The Importance Of Playing Dress Up

Playing Dress Up Is Important
 For The Young & Old Alike!

From a very young age, many little girls love to play dress up.  Strutting around in their mother's high heels, pearls, dresses etc.  Pretending to be Mom!  Using their brilliant imaginations to come up with some of the silliest and most creative stories to play out.  This limitless role playing game will provide many, many hours of creative play time for your little girls. Not to mention it will strengthening their imaginations and problem solving skills, while they play! Every Single Day!

If you have ever sat back in another room, listening to their innocent conversations with one another. They can be quite amusing, to say the least. They mimic real situations that they see in real life and even mimic your scolding tones, from time to time! Moments like those are when you realize, children hear much more then we might think.  Reminding us to also mind our manners every now and again!

The Benefits Of A Dress Up Box:
Having a special box filled with anything and everything to spark their amazing imaginations. Giving them the ability to be anything they want to be, if only for a little while.  Playing dress up allows your little girl to step away from who she is daily, and exploring all of the options the world has to offer. As well as a chance to explore them, from the comfort of her own home. She can be a Doctor, A Princess, An Athlete, her favorite Cartoon Character or even a Superhero. Her options are endless.

Encouraging your little girl to play dress up and use her imagination gives her a chance to discover and develop her dreams. Allowing your child the ability to dream about their future is so very important. They dream that they can be anything they want to be, and figure out where their interests lie.  Giving you the chance to encourage them to aim high and dream big.  The memories they create will live on with them for years to come, reminding them how simple life once was.

Dress Up Box Must Haves:
Putting a special dress up box together for your little girl, can be very simple and affordable. Finding discount items at yard sales and flea markets is a really great place to start. You can find some really fun things in those second hand stores. And best of all many will be in their size.  Ask friends and family, if they have any old clothes or costume jewelery they may be getting rid of. You would be surprised how many people would be glad to pass along a few fun items.

Here Is A Small List Of Things Every Dress Up Box Needs:
BLING: Oh Yes, this is a must have. Anything that sparkles, glimmers or shines will be a great addition.  Costume jewelry like clip on earrings, bangles, bracelets, beads, "pearls". Anything at all that might make any little girl feel glamorous.
Shoes: In the world of any female, shoes are VERY important! You can never have too many. For little girls the more shinny or sparkly they are, the more they go with Anything! :) It really doesn't matter the size they come in either because they will wobble around in them no matter what. (especially if they match her outfit)
Purses: Pretty much the same importance as shoes. Purses must match the outfit and the shoes. You can never have too many colours or styles. The funkier the better.
Clothing: Frilly dresses, feather boas, slippers, house coats, capes etc. 

Don't forget to include a few things from Dad's closet too.  For more than one reason.
1) You never know when there might be a little boy dropping by for a playdate. You wouldn't want him to feel left out.
2) Little girls like to dress like dad from time to time as well.

ATTENTION PARENTS !! Need Some Time To Yourself ?? Spend More Time With Your Kids!

Ok Mummies, I am going to tell you something that will start saving you time and sanity, each and every day!!! 

I'm not going to sell you anything or refer you to another site!!

The easiest and best way for you to get a few extra minutes to yourself is to........

SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!!!!!!
I will say it again, just in case. SPEND MORE WITH YOUR CHILDREN!!

In all of my years of working with children, THIS is the most important thing anybody could ever tell you!! I know you are probably thinking to yourself, that I am crazy, but hear me out!!

You are trying to get dinner ready, and you have two little munchkins calling your name from another room, for you to come see what they have built, or they're fighting over a toy in another room. Or maybe you have one under each foot in the kitchen.??? All of this confusion will add at least another half an hour to your production time for dinner!! I know, Ugh, right???

Instead try this....... When your child/ren want to know what you are doing in the kitchen, Get them involved, PUT THEM TO WORK!! I don't care if they're only two years old!!

**Put them up on a chair beside you, or at the table,(so you can keep a good eye on them, haha!!)

**Give them a plastic knife and a few pieces of whatever veggie you are preparing for dinner and let them go nuts!! You will be AMAZED at how quiet things will get for at least 10 minutes!! 

**Let them help you get items from the fridge or pantry, add spices, stir, set the table etc.

**Get their input, give them two choices of vegetables, let them pick which one you will eat for dinner**

How about housework?? I know what it's like to get up early and clean your house for hours. You finish cleaning your living room, and then head to the kitchen. 20 minutes later you return to sit in your clean living room and ............OMG, it looks like a bomb went off in there, like you hadn't just spent almost an hour cleaning in there. Now you will have to do it all again!!

Try this, when you need to get house work done and you have a little one following behind you destroying the place. Get them involved, PUT THEM TO WORK!!!

**After you have already swept your floor, give your little one the little hand held, and let them sweep.(It really doesn't matter that they're not really doing anything, because they think they are, and THAT will bring you a few more minutes of peace.)

** Don't be afraid to give your little one some responsibility, things like picking up their toys, helping to put canned goods into the pantry on grocery day, WILL NOT hurt them. It will only do them and the rest of society a little good, by introducing them to it early!!

****Remember, it is our responsibility as parents, to guide and instill the proper values in our children, so that they can grow to become productive and respected members of society!! 

IF WE DON'T DO IT, WHO WILL???****

5 Tips On How To Teach Your Kids To Save Money !!

5 Tips On How To Teach Your Kids, To Save Money!!

A lot of teens nowadays do not understand the value of earning and spending money. They were not oriented that investing is necessary even if they are still students. As parents, you play a crucial role in this area. 

You should be able to teach your kids on how to save money. They should be able to understand the concept of money and investment as early as childhood. This will prepare them to learn money management, as they grow old. 

Here Are Some Great Tips On

How To Teach Your Children To Start Saving Money:

1. Your children should be educated of the meaning of money. Once your children have learned how to count, that is the perfect time for you teach them the real meaning of money. You should be consistent and explain to them in simple ways and do this frequently so that they may be able to remember what you taught them.

2.  Always explain to them the value of saving money. Make them understand its importance and how it will impact their life. It is important that you entertain questions from them about money and you should be able to answer them right away.

3. When giving them their allowances. You need to give them their allowances in denominations. Then you can encourage them that they should keep a certain bill for the future. You can motivate them to do this by telling them that the money can be saved and they can buy new pair of shoes or the toys they want once they are able to save.

4. You can also teach them to work for money. You can start this at your own home. You can pay them fifty cents to one dollar every time they clean their rooms, do the dishes or feed their pets. This concept of earning little money will make them think that money is something they have worked for and should be spent wisely.

5. You can teach them to save money by giving them piggy banks where they can put coins and wait until they get full. You can also open bank accounts for them and let them deposit money from their allowance. You should always show them how much they have earned to keep them motivated.

Money and saving is not something that is learned by children in one sitting. You should be patient in teaching them and relating the value of money in all of their activities.

 Children will learn this easily if you are patient and consistent in guiding them and encouraging them in this endeavor.

What we mean, when we say " Be A Real Man"

I have been asked a question by a few men in the last few weeks, so I got to thinkin' !! What is Our definition of a "Real Man" Well, I've decided to put it all out there!!

A woman's says to her spouse in anger, "Why can't you be a real man"??? In his mind he is thinking, what the hell, I am a REAL MAN, I work, I drink beer, I like boobs, I drive a truck, I mow the grass, and take out the garbage, hell, I'd never wear pink, how much more of a man can I be???? Well Fellas, that might be your definition of a "Real Man" but it is most definitely NOT ours!!!

A Real Man Will: Support his family, by any means necessary!! Giving them the best in life that he can. Even if it means working with a little pain! He either busts his ass daily at work or, he's staying at home with the kids, taking care of the house, while mom works or goes to school!!
He Will Not: Work for 6 months, twist his ankle walking off a curb, blame it on work and collect disability for the next 2 years, while he sits on the couch playing play station, while his mate has to come home cook, clean, chase 3 kids around and get them ready for bed!!

A Real Man Will: Stand by his mate, 100%! Thick n thin, good and bad!! Because he loves and supports her!! When times are rough, and u go to bed angry, you will find him on the couch in the morning!!
He Will Not: Go get drunk, stay out all night and end up with his ex!!!

A Real Man Will: Get up on Saturday morning by 9am to cook his family breakfast, and start their weekend off right!!
He Will Not: Drink a case of beer Friday night and sleep till noon Saturday, only to eat, clean up and do it again Saturday night.

A Real Man Will: Love you as much as you love him. He will do anything to make you happy, because seeing you happy makes him happy!! He would never hurt you, because he couldn't bare to see you in pain!! Especially because of something he did!!!

He Will Not: Be selfish and think of nobody but himself!! He will not hurt you to make himself feel better!!

A Real Man Will: Get his hands dirty, to get the job done!! He will be proud of his accomplishment in the end!
He Will Not: Call somebody to do it, while he sits and drinks beer, watching!

A Real Man Will: Wrap his arms around you when you are happy, sad or just because he wants to!!!
He Will Not: Sit beside you, while you are sobbing, ignoring your pain, thinking to himself: If I don't make eye contact with her, I won't have to ask what's wrong!!

A Real Man Will: Own up to and take responsibility for his actions! And stand his ground when he has made his stand!!
He Will Not: Blame you or his parents for the reason he is the way he is, and go get drunk, stay out all night, and end up with his ex!!

A Real Man Will: Know exactly what to do to defuse any situation involving his mate!! He will have a tone, a nod an eye twitch, a word, something that will let his lady know he is in control.
He Will Not: Create a scene, fight with her, punch some guy and end up in the drunk tank for the night!

A Real Man Will: Be there to offer his love and support, when you need it!!!
He Will Not: Wait til, you are a stressed out mess, and tell you he doesn't know what you want from him.

A Real Man Will: Offer his lady money for groceries and other things, when he is eating and sleeping more at her house, than at his own.
He Will Not: Eat what ever he wants, sleep when ever he wants, come and go when ever he wants, never offering a dime, while he watches his lady struggle to make ends meet!!

A Real Man Will: Offer to help his lady out when money is tight, even if it means paying a months rent!
He Will Not: Make her beg every body she knows, before he agrees to loan her the money, and then hound her every other day for her to pay it back!!

A Real Man Will: Carry as many of his lady's bags as he can manage, so she can dig for her keys!!
He Will Not: Watch her struggle to the house with 80lbs of groceries, as well as fumble for her keys!


Ok Fellas I know this seems like a lot and may sound a bit harsh, but realistically when you look at what men expect from their ladies, it really isn't that much at all!!! And when you take a minute to think about EVERY man you know over 50 years old, they are hard working, very respectful, courtious, and supportive!!! Men were raised right years ago, now they are left to raise themselves!!! I will touch more on this in my next post but, woman are expected to be superheros all day, and a sultry seductress, at night!!

We cook, clean, discipline, teach, nurture, encourage, and cater to your needs and the needs of our family, before we EVER stop to take a second for ourselves. Feeling beautiful, takes more than a minute, but doesn't need to take all day!! But seriously fellas, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that a woman needs to shower to smell pretty, and in order to do that we need 15 minutes ALONE in the bathroom!!! Anyway I hope you learned something, and I didn't offend too many!!

Fantastic Meal Ideas The Whole Family Will Love!!!

EARTH TO MOM'S!!! HELLO??? Is there Anybody home??

Ok Ladies I am going to get serious for a few minutes!!!

This may hurt some feelings but I feel it needs to be said!!!

When you were a child, where was your mother??

My mother was a stay @ home mother for 20 years,

and when her youngest child graduated high school, only then did she go back to work!!

My mother was FAR from perfect BUT...... She was ALWAYS a Mother, First and fore most!!

No matter what, my mother was there, even when I didn't think I liked her that much,lol.

My father was in the Military, he worked from 8-4 and some times was away for extended periods of time!! My mother was left with the 3 of us, as well as babysitting,

no less that 4 other children on a daily basis!!!

My Mother ALWAYS had time to make our business HER business!!

We were a very traditional house hold,

there was no other excuse not to go to school,

unless you were deathly ill.

We were at the table every night,

to eat dinner with the whole family, we all had chores!!

Our parents were strict, but for some strange reason,

they were the coolest parents in the neighbourhood!

They knew every body by name and they were always

interested in what the kids were doing!!

When my Dad wasn't away on the Ship,

he was building small skateboarding parks for our friends,

rebuilding community centers in our neighbourhood, or just hangin out on the grass!!

He was even in charge of dishing out and enforcing the community services, some of my friends ended up having to do!! But EVERYBODY loved my parents!! They didn't take any crap, and wouldn't think twice about disciplining somebody else's kids right along side me, if we were caught doing some thing wrong,lol!!

I truly believe that woman need to WAKE the HELL up and realize that, once you have children, you are a Mother first and fore most!! No matter what!!

The reason why kids these days are so

disrespectful and ignorant to the world around them,

is because they are growing up in daycare,

their parents pick them up, feed them and put them to bed,

or they are coming home to empty houses at the end of their school day!!!

If there's nobody there to listen to their daily events @ school,

where do you think they are going to turn??? That's right, the computer!!

Chat rooms, facebook, predators and major weirdos, who are always there to listen!!!

Parents complain about the amount of time children spend on electronics these days,
but they seem to forget one thing..........

Parents are the ones who are buying these things for their kids,

spending thousands of dollars every year on them,

just so they don't have to spend time talking and interacting with their children!!!

Isn't that why you became a parent in the first place???
If you do not place a computer in your child's room,

you can 100% monitor the amount of time they spend online,

as well as what they are doing and who they are interacting with!!!

Too many parents these days, are expecting other people to raise their children,

but expect to take the credit for it!!!

It disgusts me how many women out there are more concerned

with their own social lives, closets, and the corporate ladders they are climbing,

then they are to be home with their children!! Supervising their actions,

and poking their noses where they don't belong!!

THAT IS A PARENTS JOB, NOT TO MENTION, THIER RIGHT!!! PERIOD!!

There was a time, when I was 16 that I couldn't talk on the phone,

unless I was sitting in the same room as one of my parents!!

Oh ya, you bet your ass it sucked but,

they always knew what I was doing, and where I was going!!

Why?? SO I WAS SAFE!!

If I wasn't home on time, they knew who to call,

if I didn't come home they knew there was something wrong and went looking.

There was not one minute in my life that I didn't know that both of my parents loved me!!!

They didn't always get along, but no matter what,

they were ALWAYS Parents first & Parents TOGETHER!!

A united front to the bitter end!!! When it came to punishments,there were no rash decisions,

they always discussed it together in another room and then came together to dish it out!!!

Parents, seem to forget that

THEY ARE THE BOSS, THEY MAKE THE DECISIONS, WHAT THEY SAY GOES!!!

That is our RIGHT as Parents, don't EVER forget that!!

Put your foot down more when they are young and cute,

it will be much easier to to do when they are big and ugly!! lol

It's time Mother's focus more on the lives of their children,

and the members of society they will become!!

What kind of people do you want your children to become??

If you want them to be selfish, then all you have to do is...

Just keep being selfish and the rest will just fall into place!!!

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A Mother Could NOT be More Mordified or More Proud of My Boy!!

Here's a funny story for you!!!

The other day, my almost 3 year old boy stood up, and put a grown man in his place!! My boy is 3 going on 30 and is wise, well beyond his years!! I am a single mom, (his dad is very much in his life tho) my son is VERY aware he is the man of this house,lol!!

I had a male friend pop in for coffee one day, we were all hanging out in the living room, chattin' & playin'. My friend was teasing my boy. (he really does not like that, nor do I,lol) He would not let up after 15 minutes or so, and my boy had had enough. He walked to the middle of the room looked my friend straight in the eye, dropped his pants, grabbed a hold of himself and said "See that?.......... That's My bird!!!" Pulled his pants back up and walked away!!! I almost fell off my chair. It took all I had not to laugh out loud!! He has NEVER done anything like that before, what to do I thought. He had found his own way to say go F*** urself buddy, I don't know who u think u are, but I am the man of this house,lol!!

I don't think I will EVER be more proud, then I was at that moment!! Even tho I wasn't sure if I should scold him or give him a pat on the back!! After witnessing that, I know my boy will always stand up for himself, as well as others!!! For him to be that dominant, @ less than 3 years old, (without being aggressive) both made me so proud and amazed me!! The virtues he possesses already in his young life, are going to help him grow into a strong confidant man. He is kind, caring, thoughtful, empathetic, honest, curious, flattering & more. He even notices when I have changed my earrings, necklace, and always tells me, they look nice!! If only I could find an adult male that observant. I'd be set,lol!!!

*****Be good to your boys ladies, it will make all the difference in who they become!! Our kids will be running the world one day, don't we want them to be good people????*****

Great Recipes, The Whole Family Will Love!!

CROSSWALKS!!

CROSSWALKS!!

ATTENTION Motorists and Pedestrians !!!!!

Ok people, I mean REALLY!!!! Is the world in that much of a hurry, that we can't take 30 seconds to STOP, look left to right and make sure both cars have seen you, and are coming to a stop, before stepping out into a crosswalk??? (It is for your SAFETY, and lets face it, common sense) You are just as much responsible for being aware of your surroundings as the people behind the wheel of the car. If not more so because it is much easier for a person to stop their body in an instant, than it is for a car to go from 30-60km to a dead stop in an instant. (Let's be realistic here) Driver's don't always see you right away, so out of respect for yourself, the drivers and the road PAY ATTENTION !!!

Who cares what it is that keeps you occupied while you're on your venture, IPOD, Cell, blackberry, MP3 Player. Your eyes are not doing the talking or the listening. So they're free to do the LOOKING for ya. It is what they do best. Try stopping 5 feet from the crosswalk, and assessing the situation before you even get to the edge of the curb. Yes I know it is the "law"" that pedestrians do have the right of way, but we don't always have to take it. If you are getting ready to cross the street and there's only one car coming your way, let that car pass before you step out to the curb. People in vehicles let each other go out of turn all the time. Why can't we do the same once in a while?? What's the worst that could happen? You live to see another day, and maybe make someone smile, on account of your kind gesture. Think about it !!

Now onto the motorists !!! Put down the cell phone. (You should never be sending texts messages while driving, you know who you are ) Driving a car is just like driving any other heavy machine. You wouldn't want the pilot of your next flight to be sitting in the air text messaging his wife about what they're havin' for dinner, lol. Would ya?? I think not!

Another thing that makes me crazy, as a pedestrian, is that most motorists are in such a hurry that they can't wait until you're completely across the street before they continue along their way. THIS IS HOW PEOPLE DIE !!! When you are stopped, waiting for someone to cross, you can't always see the other side of the street. Sometimes people need to cross from both directions. There could be a child running your way, (just a bit ahead of their parents) that thinks it's safe to cross because the cars are stopped. That would be a hard thing to have to deal with. All because you couldn't wait one full minute. It is the law, and your responsibility as a motorist to make sure that crosswalk is clear before you continue!! And if you don't be prepared.

My friends and I carry small pebbles in the cup holders of our kids strollers, to throw if your not paying attention and blow through the crosswalk while we're still in it. I've also kicked a few front ends. Please have a little consideration that we have no choice but to walk with our children's strollers in front of us, which means that the are in the crosswalk first !!! We walk a lot, and are very courteous and cautious pedestrians, and I've come close to getting hit at least 5 times in the last week. With and without my son.

I am not an angry person by any means, but I do feel very strongly on a few issues. Impatient motorists is one of my biggest frustrations. Too many people die in crosswalks on account of people just not paying attention. Both parties included. So please, just stop and look !!! Ya don't always have to be in a rush, life passes by too fast as it is !!!!

Take care, Be Safe and have a Great Day !!!!!!!!!!!!

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Rainy Day Activities, for You & the Kids

There's nothing worse then planning a day out, and waking up that morning and it's raining buckets outside!! The day you had planned of picnics and parks is definitely not going to happen today!! So NOW WHAT??? It's ok don't panic. If you spend the fist two hours of your day doing just a few fun activities with your kids, you will be able to have at least an hour to yourself later!!

Start off by making something simple but time consuming, pancakes, french toast, waffles. Here's the catch though, have your children help with measuring & adding ingredients, stirring etc. (kids love to stir, they'll do it for 5 minutes or so)
** Of course you'll have to do the actual cooking part, but you can have them putting unused ingredients away, putting dirty dishes in the sink or dishwasher, while you are flippin' pancakes.***
This will kill and hour, plus you will have just spent some quality time chatting and such with your kids. It's a win win!! Oh ya did I mention that you just taught your kids a lesson in cooking & cleaning!! (Good Job Mom)

Depending on the age of your little munchkins, you can take the next half an hour to read stories, put them in the tub. Again, choose something simple, but fun.

Now it's time to prepare for your hour of quiet time! Only one thing left to do, get the kids back into the kitchen one more time. This time it's to make some home made play dough!! It will take about a half an hour or so to. AND it's more quality time with your kids!!! After the play dough is done, set them up to the kitchen table with some cookie cutters and plastic cutlery. This will keep your kids busy for a while. You will be able to check your email, have a hot cup of coffee, fold some laundry, what ever you like!! Plus the play dough should last a few days, as long as it's placed in an air tight container!! So you'll get a few more hours of peace out of that half hour of quality time!! Again WIN/WIN!!!

Home made Play dough recipe creates dough that is colorful and delightfully scented. For each color of this play dough you will need:

1 Cup flour
1/4 Cup salt
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
1 Package unsweetened drink mix
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 Cup water

Directions:
Mix first four ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Gradually stir in water and oil, and heat over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring continually. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove from heat and knead until smooth.