Teenagers seem to be faced with so much more today, then I ever faced as a kid. It’s a tough world out there. Unfortunately, there are teenagers out there who won’t do the right thing. Since they refuse to do the right thing, they will drag other teens down with them. Here is how to help your teenager deal with peer pressure. Communicate with your teenager Your life will always go a lot more smoothly whenever you communicate with your teenager. Not only do you want to communicate with them, you want to have an open-door policy for them. It’s much better to have your teen come talk to you than give into peer pressure. Trust your teen to make the right choice Every adult on this planet has made a bad choice and a lot of those choices were made as teenagers. AS a parent, you have vowed to never let your teenager make the same mistakes you did. GREAT! Now that you have talked to your teen, trust them to make the right choice. If they will be in a situation where you think there will … [Read more...]
Best Way To Volunteer This Holiday Season
Volunteering around the holiday season is exciting. You get to help people in need and feel good about what you’re doing. Getting out there and volunteering is always better than sitting back and doing nothing. If you’re looking at volunteering this holiday season, these are the best ways (in my humble opinion). 1. Local soup kitchen When you don’t know where to spend your time volunteering, your local soup kitchen is always a good start. Soup kitchens always need help and volunteers. Spend some time here this holiday season and watch your perspective change. If you would rather not work in the soup kitchen, it takes a lot to make a homeless shelter run. There are many different volunteering options. Make sure you choose something that you will love doing, this will give you the opportunity to keep coming back for more. 2. Do what you can There isn’t someone out there measuring how much you give or volunteer this holiday season. The best way to volunteer is to do what you can. Keep … [Read more...]
Salted Caramel Iced Coffee @Folgers #Folgers #Ad
There is nothing like enjoying a cup of your favorite coffee anytime of the day. The entire experience is mesmerizing and tantalizing from your taste buds to your sense of smell. Folgers Coffeehouse Blend is perfect for exploring alternative brewing methods because of its distinct taste that starts smooth and finishes bold. That is why I knew that it would be the perfect blend to use for my Salted Caramel Iced Coffee recipe. Folgers Coffeehouse Blend allows you to add anything to your coffee and still taste your coffee perfectly. When I was a little girl, my grandmother always loved to carry caramels in the pocket of her apron. She would secretly eat them throughout the day and would often give me one to eat whenever I was good or just to reward me with a treat. It's a beloved memory from my childhood so I knew that caramel would be the perfect ingredient for creating a decadent iced coffee recipe. … [Read more...]
7 Thrift Store Items Perfect For Holiday Gift Giving
You may love your local thrift store for furniture pieces, secondhand clothes, and of course knick knacks, but did you ever think it could also be an excellent place to look for holiday gifts? It’s true! You would be surprised to see how many people use their local thrift shop as a holiday shopping spot. To find out more, take a look below at 7 thrift store items perfect for holiday gift giving. It turns out you really can use your local thrift shop to find gifts for less. 1. Baskets. Thrift stores typically have an entire aisle of just baskets. These are perfect for filling up with themed gifts. Get nice baskets for as little as a quarter, then add some ribbon and filling before adding assorted gifts inside. With so many to choose from, you will have a fun time creating the perfect gift basket for friends and family. 2. Mugs. Thrift stores are often overrun with mugs. Find some mugs in good condition and fill them with coffee or tea packets, candy, or even office supplies. … [Read more...]
Apple Oats Muffins
I couldn't believe how much sugary candy was given out on Halloween this week. It really made me start thinking about being more careful about all the junk that the kids consume now that the holidays are right around the corner. If I know my family, they will be bringing a lot of snacks and desserts for my sons and nephews when they come over to celebrate. I'd rather they enjoy some more nutritious and wholesome treats. Although I love baking, I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I try to plan for recipes that will allow me to freeze and defrost them later so we could still enjoy them. One of my favorite recipes to make around this time of the year is for Apple Oat Muffins. Not only do my guys love them, but they also taste great and are perfect for enjoying for breakfast or lunch. My boys even like to eat them as an after-school snack when they get home in the afternoon! Apple Oat Muffins … [Read more...]
Felt Candy Corn Puppet Craft
Can you guys believe that Halloween is just two days away? I normally have all of my costume and decor preparations taken care of way in advance but this year I am way behind schedule. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with the fact that I just started a new teaching position this past September and I have been completely swamped with work and everything else. This weekend I am taking advantage to spend some quality time with my boys getting ready for Halloween. They have always enjoyed all of the festivities around this holiday and, despite their being older, they still enjoy helping me get everything ready. Since my younger nephews are coming over too, I have some fun arts and crafts planned including the one below: Felt Candy Corn Puppet Craft Supplies needed: White, black, orange, yellow craft felt Hot glue, glue gun Scissors Directions: 1. Begin by cutting out the two base pieces of your … [Read more...]
Is Your Teen Ready For A Debit Card?
One of the hardest jobs in the world is being a parent. You want to raise your kids to be healthy, responsible, productive, independent and happy adults. In a world where everyone is looking out for themselves, it is important to teach your kids integrity and independent thinking that isn't easily swayed by peer pressure. When it comes to giving your teen responsibilities, there are some key factors that can help you know when they are ready. Here are some things to help you know if your teen is ready for a debit card. #1. Are they working for their own money? If your teen is in high school and able to work a job, they may be ready for a debit card. When a teen works for their own money, it helps them to know the value of a dollar. The problem with a debit card is that it makes it really easy to spend money. The other problem is you have to keep a close watch on your account balance, so you don't go below your balance. #2. Are they trustworthy? If your teen is not … [Read more...]
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
The countdown is on, I am scheduled to go back into the classroom and end summer vacation on September, 6th. My boys will be starting school two days later and, since I am starting at a new position as a high school reading teacher, my schedule will be more hectic than ever. Both of our sons attend an after-school program due to our packed working hours. We've noticed that they are usually both famished by the time we pick them up and they get home. The problem is that it's very easy for them to reach into the refrigerator or cabinet and just grab the first thing that they see, whether it is the healthiest option or not. This year, I have started making a lot of changes to my personal diet and eating healthier. I've also begun to make subtle changes in our entire family's eating habits and opt for healthier snacking options for all of us. Included in this new vision are lots of vegetables and … [Read more...]
The Very Hungry Paint Chip Caterpillar Craft
It's no surprise that I totally geek out over books since I am a Literacy Specialist. I love to take advantage of any opportunity to get kids and young people excited about reading. After all, good readers use their skills in just about every facet of their lives and it's important to impart these abilities to children early on. One of my favorite books of all time is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Most kids can remember reading this book when they were younger because it is a classic picture book that has been enjoyed by generation after generation. The book depicts a very hungry caterpillar literally eating his way through all the pages of the book. Not only are the illustrations in this book bright and colorful, but they are a beautiful representation of the stages of butterfly metamorphosis. It's a great way to introduce these science concepts to kids through beautiful and entertaining images. I … [Read more...]
Piña Colada Popsicles
A few weeks ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to go away for the weekend without the kids for the first time in over ten years. Although we really missed our boys while we were away, having this time together made us realize how important it is to set time aside whenever possible to bond as a couple. Since we can't always get away, I started thinking about ways we could do this right at home. This doesn't mean that we can't enjoy some adult treats after the kids go to bed. It's summer vacation here in New York City so what better way to cool off after a long, hot day than by enjoying some Piña Colada popsicles. These are strictly for adults as the recipe does include rum. PIÑA COLADA POPSICLES This recipe will make 12 piña colada pops: INGREDIENTS 2 cups pineapple juice 2 cups cream of coconut 1/4 cup rum (or coconut rum) Optional- maraschino cherries DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pitcher, add the pineapple … [Read more...]
