Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Playing Safe This Summer

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Summer is fast approaching.

It is time to start making our plans and finalizing booking for accommodations.

Does last years bathing suit still fit?

Is car tuned up?

Does everyone have there designated duckie floaty?

Yes, even mom can enjoy a duckie floaty.

Most summer activities take place outdoors, so reasonably that is what we need to be prepared for.

Will you go to the beach, lake, water parks, backyard, or a city park?

One of our biggest concerns is, how can we stay safe and keep our family safe while having the most fun?

Preparing yourself

Many babies are born during the summer and it can be exhausting on the expecting mother carrying extra weight in the heat and the extra heat your body produces.

It is critical if pregnant to have all doctors, emergency information, hospital locations, and in case of any birth emergency having the contact information for CPR Law in Philadelphia readily available.

If you are not expecting, you still need to make sure you are ready for the energy level children (and yes a husband) have when entering into a fun situation.

This means taking care of yourself so that you are not sick, tired, and ready to paste sunscreen on little noses.

Preparing for the family

For on the go summer fun have a safety bag in your car, a mini go bag.

Some items that I keep in mine are all doctors contact information, a copy of insurance cards, first aid kit,

sunscreens, aloe vera, pain medicines, small amounts of normally taken medicine by any family member, benadryl, towles, compact beach blanket, water, non-perishable snacks, or anything else you feel your family might specifically need.

Associates

So now your car is ready and you have a destination in mind but then what about association?

My husband and I are very close.

My friends are his friends and he knows what friends we have that may be crazy, kid friendly, the family with 6 kids that at least one gets a broken limb a year, or just not right for the adventures we are going to have.

We are the family that all goes together, with the father who plays along with the kids and keeps games safe and fun.

With kids it is good to always be prepared as they are full of the unexpected.

I am know as being “the woman who always has everything’’ and it has literally saved lives.

Enjoy Summer!

Six Reasons Why Teaching Children About Home Security is a Must

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Around 16 percent of child abductions each year take place at the victim’s home. Many parents take home security measures but fail to recognize that the children must be involved. While it’s instinctual to impart lessons on how to react to strangers in public, what to do when there’s an earthquake or how to respond to a threat of fire, teaching kids to deal with the possibility of home invasions is not always something that crosses the mind of parents or guardians. Here are just some of the reasons why you need to teach children about home safety and necessary precautions.

Photo courtesy of OpenClipart-Vectors via Pixabay

Your home security alarm system will be useless

You took the extra effort to install a Honeywell home security system. You even scoured the market for the best system available. Yet you could be missing one important detail:  teaching your kids how to actually use it.

As much as you’d like to, it’s not always possible to be by your kids’ side. Unfortunately, they’re not always safe, not even at your own home. So make sure they can protect themselves even when you are not home. Explain to your children how your home security system works, and carry out a hands-on demonstration for good measure. Also, take the time to explain what the security system is for, and why it is important that they know their way around it. Emphasize just how they should respond to an emergency situation when you are not around.

If you are subscribed to a third-party monitoring service, make sure your children know the passcode. To ensure that they remember the passcode, have them repeatedly recite it back to you. Don’t forget to properly educate them about the dangers of giving out the passcode to the wrong people. Also, most security alarm systems are connected to a phone. Teach your children how to respond to a buzz from the security company, be it a legitimate threat being reported or a mere false alarm.

Photo courtesy of Neshom via Pixabay

Doors and windows are often taken for granted

Keeping doors and windows locked is one of the most basic and important steps in home security, yet it’s also one of the most neglected. This is especially true now that children are more distracted than ever, what with all the gadgets, video games, and Internet stuff keeping them preoccupied. One of the best ways to ensure they keep doors and windows locked is by helping them make a habit out of it. This way they could have it in their system and start doing it on automatic mode. Remind them as many times as you can to lock the door behind them after entering or leaving home. You should also teach them to constantly check doors and windows while at home.

Unlocked doors and windows are practically an invitation for unwanted invasion. Make sure your children understand this.

Photo courtesy of Maklay62 via Pixabay

The basic concept of stranger danger

While most kids understand that talking to strangers is a major no-no, many throw caution to the wind when they’re in the comfort of their own home. Remind them that the old stranger danger rule applies to people knocking at the door as well. While it’s easy to assume that refusing to open the door to strangers would come naturally to kids, you must avoid getting complacent. It’s actually common for children to open the door without checking who’s behind it, as their first instinct is often to avoid being rude to adults.

Repeatedly emphasize to your children that checking who’s at the door is important before opening it, and that they must never open it to people they do not recognize. Teach them to make it clear to the person knocking that there’s an adult at home. Tell them to also check with the adults first before opening the door, even if it’s someone they know.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Children need to know they have 911 to turn to

It’s likely your children already understand what 911 is for. But unless you’ve gone out of the way to talk to them about it, steer clear of assumptions. Take the time to sit down and actually have the conversation. Explain to your children when the best time to call 911 is and how to go about it. Many parents have been saved by their own children, even by really young ones, by a simple 911 call. So make sure the idea of 911 is deeply ingrained in your children’s system.

Photo courtesy of Ongchinonn via Pixabay

Dangers lurk on social media

Dangerous strangers are not always at the door. Sometimes they’re on social media, accessing your home via your kids’ gadgets. It’s easy to assume that kids are on the Internet watching wholesome shows, playing games or simply talking to their friends. But kids are naturally curious, and could easily give in to the attraction of the unknown.

Majority of 10- to 12-year-old kids are already active on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, in spite of the platforms’ age restrictions. Predators and burglars alike are taking advantage of this. For your kids’ safety, it’s absolutely important that you stay on top of their Internet use and that you remind them of the dangers online. Make sure that you act as their ally so they do not end up feeling suffocated and rebellious.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Security should be a family affair

Your security efforts will be most successful if the whole family is involved. As young as they are, children can compromise your home’s security because of their innocence and vulnerability. So keeping them involved and educated is not optional, it’s absolutely necessary.

Arrange family meetings where you discuss essential safety skills. Make it as engaging as it is somber. Above all, instill the importance of staying secure without instilling fear. Being fearful and panicky will only exacerbate the danger, and that is no way to live. It’s especially toxic for children. So tread wisely when instilling security lessons.

That being said, have regular security drills at home. For one, teach your children not to reveal to strangers that their parents are not home. Set up role playing games that will teach them to respond to situations where they have to talk to strangers on the phone or at the door. Also, make it absolutely clear that they can’t announce on social media that their parents are not home. And take the time to create and discuss emergency plans for situations like home invasions, fires, and natural disasters.

Your home is your place of solace, as it ought to be. But don’t let this lull you into complacence. Teaching your children the value of home security and the ways to deal with possible threats will go a long way in keeping them safe. Your children are your greatest treasure and should be guarded in all the ways possible.

 

Five Minutes of Freedom: Things to do when the kids are occupied

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The kids are in bed, or perhaps they’re playing peacefully with the television on in the background. An amateur would see this as a decent twenty minutes of alone time, during which you might pour yourself a glass of wine, or settle down with a good book.

Parents know that this offers them a five-minute window of time to themselves. A stealthily directed pocket of time during which you will be child free. In five minutes, you’ll be back on duty once again. Here are some inventive ways to spend your five minutes of freedom.

1. Pop some cucumber over your eyelids 

Via Pixabay

If you’re dealing with the terrible twos, it’s likely that you’re feeling stressed and getting very little sleep. When the time for your five minutes of self-care strike, pop a slice of cucumber over each eye, and lay back, allowing the cucumber to work its magic. Once the kids figure out that you’re having your own time, the cucumber’s natural vitamins will have worked their way into your skin and you will feel revitalised. It’s not a perfect substitute for a good night’s sleep, but a pick-me-up nevertheless!

2. Indulge in your mobile phone 

Via Pixabay

If you’re often surrendering your mobile devices to your kids, there may be little time or battery for you to enjoy the wonders of technology for yourself. Spend your five minutes using an app such as Duolingo to spend a spare five minutes learning a new language, or if you’re really tired, an arcade game such a tetris might be a better shout. For five minutes of exhilarating fun, you might try a Fruit Shop slot, available to play with a casino bonus from Oddschecker. Quick bursts of gaming will give you time to focus on something other than the kids, and refocus your brain for tasks that lie ahead.

3. Make a cup of tea

Via Pixabay

You might be wary making a hot drink around the kids, especially when they’re playing. Horror stories of burns are not conducive to a relaxing cup of tea. Since you’ve been acquainted with the sprogs, you’re probably running on heaped spoonfuls of instant coffee to keep you awake at strange hours. When you have a spare five minutes, try a soothing cup of tea. Whether you prefer English breakfast of camomile, you’ll find that a cuppa (and perhaps a biscuit) might just be the thing you need. For a burst of energy without the caffeine, peppermint makes a great afternoon beverage.

4. Read a chapter of a new book

Via Pixabay

It can be hard to find the time to get stuck into a new book when you have kids. When you know you have a five-minute window, pick up a new book and challenge yourself to read a chapter. The only books you will have been reading are kids books or books about kids. Whilst the Mister Men series are a lot of fun, there’s nothing like getting into a new novel. For something really juicy, try a crime thriller from Val McDermid, who’s fast paced storylines will be a departure from Mr Tickle and the gang.

5. Try a Podcast 

Via Pixabay

Listening to podcasts is a great way to spend five minutes of freedom, and you can find a podcast on anything from sci-fi thrillers to archeology. It’s a great way to get to know a new topic or reacquaint yourself with an old passion. You could even try combining a podcast with having a cup of tea or relaxing with your cucumber mask. After all, being a parent, you’re probably used to multitasking, and who doesn’t enjoy killing two birds with one stone? For something really leftfield, try the Guilty Feminist podcast – which will lift your spirits and have you giggling to yourself all afternoon.

Once they start to walk, you would think that you find more pockets of time in the day. In reality, you’ll spend your time chasing around after your little monster, hoping they don’t get into any mischief now that they’re able to get around on two legs. Fortunately, you’ll get better at managing your own time to make the most of it, and hopefully, by the time they’re able to drive, you’ll be able to enjoy an hour or so without being disturbed.

 

What You Need to Know as a First-Time Dog Owner

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Owning your first dog is a special moment in life for you and the whole family. Dogs are unique creatures that truly become part of the family very quickly. Their love, loyalty, and devotion are unwavering, and they are the perfect companion for both the adults and kids in the family. While there is clearly a lot of love and fun involved in owning your first dog, there is also a lot of responsibility. Caring for a dog isn’t something you can take lightly, as they count on their humans to look out for them and provide for them.

As you navigate your way through dog ownership, through all its joys, laughs, and even a few challenges, there are tips and advice you can keep in mind that can make things run smoother.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Training

It doesn’t matter if you bring home a puppy or an older dog, nor does it matter what breed it is, it is never too early to start training. Training your dog should begin the moment you first walk in your house. A well-trained dog obviously gives you better control over them, but it also helps to keep them safe and happy.

There are all kinds of videos, books, and even classes that you can join that will help you with the training process.

Dogs Will Eat Anything – But that Doesn’t Mean They Should

It’s a pretty well-known fact that dogs will eat anything and everything given to them, but with that said, it doesn’t mean it’s good or safe for them. It’s a good idea to spend time researching dog food and proper nutrition and even ask your vet for some guidelines to help you out. If you find yourself asking what your dog is allowed to eat, such as “can dogs eat Brussel sprouts”, then it’s best to research it and get an answer before you just hand the food over to them.

Even when it comes to actual dog food, some kinds will be better than others for your dog, so again, it’s important you do your research.

Give Them Plenty of Time and Attention

Before even making the commitment to get a dog, it’s a good idea to ask if you’ll be able to give the dog the time and attention it deserves. Dogs aren’t solitary creatures. They enjoy being around people, more specifically their family. It can be incredibly helpful if you’re able to take a few days off to bond with your new dog when they first come home and then be aware that there could be a period of separation anxiety.

Include Exercise in the Daily Routine

The final tip is to ensure you include regular exercise in the daily routine. This could mean taking your dog for a walk, playing ball with them in the yard, or just running around in the house with them. They need that activity on a regular basis.

With these tips, you will be sure to handle dog ownership like a pro.

4 Things To Sort Before Your Due Date

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The weeks and the days are counting down, and you’re getting more and more excited to meet your newborn. It’ll come as no surprise to tell you that things are going to change, and they’re going to change very soon. Once your baby arrives, your world will change upside down… and for good! There will be ups and downs, of course, however, what matters is the health of your little family. Preparing for your imminent arrival isn’t always easy, and you may well have a shopping list as long as your arm. If your due date is soon approaching, then get as much advice as you can and relax in the knowledge that you’re all set to go.

Decorate Baby’s Room

The sex of your baby is determined between 16 – 20 weeks of pregnancy, so you can find out if you choose to and begin decorating the baby’s room however you deem appropriate. If you’re over the moon to be expecting, and simply cannot stop thinking about welcoming your little bundle of joy into the world, then stay up to date with your baby’s development as you pass through trimesters and milestones. Find out what you can expect from 17 weeks pregnant symptoms, and discover the size, length, and weight of your baby. In addition to this, you can also get updates on how your baby is growing and what’s happening to your own body too.

Sorting Birthing Plans

You can make birth plans throughout your pregnancy and start by deciding whether you’d prefer a natural birth or cesarean. However,  it’s important to note that you’re not always in the position to make this decision, especially if your baby presents in the breech position, for example. You can begin packing your bag for the hospital as early as a month in advance of your due date – you can’t be too prepared for one of the most important days of your life! Taking classes on how to regulate your breathing is going to help you too, so begin thinking about birth plans as soon as you can.

Baby Monitor

For safety, it is recommended that you keep a monitor in your baby’s bedroom so that you can keep an eye and an ear for how they are breathing. Ideally, and for ease, your baby should spend the first few weeks in your bedroom. You can set up the cot or Moses basket in your own room so that you can quickly attend to them should they be crying and it’s perfect for night feeds too. When your baby is asleep during the day, then you can easily set up a monitor to watch to see whether your little one is behaving normally while you’re in the kitchen, for example.

Rest Easy

Let’s face it; you’re not going to get as much sleep for the first few months after your baby is born as you’d like to. So, with this in mind, rest as much as you can. Try to get into bed earlier than you used to and wind down an hour before you try to fall asleep. Take it easy as often as you can, and appreciate that it’s all quiet for now, but it won’t be for long. Rest up, put your feet up, and enjoy having time to yourself. Be careful not to overexert yourself, and avoid any activity that’s too strenuous. If you don’t feel like taking the trash out, then ask your partner or a friend. You’re pregnant; you can let a few things slide!

 

5 Free Things To Do That Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

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Life can be stressful enough when things get financially tough, but when you have kids, especially of the younger variety, that stress can get a whole lot worse. What’s more, the usual home entertainment never seems to cut it when it matters most. While same day lending is available in the case of a financial emergency, keeping the kids entertained when you’re short on money is an art that parents are eager to learn. Here, we’ve pulled together a list of five free things to do with your kids that they will actually enjoy.

  • Make The Most Of Your Garden

If you have a garden, front or back, then make the absolute best of it that you possibly can. Whether it’s breaking out the gardening equipment and teaching the little ones the art of perfect planting, or you set up the sprinklers during the hotter days and watch them jump around while you eagerly sip a cold drink, you can ‘spruce up’ your garden easily. If all else fails, set up a picnic in the garden for a fun way to enjoy your lunch! The fresh air will be good for them, and you get to spend some time together as a family.

  • Conduct A Science Experiment

Science is cool, right? Whether you actually agree with that statement or not, your kids will – at least, they will when you break out the science experiments. Mentos and Coke is a classic. Any kid will love to watch as the coke fizzes up and spurts everywhere! For something a little cleaner, you could build parachutes for toys from paper or plastic bags to see which float and which don’t. There are plenty of experiments you can find online with things you’ll have right there at home, and your kids will love watching the reactions!

  • Cook Something

There’s nothing better than mixing up a cake, eating half the batter, then cooking the rest and getting to eat all of that too – and don’t even get us started on the icing. If you have kids who love being in the kitchen with you, why not get them involved? Whether you opt for something simple like cakes or biscuits, or you get them to help with dinner, there’s plenty you can do to teach them about nutrition too. Why not get them to make up their own pizzas, or have more choice over what goes in their burger?

  • Take Them To An Animal Shelter

If your children are fans of animals but you can’t afford a pet of your own, you could visit your local animal shelter! Most animal shelters are always happy to accommodate anyone wanting to look around and play with the animals for a while, but always check before you go! You’ll need nerves of steel, though – just think about all of those literal puppy eyes looking in your direction, including your kids.

  • Set Up A Movie Night

As fun as a trip to the cinema can be, it can also be expensive. While the tickets might start off cheap, the transport, snacks and more can add up quickly and turn into quite the expensive trip out. Instead, why not set up a movie night at home? You can set up pillows, blankets, snacks and drinks and put on some of your kid’s favourite movies to keep them occupied for a while. It’s valuable family time and valuable quiet time!

Keeping your kids entertained doesn’t have to be as much of a struggle as it may initially seem. Finding something they actually enjoy is a battle worth fighting, and hopefully our list has given you a good place to start.

 

Do you really need professional Forex trading course

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You might have extensive experience in trading the stock market but this doesn’t mean you will become a successful currency trader. Forex trading is completely different from our traditional stock trading. In fact, the foreign exchange market is so big that no one can manipulate the price feed not even for a second. The transparent nature of the retail trading industry has revolutionized the investment investor. Professional brokers like ETX Capital is now offering high leverage trading accounts so that they retail traders can easily trade and secure their financial freedom with a small amount of money. But leverage trading is extremely risky and it dramatically increases the risk factors. There are many reasons for which you should go for the professional trading course. Many rookie traders in the United Kingdom are now leading their dream life based on Forex trading. They are successful because they took the right training prior to live trading the market.

The clear concept of the market structure

Understanding new terminologies and facts are really hard for the novice traders. In fact, the majority of the traders make mistake and they don’t have any solid foundation in the Forex market. Without having a strong base it’s really hard to deal with the highly volatile market. When you go for paid trading education, the expert traders will give you precise guideline how to trade this market. They will give you a clear explanation which will make difficult terms like market liquidity, margin calls etc. very easy for you. Investing money in education is the best thing that you can do as a new trader.

Fundamental factors of the market

Those who are self-taught in Forex market tends to ignore the fundamental factors of the market. But those who take professional Forex training from expert traders are very good at fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis is the most active catalyst which can drive the price of the financial instrument within a fraction of a second. For instance, consider the Brexit event. The GBPUSD pair dropped more than 3000 pips due to this event and the technical traders blew their trading account without knowing the key cause. On the contrary, those who have strong knowledge of the fundamental factors made a decent profit even during such catastrophic market crash.

Helps you to create your plan

Every successful trader has solid plan to trade this market. They never use any human emotions to execute orders. They know very well this market flows with its own rhythm and keeping pace with the changes in the market is the hardest thing in the investment world. So you have to develop a solid plan which will help you to execute orders in any market conditions. You might be thinking how you can develop a solid plan but this is really very easy. The expert traders will guide you to use the demo trading account in an organized way. Demo trading accounts are very similar to your real accounts. Here you can trade as long as you want and you don’t have to risk any real money to learn currency trading.

Identify your mistake

Finding your mistakes in Forex market can be extremely hard. Those who are completely new don’t even know why they are losing money. On the contrary, the experienced professionals can easily spot your trading mistake by seeing at your history. So when you take some professional trading course, you are also getting a classic mentor who will help you to identify your mistake. Stop trading the market with your gut feelings. See how the professional execute trades and make a consistent profit. Things might seem a little bit hard but if you focus on the basic elements, you will find it really easy. Being a currency trader you should have a financial backup for at least six months. If you trade this market under mental pressure it will be really hard for you to pull the trigger at the right time.

 

Top 30 Homemaking Blogs

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Whether you learned the art of homemaking sitting at your grandmother’s table, mimicking your mom or studying at school, the internet is now where you go to find the answers to the little things. This is especially helpful if you are up in the middle of the night baking cookies for tomorrow’s bake sale and it’s too late to call your mom about a substitute or how long to bake something.

Here’s a list of 30 top homemaking blogs to get your started.  Tell us your favorite in the comments.

  1. 3 Boys and a Dog – Based out of Mobile, AL, 3 Boys and a Dog provides homemaking and homeschooling tips, tricks and freebies for busy moms.
  2. Frugal Family Home – Based out of the Pacific NW, it provides easy recipes, homemaking tips, simple and frugal living advice, as well as sprinkling in a few gardening tips and easy DIY projects too.
  3. This Old House – Provides expert advice on home improvement, renovating, gardening and decorating. Its mission is to demystify the home improvement process and to celebrate the fusion of old world craftsmanship and modern technology.
  4. The Hippy Homemaker – This a blogger writes about aromatherapy, herbalism, DIY beauty, holistic health, green living, and more.
  5. The Humbled Homemaker – A Christian homemaking blog that encourages women to pursue grace-filled, natural living in mothering, cooking, alternative health, and living on a low income.
  6. Cutefetti – Based in Ocala, FL, Dawn is a creative lifestyle blogger who shares home hacks, food, crafts, DIY and easy slow cooker recipes.
  7. A Cultivated Nest – Based in Georgia, you will find all sorts of frugal living tips, budget decorating ideas, gardening tips, recipes from scratch, up-cycling ideas and more on this blog.
  8. Artful Homemaking – It’s goal is to revive the art of homemaking, and inspire women to live beautiful and creative lives. It provides DIY tutorials, free printables, and help for your home and life.
  9. Homemaking Organized – Here you will find a little bit of homemaking advice, some deals and sales, and all the in between. It also provides resources for keeping your home organized.
  10. Welcome to the Woods – Based in Minnesota, this blog features decor, DIY projects, crafts, and design tips for your home on a miniscule budget. It also includes many ways to save money, financial advice and parenting tricks to improve your overall life. If you’re a DIY-er, a decorator, a parent, or just like to save money, you will love this blog.
  11. The Happier Homemaker – Want to make cleaning and organizing your home easier? This blog makes modern homemaking easy, with simple recipes for the everyday cook, household tips and cleaning tricks, and DIY home decor projects.
  12. Heavenly Homemaker – Offer daily encouragement for women in the areas of faith, healthy eating, family friendly recipes, menu planning, gardening, parenting, and fun.
  13. Passionate Homemaking – Based in Portland, OR, the author of Passionate Homemaking and her family are on a mission to be homemakers that cultivate simplicity, grace, joy and being intentional in every aspect of their lives.
  14. The Frugal Homemaker – Based in Atlanta, GA, this blog is your guide to turning your house into a home, one DIY project and yard sale find at a time. Christina is a homemaker at heart who loves all things simple and beautiful.
  15. Raising Arrows – Raising Arrows is all about large family homeschooling and homemaking. Amy Roberts is a blogger, author and conference speaker.
  16. Awe Filled Homemaker – Join the family of Laura Prater in their crazy awe-filled adventures from homemaking, parenting, homeschooling and military life.
  17. A Proverbs 31 Wife – You will find posts on homemaking, natural living, marriage and motherhood. Kendra’s goal is to uplift and inspire Christian wives and Mothers.
  18. Homan at Home – Provides simple and budget-friendly ways to make your house a home. The author of this blog is learning to make things nice for her growing family with the skills (and the budget!) she has.
  19. Domestic Deadline – Domestic Deadline is all about attempting to learn the art of homemaking and all the crafts that get in the way.
  20. Brooklyn Homemaker – A blog about home decor, interior design, an obsessive love for furniture & pretty things, entertaining & party planning, schnauzers, marriage, amateur photography, product reviews, rants, raves, strong opinions, cocktails & drunkenness.
  21. Imperfect Homemaker – Imperfect Homemaker is all about Christian homemaking, homeschooling, and natural living.
  22. Mrs. Happy Homemaker – Crystal is a blogger who covers mostly food, but she also shares posts with diy, lifestyle, & anything else she cares to throw in between.
  23. The Laidback Homemaker – Based in Minnesota, get great ideas for recipes, organization & cleaning tips, lifestyle hacks, crafts & restoration ideas, do it on the cheap ideas, and much more!
  24. The Latina Homemaker – Jesenia Montanez shares homemaking tips, frugal living advice, recipes and more.
  25. Gluten-Free Homemaker – Linda Etherton provides recipes & tips for the gluten-free diet. She loves to share gluten-free recipes from a variety of bloggers as well as her owns. You’ll also find links to other related content such as menu plans and relevant news articles.
  26. Biblical Homemaking – Biblical Homemaking is a website about desiring to glorify God in everything women do. It focuses on living for Jesus through homemaking, marriage, parenting, home remodeling, fitness, food, and more.
  27. Humorous Homemaking – Because Managing a Home shouldn’t be dull. Humorous Homemaking will help you learn to manage your home without losing your mind!
  28. Vintage Kitty – Vintage Kitty is a blog that celebrates a fun, hands-on approach to homemaking that marries traditional elements with modern style. Let’s play house!
  29. Simple Made Pretty – Melanie is a homemaker, DIYer, craftaholic, home organizer, minimalist, writer, thirty-something mom of two amazing children, a fur-baby, and wife to an incredible husband of 8 years. She strives to create simplicity in homemaking tasks while providing DIY ideas that spark creativity.
  30. The Seasoned Homemaker – The Seasoned Homemaker is where Leslie helps you find balance and beauty with a needle and thread.

Happy Reading!

 

Tips for Shopping Going Out of Business Sales

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The news is abuzz with the news that Toys R Us and Babies R Us are shutting their doors in Puerto Rico and the United States. Parents everywhere are in panic mode as to where they will find all the latest and greatest toys and kid trends in the coming years. But more than that, people wonder how to take advantage of the going out of business sales that began Friday, March 23rd.


These are some things to be aware of when shopping going out of business and liquidation sales.

Return Policy

Many stores modify their return policy when they enter the liquidation phase of their sales. Most purchases will be sold “as-is” with no returns or exchanges available.  If you are purchasing electronics or other high ticket items, ask to open the box and make sure everything is included and in working order.

It is also important to inquire about any warranties on the product and whether they will be honored.  If they will, how do you go about accessing services.

Shop Late in the Sale

There is a lot of money to be made during liquidation sales. As a result, there are a variety of discount games and gimmicks store will play.  In some cases, they mark up the prices of the products, then offer a general discount, resulting in no discount at all.

The real discounts come later in the sale. However, you will also face a limited selection of goods at that point.

How You Pay

ToysRUs.com has listed all the financial policies on their FAQ regarding the US Liquidation.  Important things to note include:

  • They are no longer accepting coupons or loyalty points.
  • Gift cards will be accepted through April 21, 2018. (You cannot redeem a gift card for cash.)
  • If you have items on layaway, you have 21 days to complete the transaction or you will forfeit your right to the product and it will be sold during the liquidation sale.

Shop Smart

Not all going out of business and liquidation sales are created equal. In this day and age, you have the power to price shop in your hands. There are many popular apps for comparing prices. Download them, use them.

The Bottom Line

“You should shop a liquidation sale the same way you shop a normal sale — with caution. By knowing your brands, comparing prices and verifying warranties, you’ll make savvy purchases. Don’t be fooled by the hype: Even bankrupt companies want to make a buck.” The Washington Post