KEEP KIDS BUSY AND HAPPY THIS SUMMER!

Here are some ideas for keeping your kids happily occupied throughout the summer — giving you time to get things done.

Stock up on indoor activities. Keep board games, puzzles and a deck of playing cards on hand for when your kids need a break from the sun.

Go on backyard adventures. Plan a picnic or let your kids camp overnight in your own backyard.

Start a lemonade stand. Teach your kids a simple lemonade recipe and watch them become instant entrepreneurs. Bonus: They can practice their math skills counting change!

Invest in storytelling tech. Collect audiobooks your kids love and play them when you need some quiet time to yourself.

Create a chore chart. Make housekeeping a game! Assign simple chores to your kids and offer a small prize, like getting to choose what’s for dessert. Your kids will help you out and have fun in the process.

Decorate your sidewalks. Give your kids a bucket of sidewalk chalk and watch your yard transform into an art studio. Teach them to draw hopscotch frames for creative exercise.

Send your kids on a scavenger hunt. Give your kids a list of small items to collect from neighbors or friends. The first one to collect everything on the list wins!

Comments

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order! Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement. With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a...

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1 package cream cheese 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper...

10 TIPS FOR HANGING HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Bring the holiday warmth to your home this season with a safe and festive light display. 1. Consider hanging your lights early in the season to avoid cold, wet weather that may pose a safety hazard. 2. Measure and map out a general plan to determine how many strings of lights your home requires. 3. Choose a size and wattage that fits your needs. Mini-lights are less expensive and use less energy. Larger C7 or C9 lights are more durable and remain lit even if one bulb dies. 4. Select shorter strings of light to avoid losing a large portion of your display if one string malfunctions. 5. Test for any dead bulbs to ensure your lights work properly. 6. Plug your extension cords into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Be sure the total wattage of your lights doesn’t exceed the capacity of your outlet. 7. Install hooks and clips along surfaces on which you’ll thread your lights. 8. Mix up your light display to highlight multiple architectural...

At Home With Valerie

Search This Blog