Top Tips for Winter-Proofing Your Home

Winter-proofing your home is important for multiple reasons. For one thing, it helps prevent damage to your home due to leaks, moisture, and other problems. For another, winter-proofing helps conserve energy and saves you money on your energy bills. Here are some tips for getting your home ready for winter.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is in Working Order

Change your furnace’s filter, and have replacement filters handy so that you can change it as frequently as needed. A professional can also come and look at your furnace and let you know where you may need some repairs. The initial cost of having a professional evaluation of your heating system could save you a bundle later in the winter.

Your local electric power company may also be willing to help you do an assessment of your home heating system.

Check for Leaks

Doors, windows, and beneath your eaves are key places to look for leaks. Remember your garage door, too. Another important area is the space between your home’s siding and your foundation.

Seal Up Leaks

If you discover leaks in some of these places, you can use caulk or weather stripping to seal them up. Caulk can be used on non-mobile leaks, such as between your windows and wall or along your eaves. Use weather stripping on doors and on windows between the frame and glass.

Insulate Your Attic

Because heat rises, your attic can be the sight of significant heat and energy loss in the winter. Sources say at least twelve inches of insulation is required to prevent heat loss. Check for leaks by looking for light and stained, discolored wood. Use a pencil or crayon to mark the problem areas.

Insulate Your Pipes

The water heater can be a significant energy hog in the home. The water that sits in the pipes cools off, meaning you have to run the hot water tap a lot longer while waiting for the cold water to get out of the pipes and the hot water to get to the tap. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install – your local hardware retailer should have plenty of the foam sleeves available.

Insulate Your Water Heater

Consider wrapping your water heater to retain heat, thereby reducing heat loss and energy use. Bubble wrap, special blankets, and foam are all possible materials you could use.

Clean Your Gutters

Material left in your gutters can freeze, and the expansion of ice and additional weight can cause the gutters to dislodge or pull away from the roof.

Why You Should Volunteer This Holiday Season

Volunteering is something people often do during the holiday season. This is probably because the “spirit” of the holidays is giving, and volunteering certainly involves giving – giving of your time, talents, and abilities. But why should you do it, and where? Here are some ideas.

Some Reasons for Volunteering

* People are in need! Volunteering meets a need, and this is a practical reason for giving your time to help.

* It builds you up as a person – you feel good about yourself if you’ve volunteered your time.

* Volunteering sets an example for those around you. Your friends and family may be inspired to volunteer themselves as they see your example.

* When you volunteer, it gives more meaning to the holiday season. It’s not all about commercialism and “gimme gimme” anymore.

Where to Volunteer

As you consider where to give your time, bear in mind that it is wise to choose a cause that means something to you. This will help keep you motivated, and will mean more to you spiritually and personally. Here are some possibilities.

1. Nursing homes

There are so many lonely people in nursing homes. Even those who have family members to visit them may not remember from one day to another – or even moment by moment – who has been to see them. Residents may feel lonely even if their family just visited them a little while ago. So taking some time to visit and bring an object to help residents recall your visit – a card, ornament, etc. – may be just the thing to help.

Not all nursing home residents have trouble remembering. Others just enjoy a visit and will remember it fondly.

Nursing home staff may need help, too, such as serving food or decorating, or help with special activities for the residents.

2. Food charities

Nearly all communities have food charities, whether it’s your local church’s food bank or a soup kitchen. When it comes to food charities, you can volunteer in several ways.

* Donate food to local food banks or pantries. Call ahead to find out what food the pantry needs at that time.

* Donate money to help buy food.

* Donate time and your vehicle to make deliveries to those who need food but can’t get out to pick it up (shut-ins).

* Help prepare food baskets and packages on location.

3. Homeless shelters

Homeless shelters sometimes rely on volunteer help to stay open and functioning. Serving food, decorating, and preparing food are just some of the ways you can help out at a homeless shelter. There may also be a need for volunteers to clean sleeping and eating areas. For a personal touch, you could bring cards to pass out to residents as they come in or pick up their meals.

4. After school programs

Volunteers are often needed to help with after school programs. Find out what programs your local schools offer, and call to see if they need help. You could also volunteer to do your own after school program.

Why Simple Is Best – Celebrate This Holiday with Less

Psychologists warn that too many gifts at once can overwhelm and overstimulate children, and cause stress for all ages. These same experts also point out the ingratitude that can result when children are presented with ever-bigger gifts from competing relatives. Adults are faced with finding a place for all the stuff, and the work of cleaning house to get rid of unwanted gifts.

Therefore, simple may be best. But how? Here are some ways you can celebrate the holidays with less.

Emphasize Relationships

Clutter distracts and takes our time – time we could be spending forging and nurturing relationships. Electronic gadgets, games, and so forth tend to isolate the individual (not always, of course – some games can bring families together). Instead of more stuff, plan some time to be with friends and family. Time is a wonderful and increasingly rare gift.

Your Home

Create a peaceful, simple atmosphere in your home to offset the crazy consumerism taking place around you. Let decorations be minimal and special. This will help your mind be at rest and create a restful atmosphere in your home.

Simplify Your Gift List

Try not to think competitively. Instead, think in terms of meaningful gifts – quality, not quantity. If in-laws, ex-spouses, grandparents, etc. insist on showering your kids with gifts, consider asking them to keep the gifts at their house rather than yours. Your child can then have something special to play with at his or her relatives’ homes.

Set Limits

Tying in with the above, set limits on what you’re going to buy and for whom you are going to buy. Cut back where you can, and see if you can draw names for gifts rather than having to buy for all your co-workers and/or relatives.

Communicate

It’s important to let your family know that you are planning to cut back, and why. It will help prevent disappointment on Christmas morning or whenever people’s material expectations are not going to be met. Talk to your children about how less is more, and about how you want to foster a sense of gratitude in your home.

Continue or Start Traditions

So many times it’s the memories that make the holidays, well, memorable! Traditions do not have to cost a lot of money or involve a lot of waste. They can simply be a special activity or something unique your friends and family do during the holiday season. Maybe you’d like to continue a tradition you were brought up with, or maybe a friend has an interesting one you could adopt for your family. Building memories is a great way to keep the holidays simple.

Why Manners Are Important

In just about every culture there is some code of conduct that you could call “manners.” Why is this? What’s the point of manners, and why are they important?

Manners are important for a variety of reasons. Parents need to make a point of teaching their children manners, too, to help their children grow into successful adults.

Here are some reasons why manners are important and why they should be taught to children.

Respect

Manners are a way of showing respect, both for yourself and others. They indicate that you are concerned for the sensibilities and reactions of other people. If you say “please,” for instance, you are conveying to the other person that he or she has a choice as to whether or not to do something for you. It becomes an optional request rather than a demand. Manners show that you have taken the time to consider how your actions and words impact others.

Manners also show that you respect yourself, because you’ve taken the time to learn how to be polite. You have estimated yourself as being worthy and capable of learning the ropes of polite society.

Success in Life

It’s hard to deny that good manners help kids and adults succeed. After all, who is going to hire someone rude? Who’s going to invite a rude child to a birthday party? Teachers, professors, bosses, supervisors, relatives…the list goes on of people whose favor will be easier to garner if you have good manners.

Relationships

Whether professional or personal, relationships are affected by the presence or absence of manners. If you take someone out on a date, her or she will be watching to see if you have good manners or not, and may choose not to go out with you again if your manners are poor.

If you are in a job interview, the business may choose not to hire you if you have bad manners, even if your skills are exceptional and relevant. Many jobs, including entrepreneurships, require you to interact with clients and customers. Bad manners could mean lost business.

Cultural Identity

Manners are a way of identifying with your own culture and the cultures of other people. If you learn the manners in another country or culture, you will be more likely to make a good impression. Learning the manners in your own culture can be a way to explore historical practices, customs, and other interesting facts about your culture. Manners bind us together as a people and bridge the gap between people groups.

Good manners really come down to caring about others. It’s polite to laugh at an un-funny joke so the person who told the joke doesn’t feel awkward or bad; it’s polite to say thank you so that the person who gave something to you feels appreciated. Manners are, ultimately, a way of caring about other people.

How to Stay Motivated to Exercise during the Cold Months

It can certainly get challenging to keep up with your workout during the winter. The mornings and evenings are dark and cold, and sometimes the daytime is frigid. Bad weather can set in, as can illnesses like colds and flu. What can you do to stay motivated to work out during these cold months? It is possible! Here are some tips.

Stay Healthy

Take a good multi-vitamin and make sure your diet is excellent to help stave off illness. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for wellness, too, and puts you in a much better mood for working out. You start the day with more energy, and it’s a lot easier to get up early (if that’s when you work out) if you’re well-rested.

The Right Gear

If you have the right workout gear, it’s much more comfortable to work out if you are going to be outdoors. Moisture-absorbing, thermal underwear and lightweight, insulating layers are the way to go. Also, investing in some new gear and clothing could be another way to stay motivated – it’s more fun when you have new things to wear!

Find a Friend

Exercising can be more fun with a friend, and he or she can hold you accountable. It gives you someone to talk to and can be social time you look forward to rather than just workout time. And if someone will be waiting for you to show up for your workout, you’re more likely to get there.

Indoor Activities

Even in a small house and in the absence of a gym membership, you have options for aerobic exercise. Consider a Yoga ball, for example, or workout videos. You also might invest in a small trampoline to do some jogging in place – the springy cushioning of the trampoline is easier on your joints.

Fun Stuff

Try to find activities you enjoy for your winter exercise. You’re not likely to stay motivated if you hate your workout! Winter might be the time to join that Yoga or belly dancing class you’ve been wanting to take; it might be a good time to sign up for martial arts classes or dance-based aerobics. Paying for a class and making an attendance commitment can go a long way toward keeping you motivated.

Get Ready

Nothing puts you off your workout like being disorganized – you can’t find your gym bag, or your running shoes, or your gloves. You may use up all your workout time hunting for items you need! The night before, lay out your gear. Fill your water bottle and put it in the fridge. Lay out shoes and socks by the door, and pack your gym bag. This only takes a few minutes, but can take up all kinds of time in the morning when you have other distractions!

Fantastic Ways of Teaching Your Kids Responsibility

Parents want their kids to be responsible. But it can be difficult to know just how to teach them. Here are some fantastic ways you can teach your kids responsibility.

Set an Example

You may think you’re setting a good example by just doing your work and getting it done; but your attitude toward your work may be communicating an undesirable message. Here are some tips for setting a good example.

* Have a positive attitude toward your work. Don’t complain aloud because your child will hear this and adopt the same attitude toward his or her chores and responsibilities.

* Think of work as a privilege, whether it’s a paying job or household chores. In this day and age, having a job is something to be grateful for. Household chores, too, can be looked at as a privilege – if you were disabled, for example, you wouldn’t be able to clean your own home. Communicate your gratitude that you even have a house or living space to keep clean.

Older Helping Younger

To help teach responsibility in your home, consider having older siblings interact with younger ones. Some ideas for older siblings to do with and for the younger ones include:

* Helping with homework
* Fixing a snack
* Giving a bath
* Playing a game
* Helping get dressed

Pet Ownership

No matter the age of a child, having a pet can help teach responsibility. Even toddlers can help feed an animal or bring you the items you need (such as a can of food or a dish). Just remember that very young children will need more help and supervision than older children. Here are some ways that pet ownership can teach your child responsibility:

* Daily feeding
* Daily walking
* Scooping cat litter
* Grooming
* Changing cage bedding/cleaning a cage or aquarium

Some sources note some particulars with regard to pet ownership. They suggest not threatening to get rid of an animal if your child does not take care of it, as this may teach a child that animals – and by extension, people – are expendable.

To prevent forgetfulness, it may help to have a chart listing what needs to be done for the pet every day. Your child can check off the items as they get done and see what comes next.

Consequences for Decisions

Consequences are said to be a good disciplinary tool that works better than punishment. But consequences also have a role in teaching responsibility. Allow your children to make some decisions on their own without your advice, and then let them see the consequences. This can be hard for a parent to watch, but letting your child handle the consequences is important. Here are some examples:

* Give your child an allowance and allow him to spend it or save it as he likes. He will begin to learn that once money is spent, it’s gone, and if he is patient and waits, the money will accumulate.

* Let your child choose between chores and playtime, and let her know that if she plays now, she will have to do her chores later instead of going to a friend’s house or other fun.

Black Friday – How to Stay Safe

Unfortunately, safety is a concern on the biggest shopping day of the year. Even for cyber shoppers who don’t want to venture out, danger lurks in the form of identity theft or scams. Whether it’s the possibility of getting crushed in the crowd or getting your identity stolen, Black Friday does present certain hazards. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on Black Friday.

Secure Websites

When shopping online, only purchase from secure websites. Specifically, look at the web address – if it starts with “https” that indicates that it’s safe. If it starts with just “http,” it’s not a secure site. Also, most browsers have a “lock” icon at the bottom of the screen in the tray; the presence of the lock icon means it’s a secure site.

Don’t Click

Know when not to click on ads, deals, and links. If you received an email from an unknown retailer, for example, telling you to click on a link in the email, don’t do it. Do an internet search for the company and/or ad before clicking.

Cash…?

If you’re going to the brick-and-mortar stores, some say it’s a good idea to use cash to pay for your purchases. Cash can’t be traced and it doesn’t contain your personal information like checks and credit cards do. However, cash is not easily recovered if stolen. Weigh the risks and decide which method of payment will work for you and be safest. No matter what you choose, make sure you know where your wallet is at all times.

Shop in a Group

Not only is it more fun, but a group of shoppers can watch out for each other. Make sure your cell phones are charged and turned on. Shopping in a group means someone can hold your place in line, or go get something you forgot while you wait in line. This avoids tussles and arguments among waiting shoppers, keeping everyone safer.

Be Courteous

While Black Friday is exciting and it’s almost a rush to get a great deal, remember that no deal is worth someone’s safety or life. Don’t push or get impatient in line; it may start something much bigger than you can’t control! If things seem to be heating up – say you are going for an item that another person is grabbing at the same time – then don’t be afraid to let it go. It’s only a few dollars, and it’s not worth a fight or worse.

Lock Your Car

Keep your car doors locked when you go in to shop. As purchases accumulate, it’s recommended that shoppers put items in the trunk. If they are clearly visible in the seat or floor of the car, it may tempt someone to break in.

Keep a Healthy Perspective

Remember, Black Friday is supposed to be fun. Shopping for great deals and making a day of it are traditional in some families; it’s meant to be enjoyed.

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Making crafts is a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving. You may not be too keen on the idea if you think crafts involve a lot of complication and mess, but there are easy Thanksgiving crafts you can do with your kids. You can even use some of them as table centerpieces. Here are some ideas.

1. A New Take on the Hand-Print Turkey

Remember tracing your hand and coloring in the palm and fingers to make a turkey? Here’s another idea that takes the principle of the hand-print turkey into new territory.

Materials:

* Air-dry, paintable clay of any color (white, beige, brown or neutral earth clay is best)
* Acrylic craft paints
* Decorative options: small googly eyes, craft feathers, beads, etc.
* White craft glue or hot glue gun

Instructions:

Take a piece of clay about the size of an orange. Work it until it is soft. Place the clay on a hard, wax paper-covered surface. Using your fingertips or a rolling pin, flatten the clay into a circle, oblong, or random shape.

Have the child press his or her hand into the clay to make a clear but not terribly deep hand print. Allow clay to dry.

Once dry, use paint and the accessories to decorate the turkey – glue on googly eyes, feathers, beads, and so forth. You could put a border of beads or feathers around the edge or on the turkey itself.

2. Tabletop Teepee

This will look good on the table or anywhere you want to display it.

Materials:

* Construction paper (tan, light brown, grey, or white)
* 3-5 twigs, about 12 inches in length
* Markers, paints, stickers of Native American symbols or designs, and/or crayons
* Natural twine
* Hot glue

Gather the twigs into a bunch and tie them at the top with the twine. Arrange the twigs into a triangular shape. Use the hot glue gun to secure the twigs at the tied area once you’ve reached the desired shape.

Decorate the construction paper on one side using the paints, stickers, etc.

Wrap the construction paper around the twigs, decorated side out. Secure with hot glue.

3. Paper Mache Napkin Rings

This is a fun way to personalize everyone’s place at the table!

Materials:

* Warm water
* White flour
* Newspaper
* Scissors
* Cardboard tubes (such as paper towel tubes or toilet paper tubes)
* Acrylic craft paint
* Decoupage medium or white glue thinned with water (equal amounts water and glue)

Instructions:

Measure the water and flour in a ratio of 2 to 1; 1 cup water for every half a cup of flour, for example. Put the desired amount of warm water in a bowl, then gradually whisk in the flour until no lumps remain. Add more water or flour as needed to get a thick, glue-like consistency.

Cut or tear newspaper into half-inch-wide strips.

Cut the cardboard tubes into the number and size of napkin rings you want.

Dip strips of newspaper into the flour mixture, making sure to coat the whole strip. Lightly run your fingers down the strip of newspaper to remove any excess. Cover each cardboard ring with the soaked strips, smoothing as you go.

Once dry, the napkin rings can be painted as desired. You could also use Thanksgiving stickers. Once the paint has dried, coat the entire ring with a layer of decoupage medium for a clear, protective coating.

How to Stop your Weight from Going Up This Holiday Season

Holiday weight gain is often accepted as part of the season. Depending on what holidays you celebrate, the high-calorie treats can start at the end of October and go through to Valentine’s Day! But weight gain does not have to be inevitable. Here are some tips for avoiding it this year.

Reduce Stress

Some sources point out that stress can be just as much a factor in weight gain as excess calories. Engage in your favorite stress-reducing activity such as meditation, prayer, stretching, or deep breathing.

Regular Exercise

Yes, you’ve heard this before. But regular exercise not only reduces stress which, as noted above, is also a factor in weight gain; it also keeps excess weight at bay by burning it off. During the fall, exercises like regular walking and hiking are fairly easy to do; but when the weather gets cold, dark and wet in the winter, it can be more challenging. That’s when a fun exercise video can be a big help, or a mini indoor trampoline. You could also enroll in a class or go to the gym where you can exercise indoors.

Another benefit of exercise is the potential for appetite control. Sources say that vigorous exercise can reduce your appetite for several hours, so consider a brisk walk or workout before a holiday get-together.

Set Limits Ahead of Time

This has probably happened to you – at a family gathering, party, or other holiday event, you are faced with all kinds of “naughty” foods that you know you shouldn’t eat. The event ends with you eating plenty of goodies and feeling guilty about it.

This is what happens when you don’t have predetermined limits. Instead of having a vague idea like “I really shouldn’t eat so much,” or an overly-strict approach like “I won’t eat any sweets or fat,” try setting realistic limits that still allow you to have some treats. For example, before an event, tell yourself you will eat one sweet item and one small portion of a fattening food, such as rich dip and chips. And you can fill up on low-calorie foods like vegetable crudit

How to Teach Your Preschooler Manners

Learning manners can be a lifelong venture. But the basics can be taught in preschool. While parents can expect mistakes, learning manners at the preschool level is not out of the question. Here are some ideas on how you can teach your preschooler manners.

Read Stories about Manners

There are lots of good books about manners. Call your local library or do an online search for books that have to do with manners. They do not have to be “how to” books; while those are fine, engaging stories that showcase polite behavior are also appropriate. The same would be true for DVDs and videos, too.

Remind, Don’t Scold

Sources suggest that reminding your preschooler about his manners is better than scolding. After all, preschoolers have a lot to learn and they tend to live in the “here and now.” It often takes a while for something that is taught to be internalized. So if you have taken the time to teach your preschooler to use her spoon at the table and she dives into the mashed potatoes with her hands, just pick up her spoon and hand it to her with a reminder we eat mashed potatoes with a spoon.

A note on using utensils – a great way to help a preschooler learn the proper use of utensils is to serve treats or dessert that must be consumed with a utensil. He can’t eat the dessert unless he uses his fork or spoon – he will probably pick up the skills fast!

Be Clear and Consistent with Rules and Consequences

First, make sure the rules and expectations are clear. Telling your preschooler to “be good” in the grocery store may be too vague. Tell her specifics, and make it a list she can recite with you. “Sit down in the cart, don’t grab, don’t yell,” or “Walk with Mommy, keep your hands to yourself, use your inside voice,” are just some examples.

When there are consequences to your preschooler’s misbehavior, make sure she knows why. If you had to leave a playgroup or friend’s house because of her bad manners, let her know it was because she misbehaved that you left. You don’t need to guilt-trip her; just make sure it’s clear that her behavior caused the consequence.

Reward Good Behavior

Going back to the grocery store example, you could reward your preschooler with a special treat (maybe ice cream on the way home to avoid a “scene” in the store) if he behaves. If he has bad manners, the consequence is no ice cream. Good manners earn him a treat, which will help reinforce the behavior (as long as you’re clear that it was the good manners that got him the privilege).

Delicious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Are you unsure how to celebrate Thanksgiving as a vegetarian? Thankfully, there are lots of options available for a meatless feast! Here is a basic menu suggestion, followed by recipes.

Stuffed Butternut Squash (instead of turkey)
Crispy Green Beans
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Cranberry Pear Crisp

1. Stuffed Butternut Squash

For 8 servings, you will need:

* 4 medium butternut squashes
* 3/4 cup wild rice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves minced fresh garlic
* 2 1/2 cups whole wheat bread, torn into bite-sized pieces (pack firmly into cup to measure)
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 2 teaspoons minced fresh)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 cup unsweetened orange juice
* Salt or salt-free blend to taste

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a fruit spoon to scrape out the seeds. Place halved squash in shallow baking dishes, cut side up. Cover and bake for about 45 minutes, or until you can pierce one easily with a knife but it is still somewhat firm.

While the squash bakes, cook the wild rice in 2 cups of water – stir rice into boiling water, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes. Place cooked rice in the bowl.

Sautee onions and garlic until soft. Add them to the rice in the bowl, and stir in remaining ingredients.

Cool the squash until you can comfortably handle them, then scoop out some of the cooked flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh in each squash. Chop the scooped-out flesh and add to the stuffing mixture, then stuff the squashes. Place them in a baking dish and cover. Heat before serving in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

2. Crispy Green Beans

For a side dish, try these crisp beans that can be eaten with the fingers. To serve 4, you will need:

* 2 pounds green beans (stringless tenderettes or haricot verts)
* 2 teaspoons margarine or butter
* 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
* 1 tablespoon dried chives
* 1 tablespoon dried parsley
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steam green beans for 5 to 7 minutes. Place in a bowl and add remaining ingredients; toss to coat and serve.

3. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

For 14 rolls, you’ll need:

* 2 1/2 teaspoons baker’s yeast
* 3/4 cup lukewarm buttermilk
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 7 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon dried nutmeg
* 3/4 cup butter
* 1 large egg
* 1 can pumpkin puree (16oz)

Sprinkle yeast over the lukewarm milk and let sit until bubbly (about 5 minutes). In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or fork. Lightly beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture. Add the pumpkin and the milk/yeast mixture. Stir it well, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes, adding up to a cup of flour to keep dough from sticking.

Form dough into a ball, place in greased or buttered bowl, and let it rise, covered, for about an hour (or until it’s doubled in size).

Punch dough down and form into 14 balls. Place these balls into a 10-inch spring-form pan or non-stick cake pan, cover with a clean towel and let rise about 45 minutes. Bake risen rolls at 250 degrees F for about 45 minutes, allow to cool, then remove from pan and serve.

3. Cranberry and Pear Crisp

Serve this as an unusual but seasonal dessert.

* 3 medium-sized pears, cut into thin slices
* 2 tart baking apples, cut into thin slices (peel if desired)
* 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Topping:

* 1 cup flour
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 cup buttery spread or butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix the pears, apples, cranberries, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar, and corn starch. Spread into a 9-inch baking pan or pie dish. In another bowl, mix the topping ingredients, cutting the buttery spread/butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit and bake for about half an hour.

How to Spiritually Prepare Your Family for the Upcoming Holiday Season

The holidays are a spiritual time, and some families like to prepare for this aspect of the season. Yom Kippur, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so forth all have spiritual origins, aspects, or elements. Here are some tips for spiritual preparation for the upcoming holidays.

Practice Hospitality

Being hospitable and opening your home to others is a way to promote friendship and feelings of peace in your guests, friends, and family. It’s a good way to meet new people and extend a helping hand to those who may not have family with whom they can celebrate the holidays. Being hospitable prepares you for the spirit of the holidays, too – it’s a way to give of your time and space, and the holidays are about giving.

Peaceful Home

When you decorate for the holidays, consider the feelings invoked with your decorations. In your doorway, consider hanging a framed blessing or spiritual saying. Create a sense of peace by avoiding noisy, moving decorations and gaudy lights, and instead decorate simply and with ornaments and items that have personal meaning.

Pray and/or Meditate

Some spiritually-minded people like to pray over and through their entire house before the holiday season. Others pray or meditate to prepare their heart and get in the right mindset for the holidays.

Fast

Many religious cultures fast, or abstain from food for a period of time, as part of their religious observance. Fasting can help you prepare your heart and mind as you focus on spiritual matters and overcome your desire for food. It might help prevent holiday-time overeating, too – discipline is considered as much a spiritual matter as a physical one.

Follow Examples

For holidays like All Saints Day, you can prepare your spirit by following the example of a particular saint. You could volunteer at an animal shelter in honor of St. Francis, for instance, or engage in other acts of service reminiscent of certain saints. Remember, All Saints Day was enacted to remember the lesser-known or unknown saints in history, so by following a saintly example you are spiritually a part of the celebration.

Cultivate Gratitude and Thanksgiving

During the Thanksgiving season, many people forget the spiritual aspect of the holiday. Gratitude and thankfulness are considered spiritual aspects of a person’s character, and cultivating these important traits is a good way to prepare for the holidays.

Give to Charity

Giving is a significant part of the holiday spirit. Giving to people who can’t give anything back is particularly appropriate for the season. Donate time, money, or items to your favorite charity in a spiritual gesture of goodwill.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

While the spiritual underpinnings of Thanksgiving are sometimes debated, the spiritual meaning of Christmas is generally accepted. Focus on the true meaning of Christmas and its spiritual implications, and incorporate that aspect of it into your home and family festivities.

Sled Safety for Children

Remember sledding as a child? Safety was probably the furthest thing from your mind! Over the years, parents have wised up and know that sledding can be dangerous and children can get hurt. But if it’s done with some safety tips in mind, your kids can have a safe sledding experience. Here are some tips regarding sled safety for children.

Choose the Right Sled

Choosing the best sled for your child’s age and your climate is important. Here are some of the types of sleds that are generally available, and what ages and conditions are best suited for that type.

* Classic toboggan – These wooden sleds with metal runners are often the first image that comes to mind when you think of “sledding.” However, they are not for everyone. Younger children may not do well on such a sled, because it requires some coordination and steering. Also, wooden toboggans are best for deep, fairly dry snow. Wet or light snow will fail to hold it up and your child will find him or herself scooting on wet grass or mud!

* Plastic snow disks – These saucer-shaped sleds can be really fun – but they are fast! Children should be aware of how to use them – no standing, for instance, and no lying on your back (you can’t see objects you’re approaching). These disks tend to be lightweight and durable, reducing the risk of injury if it should slide over or fall onto your child during sledding.

* Tubes – Inflatable sleds probably afford the best protection and cushioning, but they can spring a leak and/or tear. Tubes are also fairly versatile with regard to the amount and type of snow with which they can be used.

Choose the Right Location

* Choose a hill that is clear of brush, trees, poles, and other objects that could cause harm. Collisions with hard objects can cause serious injury, and brush can cut, scratch, and injure exposed skin and eyes.

* Don’t head for a hill with which you are unfamiliar – it could have hidden dips, drops, holes, or rocks.

* Hills should not be too steep, and should end on a level area (not a road or parking lot!).

Some Other Guidelines

Here are some other, general safety tips for sled safety for children.

* Gravity should be the only thing pulling your child on his or her sled. Attaching sleds, tubes, disks, etc. to a vehicle (ATV, truck, etc.) is quite dangerous.

* Dress children warmly in layers – having fun, they may forget to pay attention to numb feet and hands.

* Sled only during daylight hours when you can see objects clearly.

Winter Running – How to Stay Safe

Staying in shape during the winter is important; the holidays bring extra temptations and calories, and it’s easy to gain weight. Running in the winter brings its own unique challenges, though, and some guidelines and tips can be helpful for optimal safety. Here are some suggestions on how to stay safe running this winter.

Prepare for Darkness

Remember that it gets dark earlier in the day in wintertime – you don’t want to get caught running in the dark without the proper clothing. Reflective, light-colored clothing is a good idea. Reflective straps are helpful, as well as reflective patches on shoes. There is even special running clothing available that has reflective spots or patterns.

Traction

There may be snow and ice on the ground which can affect your stride and present the risk of slipping. You can purchase special grips that go on the bottom of your running shoes to enhance grip and decrease your chances of slipping.

Electronic Devices

While sources point out the risky side of listening to music while you run (you can’t hear approaching traffic or other potential dangers), it’s a good idea to carry a cell phone. If you fall and need help or run into any other trouble, your cell phone could prove invaluable. Make sure it’s charged up before you start, and that your run doesn’t take you where there’s no available service.

Layers

Most winter runners know to dress in layers – but there are some specifics that can help make it a safer and more comfortable experience. Here are some tips for optimal layering:

* Don’t use cotton. As a middle or outer layer, it won’t do a very good job of insulating; as an inner layer, it will soak up sweat, and cold, damp fabrics can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of hypothermia.

* As you peel off layers, make sure you put them back on as you cool down. You can get too cold quickly if you strip off all your layers and stay that way.

* Cover your head and neck with a hat and scarf.

Other Winter Running Gear

Keep your hands warm while running with gloves, mitts or mittens. Layer your socks and include a layer of Gortex if possible. Wool socks are also helpful for warmth and moisture-wicking. Keeping your feet and hands warm is important.

Run with Friends

Running with others is safer for all kinds of reasons. For one thing, you have others with you if you get hurt; for another, muggers and others with ill intent are less likely to attack a group.

Outdoor Winter Activities for the Whole Family

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the outdoor activities have to stop! Help the family stay fit and have fun with winter activities for the whole family this season. Here are some ideas.

Sledding/Coasting/Tubing

Whatever you call it, sliding downhill in the snow is fun for all ages. You can use inexpensive plastic snow disks, toboggans, inner tubes, or just plastic bags. You can do this in your own neighborhood, or go to a local park. Make sure you bundle up and dress in layers, and wear heavy boots.

Build Stuff

Forts, castle, chairs, villages, and snowmen are just some of the things you can build with snow. You could hold a family snowman competition to see who can come up with the most creative snowman design. It doesn’t just have to be snowmen, either – snow animals are a lot of fun, too.

Snowball Fight!

Plot your strategy and engage in a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Make rules and see that everyone follows them – no one should be hiding rocks in snowballs, for instance, nor should players throw hard or throw at the face.

Skiing

A ski vacation can be fun, but if that isn’t your style (or within your budget), look into cross-country skiing in your area, or one-day events at your local ski lodge. If you can rent or borrow skis, you might be able to do some cross-country style skiing in your neighborhood or at your local park.

Lights Tour

During the holiday season, your family can go look at various holiday lights displays. Get out and walk in the neighborhoods and park displays so you get exercise.

No Snow?

Maybe your area is just plain cold with no snow, or no snow at the moment. A cold-weather hike may be just the thing. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy on the trail.

Have a cookout in the cold. Build a bonfire or camping-style fire at your local park or backyard. Heat water or milk to make hot chocolate, and roast some marshmallows to go with it.

Ice games can be really fun – just make sure you’re on an authorized outdoor rink or other officially safe frozen surface – it’s not a good idea to go looking for frozen ponds that have questionable ice thickness. Ice skating can be fun for everyone in the family. Broom hockey is a fun ice game that doesn’t require skates (although you can play it that way).

Old-Fashioned Remedies to Stop a Runny Nose This Winter

Wintertime often brings a runny nose along with cold temperatures. Drug stores carry all sorts of medicines that are supposed to help, but some people have reservations about using these medications, and some of them may not be very effective. Over-the-counter runny nose treatments may also cause unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness.

There are alternatives to these store-bought remedies – old-fashioned, home remedies using natural ingredients are doable for lots of people. Here are some suggestions for old-fashioned runny nose remedies this winter.

Ginger Root

Have you seen those knobby brown roots in your grocery store or health food store? This is ginger root – spicy, lightweight roots that are said to be quite helpful for a runny nose. Slices of it can be chewed raw, but if you find that too spicy or strong, you can buy it candied.

Garlic

Chewing raw garlic is probably beyond most people’s tolerance level, but it is supposed to help a runny nose. If you can’t tolerate chewing the raw cloves, try mincing raw garlic and mixing it into salad. Sprinkling it on pasta, mixing it with olive oil to make a condiment for bread-dipping, or tossing it on pizza may also be effective.

Mustard Oil

Check the ethnic foods section of your grocery store, or go to an Indian or Middle Eastern grocery store to find this pungent oil. One drop in each nostril is said to clear up a runny nose.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil can be ordered online or bought at most health food stores. Inhaling its vapors may help clear nasal obstruction and relieve nasal discharge. Pour 2 cups of boiling water into a bowl, add 5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and lean over the bowl and inhale the scented steam. If you like, drape a towel over your head to make a “tent” to hold in the steam.

Use a Neti Pot

Washing out your nasal passages with a simple saline solution can really help stop the runny-nose cycle and clear nasal passages. If you don’t have a neti pot, you can use a dropper. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt into 1 cup of very warm water; stir until dissolved, then put a few drops at a time into each nostril. Inhale to draw the saline in, then allow it to drain.

Spice Things Up

When you eat spicy foods, you may find that your nose runs – so it may seem contradictory to use hot peppers to stop a runny nose. But sources say that hot peppers or dried red pepper may actually act as an antihistamine. Also, the temporarily increased runniness of your nose might help clear an obstruction that is causing the runny nose to begin with.

Humidify the Air

Irritated nasal passages tend to be runnier than those that are healthy and moist, sources say. Consider putting a humidifier in your room at night to minimize nasal irritation from dry air.

How Not to Raise a Spoiled Child

A “spoiled” child is, according to experts, a child who dominates the adult world around him, always seems to get what he or she wants, and is not respectful of authority. Behaviorists point out, however, that having the occasional tantrum or meltdown does not necessarily mean your child is spoiled; it may just be a bad day and a difficult moment.

When it crosses the line from a moment to truly being spoiled is if it becomes habitual. Here is a checklist that can help you identify whether or not your child is becoming spoiled:

* She interrupts adult conversations all the time.
* She demands you buy her something every time you go out lest her behavior get out of control.
* You avoid outings and errands with your child because you are afraid she’ll make a “scene.”
* You get “worn down” by your child’s persistence and give in to avoid arguing.

So what can you do to avoid this or help fix it if it describes your family dynamic? Here are some tips and ideas on how not to raise a spoiled child.

Money Isn’t Everything

If you’re affluent, try not to shower your child with everything she wants. Remember, it’s not about the amount of money you have; it’s more about your attitude. Even if you have the money, ration out what you are going to spend on your child and stop after the limit is reached.

If you’re not affluent, try to avoid complaining about not having enough money. Your child may begin to equate money with happiness and the lack of it with misery. He may then assign worth to people or friendships based on the other person’s financial status or ability to buy him gifts.

Foster Responsibility

Spoiled children often have no understanding of consequences. They have usually just been placated rather than having to suffer the effects of bad behavior. Therefore, cultivate a sense of personal responsibility in your kids to prevent them from becoming spoiled. Make sure you enact consequences in response to poor behavior, and always follow through.

Don’t Give In

This may go without saying, but it bears repeating – child development experts advise parents never, ever to give a child something she wants if she is having a tantrum in order to get it. In other words, if you say “no” to buying a toy and your child flies off the handle, don’t grab the toy and buy it just to avoid embarrassment. You made the rule, so stick with it! This helps prevent a child from becoming demanding or spoiled.

Foster Gratitude

Whether it’s through making a list of blessings or playing games to learn the concept, fostering gratitude is so important for raising unspoiled kids. Have your kids earn their privileges instead of them being automatic, for example. They can earn their allowance or other things they want, too. It helps them appreciate what they’ve got if they worked for it.

Craft Ideas to Celebrate Kwanzaa

The colors of Kwanzaa are red, green, and black. Red represents the struggles of the people; black represents the people themselves; and green represents the future. Using this color scheme and theme, you can create all kinds of interesting Kwanzaa crafts with the whole family. Here are some ideas for celebrating Kwanzaa with crafts.

1. Flag Ornaments

Hang these flags as individual ornaments, or string them on yarn to make a garland in this easy craft.

Materials
* White card stock or poster board
* Black, red and green card stock or construction paper
* Scissors
* Pencil
* Ruler
* White glue
* Single hole punch
* Black, red, or green yarn

Using a ruler and pencil, mark the white card stock or poster board at even intervals to produce equal-sized rectangles. These will be the base or background for your flags – how many you get will vary; it’s up to you as to how large you want your flag ornaments. Cut along the lines you drew to produce separate white rectangles.

Using the ruler and pencil, divide the white rectangles into thirds cross-wise. Then cut red, green, and black strips from the card stock in pieces, each the size of one-third of the white rectangle.

Use white glue to glue the red, black, and green strips to the white card stock. Allow to dry.

Punch a hole in one corner of the little flags. Either run the yarn through multiple ones to make a garland, or tie the yarn into a loop on each flag to make individual ornaments. If you do the garland, tie each flag to the yarn at intervals as you go to prevent them from sliding together into a bunch when you hang the garland.

2. African Drum

Kids love drums! Make your own for Kwanzaa this year.

Materials:
* 2 large Styrofoam cups
* Paper mache (half-inch wide strips of newspaper, a mixture of white glue and water in a ratio of 2:1)
* Masking tape
* Hot glue
* Acrylic craft paint in off-white or beige, brown, black, red, and green
* Cloths or rags

Use the hot glue to attach the base of the two cups. Allow to dry.

Cover the opening of one cup with masking tape. Then cover the sides of the cups with paper mache. Include the inside of the open cup (which is the base of the drum). Allow to dry.

Paint the drum with off-white paint. Allow to dry. Then you can either paint red, green and black decorations over the off-white, or paint over it with brown and wipe/dab it off partially with a rag for a natural look.