4 Ways to Save Money and Mother Nature

In today’s world, most if not all of us are looking for ways to save money. In addition, many people are concerned with our environment. Many people think that “going green” is an expensive proposition, so they are hesitant to work toward being environmentally friendly.

Is it possible to actually save money while protecting the environment? There are many simple ways that people can save money and help Mother Nature, as well.

Transportation

With today’s high gas prices, consider alternative forms of transportation. If possible, walk or ride your bike to work. Not only will this save you money on your automobile expenses, but you will not be adding to air pollution. You will also be adding to your healthy lifestyle by walking or biking to work. Another transportation alternative is mass transit. You will still be saving money by using trains or buses for your commute. Carpooling is another great transportation alternative.

Whether you decide to bike or carpool to work, choosing alternative transportation means you drive your car less. This in turn means that you may have the chance to lower your premium the next time you are shopping for auto insurance.

Save on Utilities

When you’re at home, turn off those lights, appliances, and other devices when you are not using them. Replace old appliances with new more energy-efficient models. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. In addition, adjust your air conditioner and heater to temperatures that may be a little higher or lower (depending on the season). These activities will lower your utility bills, and, because you are not using those utilities as much, the energy companies will be using fewer natural resources to produce their services.

Saving on the Job

There are many ways to save money and protect the environment while you are at work. First, try to go paperless. Don’t print anything that you don’t absolutely have to keep in hard copy. Use online services and email for your communication needs. If it is possible, communicate online rather than traveling to face-to-face meetings. Utilize online web conference services such as Skype and other videoconferencing services. If you can, telecommute. This will allow you to drive less and still remain productive at your job.

Recycle

In addition to recycling your waste (bottles, papers, boxes, etc.), consider buying used products, if you can. These products can include electronics, furniture, cars, and more.

It is easy to save money and help the environment. When you put these simple tips into practice, you’ll find yourself feeling satisfied that you are doing good things, not only for yourself, but for the world in general.

Filed Under: Environmental Awareness, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

3 Arts and Crafts Your Children will Love

Arts and crafts projects will engage your children and alleviate their boredom when they’re out of school. In addition to putting an end to their complaints of having absolutely nothing to do, these little projects can help your child learn eye-hand coordination, develop self-esteem, and discover a life-long love of the arts. However, not all of these projects are created equal. To find an activity that your children will truly enjoy, review this list of arts and crafts projects.

1. Design Your Own T-Shirts

Kids love to show off their creations, and what better way to do that than by letting them wear their artwork? If you’d like to let your kids give this project a try, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cheap t-shirts
  • Cardboard
  • Fabric paint or markers

Insert cardboard inside the t-shirts to keep the fabric tight. Then go wild with the paint or markers. Some ideas include thumbprint flower petals, children’s names, school colors, birthdays, and favorite animals. Even inexpensive t-shirts and paint can add up; to make this project affordable, look for craft supplies on eBay.

2. Create a Nature Pal

This project combines a back-yard scavenger hunt with a plan to create a figure out of free resources. Except for a little glue and some twine, you can find everything else for free. Glue together sticks, twigs, and stones to create a small figure. When you’re done, attach a loop made of twine so you can use it as a decorative item on a key-chain, in a window, or on a book bag. Most people make a Nature Pal that looks just like them, but family members, pets, and fantasy creations are all fair game.

3. Make a Rock Necklace

Although your kids would look at you like you were crazy if you mentioned it, many parents still remember The Pet Rock craze of the ’70s. This inexpensive little project will definitely remind you of that fad. For this project, you’ll need the following:

  • Rocks the kids can gather from the backyard
  • Colored wire
  • Leather cords in a variety of colors
  • Scissors and pliers
  • Pencils or markers are optional
Let your kids go on a rock hunt to find the perfect specimen for their own necklaces. These little stones can be easily wrapped with thin wire (using a pair of pliers) to form a setting that will hang from the leather cord. After stringing the pendant on the cord, tie the ends and let your kids decorate the stone with a marker. Names, initials, flowers, and geometric designs are good choices.
Once your kids realize how much fun it can be to spend an afternoon on an arts and crafts project, they’ll want to do it again and again. What’s your child’s favorite project?
Filed Under: Tips & Tricks

4 Fun Costume Ideas For Expectant Mothers

It’s a tedious expectation, a certainty of dull hours and duller rewards: Halloween is creeping ever closer but seems impossible to enjoy. Pregnancy defies the season, you’re certain — it will leave you without a costume to claim or candy to search for.

The truth is far kinder, however.

You can share in the thrills (and treats) of the holidays. You simply must first find the perfect style:

The Baker Beauty

Expectant mothers understand the importance of laughter (it helps to compensate for the hormonal havoc that’s constantly wrought). No greater giggles will be achieved than with the pregnant baker costume. This ensemble celebrates the power of the pun, with women able to mention their little buns in the oven. The costume offers kitchen-worthy pieces: white hat, jacket and pants. These all boast flexible seams, which allow individuals to adjust the fabric accordingly. Lycra fibers ensure comfort.

Beaches, Bellies and Bouncing Balls

Pregnancy isn’t to be a solemn thing, with an ever-changing figure meant to be hidden from the world, deemed too unfamiliar to offer. A celebration is instead required, and the beach ball costume makes such a celebration simple. This is a style for the bold. Individuals must dress themselves first in a bikini (a maternity suit is recommended for the appropriate waist accommodations).

The bare span of a belly must then be painted to resemble a beach ball. Reds, yellows and blues should be smeared across the skin and will summon all attention. This costume should only be worn in warm conditions, however. Outdoor events should be approached with caution.

Bowling for Laughs

Confidence can often wilt in the wake of pregnancy. Soon-to-be mothers may find themselves unsure of their new silhouettes. However, Halloween isn’t to be forgotten with this burst of uncertainty — it’s instead to be embraced with a costume that can compensate. Gain smiles with the bowling ball design.

This simple ensemble will allow women to focus on their evenings instead of their worries. A black foam pad is worn, with strategic cut-outs offered for arms and legs. Across the pad is a collection of dots that resemble finger-holes. The design is basic but the reward is undeniable: uniqueness that doesn’t demand an excess of skin.

Bare Bones Approach

October is the month of ghouls and goblins, the wailing ghosts. A costume should therefore allow individuals to mimic all of that monster madness. Those with a flair for the dramatic (and the mildly macabre) should indulge in the season; and a skeleton suit allows that to be easy.

This piece is crafted from breathable black cotton. Across the front is a rendering of bones, with the inner-workings of the body exposed from head to toe — and even the belly. Women can prove their pregnancy by painting an image of their children within the design. It’s an unexpected humor that is certain to delight.

Halloween isn’t to be denied — it’s instead to be experienced with your child. Are you ready for excitement?

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Getting Through the Teen Years

For the parents of teens you have either two types; the introverted lone wolf or the popular, cocky rebel and either one of these two will result in a headache for the parents. If you’re fortunate enough to have a well-rounded teen, congratulations, you’ve done your job as a parent. However, if you’re having troubles with your teen, here’s some advice to help you on your quest.

Talk to your teen as if they’re an adult. Granted, they’re not, but they think they are. Your job is to make sure they get to adulthood and can function as adults. If you treat them like kids they will often continue to act like one and do the opposite of what you tell them to do. They are growing into adults and you can still teach them amid the eye rolls and long suffering sighs by treating like what they are trying to become.

Teenagers in town

Image by Nik_Doof via Flickr

Your teenager will do things that you did when you were a teen, and maybe go a little further. Of course you’re worried about them every parent will be. They are acting like normal teens and this is how your teen learns. You did things your parents didn’t know about or you thought they didn’t know your kids will too. Don’t overreact by hacking phones, computers and ransacking rooms. Give your teen the illusion of privacy and if things get out of hand they will be more likely to come to you.

Give your teen responsibilities they need them. If they can’t wash their clothes, fix themselves food, or manage money then you will be, well into adulthood.

 

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The Price of Insurance Savings

An assortment of United States coins, includin... 

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For every family there is the nightmare of insuring the family. Yes, it’s a necessity but it’s one that can cost the average family a pretty penny to get the protection and the peace of mind that they need for their loved one. Of course most of the time the issue with the insurance price is a lack of looking. There are deals to be had everywhere but yet there are a number of people who don’t take the time to seek them out. Here are a few tips to get the kind of insurance you need for the price that you want.

The first is to continue with the same company. Now, you should be shopping for one company to start with, but once you find the rates that you like you should be willing to get multiple policies there because of the steep discounts that they tend to give you for insurance on several different things.

If you can afford to pay the six month premiums you are going to see a big break on the money you have to pay. There are a number of insurance companies that are willing to give you money off if you are willing to pay in big chunks.

Another thing to do is deal directly with an agent. They tend to be more helpful and may know of some tricks or some discounts that are not advertised on the website. That could be a big cost savings to you down the road.

 

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