Home with the Kids Newsletter

Being a Savvy Consumer

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:42:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Thanksgiving is past... now on to the crazed part of the season for many people. Here comes Christmas.

Feature Article
Become a Savvy Consumer: Save Time, Energy & Money!

Whether economic times are abundant or tight, it's always an advantage to be a savvy consumer. And whether or not your budget is abundant or tight, it's always beneficial to know how to shop effectively.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/120208.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Multi Tasking

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:54:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

It's almost Thanksgiving! Crazy week for me; the kids get the whole thing off. I think I agree with an old friend who commented that we got gypped as kids, getting only Thursday and Friday off.

We're trying to get some things done. I hope to have the kids go through their old toys today and get rid of the many that never get played with. It's a nice time of year to send the excess off to charity. It helps that the kids know Christmas is on the way and that they hope for more toys, although I'm hoping to get the overall number down. Been too long since we did a cleanout.

Feature Article
The 5- Minute Solution (for multi-taskin' Mamas)

What do we want our children to take away from their time with us? We do so much to make their lives rich. We love, support and care for them. We keep them organized, help them with challenges and introduce them to our world. But, what if our greatest impact is not what we do, but who we are being when we are with them? What if all of the doing that is so well intentioned, is but a drop in the bucket compared to what they observe in us?

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/112508.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:58:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Someday I'll sleep well again... someday.

Not all kids adapt well to time changes, and that's what I'm dealing with right now. Mine are still mostly getting up an hour too early. Combine that with a rather active baby kicking around in the wee hours of the night and morning, and things get pretty exhausting.

On the other hand, this morning wasn't too bad. Only one kid up early, and no earthquake to wake me. Had a little quake yesterday morning, just enough to wake us. Suffice to say I rather resembled a zombie mentally yesterday.

Feature Article
Kids' Science: Fun with Magnets

If you're short on kids' science activities, pick up some small magnets from your local hardware store. They're inexpensive and lots of fun. In addition to keeping your child's full attention, magnets achieve the following:

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/111808.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Simple Entrees

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:56:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Happy Veteran's Day to our veterans and those serving now.

I have both the kids home today. I was a little surprised that we didn't have the usual "Veteran's Day, Observed" on Monday rather than today, but the kids sure don't mind. My son just got back from a trip with his grandmother, so I think they're glad to have the extra time together. Even if they have spent much of the morning arguing.

Feature Article
Simple, Money-Saving Entrees - Ready in a Hurry!

Rising food prices have sent many of us back to the kitchen to save money. And while there are many benefits of a home cooked meal, preparing dinner from scratch still takes valuable time from our busy schedules. But it can be easy to prepare simple entrees at home, saving you both time and money. So move beyond burgers and fries and fix one of these dishes tonight! All are easy to prepare and ready in about 30 minutes.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/111108.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Reasons Why Budgets Fail

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:37:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

It's election day here in the United States. I've made it out to vote already, and hope those who can do likewise.

Feature Article
3 Reasons Why Your Budget Can Fail - And How To Ensure It Doesn't

Creating a budget is a fantastic first step in getting your financial situation under control, especially if you are currently having money troubles. Unfortunately just creating a budget is no guarantee that your money situation will turn around - you need to be able to stick to it. There are many reasons why a budget may ultimately fail. Here are the three most common problems, and what you can do to overcome those problems.

Come and read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/110408.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Kids and the Election Process

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:18:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Halloween is almost here. Election day is almost here. Just call it a busy time of year.

I'm doing some last minute work on my daughter's costume. She was a butterfly for Halloween when she was 2, and wants to reuse the wings this year. I let her pick some new paints to add to the design. One of the big additions is lots of glow in the dark paint. She loves that part, and I'm really impressed with how well the paint glows. It makes a dark costume somewhat more visible on some of the streets in our area, which aren't always well lit.

Go vote is all I will say about the election. Hopefully you've figured out how you want to vote already.

Feature Article
How to Engage Your Children in the Election Process

The 2008 Presidential election is regarded by many as one of the most significant events in American history. Just because your children are too young to vote does not mean they cannot participate in this important occasion. How do we teach our children that voting is one of the most important rights that we have as Americans?

Come and read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/102808.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Taking Time

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:37:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

It's almost Halloween. Despite knowing for the past couple weeks what my kids are going to be, I still haven't finished my daughter's costume.

All I have to do, fortunately, is get some paints of her choice and work on her butterfly wings from a costume we did a few years ago.

The schools here are pretty clever about handling Halloween excitement, at least at the elementary school level. They're doing parent-teacher conferences on October 30-31. Kids still get to dress up in the morning on October 29, but they won't have to be sitting through class on the days they will probably be most excited.

Feature Article
Taking Time for Precious Moments

I am a stay-at-home mother of one child, and sometimes I get the comment, "Don't you get bored?" I used to work and bring my baby to work with me; I did this until he was nine months old. I consider myself blessed that I am able to be home full-time, and I can assure all those who think I don't have enough to do that there is plenty.

Come and read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/102108.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

De-stressing Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:32:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Nothing like a quick reminder that fire season has started again. Nothing dangerously close to me, but the winds are high and my husband thinks some people are worried already. He says there were decidedly fewer kids at school this morning when he dropped our daughter off. Then again, it could just be that it's about the time of year for kids to be getting sick again. I do remember that with last year's fires the evacuation stopped a bug that had been going around the school pretty nicely.

So long as it doesn't interfere with Halloween, as it almost did last year.

Feature Article
The New Mom's 5-Minute Daily Guide to De-Stressing

A barrage of activities at home can make you feel a little wound up. Add to that the occasional discussions and issues between you and your partner, and you may find yourself in need of an outlet.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/101408.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Saving on Your Power Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:00:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

I have to say this whole economy is certainly trying to make life... interesting. My husband's job just had some layoffs; his job survived, thank goodness. But it's quite a crunch for many people, and all we can do is hope it gets better soon.

Feature Article
Ways to Lower Your Power Bill and Save Money

Depending on where you live in the US, your power bill can be a real burden on your monthly expenses. During the summer in Las Vegas last year, my bill was hitting around $250 a month. That's before I learned the key tips to lowering my power bill to save money and go greener.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/093008.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Chore Contracts

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:12:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Phew! Back from BlogWorld Expo 2008! I had quite the hectic weekend, and it's a good thing I'm not any further along in my pregnancy than I am. It was plenty exhausting as it was.

Of course, it's good to be home again. The experience was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. The kids were glad to be home, although they had a ton of fun spending the weekend with my mother.

Now I just have to get back into my routine at home again.

Feature Article
Children, Household Chores and the Value of Contracts

An important part of implementing a household chore system is creating a formal agreement, commonly called a contract, for every member of the household. A contract defines the parent's expectations and provides direction and parameters for the children. A contract can be a general form explaining household rules or a complex detailing of chore responsibilities for a specific person. For households with teenagers or even adults who shirk their responsibilities around the home, contracts can help pave the way to a new, orderly household in where everyone formally agrees to carry their own weight.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/092308.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Packed Lunches

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:02:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Wow. About one more week before I have the chance to find out what the baby is. My mom's cheering for a boy, as is my son, my daughter wants a sister. And then there's my younger sister who tells me I need to have a blonde this time, since the other two are brunette. That would certainly stand out.

I just figure in any case this baby is a tie breaker. I have a son and a daughter, and my husband's sister has a son and a daughter. So one way or the other either the guys or the girls on that side of the family will be ahead in numbers.

As if it matters.

Kick, kick, kick. This baby's keeping busy.

Feature Article
Healthy Packed Lunch Ideas for Children

Are you concerned about you children's health? Aware that certain fats are bad but not sure how to avoid them? Well, read on because you will find lots of tips and ideas for healthy packed lunches.

Come over to http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/090908.php to read the rest.

See you next week!

Stephanie

Fast Food Nutrition?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:30:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Back to school is certainly a time for change for children. I can see that my kids are definitely working through some adjustments right now. Some of that's waiting for baby to come, of course, but the stress level has certainly gone up with the return to school.

We're working through it all, and making sure the kids know to talk to us when something's bothering them. They don't do that much yet, but the sooner we can get the idea across, the better.

Feature Article
Behind fast food restaurants 'Nutrition' claims

I must admit, a drive through restaurant with toilet facilities and a kids play area is really convenient. With the kids nagging to head to McDonalds for the latest toy available in a Mc Happy Meal, a Mc Café, Lighter meals and the Heart Foundation tick, heading to McDonald's does seem like a safe option, right? Really, there is something very wrong behind their representative Ronald McDonald and personally, I wouldn't trust my health or nutrition to a clown! So does McDonald's 'nutritious' food really measure up to their claims?

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/090208.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Back to School Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:31:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Let's see... daughter's school has started... check. Son back in speech therapy... check. Preschool program for son... umm, still working on that one. I may yet get it taken care of, though. He really needs the social time, much more so than the educational time.

It's a bit of an adjustment having school back in session. I was so much hoping to have my son in preschool this year through the school district, but that just wasn't to be. So now I'm checking out an alternative a friend suggested to see if I like the idea. It will be more tiring for me on the days I have to participate, but having the quiet time would be quite the treat. And of course the time with other kids around his age would do my son a world of good, I think.

Feature Article
Three Tips to Transition Your Family Back to School

You know what time of year this is, back to school! Even if you don't have children or your children are grown, there is a shift that occurs as fall arrives. There is a bit of anticipation, a sense of something about to occur, a quickening of pace. For many of us as fall arrives our schedule fills and we are on the go with little time to slow down and reflect.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/082608.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Online Social Life

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:11:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Yesteday was the big day. My husband started his new job. Pretty exciting/relieving stuff there.

I don't think the kids have recognized the difference yet. At the very least they were behaving pretty normally yesterday. Have to see what the next few days bring.

Feature Article
How Much of an Online Social Life is Healthy for at Home Parents?

One of the great things about the Internet is how it has opened people up to friendships around the world. While some people view online relationships as shallow things, they can be quite deep and meaningful too.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/081208.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Frugal Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:04:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Ah, one more week until my husband starts his job. Two more until school starts.

Should be interesting to see how the kids cope. My son was so mad when Daddy started staying at home all the time, but he loved it when his sister was suddenly more available to play when school got out. Now both of those will be changing in short order.

Feature Article
Frugal Shopping - How to Keep the Money You Earn

Frugal shopping can make your dollar go further and will help you to live within your means. When you implement these smart shopping tips, don't think of them as deprivation; instead think of your frugal shopping strategies as a challenge to fight the marketing strategies that separate you from your money.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/080508.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Motivating the Kids to Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:57:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Phew! At last my husband has a job, starting next month. Not a dream job or anything, but it's work, and anyone looking for a job these days knows how tough it can be to find something even half decent.

I've been joking about it for a while, because we were going to have to move soon if he didn't get anything. But I kept saying it would be a photo finish, and sure enough, he got this job right when we were thinking we were going to have to move in with someone.

I guess next time I should predict that he'll get the perfect job right off the bat.

Feature Article
Motivating Your Child to Exercise

"Drop and give me 20" is not exactly going to motivate a child to exercise. The best way to get a child to exercise is to not let them know they are exercising at all! There are many fun activities that you can do as a family to exercise. Here are some ideas:

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/072908.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Yard Sale Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:22:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Is it really getting so close to back to school? Somehow that's just really hard to believe. But school around here starts just after mid-August. All too soon I'll have to find a new backpack and lunchbox for my daughter. We did pretty well with those, as they lasted two years. It's amazing how rough kids can be on these things.

Much to my daughter's probable disappointment, I'm determined to keep making her lunch to bring. Every time we've tried letting her buy lunch at school she later admits to throwing most of it out because she talks so much she doesn't have time to eat.

She asked me a doozy of a question the other day - she wanted to know how to keep from having a baby. With my pregnancy we've been dealing with the usual questions, but that wasn't one I expected from a six year old!

Feature Article
Yard Sale - Your Way to Paying Off $2,200 in Debt

I recently heard a number that somewhat surprised me. And truthfully, I heard it in passing on television, so I am not going to guarantee the fact or the source, but the general idea was that the average American family has $2,200 in personal belongings just lying around the house that are never used. Actually, I know several families that probably have much more, but we are using averages here. Just think about all the:

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/072208.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Time Management Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:41:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Whoops! Forgot today was Tuesday. So you're probably reading this on Wednesday, but I decided to not actually skip this week.

It's easy to get jumbled after a busy weekend, and this one was something. Went up to see my sister in the Bay Area to decide if we might move up that way. It would be a change, but there are some advantages and disadvantages.

Feature Article
10 Easy Time Management Tips

Many people mistakenly believe that time management is about squeezing more tasks and activities into a day. Time management is actually about getting the important things done. It's also about learning to do things efficiently so you can ultimately accomplish more. Here's how:

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/071508.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Healthy Lunchboxes

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:39:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Well, I'm steadily feeling better and having less nausea with this pregnancy. Almost have my energy back too. That's quite a relief. I don't like sleeping that much. I still get occasional bouts, which is why this is so late today.

Feature Article
7 Healthy Tips For Your Kids Lunchbox!

Next time you pack your child's lunchbox, take a look inside. How many different options of foods have you given your little one and what is the ratio of healthy food to junk food? It is so important to include a variety of healthy foods and snacks for your child to eat whilst they are at school. But sometimes it can be difficult to come up with new ideas for the lunchbox.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/070808.htm

See you next week!

Stephanie

Why Manners Matter

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:34:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Ok, ok, I'm back. Sorry about that big gap in newsletters. Things just piled up at the end of the school year. Stomach flu, a rather nasty cold and just to make things really interesting, I found out I'm pregnant.

Which explained the continuing exhaustion and nausea.

We're surprised and delighted. Timing could be better, but people say that about a lot of pregnancies. I'm getting more energetic again and if not getting rid of the nausea yet, coping with it better.

Why Manners Matter

"...the principle of civil reciprocity is a solid one, for which reason it is occasion for total, staggering dismay that it appears to be on its way out." Lynne Truss fumes in her wonderfully, hotheaded bestseller, Talk to the Hand #?*! The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay at Home and Bolt the Door.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/070108.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Summer and the Library

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:03:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Finally? Maybe?

We've been working on potty training my 3 year old. He's still not done, but this week has been the one in which he's finally shown signs of figuring it out. Such a relief. I am very, very ready to be done with diapers.

Of course, i'm also very, very ready for the networking to finally work out so my husband gets a job. He's working hard at that and I think he has plenty of motivation these days. He's helping out at a conference this week so that he can network there. It's almost odd having him out of the house!

Feature Article
Have You Tried the Library?

Summer break is coming or even here for many families. With that comes the eternal whine: "I'm boooored!"

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/060308.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

What Not to Say to Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:46:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Wild weather we're having here. Monday a week ago we were over 100 degrees F. Suddenly we went to cold (in southern California terms) and damp. Some areas even got some pretty serious rain.

I know what caused the change. We had to have some major plumbing work done which involved cutting a hole in the kitchen wall. It didn't start raining here until the plumber was delayed in fixing that. The hole is fixed now, so the weather is free to warm up again. So far the weather report disagrees with that conclusion though.

Feature Article
10 Parenting Tips - Things You Shouldn't Say To Your Children

Do you use phrases that edify and encourage your children?

Sometimes we don't say things that edify or encourage our children.

Come and read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/052708.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

From Idea to Business

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:22:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Less than a month left in the school year, and the weather already feels like deep summer. We've had several days in the high 90s to solidly over 100 here lately. Today's supposed to be significantly cooler, though, and I'm certainly ready for that.

So of course my husband had the rich sense of timing to set the inflatable pool up today. Should've checked the weather report, because if that's right we won't be breaking 80 degrees for at least a week. That water's not going to really warm up enough, but now we'll have to watch the kids in the back yard.

At least we can reuse the water in the garden, so it's not all wasted.

Feature Article
From Woman With A Good Idea To Woman With A Thriving Home-Based Business

According to the Center for Women's Business Research, "There are 10.4 million women running successful businesses in the U.S. Of those 10.4 million, 85% of them are running businesses out of their home."

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/052008.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Organizing Kids' Rooms

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:21:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

I hope all the moms out there had a great Mother's Day. We had an extended family picnic out at Mission Bay. Lots of fun if a bit cooler than it's been most years. We had a serious case of May Grey going on.

And then I had one of those "already??" moments talking to my daughter's kindergarten teacher. She pointed out that we have just 4 Mondays left in our school year. Hard to believe summer vacation is approaching so quickly. Time to start thinking on how to keep the kids busy all summer long.

Feature Article
Organizing Kids' Rooms - Eight Quick Tips for Moms

I always know that it's time to reorganize my home when I spend more than 20 minutes each day helping my kids to look for puzzle pieces or some other small object just so that they can continue their play. This morning, my son and I combed the carpet in the playroom and searched the toybox for the tiny helmet of his Lego policeman.

Come read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/051308.php

See you next week!

Stephanie

Strong Willed Children

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:59:00 +0000

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter

Phew! Survived my daughter's 6th birthday. I learned an interesting thing, though. After school birthday parties can actually work pretty well. The kids were a bit tired from school, so they were generally well behaved and by the end of the party had settled down to coloring. Only catch was having to watch a couple of the kids until their parents got off work, but even that went well.

And they all had a blast!

Feature Article
How To Get Cooperation From A Strong Willed Child - 5 Useful Tips

Getting cooperation from strong willed children can be extremely difficult at times. You know you have a strong willed child if you constantly feel angry about their behaviour.

Read the rest at http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2008/050608.php

See you next week!