v 5 issue 27: Splish Splash

Scrub-a-dub-dub, time for fun in the tub. This issue is full of bathtime treats sure to put a smile on any water baby.

Cover by Danette Kay












1 A silky smooth combination of bamboo and organic cotton keep baby royally dry and pretty as a princess. The creamy white hooded towel is a fine quality piece adorned with a pink crown and metallic rhinestone appliques. Six fun towels to choose from at Bambooh Brand Organics. All towels on sale now!

2 A staple of American bathtub culture has been revamped with bright colors, polka-dots, and a glow. The Light Up Rubber Duckie Family is a trio of ducks -including a parent and two babies- which all light up when squeezed. Sure to delight the hearts and minds of the little ones. Elegantbaby knows how to make bathtime fun.

3 No need to play Guess the Water Temperature when you can purchase Primo's Starfish Water Thermometer for only $19.99. The days of scalded elbows and reddened tushes are over. Simply drop the corded thermometer into the water for an instant LCD temperature reading.

4 Irresistibly soft, the Bath Wrap from Dwell Studio envelops children in instant warmth, comfort, & style. Girlish pastels shade the sparrows and natural elements perched on the outer shell, while the lush fabric of the inner layer promptly relieves children of the chills.

5 Gentle, effective, and soothing, Belli Baby's Calm Me Hair and Body Wash leaves baby refreshed & clean with the scents of marigold and chamomile. Purchase a 14.35 oz bottle for only $12.00, or dibble dabble in sample sizes of all the babycare products with the Bundle of Joy Gift Set for only $14.99.

6 Bummas are the indispensable, multi-purpose cloths perfect for just about any dirty, or not so dirty, nursery job. They clean, they dry, they wipe messes good-bye. Best of all, Bummas are reusable and long-lasting with the ability to be washed over and over again without pilling, shrinking, or fading. Enter code: Coupon Code: u1d9h for 15% off your total purchase.

7 Certainly the most clever and attractive way to store the bath toys between uses. The Küster Bath Toy Store is designed with handles and drains to assist in scooping toys from the water and allowing them to drain thoroughly...all while remaining discreetly concealed within a colorful container. Available at modernlola.com. Enter code: HAPPY10 for 10 % off your purchase.

8 Kid O Stack & Nest Cups provide entertainment both in and out of the bathtub. While the tub is filling, anxiously awaiting tots will remain distracted by tower construction...and when the tub is warm and ready, it's time to plop 'em all in the water for filling & dumping fun. After use, cups can be nested neatly for proper storage.


This weeks mom tips:
Sent in from one of our readers:
I have a great tip to share with Moms who might not know what to do with all the keepsakes and homework assignments that you want to keep from your child's school year. Get a 3 ring notebook with a clear outside cover. Have your child decorate an 8x10 paper and incorporate that year’s number on the paper somewhere. Fill it with 3 hole punched page protectors and insert any homework or artwork that you want to keep. You will have years of fun looking at how your child has progressed each year.
-submitted by Lindsay

Green Tips:
If a vehicle's tires have less than recommended air pressure, gas mileage will suffer. Determine the correct pressure level from the small plaque likely found just inside the driver's-side door, but possibly on a rear doorpost, in the trunk/latch area, the glove box, or even on the sun visor.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, but can kill. Gas stoves, furnaces and water heaters, kerosene space heaters and barbecues, as well as automobiles, produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Protect a household with a carbon monoxide detector.

Choose low-toxic paints that also are low in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which convert to gas at room temperatures. Outdoors, certain VOCs react with sunlight to create smog. Indoors, VOCs can irritate lungs and cause allergic reactions. Check the paint label for a VOC level below 150 grams per liter. Zero-VOC paints also are available.


Time Saving Tips:
Cook big meals – stews, soups, roasts anything that can be had for more than a day. Nothing says time saving like getting a night off from cooking.

Write out your grocery list according to the major aisles in your grocery store. This will make in-store grocery shopping go much faster because you won't have to backtrack.


Tubby Time Tips:
Is Your Child Afraid to Take a Bath?

Some toddlers live for bath time. Their faces light up with joy when you mention getting in the tub, and they would happily spend a large portion of their lives there if you would allow it. Other toddlers, however, can't stand taking a bath. You have to bring them kicking and screaming to the tub, and you don't get a moment's peace until the bath is over. The fact is that many toddlers are scared of bathing. It's one of the most common things they fear. But you have to keep your child clean, so what can you do?

Sponge Baths
If your toddler panics when you start to put him in the tub, try giving him sponge baths sometimes. It's important that he overcomes his fear of the bathtub, but there's no harm in giving him a sponge bath at times. It can be a lifesaver when you are in a hurry.

You could even sponge your toddler off for all but one bath a week to get him used to the idea of bathing in the tub. Once he starts getting comfortable with it, increasing it to two a week will start to ease him into a regular bath time routine. Once he is content with being in the tub, you can start giving regular baths every time.

Bath Toys
One reason that many kids love to take a bath is the fact that they get to play in the water. Getting some fun and brightly colored toys and putting them in the tub before you bring your toddler in can make a bath more enticing. Bath paint is also a favorite, because it gives them license to make a colorful mess.

Once you have gotten your child in the tub with toys, play along with him. Making bath time a time to bond with you will add greatly to its appeal.

Bath time is a grand opportunity for your toddler to unwind. It's filled with fun sights and smells, and playing in the water is a blast. Getting your toddler over his fear of the bathtub may take some time, but once you do he may actually begin to look forward to it.

Bath Facts and Tips:
Never leave your baby unsupervised in water, even for a minute and always keep at least one hand on her body at all times.

Bath temperature should never be higher than 100F before you put your child in the tub.

Daily baths can dry your child's skin out. Try limiting baths to just 3 times a week during the winter weather.

Fill the tub with only 2 to 3 inches of water for babies up to 6 months old and never more than waist-high (in sitting position) for older children.

Before bathtime raid your dirty laundry of towels to lay them out on the floor. After water play just scoop up the wet towels and throw in the washer.

v 5 issue 26: Teach Me

This issue is full of products to help develop essential early learning skills through play using imagination and creativity.


Cover by Kate Callahan










1 The Onaroo Teach Me Time Clock from American Innovative educates children on the relationship between analog and digital time by incorporating both time telling systems onto one clock face. Added highlights include a cool bubble design, a glowing nightlight, and a built in alarm to teach the kiddos to get up and go on their own. Enter code: TOTTW20 for 20% off your pre-order of the Teach Me Time thru 1/31/10.

2 When everything in the world is broken down into simplistic shapes, a child really can be enticed to draw just about anything. In the Art House, visuals of animation are blended with energetic music and a spunky art-loving teacher. The end result is a fun-filled DVD with the ability to spark the inner Picasso of any child. Offering a special price for our readers thru 1/31. $15 per DVD and/or buy 2 get 1 free.

3 Tessy & Tab's Money Management Kit breaks down concepts of money management into a 7-step program parents can teach to their children. By keeping the responsibilities of both children & parents simple, kid-oriented financial goals can be easily attained. Each kit includes 3 Tessy & Tab books, a 3 part bank, charts and tools to enhance learning, and a parent guide. Enter code: TOT TRENDS for 2 free issues with purchase.

4 Teach My Toddler is the all-in-one teaching system designed for toddlers aged 18 months and up. This package includes 17 teaching tools to help toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. Everything needed to reinforce and teach the basic skills to toddlers. It's fun, coordinated educational play.

5 Dive into potty training with the help of the Potty Tots. Through song, dance, video, and charts, children will be on their way to learning the 6 steps of potty training with a Potty Tot friend of their choice. This system works so well because it is built around a toddler's spirit of independence...and the DVD has some really catchy sing-alongs to make the potty seem like a party. Email: jill[at]pottytots.com for a Free Potty Tots Potty Chart of your choice with purchase.

6 No one is better than Barney when it comes to whipping up a snappy jingle to get the family on a joint venture of learning. Barney: Please & Thank You skillfully delivers the basics of manners. Kids will love to sing along. Parents will be thankful for the breakdown of the basics!

7 If the World Were a Village, the best-selling and award winning book, is available in a DVD version of equal intensity. When you take a world populated with six billion and reduce it to a village of just 100, the result is a unique global representation of what the Earth has to offer...an amazing array of the sights, sounds, tastes, and beliefs of a truly multi-cultural world.

8 The insights of speech, music, and art therapy are integrated into each animated DVD of Kidwinks resulting in an intelligent speech development video for the young. With repetition and fun music, the DVD visually enhances children's vocabulary with simple words through sound, movement, and sign language. Use code: TTW in notes and Email: kylelundberg[at]mac.com for $5 off via PayPal.


Your Funny Kids
Kids say the funniest things, don't they? You sent us your funny kids' sayings and we had to share!

Hey there! Here is a shot of my adorable baby errrr, I mean toddler girl Sophia! My brother had come over to show off his new motorcycle one day. He took his tools out to work on it a bit. Sophia was right next to me, but she is a sneaky little thing! I was chatting with my brother & noticed ms. s was no longer right next to me. I turned around, and what do I see? Sophia had picked up the tools & started "working" on uncle Josh's motorcycle herself! Thank goodness I had my camera!!!
-submitted by Rachel


My 3rd grade daughter finished dressing for school this morning, in the clothes I set out for her before she woke. Afterward, she approached me with a frown on her face claiming, “This outfit doesn't go together. Orange and pink don't match." I assured her that it looked fine. She stomped back down the hall toward her room. She returned a few minutes later and claimed, In an FYI toned disposition, "I'm sure that my friends will be kicking me out of their club today...because of my terrible sense of fashion." I wanted to laugh so badly but instead, I followed my motherly instinct and replied, "You don't go to school to join clubs, you go to learn." I still snicker inside, when I think about her statement.
-submitted by Dawna



Here is my funny photo... my 2 year old daughter Macy snuck into my bathroom and decided to be like daddy... I think she was trying to prep to "shave". It was sooo stinkin' cute! I just have to share it with you!
-submitted by Nicole



My 6 year old came home from kindergarten one day to tell me that his teacher told him that hamburgers come from cows. My first thought was, oh no he is not ready to know that we eat animals. He says, "mommy that is silly, cows can't poop hamburgers."
-submitted by Janah


My four year old daughter was fighting over a toy with her two year old sister. After the tears were dried and "sorrys" were exchanged, she looked at me and said very seriously, "Can I have a boy sister instead?"
-submitted by Sherry


My children are ages 22 months and nine years old. This summer we had a bee hive under the steps of our back door and my 22 month old was attacked and stung several times. Needless to say he is now afraid of bees and we are very protective of him when he is outside that he does not get stung again. My nine year old Wyatt and 22 month old Jordan were outside eating on the patio when Wyatt began to scream for me. When I ran out there he said, "Help me Jordan is about to get pollunated by the bees". I laughed until I cried and then had to explain to him what pollination is and what bees do.
-submitted by Lindsay


I think every day if you have children is a new adventure and a new chapter to be written. Eli is now turning a year and I can truly say he is a BOY. We already have a 5 year old daughter who enjoys being a big sister and teaches him a lot of things not always good things though. The other day I was doing laundry and I hear very loud giggles I go and check and Josephine gave Eli her lunch which was peanutbutter bread ... OMG it was everywhere but I still hear her laughter and see the smile in Eli's face. I got my camera right away and took a photo this is a wonderful memory to keep. Oh I love them so much.
-submitted by Melanie


My 5yr old sweet son, Brandon know's I love the show 20/20...so the other day it was on and he said, 'hey mommy, 50/50 is on!" LOL I laughed soooo hard!
-submitted by Paula

We love hearing about and seeing your funny kids...submit your kid's comment or photo to contact@tottrendsweekly.com


Understanding a Child with ADHD
If you have a child diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder you may feel like you are the only person in the word going through it. You may be frustrated, feel hopeless and ready to throw your hands up in the air. A child with ADHD is challenging, that is a fact, but you don't have to feel alone in the fight. There are many parents going through the same exact thing you are and many are winning the battle and can help you help your child cope better with the disorder.

The main thing is to not blame yourself or be embarrassed about your child's condition. You need to accept the disorder first off and then learn ways in which you can deal with it and help your child to live with it, challenges and all.

ADHD can be a destructive disorder if parents who have children diagnosed with the disorder are not willing to work with a their children. The worse thing you can do is ignore the behaviors. They must be addressed to be overcome. Patience, love and support, these three things can and will get you through.

A child who has been diagnosed with ADHD is not purposefully doing anything to cause you the frustration you may feel. Deep down they want to please you as the parent by doing and saying what you want but the disorder causes them to not be able to exhibit this behavior. Instead they often act the opposite of how you want them too.

Responding to a child in positive manner will most likely help them respond in a like manner. Not always though, so it is important to remember they are not doing it on purpose. This is perhaps the most frustrating part and it can leave parents feeling hopeless.

The best way to deal with a child who is acting out because of the disorder is to find at least one thing positive in the behavior. Push them to be open about things they don't like and then offer them a solution to the issue they are unhappy with. Always praise the child and never scold them for acting in a certain way even if it causes embarrassment for you.

Try and keep a sense of humor and show your child that you are not angry but are learning to deal with the disorder just as they are. If the child sees that you are in the fight to understand and deal with the disorder with them, then they may not feel so alone.

If you have other children in the home without the disorder, it is important to educate them about the disorder so they don't take things too personally when the affected child takes something out on them. A supportive family dynamic is the most important thing you can offer a child who has ADHD.

Offering guidance to your child and to their siblings can create a better harmony within the household. This also goes for your partner. Parents raising a child with ADHD need to know how to effectively help and raise a child with ADHD. It has to be a partnership and both parents need to go through the challenges together and support one another 100%.

v 5 issue 25: Sweet Tooth

This delicious issue features gifts that are sure to please everyone that loves sweets, from fashion and toys to recipes to treat your sweet tooth!



Cover by Kate Callahan








1 Lollipop plates from EM Tanner will get the kids to clean their plates lickety-split! The mealtime dishes are designed with swirls and splats reminiscent of childhood's favorite confection-on-a-stick. Colors for girls & boys...all personalized. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 20% off purchases.

2 To please the palettes of those with a modern appetite, Bunny and Bee presents the Dolce Cupcake tee. Brilliant shades of fuchsia and lime green boldly decorate the graphics of this pink long sleeve tee. Email designs[at]bunnyandbee.com with code: LOVETTW for 15% off purchases.

3 Heirloom quality aprons to suit the tastes of all bakers are available at Jessie Steele. The Cupcake Apron blends a fine quality printed cotton with salmon tinted edging and neat bows. Waist ties and custom tailoring mold the bib apron for a flattering fit.

4 Three sparkling cupcakes present themselves in an orderly fashion as part of Lil' Swanky's Ouch line. The Cupcake Tee comes in a soft pink color on a long sleeved tee. Available in sizes 3 months to 8 years. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off purchases.

5 Now here’s something we can all sink our sweet tooth into…Kid’s Choice Baking Mixes from Kids Central Kitchen. This large baking set includes 7 yummy mixes that are kid friendly. Just add a few simple ingredients and you are on your way to natural, whole grain deliciousness for just $36.99. Enter code: HAPPYBAKING15 for 15% off your first order.

6 Feast your eyes on the handmade artwork of Hiho Batik. The Ice Cream Tee is printed with three hot-colored scoops of dairy delight... with a cherry on top. Shades can vary, but each tee is truly unique.

7 A blue, shatter-proof cookie jar is filled with ten of the smartest cookies around. Children can count the decorative dots on top, then turn the cookie over to see the corresponding number printed on the flipside. Learning has never been sweeter! Available at Psycho Baby.

8 Gratify a child's love of repetition with a Candy Jar Spill & Fill from Melissa & Doug. The attached lid easily opens to uncover 4 soft and squishy treats: a gingerbread, pop, and two wrapped candy toys.


Recipes for your sweet tooth
Gingerbread Trifle

General Information
Makes: 12 to 14 servings
Preparation Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:20 minutes

Ingredients
Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 (14.5 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Gingerbread
1 cup water
1 large egg
1 (12 oz.) jar Smucker's Pumpkin Spice Topping, divided
1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1. HEAT oven to 350°F. Coat 13 x 9-inch pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. PREPARE gingerbread mix according to package directions using the water and egg. Pour into prepared pan.
3. BAKE 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Cut gingerbread into 1-inch cubes. Stir 1/2 cup pumpkin spice topping into thawed whipped topping until well blended.
4. LAYER 1/3 of gingerbread cubes in bottom of 3-quart trifle or serving dish. Spread 1/3 of topping mixture over cubes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice topping. Repeat 2 times to make 3 layers. Sprinkle nuts on top. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice topping. Chill 1 hour or until ready to serve.


Strawberry Coffee Cake

General Information
Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 1/2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
or 1/2 stick Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
3/4 cup Smucker's® Sugar Free Strawberry Spoonable Ice Cream Topping
1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

Directions
1. HEAT oven to 375ºF. Coat 9-inch pie plate with no-stick cooking spray.
2. COMBINE flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg in large bowl. Cut in shortening with fork until even crumbs form. Reserve 1/2 cup crumbs for topping.
3. WHISK milk and egg until blended. Add to remaining flour mixture, stirring just until evenly moistened. Spread evenly in prepared pie plate. Spread topping on batter to within 1-inch of edges. Combine reserved crumbs with nuts. Sprinkle evenly over topping.
4. BAKE 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.


Celebrate winter with comforting deserts, meals and snacks made from Smucker's jams, jellies and preserves.



Make the Most Important Meal of the Day the Healthiest
When trying to help your family eat healthier, like anything else in life, the best place to start is at the beginning. The first meal of the day is also the most important because without it our bodies aren’t fueled and ready for what the day may bring.

By starting out healthy you’re paving the way for more healthy meals throughout the day as well. Even if you, or your other family members, are prone to grab a high calorie snack or fast food style lunch, you’ll be one step ahead by eating a healthy breakfast. Just remember, skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Instead of omitting breakfast or filling up on sugary foods each morning, try some of these ideas for a healthy breakfast menu in your household each and every day of the week.

1. Bagels – Low-fat cream cheese or your favorite natural fruit spread make bagels a quick breakfast when you’re pressed for time. You can even take them with you if necessary, but beware eating them in the car might be a little messy depending on the toppings you choose.

2. Smoothies – Blend your favorite fruits with a bit of low-fat milk or yogurt and drink your breakfast in the car or on the bus. The possibilities are endless as far as flavors go. You can even add some of your favorite vegetables to help get in the recommended 5 servings per day.

3. Non-Fat Yogurt – With fruit or without fruit, yogurt is a great addition to just about any breakfast. It’s full of calcium and fat free yogurt can actually work as a substitute for higher fat content foods such as mayo and cream cheese.

4. Fresh Fruit – Mix it up in a salad. Cut it up in your cereal, or eat your favorite kind by itself. Fruit is great no matter how you eat it. For those who like cottage cheese, mixing it with your favorite fruit is a great breakfast option that doesn’t take forever to prepare.

5. Cold Cereals – Whole grain cereals are what you want here. Skip the sugary coated kid cereals. The benefits include a healthier heart and decreased risk for diabetes, among many others.

6. Oatmeal – There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day to get you started on the right foot. Top with your favorite fruit and enjoy!

7. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Toast – Peanut butter is a great source of protein and the whole wheat is a healthier option than white toast. Most kids love peanut butter and will jump at the chance to eat it for breakfast instead of with jelly for lunch.

8. Omelets or Scrambled Eggs – Eggs are a great source of protein and mixing them with your favorite veggies or peppers give them a boost compared to just eating them plain or worse, frying them. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese for added appeal to little ones.

9. Granola – Granola is a great source of fiber and other essential vitamins. Be careful though some granola can be very high in fat. Eat in moderation and you’ll be just fine.

10. Muffins – Muffins are great because they can be made ahead of time saving lots of hectic mornings from become even more rushed. Mix fruits or vegetables in the batter and you’ll not only receive the grain from the muffin but your fruit and veggies too.

Start your family out right each and every morning with a healthy breakfast. It’s the most important, but it can also be the healthiest without a lot of hassle or time. Enjoy the variety that the options above, along with others give you.

v 5 issue 24: Winter Wonderland

Cooler days are here with more on the way and we have found products that make it easy to keep your little one warm. Plus: Some ideas for having fun in the winter air.


Cover by Joy Kaminski










1 Meet Rufus, an espresso brown quilted twill hat from the Short Hat Company. Each Rufus comes complete with a coolmax headband, thermolite lining, and berber earflaps...and it's only one of the many fabulous melon warmers available for this season.

2 Hats and mittens from the Re Sa Collection are handknit from fine yarns to create a feel which is super soft, indeed. Blends of colors are available for boys, girls, and every baby. Available at libraknits.com. Enter code: TOTTRENDS for 15% off thru 1/17.

3 A pink patchwork hat with ornate stitching is boosted into the extraordinary when two over-sized pompoms are added to each side. The colors are spectacular, and the pom-poms are unique. No doubt, you will be able to spot your little one in a crowd when she is sporting the Madcap Andalucia Hat from Lilly Anna Kids.

4 Add a little bling to baby's winter wardrobe with Okkies Reversible Hoodie. The jacket can be switched between a shiny black diamond quilt pattern and a grey/black diamond design on the reverse. Find this and other great fashion at lilswanky.com. Enter code: ttw20 for 20% off.

5 Bundle baby in the furry warmth of this Morado Designs Modern Pinwheel Baby Blanket. A silky plush fabric of chocolate brown is sweetened with the bursts of green, blue, and brown on it's reverse side. Generously sized, this snugly blanket keeps the chill from interfering with naps &/or stroller excursions.

6 Contrasts of leather and lace disguise the reinforced toes and sturdy soles of the Brown Butterfly Boot. Embellished with a beaded leather butterfly for added frill, the boots provide a great alternative to traditional winter boots. Available at Yunginz.

7 With an adorable illustration drawn by 6 year old Ellie, Retse Designs helps fund the Foundation for Seminole County Schools by contributing $1.- from each t-shirt sold. Help a school by purchasing an "S is for Snowman" tee on Sale for only $10! Enter code: WINTER for an additional 10% off thru 1/31.

8 The Snuggle Bug Bagz is made specifically for babies of 0-16 months. Each zip blanket bag is lined with organic sateen or minky fabric and is available in a multitude of colors and styles. Designed with a cut out for a three point seat belt harness, so baby can stay covered up while in the stroller, car seat, baby swing. Enter code: tottrends for 35% off all snuggle bagz!


This weeks mom tips:
Green Tips:
Save an average of $90 a year by shutting down a home computer every night. Also, shut it down if you don't expect to use it for the next two hours. Turn off the monitor if the lag is going to be at least 20 minutes.

Generating enough electricity to cook for an hour in a standard electric oven creates 2.7 pounds of carbon dioxide. Here's a list of what can do it for less: toaster oven, 1.3 pounds over 50 minutes; slow cooker, 0.9 pounds over seven hours; and microwave, 0.5 pounds over 15 minutes.

Programming your thermostat to reduce your home’s temperature by 5 degrees when you are asleep or away will reduce your heating bill and your impact on global warming. Wearing a sweater and turning down the heat while you are home will save even more energy. In fact, each degree below 68 will reduce the home heating bill by about 3 percent.


Organizing Tips:
Constantly evaluate your children’s clothing by setting aside a pile of clothing that is too small for donation you will keep their closets more organized and help a family in need.

Set a cleanup time in the evening when everyone picks up their space. Show your kids exactly how you want their room picked up…label bins with photos so that your kids know what should go in them (or words for older kids who can read).


Cleaning Tip:
Found a sticker on the wall? Remove as much of the sticker as possible then remove the rest with a little bit of Ben Gay ointment and a blow dryer (on low heat setting). Other ways to remove stickers include WD-40, Oops brand latex paint remover, De-Solve, fingernail polish remover, and rubbing alcohol.

One day a week, you and the family finish up the rest of the housecleaning that didn't get done during the week, or any larger jobs. Keep track during the week of areas that need more work during your clean-for-all. Assign tasks to all members of the family. Again, set a time budget and use your timer to stick to that budget. Anything that doesn't get done this week will get done next.


Fun in the Winter Air
Who says that the cold weather means you stay indoors? There is no reason why the winter can’t be a fun time for family just like the summer. Here are some ideas for having fun in the winter air.

1. Go sledding. The big hill could be in your back yard or somewhere else in the neighborhood. Grab the sleds and head for the top. Sledding is one thing that adults can do and still feel like a kid. Everyone loves the feeling of their heart in their throat as they go speeding off towards the bottom of the hill. Hardware stores sell out of sleds so get yours early.

2. Have a snowball fight. But, don’t just hide behind a tree. Take the time to build a snow fort. The family can divide into teams and each take an hour or two to construct the snow place of safety. Once the forts are finished and the flags are flying, let the snow fly!

3. Make snow angels. Wear a warm coat, gloves, and hat before attempting this wonderful winter artwork. Find a clear clean place in the snow and allow yourself to fall backwards. The snow will break your fall. Once you’re down there start flapping those arms and legs.

4. That walkway isn’t going to get clean all by itself. Each person can take a shovel or a bucket and work together to get it cleared. Why pay someone else to do it when the family can get some physical activity together? Afterward, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa together and warm up.

5. Try a new sport. The winter brings a new set of exercises to enjoy. Take up snowshoeing. snowboarding, skiing, or ice skating. The point is not to become an expert but to have fun with your family.

6. Catch a snowflake on your tongue. This is an activity that has to wait until the snow is actually falling but when you live far up north that could be an everyday occurrence. Stand out on the front lawn and throw your head back. After catching a few, take a break. No one wants to get a sore throat. Besides, the neighbors will wonder what is going on when they see everyone sticking their tongue out.

7. Build a snowman. By this time, you’ve tried everything else so a snowman is the last best thing to do in the snow. It’ll take everyone’s help to roll a really big base and lift the other body parts on top of each other. A sturdy snowman will take longer to melt in the sun.

Don’t sit in the house longing for warmer weather. Get out and enjoy the possibilities of the winter season...together.