TIP OF THE DAY

Remove stubborn grease from pans by filling them up with a little water and detergent. Place over low heat until bubbly: the grease will rinse right off!

ARTICLE: Using a "practice skit" to make children safe

We have all told our children not to speak to strangers, never wander off and never take candy or anything else from someone they don´t know. However, it can be hard for a young child to understand who is a stranger, and how they can say they don´t want candy from them. For these situations, I like to use a "practice skit". When talking to your children about this, add a for example. After you give your explanation tell them: for example, a stranger tells you, "Here, eat this candy bar." What do you say? What do you do? Help them along with possible reactions. It will be easier to understand what they have to do. You can use this method for different situations and when talking about delicate subjects to older children; such as what to do if "friends" offer them drugs. Help your children by using examples of possible answers they can give to stay away from these situations. Though they´re delicate subjects to discuss with them, they will be better prepared for life if you do.

DAILY RECIPE: Easy Minestrone!

1 cup diced zuchinni

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced potatoes

6 cups chicken broth

1 tomato

salt and pepper

1 small pkg. short pasta (elbow, macaronni, etc.)

Bring broth to a boil and add diced vegetables. Cook until tender but still firm on the inside. Check for seasoning, remember potatoes absorb salt. Blend tomato and add to the soup. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Serve warm.

TIP OF THE DAY

If your child has a favorite stuffed animal that he or she takes to bed and basically everywhere around, try buying an identical one and save as a spare. If ever the tragedy should occur that the original gets lost, you can bring out the spare one and no more sleepless nights!

ARTICLE: Participating in Children´s School Events!

Sometimes, if we work outside the house, or if everyday tasks keep us constantly busy, it can be hard to volunteer for the PTA or as room mothers at school, and it´s o.k. However there will be times when our kids will come up to us and ask that feared question: "Mom, how come you didn´t go to the school event today? All the other mothers were there." (Because that´s what they´ll say, even if just one mom showed up :) !) For this there is a simple solution. If you simply cannot attend to every school function because of work, choose a couple throughout the year, and then really make a point out of going so that your child will embrace that moment in their minds. For example, let´s say you can´t attend any event or field trip because of work, but they ask you to serve the Halloween lunch, and you can do it. Bring decorated cupcakes, napkin covered "ghost" juice bottles, Halloween paper plates and napkins, etc. Take lots of pictures and stay for the parade. Show your child that although mommy has to work, you took time off when you could and presented everything in the best possible way that you could. This will also teach your child responsability by understanding the importance of your job, but that you still care a lot about him or her and that you are ready to participate in their events in a great way.

TIP OF THE DAY

Are your kids still reluctant about putting your inflatable wading pool away for the fall? Give them a few more days of "pool fun" by filling it up with small plastic balls (available at toy stores by the bag). They can enjoy a day in a "dry" pool!

DAILY RECIPE: Potato Salad

1 lb. red potatoes
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup bacon bits

Cook potatoes, drain and let cool. Slice them into bite size pieces. Mix with green onions and add salad dressing until all is well coated. Top with bacon bits and serve.

ARTICLE: What do I do with my child´s art work?

When our children start kindergarden, or even before that, we start "collecting" art work. From drawings to models to projects, they start invading our closets, rooms... our house. What to do with them? Well, you have to consider the space you have, the number of children you have and the quantity of art pieces entering your house. However, always keep in mind that your child worked hard on the project and will not like seeing you toss it into the trash. Here are some tips on what to do with art work!

• Reserve a space in the refrigerator door. Display one project per week. Have your child understand that after that time, it will be another project´s turn. When the week is up, dispose of the project.
• Take pictures of the project. In today´s digital age, we can easily take pictures of everything and save in our computer. Take pictures of all art work, show them to your child and save them on a cd or computer. Label them with date and name. Then, dispose of the projects.
• If the project is really outstanding, frame it and hang in the family room.
• Save one or two pieces of art per month. At the end of the school year, staple them to a folder and save as a book with the name of your child and date.
• Buy a pocket folder and have your child choose the art work that has to be saved. Put in the folder and keep it with your files.

Some extra things to keep in mind:

• If you´re saving clay, remember to coat it with glue first to help preserve it.
• Don´t save anything that has glued pasta, rice, seeds or beans!
• Don´t save anything that has candy, sugar or jell-o!
• Make sure paint or glue are dry before stacking them together.
• Check what you´ve been saving constantly to make sure you´re not keeping too much that it doesn´t fit anymore.

DAILY RECIPE: Tuna Fish Spaghetti

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons chopped onion

1 chopped clove garlic

2 tomatoes

1 can evaporated milk

1 package spaghetti

1 can of tuna

grated cheese

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Melt butter and sauteé onion and garlic. Blend tomatoes and season to taste. Mix in with onion and garlic. Check for seasoning, use salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add the milk, spaghetti and drained tuna. Place in a baking dish and cover with cheese. Before serving, pop in the microwave until cheese melts.

TIP OF THE DAY

Work on a jigsaw puzzle together with your children as they grow older. It can be an ongoing project for several days or weeks. When you´re done, frame it!