If you are one of the lucky ones, hopefully, you have a swimming pool in your backyard to keep you cool this summer. But even with a pool, chances are you may still hear that annoying cry of "Mom, I'm bored." If you are looking for a way to use your pool and keep your kids occupied, one great way to do this is with fun water games for the pool. Here are a few popular new games along with a classic favorite that will keep your family and friends cool and happy this summer. Marco Polo You cant beat a classic like this one. For... Read More

The smell of barbecue and the sound of kids splashing in the pool are filling neighborhoods across America as the pinnacle of summer the Fourth of July gets nearer. If you are thinking about what you and your family can do this summer to make Independence Day a memorable one, the good news is that you have a lot of options at your disposal. Here are some of the best ideas for doing up Independence Day the Family Way. Fireworks and Baseball If your local community hosts a fireworks event, it should be a fun time that you and... Read More

Summer's here, and most moms will agree that this can be the worst time of the year when it comes to keeping a clean house. The kids are home and, as much as we love them, they dont often share our view of cleanliness. And since they are keeping us busy, there is less time for us to maintain that cleanliness. If you are wondering how on Earth you will keep your carpets clean this summer, here are a few things to keep in mind: Get Out Of The House If you and your family spend more time outside, then you will be less likely to... Read More

Like a lot of moms, chances are you have a hard time getting your kids up and interested in breakfast every day. Lets face it, most adults dont like eating breakfastwe grudgingly get up every morning and the only sustenance we want is our morning caffeine. Kids really need a nutritious meal in the morning, especially if you want them to be able to concentrate and do well in school. Here are a few ideas to help spice up the morning routine: Smoothies Smoothies are a no-brainer when it comes to quick and easy breakfast ideas,... Read More

Summer is just around the corner and for millions of kids anticipation and excitement are about to burst like an over-stuffed binder. In just a few short weeks, the kiddos will be off for summer vacation. But that also means that parent anxiety levels are rising, too, as they realize they have to get ready for more home time with the kids. Making sure the kids stay occupied and dont turn into couch potatoes over the summer can be a challenge. Here are a few suggestions to help you get ready for the break: Get a Schedule The... Read More

Why do we have a tradition called Spring Cleaning? Why do we choose this season as the time to drag out all of our things, clean them until they shimmer and sparkle, and then return them to the same spot until next April or May? Why cant we just do this in the fall? Seriously: Why not Fall Cleaning? It turns out that the tradition of spring cleaning is well founded and quite practical. The Big Spring Clean actually dates back to much earlier times, when families found themselves homebound due to harsh winters. The heating... Read More

No one could possibly think for a split second that motherhood is easy. In many ways, it is the ultimate jobthe type that you are on call for every minute of every day. A job with the end result of another human being growing and thriving. But one of the main problems with motherhood is the level of pressure that is put on moms by outsiders who are often too judgmental. And if that wasnt enough, there is also the sometimes insurmountable pressure that moms put on themselves. Just think about what has happened with motherhood in the age... Read More

One of the biggest trends in the last decade for families that are on a tight budget is the staycation. This is the idea that instead of a major summer trip with the whole family, they instead decide to stay in town and do several smaller day-trips and activities in the local area. This is a great way to still spend quality time with your family, while at the same time saving money and keeping things affordable. These local vacations dont have to wait until summer though; Spring Break is also a great time to plan a staycation with these... Read More

This time of year, especially with flu rampant across the country, everyone is breaking out an extra can of Lysol and trying to make sure their house is as germ-free and as clean as possible. But where, exactly, do these germs and microbes dwell? The truth may actually surprise you. Heres a run-down of the ten dirtiest spots in your home. Sponges One of the biggest germ magnets is what we use to clean everyday. The kitchen sponge is used to clean up germs, but we often dont clean these off enough when we are done, and the germs just... Read More

Valentines Day is here and love is in the air. Traditionally, Valentines Day has been considered a holiday for people in relationships, but in reality, ANYONE can celebrate this holiday of love! This year, spend Valentines Day celebrating yourself and show yourself some love. Whether youre single, in a relationship, or a busy mom that puts everyone else first--make this day all about loving YOU. Make a choice to treat yourself this Valentines Day by taking time for yourself. Take a break Take the day off! This is a great... Read More