* How computer savvy is your recipient? As some frames have wi-fi, will the recipient know how to work with it?

* Most digital frames offer multiple memory card formats so no matter what type of digital camera you have, you should be able to use the picture frame assuming your recipient has a digital camera.  Some people haven’t joined the digital revolution just yet so keep that in mind.

* Playback is another item to consider.  Do you simply want photos to show or are you interested in other options such as video and music?

* The size of the images is also an important factor to consider.  Why would you want a digital frame with an image screen so small that you can’t really enjoy viewing the photographs in the first place. This is where price and value become an issue.  It all depends to on where you plan on keeping the frame.  On a desk something small might work but on the other hand there is a possibility it may be on a wall across the room you’d need to find a larger one so that the images could be enjoyed from a further distance.

* Price.  Again if you are looking for a quality frame large enough to be enjoyed from more than an arms length be prepared for a higher price tag.

* What is the display of photos dependent on?  Is an internet connection requried or does it contain internal memory? and if so what is it’s capacity?

Shop around for deals, look online and at sales in circulars you may find just what you are looking for at a price you are willing to pay with a knowledge of exactly what you are looking for.  Don’t forget when shopping for digital frames keep in mind the cost, it’s features and where it’s intended location may be from it’s viewer.

photo credit: laihiu

Today, sadly it’s rare to find snow globes as they have lost their popularity as a momento of your travels.  You can find a few here and there if you look hard enough.  My daughter spots them and just has to shake them up to watch the snow or glitter sparkle in the water.  Why not take those emptied baby food jars and bring a part of the past back to today and share them with your family and friends. And it’s a great project to do with your kids.  They will be loved treasured gifts for loved ones since they were made with love.

Making your own snowglobes don’t take much but a few items and some time.  Here’s a list of the items you’ll need:

* A small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (baby food jars are great for this).

* Distilled water or water that has been boiled and allowed to cool.

* Glycerin (Look for it in most drug stores, craft stores or craft departments).

* White or silver glitter.  Make sure the glitter you choose isn’t too fine or it won’t look like snow falling as it will be too fine.

* A dmall waterproof ornament or toy.

* Clear silicone sealant.  (NOTE: Only adults should handle the sealant. Don’t allow children to work with the sealant.)

* A small plastic lid such as a film canister lid or florist’s clay to elevate the ornament inside the jar.

* Decorative ribbon or fabric to cover the lid.

Instructions:

Wash and dry the baby food jar and lid to be sure they’re completely clean.

Build up some clay or attach the film canister lid inside the lid of the jar.  Attach the ornament, toy, or other miniature to it, building up the base so you can easily see the figurine.  To make sure the toy is at the right height prior to putting anything else in the jar, put the lid on the empty jar and visually check it to make sure it is a a height you are happy with.

Add cold water to the jar, leaving at least ½ inch at the top.  Sprinkle glitter into the jar, approximately ½ teaspoon for the medium to large baby food jars.  Add ½ teaspoon of glycerin so the glitter will float rather than just fall.

Line the inside of the lid with silicone sealant and then screw the lid down as hard as you can.  This should make the seal waterproof.  Run a bead of silicone around the outer edge of the lid and let dry overnight, lid side up.

You can make a wooden base for the globe if you like.  If not, decorate the lid with the fabric or ribbon of your choice by hot gluing it to the lid.  Allow your globe to completely dry, then give it a shake and enjoy the snow fall.

photo credit: A Girl And Her Camera

What most new parents find out, once our babies are old enough to sit up and play, is that they usually love the boxes the toys we bought them came in more than the toys themselves.

Curious, what is it about boxes that just grab and hold babies attention?  It may be that they are large, easy to hold and manipulate, as well as being light so if they are dropped they won’t hurt the baby. 

If your baby is a box lover, use that knowledge to help and encourage imaginative play rather than be discouraged.  Although your baby’s sense of imaginative play won’t actually fully develop until he or she is a bit older that doesn’t mean you can’t begin now to encourage that type of play.  Creative play.  Or simply help them develop eye hand coordination by helping them learn how to and practice stacking.  Small, empty cardboard boxes are perfect and lightweight enough not to hurt if anyone happens to knock over the pile.

Another great option is pretend food used for play kitchens.  The items are smaller than normal foods therefore they are easier for your little one to hold.  Just be sure there is nothing small enough that could cause a choking hazzard and they are safe for your child to put into their mouths as that’s probably the first thing they will do.

With babies, it seems that simple is best.  They really don’t need to have lots of toys that flash and make noises at them.  They will likely make toys of their own using boxes or pots and pans as musical intruments as they get older. But for now, let them play with a few good boxes and most of the times they will be just fine.

photo credit: Larsz

Lately my kids have been wanting more and more items it seems.  So, I figured it was about time they started working for the items they want.  I’m ususally the one to take care of most of the matters at home as I’m sure you are too. I guess we moms just do that naturally but it’s time for me to take a step back and let my family help out too.

My kids are old enough to help out with chores and be rewarded for them.  They are also learning about money in school so it ties in nicely with their current learning as well as teach them responsibility.  Usually you’ll find that the younger they are the more willing they are to lend mommy a helping hand but it gets a little tougher as they get a little older.

For children as young as two or three helping mommy or daddy out is a fun way to spend time with mommy and daddy so it’s the perfect time to begin teaching them to do their part in helping the family run smoothly.  Giving children tasks that are age appropriate will increase their desire to help out.  If you give a two or three year old a task that they can’t easily perform they will simply get frustrated and not want to help out.

Right now we are working on taking care of the laundry in our house.  My kids are doing a great job at sorting the laundry by colors, putting everything including the laundry soap (which I prepare for them and supervise) into the washer.  Once the wash is done it’s time to remove everythign fromt he washer and get it into the dryer.  This is where they learn to work together.  Brother is taller and can reach into the washer to get the clothes out and he hands them to sister who puts then into the dryer.  After the drying is done it’s time again to take everything out and once mommy folds or hangs it, it’s their responsibility to take the items and put them all where they belong. 

Not only does this teach them responsibility, and give them an understanding of how much work mommy does, it also teaches them to work togheter to accomplish their goal.  The financial reward they get is no where near the value they are learning now that will continue on in their lives long after the financial reward is spent.

Start with something small and reward your kids.  Mine I have a goal they want to reach and that is incentive in itself.  Here are just a few things you can consider trying with your kids to get them started with or without a reward.

During these winter months toddlers can be responsible for their winter articles such as gloves and hats.  Make it their “job” to make sure their gloves are in their coat pockets when not in use so they don’t get lost.

Early school aged children can help carry bags into the house. PUtting groceries away is a favorite task in our house. Taking the trash out (with some help) to the trash can is another easy task a young child can tend to.

A family pet is everyone’s responsibility: walking him, taking him out when he/she needs a trip outside, bathing and feeding your pet.

Teens may be a little more verbal about not wanting to do chores but remind them along with responsiblities comes rewards.

Personally, I think one of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be responsible, self-caring adults and the earlier we begin teaching our kids how to be responsible the better. And to encourage continued help, be sure the tasks you assign your children are age appropriate.

photo credit: zordroyd

Halloween parties are a great excuse to be creative and make some scary but tasty treats. There will be plenty of candy floating around; so you can balance things a bit with some healthy snacks.

Kids young and old get a kick out of eating Eyeballs. Slice some cherry tomatoes, followed by a dollop of cream cheese and top with a sliced black olive for a delicious one eyed snack!

How about making Brain Dip?

Mix:
3 cups low-fat yogurt
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup peach jam
1 tbsp. orange juice
1/2 tsp. to 1 tbsp. mild curry powder
1/2 tsp. white pepper

Serve with raw vegetables or crackers.

Of course you’ll need some Bug Juice to wash down your ghoulish munchies.

Mix:
2 10-oz. pkgs. frozen strawberries, defrosted
1 6-oz. can lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 quart ginger ale
2 cups raisins
6 gummy worms

1. Mix the strawberries and lemonade concentrate in a blender until smooth and thick.

2. Gradually add ginger ale.

3. Transfer the beverage to a punch bowl. Stir in any remaining ginger ale and the raisins. Place the gummy worms on the rim of the bowl for a swampy effect. Makes 10 creepy servings.

Some may like the gummy worms, but how many will ask for more Worms on a Bun?

You’ll need: Hot dogs, Hamburger buns and some Ketchup.
Cut the hot dogs into thin slices and score the edges (about three cuts per slice). Boil or microwave until the slices curl like wiggly worms. Serve three or four worms to a bun. For an extra-icky touch, add a few squiggles of ketchup. Ewwww!

If that’s not gory enough for you then make some Creepy Witches’ Fingers. This recipe for these creepy cookies makes approximately 60 fingers!

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp Almond extract
1 tsp Vanilla
2 2/3 cups wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup almonds, whole blanched
1 Tube red decorator gel

Cream together butter, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. Mix in sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping remainder refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into 1 end for nail. Squeeze in the center of the finger to create knuckle shape; you can also puff it out rather than squeeze it in for the knuckle effect. Using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle. Use your own hand as a guide.

Place on lightly greased baking sheets; bake in 325* oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for 3 minutes. Lift up almond; squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place, so gel oozes out from underneath. You can also make slashes in the finger and fill them with “blood.” Now that’s gross!

For kids Halloween Parties it seems the more disgusting the better! Use your imagination and have fun with these kids Halloween recipes.

For more recipes your kids are sure to enjoy, try www.dinewithoutwhine.com/services – family friendly weekly meal planning that even picky eaters love.

The best enjoyed romantic picnics are the simple, spontaneous ones that come from the heart. There doesn’t need to be an enormous effort put into planning it. A simple picnic in the park, in the mountains or even in your own back yard.

If rekindling your love for each other is the ultimate goal, remember to keep it simple. To many plans can be a cause for frustration if everything doesn’t go as planned. That’s all it takes to ruin a romantic mood even before it even gets started. Keep your plans simple, flexible and uncomplicated you’ll be sure you have a nice, relaxing, romantic picnic with the one you love.

Keep the menu simple. Romantic moments such as picnics are about enjoying each other not the menue. Plan on taking easy to carry, easy to prepare foods such as sliced fruit, chicken fingers, cheese, crackers, and a beverage, preferably something with sparkling bubbles like wine, champagne, or if you’ll be driving to and from your picnic location opt for something non-alcoholic.

A cozy spot. A soft blanket or cushy waterproof mat will provide a place to sit and enjoy your rendezvous. Take along another blanket you can cuddle up in with your loved one as the colder evening air approaches.

For your romantic picnic, a traditional wicker picnic basket is a nice touch but you may also need to take along a cooler should you need to keep any particular food items chilled or cooled.tic occasions. Keep in mind to that some of the baskets you buy online or in stores now come with utensils, cutting boards, corkscrews, and wine glasses which will also keep your planning simple.

Remember, a romantic picnic is so much more enjoyable if you keep it simple and just go with the moment. You picnic doesn’t have to be perfect; you just want it to be memorable. Take the time to really connect with one another and just enjoy each other’s company.

Take your time and look for the perfect cruise line for your family vacation. Look for family friendly ones which offer built in kid’s play areas where you can leave your kids with qualified child care staff while you take a little time out for yourselves.

This great for both kids and parents alive. You get to have some time to yourselves, enjoying what you like to do and the kids get to be entertained and have some fun of their own. Another great thing about a family cruise is that you stop at many different destinations, you get to enjoy your travels to different areas withouth having to worry about whether or not your luggage made it to the same destination and trying to find it.

You get to enjoy the sites and sounds of your new destination with your family during the day and in the evenings you go back to your cruise ship. But the fun doesn’t stop there. There are lots of things to do, see and enjoy on board.

Here are just a few questions you’ll want to be sure and ask your travel agent when looking for the perfect family cruise:

Make sure the cruise ship you choose is family friendly and allows children of the same age as your kids. Some cruise ships allow children over a certain age only or only during certain months of the year. Also, ask about child discounts. You certainly wouldn’t want to find out a board time that they won’t allow your children aboard.

This would also be a good time to find out about on-board activities, child care centers, play areas, baby sitting, details and rules for acceptance of your children into the child care center. Also ask about vaccines, potty training and health precautions.

You may also want to ask about child care staff qualifications and staff to child ratio. Just to be sure your child will be safe while out of your site.

If you are going to be traveling with an infant or small child and will require a crib or cots find out if they are available, what the fees for them are, and if they need to be reserved in advance. You don’t want any surprises later.

You should also be sure of the size of the cabin, because you don’t want to cramp your family into a small space.

What about kid’s menus? Find out what types of foods are available and served for your children. If you child happens to be on a special diet find out if you can make any special arranges for him or her in advance. If your kids are picky eaters, like mine ask about foods or snacks you’ll be able to purchase on board.

Most cruise ships formal evenings. Plan ahead, if you don’t feel comfortable taking a toddler and baby along to a formal evening inquire about other dining options for your family.

Prepare and asking all your relevant questions. It will make it easier to choose the right cruise vacation for your family if you have all the information you need ahead of time. This way you can make a wise, informed decision as to your families vacation cruise.

I’m sure you or someone you know would just love this prize so head on over to NatureMomsBlog learn more about and take a look at the prizes, leave a comment to enter. I did! Good Luck to you.

Nanette

I change mine all the time cause I just can’t find one that screams “me” but can’t afford to hire a designer. Well, this contest from my friend Nell’s site Casual Friday Everyday may be my way to get just what I want for my personal blog.

Here let me give you just a little info and if you want to enter you can head on over to Nell’s blog and enter.

Heather of GirlyBlogDesigns.com has graciously donated one free wordpress design with header graphic — the value is $143.00. Go check out some of her fabulous blog designs to get a feel for her work.

Now you know I have to enter this one! Why? Not only for the obvious reason – I LOVE ICE CREAM but because as a mom of two kids with very different tastes. One eats vanilla and the other one eats chocolate I never get to pick.

We’ve had Vanilla, Homemade Vanilla, French Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, etc., etc., etc. or Chocolate, Double Chocolate, etc. You get the idea huh?

Hubby always wants the same thing: Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia.

When do I get to choose? With 4, 6 or 8 pints I can get them their usual vanilla and chocolate and cherry and I can get to indulge in what I like.

Here’s what I’d like to win:
1. Vanilla
2. Chocolate
3. Cherry
4. Butter Pecan
5. Macadamia Nut
6. Mint Chocolate Chip
6. Chocolate Chip
7. Pistachio
8. Cookies & Cream

Wish me luck and come join in on the fun!