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Holiday-Themed Sanity Savers

Whether you are hosting a Christmas party, a Hanukkah get-together or you simply need ways to keep your kids busy while they are home from school during the holiday break, the following ideas will go a long way to preserving your sanity: Games:  Get into the holiday spirit by modifying traditional kids’ games, such as “Duck, Duck, Goose.”  A holiday version could be “Reindeer, Reindeer Rudolph” or “Elf, Elf, Buddy” (Will Ferrell’s name in the movie “Elf”). Another option is to turn “Simon Says” into “Santa Says.”  These types of interactive games are great ways for kids to burn off … Continue reading →

Frugal Tips for Surviving Snowstorms

Fortunately (or unfortunately)for me, I no longer live in blizzard central where I grew up and spent the first decade of my adult life. Still, the news of blizzards in the northeast has me feeling a bit nostalgic. It also has me thinking of all of the frugal things that my parents did during snow storms and blizzards to keep us kids warm, happy, and fed. Hang blankets for extra warmth: Growing up, our homes were fueled with oil. During snowstorms, the temperatures would drop causing us to run out of oil quicker. To slow down the consumption of heating … Continue reading →

Winter Storm Sanity Savers

It’s funny how Mother Nature tends to dictate a parent’s schedule. For example, I have a slew of family members living on the East Coast who are bracing for a major winter storm. Significant snow is predicted to make traveling a nightmare for residents in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. The storm has forced my cousin to cancel a business trip to Boston. Instead, she’ll spend the snow day trying to figure out how to keep her four kids entertained indoors. If you are looking for ways to keep the kiddos from contracting a severe case of cabin fever, … Continue reading →

Winter Break Sanity-Savers: Indoor Fun

School’s out for winter break, more than half of the country is still digging out from the Christmas Storm of ’09 and your kids are beginning to bore of their new toys from Santa… now what? If you are desperately looking for ways to preserve your sanity while the kids climb the walls, you are in luck. Forget about sending each child to his room to sulk; rather, consider gathering the entire clan in the kitchen to make the following edible projects. After all, nothing says winter warm-up better than a cup of Snowflake Hot Chocolate and spicy Gingerbread Cookies. … Continue reading →

Affordable Snow Day Fun

  With yet another wicked winter storm readying to slam into several states from New Mexico to Illinois, millions of parents are gearing up for a snow day.  For kids, having a day off from school is a dream come true, but for many moms and dads the unexpected break is a true nightmare, especially if said children turn restless and cabin fever strikes. To preserve your sanity as Old Man Winter blasts into your neck of the woods, consider the following fun and affordable projects and games designed to keep your kids busy and out of trouble: DIY Decorative … Continue reading →

Spring Break Travel Prep

Now that we’re under a Winter Storm Warning, I’m seriously rethinking our decision not to fly to Hawaii for Easter break. The reality of having to dig out from under 10 inches of snow in late April does that to a person. Still, after hearing about slumbering air traffic controllers, sky-high airfares and TSA employee-run robbery rings, I suppose we’re better off staying home this spring break. If you are planning to jet off to grandma’s house, the beach or Disney this week you might be wondering how you can spare yourself from experiencing a travel nightmare. Here are some … Continue reading →

The Great Outdoors

This year my family spent our Christmas holiday in Texas. Each year prior we had taken the long and icy (and potentially dangerous) trip to be with our families over the holidays. While we certainly missed seeing our families, it was important that we were able to spend much needed time with one another after our lengthy period of struggle in preparation for my qualifying exams. Not having to think about filling the tank, packing our bags, and how many sweaters to bring really made the holiday season less stressful over all and gave us the much needed time together … Continue reading →

But It’s My Birthday!

Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday dear me! Happy birthday to me! Yep, you guessed it: It’s my birthday. Another year gone, another year older. Birthdays used to be so exciting. I remember looking at the calendar in anticipation when I was younger, counting down the days until I got to eat cake and open presents. It was nearly impossible to go to sleep the night before. I’d wake up early, go into my parents’ bedroom, and the entire family would gather around for gift opening. I would be freed of my morning duty of making … Continue reading →