A simple yet delightful play area can be created using materials provided by nature. Expensive play equipment is unnecessary and may actually inhibit creativity. To design a play area that will grow with the children, use the natural features in the garden and add minimal age-appropriate enhancements.
Open Areas
Children need to run and play. Allow plenty of open space for active games and quiet lounging. Invest in inexpensive, portable play equipment like a croquet or badminton set. Even the smallest of children can participate with age appropriate modification of the rules.
Greeting a newborn child in the big world is a fantastic oportunity to make a unique gift for the young mum and baby. Of course we can get anything out of the box, but we can also step up and give an awesome, handmade present. We have a lot of possibilities to work with because a little baby needs a lot of special items.
Most popular presents for a new born child are: necessary diapers and towels, baby bottle, baby powder, teat, clothes, baby socks, baby blanket, pram toys. Sometimes people give something else but these are the most frequent gifts, ones that one doesn’t have to put much thought into. Present wrapping is another dilemma, in a broader perspective it is a way of eventual presentation that will make the gift look special and is often underestimated. The giver should definetely put some thought into it. We suggest an original solution: diaper cake or baby bunch.
For begginers a quick review of most amazimg projects of this kind of activity:
While there are many items that make wonderful Easter gifts, such as spring flowers or chocolate bunnies, consider giving beautiful hand painted eggs this year. Already established in some other countries, the craft of egg painting is gaining popularity in the UK, as well.
Inexpensive and easy to make, hand painted eggs are appropriate for anyone. Male or female, young and old alike, designs can be customised to each recipient.
Prepare the Eggs
To remove the contents, place the egg in an eggcup or similar sized container. Holding it gently but firmly, use a needle to poke a small hole in one end and a slightly larger hole in the other. Insert a long needle or thin wire through the larger hole and stir the insides. Hold the egg over a bowl and blow through the small hole to dispel the contents.
Once the egg is empty, submerge it in a mixture of three parts water to one part vinegar. Fill half full, shake gently and blow the liquid out of the eggshell. Shells needing additional cleaning may be left to soak a while in the water/vinegar mixture. Once the shells are clean, let them dry overnight. (more…)
With the wide variety of secular Easter activities commonly available today, such as egg hunts and the anticipation of a visit from the Easter bunny, it is easy to forget the true meaning of this sacred holiday. Rather than being totally swept away by the commercial hustle and bustle of Easter this year, slow down and take time to reflect.
Easter is a Christian religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. To honour the true meaning of Easter this year, plan to attend one or more special services at your own church or a neighbouring place of worship. Take the whole family, even those members who may not attend regularly.
As an alternative to attending traditional services, commemorate Easter by visiting one of the beautiful historic chapels and churches that abound in England and the rest of the UK. Options to consider include:
Roche Chapel, Cornwall – Built during the 15th century into the rock on a granite outcrop near the village of Roche, the chapel remnants on this beautiful site often invoke an eerie feeling.
Lindisfarne Priory – Founded in AD 635 on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the Priory is rich in history and has been a place of pilgrimage for 1,300 years. (more…)
Garden safety is of particular importance whenever children are present as there are many common garden items that may pose a danger to children. Review your garden for the following issues and address any that are found.
Water Features
Children are attracted to water. Regardless of size or depth, a water feature may pose a drowning or injury risk to a child. Use sturdy decorative fencing to secure ponds or pools, strategically place fountains to limit access, and never leave a child unattended.
So you’ve decided to make 2010 the Year of the Healthy You! If you truly want to keep your new year’s resolution this year, you can do it. The secret to successfully changing your habits is to start small. Make tiny changes, but make several of them.
Be specific in your goals. Instead of saying “I will lose ten pounds,” resolve to dance, walk or work out for twenty-thirty minutes most days of the week.
And instead of declaring you will “drink more water,” affirm to drink 6-8 glasses of water most days of the week. Purchase a water bottle that you really like, such as one with your favorite team’s logo or the name of a charity you support. You will be more prone to fill it up several times a day and carry it with you if it is also a conversation piece. (more…)
New Year’s resolutions are fun to make but often difficult to keep. It’s easy to get swept away and find yourself with dozens of resolutions for improvement in every area of life. This will most likely lead to failure, however. When making resolutions this year, follow these simple tips:
Forget past failures: Dwelling on failed resolutions from past years will make success this year less likely. Ponder past failures only long enough to avoid repeating them. (more…)
There are many reasons why a last minute Christmas gift may be needed. Sometimes Christmas suddenly arrives or someone was simply forgotten during holiday shopping. Whatever the reason, being caught at the last minute without a gift is easily rectified.
Gift Cards
Available at a variety of places or online, gift cards are the perfect last minute gift. Choose the recipients favourite store or buy a card that can be used in many places. If time is really short, opt to purchase a gift certificate online that can be delivered immediately by email. (more…)
Christmas is almost here and so is that long-standing tradition of exchanging gifts. Shops will be creating a festive atmosphere and displaying all sorts of treasures. Keeping Christmas affordable amidst all this temptation can be a real challenge. There are several strategies, however, that can be used to save money this year.
Make a Budget
Determine the total amount of money available for gifts. Be realistic, taking income and all expenses into consideration. Commit to spending cash only. The goal is to save money, not roll expenses into the next year by incurring debt. Decide what you can comfortably afford and stick with it. (more…)
Keeping a child’s room organised can be easy and fun. The trick is to make organisation so simple that even your child can do it!
Clothing
To encourage children to keep clothing neat, bring storage to their level. Lower the wardrobe rod to be easily reached. Ensure that drawers slide easily open but will not pull all the way out. Separate clothing by category and tape a simple drawing of that drawer’s contents to the front of each drawer.
Contain It
Place baskets or clear plastic boxes on low shelves to contain art supplies, toy cars, doll clothing and accessories, blocks, and other toys with many pieces. Keep puzzle or game pieces in zip top bags to avoid spills should the box be dropped. Use underbed storage boxes for long items such as a train set. (more…)
With the wide variety of secular Easter activities commonly available today, such as egg hunts and the anticipation of a visit from the Easter bunny, it is easy to forget the true meaning of this sacred holiday. Rather than being totally swept away by the commercial hustle and bustle of Easter this year, slow down and take time to reflect.
