Three KidGlue authors checked out Rockabye Baby CD’s in preparation for our giveaway on Wednesday. Here is what they thought.

MORE LULLABY RENDITIONS OF THE BEATLES BY AKELA TALAMASCA

For those of you unfamiliar with the Rockabye Baby! phenomenon, they are a series of CDs featuring covers of famous rock artists’ music. Currently on offer are albums featuring such groups as Aerosmith, Guns ‘n’ Roses, U2, Radiohead, Bjork, Bob Marley, etc. What makes these CDs different is that each song is rendered as a lullaby sans lyrics.

On top of that, this is music with all corners carefully shaved off and rounded. There are only a few instruments being played, with the dominant sound being a chimey xylophone or keyboard. It’s very quiet and soothing, just what you want for your infant.

However, in my listen-through, I came to be annoyed with the approach they’ve taken. As an adult who knows these songs by heart, I was baffled by the loose interpretations of some of my favorite songs. The methodology to this process is to play the lead melody, with the keyboard playing the role of the lead singer. As such, you would expect the melody to mimic the cadence and syllabic structure of the song, but this is not the case.

As an example, I listened to the “More Lullaby Renditions of the Beatles” disc. As I listened to “Dear Prudence” — easily the most soporific of the lot — I sang along in my head. Yet I would frequently hear the melody insert notes that weren’t there in the original, and/or omit notes that were there. There are even instances of new notes being added, which throws the savvy listener even further off-track. While this might seem to be a minor point, for those of you who revere this music — and will probably hear a lot of it as you play it for your child — it can become a matter of cognitive dissonance.

As a purely help-your-child-sleep product, however, I’d imagine it works as well as any lullaby; perhaps even better, as there are no lyrics for a developing mind to latch onto to keep from falling asleep. You can check out samples from the Rockabye Baby! website to see if it’s for you.

LULLABY RENDITIONS OF AEROSMITH BY CLAIRE REITZ

This week, I got the chance to listen to “Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Rendition of Aerosmith”. It’s a soundtrack of Aerosmith’s hits done just as it says, in a lullaby fashion and is intended to lull kids to sleep to a tune that’s enjoyable for kids who don’t know the songs and parents that do. The songs have sweet melodies, and even cutesier with bells, frogs, rattles and other sound effects. There is something eerie though, about playing “Ragdoll” to put your child to sleep, especially when you want to sing along, but the lyrics are “hot tramp, daddy’s little cutie” and so on. I personally would be wary to play this for my kids, just like any other mainstream music, weather the words are in the version or not.

On a plus side, it will definitely make any kid nod off. I came close to dozing off a few times myself. There are some sweet songs as well, such as “Angel”, “ Cryin’”, and “I Don’t’ Want to Miss a Thing”. So, if you’re looking for music that your child will like (and more importantly fall asleep to) and you can stand, it’s worth a listen.

LULLABY RENDITIONS OF QUEEN BY CLAIRE REITZ

“Rockaybe Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of Queen” is a compilation of Queen’s songs performed as lullabies. It has all of the songs that you can think of: “Another One Bites the Dust”, “Under Pressure”, “You’re My Best Friend”, “We Will Rock You”, “We Are the Champions” and of course, “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The main appeal this series is that it’s sweet melody that kids will like, and the fact that they’re classic songs that parents will love, or be able to tolerate at the least.

I have to admit it is a bit odd hearing a soft, child’s version of these songs. It may be due to the fact that the vocals are missing, or just the drums and guitars, that you’re so accustomed to hearing, are also not there. Instead, xylophones, chimes, harps, are used. Overall, it’s an adorable rendition of rock classics. I personally think these songs are so famous and easily recognizable that they’re songs virtually everyone likes. That was the most appealing aspect of this CD for me. I know I would be able to listen to this over and over (because that’s what kids do) and not get sick of it any time soon.

Someone posted a pirated copy of the ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ trailer early on Friday and it was up here for a few hours. Unfortunately “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. ”

The video showed scenes of Harry, Ron and Hermione outside of Hogwarts looking for the remaining Horcruxes and is rumored to be attached to ‘Sherlock Holmes’ on December 25.

BUT WAIT!!!!!!!!

Someone has uploaded not only a high quality version of the trailer, but the behind the scenes footage from the “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince” DVD which is out Tuesday.

Check it out above.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I” is out November 2010.

The news is littered with reports of flu pandemics, hurricanes, rampant wild fires, floods, electricity blackouts, and tornadoes. Even if it hasn’t happened to you personally, it is likely that you know someone whose life has been touched by unexpected disaster. While we must never live in fear, it is important to prepare for the worst even when we are hoping for the best.  An Emergency Preparedness Kit is simply a collection of items designed to ensure the safety and health of you and your family in the event of a disaster which comprimises your food, shelter, or access to clean air and/or water.

To make these preparations easier, many sites are offering efficient kits that promise to keep your family healthy, safe, & fed for up to 3 days in the event of an emergency. Ready.gov offers comprehensive information and includes the following handy list that every family should have on hand:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

While it may seem pessimistic to think about the possibility of your family living through an unlikely disaster, we must all at least be prepared.  If you prepare, and nothing happens, the worst that could happen is you and your family have an extra stash of canned beans and corn to get you through next winter.

Imagine your family eating fistfuls of money for dinner, and throwing whatever money is left on their plates into the garbage disposal after dinner. That is a way more painful image than the canned pasta that cost $2.00 for that one serving, that milk that cost $1.00 per one full bottle, those organic blackberries that cost $2.50 per serving, and that diaper that cost $.50 each that will eventually hold it all. It makes me cringe just thinking about how all of these things add up. On a mission to find better savings on the foods and supplies that my family uses regularly, I came across Amazon’s Subscribe & Save.

The program offers an additional 15% off the cost of the already discounted bulk grocery price when you commit to a regularly delivery schedule (up to 6 months apart). The program is also no strings attached! If you decide you no longer want that 4-pack of Seventh Generation diapers for an amazing $37, you simply log into your account and delete your subscription. I currently use the Subscribe & Save program for Earth’s Best apple juice boxes, breakfast cereals, Seventh Generation diapers and wipes, and Cascadian Farms granola bars.

Browse Amazon’s grocery section today to search for your families’ favorites and start saving money!

Childcare is usually a family’s highest expense outside of their monthly housing payment. As jobs are being lost across the country and many businesses are tightening the belts around their budgets, it is a time to be creative with your ideal childcare situation and look for ways to trim the cost of this tremendous expense. Most families prefer family help, a nanny, or daycare for their children. While I think it is great to receive help from families, those of us who live miles away from Grandma may find we are only able to use that help during summer visits and holidays. Nannies are awesome, and if you find the right nanny she/he can be a great addition to the family, but there is no doubt about it. Nannies are expensive.

Nannies on average make $30,000 per year in New York City, with some nannies reaching $60,000 per year. This can be an extremely high bill to pay in a tumultuous economy. Daycare offers substantial savings, but for parents of younger children, this can be a less comfortable option. What do you do if you want the personal attention of a nanny, but also need your childcare to be affordable? Share your nanny! While this is something that you can arrange on your own, there are also companies that do this for you and offer many amazing perks along with it. See the NY City Explorers Nanny Share Program for details. I should also add, that while sharing a nanny is extremely cost effective, it is like being married to another family. Choose your nanny share wisely, and ask a gazillion questions before Day One.

You’ve got 2 children, a husband, a job, and a dog. At 8:30pm, you sit down for the first time all day completely exhausted, but you’re still on pins and needles because you hear a slight cry coming from the baby’s crib. You look like a cat as you stealthily move into the room to check on the little one, but bump into something your older child left in the entry way which wakes the baby and adds another hour of mommy time to your night. You rock the baby to sleep in the glider and fall asleep yourself right there.  Then wake up at midnight disgruntled that you have accomplished absolutely nothing the entire evening and move back to your bed where your husband is already snoring. Seen any sex yet?

I would love to write a romance novel version of this story where the wife creeps into the bed wearing a silk negligee and purrs against her husband’s back, but odds are in the real life version it really looked like a Zombie Mama in a big inside out t-shirt who fell asleep before she hit the pillow. If you are reading this and can relate, please know that there is a way out of this routine. If you can’t relate and are living the romance novel version of this story, please pat yourself on the back and tell your husband how lucky he is! In the coming weeks, I will post regularly on this topic and hopefully receive some excellent feedback from readers. I have some ideas to combat Zombie Mama and get that sex wheel rolling.

Parenting definitely includes spending money and lots of it. From childcare, to baby food, to diapers, to an extra plane ticket for any child over two, these expenses can really add up. While there are definitely many reasons to spend money, there is no room for burning money. When it comes to baby gear, definitely spend time researching the competition—You may not only find good value, but also some extra money to take care of you for a change! A high chair is definitely one of those baby gear staples that you want to make sure is a good, solid purchase. The high chair needs to be safe, sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clean.

Notice, I didn’t say that it needs to be expensive! When I searched for my child’s ideal high chair, I fell in love with the Stokke Tripp Trapp. It was designed well, wooden, adjustable, and backed by a reputable company. It was also extremely expensive! On my mission to find a better product that would leave a smaller hole in our bank account, I stumbled across the Keekaroo high chair in the back advertising section of Parenting magazine. It offered a similar design and specs, but also offered me an extra $100 to spend on myself! I’ll admit– I probably spent my savings on diapers, onesies, A & D, and books promising to put my baby to sleep instead of getting my hair and nails done. Here’s how they stack up:

Summer is the perfect time for easy go-to meals that kids will absolutely love! When choosing summer produce, always go for items that are currently in season, and try to buy locally whenever possible. Fruit and vegetables that are in season during the summer months include apples, grapes, melons, cucumbers, peaches, green beans, and corn—all of which kids usually love! Most families spend their summers outdoors and on the go, so you definitely want to choose recipes and snack items that are easily carried and keep well. It’s a good time to invest in a good insulated lunch bag that will keep your food its target temperature during that 3-hour trip to the playground. Try the following simple recipes and check back often for more ideas.

Fruit Skewers (for younger children, use Popsicle sticks for safety): Alternate melon cubes, grapes, and pineapple cubes on each stick. Place skewers in a large Ziploc bag along with an ice pack wrapped in saran wrap.

Cheesy Corn on the Cob: While corn on the cob is perfect as is, you can make an even tastier treat by dredging the prepared corn (grilling is my favorite) with a little butter and crumbled Parmesan cheese. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to-go and store in an insulated lunch bag.

Cheddar and apple pinwheels: Layer cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples over a large whole grain flour tortilla and roll tightly. Slice into 1-inch wheels and store in a Ziploc bag for the road.

Online schools are capable of providing all of their learning programs through the use of the internet. What they do is make it possible for you to obtain a number of different academic degrees as well as professional degrees without ever having to attend a real class in person. There are a number of reasons why it would be beneficial for you to choose online degrees and their corresponding programs, including but not limited to the following:

Convenience:

When you decide to apply for a program offering online degrees, you are opting to go through school at your very own convenience, because you are not required to be trapped inside the four walls of a classroom in order to obtain the learning and education that you seek. All you actually have to do is to sit down to attend your courses from the comfort of your own home or your work office, going through your lectures, taking your notes and even testing completely online through the use of an internet connection. What this means is that you can reap the benefits of convenience by obtaining online degrees without ever leaving home, on your own time, rather than having to attend set-schedule courses dictated by your instructors. All of the contact that you make for the purpose of obtaining online degrees will be done online, including taking lecture notes, turning in course assignments, registering for courses, taking examinations and even researching. Why inconvenience yourself when your learning can be done on your own time and at your own convenience with online degrees?

Variety:

There are a wide variety of different online degrees that you can obtain through the use of online schools and online courses. You can use these online degrees in order to secure promotions at work, or to obtain better earnings through your career. Online degrees can work wonders when it comes to enhancing your career. There are a wide variety of different options out there when it comes to online degrees, including online associate’s degrees, online bachelor’s degrees, online doctorate degrees and online master’s degrees. You can also obtain online degrees for a wide variety of competitive avenues of study including business, computer technology, information technology, engineering, medicine, marketing, law and so many more.

The future of education is definitely going to have a lot to do with online degrees and how easily education can be obtained in non traditional means such as through online learning. These online degrees are recognized by academic institutions and employers as well which means that no stress is necessary when it comes to the validity of online degrees.

Each year, after everyone is finished opening their presents and enjoying their gifts, you look around and what do you see?  Mountains of wrapping paper and ribbon.  Why not make a ribbon chain?  It’s a great way to recycle all of the leftover paper you end up with every holiday season.  It’s simple and fun and something that you can keep and use on your tree year after year.

Before you begin you will need to select the prints and textures you want.  Gather enough paper to make the length of chain you want for you tree.

Steps:

1. Cut the ribbon or wrapping paper into rectangular squares about 6 inches in length.
2. Then layout the pieces in line mixing patterns and colors.
3. Staple the right ends together then glue and turn inside out.
4. Repeat this process until you have the desired length of chain.

No matter what craft you and your family decide to take on, it will be messy and hopefully rewarding experience.

See more examples of ribbon chains on Martha Stewart’s website.

They may do this for a variety of reasons. These are some of the reasons to choose a private school or boarding school.

Your child excels in a particular academic subject, or in academics generally. Parents and children may choose a private school that offers expert education and enrichment in a specific subject, prepares students specifically and intensely for Ivy League colleges, or provides more academic encouragement than public schools can offer.

Your child excels in a particular sport or athletic endeavor. Some private schools and boarding schools offer superior training and coaching for specific sports. If your child excels at rowing or fencing or boxing, for example, most public schools do not provide programs.

Mountain climbing and bouldering are not even explored in most high schools. And some private schools offer intense training in the more common sports, where soccer or basketball becomes part of the daily training.

Your child is distracted by the social aspects of school. Many private schools and boarding schools require uniforms, eliminating the clothing issue from the social structure. You can choose single-sex schools, eliminating a great deal of tension and distraction for many students. Boarding schools may regulate the social aspects of campus to outside of class and study time, allowing some students to be more focused on academics.

You want a religious education for your child. Religious groups run many private schools. For some parents and children, this provides a safer and more comfortable learning atmosphere than a public school environment.

Religious organizations are free to regulate behavior on moral grounds rather than strictly on legal grounds, which may allow them to make regulations that are less permissive than public schools. They can also teach religious material, a plus for some parents.

Your child needs or thrives in a highly disciplined environment. Most private and boarding schools are highly disciplined. They are very regulated environments where conformity is not only expected but is required for attendance. Students may be dismissed for an infraction of any of the rules.

This is an environment that some students love and in which they will absolutely thrive. Others are more free-spirited and chafe under such heavy-handed regulation. Know your child to allow a successful experience.

You want a regulated social life for your student that doesn’t require driving. Private and boarding schools try to provide a well-balanced social life. With boarding schools, all activities are provided and supervised by the school, and any transportation is provided by the school, so the need for a teenager to drive is eliminated, and the need for you to wonder whose basement your child is visiting this weekend is gone.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you would like your child to be a boarder. Even some of the higher ranked boarding schools will accommodate commuting day students for those who live nearby.

This arrangement can provide many of the benefits of the complete boarding school package without the same expense as a live-in student incurs.

One thing you may look for is a hotel that features entertainment making the hotel one of the major attractions of your trip.

For example, you may find a hotel with an indoor waterpark, or adjoining an outdoor waterpark or theme park.

Others feature playgrounds and movie theaters, bowling alleys, video game arcades, and child care options. Puppet shows, costumed staff, and indoor mini-zoos are also features of some of these more exotic vacation-destination hotels.

Some will not offer a full-scale waterpark, but do have a large wave pool or a lazy river in conjunction with their standard pool offerings.

For those who are not looking for a hotel that is their destination, but rather a kid-friendly hotel that complements their destination, there are many great services and features to search for before making a reservation.

Some hotels cater to families. For example, if requested at the time of reservation, some will baby proof a room for you. Others provide child-sized robes along with the adult sized. The most child friendly provide cribs and rollaway beds, along with complimentary baby soap.

A feature many parents find extremely attractive is the supervised activity program for children offered at some of the higher-end, kid friendly hotels. These provide age-appropriate play, crafts and games grouped by ages while parents are able to enjoy some vacation time themselves.

Some hotels provide package tours that group the hotel features with local family friendly attractions such as science museums, mountain bike riding, Zoos and theme parks.

There are video libraries, board games, and child friendly restaurants at many kid-friendly hotels. Ask about a children’s menu at the hotel restaurants to be sure they are accommodating to kids in your age group.

Other hotels provide lessons in golf, snorkeling or surfing, while others have “dive-in” movies shown on a big screen near the pool.

A few particularly baby-friendly locations offer complimentary bottle warmers, strollers and juice.

A feature that is becoming more common is family-friendly television and movies, eliminating the need for hawk-like supervision of the television remote by parents.

If you are going for a more modest vacation hotel, but still want a family-friendly one, there are some features you should ask about when you make a reservation.

First, if you can afford a suite or room with a small sitting room, get it. This will give you two televisions, and eliminate the disagreement over what to watch in the evenings.

Make sure the hotel has a pool, and one that is kid-friendly. Ask about a kids pool, and if the kids can use the hot tub. See if the shallow end is really shallow. Some start at 3.5 to 4 feet deep, making them impossible for younger children or their parents to enjoy.

Ask about free board games, mini golf, or dvd rentals. Many hotels make these smaller family provisions at little added cost.

Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis
Generally affecting the scalp, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can also be very embarrassing to those who suffer from these conditions. The itching scalp and dry, white flakes may be connected to stress, age or fatigue, or to genetic predisposition.

There are a variety of shampoos available to treat this condition, and it takes some experimentation to find the ones effective for you. Often a rotation in treatment is the most effective.

Using a tar based shampoo or cortisone based works for some people. While there are mass produced dandruff shampoos, for more serious cases, these shampoos are ineffective. Consult your pharmacist for other options.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that is evidenced by dry, red patches of skin, scaly and inflamed areas, and red patches that will not go away. The most common places to find psoriasis is on the elbows, knees, scalp and groin.

Discomfort from psoriasis can be so severe that the person affected is unable to carry on normal functions, and it may severely limit social interaction in the most serious cases.

Psoriasis is a common disorder, and is considered chronic. Sufferers control symptoms with creams, pills like methotrexate, or a change in environment, but are never rid of the disorder.

Acne
Acne is a common and embarrassing skin condition that often affects teenagers. When it affects adults, it can be even more embarrassing than when it affects a teen.

Acne produces puss-filled pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. It is caused by an abundance of oil on the skin, a common occurrence during puberty.

The condition is aggravated by dirt clogging the oil-filled pores on the skin, so one of the best methods of treating and preventing acne is to wash the face morning and night with a cleanser developed for oily skin.

Many people also use a toner or astringent such as alcohol or witch hazel to clean off the last traces of oil, and then treat breakouts with a lotion or cream made with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the FDA approved treatments for acne.

Contact Rashes
Contact rashes are caused by touching an item, usually a plant, that contains an oil that causes an allergic reaction when it touches your skin. Not everyone is allergic to the same items, but there are some that cause reactions in large numbers of people.

The most common is the oil (urushiol) that is found in poison oak or poison ivy, or the less often encountered poison sumac. However, other plants such as thistles and wild mustard will cause rashes in other people.

Cleaning the oil from the skin immediately after suspected contact with the plants is the best way to prevent the rash. Use regular soap or a commercially developed product used specifically for this purpose.

To treat a rash, the only solutions are over-the-counter poison ivy creams or hydrocortisone.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition, where skin appears red an rashy. Rosacea normally only affects the face and neck, but in some cases can spread to the shoulders, back and chest. Several variations of rosacea exist, including Rosacea Fulminana, Phymas in Rosacea, and Rosacea Conglobata.

Treatments of Rosacea typically involve topical creams, cleansers and lotions that reduce inflammation.

These adorable, colorful Gobbling-good Cupcakes are perfect for kids gatherings or for a special kids dessert on Thanksgiving.  The body of the turkey is made using Nutter Butter cookies and decorator’s gel.  The colorful “feathers” are created with fruit feather.

The Autumn Leaf Cupcakes are relatively easy to make, but add some pizazz to a basic cupcake.  The chocolate leaf placed atop the cupcake is made by alternating spoonfuls of  melted chocolate and butterscotch chips on waxed paper.  Once set, the chocolate/butterscotch is cut using a leaf shaped cookie cutter.  An easy recipe that is perfect for a more sophisticated holiday gathering.

These Pumpkin Cupcakes are topped with a chocolate buttercream frosting and then smothered in cooked coconut.  The “turkey” is created using a marshmallow, chocolate sprinkles and gummy fish.  Using a wet toothpick, you create two holes for the eyes and fill them with chocolate sprinkles.  You then create a hole for the beak and insert the head of a gummy fish.  Finish it off with four gummy fish to create the turkey feathers.

Cranberry Walnut Crumb Cakes may not look like a Thanksgiving treat, but they will certainly taste like one.  For those that are challenged by creating elaborately decorated cupcakes, this one is a great alternative.  They look pretty and capture the essence of Thaksgiving flavors.  As the name suggests, the mixture includes dried cranberries, cinnamon and walnuts.

A departure from a traditional cupcake, these Pilgrim Hat Cupcakes are sure to add the “wow” factor to your Thanksgiving celebration, and they are fun one’s for the kids to help create.  An ice cream cone filled with pound cake is placed atop a chocolate cookie.  The cone is covered with melted chocolate frosting and decorated with fruit leather and yellow spice drops.

To get started, you will need:
• White construction paper or card stock
• Orange construction paper
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint in green, brown, orange, yellow, tan and red
• White craft glue
To begin, place white construction paper in the center of your work area.  Next, paint the bottom of the forearm, palm and all fingers of the child (using a generous amount of brown paint).  Help the child carefully lay their arm and fingers down on the center of the white construction paper, fingers extended.  Gently press down and roll each finger, palm and arm onto the paper.  Wash paint off arm and hand and dry completely.

Now, place a nickel sized amount of each color of paint into a paper plate.  Have the child dip
their finger into the paint and onto the paper creating leaves of all different colors.  The fingers on the paper are the branches, so put the leaves at the end of the branches and all around them.

You can also add grass at the bottom of the tree, using a paintbrush.  To add a few flowers in the grass, use a small dot of paint on their finger to create the center and flower petals.  You can also add a few “falling leaves” by dotting two or three colors falling from the branches and use a marker to add a few squiggly lines indicating motion.

Finally, make a frame from the orange construction paper by gluing around the back edge
of the picture.

Foods certified as organic are made with ingredients that are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation.  Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones.

The USDA regulates the organic food industry, and has identified three categories for labeling organic foods – “100% organic”, “organic” and “made with organic ingredients”.  To be certified “100% organic”, the product must be made with 100% organic ingredients.  The “organic” label indicates that the product is made with at least 95% organic ingredients.  “Made with organic ingredients” indicates that the product is made with at least 70% organic ingredients and the other 30% does not contain any genetically modified organisms.  Companies that produce or grow organic foods are inspected annually and randomly by the USDA.  They are required to have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan.

A recent study at the University of Washington looked at the diet of children in 40 households.  They found that children that ate organically were exposed to six to nine times less toxic pesticides than those that ate a conventional diet.  According to the National Academy of Sciences pesticide residues in food cause 20,000 cancer deaths and thousands more new cancers per year.

Organic food can cost more than food that is not made organically.  However as the popularity of buying organic has increased, the price has come down and some organic products are not any more expensive than conventional products.

As parents weigh the pros and cons of going organic, some other factors to consider are: buying organic foods support smaller farmers, foods grown organically do not pollute the groundwater with pesticides and more chefs are cooking with organic products, believing that food grown in well-balanced soil taste better.

Sight Word Examples

Learning sight words involves a small metal ring and index cards, the goal is for a child to immediately recognize the word, without having to sound it out.  Focusing on 1 or 2 words at a time, the teacher or parent writes a sight word on an index card.  The next few days is dedicated to having the child learn that word.  The child may write it on a paper 20 times, spell it out with spaghetti noodles, squirt the word in whipped cream, make it with bubbles in the bath and generally look for it anywhere and everywhere for a few days.  Once the child can look at the word, and immediately recognize it, the word gets hole punched and put on their ring.  Children love the thrill of watching their ring fill up with all of the words they’ve learned.  It’s a fun, quick and easy way to learn to read.  For a list of sight words, visit Quiz Tree.

Vampire Cupcakes

Vampire Cupcake from FamilyFun.com

This vampire cupcake is sure to be the hit of any party.  You will need gumballs, fruit leather, gumdrops and more to complete this vampire cupcake, but the end result is sure to amaze.

Spooky Eyeball Cupcakes

Bloody Eyeball Cupcake

What could tempt you more at the next Halloween get together than a bloody eyeball cupcake.  Not only does this cupcake look creepy, it has a ghoulish filling that will definitely up the gross out factor.  Find the secrets to creating this cupcake at

Wicked Cupcakes

Wicked Cupcake from FoodNetwork.com

Wicked cupcakes from the Food Network are more sweet than scary.  The recipe involves making the cupcake and frosting from scratch and creating the witches hat involves cutting a triangle shape out of the center of the cupcake.  The witches hair is made from coconut or cereal flakes.  While it may take more time to create, what could be better than a Halloween treat made from scratch?

Tombstone Cupcakes

Tombstone Cupcake from MarthaStewart.com

These tombstone cupcakes are easy to make and would make the perfect centerpiece to your Halloween spread.  Chocolate wafer cookies make the tombstone, and dipping the frosted cupcake in crushed cookies creates the look of dirt.

Spider Web Cupcake Platter

Spider Web Cupcake Platter from FabulousFoods.com

Take the cupcake to the next level and create a decorated cupcake platter.  All it takes is frosted cupcakes, using your favorite recipe, and black licorice whips.  Place cupcakes on a platter and spin your licorice whip web across the platter.  Some times creepy looking cupcakes can be easy to make too.

1. Always carry a flashlight.

2. Stay with an adult, and stay in a group.

3. Only visit houses with a porch light.

4. Never go anywhere with a stranger.

5. Do not enter someone’s home when trick or treating.

6. Wear a bright costume, so others can see you.

7. Avoid masks, and paint on makeup instead for unimpaired vision.

8. Never eat candy until your parents have a chance to look it over.

9. Walk facing the oncoming traffic if there is no sidewalk.

10. Look both ways, obey all traffic laws, and use cross walks and crossing lights if available.

11. Designate a route and do not go to houses that aren’t on that route.

12. Don’t take a short cut through an alley or parking lot.

13. Carry money for a phone call in your shoe!

The first basic to be aware of is nutrition. Babies double in size several times during their first few years of life, and it takes a strong nutritional foundation for them to be able to do so. There has long been a debate over whether breastfed or bottlefed babies are better able to grow and thrive, but it is important to realize that you must make that determination based upon the needs of your own life. So many different types of formula would not be available if it were a dangerously unhealthy option. Talk to your healthcare provider frequently to have your baby’s growth assessed so that you can always ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.

The second basic to be aware of is cleanliness. That’s right – the dreaded diaper. Babies cannot get up and walk themselves to the bathroom when they need to relieve themselves. They rely on their parents to be on the ball and clean up the messes they may make in their diapers. It is extremely important to not rely on diapers to be the determining factor in a baby’s cleanliness, however. Although a disposable diaper may be able to hold larger quantities of waste, a baby should be changed at least as frequently as they eat. The longer their delicate skin is in contact with waste – even if it has been “stored” by a diaper – the higher the likelihood is for infect. Many parents have gone back to cloth diapers because they do not mask the presence of waste as much as disposable diapers and so force more frequent changes that can lead to better health.

The third basic to be aware of is cognitive development. When a baby is awake, they do not miss anything that goes on in the world around them. Although they may not be able to interact and respond as an older child would, it is important to ensure that they remain engaged. By providing stimulation through all five senses, you will be positively impacting the cognitive development of your babies. Touch is very important, here. The more you pick up your child and give physical comfort, the better they will develop. Sight and sound are also extremely important. Invest in the types of toys that do not simply distract, but that actively engage.

As you enter into parenthood, know that your instincts will carry you far in caring for your babies. There are so many resources available that you can consult, as well, that will make your journey as a parent all the more successful.

Kids typically want more input about the type of toys and games they’ll receive than they do about childrens furniture. Most kids just aren’t that interested in whether or not a bed frame is well made or a dresser will last them from grade school until they leave for college. Younger kids probably don’t even care how childrens furniture looks, they’re worried about more important things like cartoons and snack time.

Older kids generally start to become concerned about the appearance of their rooms. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean they keep their rooms neat and tidy, but they might be concerned with the color of the carpet (the parts that aren’t covered by clothes and magazines, at least) and how the furniture looks. A pre-teen might no longer be thrilled with the childrens furniture she’s used since she was 7, for instance, especially if it comes in pinks and pastels and she’s moved on to dark purples and golds.

The first thing to do when choosing childrens furniture is to make sure it works for that child. Is the bed big enough, without making the room seem too small? How many years should it last, and is it sturdy enough to do so? Do dresser drawers offer enough room to hold your child’s clothing or whatever you plan to put in it? Is there enough storage in the childrens furniture pieces you’re choosing? Are they available in the colors and styles that you look—or more importantly, that your child likes?

Involving the kids when choosing childrens furniture is important. Even if the kids are smaller, they’ll love being a part of such a big decision (even if the decision is really yours and they just agree with everything). Helping to pick out a bed or desk can also make a slightly older child feel more independent, and show him or her that you respect the child’s opinion and judgment.

Theme rooms can be fun, but you should keep your theme in mind when choosing childrens furniture. You’re better off not purchasing cutesy furniture items that only work with a particular theme, unless you’re prepared to only be able to use that piece of a furniture for a short time. Car beds, for instance, are fun for little boys—just keep in mind that once they reach a certain age, they’ll feel they’ve outgrown it and want to move onto something less child-like. If you’re in a budget crunch, sometimes you can find great deals on gently used childrens furniture in thrift stores or yard sales, so you can purchase that great car or princess bed without spending quite as much money.

Childrens furniture can be a big investment, but with some input from the children, savvy shopping and long-term planning, you can make wise purchases that will not only last for years, but fit in your child’s changing room décor.

(Photo Courtesy of Danielle Blue)

Affording those subscriptions, however, isn’t always possible. Fortunately, your local library subscribes to several kids magazines. While these can’t be checked out and taken home, they can be enjoyed at the library. And you can even look at back issues of a particular magazine. Alternately, there’s no lack of kids magazines available online these days. From webzines that offer arts and crafts instructions, games, stories and poetry, to advice about boys (and girls), getting through high school, handling difficult social situations and family struggles, there’s a publication online for every age group and interest.

Very often you can search on the name of the online publication to find reviews and comments about it. And it’s a good idea to read it yourself and maybe look through some previous issues or the archives before recommending it to your child. One big benefit of online kids magazines is that they’re free (or most are) so your child can enjoy as many as he or she wants. Use other websites along with your own judgment to determine the popularity and content of online sites. But there are some traditional magazines that have been enjoyed by children and parents alike for years that have stood the test of time.

Family Fun is a magazine put out by Disney that contains great party ideas, recipes, games and arts and crafts for kids and parents to do together. Familyfun.com offers up some great stuff out of the kids magazines that you can access online. Most libraries do subscribe to this popular family magazine, as well, so this can be a great free resource for family-friendly activity ideas. The magazine is so full of activities and ideas, though, that it’s well worth purchasing.

For kids magazines designed just for kids who love animals, you can’t beat Zoobooks. It’s a Parents Choice Award winning magazine with each issue all about a certain wild animal. There are activities, quizzes, great photos and more, all without advertising.

The Weekly Reader is an one of the best of the online kids magazines that’s good at getting kids reading, writing and thinking, and is a teacher favorite.

Highlights has been available in print for 60 years and is now available online, too. This magazine gets kids reading and encourages imagination, too.

Scholastic, another teacher favorite, aims to educate while entertaining, with online books, contests and games.

And don’t forget, your local library is a great free way to enjoy the best kids magazines in print.

Thanks to the Internet, you can gather many ideas without even leaving the comfort of your home. If you prefer to get out and do some looking around yourself, that’s an excellent idea also. Many baby product stores have consultation areas that can help you plan a perfect shower for your family member or friend and often these services are at little or no cost.

If you are planning a baby shower, take the time to brainstorm some things about the expectant mom. Consider having a baby shower theme that includes her favorite colors and foods as an extra special touch. A baby shower does not have to cost an arm and a leg to be nice. Having a baby shower at your home is one of the most intimate setting but not a requirement. A baby shower and the office or even in the banquet room of a nearby restaurant can be just as intimate and you won’t have to clean up afterwards. Many local restaurants allow their banquet rooms to be used for a small fee or not fee at all if food is purchased through the restaurant.

If you decide to give the shower at your home, make it a potluck, consider having it catered, or place your food order with a local restaurant so that you can just pick up everything and set it up when you get home.

Once you have a theme and location in mind, get invitations out in enough time to allow people to plan to attend. A good idea is to mail and hand out invitations at least a month ahead. This allows time for any invitations to be returned by mail and for guests to make reservations so you have an accurate count of how many guests will be attending.

There are many different gift items you can bring to a baby shower. Chances are you will have a suggested gifts list given to you with the invitation you received. Because the expectant mom may already have some things for the baby, try to stick to the list when shopping for a gift. A creative way to present your baby gift is to have it designed into a basket. You can make the basket yourself or take your items to a designer and pay a fee to have the items organized into a basket presentation that is beautiful and can be disassembled into useful items for baby.

Remember that baby showers are not just for baby. Feel free to get a gift for mom as well.

In many states, refusal to pay child support does not carry any severe penalty. Individuals can simply stop paying child support and never have to worry about going to jail or suffering any type of charges. While the state and the federal government will very likely garnish the wages of the individual or take some other drastic action, there is no jail time to look forward to and no real incentive for the child support payments to get paid in a regular fashion. For this reason, single mothers are often left with no child support coming in and are forced to raise their children on the income that they bring in on their own. Naturally, this causes all manner of difficulty for those individuals who are unable to force former spouses into paying their familial obligations in the form of child support.

The cases involving individuals trying to sue for child support or to enforce previously made child support payment decisions are almost endless, and include all manner of disturbing stories and intervention by the courts. Despite all this, the only real method of ensuring that individuals pay the child support that is arranged by the Court is by garnishing their wages or otherwise deducting it directly from their income before it is put into discretionary income. Despite all this difficulty, very few states have any type of stringent laws against failure to pay child support. Some states, such as South Carolina, will jail the offending party, but many states assume that this is a far too stringent a step to take and prefer to take a more lenient approach, allowing those individuals who are behind other child support to remain free and presumably earn money to pay their late child support.

With this byzantine system of laws and subtle nuances of punishment, it can be very difficult to understand exactly what the law has to say and what resources that individuals can fall back on in a case that they cannot collect child support from a defaulting spouse. Understanding your local and state version of child support law requires extensive study and a tremendous amount research to a comfort.

There are a few ways to locate nannies to interview for your household. First, ask other parents in your neighborhood or at your child’s school if they have any recommendations. Word of mouth is always the best way to go in hiring a service provider because you can get an honest appraisal of the nanny and their work. If possible, ask the children what they liked and didn’t like about the nanny. Be very careful if they give you several reasons they were not satisfied with the nanny’s services or personality. There is not much hard evidence available to evaluate a nanny’s job performance, so you may have to trust these kinds of gut impressions.

If you can spend a little bit extra for a finder’s fee, you may want to consider a placement agency specializing in nannies. These companies make the process easier because they will handle all of the pre-employment, payroll, and tax paperwork for you. They also give you added assurance that you are getting a qualified and reliable nanny by conducting extensive background checks prior to hiring. However you find your prospective nannies, be sure to get a list of references and actually check them. Beware of anyone who refuses to provide references or only lists family members and friends. You want to talk to their prior customers to get an idea of how the nanny performed with their children.

Before conducting any interviews, determine exactly what you will need from your nanny. Decide on a schedule and put it down in writing so there will be no questions once the nanny is hired. There are nannies who work full-time and live in your home and nannies who will commute every day for a part-time position. If you are providing room and board, the hourly rate is usually less, so this may be an option if money is tight. The nanny candidates will probably ask about sick leave and paid vacation time, so think about this ahead of time as well.

Schedule phone interviews to save time if you have a pool of several possible nannies. Many times, you can weed out unsuitable candidates without having to meet them personally. Once you have narrowed it down to a few choices, then it is time to set up personal interviews with each prospective nanny. First impressions do count when it comes to interviewing nannies. Problems with punctuality, following directions, or personal hygiene are not likely to improve when they are on the job. After all, the interview is supposed to be a person’s best impression, so a sloppy appearance should make you wonder what they will be like in daily life.