Having a happy summer home requires a leader, a visionary, or perhaps a mom to keep everything under control and flowing. Summer can be an easy time of the year, but it has it own challenges. Keep the following in mind to have a happy summer home. Realize that each person may have a different vision of summer. It is important to have a family meeting to determine what the expectations are for summer. Dad might want to spend most of the time working outside on projects, while Mom might want to do day trips, and the kids just want … Continue reading →

My husband and I have frequent talks about how we can protect our kids from the dangers of technology, including the Internet. We want to make sure that they don’t become victims of any pedophiles or other predators that are out there, or come across images or text that would harm them. While we do put some pictures of them on Facebook, we use the full security controls to ensure that only the friends and family that we want to have access to the photos of our kids can see them. Of course, these are wholesome images of them doing … Continue reading →

It was bound to come to this. The US postal service is an independent bit of the government that while subject to government rules and regulation is not supported by government funds or tax dollars. For years it has been hurting financially, and is now requesting to be allowed to make some changes to help reduce that debt. USPS asked the Postal Regulatory Commission for a number of changes that may affect when and how you get your mail. One of the items for change is the standard delivery service. Currently set at two days, it would be changed to … Continue reading →

So you want to be on a reality show? Chances are if you are determined, you will land on one. That is because there are now dozens of reality shows in the works, and the production companies behind them are desperate to find unique individuals for these shows. You just need to know where and how to apply. You’ll also want to be prepared with some items before hand, such as photos of yourself and the ability to send in or upload a video, if requested. It also helps to have a lot of friends, since some casting agents will … Continue reading →

While we tend to think about January as the time to make resolution and start new things, I say that September is an even better month for improvements and new processes that will make your home run more efficiently and happily. Why? Well, you have the combination of a big transition from summer to school, plus the crisp fall weather that can energize you and remind you that winter is coming–better get yourself in gear. It is still warm enough to do things outdoors, but bracing enough to give you the motivation to get your house in order inside. Consider … Continue reading →

There are a number of ways of setting boundaries in the home, both within your own family and with others who visit your home. Understanding what those boundaries are and communicating them to everyone in the family is pretty crucial for a happy home. Here are some of the common boundaries that are set in most homes. Smoking Is smoking allowed in your home? If it is, is there a particular area for it? What about outside? If family members and guests are allowed to smoke outside do they need to be a certain distance from the house to avoid … Continue reading →

While it used to be that I could never sit still or stay in for long, these days I actually look forward to those winter snowed in days when everyone is pretty much stuck indoors. Far from the original cabin fever that I used to feel, forced to stay in with no way to g, actually helps things slow down and can even be fun. When the winter months roll around, I try to make sure that we are prepared with the basics. This not only means a couple of days of food, but also entertainment and projects. Sure the … Continue reading →

It has crept up on me a little sooner than I would have liked–the cold and flu season. Already kids are coughing on each other, wiping their noses on their sleeves and being sent to school with fevers. Not my kids, yet, but I know it will be coming soon. When someone in the family is ill, it can really upset the household. That is why I try to prepare things at home ahead of time, if I can. It makes the sudden middle of the night vomit sessions, all day coughing jaunts, and those days when you just can’t … Continue reading →

Having a family calendar in your home can go a long way to reducing the chaos and the stress of daily life. After many failed attempts to keep a family calendar going, I finally became a convert and made a commitment this year to do just that. It has really given us more breathing room and allowed us to be more organized. Another benefit of the family calendar is that we can limit the running around. We aren’t a running around family and much prefer to stay home and take care of things close to home. With clear commitments on … Continue reading →

For many people the best way of getting rid of things they no longer want is a garage or yard sale. In the area where we live it is a favorite pastime. We have friends who regularly go to garage sales in the hope of picking up a bargain. It’s something we have done in the past. Now we can’t be bothered. But many people find them an enjoyable way to spend weekend time and others a useful way to make a bit of money on unwanted goods. Once when we were moving we held a garage sale. We did … Continue reading →