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The school year goes by fast and now it’s the down side of May. The kids are almost out of school. Have you made your summer plans for the kids?

Take time out of your busy schedule and be sure you have the summer planned for the kids. If you need to interview the sitters and take a lot of time talking over the options for your kids, then do so. The kids are very important to just leave with anyone.

When you interview your new sitter, take time for both you and your spouse to do the interview. If you are a single parent take along someone, be it a friend or a parent. Remember this is for the good of your child you want them in the best hands.

Some questions you may want to ask are, do they know CPR? This is very important especially for young kids as some are always sticking things in their mouths. Another good question and one that you should always do and follow up on is references. If they are legitimate, then they will provide these for you. BUT you need to call. You need to talk and ask question of your new proposed sitter. Grill the old client. Tell them your situation and that you need for them to be honest with you.

One thing you should understand when you higher a new sitter, is that sometimes kids at first may not like the new sitter. Be patient. Ask questions of your kids. Ask them to let you know how their day was. Don’t interject any negative words or ideas into your questions. Just ask how their day was or if they played games, or did they meet new friends.

By taking your time as a parent, and really check out the new sitter, you will find you are not only happy but your child is also.

Reception themes are often more relaxed than wedding themes because they are meant to be provided in a party atmosphere.

They allow people to get creative with their celebration and express themselves. People often choose to base their themes on hobbies, personal interests, and dreams.

Themes also help to cut the costs because a casual theme doesn’t require a great deal of extras. Choosing themes like beach party, Mexican fiesta, or toga party is simple and the food is cheap and easy.

Here’s 10 more theme ideas that will make your reception a surefire hit without breaking the bank…

Star Trek: This fun theme can be extremely affordable. You can decorate the room or hall with stars. You can use black garbage bags like wallpaper and string white lights around to simulate the stars. You can have guests dress up like aliens or star trek characters. Great for Sci-Fi fans!

NASCAR: Decorate with checkered flags and checkered flag streamers, toy cars, painted numbers of the different cars and drivers, or stick with a particular driver. The best part about this theme is that it’s very casual so you can serve regular foods like pizza, subs, hamburgers, chips and nachos. You can even opt to watch a race!

Movies: Popular movie themes like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings etc. can be a lot of fun for receptions when the bride and groom are movie buffs. Decorations will be based on what the general movie symbolizes such as; if you chose Star Wars, you would use space type backgrounds, strange names for the foods, and maybe even costumes such as a Jedi Knight or Darth Vader. Appetizers would be appropriate for this type of theme as well. Playing the movie during your reception is a cool idea for background scenery.

Ancient Rome: The choices with the Roman theme vary. Togas are always a part of the festivities. Serving fresh fruits like grapes, apples etc. are always good, as are fresh rotisserie meats or cold cuts. Beer and wine is welcome for this theme and you can decorate with wreathes, garland, candles and anything else in the Roman fashion.

Ethnic Traditions: This theme require that you choose specialty foods and decorations from the ethnicity of your choice. For example, should you choose a Scottish theme, you would listen to bag pipes, dress in the Scottish fashion and do all things Scottish.

Mexican Fiesta: This fun theme can have you hitting a piñata, serving popular Mexican dishes, mixing a bit of Santa Fe decorative blankets for the walls and many other things. You can play mariachi music or Spanish guitars for this theme.

Arabian Nights: Filling your reception hall with beautiful linens; letting your bridal party have costumes should they wish to. You can also serve Arabic foods or appetizers and pita breads etc. this theme is very versatile and fun.

Hawaiian: You can give out fresh leis or artificial ones as wedding favors. You can serve fresh tropical island fruits such as pineapples and serve those cute tropical drinks with decorative umbrellas etc. Wherever your mind takes you.

Disney: Go with any of your favorites, from Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast to Snow White. Tons of possibilities here.

The Wild West: This theme can be as fun as you want. You can set up your reception area to look like an old saloon. You can have dancers give a burlesque show etc. You can do all kinds of fun things with this theme.

When it comes to themes, the possibilities are endless. Coming up with them can be much of the fun. After you have chosen your theme, you can brainstorm ideas to expand upon it for the decorations and foods.

Raise your hand if your mealtimes look a little something like this: Just as everyone sits down, it starts. Your kindergartner wants to tell you all about a new game he played after Show and Tell, your second grader is bursting to tell you about how she won the class Spelling Bee, and your husband would like to get a word in edgewise about his day. And where does that leave you? Without even a 15 second slot to tell anyone about what you got accomplished, or any accolades you got at work.

Whew! Scenarios like this are not uncommon in today’s busy households. With everyone doing so much during the day, sharing these experiences during dinner is a great way to swap news and bond.

Structuring the conversation, especially with children at the table, can be a bit tricky sometimes, and that’s where the idea of the Round-Robin Mealtime comes in. Prepare to be amazed at the simplicity of it all.

Instead of everyone clamoring to be heard, introduce the concept of ‘the baton’. The baton could be anything – a salt-shaker, a wooden spoon or, if you’re feeling especially whimsical, a magic wand. The rule is that whoever is in possession of the baton has the floor. Equally important is the idea that while someone is speaking everyone else has to listen. No exceptions.

Imagine your 5-year old’s glee at getting his turn with the baton. He can enthrall everyone about his day constructing Play-Doh dinosaurs and learning his numbers. He’ll be telling the entire family about his day and feel that inner glow that everyone is listening to what he has to say.

There’s just one more rule, and that is to set a time limit for holding the baton. Pass the baton to your 13-year old daughter and you’ll be sitting at the table all night as she regales the family with every detail of her best friend Tanya’s new boyfriend’s leather jacket.

Yikes! Conversely, your 6-year old, who is as shy as a bunny when all eyes are on him, might be hard pressed to make it 30 seconds before passing the baton off to someone else. Encourage him to speak up! By setting limits, no one talks too long, or too little. Five minutes should be enough to get all the important stuff in, and a few trivial things too.

You can also try setting a topic for discussion. Asking everyone where the family should go on the next vacation is guaranteed to get a conversation started. Using the Round-Robin technique is a great way to discuss important issues and get everyone’s opinion weighed in. You could also talk about what is on the planner for this weekend, or do something fun like playing ‘Getting To Know You’. This is a great game for dinnertime, and works well with the Round-Robin format.

It’s not hard to figure out. Someone picks a question, such as “What is your favorite movie, and why?”, and everyone goes around answering the question. You can also spice things up by asking about embarrassing moments, what their biggest challenge has been, etc. It’s a great way to get everyone talking and laughing during dinner, and using the Round-Robin format will ensure everyone gets to participate.

Round-Robin Mealtimes give everyone a chance to talk and be important, and also teaches the importance of active listening. It’s a great way for everyone to be involved in the dinnertime conversation!

Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill

The last few years have seen a dramatic rise in neighbourhood disputes ranging from an excess of noise (TV, radio, pets, parties), boundary walls and fences, the lack of garden maintenance and even children. Most disagreements are minor; however some have escalated into major conflicts, and even violence. The good news is that there are techniques to reduce and manage this neighbourhood conflict. This article aims to provide an excellent approach to the prevention of such altercations with your residential neighbours.

Moving house in undoubtedly a very stressful business especially if it involves travelling and starting fresh life’s in a new town, city, or even country. Therefore if you follow the guidelines in this article on how to become a good neighbour, it gives you one less major concern on arrival to your new home.

The first step upon arrival in a new community is to make a concerted effort to introduce yourself (and family) to the houses in the close proximity. Being approachable from the start will definitely make it easier to manage potential disputes in the future, together with the added benefit of their local expertise and information. This opening introduction will also present valuable insights into their prospective lifestyles i.e. quiet evenings, party animals, night shifts etc. This initial briefing/ conversation will help you become considerate of their needs/ lifestyle, whilst they become aware of your requirements. Particular attention in early discussions should involve the common sources of neighbour conflict including noise disturbance, wall vibration, pet problems, land rights, or parking disputes.

Good neighbours will generally keep noise to a minimum between 8pm and 8am, keep vibrating household appliances (washing machine, TV, speakers) away from shared walls, and ensure control of their pet’s and children. If you’re planning a party, make sure to give your neighbours plenty of advance warning, leave a telephone number for contact purposes if they require you to quieten down. Alternatively you could invite them along! Good neighbours will always stick to the agreed arrangements, and will make sure the guests are considerate when leaving the house.

Other neighbourly good practice include the proper maintenance of your garden, comprising of regular weeding, cutting the lawn, and generally keeping rubbish to a minimum. Other garden activities such as playing sport, barbecues or bonfires should be managed in an orderly fashion including thinking about the bonfire’s position, smoke and noise levels, and generally keeping disturbances to a minimum.

Other neighbourly traits to consider include putting the rubbish out on the correct collection day in order not to attract vermin or block other people’s access. Leaving rubbish out unnecessarily can carry a fine so make you use your wheelie bin or communal bin area.

Lastly, make sure that you communicate well with your neighbours. Keep them informed of anything you are planning that may affect them, and be prepared to discuss any problems in order to reach a compromise. However, if you keep to the guidelines outlined within this short article, you should not have any problems with neighbours. You never know, your neighbours might become some of your closest friends.

There is plenty of scientific research that proves that a Child’s environment directly affects their intelligence. I began teaching music and movement to young children and their families almost a decade ago before I had any children of my own. I became a certified teacher and began building a family studio. The concept of early childhood music classes for me was interesting and fun, but it wasn’t until I saw the effects my own children received from being involved in those classes that I become a passionate advocate for immersing children in a world of music as soon as humanly possible.

Children are naturally drawn to music. It makes perfect sense that a child’s first language is actually music. They have been listening to the rhythm and melody of their mother’s voice since the fourth month after conception. There are four essential things that music education does for your child’s overall intelligence.

Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy, mathematics and science.

Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC song to learn your ABC’s? Studying music helps children establish good listening habits, which are essential for achievement in school.

Overall, music activities are perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes movement, stimulates the brain and fosters physical coordination – all in a group setting that builds community – a holistic experience.

There are many options for you when thinking about adding music into your child’s routine. Play good quality music at home during their play time. Not top 40 music but good classical music that has pitch and rhythm. Give them a pair of rhythm sticks to spontaneously play along to the beat. Many local libraries have free music and story hours that you can add into your weekly routine. Seek out a certified instructor and find out about classes in your local area. I have found that if you are going to spend money on any extra special things for your kids, this is a fabulous place to start. Be proactive in developing a cultural rich environment for your children with great music and books. You will find that your effort will pay off as your children develop into well rounded young adults.

Knitting. It’s such fun! If ever there was a hobby that just keeps getting better, it has to be knitting!

Even if you’re “just looking”, knitting is so enticing; what with the plethora of luscious yarns, accessories, and patterns which are readily available to all of us.

Take yarns, for instance. Every day there is something new! Don’t try to keep up; no one can. Just open a knitting magazine, find a yarn you love and have some fun! That’s the secret, you know. Find a yarn in a color that’s dazzling and knit up something in a simple pattern. You can’t lose!

Cashmere, cotton, bamboo, corn fiber, silk, handspun, organic, merino, baby alpaca, wool, linen, mohair, acrylics, nylon, and on and on, the list never gets any smaller and neither does my knitting wish list. You know, all those patterns you bookmark, so that some day soon, you might actually get around to knitting one of them.

But, back to that little secret about knitting. You know, what I mentioned a few paragraphs ago; knitting things in simple stitches. Simple stitches abound, so never fear that there are only so many to go around, like all those TV reruns we love to watch.

Did you know there are many different ‘knit and purl’ stitches to learn, and no two look alike? Forget that old stockinette stitch; by combining the knit stitch with the purl stitch, you can create all sorts of knitted wonders. From moss stitches, to little flags, basketweaves, diamonds, hearts, mock cables, gingham, blocks, all the way to patterns within patterns.

If you don’t like ‘knit and purl’, then learn lace knitting. Pretty combinations of knit two togethers and yarn-overs, produce zig zags, waves, eyelets, lacy ribs, feather stitch, leaf lace, ladders, ferns, window designs, all created with a few precise knitting stitches that follow a pattern.

Then, there are cable stitches. These are truly fun and challenging! From simple cross-over cable stitches, to intricate celtic designs, to braiding or medallion, you will look like knitting’s ultimate expert!

Let’s not forget ribbing. Single or double ribbing, openwork, or something called ‘rick rack’, there are varied ways to knit up rib designs as well. Easy to follow designs make the simple look complicated!

Last, but never least, who could forget the textured stitches? Bubbles and bobbles, popcorn stitches, honeycomb, smocking, dimples, acorns, knot stitches, bridal veil, vines, rosettes, trellis, cross-stitch, to dropped stitches, too!

So, don’t be put off by what looks like it’s “too difficult.” That’s the secret of knitting!

If you started knitting today, you would be knitting into the future forever! And, if you ask me, there’s no place like knitting!

On a Bed:

This is the most traditional and expected way to use a quilt. Since there is now a HUGE variety of quilt styles, from ultra-modern to 30’s prints, to civil war era (with reproduction fabrics!) they can compliment any bedroom style.

As always, colors are important! The quilt style can be a secondary consideration if the colors are “just right”. Also, what an easy re-do when the seasons change! Just put a different quilt on your bed.

On a Wall:

Some quilts are designed to be displayed on a wall. They can be traditional quilt patterns, or pictorial quilts. They are constructed with a special “sleeve” that is a basic tube running all along the back of the quilt. It is made to have a rod of some type to run through it and make it easy and practical to hang on the wall. Any quilt can be retro-fitted with a sleeve, and because it will never show, so it does not have to match the front in any way.

Many of these wall quilts can get quite fancy, with embellishments such as beads, etc. adding to the attractiveness and excitement of them.

On a Table:

Quilts can double as tablecloths. Because of the possibility of permanent food stains, I would recommend covering with a transparent plastic to protect the quilt!

For a side table, there are special quilted “runners”. They are long skinny (usually one block repeated in a row) quilts. Typically they are constructed on a holiday theme, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

In the Living Room:

Special smaller quilts, called lap quilts are stars in the living room. Not only are they beautiful and colorful, but they are made to cuddle up under when the temperature is low. They can be draped over the arms or backs of chairs or couches. I like to roll mine up (instead of folding) and have them sticking out of a large basket.

In the Baby’s Room:

Smaller size quilts in a HUGE variety of fabrics and designs are available for babies and small children. Plus they are usually made clearly either for a boy or a girl, so selection is easy. Because they are basically the same size as a lap quilt, they can be used for years.

Some are actually constructed to be used to play with the children. A special type is called an “I Spy” quilt. The idea is that each square has a specific SOMETHING…bug, train, apple, etc., whatever the quiltmaker wanted to put in there. You say to the child…”I spy an apple”. Then they get to look on the quilt to find the apple. These quilts are lots of fun, and great to use for a nap after the game.

So where do you find these quilts to decorate with? Not so easy unless you know lots of grandma’s! (Just kidding, grandma’s). Actually because of the recent innovation and increasing use of the long-arm quilting machines, quilts are becoming more available for sale. Quilters don’t have to spend months hand quilting to finish a quilt.

I would like to invite you to browse the quilts for sale (all sizes) at www.BuyAQuilt.com You will find the contact information right there to communicate with the quilt maker if you see something that would be perfect to decorate with.

About the Author:

Levada Pendry © 2006 http://www.BuyAQuilt.com You are free to use or distribute this article in any way that you wish, as long as this signature area is left intact.
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Concrete counter tops are quickly becoming the favorite of many because of their unusual construction, the way they can conform to almost any shape, their durability and their actual beauty. Maintaining and preserving the beauty of these counter tops will take some special care, however.

Just like any other counter top out there, concrete is not beyond damage. With this in mind, it is very important to care for them as directed to ensure they look as great in year 10 as they do on day one.

Basic maintenance advice for these counter tops includes:

* Play it smart. Concrete is very durable, but it isn’t beyond damage. Considering this, it is a very good idea to try and avoid dropping heavy objects on them or even placing overly heavy items on their tops. Harsh hits can cause cracking, which can lead to other problems.

* Don’t play with knives. While concrete generally won’t be damaged by cutting directly on its surface, the sealer used to protect the counters might be. It’s not a good idea to cut directly on these counters because of this. Use a cutting board to protect the sealer, and even the knives used for cutting!

* Keep it cool. Again, concrete doesn’t easily damage due to heat, but the sealer might. It is always very smart, no matter the kind of counter top purchased, to go ahead and use hotplates or pads to protect the surface from damage. If something very hot does come in contact with the countertops, check for worn spots in the sealer.

* Clean up staining spills right away. Concrete doesn’t stain, but its sealer can. To avoid permanent discoloration, try and clean up spills right away. Wipe them up with a basic sponge or clean cloth.

* Reseal as necessary. There is no hard and fast rule on how often these counter tops should be resealed. It is a good idea to do this every so often, however, or when worn spots appear. Counters with hairline cracks should be resealed immediately.

Keeping concrete counter tops clean can extend their lifespan greatly. With this in mind, here are the basic cleaning instructions:

* Basic cleaning. Make sure to clean up spills as quickly as possible and do routine cleaning as needed. Generally, soapy, warm water and a clean cloth is all that’s necessary to keep these counter looking good. Avoid using abrasive items to clean these counters. Instead, use a normal sponge or cloth.

* Heavy cleaning. If heavier cleaning is necessary, find a cleaner made for these counter tops or at least a neutral pH cleanser to protect the sealer. Anything that has bleach or ammonia in it should not be used. Heavy cleaning likely will not be necessary if spills are cleaned up right away and basic wash downs take place on a regular basis.

Concrete counter tops can be incredibly beautiful and amazingly durable. Caring for them correctly is very important for extending their potential lifespan. If improper use damages the sealer, problems can arise. Be certain to follow instructions for proper care of these counters to extend their life while maintaining their beauty.

About the Author:

Still looking for the perfect counter tops? Try visiting http://www.typesofcountertops.com - a website that specializes in providing counter top advice, tips and resources including information on concrete countertops.
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Laundry can be a huge time sucker and it’s the task many Moms dread most. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips to help you tame the laundry beast.

Minimize

Minimize the amount of laundry you do by creating new standards of “dirty”. If you wear a pair of jeans for two hours then put on your shorts, are the jeans dirty? Not in my house. Pajamas put on a clean body at night after a bath and worn once aren’t dirty either. Ditto for a towel that blots a freshly scrubbed body. Teach your kids that dirty means it has food or obvious dirt marks on it. The exception? Underwear of course!

Minimize sorting by putting a hamper in each bedroom that has 3 slots. One for whites, one for darks, one for mixed colors. For kids that are very young, try cutting out a large circle from construction paper for each category. Tape these on the wall above the hamper to show where to put each color. Alternately, you could buy inexpensive colored bins that match laundry colors.

Train your kids to bring you their dirty laundry at the beginning of each day or at some other time you choose. Don’t turn socks right side out for laundering. Show your family members how to take off their socks without bunching them into an inside out ball. If they don’t choose to listen to your sock lessons, let them turn their own socks right side out.

You may be able to minimize sorting even more by washing more clothes together. Many times light colors can go into the wash with mixed colors if you use cold water and the items aren’t brand new. Typically only cheap clothing fades anyway so buy your kid’s clothing from the nicer stores. It will last longer and wash well.

Some important questions to ponder: Do underwear need to be “folded” or can they be neatly placed flat in drawers? What about small T shirts and shorts? Do socks need to be matched up or can they be thrown into plastic boxes in a drawer and matched up by the wearer? Important questions, these!

Delegate

In some homes, the person who dirties the laundry is responsible for taking the laundry to the washing up area. If clothing doesn’t make it there (meaning it’s stuffed under beds, in corners of closets or otherwise lying on the floor), it doesn’t get washed. Natural consequences work well for laundry. The first time your daughter doesn’t have her favorite shirt that she just has to wear to the mall, she’ll remember to get it to the laundry room. When hubby has no boxers, he may be motivated to get them in the hamper too. Developing “laundry on the floor blindness” is helpful for a Mom!

Older kids can be taught how to use the washing machine and dryer. Kids ages 2 and up can help with folding and getting clean laundry to their dressers. Even a toddler can “match corners” to fold washcloths and put their undies and socks in dresser drawers. Most youngsters think folding laundry is fun. Keep this myth going with them as long as humanly possible!

Don’t Procrastinate

Some tasks don’t take longer to complete if you procrastinate a bit. Vacuuming, for instance, takes roughly the same amount of time to complete whether you do it daily or weekly. Laundry is not one of these chores. Doing a load of laundry a day is preferable to tackling a mountain of dirty clothes that have set in stains, bad odors and maybe even mildew. Be sure to finish the job completely- putting the load into the dryer quickly so the clothes don’t sour. Then remove from the dryer promptly for folding so they don’t wrinkle.

As long as we continue to eat, sweat and move about, we’ll have to deal with laundry. Hopefully these tips will help you spend a little less time dealing with the repercussions of being human!

About the Author:

Carrie Lauth is the host of http://www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com. For more housekeeping with kids tips, visit http://www.natural-moms.com/homekeeping_organization.html
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