It’s me, Tyler!

November 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hey, peeps. Let me introduce you, to an awesome resource I resource I was recently introduced to. It’s me, Tyler! is a site, created to encourage childhood education – through reading and other fun simple methods. The site focuses on various social skills, like emotions, self-esteem, friendship, kindness, manners, bullying, family, etc. It also provides various developmental skills, such as basic math and counting, reading, colors, the alphabet, and more.

But, perhaps, the best feature is the “Printables” section.  There, you’ll find all kinds of worksheets and activities, for your kids to do.

It’s me, Tyler! is really a cool resource for parents, and I highly recommend it!

To connect further, with It’s me, Tyler! follow on Twitter and like on Facebook.

Filed Under: Helpful Tips & Ideas

Prepaid Cards: What’s the stitch?

November 11, 2011 By 3 Comments

This past birthday, my parents got me a prepaid Visa card. They said they didn’t know what to get me; but what they decided on, was truly the best thing they could’ve gotten me. They didn’t have to go to the mall, and shop around for me something I may, or may not have liked. And, I didn’t have to (possibly) pretend to like something, I didn’t. (Not that that’s ever a problem, with the gifts my parents get me. <wink>)

I’m not sure about the one they got me, but some prepaid cards are reloadable. And, they save you from over-spending, because you can only spend, the money you (or someone else) put on them. I think you can even have your paychecks direct deposited on them (and withdraw money, from ATMs, if you need cash).

There are a lot of benefits, to using prepaid debit cards. But, in my opinion, the best thing is that you can use multiple cards, in lieu of the envelope system. When we were doing Dave Ramsey’s system, I often felt uncomfortable carrying around all that cash. The prepaid cards solve that problem.

And, if you’re a mail-in rebate hound, like I am, you know that even stores are using them for rebates. And, some of you may have even received your tax refund, in the form of a prepaid card.

They can also be used, in lieu of credit cards. Even though a huge chunk of the U.S. population is in debt, it’s nearly impossible to not be able to get by without some type of credit card. Sure, you could use your bank card, but let’s face it; trust in banks is at an all-time low. And, if your credit is bad, and you can’t get a credit card… this may be the solution, for you.

And from one mom, to another, a couple of other excellent uses, for these prepaid cards… allowance for your high school-aged kids, or to make sure your college student doesn’t go broke, while away at school.

As far as I know, the only downside is there is a monthly fee, for them. Personally, I don’t think I’d use them, on a regular basis. But, if you’re interested, there are tons of places you can get prepaid cards no fees, either at most drug stores or you can purchase them online.

 

Photo Credit 

 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I have received compensation to write it and include links. However, the opinions in this, here in, are all mine. And, honest, to boot!

Filed Under: Helpful Tips & Ideas, Home & Money Matters

Tips to Help you have an Injury-free Fourth of July

June 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With Independence Day, right around the corner, I thought I’d share some tips, to help you use fireworks, safely.

  • Fireworks should only be used, outdoors.
  • Make sure there’s always an adult around.
  • Always have water, either a hose or bucket, handy.  You never know when you may need it.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the “shooter.”
  • Please don’t mix alcohol and fireworks. It’s best to have a “designated shooter.”
  • Keep kids, 12 and under, away from the sparklers. They may seem “harmless,” but they’re not.
  • Stay away, from the homemade fireworks. They could explode, and cause severe, or even terminal, injuries.

By following these guidelines, and employing some common sense, you should have wonderful;ysafe 4th of July!

(And, to the idiots, in my neighborhood, who keep lighting the M80s. Cut that crap out.)

Photo credit: SJ Photography/Flickr

Filed Under: Helpful Tips & Ideas Tagged With:

What to do? What to do?

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Fall is in full-swing. The temperatures are getting lower, and the days are getting shorter.  This all means that less time is spent outside, and you have to come up with some fun activities, to keep both you – and your kids – sane.

As parents to a four-year-old little boy, my husband and I are always looking for ways to keep him busy, and out of trouble. This becomes harder, when going outside to play, is taken off the table.

Like most 30-somethings, when I’m presented with a “problem,” I head to the Internet, to find a solution.

Board games are a great way to spend time indoors, with your kids. They can be both educational, and fun. Here are some of my favorite board games, for kids, ages 3 – 6 years-old:

A movie night can also be a fun way, to entertain children, indoors. You could even make an event of it, with popcorn, and other “movie-type” snacks.

You can also use arts & crafts, to keep the kids busy. Both Family Education and Toddler Toddler have some awesome ideas that I plan on trying and having some fun with. I hope you do too.

Filed Under: Helpful Tips & Ideas, Marriage Tagged With:

Want to be more eco-friendly? The little things help!

August 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

So, as I’ve said before, I’m really interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. That said, it’s my thought that, while I can’t go out and install solar panels on my roof, there are a bunch of very doable things I can do.

Here are a few areas, in my life, that I can easily make a difference:

  • Make-up: Sephora has some awesome organic products. My favorite brand is LAVANILA.
  • Handbags: I recently found out about a wonderful eco-friendly company called REVEAL Accessories. They have handbags, wallets and various other accessories for women and men.
  • Electronic Gadgets: Instead of throwing away your pagers, cell phones, PDAs, iPods and digital cameras, recycle them. My favorite place, to do this, is Recycling for Charities. We worked with them, at my old job, and they’re just a fantastic organization.

I hope this post introduces you to some really cool eco-friendly companies & ideas. My goal is to, while learning myself, help others become more eco-friendly, one small step at a time.

Filed Under: Helpful Tips & Ideas Tagged With: ,
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