TodaysHomemakerTips.com

Laundry Tips

Sometimes accidents happen in the washing machine. A dark colored shirt or new jeans get thrown in a load of clothes and the dye bleeds on the other clothes. What does one do when this happens? First of all, don’t put them in the dryer. Simply rewash them with regular detergent and color-safe bleach. If the clothes are already dried before noticing the dye stains, one may use a color remover. One should wash colored clothes in cold water to prevent bleeding.

Sort clothes by color; orange, red, purple, and bright blue colors should be washed together. All dark blue and blacks should be washed together; cream colored clothing can be washed with tan colored clothing. Always wash white garments alone. One should pay attention to the care labels on the clothing. Never overload the washing machine, it will not rinse thoroughly.

Removing blood stains from clothes is an easy task. One can pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain, letting it soak in before rinsing with cold water.

For the traveler on the go, if one’s clothes are wrinkled when removed from the suitcase, simply hang them in the bathroom while taking a shower. The steam from the shower helps smooth out the wrinkles.

When using a fabric softener, one may use liquid softener or a dryer sheet. A dryer sheet helps reduce static electricity and refreshes clothing. One should not overload a dryer for this will cause clothes to dry with wrinkles and will take longer to dry.


Children and Nutrition

Food is a source of energy which allows children to play, to learn, and to grow. While it is important for a child’s body to get enough calories it is just as important for the child to not get too many calories. The amount of calories needed may vary depending on the child's age, size, and the amount of exercise they get each day.

While calories are important it is more important to understand what type of calories a child is getting. Some items provide empty calories such as kool aid, soda, and candy. These items will provide calories, however they have no nutritious value. The child is getting full but not receiving the nutrition they need to properly grow. It is better for a care giver to provide a variety of fruits and vegetables for the child. It is important to note that children may like some things while they do not like others. Try not to force feed healthy foods but rather make healthy food available rather than junk foods. If a child is able to get fruits and vegetables along with juice, milk and water as the majority of their diet it will make for a much healthier child.

Children learn their eating habits from the people they are around. So remember that if you eat healthy your children will too. On the other hand, if you are a junk food lover expect your child to be as well. Nutrition is very important and should be considered each and every time you offer food to your child.


Save Money With Movie Nights at Home

Taking the entire family to the movies can be quite expensive. You would never dream of taking everyone to the movies every weekend, or would you? You could if you planned to have your own movie nights right at home with the entire family. With the right plans it can be rather enjoyable for everyone.

Have a simple dinner on movie night so you can all get right to the fun part of the evening. Make sure all the chores are done so there are no distractions. Have enough comfortable seating so everyone will be cozy, whether on the sofa or the floor. Plan your own intermissions for bathroom breaks and getting snacks.

Snacks are a big part of being at the movies, yet a very expensive part. You can go to your local grocery store and buy goodies for everyone. Buy the goodies in bulk and you will be prepared for future movie nights at home. Do not forget the popcorn. There is just something about eating popcorn while watching a movie. The only difference is yours will be fresh and the kids can help make it.

To make your home more like a movie theater you will want the room to be very dark. Take some time and effort to cover the windows with blankets or anything that will block outside lights.

If everyone can go to the video store together, you will be sure to pick a movie that everyone wants to see. Consider picking two movies, one can be for the entire family and one can be for the adults after the little ones are in bed.


How to Ensure That Children Eat Well

A great way to ensure that your children are on the road to good nutrition may be to get them involved in food preparation. However, before one begins food preparation, a general question must be answered. What does it mean to eat healthy? That can depend on both age and level of movement. Generally, the proper amounts of certain foods needed to maintain a healthy balance increases as the level of movement becomes greater. Age, naturally, is another consideration.

The food pyramid is an excellent source of information. The food pyramid offers choices and plans for all ages and activity levels. In fact, a parent can choose to create a plan tailored to their child's specific age group and needs.

Another way to promote healthy eating is to eat properly as a family. It is very important to be a model of healthy eating for your child. If they see you eat healthy, they will more than likely follow suit. Variety in food choice is also important. Healthy snacks already prepared for your child are a way to guide your kids one day at a time into a great eating lifestyle.

Involving children in preparing good food is another way to teach them how to develop a lifetime of healthy eating. Healthy kid-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare with your child is one way to go. For instance, most children enjoy eating chicken fingers. There is a great recipe online that is healthy too! Can macaroni and cheese be healthy? Yes it can. There are also a variety of recipes online for children with health challenges such as diabetes and lactose intolerance, as well as for those with other health concerns.


Fun At Home Entertainment Ideas

The state of the economy today has caused people to have to try to save money on almost everything, even on fun. People now look for ways that they can entertain their family and friends at home. Here are some ideas to try.

Sharing food is something that will never go out of style. Have a potluck with your close friends and family. Prepare a big pot of something like spaghetti or chili and ask others to bring additional items to complete the meal. There is something special about bonding with friends over food. After dinner you can play a game of charades and finish off the party with some laughs.

Have a nice romantic evening at home. Romance is something that you can create even at home. You don't have to be at an expensive restaurant. Fix a dinner that is a little off your usual menu, light scented candles that set the mood, play soft music and perhaps light a fire. You will set the mood for a special evening at home.

You can have one of those special nights that are fun for your children too. First sit down with them and pick out a couple of their favorite Disney movies. Now get in your favorite pajamas, snuggle in those blankets that make you feel oh so good and have a theater night at home. Don't forget to pop some popcorn to complete the evening. You can even invite a couple of their friends to come over for Disney night.

Let your imagination be in charge and you will see that it is possible to have fun at home. Do something that is out of the ordinary, it's fun!