We’re all increasingly aware of the importance of getting our kids to eat healthy. Kids who eat healthy do better in school, are more awake and alert and are more likely to proceed along normal developmental paths. Equally as important, kids who learn to eat healthy at a young age develop the habits that they’ll need to stay healthy all throughout their lives. But knowing that our kids need to eat healthy and actually getting kids to eat healthy are two different things.

Here are some tips for how to get kids to eat healthy:

Read the rest of this entry →

Whether you’re planning a full-scale remodel or just looking to spruce things up, small changes can make a big difference—not to mention the money you save for the bigger-ticket items.

1. Make an entrance.
A new front door can dramatically change the look of your facade and enhance curb appeal. Complete the update by repainting exterior trim, repairing cracks in the front walk and replacing your house numbers.

Read the rest of this entry →

Color: Japanese interiors generally use neutral, natural colors, to provide a simple background. Interiors emphasize architecture, and as a result, provide a sense of geometric order. In addition, natural colors minimize a feeling of clutter, which is also essential to eastern design and its philosophy of simplicity. When a statement is made in a Japanese interior, it is usually through a single strong exclamation of color or a predominant texture.

Read the rest of this entry →

Home fashions, like clothing fashions, are always changing. There are updated silhouettes, new color palettes, and fresh fabric designs. And just as with fashion, you need to find a way to personalize the latest trends in a way that fits your home and your lifestyle. What better time than spring to breathe some fresh air into your décor? Get rid of the dark colors and heavy fabrics that kept you cozy during the winter, and lighten it up for spring.

Read the rest of this entry →

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said: “if anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier.”
The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to break his fast by eating some dates before offering Maghrib prayer, and if ripe dates were not available, he used to substitute them with some dried grapes. When they too were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some reports. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Hence the great importance attached to them by the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam).

Read the rest of this entry →

Materials:

For the small lantern: 864 round 4-millimeter glass beads
For the large lantern: 1,560 round 4-millimeter glass beads
Artist’s wire, gold 0.7 millimeters (21 gauge)

Read the rest of this entry →

A survey of baby foods done in the United Kingdom has revealed that organic baby foods had a higher level of toxins in them than non-organic baby foods. Of the top four baby foods that contained toxins in them, three were organic baby foods. However, regardless of the level toxins, all of the baby foods were well within recommended levels and therefore still safe to eat.
Source: Murdo Macleod, Scotland on Sunday

“Mommy, I did it! I went in the potty!”

Are these the words you long to hear from your child? But how do you know when your child is ready, and what’s the best way to teach your child to use the toilet (also known as the potty)?

Is My Child Ready?

Many parents are unsure about when to start potty training. (Although the term toilet teaching better reflects the process of helping your child learn to use the toilet instead of urinating – peeing – or passing bowel movements – pooping - in diapers, most parents refer to it as potty training.)

Not every child will be ready at the same age, so it’s important to watch your child for signs of readiness, such as stopping an activity for a few seconds or clutching his or her diaper. Most children show these signs between 18 and 24 months, although some may be ready earlier or later than that. And boys typically start later and take longer to learn to use the potty than girls.

Read the rest of this entry →

Hang this lovely little wreath on a door, cupboard or bead board wall for a delightful display.

What you’ll need:

8″ single-wire wreath base
Seam-binding or thin ribbon
Hot glue gun
Beach glass

Read the rest of this entry →

A study done in New York has shown a direct relation to women getting the flu in their first trimester and schizophrenia in their offspring. The highest risk seems to apply to women in the first half of their first trimester whose babies had a seven-times increased risk of developing the disorder. Women who got the flu during the midpoint of their first trimester up until the half way mark of their second trimester had a three-times greater risk of their child developing schizophrenia. After this, the risk did not increase. Researchers suggested that the schizophrenia was caused by damage to the fetal brain, possibly through the maternal body temperature rising or from antibodies crossing the placenta and affecting the developing immune system. The study also suggested that over-the-counter medications may affect the central nervous system in the fetus.
Source: Reuters