Every year I feel the need to re-assess the current chore assignments, or the chore charts, in our home. With five kids, if done correctly, our family could have a tidy home on a daily basis. Of course, I keep all of our chores age appropriate. My twelve-year-old does things like cleaning the bathrooms and starting laundry, where as my seven-year-old works on his bedroom or sweeping off the back porch. I also don't want to overwhelm them. Each child has 1-2 chores per day. In the last couple of weeks, I've been on the lookout for a chore chart that would be both easy to follow AND fun for the kids. I've come across a few that I think are both practical and fun. I think you'll agree. /1/ Family Photo Magnetic Chore Chart - Create magnet tags with chores and place them on or near the … [Read more...]
20 After School Snacks for Kids
First we showed you 20 Amazing School Lunch for Kids to get them through their busy school day in a fun way, but what do you do about the after school tummy rumble? I don't know about your kids, but mine come home from school starving, some days I feel like I need to give them a second lunch they are so hungry. We also need snacks that can be taken to after school activities, enjoyed while they are doing homework, and that while get them through until dinnertime. We've got 20 delicious after school snacks your kids will be racing home for. Turn vegetables and fruit into funny faces. Try pineapple ring eyes with blueberries inside, a banana mouth, and a strawberry nose. Recipe can be found here: How to Get Your Child to Eat Healthy Food. Don't save fun foods just for … [Read more...]
7 Back-to-School Organization Ideas
Each year after the 4th of July we begin to see back-to-school supplies hit the shelves and sales galore. There's something about a box of crayons for a quarter that gets me to the store each week! {Surely, I'm not alone.} But, with back-to-school season arriving, the daunting task of keeping all of the important paperwork, homework and artwork organized. Not to mention the need for a family calendar so that everyone makes it to their extra-curricular activities on time. Today I've found 7 Back-to-School Organization Ideas that are sure to put you at the head of the class! Command Central - Never lose another permission slip or homework assignment with this command central station for schoolwork. Each day when your child comes home from school he/she can place his/her papers in … [Read more...]
How to Take Great Photos of Your Kids
Do you want to learn some tips on how to take great photos of your kids? Do all of the photos of your children include super cheesy smiles or the back of their head as they run away? I have photographed many children during my career, and photographing my daughter can still be the most challenging subject for me. But there are a few things I have learned along the way. Keep reading to learn five tips on how to take great photos of your kids! 1. Get down on their level One of the things that can set apart a "good" photo from a "great" one is the angle in which it was taken. As an adult it is second nature to take photos on your level, and to point the camera down on kids when trying to take their photo. While you might get a good snapshot that way, try moving down to your kids level … [Read more...]
Winter Photography Ideas
Now that the excitement of the holidays is over, many of us are settling in for a long winter's nap. Cold temperatures, early sunsets and adverse weather conditions make most of us want to bundle up and stay inside until spring arrives. But just because we are in the thick of winter doesn't mean that you have to stop taking photos and working on your photography! Here are five winter photography ideas to get you through the rest of the season. Icicles and Snowflakes - Embrace the season and photograph two of the more beautiful aspects of winter - icicles and snowflakes! If the sun is shining you can get some amazing photos of icicles (check out more inspiration here) and use the macro setting on your camera to get close ups of snowflakes. Just make sure you bundle up before heading … [Read more...]
