Create mealtime magic by making meals fun for kids

(ARA) - Cooking a meal should be fun for both children and adults. By engaging your children in food preparation, you can demonstrate valuable food lessons all while enjoying time well spent with your family.

By including everyone in the preparation, you can introduce your children to how fun cooking and eating together can be. Not only will they learn a little bit about navigating the kitchen, but they will also discover how it can serve as the perfect platform for a math lesson or an art project.

Here are a few tips for making your family meals fun and child-friendly:

• Get your kids involved in cooking preparation from an early age. Your little ones will get a kick out of doing something as simple as dumping a cup of flour into a mixer and watching you use everyday kitchen tools. You can also use the measurements that go into recipes as a teaching opportunity for your child with a built-in math lesson. Children can also lend a hand by setting the table or designing placemats for the family meal.
  
  
• Make food fun. Keep your kids engaged by experimenting with different colors, shapes, and sizes of foods they know. For example, Barilla Piccolini bite-size classic pasta shapes are just the right size for little hands - and with a quick cook time of just seven minutes, you can add excitement to favorite family pasta dishes. Children can even make inexpensive and unique decorations using the pasta.
  
  
• Create excitement for dinnertime. A great way to make sure kids look forward to mealtimes is to participate in fun activities as a family. Theme nights are a great way to engage children around the dinner table. You can prepare traditional meals from around the world, or cook a meal inspired by your family's favorite movie or vacation spot. Visit www.BarillaUS.com for lots of great kid-friendly recipes using Barilla Piccolini.

Tips On Having An Affordable Wedding

I don't know about you but I am very excited about Prince william and Kate Middleton's wedding. I guess it must be all those fairy tales I read as a kid; you know the ones where the princess gets rescued by her true love or the prince finally finds the girl of his dreams. A royal wedding just brings out those "awwwww" feelings.

A lot of people can't wait to see what Kate's wedding dress will look like. I can't imagine the wedding plans they have think about and organize.

A wedding definitely is an unforgettable moment in a person's life. However, most of us are not of royal birth or hold high positions that make it compulsory for us to hold a grand wedding that costs an arm and a leg. I don't think a wedding should get in the way of a marriage. I know quite a few people who put off marriage just because they can't afford a wedding. How sad :(

If you are really tight on budget, plan a wedding that you can afford. Decide where you can save and what is worth spending on. Make necessary compromises. Don't live a life of debt just because of one fancy day. You don't need that kind of unnessary stress. You don't want to start a marriage with money problems.

So, what can you do to make your wedding more affordable?

• Seek out discounts such as cheap invitations (but still of high quality) and clearance sales.
  
• The celebration doesn't have to be at a 5-star hotel. Maybe your friend (or their family) owns a nice estate where you can hold a brunch. You can also consider a nice restaurant. You are not bound to hold a full sit down dinner. A buffet allows your guests to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.
• A lot of times renting is cheaper then buying.
• You are not obligated to pay for your bridesmaid dresses. Invite them to be a bridesmaid but do let them know they will have to pay for the dresses.
• You don't have to invite everyone you know or everyone remotely related to you. Keeping your guest list down will save you a lot of money.
• Did you know getting married on a weekday will cut your expenses tremendously? Consider it.
• You don't have to go crazy on the wedding cake. Do you really need a 3 tiered cake?
• Don't be shy to ask your friends for help. Maybe someone can help you with makeup, another can do photography and someone can help you with flower arrangements. Your friends may have talent you can use.

When it comes to saving money on your wedding, shopping around and comparing prices is important. Don't be square and think out of the box too. You don't have to follow what everyone else is doing.

A simple, affordable wedding can be just as lovely as an expensive one. Better you put your money on your honeymoon or a new house.

What Matters Most?

Many parents are worried about their children growing up in front of the computer. The computer can be for good or for bad. Well, it is not just the kids living in this internet age. Most of us parents too are knee deep (maybe even neck deep) in it.

Quickly go through this questionnaire:

• Do you constantly wonder what to blog about?
• Do you wish your children will go to bed early so you can have some time on the computer?
• Does your heart drop when hardly anyone leaves a comment on your blog?
• Do you experience a pang of envy when you come across someone else's blog that has 40 over comments?
• Do you check your Facebook every hour to see what everyone else is up to?
• Is your hobby tweeting? (and it has been a while since you heard real birds tweeting).
  
• Do you have 1000+ followers (and you want more)?
• Do you follow 2000+ people (and you are still adding to your list)?

Well, thus is the parent in the internet age. Maybe our children should be worried about us instead.

MAMAS PARENTING TIP
Take time to ponder what really matters in life.

• Make sure you have more conversation time with your kids and spouse then your online buddies (whom you've never seen before).
• It's more important to have your kids follow you than to have 5000 followers online.
• Leaving constructive comments in your children's lives will have greater impact than commenting on other people's blog.
• Wonder how to make your children feel loved and valued and not so much what to blog about.
• It's okay if you're not the most popular blogger around (unless you're blogging for BIG BUCKS), what matters is that you are popular with your kids.

At the end of the day, it's your relationship with your family members that will bring you ultimate happiness, not the relationship you have with your computer.

Get your family fit this spring

(ARA) - The frost is lifting, the snow is melting, and you're beginning to remember how good it feels to be outside. Your fingers stop going numb, you don't see your breath anymore and you can finally take your kids out of the house without wrapping them in more layers than a wedding cake.

Spring is coming and that means the ability to get back outside. Outdoor activities can be a great, inexpensive way to spend quality time with your family while staying fit and setting good examples for healthy lifestyles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get active at least two and a half hours per week. For teens, the CDC recommends at least one hour of physical activity per day. Anything that increases breathing and heart rate and strengthens muscles counts. Even exercising for small chunks of time - 10 minutes per day - can help improve overall health in children and adults.

One way to encourage healthy lifestyles is to incorporate your family into your exercise routine. Many outdoor activities that families can participate in never get old. This spring, greet the season with some of these activities:

• Take a hike or plan a family picnic at your local forest preserve or state park. Start the hike at dusk to reach a clearing in time for a beautiful sunset and star gazing. Just be sure to bring a flashlight for the walk back.
  
  
• For the baseball fans in your bunch, take a bike ride around your neighborhood park to release some energy before settling on the couch to catch the first pitch.
  
  
• If your crew is on the competitive side, lace up your sneakers and rally your neighbors for a game of kickball at your local high school. Keep up the fun by tracking team scores all season long.

Outdoor activities require some safety equipment - helmets, sunglasses, sunscreen - and, if you have young children, extra accessories like the proper stroller or trailer are necessary. Several companies keep outdoor enthusiasts in mind when making new design innovations. Companies like Chariot Carriers, which offers multifunctional strollers that can be turned into a jogger, hiking or bike trailer and, even, a cross country skiing trailer, use their customer's varied and active lifestyles for inspiration in creating new products. The versatility of the product gives families a range of options to stay fit and active.

Spring is the time for new beginnings, so the time is right to set your family on a healthy path. As you put away the winter coats and start opening your windows, keep in mind all the outdoor activities you can do with your family. For more information on Chariot Carriers strollers, visit www.chariotcarriers.com.

From Mom's Garden

Just some stuff from my mom's garden.

With so many flowers in the garden, what do the kids do?

School Blues

Attending school is not always good for the kids. More and more people are opting to homeschool. Well, here are more reasons why school is not always the best answer.

• Unfair punishments. School teachers have so many children to deal with, they don't really have time to deal with your excuses, even if they are legit.
  My daughter was told to write 200 lines "saya mesti bawa buku muzik" (I must bring my music book) by her teacher. The truth is, she didn't forget to bring the book. She had already packed it in her school bag, but her brother wanted to see the picture of the dancing frogs she drew. He took the book out and didn't put it back. So, K went to school without the book. Teacher wanted to check if they had drawn the frogs. K didn't have the book, hence the punishment of writing 200 lines. Poor girl! Poor brother also had to face a very angry jie-jie.
  I'm not slamming the teacher. It is just one of those things that comes with going to school.
  
  
• Silly requests.
  My daughter said her math teacher asked them to use a "normal" pencil. They are not allowed to use mechanical pencil, 2B pencil or HB pencil. She says it is too dark. Errr... I am at a lost here. Besides 2B and HB, I don't know what other kinds of pencils there are.
  Sigh! Dear teacher, better you be specific what they CAN use, instead of telling them what they CANNOT use.
  
  
• Rigid way of doing things.
  Each teacher have their own style and preferences. For example, K1 has to leave 3 lines between each sum. After doing her work, she proceeded to show me how she can only do 2 sums per page. There were plenty of lines towards the bottom of the page, but she can't fit another sum there because she has to have that 3 line spacing. So, what was my daughter trying to tell me? She was trying to tell me what a waste of paper.
  
  When doing double digit additions, D1 was told not to write the "carry" number. Like in 59 + 36, you would add the 9+6=15, write 5 and carry 1. Teacher said to "carry" the number in his head. Well, it got lost in his head I guess because he had quite a few sums wrong due to not adding the "carry" number.
  
  Plus, the kids are so scared of the teacher, they will obediently follow the teacher's way even if it doesn't make sense or doesn't work for them.
  
  
• Beware of thieves.
  K1 came home yesterday and told me how a girl's text book was stolen during recess time. Many of the other kids' bags were opened. Teacher advised the students to get locks for their bags. Sigh! I bet you the day they start selling school bags with combination locks is not far away.
  
  
• Very heavy school bag.
  Plus the bags don't last very long. 3 months into the school year, it looks like it's been through torture - strap coming loose, tiny holes waiting to become bigger holes.
  

Well, these are just some of the school blues my kids are facing.

If you are interested in homeschooling, check out Homeschooling ABC's class. Get guidance and action steps through email for 26 weeks. You also get Over $275 worth of curricula.

Click here to check it out now: Homeschooling Help

Should Children Do Housework? Cast Your Vote

My DH and me believe that children should be taught to work. We constantly rope them in to help us around the house. We have them wash the car, vacuum the car, help prepare meals, vacuum and mop the floors, hang up the laundry, feed the rabbits etc....

When my 4 year old was happily vacuuming my kitchen the other day, my mom said "This is child labor. I never had you or your brothers do such things."

I know different people have different values, and practice different parenting skills. So I thought I'd have a little fun today to see what most people think about kids doing housework.

I've created a poll. Cast in your vote. Spread the word and invite your friends to have their say too.
The link to this poll is:
http://modpoll.com/view/agdwb2xsMmdvcg0LEgRQb2xsGOfZ-QYM
(* Voting ends end of April 2011)

If you're here and the voting has ended, you can still have your say by leaving a comment.

Snake? Where?

The kids came screaming into the house, "Mom, there's a snake in the garden".
Daddy grabs his parang, ready to act the hero.

So, where's the snake? Take a look.


It's an earthworm lah. A very long one.
Daddy picked it up and the rest of us ran screaming "Ewwwwwwww".

Mamas Parenting Tip

• Teach children that earthworms are good for the earth.
• It is okay to hate them. Muahahahahaha. (Sorry, I just can't stand worms).

Buns for the 3 bears

Made some strawberry jam filled buns the other day. I know I can never go into the baking business because what I make usually don't come out the same size. Just look at these buns, I have big, medium and small sizes. The 3 bears in the Goldilocks story will like them I'm sure. Big for papa bear, medium for mama bear and small for baby bear.



Guess who made the tiny sized bun?


Mamas Parenting Tip
Even though it is easier to do things yourself, you must give your kids opportunities to do stuff too. It may not look as nice, it may take longer, they may create a mess... it's okay. Some good will come out of it... some day.

Sow the seeds, sow the seeds.

Little Helpers

FIL is away for a few months. He usually helps me sweep and mop the house. Well, I've recruited new helpers. Meet my vacuumer and mopper.


D2 is now 4 years old. He was very enthusiastic about vacuuming.
D1 is 8 years old. He's a veteran mopper :)

Mamas Parenting Tip

• A family that works together, stays together.
• Be happy when you work. Teach them that being able to work is a blessing.
• A clean house is everyone's responsibility.
• Dare to delegate.
  
• Try not to criticize too much.
  

Interested in some FREE software?

Even though I hate the idea of kids spending endless hours on the computer, I have to face the fact that it is the computer age. I can't keep them away from the computer forever. Even so, it is important to have computer rules. Plus, if the kids are going to spend time on the computer, make sure it is worthwhile.

So, here I've found a place where you can get some discounted and really cheap software. There's stuff for you and stuff for the children. You can pick software for education, reference, business, home & life, games, children's fun and lots more.

Oh, forgot to mention that some of the software are FREE too.

Here is a sampling of some of the stuff they have available (collection is hugh).











Click Here to find 100s of Free Kids Software (+S&D)

*The links are my affiliate links

How To Organize A Stress Free Birthday Party For Your Kid

Thinking of throwing a birthday party for your kid? Well, it doesn't have to be stressful. You just need to be a little organized. Here is a quick check list that will help you put together a successful kids birthday party.

1. Decide on a theme.
   The theme of the party will greatly depend on the age of the child. For one year olds, it is best to have a theme that everyone can relate to. In short, you can come up with a general theme such as your kid's favorite character or TV show and the like. For older kids, you can ask them what they want for their party. If they have not decided yet, suggest kiddie themes such as Harry Potter theme, Pirates theme or Cowboys' theme for the boys. For the girls, you can suggest Fairy theme or Princess theme. Once you were able to come up with the theme, the rest of the steps will follow.
   
   
2. Estimate how many people, including kids, in your guest list.
   This is the next best thing to do after the theme. You can start with the immediate family members, cousins, uncles and aunties, grandparents, god parents. Then, the friends of your child in the neighborhood and his or her classmates if he or she is already in school. Knowing how many people will be attending will give you an idea how big the party that you need to prepare is.
   
   
3. Find a fitting venue.
   For some parents, their home is the most fitting venue for small parties. But if there will be many guests, it is best to find a location where everybody can move freely. You can consider the nearby theme park or a playhouse inside a mall for the location. In choosing a venue, always take note of the convenience of the attendees, wherein majority of which is kids.
   
   
4. Set the time.
   Most birthday parties are usually set in the afternoon when everybody has rested. But, depending on the availability of your guests as well as of the venue, you can schedule it earlier, like before lunchtime or during lunch itself.
   
   
5. Do the invitation and send it in advance.
   You can make your own invitations that bears the motif of the theme or you can buy ready made ones from craft stores. The most important thing is that you have sent it in advance so they the parents of the attendees can arrange their schedules.
   
   
6. Call parents of the children to be invited.
   This is also one good way of knowing how many attendees will be there and if there are necessary preparations for the child guest.
   
   
7. List down the foods you can prepare.
   Depending on the number of guests, you can make a tentative list of the foods to be prepared. In the menu, make sure to make the selections children-friendly.
   
   
8. Make a list of supplies and decorations needed.
   This is also important so you won't have to cram when the day comes. If possible, decorate the venue a day ahead so you won't have to worry about it when the date comes.
   
   
9. Create a program flow.
   Young attendees during kids birthday parties can be unruly. To maintain orderliness, try to come up with a program so they will know what to do.

Click here for easy and fun printable birthday party games.

Picking the right interactive game can help your child learn

(ARA) - Games come in all shapes and sizes, from basic toys to complex video games. While games serve the purpose of entertaining your children, there's more going on than kids just having fun.

Children explore and learn through playing as they practice making decisions and solving problems. So while kids are having a blast during playtime, games can help foster a variety of academic skills and a love of learning.

Through new technology, interactive video games in particular present a great way for kids to learn independently. Video games like Sesame Street's "Cookie's Counting Carnival" and "Elmo's A-to-Zoo Adventure" for Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PCs offer opportunities for children to practice basic math and reading skills while playing with their favorite characters.

"The games are entertaining and intuitive, enabling younger kids in the family to have fun while learning at their own pace," says Samantha Ryan, senior vice president of development and production for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

When selecting video games for your child, look for the following features:

• Math and literacy skill building. Your child may be more likely to work on these skills when they are contained within a fun game.

• Games that offer a range of ways to learn. Presenting material in a variety of ways helps kids retain information and helps ensure that they stay engaged.
  
  
• Easy, intuitive play. Part of the fun of learning through a video game is that children are given opportunities to learn on their own. Therefore, the game should be easy enough for them to navigate with minimal adult assistance.
  
  
• Clear, age-appropriate directions. Games designed for younger children should include audio and visual directions to help ensure that kids are able to play with minimal frustration. Audio directions can also help children develop listening skills.
  
  
• Adaptability by skill level. Video games that offer different levels based on your child's abilities will help ensure that your child has a positive experience and offer room for growth as your child matures and becomes a more adept problem solver.
  
  
• Active game play. Games that feature physical activity promote healthy living.

By choosing the right games your children will get more out of playtime than just smiles on their faces.

What Big Feet You Have

"I have such big shoes to fill"

Chinese New Year Wishes

During Christmas, the children look forward to opening presents under the Christmas tree. Chinese New Year, the kids look forward to receiving their "ang pows".

Previously, it was always DH that distributed the "ang pows". This year, I distributed it to the kids. Instead of just handing it over to them, I had my 4 kids line up (from oldest to youngest) and had each of them come up with a Chinese New Year wish for me (apart from the usual "Kong Hei Fatt Choy). You know, chinese have lots of sayings like:

• Sui Sui Ping An (everlasting peace year after year)
• Shen Ti Jian Kang (good health)
• Wan Shi Ru Yi (good luck)

There is more but I don't know all. I shamely admit that my chinese is very limited. I'm English educated. Yeah, a real "banana". If you know of any CNY greetings, please do add it here as a comment. Educate me.

Anyway, back to my story. So the kids had to come up with a New Year's greeting. This is what I got:

• Jiejie K: Wishing you prosperity this Chinese New Year (she read it off an "ang pow" envelop. So much for creativity).
• D1: I wish you long life. (That's nice that he doesn't want me to die early).
  
• D2: I wish you life. I asked "what kind of life?" He answered "Funny life". Okayyyyy, I'll take it as he wants me to laugh more.
  
• BabyK: She can't talk yet so I just asked he to give me a kiss.

So, my Chinese New Year wish for all of you out there:
Peace in your heart, money jiggling in your pocket, harmony in your family, strength and good health, more babies, more patience, more smiles and less stress.

Learn CSS For Free

Many of you have blogs and websites to make money. Would you like to improve on the look of your site?

It can be a pain to customize the look of your website. You search around the internet trying to look for instructions on a simple thing like changing the color of your links. Once you get the code, you stumble around lines and lines of code trying to figure out how and where to do the modification. Boy, I've been there.

I've also had my worst nightmare happen which is having the entire website disappear and an error code appear instead. Ooooo, the frustration and panic. Have you experienced that before?

Anyway, doing these customization isn't such a headache if you knew some basic CSS.
Click here if you wanna know about a one time Free CSS tutorial for beginners.

Need More Ideas On Parenting?

I just signed up for the Parenting Summit. It is an online event featuring leading parenting experts sharing parenting tips via video. It's going to take place from 1st March - 8th March 2011.

I'm curious to see what kind of parenting advice they will share. If you could use some parenting tips, sign up too. It is free.

Parenting Summit

Care for some blog hopping?

One thing about blogging is meeting other like minded bloggers. I haven't been doing much blog hopping lately. Thought I'd do a little catch up and joined this blog hopping list. Why not jump on the bandwagon and meet new people?

Traveling Tips For Parents

Chinese New Year is fast approaching. Many families are making trips back to their hometown.
As for me, I have already left to go back to my in-laws. Here are some traveling tips for parents:

• Make a list of things you need to pack e.g. toothbrush, underwear, telephone charger, camera, patience (hahaha).
• Get snacks for the trip.
• Plan some car games e.g. I Spy, Name that song
• Have a good collection of songs to keep you awake while driving
• Don't bring sweet drinks. Drink plain water. It is also easier to clean up if they spill.
• As you approach the rest areas on the highway, ask if they need to use the bathroom. If not, 3 minutes after you drive by it, they will say "mom, I need to go".
• Have a bag in the car for garbage.
• Make sure you pop the hood and give your car a check before traveling. Put air in your spare tyre.
• Teach your children to pack their own bag. Of course, if you let them do it on their own, check what they are packing.
  

AND the most important traveling tip I just learned:
MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE LUGGAGE IN THE CAR!

Yup, we left without D2's bag of clothes. We got here to my in-laws, D2 went to take a bath and BAM, I realized we didn't take his bag along. Well, true to tradition, he's got new clothes for Chinese New Year this year.

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Rabbit Year! Let's all hoppity hop to the bank with fat checks.
Good health, peace and prosperity to all.

Who Wants Some Discounts on PLR?

If you need to keep your blog alive with content but don't want the headache of writing post after post after post ... until you run out of ideas, then you need to consider using PLR (private label rights).

• This is for busy moms who are trying to make money through blogging.
• This is for online marketers who want to quickly put a report together to give away to their readers, and in so doing build a list of subscribers.
• This is for you if you have a newsletter to crank out every month.

Check out some PLR that you can get on discount right now.
PLR deals and discount.

The Land of Me: Kids Educational Software

I have been given the priviledge to try out a children's educational software called The Land of Me. Let me first tell you what it is about before I tell you what I think about it.

What Is It?
This educational software targets children aged 2 -6 years old. It is designed to give you the feel of reading a picture book but one that is interactive. The three main characters are Buddy Boo (the bear), Eric (the raccoon) and Willow (the owl).

There are 6 chapters (or games) and each covers a different learning concept.

1. Chapter 1 is about shape, size and colour. (By the way, this chapter is free). Children get to transform the 3 friends into various creatures by selecting a combination of different shapes, sizes and colours.
2. Chapter 2 is called The World Outside. The 3 friends tell Mr. Rigby, the eagle, where they have ventured to. Children select the landscape, the weather and the time of day to create different sceneries.
3. Chapter 3 is about making things. Anthony, the anteater, has children select what kind of building they want, what is it going to be made of and on what kind of foundation. So children may end up with let's say, a jelly teepee on water or a stone pueblo on mud.
4. Chapter 4 will have the 3 friends dancing with Dodo the otter. Children select 3 animals they would like to imitate. Then, with music, they will hop like a rabbit, swish like a shark, snap like a crocodile, pinch like a crab etc....
5. Chapter 5 is music time with Bernard the crocodile. Select which friend you would like to sing about. Then decide on the type of music and if it is going to be fast, medium or slow paced.
6. Chapter 6 allow children to create stories. They select the hero, what the story is going to be about and also if they want a happy, sad or funny ending.

If you want to learn more about it, click the following link: The Land of Me

Have a look at what Chapter 2 is like.



What I Think About It?

• The first thing that struck me was the graphics. It really is beautiful and different from usual cartoon illustrations of other computer games. I am reminded of Disney cartoons. You don't get loud, annoying music nor graphics that make your head spin. It really is like a story book.
  
  


• It is best played with the accompaniment of an adult. I like how at the top right hand corner of the screen, are additional facts and questions that parents/caretakers/educators can use to add to the lesson. For example, there was a question that asked "why do you think Willow always sits on top of Eric's head?".


• You won't find your children playing on the computer for hours with this software. Well, at least not in my case. My son (4 years old) doesn't play more than 1/2 hour. After a while, he gets bored. It is understandable because this is not like other mindless or violent computer games that are purely just for entertainment. It is a perfect addition to my homeschooling effort for my son. After some reading and writing exercises, I use this software as a break. He gets to use the computer and I get to squeeze in more educational stuff. So, it is best not to treat this program as a "babysitter" but rather as a fun teaching supplement.
  
  
• I like how the children get to change the words in the sentences and that will change what is happening on the screen. However, I do wish they had more choices. Each word only has 3 choices.
  
  
• It is not just computer games. There are printables too. You can continue offline doing crafts and activities that you can print out.
  

What I don't like about it?

• It was quite time consuming for me to download everything. First, I had to download the software. Then I had to download the "Chapters" one by one. Each chapter took me about an hour to download. Now, not everyone has a fast internet connection. If that is the case with you, I advise you to order the DVD.
  
  
• I notice you have to buy each Chapter separately. If there was a packaged deal where you buy all the Chapters at a discounted price, I think that would appeal to many people.

Conclusion
Overall, I think it is a beneficial software for young children. It is something they will enjoy playing with you by their side.

Organic Baby Products You Should Consider

What's the big deal about organic baby products?

• Organic products are restricted in their use of chemicals and should contain fewer additives or chemical treatments than standard products.
• Some will also be fair trade so you can be sure the manufacturer is not profiting from exploitative work policies.
• Buying organic gives you as a parent more security in knowing that nothing toxic or harmful should be coming in contact with your beautiful baby.

Here are some ways you can be organic with your baby.

Organic Baby Bath Products
Baby bath wash and lotion is a small but important purchase that you will be making. If you buy organic bath products you should find that all of the ingredients are natural. Soap ingredients should be plant-based rather than made from animal fats, herbal oils will be used, and any coloring and fragrance should be natural. Organic products will usually be easier on your baby's skin, so that sensitivities and rashes are less likely to develop. Also you should not need to worry about the long term effects if your baby drinks some of the bath water.

Organic Diaper Cream
Organic diaper ointment or cream is a wonderful product and comes highly recommended. An organically formulated diaper cream should be 100% natural and perfect for your baby's sensitive bottom. Again herbal essential oils, beeswax and natural plant-derived butters are used. These are less likely to cause irritation than chemical-based products, and they are usually easier to wipe away.

Organic Baby Food
Organic baby food has become popular in the last couple of decades along with all other organic food. The rules for organic food products are very stringent and if the label says 'organic' you can be sure that the ingredients were all grown in an environment free of pesticides. In addition, purified water will be used and the mashed and strained fruits and vegetables that you buy for your baby will have undergone less processing if they are organic.

You can also buy organic infant formula which gives your baby a great start in life. This is made from the same ingredients as non-organic formula except that it will be free of pesticide residues and genetically modified ingredients. It may be easier for babies to digest and the lack of chemical residues means that it is less likely to spark an allergic reaction.

Organic Baby Clothes
Organic baby clothing is usually made from organically grown cotton. The same rules apply as for organic food. The cotton will not have been sprayed with pesticides and is less likely to irritate your baby's skin. The fabric is often softer too. However, the lack of treatments means that the cotton is more likely to shrink, so you may want to buy a size bigger than you need right now.

Organic Baby Toys
The way babies put their toys in their mouths all the time, you will see why many parents want to buy organic baby toys. You almost have to consider them as food! Organic toys will be made from natural materials, without the chemicals that are found in plastics. Examples of organic toys are rag dolls and other soft toys made of cotton, wooden trucks and other wooden toys, and board books made of organic cardboard. Organic toys are very attractive with an old fashioned style and although they can be more expensive, they will be high quality and often last longer than cheap toys.

All of these products are things that you and your baby will use every day for the first important formative years. You can be reassured that you are providing your baby with the best chance of staying healthy and growing strong with organic baby products.

Five simple substitutes that lead to a healthier diet

(ARA) - Eating right is often easier said than done. You like what you like, so breaking old eating habits is never easy. That's why sometimes it can be easier to slightly modify your diet instead of giving it a complete overhaul.

The good news is subbing in healthier substitutes doesn't have to make your food taste less flavorful. Here are five healthy substitutions to try on your journey to better health:

1. Make things whole. Consider what type of bread, pasta, flour and rice you are regularly eating. Switching to the whole grain versions of these foods not only helps you cut down on calories, but also add nutrition to your diet. Whole grain foods are also packed with fiber, which helps you feel full and aids digestion.
   
   
2. Consider beverages. Did you know the average can of soda contains about 150 calories and no nutrients? On the other hand, try opting for tasteful beverages that have a neutral, or even a positive effect on your health. For example, natural teas can provide added health benefits - oolong tea can help lower your cholesterol and green tea can help boost your metabolism. Like soda, tea can also be quick, easy and refreshing - cold-brewed tea from brands such as Teawan come in packages that can be brewed in minutes.
   
   
3. Watch where you start in the kitchen. Cooking more at home is a sure-fire way to reduce the calories you take in, but your cooking methods can be another place to make gains in eating healthier. Instead of using butter, vegetable shortening or lard, consider using olive oil, peanut oil or canola oil, which contain less saturated fat.
   
   
4. Creamy substitutes. When a recipe calls for heavy cream, try substituting half and half or milk. Or use yogurt instead of sour cream. These simple substitutions can provide great taste for a fraction of the calories and fat.
   
   
5. Modify your meat intake. You don't have to suddenly become a vegetarian, but try a stir fry using only veggies or substitute ground turkey for ground beef in your favorite recipes. By making a similar substitution once a week or more, you'll consume less calories and fat - and possibly discover some tasty variations on your go-to dishes.

You may find that some substitutes actually make your diet more interesting and give you more options for healthy eating. As you work toward eating healthier, you ultimately have to find options you enjoy to achieve sustainable and nutritious diet.

Baby Is 16 Months Old

Here are some words to describe babyK:

• Cheeky. She'll give you that cheeky smile when she is up to something, and then she'll run when you try to get her.
  
• Octopus hands. She will open her siblings cupboards and rummage through their things. Her hands are always reaching for something. One of her favorite thing to do is to attempt to sharpen pencils (and pens too).
• Demanding. Definitely we are at the Terrible Two stage. If she doesn't get what she wants, she will slowly recline herself onto the floor and scream.
• Fierce. She will scream and scold her siblings if they disturb her or get in her way.
• Independent. Wants to feed herself. The only way we can get her to eat her food is to let her hold the spoon to feed herself. Sometimes she will push our hand away when we try to help. Unfortunately I still have to change her diaper. If only they could be independent in that area.
• Screamer. Will scream like a banshee when reprimanded.
• Resourceful. She knows how to use stools and chairs as climbing aids to get to places out of her reach.
• Fast learner. Especially pertaining to things she shouldn't do.
• Energizer battery. Always on the go, always moving.
• Slipper thief. She loves to walk in my house slippers. That's why they are always missing. One slipper will be here and another will be goodness knows where.
  
• Loving. She will go over and pat whichever sibling is crying.
• Daddy's girl. She loves daddy to carry her.
• Keropok girl. Absolutely loves to eat keropok.
  
• Computer geek. Everyone spends time on the computer. She doesn't want to be left out. Her favorite game... Sesame Street's Peek-A-Boo.
  

What are some words she can say?
This, where, yes, papa, mama and jie-jie (Yeah, she can say jie-jie for sister, and everyone else is called papa, even me).

BabyK is definitely a handful but we love her to bits. When she gives you her smile, she chases all the black clouds away.

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Today's Lunch

Today's lunch menu:

• Fragrant Braised Chicken (coriander leaves on the side coz' I'm the only one in this family who loves to eat it) - You can get the recipe here
• Ipoh taugeh (bean sprout) with prawns
• Long beans with dried shrimp
• Watercress soup

Happy Cooking!

Cheap Children Books

Just to let you know that I saw some really cute books for toddlers over at BookCloseOuts.com. They have a brand new selection of books by Castle Street Press. The books are bright, easy to read and sure to captivate young children.

You'll find concept board books to help children with their ABCs, 123s and shapes. Non-fiction books on baby animals, farm words, transportation, tractors and trucks, spiders, bugs and insects, dinosaurs will improve your children's vocabulary and increase their knowledge.

There are also reference books such as "My First Picture Dictionary" and "My First Picture Encyclopedia".

If you prefer to indulge them in fiction books, check out classic tales such as Three Little Pigs, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Gingerbread Fred and Little Mermaid., Sleeping Beauty and Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Hurry over and check out their vast collection of wonderful and cheap children books. Just click the affilate link below:

BookCloseouts.com Don't miss out on educational and fun children books at discounted prices.

p.s. I spotted Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr. Fox in their New Arrivals section. That is such a great story to tell the kids. I remember reading it to my kids and they sat through the entire reading without losing interest. That is some feat for my kids who always act like they have ants in their pants. Really good book, that's all I can say. Better click the affiliate link below to see if it is still available.

Winter Desserts The Healthy Way

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GAIN WEIGHT THIS WINTER
During the winter months many people tend to pack on the pounds. They may not be eating any more than normal, but they’re less active so they don’t expend the same amount of energy. Many people feel they have to give up anything sweet in an effort to keep them from gaining weight. These healthy winter desserts will allow you to have your cake and eat it, too.

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY DESSERTS?
For healthy winter desserts, choose desserts with fruit as a major ingredient. Pies, cobblers and crisps would be delicious as well as nutritious. Apples, peach, blackberry, strawberry-rhubarb and other fruits can be made into cobbler. Choose desserts which are served warm so you’ll have something terrific tasting which will warm the soul as well as the stomach.

Gingerbread and shortbread cookies are normally a healthier choice over some other kinds of cookies. You can also find recipes which are healthier than traditional gingerbread or shortbread. Oatmeal raisin cookies are full of fiber and can also be a healthy alternative.

Angel food cake is one of the best dessert choices for people watching their weight. Make simple syrup and poach your favorite fruit in it. This can be drizzled over a slice of angel food cake without adding too many calories.

Make an apple salad with fresh, raw apples, carrots, raisins and chopped nuts. This may not seem like a dessert but you’ll be surprised at how satisfying it can be. To make the fruit salad more special, add a warmed dressing which can be poured over it.

Some desserts are expected during the winter months but that doesn’t mean you have to throw health to the wind. Try to find ways to make your favorite cake healthier, for example by using applesauce in place of the fat. You can also try reducing the sugar in the dessert and see how it is affected. In many cases reducing the sugar doesn’t make that much of a difference in how the dessert turns out. Reduce sugar even further by substituting agave nectar or Stevia.

Focus on rich taste rather than high calorie. Desserts don’t have to be laden in calories. Here’s a simple recipe for an apple dessert that tastes great:

• Slice four cooking apples into slices after removing the core.
• In a microwave-safe casserole, place 3 tablespoons of butter.
  
• Microwave until melted; then stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  
• Place the apples into the mixture and turn so both sides are coated. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for an additional 4-6 minutes or until the apples are tender.
• You may need to turn the dish in the microwave after a couple of minutes to ensure the apples cook evenly.
  
• Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

You don’t have to give up dessert just because you’re trying to lose weight. You can eat these healthy winter desserts or change the recipe in your favorite dessert by removing some of the sugar or fat. By choosing carefully which desserts you eat, you can still have an enjoyable way to end your meals.

Make Time To Have Fun With Your Children

Children can be such a joy to be around! They have an exuberance that is catching. They know how to enjoy themselves with the simplest of things. If you’re usually stressed, you may not know how to have fun with your children. Try using some of these ideas - you’ll soon be acting just as silly as your children.

It’s not unusual for parents to forget how to enjoy their children because they have so much on their minds. Parents can easily become overwhelmed when their children are young. They’re concerned about their children’s safety, and they want to ensure their children are healthy. However, you don’t want your children to grow up and miss out on having fun with you. Here are some tips.

When it’s time to tuck your children into bed, pull out a story book and read them a bedtime story. Instead of reading it in a normal voice, create a new silly voice for each character. Of course, in the process of reading you may accidentally (or on purpose) talk in a female voice when the character is a male. Exaggerate the voices and your children will get the giggles. Once they start to giggle set the book down and tickle them to get them laughing harder. If you can get them settled down they should fall right to sleep and with a smile on their face.

Set aside some time to have some fun teaching your children to cook. Find an easy recipe where your children can do most of the work. Don’t worry about the mess they make because it will clean. Invariably the children will get more flour or other ingredients on themselves. Take pictures of them, mess and all, so you have something to remember the day of fun.

Plan a day to play video games with them. If you have a computer console where more than one person can play at a time, find games which you can play together. Don’t be surprised if your kids whoop up on you, though, since they have had more experience playing these games.

If it’s nice outdoors, go outside and play with them. Toss a ball or play hopscotch. If the weather is cold and snowy you could always have a snowball fight. Think of games you played as a child. If you had fun playing them it’s a good chance your children will have fun, too.

Build a fort in your living room using the cushions from the furniture, pillow and blankets. Help your children use their imagination as you play with them. Does your child have a teddy bear that can walk the plank or a doll that can be held in a castle tower? If you use your imagination your child will try to do the same thing.

After you’ve taken time to play and have fun with your child, don’t forget to do things which are fun for you. You need time to regenerate yourself. You may find you’re more relaxed and less cranky if you have fun with your children. It’s even possible you’ll be less cranky and more fun with your partner, too.

Simple ways parents can help relieve kids' cold and flu discomforts

(ARA) - Any parent who's sat up through the night with a sick child knows relieving their symptoms is only part of your mission. Easing the discomforts of cold and flu for your little one is a No. 1 priority.

"Watching your child suffer, even if it's from something as minor as a nose that's sore and chapped from repeated blowing, is a terrible feeling for any parent," says Dr. Tanya Remer Altman, a mother and pediatrician who is a best-selling author and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Relieving the discomforts related to cold and flu not only helps kids feel better, it also reduces stresses for their parents."

"Dr. Tanya," as she's known to her patients and the millions who've seen her on the Today Show or who follow her blog, offers some tips to help parents make children feel more comfortable while fighting a cold or the flu:

• Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, but it's not unusual for children to fear a shot. Ask your pediatrician about giving your child the flu vaccine in a nasal spray form. It's available for children 2 and older, and provides the same protection and safety as the traditional flu shot.
  
  
• Your mother probably swore by chicken soup and she was on to something. Serving sick children chicken soup not only gives them the benefit of nourishment while their bodies are fighting a virus, studies show chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Plus, it's a popular comfort food that most kids love.
  
  
• Sore, chapped noses add to the discomfort of having a cold. Tissues with added lotion, like Puffs Plus with Lotion, can help prevent chapping from frequent nose blowing and wiping. The strong, lotion-filled tissues can help children get more out of their nose blowing, ensuring they're confident they can blow without getting anything "icky" on their little hands. You can also use petroleum jelly or unscented ointment to soothe the irritation and discomfort.
  
  
• Another way to help relieve a stuffy nose is to try a few drops of nasal saline and gentle suctioning. A cool mist humidifier and a liberal application of Vicks on children older than 2 can also help, especially at night when lying down can make a child feel stuffy. Remember, however, never to use Vicks on children younger than 2 years old; it may actually increase the mucus in their airways.
  
  
• Frequent hand-washing is important to prevent the spread of viruses. Yet washing your hands a lot, especially in cold weather, can leave them dry, sore and cracked. Teach your children to wash their hands while singing "Wash, wash, wash your hands, wash them every day. Wash them with water and wash them with soap to wash the germs away" to the tune of "Row, row, row your boat." Then follow up with a soothing lotion. You can find many fragrance-free varieties specially formulated for children.
  
  
• When your child's throat is sore, he might be unwilling to eat or drink much. Offer a sugar-free fruit Popsicle instead. The coolness can help ease a sore throat, your child will get some hydration from the frozen juice and he'll feel like he's getting a special treat.
  
  
• Make trips to the doctor's office fun by bringing a book or toy to keep your child occupied, and a snack in case she gets hungry. A special reward or treat after the visit is also a nice tradition.

Finally, don't overlook your own mental comfort as well; call the doctor if you feel your child's symptoms are worrisome. "Parents often tell me they thought about calling, but didn't want to be a bother," Dr. Tanya says. "Most pediatricians are parents too, and they would rather take a few minutes to reassure you that your child's cold symptoms will improve on their own than to not have you call about your sick child who really needs to be seen. Your pediatrician is there to help you, so if you feel something is important, pick up the phone and call."

Our First Surviving Baby Rabbit

Say hi to "Champ". We're calling him champ coz' he is the first baby rabbit to survive. In the past, they didn't live past 2 days. Champ was a pleasant surprise for us. We didn't even know he existed until DH spotted him hopping around in the cage yesterday. He must have been hidden in a burrow.

We're not sure who is the mother. But we're guessing it's Brownie, our brown rabbit coz' this little fella looks like he's got a bit of brown fur on him. But then, maybe it's dirty from mud :)

When people have lots of babies, they like to say you're "breeding like rabbits". From my experience, it is not easy to breed rabbits ok. I've been puzzling over why the past few litters have all died; almost giving up hope that we'll ever see a baby rabbit survive.

Well Champ, you're just in time to celebrate the year of the Rabbit. Hope you keep on surviving.
Click this affiliate link for more info on rabbit care.

Today's Lunch

Just sharing what I prepared for lunch today. I know it is tough to figure out what to cook for the family everyday. Hope this will give you some inspiration.

• Broccoli, carrots and button mushroom
• Egg Fu Yong - scrambled eggs with chives ("ku chai"), sliced chinese mushroom, diced roast pork ("siew yok"), and spring onions
• Egg toufu with minced pork mixed with water chestnut and sliced shiitake mushroom. Spring onion as garnishing.
• Brinjal (a.k.a. eggplant) with fried shrimp and chilli.
• Baked beans (coz' it was expiring).

Happy 4th Birthday

My boy D2 just turned 4 years old. No big party. Just a special dinner, home-baked cake and a trip to A&W for root beer. No presents coz' he has got enough toys and too many clothes. As they say, kids don't need our presents but our presence. Well, we do have a tradition that the birthday kid gets $5 to spend at the store.

Siblings were given special instruction that nobody was allowed to scold the birthday boy. I think he liked that.

He wanted roti canai for breakfast but the shop nearby was closed. So I cooked him pikelets. He enjoyed it with syrup. Such a sharing boy. I said I was cooking it specially for him. Immediately he quipped "I'll share it with daddy and mommy".

The birthday cake: Devil's Food (thanks to Pilsbury for making it super duper easy and fast). BUT I made the chocolate frosting myself. The kids and my niece decorated the cake: sprinkles and skittles. Got some cute candles too.
Digging up all the skittles.

Special dinner: 2 different kinds of roasted chicken, french fries, coleslaw, nachos with salsa.

So, what are some things about this 4 year old of mine?

• He can read lots of words
• He can count very well
• He loves music. He can play "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Baa Baa Blacksheep" on the keyboard. Very diligently memorizes his church primary songs (practices his singing everyday too).
• Likes to play badminton. When we play, he will say to me "I want to be your servant". What he means is "server" but mistakenly say "servant". He wants to serve the shuttlecock for me.
  
• Slowly learning how to write. Below is an example of the work he does: So far we have worked on writing the letters 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 's', 't' and 'm'. After he finishes his work, he will ask for 11 or 14 stars.
  
  

He still laughs a lot.

Also can pull a very, very long face and scream very loud.

I love to hear him pray.

Have a wonderful, funtastic 4th year my boy!

Publish Your Kids' Stories With Illustory

Illustory has been given many rave reviews. Parents are using it to encourage their children's creativity. Children get to write their wonderful stories, add in illustration and then have it published in a real hardback book. It'll look like a book you buy at the store.


This is a perfect gift to give a child who loves to read, write and draw, especially 5-7 year olds who are just beginning to write. It is a way to make them proud of their work. It is also a way for you to show them that their writings are of value. Of course you can just staple some paper together to make your own book. However, Illustory helps you create a storybook that you can treasure and keep for years.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

• 12 special book pages for your child to draw and write. Marker pens are provided.
  
• Send your work over the manufacturer in a postage paid envelop where they will reproduce the writings and drawing into a book.
• A few weeks later, you will receive a professionally bound hardcover book.
  
• You even get an "About the author" page.
• The size of the book is 7"x9.
• The cover and title is laminated.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH IT?

• Have your children write a story to record a special family occasion such as a family vacation or celebrations.
• Dedicate the book to someone special like grandma or dad for Father's Day.
• Have your kids write a book (or several books) every year. They will love to see how their writing changes from year to year.
  
• Makes a great birthday or Christmas present.
  

THE GOOD SIDE

• They've made the process of writing very simple. There are instructions to follow.
  
• Also included are tips, activities, pre-planning diagrams are included to make writing easier.
• The finished product is of exceptional quality.

THE BAD SIDE

• You can only put 20 words per page and only 12 pages. May be quite limiting to some children who have a lot to say.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?
Over at Amazon, this product rates 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Here are excerpts from their feedback.

• "He is so excited and proud of himself when he shows his friends, family and teacher his publications!"
• "The books are a great family keepsake"
• "It challenged them to come up with their very own story, using thier imagination and when the books arrived, they were so proud!"
• "This really helped my niece become more sure of herself and she now loves to write! "

WHERE TO GET IT?
Illustory is available at Educational Warehouse.
To go straight to the product page, click this affiliate link: ILLUSTORY

Complimentary Ebooks for Moms

At the dawn of a new year, many of us find a burst of motivation to be a better person. Well, here are some complimentary e-books to help moms get better organized, save money and live healthier.

There are 3 e-books at your disposal:

• How to get your kitchen organized
• The healthy weight loss success guide
• Free menu planning kit

You can access all the above at the following link:
http://www.menuplanningcentral.com/newyearsformoms.html

Four ways to stretch your dollar in 2011

(ARA) - The beginning of a new year is a great time to do some self assessment and figure out how you can make the next year even better than the last. It's also a logical time to take a look at your family's budget and figure out how you can make your money go even further next year.

Since you'll soon be digging into your financial records in order to file your taxes, why not take a little extra time to set a budget and identify some areas where you and your family can save a few dollars? Here are four simple ways to get more for less this year:

• Take an inventory of monthly expenses. It's always a good idea to take a look at your regular expenses at least once a year to see if there's somewhere you could be saving. Maybe you are no longer bound by a cell phone contract and could get a better deal elsewhere. Or perhaps it's time to reevaluate insurance options. It could also be something as simple as evaluating how often you dine out or stop for a gourmet coffee and changing your habits to save a few dollars by cutting back.
  
  
• Let the coupons do the work. While clipping coupons might seem like a thing of the past, it's easier than ever to save using coupons. Coupons can be found in traditional places like the newspaper, as well as online, often from the manufacturer's website. Another place to look is right on the packaging of your favorite products. For instance, where available in certain retail store locations, Procter & Gamble is currently offering coupons for other P&G brands within specially marked products from Crest, Pampers, Olay and Charmin, among others - with coupon values up to $80 in savings when they are all used.
  
  
• Save by using the Internet. By signing up for e-mail newsletters from manufacturers and local businesses you can access special offers that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, you can sign up for regular notification of promotions for products you use every day at www.pgeverydaysolutions.com. Following businesses on Facebook and Twitter can also help alert you to special offers.
  
  
• Develop a grocery shopping routine. Plan weekly meals and shop accordingly. If possible, find out what items are on sale each week at your grocer before making the list, so you can take full advantage of the sales. Stock up on nonperishable items when they are on sale.

With a few changes to your shopping and spending habits, you may find yourself with a healthy chunk of extra cash next year that you can either stick into savings or spend on something special as a reward to your family.