Today was a Great Day

Some days, I am so exhausted by the time that the boys go to bed that it is a wonder that I have any brain power left to write blog posts, do dishes, or do any of the other things that I do in between the time that they go to bed and my own bed time. Parenting small children requires a great deal of physical and mental energy, and some days require more than others. For the past few days it felt like it took enormous amounts of energy just to get through the day with everyone being fed, … Continue reading

Caution, Items in Sun Get Hot

Summer is quickly approaching and the sun’s heat can be very intense. When we take our toddlers outside to play, we have to exercise caution against many things. We put sun block on our little ones so they don’t get burned. We bring plenty of fluids so they don’t get dehydrated and we try to keep our little ones out of as much direct sunlight as we can. What precautions are we taking at the playground? There aren’t any reminders that playground equipment gets hot. Even if the playground is not in direct sunlight, heat will permeate surfaces. We wish … Continue reading

Fun in the Sun

Its spring and toddlers are out in the yard again. It is the time for sand boxes, plastic lawn mowers that resemble those their parents use and all kinds of fun activities in the sun. The sun, however, poses a major threat to toddlers. Even on cool or overcast days when the sun isn’t shining bright or heating everything to feel warm to the touch, it can still cause sunburn to the sensitive skin of toddlers. It is very important to use sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply according to the instructions on the bottle. It does wear off and your … Continue reading

Natural Remedies For Sunburn

Nobody’s perfect. We forget the sunscreen, and end up with sunburn. We find ourselves in situations where we wouldn’t imagine a burn was possible. That happened to me when I drove cross-country earlier this month — my left arm got toasted in the afternoon sun and I found myself in the middle of Iowa with a serious burn. So what can you do to ease the sting of sunburn? Cool water can be very soothing — if you can stand the sting of the shower water pummeling you. Try a washcloth or towel soaked in cold water if the shower … Continue reading

Home Décor: Summer Decorating

Bring a sense of summer into your home with these ideas: Be Transparent Clean all your window, mirrors, and any other glass items so they sparkle and shine. Clean windows let more sunshine in and placing mirrors where they will reflect more light will brighten even the darkest space. Add mirrors if needed. Clear glass decorative items will also make a room feel airier, so replace solid pieces with clear or lightly tinted glass. A clear bowl filled with summer fruit also makes a nice touch. Flowing Fabric Cover heavy pieces of furniture with light, bright fabrics. Use table runners … Continue reading

Kid Friendly Sites: NASA for Kids

When I was in elementary school I briefly entertained the idea of becoming an astronaut. I had gone to museum that had a space ship flight simulator and had a ball working on the crew. Being an astronaut didn’t seem like I was that difficult, and you go to eat as much Tang and freeze-dried ice cream as you wanted. What could be better? If you have a child who is interested in space travel, then they also might be interested in NASA’s website for kids. The site is set up by NASA to teach your children about space and … Continue reading

The Future of Personal Fitness

While today is Earth Day and you should certainly be taking some time out to celebrate the Earth through personal activities, recycling, physical fitness or gardening; I wanted to give you a little heads up about what we have coming in the Month of May. The April Spring Forward to Action 30 Day Challenge began on April 2 and will conclude on May 1. May Day is a very old holiday also called Beltane. It celebrates fertility and in some cultures, also marks the longer days leading up to the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year). Coming up … Continue reading

My First Sunburn

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here at the Jersey shore. Bright, sunny, and nearly 80 degrees out — pretty amazing for the middle of April. I took advantage of the great weather and took a three mile walk on the boardwalk… only to come home with my first burn of the year! My poor face: red, hot, and terribly uncomfortable. It made me quite the cranky girl last night! For shame! Despite often warning friends and family to wear sunscreen, I didn’t bother to take my own advice. Bad Aimee! I guess it’s time for me to review the basics. … Continue reading