Homemade Christmas Gift
When coming up with economical gift ideas this Christmas, don’ t rule out your local home improvement store.
I recently decided that it was more special to have my boys create their gifts for giving to some people rather than shop in the usual fashion. It all started when an Auntie had complained about breaking all but one of her nice ceramic coasters. I was shopping for replacements for her and realized that it may not be so hard to make a set, and for cheaper.
My two boys (5- and 6-years old) and I went to Home Depot and bought six bathroom/kitchen tiles for 31cents each, along with a can of clear spray paint to protect and seal the tiles once they were painted. We also picked up some felt with a sticky back to stick to the bottom of each when they were completed.
Using craft paints that we already had at home, my boys made beautiful pictures on each tile. We added the boys’ initials and the year. We then spray-painted each tile with several coats of the clear-coat. We cut felt pieces to fit on the bottom of each tile and stuck them on to protect her tables.
That’s it! They are done and we’ve made a timeless creation that Auntie will cherish for many many years. A personal gift that will mean more to her than a store-bought gift, any day.
So, if you are struggling with ideas for special gifts this Christmas, don’t forget to use your creativity and preserve the representations of your own child’s youth.
And…don’t rule out your local home improvement store.
Thanks Home Depot!!!
Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas
Author: Treat Her
As fun as Christmas is, we know it doesn’t all come together overnight! Despite your festive face, we know there’s a lot more to the Christmas celebrations than a cooked bird and a few Christmas crackers! From navigating the post to get cards out on time to picking and hanging the decorations, preparations start long before the 25th…
Here are some tips for keeping stress-free during the crazy time of year that is Christmas…
Embrace the predictability!
The one good thing about Christmas stress is that it is predictable. Unlike other types of stress that we encounter in life, we know exactly when it will start and when it will finish! Everyone’s in the same boat. However it seems, don’t imagine for one minute that others are floating around Xmas stress-free…
…And be realistic
Have realistic expectations about Christmas, copying a glossy magazine Christmas or keeping up with the Jones’ is exhausting, do it your way and you’ll look back with pride! Besides, you can make the Christmas tree from scratch next year…
Embrace disasters!
Something always goes wrong, it’s the charm and irony of Christmas, spending hours prepping the turkey then burning the gravy – you have to laugh! Whip the Bisto out and carry on, no one minds!
Know your limits
If it’s getting a bit too much, have a sit down or even a little nap. The world won’t end if you’re not constantly on your feet. Rope someone else in for a while, they’ll be happy to help and you’ll thank yourself for it later!
Surprise yourself
If you need a change, this year’s celebrations are an opportunity to do something that you haven’t before. Even if it’s just a different seasoning on the turkey or slightly different decorations, spice it up this year for something different!
Know when to say no
If you often wind up with too many activities and obligations at Christmas and find yourself flapping because you don’t have enough time for your own Christmas stuff, just say no! Don’t feel you have to agree to everything. After all, Christmas is about relaxing with your family and friends, your true loved ones…
About the Author:
Treat Her is UK’s online gift store, offering extensive range of Christmas gifts for her and Christmas gift ideas for more information visit: http://www.treather.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Tips For A Stress-Free Christmas
Free Gift in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is breast cancer awareness month. What better way to honor those affected by breast cancer than to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a wonderful organization whose mission is to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. It all began with one woman’s suffering…
Susan G. Komen was a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 33 and inspired her Sister, Nancy G. Brinker, to make a change…a difference… to others that may be suffering. Susan G. Komen’s story is so touching, motivating, and inspiring.
The fact is that about 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2009. This is startling. The facts about breast cancer go on and on. You can learn more statistics at Susan G. Komen’s website.
Supporting this cause is near and dear to my heart. Like many people, I have experienced loss due to this horrible disease known as breast cancer. It has forever changed my thinking. It has forever made me more aware and more angry at the disease. That is why I wanted to share some information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
In honor of Susan G. Komen, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Susan’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker, Kidz Comfort will give a free gift with every purchase made in the month of October. You can specify at the time of purchase within the “special instructions” area which of the following you would like:
- A Promise Ring
- A Promise Wristband
- A Susan G. Komen for the Cure Keychain
I am certain there is some one in your life that would love a beautiful toddler size pillow, made in the USA. Or, a Kidz heat & cool pack, also made in the USA. Shop and enjoy.
Sincerely, raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Contest: Name our Charitable Giving Program
Kidz Comfort is about to launch our new charitable giving program. Problem is, we don’t have a name for it yet.
Submit your ideas and you could win a toddler size travel pillow of your choice if your charitable giving program name is chosen!
Examples:
Kohl’s has “Kohl’s Cares for Kids”
Taggies has “Tags of Love”
Just post your Charitable Giving Program name idea, your own first name and an email address that we can contact you at on our blog. This contest wont last long. We hope to launch by August 31st!
Thanks so much
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Wordless Wednesday
If you are familiar with Twitter, then you are familiar with Wordless Wednesday. When I finally figured out what this was all about, I knew I had the perfect photo of my son…no words of explanation needed.
Breakfast of Champions
The Power of Lullabies for Children
I have often written about this, blogged about this and read about this…Lullaby music is said to have a profound effect on babies and children. It has been proven that lullaby music can make your child smarter, sooth them during stressful moments and comfort them in their times of need.
That is one of the reasons that Kidz Comfort decided to begin offering lullaby music CDs to our customers. After all, shouldn’t it be a part of every child’s bedtime routine?
But, don’t take my word for it. Parenthood.com has a great article supporting these beliefs. It doesn’t have to be a music CD though. What is comforting to your child is often just the sound of your voice. So, if you want to comfort your child, sing a little song. As a backup plan, it is great to have a lullaby CD available.
Read my previous post on the great impact lullaby music can have on your child….FULL STORY
Thanks and Sleep Well!
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Bed Bumper for Big Kids Winner Announcement!
We have a Kidz Comfort Winner!!!
Our contest ran from June 8th to June 14th. We have determined our winner with the help of Random.org.
Congratulations to Marla, who will have her choice of either a Bed Bumper for Big Kids or a Toddler Size Pillow, compliments of Kidz Comfort!
I love my Bed Bumper!
We would still love to hear from you…check out our site and tell us how we could improve. Whether it is a larger selection, more variety for each product, website navigation, or anything else…we’d love to hear your ideas and opinions.
Read more about why Toddler Size Pillows may be the right choice for your child: Read Full Story
Read more about Bed Bumpers for Big Kids and their benefits: Read Full Story
Post Strep Glomerulonephritis
Did you know that the strep virus has a large number of strains, and pretty harmful ones at that? I didn’t, but my family found out the hard way!
My 4-year old son had been sick for roughly a week with a stomach bug, causing vomiting with no fever. Of course, we made sure he did not get dehydrated by giving him small amounts of water and apple juice or Gatorade. We also stuck with the BRAT diet of Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast. We got past it and things seemed ok.
After he recovered, his face looked different…but we couldn’t place what the difference was. We thought perhaps he was tired from all the sickness the week before.
He got home from pre-school one day and in a voice that sounded excited and curious, he said “Mommy, my pee is orange”. Hmmm, could he have eaten something in pre-school that did this? They did have a party that day, so maybe the cake frosting did this? He wasn’t in any discomfort or pain at all. It sounded a bit like a bladder or urinary tract infection to me.
We started to “inspect” him all over while giving him a bath that night. His belly was distended, almost looking like a slightly pregnant belly. Again, he was happy, cheery, playful and in no pain.
He went to sleep like normal and in the morning I took him to the doctor’s office. They did a urine test and found his protein level to be very high. They sent us directly to the ER. We spent the next seven hours in the emergency room, waiting to meet with the Nephrologist, and unsure of exactly what was going on. At this point he was more obviously swollen and his urine looked like ice tea. Very concerning to say the least.
We were sent home and told to come back the following afternoon to go over some of the blood tests and another urinalysis.
He woke up with his right eye almost swollen shut. Still as cheery as ever and more annoyed by the fact that he couldn’t completely open his eye.
At the doctor’s office, we received some unnerving news. They weren’t sure what this was, but it was affecting his kidneys, causing the blood in his urine and the retaining of fluid. They scheduled him for a KIDNEY BIOPSY…Oh My Goodness! This is serious!
We are sent home, and my husband and I (stupidly) begin googling his syptoms, checking WebMD.com and finding a list of possible diagnoses from leukemia to a simple infection. Of course, what do we automatically think but the worse case scenario.
We don’t quite make it past the weekend as his symptoms worsen. His weight has now gone up 8 pounds in less than a week. He looks awful (still feels great though) and his urine is still reddish-brown. We call the doctor on call and are sent directly to Boston Children’s Hospital on a Sunday. He is immediately admitted due to blood pressure concerns now. We spend three days in the hospital while they try to stop the fluid retention and figure things out. He is put on a reduced fluid diet of only 20 ounces a day, including any fruit or other food containing fluid. He is also put on a diet of no salt and reduced sodium to help.
We are sent home, but readmitted two days later for the biopsy. The word “biopsy” scares the ^%$^# out of me. My husband and I felt so out of control and scared, I cannot even put it into words.
His final diagnosis…post strep glomerulonephritis. It is frightening…there is a strain of the strep virus that actually can impact the kidneys in some children. It is a fluke. You can carry this strain of strep and not have any symptoms, but certain children can come into contact with it and end up in the hospital. Left untreated for too long and it can actually lead to the need for a kidney transplant.
There are many many strains of strep most commonly affecting your throat and skin, however, in more serious cases can affect blood, heart, brain, spinal cord, intestinal tract, bladder, liver and KIDNEYS.
Our little boy was exposed to strep and showed no initial symptoms, such as a soar throat. His stomach virus was unrelated (strangely enough) but may have lowered his immune system. His prognosis is GREAT. He will follow with a Nephrologist periodically, and may have high amounts of protein in his urine for up to two years, but he has no permanent damage to his kidneys. We were fortunate.
Of course, like any virus or bacteria, the best way to avoid them is to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds or more. Coughing and sneezing should be done into your arm and not into your hands. As adults, we can attempt to control what we are contracting and spreading to others. I know it gets a bit tougher with our kids, especially while they are in school. But, we can still teach them how important it is to wash our hands and not share drinks and other items that have been in other’s mouths.
Bed Bumpers for Big Kids
In honor of “Children’s Sunday” on June 14th, I am giving away one of our great products that are MADE IN THE USA by Moms.
Here is your chance to win your choice of a Bed Bumper for Big Kids OR one of our Toddler Size Pillows! Whether you have kids or need a gift for some one else’s child, this is a great opportunity!
- Entry: Just visit our site and then come back here to let everyone know what item and what design you would choose. I would also love to hear your suggestions on new designs.
- Extra Entry: Join our email list, either here or on our website, and you will get an extra entry.
- Extra Entry: Tweet about this contest on Twitter and receive an entry.
- Contest closing is midnight EST, Sunday June 14th.
- The winner will be chosen using Random.org.
Come see our one-of-a-kind Bed Bumpers for Big Kids. I know you’ll appreciate them! I know I did.
I LOVE my Bed Bumper for Big Kids
When I checked on my son the other night, I was soooo thankful that I had created these bumpers. After all, he is a wild sleeper. I just had to snap a picture to show everyone exactly how useful they are. My son had managed to turn himself completely sideways, jamming his head up against what would have been a hard wall.
Our Bed Bumpers for Big Kids are made of 100% cotton with a thick polyester non-allergenic fill creating the soft and safe buffer for your child.
In addition, during colder months, it actually prevents a child’s body from resting up against a cold wall. We especially appreciate that up here in New England.
We had originally created these bumpers for our own two boys just over two years ago. We had been concerned about all the tossing & turning they were doing, and all the banging and bumping we could hear during the night. At least one of them would wake up from this several times each week. I had to come up with something to help.
The Bed Bumper for Big Kids was then born. It works on any clean painted wall, best used where your child’s bedside runs along the wall. It will help them sleep safely through the night, comfy and cozy.
If you are still confused about how they work, check out this video on how to actually mount the bumper on your child’s wall.
Don’t forget to pass this on and enter as many times as you like.
Sleep well!
Read more about Bed Bumpers for Big Kids HERE.
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
Summer Gardening with Your Kids
It is one of my favorite times of the year…time to garden. I love the whole process, from beginning to end. I love the preparation, the turning of the soil, composting and all the broken fingernails that it brings. And, I especially love involving my two young boys.
Composting
Firstly, I’d like to let you know how easy it is to compost. There are many products out there that you can purchase to help the process along, but I am somewhat frugal, so I improvised a bit. I went to a Bargain Outlet and spent maybe $5.00 on a black trash barrel. I took scissors and poked lots of holes in it, all the way around. I dug a small divot in the dirt where I wanted to place it so that the barrel is tipped at a 45 degree angle. That’s it! The boys and I throw all our veggie and fruit scraps, egg shells, grass clippings, leaves and some dirt with worms into it. Every now and then, just rotate it so that it mixes a bit. Next Spring, you have yourself some “Black Gold”…perfect natural fertilizer for your garden! Here are some further tips: U.S. EPA Website
Tomato Ideas
Now, to the garden…My 5-year old is a big tomato fan, so this year, he chose many different types of tomatoes. There are big ones, small ones, yellow ones, red ones and golden ones. We enjoyed the planting of these as well. This led to a great question…what the heck am I going to do with all of these tomatoes?! I came across a great blog posting at Dr. Mommy Health Tips called “5 Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes” so I thought I would share it with you. Some great tips to preserve them all year long. I would love to hear what else we can do with the thousands of tomatoes that we are expecting.
Size Doesn’t Matter
You don’t need much room for a few veggies that your family may love to eat. Ours is somewhat small and includes the things that we buy weekly during the winter months. It is a fun and educational experience for kids and they absolutely LOVE to eat what they are growing. Classic choices are cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes (of course), perhaps some broccoli and cauliflower. There are lots of options for you.
Fun with the Kids
The key is to involve the kids and to make it fun for all. My kids LOVE playing in the dirt, so asking them to dig holes was no chore to them. They love playing in the water and spraying the hose, so watering the garden becomes fun for them too. And there is nothing like picking their own veggies and eating them right off the plant. My kids cannot wait to pick all the ripe veggies. If you have too much to possibly eat, what a great way to share home-grown garden-fresh produce….bring some to your friends and family! They’ll love ya.
Weeds & Maintenance
If you are not a lover of gardening because of the maintenance involved, there are natural ways to help. If you absolutely hate pulling weeds, you can help prevent them by putting your grass clippings all around your vegetable plants and cover the dirt completely between them. Keep layering it. It serves a couple purposes, often preventing weeds and also keeping the moisture and nutrients in the dirt for the veggies to feed off of.
If you are or are not much of a garden-lover, I have one final interesting blog reference. You can actually eat your yard-weeds away! Did you know that dandelion greens were VERY nutritious? I didn’t, until I read this post… Eat Your Weeds Away: Dandelion Greens. A must read!
Send Us Your Tips
I hope you find some of these tips inspiring and helpful. I am always looking for more tips and hints, so if you have any to share, please post them here.
Happy gardening!
raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
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