The Mom I Want to Be

My kids do their homework at the kitchen table, so that I can help them. It seems like we are always having to run into either the playroom or my craft room to grab something for homework. I have wanted to make a homework station to corral all of the necessities that they might need, so here it is.

  

Lately we keep getting these drink holders from the drive-thru. This was a drink holder for 4 drinks. For my homework station I took out one divider (which I’m pointing to…or at least my finger is pointing to) in the picture. This is to make room for a notebook of paper, which is a must have for my kids’ homework.  

 

 

I gathered all the supplies I thought I would want to fill it with, as well as the supplies necessary for decorating it all. 

 

 

 

Mmmm, I love my glitter paper! I covered a composition notebook, and 3 different sized tin cans in coordinating glitter paper. I added matching vinyl decorations to my 3 hole punch, stapler, and pencil sharpener. I love these supplies now! 

 

 

 

Here’s the whole station together. I added the vinyl word to help the kids understand what this is for. I do not want them using these for anything other than homework, otherwise it will defeat the purpose as things will get ruined, or at the very least they will end up elsewhere in the house! Good luck with your school routines.

 

National Thriftshop Day is a day for a real bargain.

 

“Thriftshops” is an old term for stores that sell items deeply discounted merchandise. It’s not always the highest quality, but the price is right. You know these stores better today as discount department stores and dollar stores. 

Consignment Shopping Teaches More than Saving Money

 

An outing to the mall may stimulate your child and, debatably, the economy, but there are real rewards that reach beyond financial when you shop consignment or resale. Typically, a family goal is to stretch their hard earned dollars when buying used items, but I have seen bigger rewards that serve children for a lifetime and beyond when parents form their child’s character through experiences inherent to the world of consignment/resale shopping.

 

Whether you are buying clothing, furniture or home decor most consignment and resale boutiques offer goods at 30%-40% off retail plus additional percentage markdowns until it sells. Inventory and quality varies depending upon the scrutiny of the store management. Consignment and Resale does not always mean items are used. Many boutiques sell brand-new items like infant clothing and accessories that make great gifts!

 

As the owner of a consignment boutique, I have seen shoppers leave happy to have saved money on new or like-new items but more importantly, I have witnessed life lessons unfold. One inspiring example comes from a Tucker, GA. home-schooling mother of four children. Upon entry to the boutique, mom distributes each zip-lock bag of hard earned “allowance”. They know the drill. Mom stands back while kids scout out the clothes, toys, books and gear. Mom is nearby to help calculate pricing if markdowns apply. The kids study the quality of the products, selecting some brands over others, and not always foregoing the latest trends for savings. Mom observes and guides kids through the dilemma of choice: delayed gratification while gambling on further markdown or going for the sure thing because it will surely be sold if you wait. (This is, in fact, the secret thrill that drives a passionate consignment shopper.) Her children prioritize and zero in on their purchases. Proudly, they head home flaunting their goods as if they were contest winnings! This shrewd mother has just given her kids a real educational experience. Without realizing, these kids have just had an energized hour of math, problem-solving and decision making.

 

Another great example is a Dunwoody, GA., mother of two elementary school girls. This mom managed to enlist her daughters to consign their previously loved gear. The girls undoubtedly struggled to part with their things, but somehow, after evaluating the pros and cons, their outgrown goodies were consigned. Now, whenever the girls need new duds, mom brings them to the shop to spend what they each have in their store credit. Today big sister had a shoe fetish while little sister opted for hip-retro fashions and cool Imported accessories. This mom doesn’t say much about their choices. The sisters exercise independence and in time they’ll learn if their purchases are wise or frivolous but always fun! Eventually, they will outgrow today’s purchases and consign them, too.

 

Life lessons learned? Absolutely. The girls discovered that by taking care of their belongings they can recycle their investments, they learned that pack rats don’t prosper. Furthermore, the sisters selected to donate to charity any items that don’t sell so they learn about humanitarianism and develop compassion. Plus, when the girls shop consignment they benefit other families like theirs. Much like Bailey Savings & Loan in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, purchases in a consignment boutique, help consignors who are often our neighbors. Mall or department store retailers don’t offer you that direct opportunity.

 

Although there are plenty of good used clothing sales out there the educational opportunities aren’t always present. If you prefer to shop at the used clothing sales, be selective. Clothes typically have safety pinned tags which will forever damage your purchase. Adequate lighting is not typically provided and once home you may discover discolorations and stains not previously visible. Dressing rooms are rarely provided. Many only take cash or checks. Much like a garage sale, most of your time is spent combing the racks for the like-new items. Boutiques filter through the goods saving you the hassle. Kid’s clothing sales often discourage you from bringing your child so returning home with a good fit is tricky, since manufacturers’ sizes differ.

 

No matter where you shop, by being a wise consumer and buying lightly-loved clothing sales can afford you the benefits of owning high-quality goods that are typically one-of-a-kind.

 

As a consignment shopper and owner, I challenge parents to consider the message they send their children and grandchildren when we exercise our dollar. There are great lessons in daily activities and consignment shopping is one more affordable avenue.

Kidlet's Version

 

Tri-fold display board (48 by 36 inches; makes two stations, available at office supply stores)

Yardstick and pencil

Craft knife

Con-Tact paper or paint (optional)

Hot glue gun

Clothespins

Magnets / magnet strip or metal ruler

Adhesive backed Velcro dots

Zip close binder pouch

Small cork square

 

Folded for easy storage

 

Use glue dots to affix clothespins to one side for holding important papers and notes.

 

Adhere magnets with hot glue to scissors, the back of a stapler, and other frequently used supplies. Line them up along a ruler/magnet strip, with more magnets and a magnetic clip.

 

Use adhesive-backed Velcro dots to attach supplies that need to be easily removed: the ruler/magnet strip, a clock, a calculator, a sticky-note dispenser, and a pencil box.

 

Hang a zip-close binder pouch from an adhesive hook to hold small supplies.

 

Affix a small cork square for displaying photos or notes, using hot glue or the adhesive supplied with the square.

 

Our version (top photo) was created not so much to hold supplies (I have all homework supplies in an inexpensive plastic tower of drawers), but to hold reference materials.  I am always juggling handwriting cards,  sight words (They call them “wall words” in his classroom, so that’s what I labedled them here), and other reference items while he is working.  Since we are working so hard on his handwriting, having the handwriting card easily visable during work time is vital to us.  Horizonally on the table, it would get shuffled under other papers, mislaid, and beat up.

Let’s get serious now. We are not kidding. Today is National Tell a Joke Day. We hope your day is filled with chuckles and laughs.

 

No doubt about it. Today will be a fun-filled day, with lots of laughter. To fully participate and enjoy this day, just tell some jokes. You can do it in person, or pass along a few humorous emails. That’s easy enough to do. The more jokes you tell, the more fun this day will be. We also encourage you to listen to many jokes today. Everybody is getting into the act, and in order to “tell a joke”, someone has to be present to “listen to a joke”.

 

 

Q: What did the man who lost his left side say?

A: I’m all right now!

 

Q: What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?

A: For bird flu you need tweetment and for swine flu you need oinkment.

 

Q: What is the longest word?

A: Smiles; because it has a mile in between.

 

Q: What goes up when the rain comes down?

A: An Umbrella.

 

Q:  How do you know the ocean is friendly?

A: It gives out BIG waves!

 

With school days coming quickly…kids can get so busy. After school can be a whirlwind of backpacks, notebooks, permission slips, homework, coats, and hats. What better way to keep your “A-students” organized than their very own homework board.

 

More than just a chalkboard…more than just a cork board….more than just a place to hang their coat, packback, and hat…A homework board is the central place for all their school needs. Record homework assignments on the chalkboard, post permission slips and notes to the cork board, and keep everything they need for school in one location…ready to be picked up as they walk out the door.

 

Piece of smooth-finish plywood the size you want your board. (If you use a rough-surface plywood board your chalkboard will NOT be smooth.) We used 3/4 inch plywood in a 18 inch by 24 inch rectangle. (about $5)

Molding to frame your plywood (or large enough picture frame). We used 3/4 inch “half-round” oak molding along the top and sides (total of 84 inches) (at $ .33/foot, we paid $2.31)

Wood Adhesive. We used Liquid Nails because it holds together very quickly ($2.65)

Chalkboard Spray Kit (our was from Krylon purchased from the leading discount store.) Kit comes with spray paint, eraser, and box of colored chalk. ($10) Chalkboard paint comes in black and green. We chose the black.

Red, blue, and white spray paint ($6)

Cork by the roll (at local hobby store) ($3.25)

Three wooden pegs ($ .99)

Old bread pan (ours was free but you would pick one up at a thrift store for less than $1)

 

Using a circular or table saw, cut plywood to desired size. Our 3/4 inch plywood is cut into a rectangle of 18 inches by 24 inches.  Sand edges lightly to remove splinters. Using masking tape (we prefer the blue painters tape because it does not adhere as strongly and won’t hurt wood), mask off the section of the homework board that will become the chalkboard. We chose to make the chalkboard the same dimensions as the cork board, about 12 inches wide. Following the directions from the chalkboard spray paint, spray the chalkboard side of the plywood. (Note, you can use the roll-on latex version of chalkboard paint as well.) Let dry for at least four hours. Apply two-three coats of the paint to create a nice slate surface. Cut molding to fit around plywood board. In our case we cut four strips that were 18 inches long and four strips that were 24 inches long. Place the molding around the board to determine where corners meet. There are two ways to finish the moldings…(1) Cut edges diagonally so molding sizes join or (2) Cut side strips slightly shorter so the top and bottom moldings cover the entire 24 inches, while the side strips are filling in the gaps (about 17 inches each). The second version is the easiest, and the route we decided to go with this project. Paint molding (or picture frame) with blue spray paint. Allow dry at least one hour. Paint bread pan with red spray paint and also allow to dry. Paint wooden pegs with white spray paint and allow to dry. When chalkboard paint has dried the allotted time and a second or third coat has been added, it’s time to add the cork. Remove the masking tape from the plywood. Taking the roll of cork, roll out the size you will need to fill the remaining plywood. Adhere cork with Liquid Nails or other wood adhesive. Allow to dry for 30 minutes. ) When molding is dry, adhere molding to plywood board with Liquid Nails or other wood adhesive. (If you are using ordinary wood glue, be sure to clamp wood into place so it will dry in proper place. Hammer in small nails to help frame together, if desired.  Using standard screws, screw wooden pegs into cork portion of board about one inch above molding. Place the pegs about two inches apart.  Screw the bread pan into the chalkboard side of the board about an inch above the molding (level to the pegs). The bread pan will serve as the chalk and eraser holder. Attach sturdy hook(s) to back of homework board that can support the weight of the board, and a heavy backpack full of books. Attach to wall, ensuring it is connected to a stud. Use fun details like small wooden balls, ribbon, etc., to decorate your board. You could even paint wooden letters that spell out “Homework” or your child’s name and adhere to board.

Relaxation Day is a day to kick back and do nothing. Ahhhh! What a great day.

 

The stresses, the hustle and bustle seemingly consumes us, every day of the year. Even Sundays are no longer days of rest and relaxation. There never seems to be a day to just kick back and relax.  For those us with a hectic lifestyle, Relaxation Day is a day to look forward to. It provides a break from the madness of your busy work and personal schedule. Todays is the day to enjoy either doing absolutely nothing, or partaking in your favorite relaxation activity.

 

Go fishing

 

Spend the day at the beach

 

Have a picnic in the park

 

Wildflower Safari

 

Visit the local library or bookstore to find a book about the wildflowers native to your region. After looking it over with your child, go on a wildflower safari. Load up the digital camera and head out for the nearest meadow or forest to scout the beautiful flowers.

 

Worry Bubbles

 

This activity is designed to help children to let go of worry.  It is a visual activity that combines thought and action to assist the child in letting go.  The activity not only helps the child to visualize worries drifting away, but it also promotes deep breathing as they are blowing the bubbles.  Deep breathing automatically sends a message to the body to relax and calm down.

 

Explaining to kids: Sometimes worry feels like little bubbles inside our mind.  We can feel worry in our tummies, in our brains, or pretty much anywhere inside our bodies.  This activity is designed to help us release worry bubbles so that we feel more calm and relaxed.

 

Find a bottle of bubbles.

Think about the worry that is bothering you and picture that you are blowing the worry into the bubble as you blow a bubble.

Picture the worry inside the bubble.

Watch it float away and pop, carrying the worry far, far from you. 

Know that the worry has popped and is outside of you now, unable to bother you any more.

Keep blowing bubbles until you feel more calm and relaxed.

 

Check in with your body right now.  Does it feel more relaxed?  Does it feel less worried?  Were you able to picture your worries floating away in the bubbles?

 

 

Find other activities at Relaxation for Kids.

 

National Creamsicle Day celebrates a tasty summer cooler.

The heat and humidity of August beckons you to discover, and to enjoy, a summer cooler. A creamsicle is an excellent choice. This is one of several chilly ice cream and frozen snack days to enjoy on a hot, sticky August day. Just make sure to eat your creamsicle quickly before it melts.

If you don’t know what a Creamsicle is, you’re crazy. But…I’ll let you know anyway. Creamsicle is actually a brand name, but the word has entered popular culture as the general name for any type of desert that combines vanilla ice cream with a layer of frozen fruity ice over it. The most common ice is orange-flavored, although various berry variations exist, as does a chocolate version (the Fudgscicle).

 

Sugar Free Creamsicles

 

2 small boxes Sugar Free Orange Jell-O

2 packets Splenda, NutraSweet or Sweet “N Low

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups boiling water

1 cup crushed ice

 

Add 2 cups boiling water to Jell-O mix as per package directions and mix well till fully dissolved. Add crushed ice to the mixture and stir to melt ice and cool mixture. Add sweetener and heavy cream. Mix well. Pour into freezer bowl or individual cups and chill until firm. (These can also be poured into freezer-pop holders to make true creamsicle type treats!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

To celebrate this delicious zany holiday, try making your own creamsicles from scratch.

August 13 is National Left Hander’s Day and while I can’t say that it’s really educational, the website looks fun. Check out these left handed brain teasers!

 

Left Hander’s certainly earned the right to have a day dedicated to them. And, August 13th is that day. So take a minute to appreciate your left handed friends and loved ones.

 

Left Handed Facts and Trivia:

 

Sinistrophobia is the fear of left-handedness or things on the left side.

While many people are left handed, very few are 100% left handed. For example, many Left handers golf and bat right handed. On the other hand, there is a high percentage of righties who are 100% right-handed.

Lefties are also called “southpaws”. The term was coined in baseball to describe a left handed pitcher.

Tuesdays are Lefties luck day.

Only about 10% of the population is left handed.

During the 1600’s people, thought left handers were witches and warlocks. 

International Left Hander’s Day was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. It was started by Lefthander’s International.

They say everyone was born right handed, and only the greatest overcome it. (he,he,he)

It is believed that all polar bears are left handed. Also see Polar Bear Day.

There is a rumor that octopuses have but one right hand. Scientists are diligently studying this issue.

Think about it: Everyone is a Left Hander in Left Hand, West Virginia.