How to Keep Your Food Clean and Safe


Food Storage Safety Tips and InstructionsThe HACCP Food Safety Employee Manual 
The easiest way for bacteria to enter our bodies is through our food. It is always best to be careful when preparing and storing our food in order to avoid food poisoning.

If your family’s meals are to be dependably safe, follow these rules for food storage and preparation

Things You Should Know About Energy Drinks

Almost everyone you see at the gym or any outdoor event seems to be gulping energy drinks.  How effective are these? Are they safe and healthy as they claim to be?
Athletes, young adults, and even students studying for exams rave about energy drinks.  The brands and varieties that are currently available in the market are countless, including Red Bull, Pimp Juice, Rage, Monster, etc.  These drinks claim to boost your sports performance or make you more alert – or both.

How to Keep Children Motivated


In any new activity such as school or extra-curricular lessons, children are often excited at the start.  But this initial enthusiasm tends to turn stale after a few weeks of sessions.  This is natural especially with children.  The challenge is keeping this eagerness going even after the initial excitement period.  How then will you keep your child’s motivation up? This is important particularly when the child is enrolled in an after-school enrichment program such as music, arts, and sports courses.

Warning Signs of Stroke

The symptoms can last a few seconds or minutes and may occur several times a day, or only from time to time over a period of several years.

One of the most important findings in recent years has been that strokes usually do not strike without giving you some warning.  The Stroke Foundation in New York lists at least three major early warning symptoms:

Read more: Warning Signs of Stroke

Treatment advances show promise for stroke victims.: An article from: Mississippi Business Journal

Famous Homeschoolers

There are a lot of reasons why parents have chosen to homeschool their children. There are also many people who will mistakenly doubt that any success can come to a child if they do not attend public school. This list include famous people who were homeschooled at some point in their educational lives and include both historical and modern homeschoolers.

Read more on this inspiring list compiled by  Taylor Rios:  Famous Homeschoolers

To Have or Not to Have Children

 Some parents, whether rich or poor, cited straight economic costs as the primary reason for their decision to opt for a smaller family. Most parents, however, felt they could afford large families and, in the long run, would benefit economically from having children.

When parents, particularly those living in urban areas, beget children, it is the emotional benefits of having children that are foremost in their minds, according to a study conducted by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Ford Foundation.

Do Children Help Strengthen a Marriage?

 Some 27 percent of divorces involve no children, although only 9 percent of marriages are childless.  There are cases when children have grown up before their parents divorce—hence the parents come into the “childless” category, but childless marriages always appear more prone to visible breakdown, especially if this is a result of a lack of desire for children.  This may be because of the temperament of childless couples, but will also reflect the general unwillingness of a responsible couple to have children if they feel that their marriage is under stress.  There is also little need to stay together if there are no children affected. There is probably a good deal more masked breakdown in marriages with children, where the couple keeps up a front “for the sake of the children.”

Read more: Do Children Help Strengthen a Marriage?

Identifying The Urgent Versus The Important

Many of us can remember situations when we spent so much energy preparing for an event or presentation that when the great day finally arrived, we were so exhausted we just wished it would end quickly.
How can we decide in our own lives which is important and which is urgent?

Read more:  Identifying The Urgent Versus The Important

Using Regrets To Your Advantage

“Regret is an example of a negative emotion that spurs people to problem-solving and personal betterment,” says Dr. Neal Roese, a leading researcher on regret and the author of If Only.

One positive purpose of regret is to help us learn from our mistakes, gain insight, and cultivate hope for the future. It signals us to stop and evaluate. By inflicting discomfort and or distress, it grabs our attention and begs us to question, “What could I have done differently?” Fact is, no one likes to think about their blunders. Perhaps this is the reason why some people insist they never have any regrets. Nevertheless, that “coulda-shoulda-woulda” thinking is normal. It’s apparently wired into our neural structure.

Safe Snowmobiling With Children

Snowmobiling is among the most thrilling ways to enjoy the winter weather as a family since they can usually rent state-of-the-art snowmobiles together with safety equipment that's required instead of investing large sums of money into the sport. Winter holiday resorts often give guests this lease option to relieve the hassle of dragging your equipment with you when you stay with them. In order to step-up you family’s chances of having a fun and successful snowmobiling experience, though, there are a few safety tips to follow.

Read more: Safe Snowmobiling With Children

Recommended Movies About Christmas

Movies and films with a Christmas theme can help create a fun atmosphere and at the same time also impart moral lessons. While each person will have varied opinions and choices on their favorite Christmas movies, there are some classics that remain the popular to this day. There are some notable newer movies as well.

Read more: Recommended Movies About Christmas

Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children

To a lot of people, Christmas is a magical season; and more than anyone else, the season of Christmas is enjoyed most by kids. It could be the thought of some much awaited break from school activities, the allure of the decor and lights, the beauty of the first snowfall that is often associated with Christmas or the anticipation of the gifts and toys that excites the children so much. But it is plainly seen that most kids are genuinely fascinated by Christmas. This is one main reason why adults enjoy shopping for kids during Christmas season.

Read more: Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children

Behold! The Beauty of Christmas Lights

One of the most enchanting sights to behold during the Christmas season is the beauty of the Christmas lights everywhere. Did you ever wonder how these Christmas lights came to be? Let us trace back its roots in Menlo Park, New Jersey - to the man named Thomas Edison.

It was Thomas Alva Edison who invented and introduced the electric light bulb in 1879 and its commercial potential, an event that paved the way for the mass use of electrical energy and lights including those used in our Christmas trees today.

Read More: Behold! The Beauty of Christmas Lights

Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids

Did you just read the title correctly? You may want to go back and double check to make sure you see what this article is going to be about. The most important word in this title is the word "with". Had we used the word for in the title instead this would be a totally different article but the use of the word with bespeaks this article will be about shopping while your children come with you to the stores which is a altogether a different subject. An article on shopping for children would cover cases such as buying age suitable toys and selecting toys which will meet the parent’s favorable reception. This article, however, will center on how to have a successful shopping trip with kids in tow.

Read more: Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids

Making Christmas More Meaningful Without Spending Too Much

“When will we buy a beautiful Christmas tree and decorations?” “When do we start shopping for gifts?” A pinch deep inside was felt by a parent upon hearing the child’s questions.

This is the perfect time to tell the Christmas story. Each child recalls from the stories they’ve read and heard about the scene at Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. Everybody was busy. There was no room at the inn.

Only a manger was available–no frills—bare as ever. No heating, but the warmth of the mother’s embrace. No flashy lighting effects— but look above, God provided a glorious star. No blaring music—but the angels sang. Ordinary mortals who could afford the inn were not aware at that time, they were just too busy. The news was announced. It was an announcement that changed the course of human history forever.

Read more: Making Christmas More Meaningful Without Spending Too Much


Advantages of Shopping Online During the Busy Holiday Season

Shopping online is now among the most popular ways to purchase products particularly during the holiday seasons. Although a lot of shoppers still delight in the holiday shopping rush in the department stores and malls, more and more shoppers are just as glad to have the alternative to do even a part of their holiday shopping online. They have discovered the numerous benefits of online holiday shopping. Two of the most common advantages online shopping include the ease of doing last minute shopping and the convenience of not joining the bustling crowd during the holiday shopping trips.

Read more: Advantages of Shopping Online During the Busy Holiday Season

Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions

A family reunion can be the perfect venue to incorporate a birthday, anniversary, or any celebration in your family’s life. Of course, gifts could play a significant role at these family events, too.

Although this isn’t mandatory for relatives or family members who see on a daily or those who you see often, but it can really mean a lot to your cousins, aunts, and uncles who you rarely get to see.

Read more: Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions


A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List

This Christmas shopping list is so important because it gives you a handy guide to all the people you should take note of while shopping. Knowing the number of people on your list is essential for setting a Christmas shopping budget.

The concept of a list is one that all Christmas shoppers adhere to while they do their Christmas shopping. As a matter of fact, your Christmas shopping venture should be filled with all sorts of lists. You may make lists of everyone you plan to give presents to this year, such as lists of possible gift ideas and even lists of the particular gifts you select. All of this list making procedure may sound tedious but let me explain how all of these lists can be of great help to you.

Read more: A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List


Tips on Office Christmas Parties

Around Christmas and the holiday season, the festive spirit and relaxed mood even reaches out into the workplace where the pace is expected to slow substantially as the volume of work is decreased. By holding parties at work, everybody can loosen up a bit, have some fun and savor the satisfaction from the results of a year of tough work. Co-workers at work can celebrate goals that have been attained and look ahead to an even more rewarding year.

Read more: Tips on Office Christmas Parties

Interesting Facts About Christmas

It is a recognized fact that the Christmas tree custom is one that was brought to the land of America by German immigrants who retained a practice that was popular in their former homeland. Nowadays, a Christmas tree, even a miniature one, is present in just about each household at Christmas. It is consequently interesting to note some little-know facts about the Christmas Tree and other customs associated to Christmas.

Read more: Interesting Facts About Christmas

Four Crucial Thanksgiving Party Preparation Matters

The success of your Thanksgiving party largely depends on your planning and preparation. Here are some crucial matters that you should attend to when you host a Thanksgiving party.

Decorating Your Home for The Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving holiday takes place during autumn, which makes it an ideal time to decorate using the magnificent colors of fall. These colors are unlike the bright colors that of spring and summer or the sparkly colors that typify Christmas but these are the colors of nature in a seasoned and mature phase. The colors are nothing short of dramatic that can provide an excellent palette upon which base your home decor.

History of Thanksgiving Day: Turkey Was Not Part of The First Celebration

The earliest record of harvest thanksgiving feast is in the Bible in the Book of Leviticus. The Israelites were to hold the Feast of the Tabernacles on the 15th day of the 7th month, after gathering the crops. The people were to live in booths made of branches to remind them of the days they lived in tents in the wilderness. This celebration lasted eight days, and the people were instructed to praise God during this time.

Planning a Thanksgiving Party for All Ages


When it concerns hosting an all ages Thanksgiving party, you'll likely discover that a little bit more work is needed. This is because you do not need to plan for a particular group of people, but two different groups. You would like to make sure that your Thanksgiving party has activities that are aimed at the adults, as well as the children. That is why, some of the times, a little bit more preparation is called for; nonetheless, that extra preparation will probably make your Thanksgiving party that much more pleasurable.

Read more: Planning a Thanksgiving Party for All Ages

A Life Lesson From The Cheshire Cat


People without goals are a little like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland.

“If you aim for nothing, you’re sure to hit it.”  There’s a lot of truth in this old saying—especially when applied to personal growth. 
If we do not establish specific goals for ourselves, we will make little if any real progress.  We’ll wander aimlessly from one experience to another.
People without goals are a little like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland.  In a conversation between her and the Cheshire cat, Alice asked, “Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the cat. 

“I don’t much care where,” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the cat. 
That way of living may be okay in Wonderland, but it doesn’t work in the real world.  If we are going to make personal progress in any aspect of our life – be it career, love, family, education, or whatever, we must be specific.  It is not enough to say, “I’m going to be a better person.”  That’s far too general.  We need to set up a battle plan, a strategy within ourselves.
If we set clearly defined goals for our development, in ways that are realistically achievable, even in small consistent steps, we will see progress in our life.  We won’t always be wondering, “Which way from here?”

Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight
 
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When Is The Proper Time to Give Children Their Allowance?

When should children be taught lessons on money? This is a common query among parents.
Many instructional angles can be brought out when we deal with money and our kids, but let’s zero in on allowance this time. Allowance refers to small amounts of money given for extras, and sometimes, for necessities. A regular allowance can be a very effective teaching tool as long as parents clarify what they will provide and what the allowance is to be used for. When parents do this, they teach the young how to set priorities, discriminate between needs and wants, and how to develop the restraint necessary towards saving.

Read more:
When to Give Children Their Allowance


Reading to a Sick Child is Therapeutic

Reading to a sick child is excellent therapy. The modulation of your own voice will be very soothing to him or her. No radio, or television programs, regardless of their number, will ever take your place, although they can be a help to the child; but the young mind needs food for thought. Good stories that have cheerful endings are best for any child. The words should be easy for the child to understand. Young children love to hear the same favorite story time after time. This is food for a developing mind.

Read more: Reading to a Sick Child is Therapeutic
photo by Ryan McVay

How to Care for a Sick Child at Home

Most illnesses from which children suffer are similar to those that strike adults. But with children, one cannot afford to wait very long before doing something about the illness.

Caring for a sick child at home requires real skill and understanding. The mind of a child works differently from that of an adult. He has so little experience by which to judge. He cannot help feeling afraid, even though you may have told him that he will be well again in a few days.

Read more: How to Care for a Sick Child at Home



Finding Hope in Seemingly Hopeless Situations


Behind every action, beneath every endeavor lies this quiet, persistent, creative force, giving strength to all who believe in it, and blend it into their lives. But let’s be realistic. How do you practice hope when you’re feeling anything but hopeful?

For Teens: Resolving Conflicts with Your Parents


During your teenage years it can seem impossible to have a civil conversation with your parents, much less to be friends with them.
While at one time you have gotten along just great, you may now find it difficult to get through dinner without falling into some sort of argument. It’s not fun.

Here are some reasons why teenagers and parents often find themselves fighting and at odds with one another.