Not all moms are crafty enough to whip up a costume for their precious goblin every Halloween. While you can certainly save pennies by making homemade creations, there are some store-bought outfits that are ripe for the picking and perfectly priced.
Just think, if you don't want to go green for Halloween, you can at least save some green by picking up one of these budget-saving guises for your wee one. Two pumpkins cost about $15 so these getups are a steal!
You may need to be 18 to cast a vote, but you're never too young to have an opinion. This is why I have brought my kids to the voting booths since they were born. I grew up listening to my mother say, "You can't complain if you don't vote" so I registered as soon as I earned the right. Moms and dads worried about the line at their polling place need not. The upcoming election may be the most important one we vote in and as parents our children will be affected by who we support. To make the experience fun for future voters of America, check out our tips!
Put a "Countdown to Vote" calendar on your refrigerator and have your lil ones tear the days away
Teach them a lil election etiquette — we all have the right to make our own choices, but need to be respectful other others, too
Help them make a button that says, "I'll be voting in 2020!" (or whatever year they are of age) to wear to the polls.
Bring along a makeshift ballot for them to fill out while you cast your vote.
Allow them to pull the lever in the booth
Have your child hand in your ballot
Give them your voting sticker and treat it like a badge of honor
To check out our ideas for older children, read more
If you've ever been pregnant, then you're probably all too familiar with the unsolicited remarks that strangers and friends feel compelled to share with you. Until recently, random people on the street were the biggest offenders. One Starbucks barista was brazen enough to ask if I was just carrying one child. When I confirmed that I was indeed pregnant with a single baby, he said something along the lines of, "Maybe you've got like nine in there! Like an alien! And you could be on Oprah and have lots of people send you free stuff!" WHAT!? I think someone had a little crazy juice with his lattes that morning.
Now, my friends have joined in on the insult game as well. The other day one of my girlfriends said, "You look different this pregnancy. Last time you were more pointed out and this time I think you're wider." Unaware that her comments were upsetting me, I let it slide. The next time someone pipes up, I'll be tempted to say, "You know what? You look wider, too!" In my last few weeks of pregnancy I may become more cheeky with my responses because pregnant or not, nobody should have to endure, "You look wider" comments.
The X-Files hot mama Gillian Anderson gave birth to baby boy Felix Griffiths on October 15th in London. Her third child, the stunning red head and boyfriend Mark Griffiths have a 1-year-old son named Oscar 14-year-old daughter Piper from Gillian's previous marriage. Source
Youngsters love to find unexpected treats hidden in their lunch boxes. While cupcakes and cookies are probably the most sought after treasures, your wee one may be pleasantly surprised to find one of these nifty Beetle Sporks ($10) in their package of tasty and nutritional eats.
Tots can easily take the funky bug and unfold the wings to create a spoon or fork for their meal. When grub time comes to a close, the beetle folds back up and stows away for another day's use.
Many expecting parents sign up for First Aid classes before their first born arrives so they will be prepared for that hot dog in the throat or a trip in the pool. As scary as those incidents sound, it is better to be skilled in rescuing than left wondering what to do. As children age, the skill set changes and certification should be renewed every two years.
I'm certainly out of practice on infants and could use a lesson on toddler CPR. Are you up to date on your training?
Seasonal candies create a lot of wrappers and tummy aches, so switch out traditional treats for those that give back. From healthy alternatives to organic fair trade chocolates, this week lilsugar's all about Eco-treats! Whether your tot is headed to a preschool party or you are passing out goodies for trick-or-treaters, consider Nature's candy — and I don't mean raisins.
Dakota Gourmet sells individually wrapped sunflower seed packs in lightly salted or honey roasted varieties that offer a great source of vitamin E. Inside each five-pack ($3), there's a pack of Burpee sunflower seeds to plant with your child. What better way to teach your tykes the concept of renewable resources than by replenishing your supply of goodies?