Mom's Buzzy Corner
Picky Eater 12/02/2010
 
If I am as picky as my son when it comes to food, I bet I won't be scouring the world wide web for herbal diet pills that work like what I am doing right now.  But anyway, I am not going to talk about my weight problem on this post. All I want to do is share these tips I found for picky eaters so that other moms like me who share the same problem will know how to face or prevent mealtime battles.

1. Respect your child's appetite — or lack of one

Young children tend to eat only when they're hungry. If your child isn't hungry, don't force a meal or snack. Likewise, don't bribe or force your child to clean his or her plate. This may only ignite — or reinforce — a power struggle over food.

2. Stick to the routine

Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. Nix juice, milk and snacks for at least one hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, he or she may be more motivated to eat.

3. Be patient with new foods

Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child may need repeated exposure to a new food before he or she takes the first bite. Encourage your child by talking about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture — not whether it tastes good.
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Found this very helpful article from iVillage. Hope you learn something from it!

We've all wished for just a little more time in our busy schedules -- time to spend with the kids, time to spend with our friends and a little more time for ourselves. There's still no magic formula in the works to give us 26 or 28 hours in a day.

1. Get Organized. It's amazing how many people spin their wheels each day looking for lost keys, phone numbers, the red shirt or a specific pair of shoes. Spend a weekend getting yourself organized.

2. Find Your Timewasters. Keep track for one week of all the ways you waste time. Do you spend 10 minutes finding your keys? If so, make a key hook by your door, and use it. Do you forget "that one item" when you go to the store? Keep a list on your refrigerator and, each time you empty something, add it to the list.

3. Write Things Down. Always, keep a small notepad on hand. When you think of something you need to do, jot down a reminder. This will save you endless minutes recalling just what you were supposed to do.

4. Get An Engagement Calendar. Get a calendar to write down all your engagements, addresses and phone numbers. By keeping all the information in one place, you won't have to dig for it later.

5. Keep A Notepad By Your Phone. How many times have you written a note on a loose piece of paper, never to see it again? Record those notes on a pad of paper to keep them from walking away.

6. Designate Days. Choose a day or night to do your grocery shopping and errand running each week. Choose a day to clean your home. Stick to your schedule and forget about these responsibilities the rest of the week.
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A marriage with arguments doesn't mean it's doomed (phew); it's how you handle them that counts. Here's how to have your say without any Jersey Shore drama.

Go to bed mad. Studies show that when people are fired up, their brains need at least 30 minutes to clam down. "Agree to disagree until morning, when the issue won't be as intense," says Terri Orburch, Ph.D., author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great. 

Don't be totally honest. Or rather, say it in an unemotional way to actually allow for change. Instead of "You're such a slob!" say "Having your clothes on the floor makes things chaotic for me." Being specific lets him work toward a precise solution.

Say you're sorry (even if you didn't start it!). Just saying "I'm sorry we're fighting" is an effective way to put off the fire, an important step toward bridging the gap. And forget any thoughts that taking the first step shows weakness. "It's actually a real sign of strength," says Orbuch. 

SOURCE: PARENTING MAGAZINE
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Do you need a change of scenery? Try these 5 winning ideas to make your old rental space seem new... you'll be surprised at how easy it can be! We will even give you and idea of how long it can take!

Clean It and Clear It - Less can often times mean more in terms of style, organization and overall appearance.  If you want a fresh look, remove small knick-knacks from shelves and tables. Step back and see what a difference it makes!  Don't feel you need to display all your treasures at once.  Display only your favorite objects now and store the rest to rotate when you need a change. Time:  1- 8 hours

Change Your Hardware - Sometimes the smallest changes can make a HUGE impact on the visual style of a room. Hardware can be anything from cabinet knobs to curtain rods and finials. This can personalize your space, it will feel like you own.  The landlords hardware to be replaced upon your departure and you can take your new hardware with you. Time : 45 minutes - 1 hour

Cover Your Furniture - Simply put... Throws or Slipcovers. Time: 5 - 45 minutes
      
Cover Your Walls - This is generally one of the most asked questions we receive from our readers. The options are wide and creative by using the obvious methods..paint or by thinking outside the box and using other materials such as fabric on the walls or draping it from 3M removable hooks, adhesive decals, shoji screens or removable wallpaper. Time: 1 - 5 hours
      
Lay an Area Rug - Once you have chosen color coordinating rugs for your space, this process is the fastest to implement!  Time: 2 minutes

If you need to go shopping we suggest purchasing 2 - 3 coordinating options so you can change locations when you want to freshen up a look.

SOURCE: RENTAL DECORATING
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