Warning: Vinyl Car Stickers May be a Safety Hazard for Families
Have you seen those cute little vinyl car window stickers that usually feature a silly depiction of each family member...and sometimes a name below? IE: The Andersons...or individual names for family members.
According to a Fox News report, a law enforcement official says that these decals offer too much information about your family to someone who may potentially harm your children.
For example, a child predator could approach your child using their first name (that they saw on the vehicle) leaving the child to trust him / her more.
I am looking for a link to share to the actual report, but thought it was worth mentioning since these stickers are growing in popularity.
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Love this! Fatherhood.org Public Service Announcement
Take a moment to share this with the men in your lives. It is priceless. "Oh those boys are much too much". ![]()
| 2.8 (1 person) |
Just What I Needed Today…A Free Household Management Chart
Today was one of those days that seem to be happening all too often lately. I spend the day frantically running around...cleaning, errands, laundry, more cleaning...more laundry...etc... only to end the day thinking I got absolutely nothing accomplished.
While surfing the web tonight...I found this site, "Mommyclub.ca" that offers free printable checklists (including my personal favorite which offers a checklist of things to do around the house).
I don't know about you...but sometimes I just like to be told what to do..and when to do it. =)
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Simple & Fun Kids Activity - Milk & Dishsoap"Fireworks"
Ever since the Fourth of July...my kids have been begging to see a fireworks show again. I remembered seeing a little note that was sent home from my daughter's summer camp showing how to make safe & fun "fireworks" from home.
It was a lot of fun..and a wonderful learning experience for the kids. Y
You simply take 2 or three cups of milk...put it in a pan and let the kids add drops of food coloring randomly in the milk.
Then, allow the kids to put droplets of dishsoap on top of the drops of food coloring. The reaction(caused by the milk-fat mixing with soap) looks like a mini fireworks show.
Our favorite part of this activity was watching the colors blend together.
Here are some photos of our fireworks show. (The colors aren't nearly as vibrant as they are "live". =) )
Enjoy!
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On a Serious Note…Waiting Children from Africa
This is my sister and brother in-laws blog. My sister in-law is spending her days in an orphanage in Ethiopia waiting for her newly adopted daughter (Eden) to be released to her by the court system there.
While bonding with her daughter she's met dozens of amazing children who desperately need homes. Please read this post to learn more about one little boy who had his hopes of adoption shattered yesterday when he was diagnosed with HIV. Please pass it along and share it with families you know who may open their homes to a waiting child.
I write a lot about simplicity in this blog and scaling back. It is almost embarrassing to look back at my posts about "making life easier" when you consider the life of an orphan like "John" who would give anything just to have a home.
Please read Nancy's post...and take a moment to donate or learn more about the plight of AIDS orphans from these links...
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A Mom Finds A Few Clever Ways to Save Money
It seems like saving money is all the rage lately...chances are, you'll enjoy this cute clip from Lifetime
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In the News: FDA: Bisphenol A Bottles are Safe

If you are a new mother or expecting mother you are probably aware of the controversy regarding Bisphenol-A or "BPA" for short. This is a chemical found in some plastic baby bottles that could increase cancer risks or cause brain abnormalities (according to some reports).
I am the guilt-ridden mother of two young children who used Avent bottles exclusively when they were babies. Needless to say, I was thankful to read this recent news article - but somewhat skeptical.
Knowing that this was even *somewhat* of a concern (at least concerning enough to get stores to pull BPA bottles off of the shelves) I am not so sure I would risk using them ever again.
Here is the rest of the article...
What are your thoughts? Post them in the comments section.
You can get alternative baby bottles (BPA-free and glass) at www.discountorganicbaby.com.
| 2.5 |
Behind the Scenes of the Anderson Family Holiday Card
Anyone who has preschoolers understands the challenges of trying to get a great shot for a holiday card. I am pretty sure you'll relate to the effort it took for me to get a great picture of my 3 & 4 year old kiddos for our Christmas card.











.....and after 30 minutes of spitting, fighting, hugging, kissing and threatening....ta-da!
| 2.5 |
Simple Educational Games for Kids: MyNoggin.com
I never thought I would sign up for a subscription game service for kids. With all of the wonderful (and free) sites like Starfall.com, PBSKids.com and NickJr.com why would anyone want to spend money on a website subscription?
Well, it suddenly made sense to me yesterday. I allow my daughter to use the computer for about an hour or so in the mornings and again in the afternoon. The other day, she was wrapped up in a wonderful drawing program on "BillyBearforKids.com". I thought it would be the perfect time for me to get some housework done.
Within moments I hear her yelling from the kitchen..."Mommy, I clicked on the wrong button".
Whaddaya know...she was suddenly watching a toy advertisement (as if she doesn't get enough of those on Saturday mornings). It happened again at least three times.
I was reminded of a conversation with my cousin who told me about MyNoggin.com. She said that her son loves the educational games and has been excelling as a result. She also told me about the parent section where you can track your child's progress.
I gave it a try and was hooked immediately. There are no ads and the website is so simple to navigate that even my three year old doesn't struggle. I also love that you can customize the games based upon your child's age. For instance, I logged my four year old daughter in as a Kindergartner and my three year old as a preschooler. They both are adequately challenged by the games, but they are not too difficult either.
The subscriptions are very reasonable. Plus, you get a free 7 day trial.
Here are the rates...
$9.95 per month monthly (no commitment)
$7.95 per month with a 6-month commitment
$5.95 per month with a 12-month commitment
The site is appropriate for kids from preschool through age six and you can enter as many children per household as necessary.
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101 Things Every Mom Should Know
- How to Find the Right Bra
- How to Remove Carpet Stains
- How to Remove Crayola Product Stains…from Anything!
- How to Take Cute Baby Pictures
- How to Organize A Clothes Swap
- How to Save Water
- How to go Camping with Kids
- The Importance of Family Meal Time
- How to Pack for a Trip
- How to Get Rid of Wrinkles (the clothing kind)
- The Importance of Squeezing in Some “Me Time”
- How to Save Money With Coupons
- How to Clean Your Oven
- How to Raise Polite Kids in a Rude World
- Easy Ways to Save on Baby Expenses
- How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
- Why the ‘Perfect Childhood’ is Bad for Kids
- How to Save on Energy Costs
- How to Make Time for Scrapbooking
- How to Clean Water Stains from Wood
- How to Wrap a Tortilla
- How to Organize Your Pantry
- Essential Items for a Well Stocked Pantry
- How to Keep Flowers Fresh
- How to Throw a Great Kids Party
- How to Streamline Family Projects Using Google Docs
- How to Choose Suitable Movies for Kids
- How to Use Vinegar 175 Different Ways
- How to Give Up Coffee (if you are crazy enough to want to)
- How to Tame Kids Clutter
- How to Keep Your Kids Safe From Burns and Fires
- What to Do When Your Toddler is Driving You Crazy
- How to Prepare a Baby Sitter
- How to Make Your Sink Sparkle
- How to Cook for a Day and Eat for A Month
- How to Childproof Your Home
- How to Drink the Pounds Away
- How to Send Love Letters to Your Kids
- Where to Find Quick and Easy All-Inclusive Craft Kits
- How to Choose a Puppy for Your Family
- How to Choose a Babysitter
- How to Tell if Your Child is Ready for Potty Training
- How to Make Your Own Lip Balm
- How to Make a Family Fire Safety Plan
- How to Make Your Own Bath Bombs
- Where to Enjoy G-Rated Internet Jokes and Humor
- How to Anchor a Child Safety Seat
- How to Reduce the Cost of School Supplies
- How to Decide if You Can Afford to Stay Home
- How to Survive Summer as a Work at Home Mom
- How to Teach Your Kids to Read and Write
- Ways to Make $1000 Per Month From Home
- Where to Look for Home Business Ideas
- How to Protect Your kids from Online Predators
- How to Take a Family Nap
- How to Treat Cabin Fever
- How to Keep Kids Entertained During a Roadtrip
- Where to Find Video Games that Kids SHOULD Play
- How to Find Out What You Are Worth
- How to Apply Makeup in Five Minutes
- How to Live Successfully on a Single Income
- How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning
- How to Have a Great Garage Sale
- How to Survive a Garage Sale
- How to Prepare Your Kids to Play in the Snow
- How to Teach Your Child to Handle Bullies
- How to Organize Your Laundry Room
- How to Get the Pottery Barn Look for Less
- How to Know if You Should Toss That Receipt
- How to Cook Really Good Pasta
- How to Get Your Husband to Help Out More
- How to Keep for Family From Being Overscheduled
- How to Prevent “Mommy Guilt”
- How to Buy a Car Seat
- How to Keep Your Baby Safe in Their Crib
- How to Clean a Tote Bag
- How to Banish a Bad Mood in 15 Minutes
- How to Create the Ultimate Family Contact Form
- How to Create Your Own Flannel Lounge Pants
- How to Make Quick and Easy Gifts in a Jar
- How to Cut Clutter
- How to Get Organized for Back to School Season
- Where to Find More Quick Ways to Earn from Home
- How to Prevent Multi-Tasking
- How to Tackle Teasing
- How to Get Your Kids to do Chores Without a Battle
- Extraordinary Uses for a Box of Borax
- How to Make Money by “Swapping Up”
- How to Talk with Girls About Puberty
- How to Make a Beer Can Chicken
- How to Tame the Tattletale
- How to Make Your Days Longer
- How to Pick a Theme for Your Child’s Bedroom
- How to Nurture a Shy Child
- How to Get the Most Out of Baking Soda
- How to Answer Common Arguments
- Use WD-40 2000 Ways
- How to Make More Time for Your Family…Without Slowing Down
- How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- How to Make the Ultimate PB&J
- How to Make Meals Your Kids Will Actually Eat
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simplesahm | October 23, 2008 
















