Hey there, peeps! This is Sammy Mac writing from the OP in the JC (Overland Park in Johnson County for the geographically challenged).
So like what do you think about guns and kids? I LOVE me some guns. They are my brothers', but I steal 'em and use 'em and stuff. I have to wear my wolf hat while I shoot at imaginary stuff. It helps if I also have on the other right gear, like my dolphin shirt and my Halloween pants in January. Oh, and two socks and one shoe that is too big for me. Peace out.
Check out this other picture of me, the one my brother Michael calls "Family Man Sam" ... yes, I am holding yet another Nerf gun and I wonder what you think about toy guns since my dad wasn't allowed to play with them growing up then he went into the Army to be a sniper. Interesting times, folks.
This was originally posted on February 5, 2012, but updated 11/30/17 to say that I now have a HUGE Nerf gun arsenal now that I am 8. We have moved to Peculiar, MO (aka The Country) where we can shoot real guns on our own property into a hill with a pond. I am going to learn how to use guns responsibly when I'm bigger. I might graduate to Airsoft guns first and I can go to Airsoft wars at the Christy house when I am 10. So excited.
Here's a gem I found. Guess my parents (and one of my godmother's, Ellen, were pro-toy gun from the start).
Thursday, November 30, 2017
The Health Benefits of Knitting
As if producing lovely scarves, sweaters and blankets isn't
reason enough to spend time knitting, there are actually a number of
scientifically proven health benefits that come from knitting.
For those not already knitting, you can get yarn and needles
at your local craft shop (click
this link for a good knitting supply shop), and learn the basic stitches
from any number of good Youtube videos. Once you start, here are some of the
ways you'll be helping your mind and body:
Concentration and Focus
Concentration, memory, and focus are all places that can see
improvement once you start knitting regularly. Having to constantly keep track
of your finger positions, the tension of the yarn, counting the stitches and
remembering the pattern all keep your mind sharp.
Keeps Your Hands Busy
This one is a bit of an odd-ball benefit, but having your
hands busy with knitting can keep you from doing other things you would rather
not be doing. People who are trying to quit smoking often say they are
uncomfortable when they have nothing to do
with their hands. If you tend to snack when you shouldn't or even bite your
nails, you can keep yourself too occupied to do these things if you are
knitting. For people who are constantly checking on their phones, this is a way
to break that habit too.
Pride and Accomplishment
It just makes you feel good to produce something tangible
with your own two hands, even if it is just a knitted dishcloth. Mastering a
complicated pattern, finally getting the hang of an advanced stitch or even
just sticking with a big project to completion (like knitting a blanket for a
queen-size bed). Feeling proud is a great mental boost and shouldn't be
discounted as a real health benefit.
A Kind of Meditation
Knitting has all the same relaxation
benefits that you get from meditation. Even though it can be a "busy
looking" hobby with fingers flying and needles clicking, it's very easy
for a practiced knitter to let their thoughts go, much like a more typical
meditation techniques. This can be very helpful for any problems with stress,
anxiety and even depression. It brings a lot of mental peace, even though some
tough patterns or difficult mistakes might seem more stressful than meditative.
Arm Strength and Joint Movement
This is a combined physical benefit that comes from the
movements involved in your arms, wrists and fingers when you knit. It's a
low-impact and low-strain exercise that still works the muscles and keeps your
joints fluid, providing you are knitting on a somewhat regular basis. Knitting
also improves your finger dexterity and fine motor control too.
On the other hand, if you are already suffering from stiff
or painful joints (perhaps due to arthritis), it can be difficult to do a lot
of knitting. Consider this to be more of a prevention for joint troubles rather
than a treatment for an existing condition.
Now that you know how helpful knitting can be, you can enjoy
your hobby even more.
7 Ideas for Lifting Your Spirits
Dessert, hot chocolate and some good books lift our spirits on a dreary day |
In order to live a long and happy life, it is important
that you make the most of every day. You need to make sure that you are enjoying
every moment and that you always have a smile on your face. Otherwise, you will
end up looking back in regret. If you are wondering how you can embrace a more
positive frame of mind, continue reading. Below are seven ideas for lifting
your spirits.
Put a smile on your face
Smiling is a fantastic way for you to improve
your mood instantly. Even if you are feeling down, a smile can trick you
into thinking that everything is better than it seems. If you are really struggling to crack a smile, why not
visit treat yourself to a joke of the day? This is a great way for you to ensure that you
always find something to smile about. It
will also help you to have positive interactions throughout your day, as you
can share your joke with close friends, family members, or work colleagues.
Take up exercise
Another option is to take up exercise. This
will help you to feel more body-confident and to take better care of your
health. Not only this, but exercise
results in the release of
endorphins. This chemical will instantly lift your spirits and provide you with
the energy that you need to get through your day. If you are struggling to find
an exercise regime that appeals to you, make sure that you think outside the
box. Ideally, you want to take up a physical activity that is plenty of fun. It
should also be something that your loved ones can get involved in. This
will make it a positive experience from start to finish and will prevent you
from giving up. You could attend a spin class, enjoy aqua aerobics at your
local pool, or sign up for a kickboxing session. The most important thing is
that you are having a go. Don’t focus on losing weight or looking good.
Instead, you should be concentrating on the way that exercise makes you feel.
Invest in your social circle
You should also make sure to do plenty of socializing. If you are struggling
through a difficult time, you will need to have someone to lean on. Or, if you
are accomplishing wonderful things in your life, you will need to have someone
to share this with. If you already have
plenty of friends, make sure that you invest in these relationships. Set aside some time each week to get together with your loved
ones. You could invite them round to your house, put together a night out, or
plan an exciting activity for you all to enjoy. Alternatively, if you don’t
have a lot of reliable contacts, why not try to make new ones? You could
download an app, attend a class, or take up a new hobby. Just make sure that
your life is filled to the brim with
people that want to see you happy and always make you smile.
Give yourself a makeover
If you are going to enjoy high-spirits, self-love is important. You need
to take care of yourself and to remind yourself that you are worthy of love and
appreciation. One of the best ways for you to do this is by indulging in a
makeover. You could try out a new hairstyle, update your wardrobe, or treat
yourself to a day at the spa. The most important thing is that you are happy
with the end result. Your makeover should
leave you with a new lease of life and a new sense of confidence. Once you have
completed your transformation, why not finish with a celebratory photoshoot?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to take it
too seriously. Instead, you can invite your loved ones round and have a little fun. Then, you can frame your favourite
images from the day.
Enjoy comfort food
Even if you are devoted to healthy eating, you are still allowed to
break the rules from time to time. Every now and
then, you should indulge in some comfort food. This is the perfect way for you to relax at the end of a long day.
It is also a great way for you to treat yourself and to have fun with the food
that you are eating. Make sure that you experiment with a number of different recipes,
until you find one that leaves you truly satisfied. It should smell delicious,
look divine, and taste amazing. If you want to be really indulgent, you could even purchase a pre-prepared meal. This will remove all of the stress from the
process and will save you from the washing up.
Surround yourself with
positive vibes
Make sure that you spend your days surrounded
by positive vibes. Everywhere you look, there should be another reminder
of the things that you are grateful for.
Perhaps you could frame your favorite
holiday memories. Or, maybe you could pin up motivational quotes. Whatever you
decide, just make sure that you are never short of a reason to smile. This will be especially useful when you are
struggling through a difficult day. It will also come in handy when you lack self-confidence or are wrestling with a
difficult decision.
Visualize a positive future
If you spend a lot of your time worrying about the future, this could
seriously affect your levels of happiness. That is why you need to plan ahead. This
will stop you from stressing, and will
help you to look forward to the days you have in front of you. Why not create a
mood board to help you with this process? You could even create several: one
for your career goals, one for your
relationship goals, and one for your overall life goals. During this exercise, you will need to make sure that you are using
plenty of bright colors, powerful words and
phrases, and striking images. You will also need to display your mood board
somewhere where you will see it every day.
Get $3 When you Sign up for Swagbucks in December (US)
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Juggling Fitness And Family: Here's How It's Done
As we all know, fitness is super important to help you lead a happy and healthy life. However, it can be difficult to squeeze it into your daily routine. Especially if you have a family to look after. Are you finding it hard finding time to hit the gym or enjoy sport? Well, don’t panic! Here are my top tips that can help you efficiently juggle your fitness and family.
Cook Healthy Meals
One of the first steps you need to take to get fit is to start following a healthy diet. The best way you can ensure all your meals are fresh and nutritious is to cook them from scratch. So start preparing delicious home cooked meals for you and your kids. If you are trying to eat super healthily, there is no harm in getting the whole family on board. It will do you all the world of good! Be sure to use lots of fresh, local produce. This will help you to support local businesses as well. Completely new to cooking? No worries! Learning the basics isn’t too hard. Once you can successfully make one delicious meal, move on to teach yourself another one. Try and learn one every fortnight. That way, you will have a good cannon of meals that you can cook for your family within no time at all!
Take The Kids For A Stroll
This is a great way to spend time with your kids, and you can do it with them at any age. Even if they are just babies, you can take them for a short stroll in their stroller. In fact, taking them for a walk can help them drop off to sleep! It is also a good idea to walk the kids to school if it is close enough. You won’t be burning any calories by taking them in the car. You will find that walking them to school easily fits into your daily schedule, and it is a great time to chat with the kids before you leave them at school. It is also far less stressful than driving through all the school run traffic! Not only that, though, but this is a great way to get your kids into walking and keeping fit.
Enter A Family Race
Do you love running marathons? Well, you don’t have to give up just because of the kids. In fact, many running events now host family fun runs alongside the main event. They aren’t too far, so even young kids can join in on the fun. Normally, the children’s race is just three miles. And it is perfectly fine for young children to walk it! So you can sign your whole family up to take part in the fun run while you are trying to beat your personal best in the big race! There are lots of family fun runs held in many towns and cities. Find your nearest one to you and get out there training with the kids!
Get Support From Friends And Relatives
If you and your partner work different shifts, you might find it difficult to find any time to go to the gym when he is at work. There is one easy solution, though. See if one of your friends or relatives can look after the kids while you are at the gym. Try and keep your workout sessions to just an hour so that the kids don’t have to stay too long with their childminder. If no one is around to look after the kids, then try and find some time to hit the gym when they are at kindergarten or school. Head to the gym just after you drop them off at school. That way, you won’t have to rush your workout by going on the way to pick them up!
Become A Part-Time Coach
Love sports? Then why not sign up to become a part-time coach? There are many local youth teams that are always on the lookout for new volunteers. You could even take your kids along to get them interested in a new sport. And at least, if they are playing on the team, you won’t have to find anyone to look after them for you! Volunteering as a sports coach is a great way to give something back to your local community as well. And it has the added bonus of making sure you keep fit throughout the week!
Take A Look At Your Schedule
When was the last time you reorganized your weekly schedule? Okay, so you may not be able to change the kids’ hobbies and clubs, but you might be able to shake up your own schedule of chores. And by doing so, you could find that you free up some extra time when you can squeeze could work out in your home gym. Even if you just spend a few minutes on your machines, there are still many rowing machine benefits you will get. You might also find that if you give up an hour of TV in the evening, you could have an extra hour of working out! Next time you have a short break, take a quick look in your weekly planner. You might find that organizing your time better means more time for the gym! If you're like me and don't want to leave the house, check out the best home gym equipment!
Head To The Park
I bet your kids love visiting the park. There is so much for them to do, from feeding the ducks to playing on the swings. And you can take advantage of being outside! The park is a great place for you to workout in. While the kids are busy in the play area, why not do a couple of quick laps? If you invite a friend who has similar aged kids, you can each take it in turns to watch the kids while the other one does a quick workout. Even if you play with your kids, you will be burning calories. One cool idea is to do a few reps on the monkey bars!
So, as you can see, being busy is no longer an excuse for passing on a workout! There are plenty of ways you can free your time for the gym!
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Tips for Grabbing Bargains on Your Christmas Gifts
McLoughlin Christmas 2016 |
Christmas is approaching fast. This is a merry season full of love, joy, appreciation and, most of all, giving. Gifting or giving is the whole reason for the season. However, with the many friends and family members you have, it may be difficult to know for sure what to buy and what not to. However, there are some things you that you should know to be able to buy a gift that a recipient will enjoy and appreciate. You do not want to be those people who buy gifts people will not appreciate.
Save Money Beforehand
Although retail outlets offer amazing discounts during this season, you will still not be able to buy all those gifts if you are not going to save. Saving before you go to buy a gift such as the iPhone will help you have enough money for it. There are many high-value items that are on sale during Christmas. The best way to get the best deals is to ensure that you know which products you want to buy. Most high-value items are only available for a limited period. Therefore, do your research and ensure you find out which brands and items you want to buy. This way, you will know about the stores that offer the best prices and when to buy products that are on offer.
Set a Budget
Even though it is a time to give, it does not mean that you will have to spend all the money you have on gifts. You should remember that once the season is over, you will go back to your life with bills to pay and mouths to feed. It is paramount, therefore, to be wise in your expenditure. A budget will tell you how much you will spend on all the items you need to buy. It will also give you a rough idea of how much you are willing to spend. A great way to ensure that you will stick to your budget is to make a list a stick to it no matter what. It is easy to get carried away while shopping. You will constantly get tempted by the numerous offers and beautiful products being sold. However, you need to stick as much as you can to the shopping list. It can be a headache shopping during the festive season. The risk of overspending is imminent.
Use Voucher Sites
While there are retailers that will allow you to buy items at a wholesale price, there are others who have amazing vouchers you can take advantage of. You need to make sure that you have researched enough so that you can compare the prices offered by brick and mortar and online outlets. This way, you will get the best prices for these items.
Use Apps
Today, technology has made it easier for you to find items and their prices. This is done by simply downloading apps on your iPhone. The apps are great because they will keep telling you when companies have new items coming in, coupon offers and when there are great cuts in prices. Throughout the month, you can find great offers for the gifts you need to buy.
Compare Prices
One critical part of being a great shopper is doing your research well. Do not just go to an outlet just because you have bought their items for years. You need to find a merchant that will give you great services, excellent quality and impeccable prices. The only way to find such a store is to move out of your comfort zone and find alternatives that have been appropriately reviewed. You need to look for a store that is loved by the customers who have bought from it. When choosing to buy from an online store, ensure that adding the shipping expenses will not result in a cost that is similar to buying from a merchant near you.
Conclusion
Always shop around if you wish to find the best deals. It is easy to assume that a good deal is a great one because you have not seen such prices. After a while, you might find that the deal is not a great as you thought. Before buying Christmas gifts, always ensure there are no other better deals anywhere.
Four Top Reasons to Consider Working in Healthcare
If you are looking for
a change of career or making a big decision about your future career for the
first time as a young adult, then there are many serious factors that you
should take into consideration when choosing what to do. Not only should you be
thinking about the type of things that you are interested in and passionate
about, it’s also worth looking into the practical side of things to come up
with a career idea that will ensure you can pay the bills and enjoy good job
security throughout your life. If you want to follow a career path that allows
you to care for others and earn a good salary, healthcare could be the best
choice for you. We’ve listed some top reasons to consider a career in
healthcare.
#1. Good Salaries:
Healthcare
professionals are always in high demand and there is usually a good salary
available for those working in this industry. Although entry-level salaries may
not be enough for you to upgrade your home or buy that flashy car, there are
many opportunities for progression available to those who work hard and are
dedicated to their career, so the chance to improve your salary over time is a
big reason to go for this career path. Check out some of the average earnings
at healthcaresalariesguide.com.
#2. Job Security:
When deciding on your
future career choices, one of the biggest factors that you’ll need to think
about is whether or not it will allow you to enjoy a good level of job security. Although no job is guaranteed forever, it’s
always nice to know that you’re needed in your role and the chance of it no
longer being available for you is slim. Thankfully, for those who choose to
work in healthcare, the job security is very high since healthcare
professionals are in demand all over the world. As a result, you can find ideal
job roles for you almost anywhere!
#3. Job Progression:
Whilst some people
know exactly what they’d like to do in life and are happy working at the same
level for a long time, others want to move up the ranks and progress as much as
possible in their career. If this sounds like you, you’ll be glad to hear that
with a healthcare career, you’ll be able to do just that. Healthcare careers
are some of the best for progression opportunities, and along with that, you’ll
also have the option to branch out and take on extra education to specialize in
certain areas of healthcare, leading to even more opportunities for career
building.
#4. Job Satisfaction:
According to surveys,
healthcare professionals are among some of the most satisfied out there when it comes to the work that they
do. Even if you’re on a basic entry-level salary working in healthcare, it’s
not difficult to enjoy your work when you are tasked with helping others every
day and come home feeling good about what you’ve been able to do.
Are you considering
working in healthcare? Let us know in the comments.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Huge Cash Back Deals During the Swagbucks Cyber Monday Sale!
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With 5 kids to shop for AND one of them has a December birthday (plus other family members I buy gifts for), I'm taking advantage of this today!
Friday, November 24, 2017
Get Big Cash Back During the Swagbucks Black Friday Sale!
The Cashback Shopping site Swagbucks is offering big cash back at over 120 different stores all throughout Black Friday weekend. They're also offering big payouts on a varieties of different deals and offers from companies that would make great gift ideas. Get great deals without waiting in lines or even leaving your home!
If you're not familiar with Swagbucks from me posting about them all the time because I love them so much, they offer cash back in the form of points when you shop. Then you can turn those points into gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Target, or PayPal cash. You can also earn points for discovering deals, watching videos, answering surveys and more!
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Wednesday, November 22, 2017
What are pros and cons of a memory foam mattress?
Memory
foam mattresses have brought about a positive change in our sleeping patterns.
These mattresses have gained popularity, and an increasing number of people are
considering using them, especially when troubled with the complaints arising
out of an improper body posture. But, before you decide to get one for
yourself, I would like to ask whether you are fully aware of the pros and cons
of memory foam mattresses? If not, read on to know the benefits as well as some
disadvantages.
What are the pros of a memory foam mattress?
Back Support
A
memory foam mattress allows the body weight to be evenly spread across its
surface. This can help to support the natural alignment of your body without distorting
the position of the legs, shoulders, and hips, relative to the spine.
Relief of Pressure Points
The
best advantage of using a memory foam over the mattresses made of other
materials like poly foam, fiber filling, and springs is based on how it responds
to pressure. The memory foam is specifically designed for absorbing pressure by
molding itself to the shape your body takes during different sleeping positions.
It
can distribute the weight across its surface, accommodate curves, and create a
sensation of weightlessness. Hence, it is perfect for the people who suffer
from pains and aches in different joints. This pressure distributing technology
can help to balance the extra body pressure and ease your pains by preventing a
wrong posture.
Better Viscoelasticity
Viscoelasticity
is one of the great features of memory foam mattresses. The viscoelastic nature
allows it to conform to any shape and weight. It can allow you to enjoy your
sleep in every possible position without causing any discomfort.
Limits Motion Transfer
Memory
foam mattress has the ability to isolate motion. This benefit can be
significant for those who share the bed with a partner or a pet. It will
prevent your sleep from getting disturbed when the other person rolls over or
gets out of bed.
The
material in this mattress can absorb pressure without conducting motion, a
benefit that is virtually absent in the regular mattress. So, any moderation such as turning and even
heavy tossing around any side of your bed will not have an effect on the other
side.
Longevity
Most
memory foam mattresses outlast the regular innerspring beds. They are less
likely to sag during the initial years. They do not have to be rotated or
flipped as often as the spring beds.
Easy Maintenance
If
you are annoyed with the dirt and debris trapped in your mattress that is hard
to get rid of; a memory foam mattress could be the alternative you are looking
for. A
major component of this mattress, Polyurethane, protects it from debris and
dirt and keeps your bed clean. What’s more? Polyurethane is also
anti-allergenic, which means the patients who suffer from allergies can also
feel free to use it without worrying about catching any allergen and spending
their nights sneezing hard. More
detailed list of advantages as well as comparison list of best mattresses on
the market you can find on sleepissimple.com. Also,
they have a comparison of popular UK mattress brands by the link.
What could be the cons of using memory foam mattresses?
May get a Little Smelly
A
peculiar odor is a short-term drawback associated with any new mattress and memory
foam is not an exception to this. However, this complaint is not as common with
the memory foam mattresses as it is with the regular ones. The strong chemical
odor of a new memory foam usually dissipates in a few days or a couple of
weeks.
You May Sleep Hot
The
memory foam mattress users often complain of feeling as if they are sleeping
hotter. This effect can be attributed to the characteristic of the foam to trap
heat with its temperature-sensitive formula to use the body heat to contour,
the non-breathable mattress covers, and the closed-cell foams. This may cause
some amount of discomfort and interference with your sleep.
Might Feel Cumbersome
Another
potential disadvantage of using a memory foam is some people find it a bit
cumbersome. Since memory foam is not made of a bouncy material, it may take
more efforts to get off from or move around on the bed.
Conclusion
Being
aware of the pros and cons of memory foam mattresses will allow you to take an
informed decision to enhance the quality of your sleep. The information
provided above is also meant to help you find the best mattress that suits your
requirement. It will help you overcome the problems with poor body posture
and allow you to enjoy a sound and refreshing sleep.
How Martial Arts Combats Bullying
This is an example of a regional parenting magazine article I wrote and sent out one year.
How Martial Arts Combats Bullying
By Kerrie McLoughlin
736 words
According to bullying statistics found at StopBullying.gov,
a study found that approximately 49% of kids in 4th through 12th
grade said they had been bullied at least one time in the previous month. Bullying
can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, poor performance in school
and, in some extreme cases, even suicide.
Where is bullying happening? It’s happening most often at
school, including at recess and on the school bus, but school isn’t the only
place. It also occurs where kids are gathering in large groups, like at
amusement parks, block parties, campgrounds and swimming pools. And of course
we can’t forget about cyberbullying, which includes using cell phones and
computers as ways to bully with words and spread untrue words and embarrassing
photos. There are many kinds of bullying, and some schools are promoting silicone wristbands to create and promote awareness.
So what can we,
as parents, do about this widespread problem? Well, it turns out martial
arts is a great place to start. Of course, martial arts can’t necessarily
tackle the cyberbullying issue, but it can give our kids the self-confidence
they need to handle people who are not treating them well in a specific
situation.
Lindsey Watts, mom of a daughter who has been in martial
arts for four years, says, “Martial arts gives kids discipline and teaches them
respect. They learn self-control, perseverance and integrity. They learn to
help build a more peaceful world.”
One mother shared a sad situation that happened to her son,
“My son was in 2nd grade when he was being bullied. We had no idea
it was going on; we just knew that something wasn’t right ...” Her son ended up
bullying another child and was sent to see the principal, where the story came
out that a boy at recess, someone her son called a friend, had been bullying
him. Later other issues came out, like that he had been pushed, tripped and
poked. “We then realized our good-natured son … may be setting himself up for
more bullying. Our son was very shy, but just wanted everyone to like him so he
befriended everyone.”
Dave Kovar, founder of Martial Arts Against Bullying (MAAB)
and life-long martial arts professional, shares on his website
DoneWithBullying.com, “I believe that no other industry is in a better position
to do something about bullying than the martial arts industry … The mere act of
training in martial arts and having children develop a higher level of
confidence decreases their chances of being bullied in the first place.”
The mom from the previously mentioned bullying situation
shared her family’s resolution. “We decided our son needed help with handling
himself and building his confidence up. [Tae Kwon Do]
gave my son confidence to know that he had the strength within him to stop
something first with his words, and — as a last resort — defense. Never to hit
first, never to intentionally hurt the person hurting you but to just keep
yourself safe. My son is now 10 years old and has his high brown belt in TKD.
My son walks tall now. He's not afraid to stand up for himself or others. TKD
has taught him that fighting is never the answer. It's only a last resort to
protect himself from harm or to protect someone else from harm.”
Robyn Morrow, mom of a Tae Kwon Do student, “I was teased
and called four eyes as a child and had a hard time feeling connected to
people, but that pales in comparison to the stories I've heard happening
nowadays. My oldest child is skinny and tall, but holds his head high and walks
tall … I think his confidence is in large part due to his years at Taekwondo …
He knows he has the power to break boards, so I would guess that gives him more
confidence too. I am so glad we made the choice to enroll him in Taekwondo
classes before he reached the awkward teenage age he's entering now.”
Martial arts comes with other benefits as well. Jody Jones,
mom of 3, says, “I think martial arts helps form a great foundation for
understanding the benefits of structure, discipline and hard work. Attaining a
black belt, or any higher belt rank, is a manifestation of what you can gain
through the physical and mental discipline of mental arts. It's an experience
that's hard to duplicate for your children, and the concept of working
extremely hard to attain your goals is one that you carry into your adult life
and work.”
Kerrie McLoughlin is
the homeschooling mom of 5, author of several ebooks on Amazon.com and blogger
at TheKerrieShow.com.
Check out this Comprehensive Cyberbullying Guide for Parents
Check out this Comprehensive Cyberbullying Guide for Parents
7 Ways To Clean Your House Like A Pro
Set aside a day to clean and stick to it
Go through your
daily planner and select a day that you will always set aside to get your
housework done. Create an alarm in your phone. Circle it on your calendar.
Block it off in your day book. Professional cleaning
services don’t come to your house when they feel like
it and neither should you. They come at a regularly schedule day and that’s how
you’ll be able to duplicate their success. Your mind thrives on habits. Make
one and stick to it.
On your cleaning day have a plan of
attack
Professional house cleaners agree that the best way to
tackle a house gone awry is to have a methodical approach. Cutting your cleaning
time in half means being efficient with your time. Do each chore in the same
order every time you clean. Don’t waste time considering where the dirtiest
room is or which tasks deserve the most priority. If you’re persistent with
your routine, you’ll be cutting out all that time that would’ve been wasted
thinking when you could have been cleaning instead.
Make cleaning fun
Have
you seen that scene in Mrs. Doubtfire where Robin Williams rocks out while
cleaning the house and wish that was you?! Some people go about their house
cleaning hustling from each room to the next, steadily burning out and losing
precious energy. Others find a way to be in the moment enjoying the essence
of what they’re doing. You can have that much fun cleaning if you look at
cleaning as not a chore, but as something exciting. You can let go and watch the
time go by without worrying about the pace at which you’re cleaning.
Professionals recommend listening to music that you enjoy or making a game out
of it. Either way you go, you can’t lose and you won’t dread those days where
you have to get out your vacuum.
Get the kind of cleaning products the
professionals use
If
you want to clean like a pro, you’ve got to use the same tools as a pro. You
wouldn’t see professional painter using watercolors and you wouldn’t see a
housing service using novelty gadgets to clean your home. Stay away from products
that you caught on late night infomercials and buy high quality equipment and
cleaning clothes that will handle heavy duty cleaning. Wear an apron to avoid mess and even consider wearing a belt that can
hold your spray bottles and rags. The more you’re able to hold on the job, the
less time you waste going back and forth to your cleaning closet.
Be on top of things
If you want
to avoid cleaning routines that overwhelm you and take up your whole day, clean
things before they become a problem. If you see clothes tossed on the floor one
day, avoid creating a pile and hang it up right away. Keep on the go cleaning
products like wet wipes throughout your house. When a spill happens, you’ll be
ready to wipe it away and you’ll avoid having to do a deep scrub later on in
the week. You should also be
preventative. Spray your shower head every time you use it. Wipe down your
counter every time you eat. After you eat, put your dishes directly in the
dishwasher instead of letting them pile up in the sink. No one wants to deal
with a stack of plastic wear and forks that can rival Mount Everest!
Become an award-worthy speed cleaner
No, we
don’t mean during your deep cleaning days. We mean on those days when you have
a little bit of spare time that you haven’t set aside for rest and relaxation.
For the kick of it pull out a time and clean like you’ve never cleaned before.
You’d be surprised how many small tasks that you can get done in a short amount
of time. A professional’s job is easier when a house is already in decent shape
and organized. Your job will become easier on your heavy duty cleaning days if
your home is in prime shape. Added plus, you won’t ever have to feel panicked
when guests randomly drop in.
When all else fails, hire an actual pro
Cleaning really isn’t for everyone. Some people have a difficult schedule and hectic lifestyles. That’s nothing to feel bad about. If you can’t work a deep clean into your regular cleaning, you can hand that off to people who can.
Planning Your Kid's First Visit to a Sports Game
Callie and Mom at the Kansas City Royals game April 30, 2017. Sam got two tickets to Scout Day at the K for selling Scout popcorn and we bought 5 more for a super fun day! |
Planning Your Kid’s First Visit to a Sports Game
If your children
love the sport, then it will be easy to know
that they will love seeing the sport in
action. Although you might get the best view on the television, there is
something about going to the venue and seeing it live that makes it extra
special. For their first event, they are going to want to see everything and
know what’s going on. Preparing you and them is essential to having a great day
and hopefully inspiring them to see more.
Choosing the Right Event
Although you
know what types of sports your kids like, it is important to choose an event
that you think they will enjoy when seeing it in person. Some sports have long
breaks or periods of inaction, so you don’t want them to get bored. You will
know what sports get their attention, so pick one that has a faster pace to it
so that they can get caught up in the atmosphere. It is also a good idea to
choose a venue close to home on the first occasion, just in case they don’t
like it and you want to return home.
Getting the Tickets
You may be
considering giving the tickets as a birthday present. It is a good idea to save
it for a special event, though you should make sure you get the tickets in
advance in case it sells out. Buy your tickets from a trusted seller such as www.ticketsales.com so that you know the seat will be there.
If you choose to buy them outside the arena, then you could have problems. In their first game, you want to try and get
the best view possible so that they can
see everything. It will be great for their memories and also their camera so that they can get good shots of the action.
Try and Answer Their Questions
It will be a new
and exciting experience for your children, and they will no doubt be curious
about what goes on at the game. Even though it might be distracting for you,
try to answer all their questions if you can. Although you probably know a lot
about the game you are watching, don’t be worried to say you don’t know
something. There may be someone nearby
who will know the answer, and if not, you
can try searching it on the internet and finding out the answer together.
Safety
One of the most
important parts of visiting any event is safety. Sporting events traditionally pull a big crowd, so
you need to be on guard and prevent your children from getting lost. Try to
teach them what to do if you should become separated, such as go to the nearest
help point or staff member. That will make things easier if you lose each other
because you can both head to the meeting point.
Enjoying sports
events and outdoor activities are key to developing your children’s tastes and
experiences. Don’t be worried if they fall asleep halfway through; they will
still have had a great time.
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