The holiday season is officially here and with it comes presents, cold weather and cabin fever. A great way to conquer all three is to have some crafts ready to go for your kids. Let your kids get in touch with their creative side by doing any of these photo crafts.

1.)  Photo Ornaments. The best ornaments are always the homemade ones. Get your kids involved by creating photo ornaments. Have each child pick out their favorite picture, a clear globe ornament and a decorative ribbon. Simply put the photo inside the ornament and tie the ribbon to the hook to give it a little more style. If your kids want to show off a bit of their creative side they can decorate the ornament with glitter, stickers, puff paint or metallic sharpies.

2.)  Self-Portrait. Real photos are not always the only option. Let your kids show off their own creativity by having them create a self-portrait. You can find some quality paper and colored pencils and give them free range with the portrait. To make it a little more special, use a Frameology frame to display the portrait. A nice, quality frame will let your kids feel proud of showcasing their work.

3.)  Photo Blocks. When your kids get older, their toys are no longer their most prized possessions. If you want to let your kids keep some of their older toys, but make them a little more “grown-up” have them create photo blocks. Grab their old wooden blocks and a bunch of different photos. Select 2-4 photos for each block, leaving at least 2 sides empty. Mod Podge the photos onto the block by putting a layer down first, attaching the photo and topping it off with a few more layers of Mod Podge. To make it even more creative, have the photos correspond with the letters and numbers that are left open on the blocks.

4.)  Holiday Cards. Gifts that come directly from kids are always the most treasured. They are usually simple, but always come from the heart. If you want your kids to give a personal gift to their grandparents or anyone else on your list make it even more personal with holiday photo cards. No need to purchase cards online, homemade ones are an even better choice. Take a picture of the kids in holiday attire and attach the photo to folded cardstock. Let the kids write a note or draw a picture inside the card that is personalized for each recipient.

5.)  Scrapbook. A scrapbook is a great way to capture all of the memories that you develop over the years. It is also an excellent way to spend time with your kids. Having a theme for either each scrapbook or for each page in the scrapbook is a good way to help your kids – and yourself – remember all of the memories that you have had. Grab the kids, grab your photos, grab some craft supplies and get scrapbooking.

Getting your kids involved in crafts and home decor will allow them to get in touch with their creative side. They will learn new things and use their imagination to create their own masterpi

You’ll want to know that your children are in safe hands, no matter what the age of your child is. That’s why it is important to know how to tell a good babysitter between a bad or inexperienced one. There are certain questions and characteristics that are telling ways to see if who you’re hiring is going to be able to do an efficient and safe job. This is your child after all and you’ll want the best for them no matter what.

Finding the Babysitter

While you may not want to go to any old website and pick straight from them, you should look into using a babysitting directory. Find a babysitter looking through their direct-curated directory. You’ll be able to find a babysitter that has ratings, reviews, credentials and pay rates. Having a babysitter means doing the right research before you decide on one as you will want to ensure your child is in the safest hands possible, and means it will allow you to enjoy your time out without worrying about what is going on at home. One of the best ways to do this is by setting clear expectations with your babysitter ahead of time which helps to ensure everyone is on the same page and that your children are safe and attended to in a way that meets your standards.

This is the hardest part of finding a reliable source. Now that you have that, it’s time to scour through the many different profiles of people you’ll come across. Who do you want taking care of your child while you’re away is the question. In order to answer that question, you should be equipped with some questions of your own.

Basic Questions to Ask Potential Babysitters

 You should narrow down the search to a select group of sitters based on what you found out about them online. They’ll most likely have great reviews, but what really counts is how you feel about each of them individually.

One of the first questions you’ll want to ask them about is their direct experience with children. This will be telling information to see how they’ve grown up around taking care of others, if they have their own brothers and sisters that may be the first place acquiring some of their skills.

Get a feel for their babysitting style by asking what it is they think children like about them. There are sometimes when babysitters will like babysitting different aged children better than others. Make sure that your child is in that age range so they can benefit off of their care. Ask what type of activities the children and them will be doing.

Conflict Resolution Questions

You’ll want to know what their method or philosophy is when watching kids as all people raise their children differently and how you or they react to the kids can be different. Some of these questions include if they’ve ever had a difference of opinion disciplining the child as opposed to how a parent would like it and how they as a babysitter would handle it.

Check to see how they are in emergency situations and if they’ve ever dealt with one and how they would react in a similar emergency with one of your children. All of this can play out as a nice interview and give you just the right amount of information you’ll need to make the decision with your new babysitter.

Outside Resources & Making the Final Decision

Babysitters often will have old experience that you can base some of your decisions and potential conclusions on. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or find them out by yourself through reviews. You’ll be able to talk candidly with them about how a babysitter is and how much their children actually like them. See if there was anything they didn’t like about the person and take that into account. What could or couldn’t be a big deal to one person could be the deal breaker for you.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to just a few babysitters have a setup for your children to meet them for the first time in person for a kind of play date. See how they interact with the kids and get a normal conversation going with them. It is a great way to get an overall feel for how they are as a person. It doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking affair either, just hang out and get a good time going with you, them, and the kids.

Most importantly, follow your instincts and go all the way with someone who clicks the most with you guys and your kids. Some people may sound perfect but end up being direct in real life or something is just off about the situation. Go with who you feel will watch and protect your children best.

James Blewitt served honorably in the Marine Corps before receiving an Associates in business and then founding his online consulting company in 2003. His main focus is spotting the current online trends and finding how they can make life easier for business owners as well as the individual consumer. He currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA

Few phrases strike greater fear into parents’ hearts than “driving age.”

Well, other than “I passed my driving test!”

Facts are facts. Most American teens learn to drive before they graduate from high school. And, slowly but surely, they use what they’ve learned on the streets and highways around their homes.

That’s great news for freedom-starved teens. For terrified parents, not so much.

Fortunately, terrified parents can fight back, or at least mitigate the risks of teen driving. Which are extensive: According to the Centers for Disease Control, which tracks teen road deaths, more than 2,000 teens died in car crashes in 2013. Some 242,000 suffered injuries grave enough to warrant emergency room admission.

Teens get into trouble on the road for all sorts of reasons. One of the most prevalent, and arguably the most urgent priority for driving safety advocates, is distracted driving. That includes habits like texting, grooming, eating, or simply daydreaming behind the wheel. According to car blogger Alex Perdikis, distracted driving is undoubtedly dangerous — but it’s also preventable.

Distracted driving prevention starts with parents. So does teen driving safety in general. Here’s a look at six safe driving practices to teach your teen — and how, just maybe, to get them to pay attention.

1. Put Down the Phone, Period

Nothing is more important than your teen driver’s life — not texts, not snaps, not calls, not navigation, not anything else they could possibly do with a smartphone while they’re operating a motor vehicle. The cardinal rule of teen driving is simple, straightforward, and brutal: put down the phone, or else.

2. Pull Over to Call or Text

Appendix A to the cardinal rule of teen driving is just as clear: pull over to call or text. If something is so important that it can’t wait until they arrive at their destination, your teen should feel no qualms about pulling to the side of the road and taking care of business before proceeding. It’s important that you set this example yourself whenever your teen is in the car with you.

3. Check Lights Weekly

All systems go? Check first. Get your teens in the habit of performing basic safety checks on their vehicles every week, even if you do the same. You don’t want your teen to get pulled over for the ol’ busted taillight — nor do you want their headlights to fail on a dark country road, with potentially disastrous consequences.

4. Give Fewer Rides

Teens fortunate enough to have reliable access to vehicles of their own naturally want to strut their stuff. That very often means giving their less well-endowed peers rides. It’s the nice thing to do, and it makes them look good anyway.

But it’s also dangerous. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers’ crash risk escalates sharply for every additional passenger they carry. Even though it’s less efficient, driving solo is always safer.

5. Assume Everyone Else on the Road Is Dangerous

It’s all about defensive driving. If your teen doesn’t have a healthy fear of his or her fellow drivers, you’re not effectively communicating the risks of sharing the road in the age of distracted driving. “Watch out” is the watchword here.

6. Obey the Speed Limit

This sounds like a no-brainer. Maybe it is. But, as every parent knows, teens don’t always use their brains.

Teens need to obey the speed limit for an obvious and not-so-obvious reason. The obvious: Crashers are likelier — and deadlier — at higher speeds. The not-so-obvious: Teen drivers are more likely to get pulled over anyway, and excessive speed carries hefty fines that, no doubt, you’ll require your teen to pay themselves.

Sadly, the not-so-obvious argument might be more persuasive than the obvious one. But, hey, whatever keeps them safe.

Shopping for men isn’t always the easiest of tasks. When special occasions come around, it can be difficult to hone in on items that he’ll actually use and enjoy. If you’re looking for ways to make an upcoming anniversary memorable, keep these creative gift ideas in mind and make his day. No matter his passion, you’ll find the right fit.

For the Outdoorsman

If your guy is obsessed with all things outdoors, you have plenty of options to work with. If you’re looking to make this year’s gift a standout, consider his interests. Does he love hunting? Consider planning a special hunting trip with his buddies. Not sure you’re up to the task of gathering gear and picking the hunting spot? Use Guidefitter.com, a website that connects hunters to guides who can plan the entire trip. While it’s definitely a splurge, this provides the gift of experience and memories, and is sure to be a memorable present he’ll adore.

The Runway Guy

If you’ve managed to snag yourself a fashion forward fellow, you’re likely already the envy of your friends. However, having a fashionable hubby does come with its set of challenges, namely, when it comes to gift shopping. If you have a hard time picking the right shirts and are clueless as to his style when it comes to men’s accessories, consider Trunk Club. This is a cool subscription service that pairs up your fella with a personal stylist, who then sends him some great threads every month. He can buy what he likes, and send back what he doesn’t. Hint, hint: Maybe your guy is the opposite of a “fashionisto”; this could be the perfect gift to get him on the fashion track.

An Adrenaline Junkie

If your guy is constantly giving you pause by trying out the most dastardly of dares and isn’t satisfied until he’s tried every activity under the sun, check out FunSherpa.com. A cool experience gift site, it’s designed to help you locate all the local activities in your area, meaning you can feed into your guy’s adrenaline needs. Whether that be a pass for him to race a roadster on the track or jump out of a plane on a skydiving adventure, this is a gift that’s sure to knock his socks off.

The Traveler Extraordinaire

If you guy is constantly on the road for work, or he just has a love for travel that can’t be denied, consider making him a travel pack designed to help him handle anything he encounters on his travels. Grab a new Osprey pack and fill it with all of the travel essentials he needs to make his next trip more enjoyable. It could be a cushioned neck pillow that keeps his head cradled on that long red eye, or perhaps it’s a cosmetics case for his face wash shave gel, razor, and all the essential grooming goodies. Put the cherry on top of this already wonderful gift with a surprise weekend away for the two of you and make this anniversary gift one that keeps on giving.

Additionally, if your significant other also has a desire for motorcycles, and you have enough savings, consider surprising him with a new or used one. Then plan a thrilling road trip together, exploring scenic routes and new destinations while strengthening your bond as a couple. Take the opportunity to share his passion for travel and motorcycles, making this a unique anniversary experience.

For the Beer Lover

If your husband loves a good brew and prides himself on his knowledge about all the local craft beers, play to his hops sensibilities with some beer lover’s gifts. It could be a home brewing kit that he can use to craft his very own sips (along with a set of bottles he can use over and over again to serve his creations to his buddies), or perhaps it’s a guided tour of a local brewery so he can get the low down on all the processes that go into his favorite beverage.

If you’re on the hunt for creative anniversary gifts, consider your hubby’s passions and use this list as a jumping off point to find the perfect fit. You’ll be sure to make this year’s anniversary one to remember!

So, were are getting to that time of years when it’s all parties and going out. There is Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas too, all in a short space of time. Maybe you want to hold a party for one of these great occasions, but the cost of it all is holding you back? Don’t stress! Read the below suggestions on how you can raise enough cash to pay for everything, without dipping into your own money at all.

There is basically three main way you can hold a party for free. You can either sell stuff that you have to cover the cost of your shindig. You can ask for donations to cover the cost of the party, which can be a bit more tricky. Or you can pick up some extra work and use the extra you make to fund your do.

Sell Stuff

First of all selling stuff is a good way to raise some funds for your party or festive celebrations. But what have you got, that others will buy? Well, your first port of call should be to clean out your home.

Is there anything that you no longer want or need? Then that is a prime candidate to be sold. It can be anything from the old toys in the attic that you had when you were a kid, to a sofa you don’t need anymore because you are getting a new one.

Garage Sale

Once you have your items, then you need to decide how you are going to sell them. Many people opt to hold a garage sale in their yard. These are good for getting rid of all those bits and pieces that you no longer need.

Image here

It’s usually people from around your neighborhood that will come, but you should get the word out and let friends and family know as well. While you might not earn a fortune this way, it is quite possible that you can raise enough money to fund your party. Let people know what you are holding it for too, and that might help them be a bit more generous with their offers.

Online Auctions

If you want to access to a wider market for what you are selling, then it can be a better idea to use an online auction site. Remember the more people that see your items, the more likely it is that you will make a sale. So make sure you consider your keywords carefully when you write your listing.

Image link

Also as people can’t see the item in real life, you will need excellent photos from a lot of different angles to help them decide that they want to bid on it. Basically, any additional information, written and visual, can help close the deal.

A lot of people sold gifts that they have received but didn’t like on auction sites. This makes it good for the seller, as they are gaining money for something that was just taking up space. It also is good for the buyer as they often get the item at a reduced price.

However, there are something that you just can’t sell on auction sites like gift cards. If you’ve been given a gift card that you know, you will never use trade them in for money at shops like Cards2Cash.

Get Donations

Ok, so I’m not suggesting that you ask people to just give you money to hold a party. That would be pretty silly. But you can hold your party in aid of a charity. You would need to sell tickets to the guests, then after the costs of the party are covered, the remainder of the profit goes to the charity.

Picture

First of all, you need to pick a charity that you f would like to support. Once you have official approval from the charity you have decided to work with, you can approach stores and businesses and ask for donations. They may donate in items, which save you having to buy them, or give cash donations.

Remember that no one is obliged to make any donations, and you should be polite at all times. It is also important to keep an accurate log of the money you have received and spent so that the charity can see that they are receiving all that is due to them.

The advantage of this method is that while it can take a lot of hard work, you are not just holding a wonderful party, but you are also helping people.

Earn Extra

Another way of holding a celebration without paying for it out of your own money is to do some additional extra paid work. There are quite a few small-scale ways of working to pick up some extra cash.

First of all, you can ask for some extra shifts at work to cover the cost of what you are planning. If you do this be sure to put the additional money that your earn aside t stop you spending it on anything else other than party supplies.

Or, how about completing some easy surveys on the internet and getting paid for it? There are plenty of survey sites out there they are always recruiting people. You probably can’t make an entire living out of it. But if you start a couple of moths in advance you will be able to save up a considerable amount towards the cost of your planned celebrations.

Picture source

Something else that entails giving your own opinions is paid user testing. This is where you are given a list of internet sites to try out. The testing company will record your interaction with the sites, and ask you to use your mic and comment on them as you go. You can earn about $10 per site you review so this makes it a great way of getting some extra income.

Picture here

Then there are paid reviews. We all know how much influence both bad and good reviews have on us when we are buying things from the internet. That is why sellers are so keen to have reviews that they will pay you for them. Some sites pay you for your own reviews, while others pay you for voting for other reviewers work. Check out this comprehensive list and explanation for some guidance.

Photo source: Stocksnap.io

Personalized gifts are a great way to show your recipient that you care and are thoughtful. Bespoke gifts make a great emotional addition to your Christmas presents and can bring so much joy. They can tell stories of your life together and bring to life the personality of the receiver. They also create wonderful memories and have sentimental value that can be treasured forever. Personalized gifts show that you have gone out of your way to put care into your gift. But just remember that if your gift is personalized, you are going to want to get your order in early, in time for the holidays! Let’s take a look at three ways you can add a personalized touch to your presents this year.

Personalized Puzzles

Who doesn’t like a conundrum every so often? And a personalized puzzle is a great way to keep the kids quiet on Christmas day afternoon! There are companies that offer wooden puzzles that can be personalized with a family photo. All you have to do is send through a selection of photos that you want to be turned into a puzzle. Then the company’s graphic design team will see which ones fits the best. You can also add names and dates that can be blended into the puzzle too. This is a brilliant gift for kids as it will inspire them to finish off a project! Custom jigsaw puzzles can also be created with old theater tickets, maps and invitations too. It’s a brilliant keepsake gift that will mean something special to the recipient. If you have lots of children in your family, you can even make one for each member!

Personalized Bathrobes

It’s so nice to feel cozy over the holidays! So why not buy a set of monogrammed bathrobes for all the family. They will be a stylish and sleek addition to your ‘lazy day’ wardrobe, and they look super cute too. Companies such as monogrammedbathrobes.com provide soft, luxurious robes for women, men and children. And if you want to go one step further you could also add a set of personalized towels to your gift. Towel.com offer an array of towels in different colors that can be monogrammed. And then everyone will know who is guilty of leaving their towels hanging around on the bathroom floor!

Personalized Gifts For Mom And Dad

If you’re looking for a gift from the children to the grandparents, then personalization is a great way to go. Head to websites such as perosnalcreations.com for lots of unique ideas. Grandpa might love a set of initial coasters or perhaps a luxury personalized cheese board. And grandma might love a ceramic baking dish personalized with her name, or perhaps a galvanized planter tub which features her initials. On websites such as these, you can also order some great Christmas accessories that will truly personalize your Christmas. There is everything from stockings with the kid’s names on them to monogrammed baubles and personalized Santa sacks. So why not make Christmas bewitching this year with a gift that is unique to each person in your life!

If you find that traveling is more stressful than enjoyable for you, then you’re probably traveling all wrong. Here, we’re going to talk about why you’re doing it wrong and how you can fix it. Enjoy!

You’re Booking Accommodation The Wrong Way

Booking accommodation in advance can save you time and hassle. It can help you to feel safe, as you have somewhere to go when you arrive at your destination. However, many people book their accommodation the wrong way. What if you get to your location, and find that you’re miles away from all the things you wanted to do? There are a number of reasons you may want to change your accommodation. Make sure you book through a company that allows you to cancel with no charge. You can usually do this using your phone, and then book your new accommodation the same way. It’ll save you so much hassle in the long run!

You’re Choosing The Most Expensive/Stressful Mode Of Transport

Have you explored every mode of transport? You can usually get trains, buses, planes, boats – just about anything depending on where you want to go. Many people are opting for bus rides these days, with sites like http://shofur.com/booking/bus-tickets. It’s cost effective and hassle free, so you can have a better time.  

image

Sticking To A Rigid Itinerary

Why would you want to stick to a rigid itinerary? Staying flexible will help you to relax more. You won’t need to rush around, trying to get from A-B in record time. If you do that, you’ll never truly enjoy what you’re doing! Make sure you give yourself free time to relax and explore. You might want to switch things up once you arrive.

Packing Way Too Much

Lugging a heavy case or bag with you wherever you go is something many people do. Only take what you know you need. Bear in mind you’ll probably pick up souvenirs and things on your travels, so save room for those. Whether you’re going for a week or a month, packing too much can be a huge hassle.

Not Creating A Budget

Creating a budget before you travel is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a luxury trip or if you’re trying to save some cash. Creating a budget will ensure you don’t spend too much of your money on one thing and end up broke at the end of it all.

author

Failing To Interact With Other Travelers

Guidebooks can be helpful, but you’re missing out if you’re not interacting with other travelers. Why not ask them if they know anywhere cool to visit? You might discover somewhere amazing, not found in any guidebook!

Attracting Crime With Flashy Stuff

If you’re covering yourself in finery before going out, you could end up attracting crime and scams. Do you want to be mugged? Do you want to be ripped off for souvenirs? Don’t flash your jewelry or cash around.

Unrealistic Expectations

Keeping realistic expectations about any trip is a must. We’d all like to think it’ll go perfect and be the best of our lives, but this isn’t always the case. Just go with the flow.

Who doesn’t want healthy kids? Kids soak up things like a sponge when they are younger, and many of us don’t realize just how much the things we say and do affect them. If we say things we shouldn’t about their eating habits for instance, even in jest, it can affect them later on in life. If you want to make sure you’re raising happy, healthy children, you shouldn’t ignore this advice…

Set An Example

The first thing you need to acknowledge is that kids take your lead. If you’re constantly on a diet or talking down about yourself, they are going to see this as the norm. If you want your kids to be healthy and happy, you must first make yourself healthy and happy. Learning to love yourself and eating a balanced diet will go a long way. It doesn’t matter what you are telling them, if your words don’t match your actions then it just isn’t going to stick.

Don’t Talk About Weight At All

One mistake parents make is talking about weight too much. It doesn’t matter if it’s your weight, their weight, or somebody on the TVs weight. Our value should never be attached to a number on the scale. Sure, we need to be healthy weights to thrive, but you and your child can achieve that without ridiculing people for being ‘too fat/too thin’. Don’t mention their weight at all. Tell them how amazing they are instead!

credit

Let Them Try New Foods In Their Own Time

Kids are naturally going to dislike foods that they haven’t tried before. It’s normal. You can’t force them to eat something that they don’t want to. You shouldn’t put too much emphasis on this or turn it into a bigger deal than it needs to be. They may need to see something a number of times before they finally decide that they want to try it. Let them do it in their own time. If you tell them off or try to force them, chances are they will feel more inclined to stick rigidly to their habits. As long as you’re serving your kids healthy food, you don’t need to force it down their throats. If you really think there’s an issue, the next step is to consult a professional so you know how to handle the situation.

Plan Dinners A Few Days In Advance

Plan dinners a few days in advance so your kids know what’s coming up. You could even let them contribute. This should make them more inclined to eat what you put in front of them. Not only that, it’ll make shopping for food and cooking far more effective!

Keep Them Satiated

Your kids need to be satiated. You shouldn’t leave it too long without giving them food and drink. Usually, they should eat every 2-3 hours. You should also ensure they have a drink at all times. They might not want to eat if they’re having too much fun with their friends, for example, but you should make sure you offer them something.

Cook And Eat Dinner Together

Research shows that families who cook and eat dinner together are healthier. Not only that, you’ll all feel closer. It’s a great bonding exercise where you all stay away from electronics and other distractions, even if it’s just for a short while. If you get your kids involved properly, you could even teach them some valuable skills! Make sure you invest in safe cookware to use with them, as well as aprons and other things that could help.

Image credit

Try Sugar And Dips For Fruit And Veggies

Getting your kids to eat their fruits and veggies can be a little tricky, but it’s important. When they start eating these early on, they’ll be more inclined to eat them as adults. They are the healthiest things that any of us can eat. If your kids struggle to eat theirs, try giving them different dips to try. Maybe even sprinkle with some sugar for extra sweetness. It might not be ideal, but at least they are eating them!

Allow Treats For A Balanced Lifestyle

You shouldn’t deny your kids treats if you want them to lead a balanced lifestyle. This is key to a healthy life, mind and body! It’s what they put into their bodies overtime that matters, so as long as they are not eating too much junk, they’ll be OK. Make sure you monitor treats to ensure they’re not eating too many additives, sugars, or other nasty stuff. Feel free to treat them to ice cream occasionally, or even take them out for food!

Reward With Praise

Some parents tend to reward their children with food – you need to remember that they aren’t pets! If you teach your children that they deserve food whenever they accomplish something or do something good, they could get into some bad habits later on. Reward your kids with praise instead.

image

Increase Their Self Esteem

Kids with high self esteem aren’t going to have issues in decision making, making friends, body confidence, or any of the other problems we most commonly see these days. Here are a number of different ways you can help them raise their self esteem:

• Give responsibility with household chores.
• Let them make choices.
• Don’t do everything for them.
• Don’t overpraise them as this can do more harm than good.
• Encourage your kids to take on tasks they are interested in.
• Offer praise where appropriate.
• Encourage failure and healthy risks.

Get Active Together

Getting active together can teach your kids to love exercise and the endorphins that come along with it. Kids are usually active anyway, but doing it together can help you become closer as a family! It’s also a good way to get them off the sofa, and into the fresh air. It isn’t healthy for kids to be staring at screens all day long!

If you want healthy kids, make sure you bear this advice in mind. It’ll take you far!