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We live in the age of technology. On all of our devices: computers, laptops, hand-held gaming devices, smart phones, tablets and game consoles we can play games, watch movies, television shows and listen to music.
When I was a kid, (back in the 80′s) we had cable television; I remember enjoying Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and PBS. I had my television-watching times just like any other kid. I didn’t have video games but only because the gaming industry was fairly new and the internet? Well, that was non-existent at the time. Regardless, when I was a kid, what I really wanted was to be outside and play with my friends or ride my bike from sun up to sun down.
That was back then…
Now, we have more cable shows than I personally could have ever imagined when I was a kid. We have more technology devices that keep us tuned in to some things and tuned out to others. My oldest son got a 3DS for Christmas 2011. My husband and I had to make a rule stating that he is not allowed to play his DS before school (because he’ll lollygag upon getting dressed) and that he can only play it once his homework is done, after school.
With that being said — how much is too much when it comes to video games and technology? Can we solely blame McDonald’s or the preprocessed food industry for the obesity/ inactivity epidemic in the United States? Does some of the blame belong to the sedentary lifestyle we have some how come to adopt as a society?
Case in point, a few months ago I brought my youngest son in for his well-child visit. The doctor was amazed at how healthy he was and “on point” weight wise. He said that most kids are somewhat overweight and that parents need to actually push their children to do intentional activity for an hour a day. It never used to be that way.
As a parent, I am worried about something bad happening to my children while they are out of my sight. It seems that there are more creepers out there today than there ever used to be. As a result, I feel much safer when they are within my line of sight. With that said, I find myself advocating that my kids go outside and play anywhere other than the safety of our fenced in backyard. Maybe i’m not the only parent who feels this way?
Fellow parents, chime in: what do you think about television and video games? How do they fit into your kid’s lives?
Looking for online games in German? Browsergame-world.de might be just what you are looking for!
As you can see the site has a nice design and a very good organization. This helps to make it quick and easy to find the games you want to play! They also have forums where you can go and meet others who play the games and give feedback!
The holidays. It all kicks off with Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa and then finally New Years. After that, we have a long stretch in between before any other holidays come up.
For me, the end of the holiday season is kind of sad and kind of a relief. We experience all of this build up to the holidays and then in a blink they pass us by, leaving us to wonder where the time went. Of course, we know where it all went… Busy = time flying by. Now, we’re left with torn wrapping paper and empty toy boxes galore. Our bank accounts are also leaner.
So, where do we go from here?
Take some time out for you. The holiday season is one where we moms think about others non-stop. Does Johnny want a Transformer toy or a Mario toy? Will Aunt Judith like the bread pudding if I put raisins in it? My husband hates pumpkin pie… so what is a good alternative? Oh crap, I forgot I need more wrapping tape! On and on it goes and by the end of it all we are happy because we have made others happy but we’re also exhausted.
So mom, take some time out for yourself at the start of this year. Join a gym and get into shape, pick an area of the house to organize and clean (if cleaning relaxes you that is), go get your hair done, a manicure, a pedicure or have a mom’s night out with friends! 
The holidays will be here shortly! What is on your holiday wish list? Did you know that you can save money using Savings.com coupons? Savings.com has coupon deals for popular stores, brands and websites! Everything you need to make your season bright (and cheaper) can be found here!
Looking for a sassy New Year’s Eve frock? Savings.com can help you find a great deal!
Year end festivities (Christmas, New Year’s, etc.) are in the full planning and prep stage! For myself, I still need to get our Christmas Day dinner vittles. My husband and I have not yet discussed what we will be doing with the kids for New Year’s.
On my holiday wish list? Well, i’m hoping to get perfume and a subscription to one of my favorite websites. My list is always pretty small. There isn’t a whole lot I really want. I am quite cozy just watching the kids and hubs open gifts. While I do enjoy getting great gifts, my passion is giving. I love giving and this is the perfect time of year to do so!
What is on your Christmas list this year? Do you have any last minute shopping to do? Has all of your online purchases come in?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!
As much as I love Christmas and shopping, i’m not sure that I really enjoy the two together at least — not in the month of December. For one thing, large crowds at stores usually mean that I won’t really get a chance to think about what i’m shopping for (as large crowds of people in stores generally mean that shoppers are moved along like cattle). You get all of 2.2-seconds to look at an item before you become “in the way”.
As the big day will be upon us shortly and i’m not quite done with my Christmas shopping yet — I have come up with a list of great last minute gifts that won’t have you fighting the crowds!
1. Amazon.com Gift Card — Great for someone who owns a Kindle and / or who absolutely loves shopping online.
2. Lynda.com Subscription — Got a technology / web geek in the family? He or she will love you for this!
3. berries.com (aka Shari’s Berries) – Have it delivered by Christmas! Cute and unique gift baskets with delectable treats!
4. Christmas goodies basket — Now this one truly comes from the heart! Make a little gift basket and fill it up with delicious Christmas cookies and candy treats.
5. Mixed CD — Got some great tunes? Make a special holiday mixed CD for the loved on in your life. They can enjoy it in the car on the way to work or school.
6. Tigerdirect.com Gift Card — for the person in your life who loves electronics!
7. FragranceNet.com — You can get some lovely name brand perfume or cologne for discounted prices.
Of course, when all else fails and you find yourself racing to find a last minute gift on the way to a party or get-together, you can always stop at your local Walgreen’s or CVS Pharmacy. They usually have some neat items that would make great Christmas gifts!
Merry Christmas everyone and happy shopping!
I am giving Wal-Mart a big thumbs down this morning.
I went there to get a few items on my Christmas list. Normally, I try to shop at Target, Meijer or Kmart (really anywhere other than Wal-Mart) but found myself to be intrigued about the many television ads featuring Wal-Mart’s so-called AMAZING layaway.
Well, fellow parents, I am here to tell you that Wal-Mart’s layaway policy sucks and that you are pretty much better off putting your purchases on a credit card if you cannot afford the presents up front.
Here’s why:
1. You cannot put an item below $15 on layaway. SO that means each item has to be $15 or more.
2. You cannot put clothes on layaway.
3. Layaway officially ends on December 16th.
4. You have to pay a ridiculous $5.80 fee just to put stuff on layaway (this fee DOES NOT go toward your purchases).
Here’s the thing– I am pretty sure I am not the only parent out there who sees Christmas as an opportunity to buy their children things OTHER THAN toys — like pajamas (for instance), or cheap kiddie watches. Not to mention, some of the smaller toys are under the $15 limit.
I had my cart filled with all kinds of stuff and i’m sure my grand total would have been well over $300. But because of Wal-Mart’s crappy layaway policy, I only laid a few things away and put the rest back. They lost out on $200.
In conclusion, I tried out Wal-Mart’s Layaway and found their policy to be extremely restrictive and ridiculous. If Wal-Mart really wanted to help their customers be more economical this holiday season, they would revise their Layaway policy. As it is, the only people benefiting from Wal-Mart’s Layaway policy is Wal-Mart — customers be damned.
So — I urge you good parents to think twice before shopping at Wal-Mart or using their Layaway. I don’t know about you — but as a customer I am tired for “paying the price” for Wal-Mart’s greed.
Every year, there are certain toys that make the list of “hot toys”. Our children however, are pretty fickle in nature and so hot toys really do find themselves “in” one minute and “out” the next. Still, for us parents, we want to make sure that our children have toys that they love and if it is a popular toy, then all the better!
Here are the current “Hot Toys” for the 2011 Christmas season:
1. Lego Ninjago
My son in particular has been raving over this particular toy group since this summer. His favorite part? The Lego Ninja minifigures!
2. Moshi Monsters
Moshi-what? Little squatty and colorful monsters who have their own action figures, books and Nintendo DS games.
3. Leapster Touch or LeapPad
So popular that they are sold out EVERYWHERE. Even Amazon.com has run out of them (though if you want one really bad, there are sellers who are reselling them for twice the price). The manufacturer has said that the shelves will have to remain empty until February 2012. In the meantime, you might want to try the vTech Innotab which has expandable memory/space and is able to play video and MP3 (something that the LeapPad is currently incapable of).
4. Sesame Street – Let’s Rock Elmo!
Folks, Elmo has done it again. That furry little red guy is rocking out and making kids smile everywhere.
5. Monster High
The new dolls on the block are a cross between Bratz and the Addams Family. Definitely cute and all the rage for 2011. Move on over Barbie Doll!
6. Angry Birds Plushies
When your 3 year old says that he wants an “Angry Bird plushie” for Christmas, you know that the toy must be a hot one! Err… either that or they are really good at advertising.
7. Lalaloopsy Dolls
Cute dolls with silly pink hair in ropes.
8. Halo action figures
No longer just a video game — the re-released video game of Halo has also turned into action figures and vehicles.
9. Razor A Kick Scooter
Santa got these for my kiddos last year! Best. present. ever.
10. Crayola Model Magic Jewelry Studio
Your little one will love to make gorgeous jewelry!
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that kids are learning at a faster pace than when I was in school (I started Kindergarten in 1985). In my day, Kindergarten was for learning colors, shapes, numbers, how to make friends, stand in line and survive the school day. Preschool was merely a place that “privileged” kids attended.
Now that I am a mom, I actively participate in my children’s education. What I found is that kids are learning certain concepts and ideas much faster! Preschool is pretty much a necessity. My son started learning how to read in Kindergarten. When he was in preschool, he learned the basics and that included being able to write his name.
Not every parent can afford preschool and for some of the families who cannot afford preschool — they fall through the cracks financially and are unable to partake in state-funded educational programs like Headstart. In addition, some preschool programs can benefit from additional materials and learning “aids”. For this purpose, we have preschool worksheets and other materials. After all, we need to ask ourselves, do our schools empower our teachers with the best available educational resources?
It has been proven that our students in the United States, are still falling behind in math and science when compared to the rest of the world. Isn’t it worth it to find additional material like multiplication worksheets to help advance your child’s ability to grasp mathematical concepts and rhythms?
Parents, speak out — what do you think about school system in your area and the materials available?
All of my children are vertically challenged in some way. What this means? It is HARD to find pants. Normally, pants that fit in the length do no fit in the waist (because usually they are too small) and pants that fit in the waist are too long in the length. As i’ve learned in all of my years shopping for clothes for myself — a size 8 at one store is not the same at another store. As different brands of jeans fit differently, I have yet to find the perfect brand for each of my children. So, they are stuck with pants that do fit in the waist, but need to be french rolled a couple of times to fit lengthwise. If you are currently using this method to “hem” your children’s pants or even your own pants, then you know that this solution really sucks long term.
Alas! To all of my friends who are sewing-challenged I have found a way! I call it the “No-Sew method”. I’m not the first to coin this phrase, so i’m sure if you Google it, you will find it used all over the internet.
So, what is the “no-sew method”? The no-sew method is a way of achieving hems for your pants with out sewing!
What you wil lneed:
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