THANKSGIVING TABLE

DECORATING YOUR TABLE FOR THANKSGIVING
This is one of my favorite things to do with holidays and my family always looks forward to see what I come up with. Now is the time to start at least thinking about it. Start getting ideas in your head of what you want your table to look like and if its something you can actually create. Really use your imagination. Here are some suggestions and ideas to get you started.
Make sure you add a spot in your Thanksgiving Planner for your Table Centerpieces. You can add pictures each year of your creation, jot down ideas and color schemes, and even cut out pictures of other centerpieces you see in magazines to use for future holidays!
To get started think of the colors scheme you would like to use. The next step is to decide if you would like a formal table or something a little more fun and relaxed. Do you want simple or extravegant? Will you make things or buy them?
The first part of your table will be your tablecloth. You don’t have to invest a ton of money if you don’t have it. But a good tablecloth may become an heirloom down the line.
Next is your dishes. If you have good china then use it. Don’t let it just sit in the china cabinet displayed. Its to eat off of, so use it. If you don’t have good china, its ok. You don’t have to match all of your plates. You can go very shabby chic with an array of pretty dishes you find at yard sales and thrift stores. But make the effort for real dishes, the holidays isn’t the time to use paper plates. Paper plates are fine for the hors devours and the dessert if you like, but let the star of the meal, the entree, shine on a pretty stage!
Cloth Napkins are a great way to add color and texture and flair to your table. Again, they don’t all have to match, but they should compliment the table. If you have 6 mauve napkins and 6 white ones, set them up as every other one to create balance and a pattern. Place them in a pretty fold on the plate or in the wine glasses to add a little height to your table. You can go here to see many different ways to fold napkins to make a creative and stunning statement!

Your guests will appreciate if they know where they will be sitting. It will also make your life a bit easier. Always place yourself closest to the kitchen! If your having a kiddie table be sure to place the parents of the kids closest to that table. The head of the table should be reserved for your husband on one end and I always seat my Father at the other end. Sitting at the end of the table for myself is not practical as I need to be closer to the kitchen. But traditionally you should take the other end opposite your husband.
The guests will know where they will be sitting because you will have adorable place cards for them to see. There is a number of ways to this. Some people like to put a small gift with the guests name on it as the place card. For Easter I filled colorful bags with candy and put everyones name on it. For Thanksgiving you can have your children go outside and get some colorful leaves. With a paintpen they can write the names of the guest on them and place them at their seats. On the kiddie table you can make Pilgrim hats with the kids names on them. You can also use small pinecones to insert a place card. If your feeling really creative spraypaint the pinecones. Gourds, small pumpkins or spraypainted apples can also be used this way. Just use a paintpen to write the guest name on them.

The Table Centerpiece. This is going to really set the tone of your table and your dinner. There are so many things you can use that you already have. One year I filled glass mixing bowls of various sizes with water and fresh cranberries. I then topped it with miniature spray red roses. I used the leftover cranberries I had, and my mixing bowls, and only had to buy the roses. Last year I spraypainted apples, artichokes, small pumpkins, branches and more with gold spraypaint.

Flowers are an easy and quick item to really brighten a table. Instead of just throwing them into a vase though, use a hallowed out pumpkin, or a short basket. Don’t have anything to tall that your guests can’t see each other across the table.

Candles are an important item, but remember to not use scented candles. You don’t want to compete with your food. Use candles in various heights to create a pretty glow around your table.
Use your imagination and your childrens help to create a pretty table that will be the perfect background for your holiday meal!

DON'T STRESS ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS

Don’t get yourself all stressed out from the holidays. Relax and enjoy the day. Remember to give Thanks, and to count your blessings. Even if its been a tough year for you, remember that there is always someone out there who has it tougher. Look to the future and pray for better days ahead.
You love your children but of course they too can cause us some stress. Put them to work to keep them busy and to help you out!! They can go outside and collect leaves for a centerpiece, or they can help fold napkins, or sweep, windex windows, anything to keep them occupied!

Remember that your children will feed off your emotions. So if your running around stressed out, tired, and cranky, your kids will be stressed out, tired, and cranky. All that will do is lead to more stress!
Be prepared. The more you can do ahead of time, the more you will enjoy the day. You will also have the time to deal with any little catastrophes that will no doubt occur that day. Last year my kitchen sink blew a pipe. Thankfully I was ahead of the game and it didn’t really effect me too much. Of course my poor husband wouldn’t agree with that, but the point is, I was ahead of the game and the time to fix the sink didn’t put me behind schedule.
Don't forget to clean as you go!!! Run and empty the dishwasher before guests get there. Fill the sink up with hot soapy water and wash as you go...don't let pots and pans and dishes pile up! Wipe down the counters, sweep the floor, put out fresh guest towels in the powder room, do a quick wipe and swipe in there also! When your guests arrive you and your home should be ready! You should be able to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers with them.
Don't forget about yourself the day of Thanksgiving. Schedule the time to get yourself in order! You should have an outfit picked out ahead of time. Something cute, but comfy! Put your makeup on, do your hair, and put on a smile!! Greet your guests looking your best!
The holidays are about family and traditions, and celebrating the meaning of the day. Its nice to have a pretty table and a wonderful meal, but don’t get caught up in trying to be perfect. We aren’t Martha Stewart here. We are real women with real problems, and real kids, and real husbands and real budgets. Relax. It doesn’t have to be perfect.It doesn't have to be fancy and expensive. It won’t be perfect know matter how hard you try. Your mother in law will not notice the chip on the dinner plate. And if she does, so what? Who cares. Be proud of what you accomplish. Have fun and relax. Remember every time you baste the turkey, don’t forget to baste the cook with a bit of wine or champagne…she deserves it! Follow this simple advice and you will be a relaxed hostess, enjoying the fruits of your labor! So which picture will you be?? The stressed out crazy woman, or the hot and happy hostess?

hostess gift

For those of you who are going to a relative or friends home for dinner, you need to show up with more than just your appetite! Even if the hostess declined your offer to bring something, its proper etiquette to arrive with something that says thank you to your host. Here are a few quick ideas that will get you some extra leftovers to take home!
Instead of flowers, bring a plant. Flowers die. Your host will probably already have flowers that she bought or another guest brought over. A pretty plant that will last is something that she will remember you buy each time she waters it.
Wine. Wine is a very predictable hostess gift. Instead of a bottle of table wine, you could bring a dessert wine. Or perhaps a bottle of champagne to celebrate the day. Be sure to bring it over already chilled!
An Apron. I would love to get an apron as a gift! There are so many different styles to choose from. A hostess would love to wear an apron that you brought just for her! These aprons are hilarious and very well made. Embroidered with hysterical quotes, your sure to give the hostess a well needed chuckle! I have several of these aprons and everyone loves them!(if you can't read that, it says "be nice to me or I'll poison your food")
A serving bowl. If you are bringing a dish for the meal, bring it in a new pretty serving bowl that the hostess can keep afterwards.
Chocolates. What women doesn’t like chocolate. A small box of specialty chocolate will make her day! Be sure to wrap it pretty paper!
Tea and coffee basket. Fill a pretty basket up with some specialty coffees and teas. Add a couple of cute mugs or tea cups.
Candles are always an easy and nice hostess gift.
A holiday cd could be a great gift. It helps to know the hostess and her taste in music, but with a holiday cd, you probably won’t go wrong!
A book. How about a nice book that the hostess can curl up with after her busy day of entertaining.
A game. Wrap up a fun game that the whole family can play after dinner. Check out Amazon, there is a Thanksgiving Game there you can order.
Over at Oriental Trading Company there are numerous craft projects for the kids to keep them busy while the moms catch up and cook. I liked the Thanksgiving placemats that the kids can color.
Whatever you choose to bring, be sure to wrap in pretty paper. If your hostess has said that she doesn’t need anything, don’t bring food. While the thought is nice, she has her menu planned. She may already have what your bringing, or she may not have the room in her oven to heat it up. It may not go with the rest of the meal, or it might out do her food! Thats never a good thing! You don’t want the rest of the guests oohing and ahhing over your casserole and hers is left untouched! So unless your asked to bring a dish, stick to non food gifts. Just be sure to bring something.

Thanksgiving Menu And Guest List

Last week your challenge was to create a Thanksgiving Planner. I hope that you picked one up and started to decorate it. This week we will begin to fill it.
Create a Meal Planner and a Guest List. If your not too creative with the computer, you can go to this great site and download and print out some fabulous lists!
Make a Tab labeled GUEST LIST and insert the printout. This week begin to create your list of guests. Start calling and confirming who will be coming. On the list add a column for what the guest will bring. Have the list near you when you call. When they ask you what they can bring, don’t say “oh nothing, just bring yourself.” Tell them what you need. This is where you need to delegate.

If your Aunt Martha is a great baker, don’t delegate vegetables to her. Let her bake the pies! If cousin Suzie is a horrible cook, let her bring the wine! Don’t try and do it all yourself. Guests want to pitch in, so let them!
Stay organized and on top of things. Be sure to ask your guests if they have any special dietary needs. Having your guest list and menu set up will help to organize the rest of your holiday. You will be able to see if you need to borrow or rent tables and chairs, how much food you will need to cook, how big of a Turkey you need to order, and also to begin your shopping.
Now is the time to start picking up some non perishable items. This will help keep from getting hit financially all at once. A little here and a little there doesn’t hurt the wallet so much. Once you’ve created your menu, its time to start pulling out the recipes. Be sure to create a space in your Thanksgiving Planner to store all your tried and true recipes. Create an index card or list of all ingredients needed for each recipe, including dish to cook in and to serve in.
Don’t forget to also add the cooking time and temp. This will help to time your meal out perfectly. Once you’ve created the shopping list for the meal, be sure to also keep a copy of that in your planner. This will help eliminate that step in the coming years. You will need only to look at the list to see what your needs are.
So this weeks challenge:

• Create your menu
• Create your guest list
• Call guests
• Create your shopping list

You are now well on your way to creating a organized, and informative Thanksgiving planner to help you in the upcoming years, and to pass off to the next Thanksgiving Hostess in your family!
Next week we will plan our table setting and decorations!

How To Get Your Home Company Clean In Time For The Holidays! Don't stress the mess!

So your schedule this week was not on track. Maybe your dryer broke or your stove wasn’t working. Maybe you had sick kids or no power and were buried in snow. Whatever the reasons, now your behind schedule and the house is not “company clean”. Here is a quick to do list for getting your home ready for your guests.

• Front Hallway: This is where your guests will get their first impression of your home. Wipe down the door of fingerprints. Clean the storm window. Sweep the hallway and run a damp mop over it. Vacuum area rugs.
• Powder room:All of your guests will be in this room at least once. Make sure this room is spotless. Wipe down the sink, mirror, and outsides of toilet. Swish the toilet with some cleanser or vinegar and baking soda. If you haven’t had time to wash the rugs, give them a quick shake outside, sweep the floor and run a damp mop over it. Empty the garbage. Hang fresh towels, make sure there is plenty of hand-soap and toilet paper. Light a candle.
• Family Room: Grab a laundry basket and throw everything that doesn’t belong there into it. Give the surfaces of all the tables a quick wipe down. Check the corners of the room for cobwebs. Windex the television and any glass surfaces. Run the vacuum. Light some candles.
• Kitchen: Load the dishwasher. Wipe down the counters, the refrigerator, the stove and the microwave. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the microwave. Sweep and mop the floors. Shake out the rugs and put out clean dishcloths. Empty garbage.
• Dining Room: Wipe down any surfaces like the front of the china cabinet and buffet. Check corners for cobwebs. Vacuum the rugs. Light candles.

Lighting candles invokes a warm and inviting space and if they are scented they will add to the warmth. Don’t use scented candles on your dinner table though, they will be too overwhelming and compete with your food.
Throw anything out of place into laundry baskets and put into a bedroom. Close the bedroom doors. Only concentrate on the areas that your guests will be congregating in.
Have fun, enjoy the holiday and remember the reason for the season. Put a smile on your face and be a gracious hostess and no one will notice if there is a fingerprint here and there or a stray dust bunny under the couch!

TOP TEN THANKSGIVING DAY TIPS

Time to get all your ducks (or is that turkeys) in a row. 10 Tips to save you from disaster the day of Thanksgiving!

TIP 1
One of the best tips I learned from my Mom is to have a “go to table”. This is a table filled with things you will need for the day. It is so much easier to direct the helpful guest to the table than have them rummaging through your cabinets. On this table you should have all your serving dishes with a post it note stateing what it will be used for. Also include your serving spoons. When Aunt Matilda asks what you want to serve the glazed carrots in, you’ll just direct her to the table and she can find it ready and labled. No guess work!
I also like to set up all of my dessert needs on the table. All of my coffee cups, sugar, creamer, dessert plates and pie server. All you will need to do is fill your creamer when its time for dessert, and transfer the dessert essentials to the dinner table.
I also keep all the “to go” containers stored here too. They are out of the way and still easily accesable for your guests.
You can use a card table, or a coffee table or even a couple of tv tables set together. Just throw a pretty table cloth over it.

TIP 2
Set your table now. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day. You can get it all set and decorated and throw a sheet on it. I used to laugh at Mother for having her table set a week before a holiday. I don’t laugh anymore. Now my kids laugh at me. It is a huge timesaver. It will also make you aware early enough if you don’t have enough dishes, glasses, or silverware.
TIP 3
Do as much as possible the day before. On Wednesday, I clean the turkey and make my stuffing. Please make sure you clean your turkey well! I also peel and chop all my potatoes and put them in the pan of water and put it in the refrigerator. On Thursday all I have to do is take the pot out of the fidge and put it on the stove to boil, then mash my potatoes. I won’t have to make a mess of peeling potatoes, I have better things to do that day! On Wednesday, sit down and figure out how long your turkey needs to cook, what else will need reheating or cooking and your whole time line.

Tip 4
I have been using oven bags to cook my Turkey. There is no mess(use a foil pan), the turkey is always juicey, and with no basting, and it takes half the cooking time than without a bag. My 24 pound turkey will take only 3.5-4 hours to cook, and I won’t have to baste it or turn it or do anything! And all the dripping are right in the bag for the gravy!
TIP 5
Take your turkey out of the freezer on Sunday.
To thaw in the refrigerator, place the bird on a tray and allow 24 hours thawing time for every 5 pounds (3 to 4 days). You can also thaw in cold water, allowing 30 minutes thawing time per pound. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
TIP 6
Make sure your refrigerator is cleaned out and has plenty of room on Wednesday. If you lack refrigerator space think about filling up some coolers in the garage with ice and storing some things in there that you won’t be using on Thursday.
TIP 7 Serve buffet style. This will ensure that everyone gets their food warm. It will cause less stress and mess at the table. No handing down dishes and waiting. I set my buffet up on my kitchen table and all the guest form a line, get their food and sit down. We all have full plates at the same time and it is a much easier way to enjoy the dinner. Always put the gravy on the buffet table last. This will warm up the food that may have cooled a bit. If you have chaffing dishes use them. If you know someone who has them, ask to borrow. They are a great investment if you do a lot of entertaining.

TIP 8 Do have a seating arrangement. Think it through. If your having elderly guests, seat them comfortably. Try not to squeeze them in between seats. The end seats should be reserved for them. Think about the leftys in your family. They too should sit on a left end as not to keep bumping their neighbor! Mix the company up a bit. Don’t sit all the men on one end of the table and all the ladies at the other end. Do try and reserve a spot for yourself that is easy to get up and down. While traditionally you should sit on one end and your husband the other, I like to sit closest to the kitchen. I have my husband on one end and my great uncle or my father at the other end. Its a place of honor and I think my great uncle or my Dad deserves the spot!

TIP 9 Clean up as you go! Keep your sink full of hot sudsy water and wash whatever you can by hand. By the time your guest arrive be sure your dishwasher is empty.
TIP 10 Keep a smile on your face, and never let them see you sweat! When your feeling a little frazzled, take a deep breath, look around and count your blessings! Don’t get caught up in trying to be perfect or trying to impress your Mother in Law! Be yourself, have fun and enjoy the day! Most of all don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!!<a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhousewifehints.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fhousewifehints.blogspot.com%2F&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>

THANKSGIVING TO DO LIST

This weekend is the time to get your game plan in order for Thanksgiving. Get your plan of action set and ready to go. Being prepared and organized for the holiday is half the battle.
This weekend take the time to sit down and prepare some lists. I have several lists going right now. Below is an example of what my lists entail.

Remember that separating your lists will help to keep you focused. If you write everything down on one list it will look impossible to do and cause you stress.
SHOPPING LIST: This is a list I am keeping on my refrigerator right now to jot down things I may have forgotten, and also for the fresh fruit and veggies that I need to get this week for Thanksgiving
CLEANING LIST: This looks a bit different than my normal cleaning list. I have to switch things around the week of the holiday. I obviously don’t want to clean my kitchen until Wednesday after my big prepping. Thursday will be a quick run through and of course the powder room needs to be wiped down and checked over with fresh towels on Thursday morning.
DAILY TO DO LIST: This will have the days of the week on it and what I need to do on each day. Example:
SUNDAY: Take bird out of freezer
MONDAY: grocery store for any last minute or forgotten items
TUESDAY: set table, label serving dishes
WEDNESDAY: Prep Food, defrost shrimp
Of course each day will have a bit more on it, but you get the idea. Keep the list Thanksgiving centered. Don't add things that are not Thanksgiving related to the list, it will only get confusing!
Last list I have going right now is my THURSDAY TIME LINE LIST. This is going to have the time of day and task I need to do. Example:
10am: Stuff Turkey, put stuffing in oven
11am: Put turkey in oven
12pm: Put soup on the stove
Place this list on your refrigerator and cross off as you go. Its also good to have your menu posted on the refrigerator. I’ve forgotten to put out the cranberry sauce before!

While I know it sounds overwhelming to have all these lists going, believe me when you see them posted neatly on the fridge, you will feel calm. You'll have your game plan set into action!
So be prepared and organized and your week and Thanksgiving day will turn out wonderful. Follow your lists and you won’t forget anything and you won’t be setting the table when your guests arrive or be in the shower while your Mother in law is in your kitchen “fixing” your food! You’ll be able to relax, have a cocktail and enjoy the holiday and your guests!<a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhousewifehints.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2Fhousewifehints.blogspot.com%2F&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a>

THE THANKSGIVING TO DO MASTER LIST!!

THE TURKEY TO-DO LIST!!

Yes its time to stop procrastinating and start taking action. Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away!

• Write out your menu
• Get out all the recipes you will need
• Go through each recipe and write down what you will need. DO NOT ASSUME YOU HAVE SOMETHING! Double check!
• Prepare your shopping list
• Get your Turkey. You don’t want to wait until there are only 6 pound turkeys left.
• Don’t forget to buy beverages. Wine, champagne, eggnog, cranberry juice and whatever else your serving. Make a list!
• Don’t forget to add to your list plenty of aluminum foil and saran wrap. Paper holiday plates and napkins for dessert and appetizers. Good china for dinner! Other non food items to remember also like dish detergent, soap for the guest bathroom and tissues, plenty of paper toweling, and be sure to have some alka seltzer or tums on hand for the over eaters!
• Also a good idea to grab some to go containers for your guests!
• Do you have enough chairs? If not call up a guest to see if they can bring some folding chairs with them
• Do you have enough dishes, glasses, silverware, serving spoons and serving dishes?
• Get all your laundry done this week. You don’t want to be searching for potholders and dishcloths and guest towels next week.
• Do you have a tablecloth? Does it need ironing? How about cloth napkins?
• Do you have what your going to need for your centerpiece?
• Ice!!
• A cute apron for the special day?

And we haven’t even started cooking yet!!!! Do you see why we need to start now?In the next couple of weeks you will be busy polishing glasses, setting your table, prepping your food and getting the house company clean. Don't leave everything for the week of Thanksgiving. Get as much done in advance as possible and you will be the calm, cool hostess who will be able to enjoy the day!

Back To School Deals, Sales, and Savings!

Who doesn't love a deal? When shopping for back to school supplies, clothes, shoes, etc. it can get expensive quickly!!  I love love love Amazon for all kinds of shopping. They have so many deals and sales, and unique items also.  At Christmas time I do the majority of my shopping in my pj's with a cup of coffee through Amazon. No lines, crowds, or driving in circles looking for a parking spot for me!!
Today students are given a list of crazy items that are needed for each class. It may be certain size folders, or certain colors, specific calculators, or binders. Check out Amazon, you'll be surprised how fast you can get the dreaded back to school shopping done!!
See The Deals!   Shop Amazon - Back to School
K-12 ESSENTIALS  Shop Amazon - Back to School - K12 School Essentials

OFF TO COLLEGE??  Shop Amazon - Off to College Essentials

school daze

Do not be a victim to the morning madness of frantically running around looking for clean underwear, homework, permission slips, milk money and keys. Get organized now before school starts. Get a plan of action. Start thinking about where the kids are going to dump their stuff when they come home. Designate a basket or even a colored dishpan for each member.

All their stuff should go in there as soon as they get home. No need to go running around the house the next morning looking for things. Check out this website for the most adorable baskets and storage solutions!

Another great tip, is you may want to set the breakfast table the night before. This will be one less thing to worry about.
 Have a meal plan. With sport schedules and dance recitals, it’s easier to have a meal plan for the week. When you’re making your meal plan, check the calendar, see what the week looks like, and plan from that. You may want to check out MY FAV RECIPE SITE and get some simple meals for those busy days and nights of practice and games.


Also, start thinking about bedtime now! You do not want to wait till the night before school to implement the new bedtime. About a week or two before school starts, begin sending the kids to bed a little earlier each night. Wake them up a little earlier each day also. Get their internal clocks ready for school hours. This includes meals.
If your kids are used to eating lunch at noon and a snack at two, that might not be possible during school. Hold the kids off snacks until the time they would arrive home from school. This way they will get used to the “feeding schedule” and their tummies will not be growling during science class.
 Don’t forget that breakfast on school days should be healthy and well balanced. Research has shown that kids who don’t eat breakfast are less able to learn at school, get less iron (an important nutrient) in their diets, and are more likely to have a higher BMI (body mass index), which is a sign they may be overweight.
On the other hand, kids who eat breakfast do better in school, are more likely to participate in physical activities, and tend to eat healthier overall. So this school year don’t let your children run out the door on an empty stomach. Fuel up with a healthy breakfast!
Be excited about the new school year. Your children will follow your lead. So lead by example. Start pumping them up and getting them excited about the new things they will learn, the new friends they will make, the new sports they may try, etc. Get their attitude positive for learning and having fun in school. The lazy days of summer are nearing an end and the frantic daze of school is heading our way.

WEBSITES YOUR CHILDREN NEED TO SUCCEED

With school comes homework and problems that maybe Mom and Dad just have no idea about. Thank goodness for the internet. Today its so easy for parents and students to just surf the net for info that they need to succeed! Here are some great resources for your kids broken down into age groups.
PRESCHOOL and ELEMENTARY
I love this site! Here you can print out Number cards and play Number games, printouts to help with writing numbers, very cute site for the little ones. Its will keep them busy while their older siblings are doing their homework.
The Neatness Award

Encourage your student to stay organized. This
works like magic. Slip this and a treat (rice treat, lollipop…) into the neat desks of students.

These are printable numbers to hang up for your preschooler and K-3 kids!
How about a Name Plate for your child’s Homework Central Desk…very official!
Flash Cards free printables!
Flash Cards Addition
Flash Card Alphabet
Flash Card Colors
Flash Cards Division
Flash Cards Multiplication
Flash Card Numbers
Flash Cards High Frequency Word
Flash Cards Numbers and Number Words
Flash Card Phonograms
Flash Cards Shapes
Flash Cards 3D Shapes
Flash Cards Sight Words
Flash Cards Subtraction
Check out this site for 4,182 free printouts of activities, coloring pages and projects.
JUNIOR HIGH - Homework Help For Grades 7-8

• Infoplease Homework Central

MATH

• Math.com

ENGLISH

• BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper: English

SOCIAL STUDIES

• The 50 States of the United States - A quick resource for fun facts about each of the nation’s 50 states, including when they achieved statehood

SCIENCE

• Amateur Science
• Mad Scientist Network - The mad scientists from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis will answer questions in 25 areas of science, from anatomy and chemistry to zoology.
• StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers - introduction to the solar system and space exploration for youngsters.

HIGH SCHOOL - Homework Help For Grades 9-12

• High School Ace - Academic resources for high school students .

MATH

• Math2.org - source for all your math needs- geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more.
• Math Archives, The
• Math Homework Help - pre-algebra, algebra I & II, college algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus

ENGLISH

• On-Line Books Page, The - 5000+ Listings
• Shakespearean Homework Helper, The

SOCIAL STUDIES

• 50 U.S, States - Capitals and Information Links
• Constitution of the United States, The
• THOMAS - U.S. Congress - Legislative Information

SCIENCE

• PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science
• Scientific American: Ask the Experts - the experts at Scientific American are available to answer what you really want to know
• SciCentral - science and engineering resources
• WebElements - Periodic Table

getting ready for school

Summer is speeding by us. Before you know it, you will be putting the little ones on the bus for school. Are you ready? Have you been school shopping? Do the kids have enough socks, underwear and clothes? Are their drawers and closets all neat and ready for the new school year? No? Uh oh…time to get busy!

 You want your children to be well organized and prepared for school. Living in chaos is no way to start the school year. So grab your children, head into their rooms and start getting it together.

Start by getting rid of clothes that do not fit them. Then get rid of the clothes that they just do not wear anymore for whatever reason.
 Get in and organize the drawers. This will make it easy for them to get dressed in the mornings. Be sure to get into the habit of picking out clothes the night before.
 Clean out the closets.
 Organize the shoes, hang the pants, hang the shirts. Get rid of things that do not need to be in there.
Do they have a desk in their room?
Is this where homework and studying is done?
 Clean it out; set it up so it’s ready for a new school year. New pencils, new calendar, erasers, pencil sharpener, paper. Have the tools your kids need to succeed!!

It’s so much nicer to wake up and to live in a bedroom that is neat, clean and organized. What a way to start the day!!
 Waking up and stepping over clothes, toys, and papers is sure to put kids in the wrong state of mind to start their day. Let’s help our children to be organized, and teach them the skills by starting with the area that they live in and that they call their own.
So the challenge is to not only get your kids rooms ready for school, but to involve them in the process. To teach them to care for their things and to remember the value and the hardwork that went into buying these things. We want them to respect their belongings. So get in there and get it done , school is approaching fast.

Packing For A Weekend Trip

Getting ready to go on a trip can sometimes be a stressful event!  Being prepared is the key to packing efficiently and quickly.
Depending on where you are going and what you will be doing will change up your lists. Obviously your list for a tropical getaway will be far different than a weekend ski trip!  However, having a basic packing list will make it easier to add on to it when preparing for your next vacation!  Here is a basic packing list for a weekend getaway.  I keep a small travel bag filled with sample size/travel size goodies filled at all times. You never know when your significant other will surprise you with a spur of the moment romantic get away!!

• toothpaste-toothbrush-mouthwash-floss
• comb and brush
• hairspray and other needed hair products
• shampoo and conditioner (I never like the ones in hotels)
• hair ties
• lotion
• soap (if you prefer yours over the hotels)
• makeup remover and a small bag of cotton balls or pads
• band-aids
• razor-shaving cream
• tampons/panty liners
• a small stash of medicine you may need: aspirin, tums, allergy meds, Imodium, etc. Grab the small single use packets and put them all in a baggie. Very convenient and they take up little room.
• deodorant
• perfume (the small samples from the beauty counter work great for traveling!)
• travel size curling iron and flat iron. Leave the big ones at home, and invest in travel size. They work great. I even found a travel size hot roller set that takes up little room!
• sunscreen and aloe
• nail file/emory boards/nail clipper
• contact lens solution/contacts
• travel size umbrella

This is just a basic list of basic supplies to always have on hand.  Keep them right in a small case that you can throw into your suitcase or weekend bag.  Packing will be much easier and you will have everything you need.  And if worse comes to worse, whatever you forget you can always buy when you get there!

What are your must haves when traveling?? Give me your suggestions and I'll add them to the list!

Summer Outdoor Party!

Summer is a great time of year to gather with friends and family and head outdoors to enjoy the sun and fresh air! Entertaining outside on the patio or deck is a great way to keep the house clean and to use the scenery as your decor!  Follow these tips on having a great deck, patio or lawn  party!

Get organized.  There are a few steps to take before you can start sipping that margarita!

CLEAN!  Yes, we still have to clean, even outdoors!! Sweep the deck, or weed the patio. Clean off all the chairs and tables. Pick up anything that isn't party related and find a home for it!  If you plan on using your grill, give it a good scrubbing!  If you have a pool and are planning on a pool party, make sure it's cleaned, vacuumed and ready to swim in!  Outdoor carpets should get a good sweeping or vacuum.

PICK A THEME!!  I recently hosted a party at my home and called it FRIDAY HAPPY HOUR.  It was a great alternative to having a weekend party.  People are very busy on weekends with weddings and graduation parties at this time of year.  Having a happy hour party, people came right from work for a few cocktails and a bite to eat.  I was able to keep it simple with foods you would find a bar during Happy Hour.  I also followed the lead of a friend and made it a BYOB party.  It worked out great and people didn't seem to mind bringing their drink of choice. This also helps to keep the cost down. However, I did provide a complimentary cocktail of a frozen margarita to all the guests.. I made a huge batch of them the day before and will definitely be making them again, it was so easy and so good!

 I did take the tops off of these before guest arrived and gave them a dip into margarita salt, added a cut lime on the rim and a drink straw!! They were so yummy and so cute!

PLAN YOU MENU!  While BBQ and grilling go hand in hand with summer entertaining, it's fun to think outside the box.  For the Happy Hour party, I did a taco bar.  I loved how simple it was to do.  I had everything prepped ahead of time in bowls and had the meat warming in the crockpot.  Unfortunately I was having so much fun I didn't take many pictures.  I found an inflatable "cooler" at the Party Store.  It kind of looks like a float/boat that you fill with ice. At the start of the party, I filled it with margaritas that were premade and frozen in mason jars. They were a huge hit!  When it was time to eat, I just set the bowls onto the ice and put out the shells (soft and hard).  It couldn't have been an easier meal to serve and everyone loved it.  I stuck to the taco theme and also put out nachos at all the tables earlier.  In the past I have done Italian themed bbq's, luaus, and simple hamburger/hotdog bars.  Use your imagination and go for it, the ideas will start flowing, I promise!  Also don't forget dessert! Since this was a Happy Hour party this last time, I was sure to serve my guests coffee and dessert and let them relax for awhile before they drove home.  I don't love to bake or do desserts. So I tried to think of something fun and different that I could put together fast.  What I came up with sounds strange, but it was delish and everyone loved it.  Earlier in the day I cut up some strawberries.  While the coffee was brewing I put together some donut hole and strawberry skewers! Yup, you read that right, donut holes!  I simply placed a donut hole (different flavors) a strawberry, another donut hole, etc. and then placed them on a beautiful tray and then to finish it off drizzled with chocolate syrup and caramel syrup.  How much more simple can a dessert be? I myself was amazed at how much everyone loved it and though how clever I was. Here I thought I was just being lazy!  I've found that you can put anything on a stick and people will eat it up!!

Decorate!  I didn't go with a wild taco mexican theme for this party.  I kept it simple.  Just threw some cute tablecloths on the tables, made sure there were plenty of fresh flowers, and candles.  I did find some adorable napkins that I couldn't pass up,  they screamed  "Happy Hour" to me, and everyone got a kick out of them!

THE LITTLE EXTRAS:  When entertaining outdoors you usually get some uninvited guests!  Mosquitoes are very pesky and can ruin an enjoyable night out on the deck.  I provided my guests with Off Smooth & Dry mosquito repellent. I love this stuff because it's a powder dry spray formula and it doesn't stink!!  I also had plenty of citronella candles lit everywhere!
Another thing I love to do when having a party is to keep a basket of toiletries for my guests in the powder room.  I fill with things like hair ties for the girls, tide pens, tampons/pads (that are in a cute little pouch), lotion, etc.  Guests always mention how much they love it.
MUSIC!!! Oh, you must have music to have a great party!  I try and make a playlist ahead of  time.  For this party I made two playlists.  One faster, livelier one for earlier when everyone was in party mode and one, easy, bluesy, jazzy one for later when everyone was winding down.
Games! I had bocce ball out on the lawn, and decks of cards out on the tables. In the past I've set out checkers and chess and people always play! So don't forget the frisbees, football, can jam, etc!

There is still plenty of summer left to plan a get together for the deck or patio.  It can be intimate or large.  Have you had a party this summer?  Are you planning one? What theme are you going to go with?? Tell me all your ideas, I'd love to hear them!!

FATHERS DAY GIFTS!

Yup! It's that time of year again!  Time to show Dad how much you appreciate him and love him!  If  you're shopping for your Dad or for your husband, here are a few great unique Fathers Day gifts that he will love!! I am a HUGE Amazon shopper!! I get the best deals here. I've always saved money shopping through Amazon. Great return policy, great prices, great company to deal with...it's no wonder they are so popular!

So much to choose from!

Shop Amazon's New Kindle Fire

What man doesn't love his tools??

Shop Amazon -Father's Day Gifts in Tools

How about the Kindle he's been eyeing??  Now is a great time to pick this up!

Shop Amazon's New Kindle Fire

And don't forget to fill that Kindle up with some great summer reading for him!! 

Shop Kindle Books - Best of 2011

I hope you all have a fantastic Fathers day and Dad is happy with whatever he gets, be it another tie, or a fabulous new Kindle Fire!! Enjoy the day!!

HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO KEEP THEIR ROOMS CLEAN!

I am not one of those moms who say "just shut the door, I don't want to see it, you have to live in it." Nope, I'm the Mom that does daily checks of the kids bedrooms to make sure they are in order. I have always believed that the kids learn good habits early on.  So from a very early age they were taught to pick up their toys, put their clothes in the hamper and make their beds. Was it a struggle? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes Yes Yes.  Today as teenagers, I know when I walk into their bedrooms everything will be in order. How did I do it? Simple threats and motivation!  Seriously, it was easy with one of my boys, he is naturally a neat and orderly child. My oldest however was pigpen.  He would never clean his room or put clothes in the hamper and finally I had enough. Why was I yelling at him day after day just to keep getting the same results?  Finally one day, I went into his room and took everything out in garbage bags. EVERYTHING!  I had him help me clean every inch of the bedroom.  I then wrote a list of things I expected from him. On the list was things like, Make Bed, Put Clothes In Hamper, Keep Dresser Clean, etc. At the bottom of the note was a clear and precise message..If These Things Are Not Done Every Day, You Will Hand Over Your Cell Phone For Two Days. If  You Argue With Me About This You Will Lose Your Cell Phone For One Week.  If You Continue To Argue With Me, You Will Lose Your Cell Phone For One Month.  I had him read it, he agreed to it, and we taped it to his mirror.  It's been well over 4 months, and I have never had to take his cell phone away. Why didn't I do this years ago? I would have saved myself a lot of frustration, headaches and grey hair!! I check his room daily, and it's immaculate. He must really love his phone!  This works with xbox, going to friends houses, taking  favorite toys away, etc.  We of course have to be consistent and follow through on our threats!  When my boys were younger they were much cleaner!! As teenage boys they can be lazy slobs at times! I'm not a drill sgt.  I don't expect them to do the dusting and vacuuming of their rooms, but I do expect them to keep their rooms cleaned and picked up. I went through the trouble of doing the heavy cleaning, so respect me and my time for that. It's like that in the rest of the house also. Leave it the way you find it!! Clean!!  Have respect and pride in yourself and your space! What works for you? How do you motivate your kids to keep their rooms clean?

Your Cleaning Schedule and Routine

Most of the traffic to this blog seems to be for the scheduling and housework lists. I just want to remind everyone, when looking at the cleaning schedule I have posted, remember that this is just an example. Everyone has different lives. While one woman may have several children and work full time, there may be another woman who has one child and stays at home.These two women are going to have completely different cleaning routines.  What works for one, doesn't work for  everyone.  With that said, here are a few guidelines to get you started at making and keeping your own cleaning routine!

• ROUTINE! A routine is something you do consistently. Be sure to be consistent. You have to discipline yourself and get into a habit of just doing it! Sure it's easier to go sit on the couch after dinner than to clean up the kitchen. However, what your doing is just creating more work for yourself! The dishes aren't going to clean themselves! Tomorrow morning they will still be there, and on top of them will now be the breakfast dishes.  This is the same thing that will happen if you neglect to wipe down the bathroom everyday. Instead of taking 5 minutes to clean a day of grime, you will end up spending much more time cleaning several days worth of grime! "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE!" Believe me, it's much easier to throw in one load of laundry a day, rather than 10 loads once a week! Much easier and faster to fold and put away, plus the small load isn't so daunting and overwhelming and makes you want to quit before you even start it!

• DECLUTTER!  Do yourself a favor and toss the junk! With less junk comes less cleaning.  You'll have more space to organize the things you want, need and love. You'll have less things to pick up, dust and clean.  Less clutter means less stress. Be brutal when you start going through things to toss or donate.  Ask yourself some questions: Do I love it?  Do I use it? Will I use it (be honest!)  Will I fix it/Mend it? (be honest) Could someone use this more than me?  After answering the questions honestly, you will know if it's junk, or something you can donate! 

• ORGANIZE!  Now that you've rid yourself and home of the clutter, take the time to organize what you have. If you follow the simple rule of "A  PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE", you'll find your home is always picked up and ready to be cleaned without having to go through and put things away before you start scrubbing. Invest in bins, organizers, boxes, baskets or whatever you find works for you. We'll use the bathroom for an example. Everyone in my home has their own basket that is kept under the sink. In each basket is their shampoos, soaps, hair products, razors, combs, brushes, lotions, etc. Doing this saves time, space and headaches. When they go in the bathroom, they grab their basket, use their stuff and then they put it away. There is never a bunch of junk all over the counter, it's all neatly tucked away and organized. This makes life a lot easier to wipe down the sink and counter without having to put all the stuff away and wipe that off too..keeping it baskets under the sink keeps all the bottles dust free also! Another example is mail. Oh the piles of paper and mail. I keep to very pretty baskets on top of the refrigerator. They are deep so no one who comes to my house can see what's inside of them. But one basket is for mail, and one basket is for "stuff". It's my version of a junk drawer. I need all the drawer and cupboard space I can get and I'm not filling one of them with junk. So the "it doesn't really have a home" stuff goes into the basket. When I do the bills once a month, I grab both baskets, go through the mail, do the bills and then the junk basket gets cleaned out too! So get organized and you will cut your cleaning time in half!

• Cleaning Supplies!  I keep my supplies in a caddy that I can carry from room to room. I have dust clothes, duster, magic erasers, etc. inside it.There are some things that I don't carry around.  In each bathroom I keep a can of cleanser, a roll of paper towel and a bottle of windex, bathroom cleaner and sponges.They are stored in a basket under the sink.(yes, I love baskets!) If I don't have to go and get it out of another room, or run downstairs to grab it, it's a lot easier. I just open the cabinet and do my daily spray, swipe, wipe. It's convenient and the excuse of not feeling like going down to grab the supplies or "I'll do it later" is out the window. All your supplies are there, so "just do it"!

So having a cleaning schedule and routine isn't enough. You have to have a plan, discipline, organization and a little creativity. In no time you'll be whipping through your daily and weekly chore lists in half the time it takes you now!

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