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.

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".
 

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. =) 

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!

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...

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

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.

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!

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.

101 Things Every Mom Should Know

1. How to Find the Right Bra
2. How to Remove Carpet Stains
3. How to Remove Crayola Product Stains…from Anything!
4. How to Take Cute Baby Pictures
5. How to Organize A Clothes Swap
6. How to Save Water
7. How to go Camping with Kids
8. The Importance of Family Meal Time
9. How to Pack for a Trip
10. How to Get Rid of Wrinkles (the clothing kind)
11. The Importance of Squeezing in Some “Me Time”
12. How to Save Money With Coupons
13. How to Clean Your Oven
14. How to Raise Polite Kids in a Rude World
15. Easy Ways to Save on Baby Expenses
16. How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
17. Why the ‘Perfect Childhood’ is Bad for Kids
18. How to Save on Energy Costs
19. How to Make Time for Scrapbooking
20. How to Clean Water Stains from Wood
21. How to Wrap a Tortilla
22. How to Organize Your Pantry
23. Essential Items for a Well Stocked Pantry
24. How to Keep Flowers Fresh
25. How to Throw a Great Kids Party
26. How to Streamline Family Projects Using Google Docs
27. How to Choose Suitable Movies for Kids
28. How to Use Vinegar 175 Different Ways
29. How to Give Up Coffee (if you are crazy enough to want to) 
30. How to Tame Kids Clutter
31. How to Keep Your Kids Safe From Burns and Fires
32. What to Do When Your Toddler is Driving You Crazy
33. How to Prepare a Baby Sitter
34. How to Make Your Sink Sparkle
35. How to Cook for a Day and Eat for A Month
36. How to Childproof Your Home
37. How to Drink the Pounds Away
38. How to Send Love Letters to Your Kids
39. Where to Find Quick and Easy All-Inclusive Craft Kits
40. How to Choose a Puppy for Your Family
41. How to Choose a Babysitter
42. How to Tell if Your Child is Ready for Potty Training
43. How to Make Your Own Lip Balm
44. How to Make a Family Fire Safety Plan
45. How to Make Your Own Bath Bombs
46. Where to Enjoy G-Rated Internet Jokes and Humor
47. How to Anchor a Child Safety Seat
48. How to Reduce the Cost of School Supplies
49. How to Decide if You Can Afford to Stay Home
50. How to Survive Summer as a Work at Home Mom
51. How to Teach Your Kids to Read and Write
52. Ways to Make $1000 Per Month From Home
53. Where to Look for Home Business Ideas
54. How to Protect Your kids from Online Predators
55. How to Take a Family Nap
56. How to Treat Cabin Fever
57. How to Keep Kids Entertained During a Roadtrip
58. Where to Find Video Games that Kids SHOULD Play
59. How to Find Out What You Are Worth
60. How to Apply Makeup in Five Minutes
61. How to Live Successfully on a Single Income
62. How to Prevent Accidental Poisoning
63. How to Have a Great Garage Sale
64. How to Survive a Garage Sale
65. How to Prepare Your Kids to Play in the Snow
66. How to Teach Your Child to Handle Bullies
67. How to Organize Your Laundry Room
68. How to Get the Pottery Barn Look for Less
69. How to Know if You Should Toss That Receipt
70. How to Cook Really Good Pasta
71. How to Get Your Husband to Help Out More
72. How to Keep for Family From Being Overscheduled
73. How to Prevent “Mommy Guilt”
74. How to Buy a Car Seat
75. How to Keep Your Baby Safe in Their Crib
76. How to Clean a Tote Bag
77. How to Banish a Bad Mood in 15 Minutes
78. How to Create the Ultimate Family Contact Form
79. How to Create Your Own Flannel Lounge Pants
80. How to Make Quick and Easy Gifts in a Jar
81. How to Cut Clutter
82. How to Get Organized for Back to School Season
83. Where to Find More Quick Ways to Earn from Home
84. How to Prevent Multi-Tasking
85. How to Tackle Teasing
86. How to Get Your Kids to do Chores Without a Battle
87. Extraordinary Uses for a Box of Borax
88. How to Make Money by “Swapping Up”
89. How to Talk with Girls About Puberty
90. How to Make a Beer Can Chicken
91. How to Tame the Tattletale
92. How to Make Your Days Longer
93. How to Pick a Theme for Your Child’s Bedroom
94. How to Nurture a Shy Child
95. How to Get the Most Out of Baking Soda
96. How to Answer Common Arguments
97. Use WD-40 2000 Ways
98. How to Make More Time for Your Family…Without Slowing Down
99. How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
100. How to Make the Ultimate PB&J
101. How to Make Meals Your Kids Will Actually Eat