected side effect from any drug or health supplement so they can investigate quickly in order to save others from similar - or worse - reactions.
Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUVs, ATVs and Motorcycles
Most things with an engine and four-wheels are covered by the NHTSA, although certain ATVs and motorbikes may also be covered by the CPSC. In general, if it is legal to drive it on the street you should contact the USDA. If it is a motorized toy or recreational vehicle, contact the CPSC.
Auto parts, Tires, Infant Car Seats and Vehicle Accessories
If it is directly related to the automobile, such as a part or tires, contact the NHTSA. Infant car seats and most non-essential automobile accessories are handled by the CPSC.
Toys, Electronics, Furniture, Clothes, Etcetera...
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the most to worry about in terms of overall products. Just about everything you can think of that was not covered in one of the above paragraphs is handled by the CPSC.
How To Contact Each Agency
FDA - www.fda.gov 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
USDA - www.usda.gov 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250
CPSC - www.cpsc.gov 4330 East West Highway Bethesda, MD 20814
NHTSA - www.nhtsa.gov NHTSA Office of Defects Investigations/CRD NVS-216 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590
Learn More
History of the USDA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-u-s-department-of-agriculture-usda.html
History of the FDA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-food-and-drug-administration-fda.html
History of the CPSC http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/05/us-consumer-product-safety-commission-cpsc.html
History of the NHTSA http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/history-of-the-u-s-national-highway-traffic-safety-administration-nhtsa.html
About the Author
Everett Sizemore is an online copywriter with content interests in yoga, consumer safety and green living.
Halloween Decoration Ideas | Great outdoor spookynite Halloween decoration ideas for your home
Halloween Decoration Ideas | Great outdoor spookynite Halloween decoration ideas for your home
There are a number of Halloween decoration ideas for the frugal available on the internet, and in books and magazines. Individuals who are frugal simply take the resources that the have and maximize them in order to get the best and most use possible. If you want to save money, and have a blast decorating the inside and outside of your home this Halloween, there are many different ways that you can do so.
Here, we will look into a few Halloween decoration ideas that you may find interesting. One of the first things that you can do is gather some basic cardboard egg cartons and create many different "spiders" to hang in and around the home. This is very easy to do. Below I will detail the steps required to make this type of decoration.
The first thing that you will need to do is take the bottom part of the egg carton and cut out sections of three egg compartments at a time. The middle of the three sections will act as the "head" and "body" of the spider. Now, on the other two sides, you will need to cut strips so that you have four "legs" on either side of the body.
Once you have succeeded in this part of the project, you will want to take some black spray paint and completely color the entire "spider". You should allow about an hour for this project to dry. Then, you will want to add a pair of those little eyes that move around that can purchased in your local craft department for about a buck a piece. Once this has been completed, simply thread in some basic fishing line or thread and add a hook on the top to hang these spooky spiders in various locations around your home.
Now, did you know that there are many Halloween decoration ideas where you can use all those burned out light bulbs that accumulate during the year? That's right! Take about four different bulbs and then get a pot of dirt ready that you can stick the bulbs in. Now, get some craft paint of different colors. Color the bulbs orange and then once that dries, create a "Jack O' Lantern" type face on each. Simple stick the little bulbs down into the pot. This should be short of a long, rectangular shaped one.
Then, take some spray webbing and spray in between each bulb and maybe even on some of the bulbs. That's just a couple of the many Halloween decoration ideas out there for the frugal! Just look around the house and be as creative as possible!
About the Author
Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to www.Spookynite.com supplying you with all the information and resources you need to know about Halloween nite.
There are a number of Halloween decoration ideas for the frugal available on the internet, and in books and magazines. Individuals who are frugal simply take the resources that the have and maximize them in order to get the best and most use possible. If you want to save money, and have a blast decorating the inside and outside of your home this Halloween, there are many different ways that you can do so.
Here, we will look into a few Halloween decoration ideas that you may find interesting. One of the first things that you can do is gather some basic cardboard egg cartons and create many different "spiders" to hang in and around the home. This is very easy to do. Below I will detail the steps required to make this type of decoration.
The first thing that you will need to do is take the bottom part of the egg carton and cut out sections of three egg compartments at a time. The middle of the three sections will act as the "head" and "body" of the spider. Now, on the other two sides, you will need to cut strips so that you have four "legs" on either side of the body.
Once you have succeeded in this part of the project, you will want to take some black spray paint and completely color the entire "spider". You should allow about an hour for this project to dry. Then, you will want to add a pair of those little eyes that move around that can purchased in your local craft department for about a buck a piece. Once this has been completed, simply thread in some basic fishing line or thread and add a hook on the top to hang these spooky spiders in various locations around your home.
Now, did you know that there are many Halloween decoration ideas where you can use all those burned out light bulbs that accumulate during the year? That's right! Take about four different bulbs and then get a pot of dirt ready that you can stick the bulbs in. Now, get some craft paint of different colors. Color the bulbs orange and then once that dries, create a "Jack O' Lantern" type face on each. Simple stick the little bulbs down into the pot. This should be short of a long, rectangular shaped one.
Then, take some spray webbing and spray in between each bulb and maybe even on some of the bulbs. That's just a couple of the many Halloween decoration ideas out there for the frugal! Just look around the house and be as creative as possible!
About the Author
Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to www.Spookynite.com supplying you with all the information and resources you need to know about Halloween nite.
TV Technology Good Or Bad
Television viewing has sure come a long way through the years. I remember as a child we had one TV in the living room and we could get 4 channels. Two, four, five and twelve. My dad was lucky though as he did have a remote, well actually 4 of them. My mother, my sister, my brother and I. I remember it all so well as he would lay on the couch with the TV Guide in hand and holler for whoever happened to be the closest at the time to change the channel.
With only 4 channels there wasn't near the variety as there is today, but we didn't know any different. With only one TV in the house it was a pretty simple formula deciding what we watched. It was whatever my dad wanted to watch. If he was at work or gone somewhere then we got to watch what we wanted, if it wasn't on at the same time as The Young and The Restless. Mom can't miss her soaps. Of course us kids got addicted to the soap operas too because if we wanted to watch TV, that's what we watched. When I had the TV to myself I liked to watch The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island and The Facts Of Life.
Watching evening TV with my dad was to suffer through To Tell The Truth which for a kid was the most boring game show on the planet. No spinning wheels, flashing lights or pretty assistants. You had 3 panelists asking questions to try and figure out which one of the 3 contestants was telling the truth and which 2 weren't. Boring! Other shows I can remember watching were Gunsmoke, Hee-Haw, Laugh-In, Sonny & Cher, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie's Angels, The 6 Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Baretta, Columbo and football.
It was a good TV night if they happened to have an Elvis special on or a beauty pageant. I dreaded the nights that the President was speaking because he was on every channel we had!
Today my mom and dad have satellite TV, a remote (lucky for him as us kids eventually all moved out) and more channels than than they could ever want. My dad still lays on the couch and watches TV, my mom still watches her soaps (luckily for her my dad got addicted to them too) and everything worked out just fine. Technology is a good thing.
Check this out for a great alternative to TV viewing. Watch 12,000 TV Channels For Free.
About the Author
Liz Morgan is an experienced channel changer and has nightmares about To Tell The Truth TV marathons.
If you have a TV hog in your family, check this out Watch 12,000 Channels Free On Your PC.
With only 4 channels there wasn't near the variety as there is today, but we didn't know any different. With only one TV in the house it was a pretty simple formula deciding what we watched. It was whatever my dad wanted to watch. If he was at work or gone somewhere then we got to watch what we wanted, if it wasn't on at the same time as The Young and The Restless. Mom can't miss her soaps. Of course us kids got addicted to the soap operas too because if we wanted to watch TV, that's what we watched. When I had the TV to myself I liked to watch The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island and The Facts Of Life.
Watching evening TV with my dad was to suffer through To Tell The Truth which for a kid was the most boring game show on the planet. No spinning wheels, flashing lights or pretty assistants. You had 3 panelists asking questions to try and figure out which one of the 3 contestants was telling the truth and which 2 weren't. Boring! Other shows I can remember watching were Gunsmoke, Hee-Haw, Laugh-In, Sonny & Cher, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie's Angels, The 6 Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Baretta, Columbo and football.
It was a good TV night if they happened to have an Elvis special on or a beauty pageant. I dreaded the nights that the President was speaking because he was on every channel we had!
Today my mom and dad have satellite TV, a remote (lucky for him as us kids eventually all moved out) and more channels than than they could ever want. My dad still lays on the couch and watches TV, my mom still watches her soaps (luckily for her my dad got addicted to them too) and everything worked out just fine. Technology is a good thing.
Check this out for a great alternative to TV viewing. Watch 12,000 TV Channels For Free.
About the Author
Liz Morgan is an experienced channel changer and has nightmares about To Tell The Truth TV marathons.
If you have a TV hog in your family, check this out Watch 12,000 Channels Free On Your PC.
Considering Bunk Bed Plans
Building a bunk bed is undoubtably a very intimidating and daunting task. If you thought assembling together a premanufactured bunk bed was difficult, think about how hard it would be to have to drill every hole, cut accurate measurements, and then have to put it all together after sanding the wood and finishing it! Yes, I am warning you now that it is a very hard task! It takes dedicated work and patience to build something like this. Are you still up for it? Good! Once you finish building a bunk bed for your children, it is a very rewarding outcome. You not only saved money but you also just gave your kids the best present!
So how exactly do you go about building your own bunk bed? Well your first step is to find a plan that you can work with. A bunk bed plan is typically a layout and instructional manual which will list out all the parts you will need and exact size measurements of each piece. For example, you may need an X number of Y feet long A x B size wood. The list should be pretty straight forward and now you can go do your shopping!
So you came back with some lumber! You’re one step closer to finishing it! Lay out all your wood pieces that are cut precisely in accordance to the measurements you have from the plan. Familiarize yourself with the pieces. Recognize what pieces go where and lay out your pieces by one step at a time. It will make it much easier for you!
So putting together the pieces of wood can be the most difficult part. Some plans may actually not come with step by step instructions on how to put the bed together so this is up to you! My only word of advice that I have is that you should do this one step at a time. Take a deep breath and put together one piece at a time. This will test your patience and you will need to focus very closely on the details!
So after hours and hours of dedicated work, you may have what looks to be a completed bunk bed. Your bunk bed plan may neglect this part but sanding, finishing, and painting your bunk bed is a step you should never neglect! You definitely do not want your kids to be sleeping on a bed with splintering pieces! Make sure all exposed wood is finished and sanded down smoothly.
Hopefully this guide will give you a boost of confidence in building your own bunk bed. Yes it is a lot of work but following the right steps will make it much easier for you.
About the Author
This article was written by Chris Kim, the editor for BunkBedsPedia. You can go to BunkBedsPedia to see more articles related to bunk beds.
So how exactly do you go about building your own bunk bed? Well your first step is to find a plan that you can work with. A bunk bed plan is typically a layout and instructional manual which will list out all the parts you will need and exact size measurements of each piece. For example, you may need an X number of Y feet long A x B size wood. The list should be pretty straight forward and now you can go do your shopping!
So you came back with some lumber! You’re one step closer to finishing it! Lay out all your wood pieces that are cut precisely in accordance to the measurements you have from the plan. Familiarize yourself with the pieces. Recognize what pieces go where and lay out your pieces by one step at a time. It will make it much easier for you!
So putting together the pieces of wood can be the most difficult part. Some plans may actually not come with step by step instructions on how to put the bed together so this is up to you! My only word of advice that I have is that you should do this one step at a time. Take a deep breath and put together one piece at a time. This will test your patience and you will need to focus very closely on the details!
So after hours and hours of dedicated work, you may have what looks to be a completed bunk bed. Your bunk bed plan may neglect this part but sanding, finishing, and painting your bunk bed is a step you should never neglect! You definitely do not want your kids to be sleeping on a bed with splintering pieces! Make sure all exposed wood is finished and sanded down smoothly.
Hopefully this guide will give you a boost of confidence in building your own bunk bed. Yes it is a lot of work but following the right steps will make it much easier for you.
About the Author
This article was written by Chris Kim, the editor for BunkBedsPedia. You can go to BunkBedsPedia to see more articles related to bunk beds.
Holliday Cheer With Christmas Decorations
When the end of November rolls around, the Christmas season blasts off. Towns begin their festivities, stores give specials on just about everything they're selling, and many people go shopping for ornaments. Besides the traditional yuletide tree, there are a wide variety of various decorations that you can put up to get into the spirt of Christmas. Not all of them have to be bought - you can create a number yourself to save some money. Either way you go about getting them, Christmas decorations are an essential part of the holiday season.
Every single year, people design new and creative Christmas decorations. These can often be used simply around the house wherever you have room, but some are designed specifically for a Christmas tree or to be hung from doorways, to name a few. In fact, you can probably find Christmas ornaments for every single space in your home if you want to. Remember that house in your neighborhood with its entire yard filled up with Christmas lights and lit figures? You too can get these Christmas decorations for your own house on the cheap. You can purchase each of them for a few dollars at a wide variety of stores during the holiday season, from Boscovs to Wal-Mart. If you want to make your own, visit a craft store and binge on crafting materials. No matter what you pick up, you'll likely be able to throw something neat and creative together for Christmas.
One of the best parts about Christmas ornaments is that there are so many of them, thousands have been designed for each part of your home, from the front lawn to inside. By giving you a huge number of versatile options, Christmas ornaments allow you to decorate your home how you want to. If you want to deck your house out in Christmas cheer, you'll never have to deal with getting stuck with what's left. You'll always be able to find that perfect ornament that you simply can't live without.
Save Some Money
If you're an arts and crafts kind of person, then you can save lots of money if you design your own Christmas decorations. homemade Christmas decorations can be a lot of fun too, and you'll feel as if they're more of an accomplishment if you make them yourself as opposed to buying them, giving them more nostalgic value over the years. Some easy suggestions for make-your-own Christmas decorations include creating your own reeves and using modeling clay to make your own Christmas figurines. The cost of the materials to make these decorations will be much less than if you buy them in stores already made, so you'll be having a thrifty Christmas season as well as having more fun.
If you want to get into the mood for Christmas, then you'll want to fill up your house with Christmas decorations. They aren't very expensive, and you can find them in just about any story in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You can probably get some great deals on them right after Christmas if you want to save up for the following Christmas. The best way to get into the Christmas spirit isn't with presents or wishing for snow. Christmas decorations ensure that every year, you'll be surrounded with Christmas cheer.
About the Author
Christmas Decorations presents various and inspiring ideas of how to redecorate your home and yard for Christmas to get into the real Christmas Spirit. Creating your handmade Christmas decorations by own design is cheap and brings the whole family together.
Every single year, people design new and creative Christmas decorations. These can often be used simply around the house wherever you have room, but some are designed specifically for a Christmas tree or to be hung from doorways, to name a few. In fact, you can probably find Christmas ornaments for every single space in your home if you want to. Remember that house in your neighborhood with its entire yard filled up with Christmas lights and lit figures? You too can get these Christmas decorations for your own house on the cheap. You can purchase each of them for a few dollars at a wide variety of stores during the holiday season, from Boscovs to Wal-Mart. If you want to make your own, visit a craft store and binge on crafting materials. No matter what you pick up, you'll likely be able to throw something neat and creative together for Christmas.
One of the best parts about Christmas ornaments is that there are so many of them, thousands have been designed for each part of your home, from the front lawn to inside. By giving you a huge number of versatile options, Christmas ornaments allow you to decorate your home how you want to. If you want to deck your house out in Christmas cheer, you'll never have to deal with getting stuck with what's left. You'll always be able to find that perfect ornament that you simply can't live without.
Save Some Money
If you're an arts and crafts kind of person, then you can save lots of money if you design your own Christmas decorations. homemade Christmas decorations can be a lot of fun too, and you'll feel as if they're more of an accomplishment if you make them yourself as opposed to buying them, giving them more nostalgic value over the years. Some easy suggestions for make-your-own Christmas decorations include creating your own reeves and using modeling clay to make your own Christmas figurines. The cost of the materials to make these decorations will be much less than if you buy them in stores already made, so you'll be having a thrifty Christmas season as well as having more fun.
If you want to get into the mood for Christmas, then you'll want to fill up your house with Christmas decorations. They aren't very expensive, and you can find them in just about any story in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You can probably get some great deals on them right after Christmas if you want to save up for the following Christmas. The best way to get into the Christmas spirit isn't with presents or wishing for snow. Christmas decorations ensure that every year, you'll be surrounded with Christmas cheer.
About the Author
Christmas Decorations presents various and inspiring ideas of how to redecorate your home and yard for Christmas to get into the real Christmas Spirit. Creating your handmade Christmas decorations by own design is cheap and brings the whole family together.
Should We Be Concerned About the Apparent Violence of Our Children
Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley
Two incidents in the United States in recent days have caused me to wonder if we should be more concerned about the apparent violence among our children.
In one incident, six teenage girls lured an apparent cheerleader squad member to a friend's home and then brutally gang attacked her with a vicious 30-minute beating in retaliation for some remarks she apparently made about them online. Two teenage boys helped the beating along by serving as lookouts.
Upon her arrival, the victim was struck in the head several times and then had her head slammed into a wall, knocking her unconscious. She awoke on a couch surrounded by the six girls who proceeded, one at a time, to beat her senseless while using several video cameras to record the beating for posting on YouTube online.
The victim suffered a concussion, damage to her left eye and left ear, and numerous bruises. The six female suspects were all charged with felony battery and false imprisonment.
The county sheriff described the beating as a "pack mentality" with "animalistic behavior". These are supposedly cheerleaders at a school and at least the victim has been described as an honor student.
While all the facts are not in and the legal process will play itself out, it does appear certain that the attackers were immature, self-centered, self-absorbed young teenage girls, far more concerned about protecting their image and stature (as sorry as it is) than acting like civilized members of society.
This is an extreme and pathetic example of how some of our young girls resolve their frustrations today. They beat each other up in their viciousness and stupidity and then pride themselves on how clever they are to videotape the event for posting on the Internet.
No amount of protestations by their parents that they are bright, competent, sensitive, caring, mature young women can erase their abhorrent and intolerable behavior. It goes without saying that the two young men who served as lookouts are no better.
The second incident involved a college fast-pitch softball game wherein an opposing player hit her first-ever home run with two runners on base and, when passing and missing first base on her trip around the bases, she abruptly stopped to go back and collapsed with a knee injury.
It was a close game, and if she could not touch all bases on her way home, she would be declared out. She was injured so badly she could not even stand up. Her teammates could not help her or she would be declared out. A pinch runner could have been called in and the homer would then only count as a single.
In a stunning display of understanding, compassion and sportsmanship, the opposing team's first baseman and shortstop came over the picked up the injured player, carefully carrying her around the bases and lowering her at each base so she could touch all of the bases and have her home run count.
"You deserve it," said the first baseman, "you hit it over the fence."
There was not a dry eye among the injured player's teammates when she reached home base in the arms of her opponents. The injured player's coach, a 14-year coaching veteran, called the act of sportsmanship "unbelievable."
The injured player's team would go on to win the game 4-2, and eliminate the opposing team, which lost its chance at a conference title and advancing to the playoffs. One of America's greatest sportswriters said it best: "When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks, not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
Both sets of young women in both incidents had a choice to make. The difference between the two choices is clear: you can choose to be self-centered or other-centered.
The low self-image, low self-esteem and low self-confidence level of the six girls who brutally attacked their friend with intent to harm her did not allow them to think of anyone else. Their fragile egos were so harmed by some apparent criticism that they needed to beat their teammate senseless and then post video on the Internet to recover any sense of self-worth.
The fact that some of our youngsters today cannot handle adversity is disturbing. While spending time behind bars before they were released into the custody of their parents, they joked about whether they would make cheerleading practice the next day. The fact that they apparently showed no remorse is even more disturbing. It is one thing to make a terrible mistake; it is another to think it is so funny it becomes evil.
The six teenage girls who brutally beat up their friend have some lessons in life to learn, and perhaps their parents as well. Here are eight lessons they could consider:
1) If you lack the will for change, there is no one who can show you the way.
2) When you blame others, you give up your power to change.
3) Your own thoughts and feelings are the cause of all your problems, not the world or the people in it.
4) The day you start taking responsibility for your actions, and become accountable for your actions, is the day you will start to mature as an adult.
5) What you think about me is none of my business. What is most important is what I think about myself.
6) Always remember that no matter what anyone is saying to you from the outside, the most important conversation is the one you are having with yourself on the inside.
7) Develop some character. Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.
8) Develop some integrity. Integrity is what you do in the dark when no one can see you, and even more so when you stand to profit by doing the wrong thing.
About the Author
Read some of my outrageous Social Commentary on other hot topics, including: "Facts About the Second Most Controversial Topic in America - The First Is Abortion" "So Why Should I Subsidize Any Banks Because of Their Greed and Incompetence?" "A Disturbing Trend in Our Society - The Lack of Trust in Our Institutions" Find my Blog at: http://www.edbagleyblog.com http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLife.html
Two incidents in the United States in recent days have caused me to wonder if we should be more concerned about the apparent violence among our children.
In one incident, six teenage girls lured an apparent cheerleader squad member to a friend's home and then brutally gang attacked her with a vicious 30-minute beating in retaliation for some remarks she apparently made about them online. Two teenage boys helped the beating along by serving as lookouts.
Upon her arrival, the victim was struck in the head several times and then had her head slammed into a wall, knocking her unconscious. She awoke on a couch surrounded by the six girls who proceeded, one at a time, to beat her senseless while using several video cameras to record the beating for posting on YouTube online.
The victim suffered a concussion, damage to her left eye and left ear, and numerous bruises. The six female suspects were all charged with felony battery and false imprisonment.
The county sheriff described the beating as a "pack mentality" with "animalistic behavior". These are supposedly cheerleaders at a school and at least the victim has been described as an honor student.
While all the facts are not in and the legal process will play itself out, it does appear certain that the attackers were immature, self-centered, self-absorbed young teenage girls, far more concerned about protecting their image and stature (as sorry as it is) than acting like civilized members of society.
This is an extreme and pathetic example of how some of our young girls resolve their frustrations today. They beat each other up in their viciousness and stupidity and then pride themselves on how clever they are to videotape the event for posting on the Internet.
No amount of protestations by their parents that they are bright, competent, sensitive, caring, mature young women can erase their abhorrent and intolerable behavior. It goes without saying that the two young men who served as lookouts are no better.
The second incident involved a college fast-pitch softball game wherein an opposing player hit her first-ever home run with two runners on base and, when passing and missing first base on her trip around the bases, she abruptly stopped to go back and collapsed with a knee injury.
It was a close game, and if she could not touch all bases on her way home, she would be declared out. She was injured so badly she could not even stand up. Her teammates could not help her or she would be declared out. A pinch runner could have been called in and the homer would then only count as a single.
In a stunning display of understanding, compassion and sportsmanship, the opposing team's first baseman and shortstop came over the picked up the injured player, carefully carrying her around the bases and lowering her at each base so she could touch all of the bases and have her home run count.
"You deserve it," said the first baseman, "you hit it over the fence."
There was not a dry eye among the injured player's teammates when she reached home base in the arms of her opponents. The injured player's coach, a 14-year coaching veteran, called the act of sportsmanship "unbelievable."
The injured player's team would go on to win the game 4-2, and eliminate the opposing team, which lost its chance at a conference title and advancing to the playoffs. One of America's greatest sportswriters said it best: "When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks, not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
Both sets of young women in both incidents had a choice to make. The difference between the two choices is clear: you can choose to be self-centered or other-centered.
The low self-image, low self-esteem and low self-confidence level of the six girls who brutally attacked their friend with intent to harm her did not allow them to think of anyone else. Their fragile egos were so harmed by some apparent criticism that they needed to beat their teammate senseless and then post video on the Internet to recover any sense of self-worth.
The fact that some of our youngsters today cannot handle adversity is disturbing. While spending time behind bars before they were released into the custody of their parents, they joked about whether they would make cheerleading practice the next day. The fact that they apparently showed no remorse is even more disturbing. It is one thing to make a terrible mistake; it is another to think it is so funny it becomes evil.
The six teenage girls who brutally beat up their friend have some lessons in life to learn, and perhaps their parents as well. Here are eight lessons they could consider:
1) If you lack the will for change, there is no one who can show you the way.
2) When you blame others, you give up your power to change.
3) Your own thoughts and feelings are the cause of all your problems, not the world or the people in it.
4) The day you start taking responsibility for your actions, and become accountable for your actions, is the day you will start to mature as an adult.
5) What you think about me is none of my business. What is most important is what I think about myself.
6) Always remember that no matter what anyone is saying to you from the outside, the most important conversation is the one you are having with yourself on the inside.
7) Develop some character. Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.
8) Develop some integrity. Integrity is what you do in the dark when no one can see you, and even more so when you stand to profit by doing the wrong thing.
About the Author
Read some of my outrageous Social Commentary on other hot topics, including: "Facts About the Second Most Controversial Topic in America - The First Is Abortion" "So Why Should I Subsidize Any Banks Because of Their Greed and Incompetence?" "A Disturbing Trend in Our Society - The Lack of Trust in Our Institutions" Find my Blog at: http://www.edbagleyblog.com http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLife.html
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