Our grandson turned ONE, and of course a wonderful, and lots of fun, Birthday Party was prepared by his parents.

With careful planning, they rented a beach house in Ocean City, NJ for a family vacation, which included the whole family from both their sides, thus total of 17 people.

What could be a better theme for a birthday party celebrated by the beach, than  Pirates?  Totally awesome!

My daughter-in-law, a teacher by profession, was very creative with the whole pirate theme, and decorations, which I will share with you in this post.

This is the beach house where the family vacation took place, including  and very special birthday party.  Special Pirate Flag was flowing in the air during the party (it also came in handy for the grandparents to recognize the right house, while returning from a morning walk on the beach.  As you can imagine how tricky it can be to spot the right house,  since most of them look very similar from the beach side, plus, there are no visible house numbers to go by).

Special balloon arrangements with a Pirate Ship balloon, lots of flags, treasure chests, and fishing nets with fun sea creatures, were part of the birthday decor.

Everyone had lots of fun watching these expandable,  spongy, sea creatures expand, while submerged in a pan of water, over a 24 hour period.  They increased in size at least 200%, and turned into super fun decorations.

These were some of the games the children played at the party.  The inflated baby pool was filled with plastic balls, so the little ones could jump in, and roll around.

Each parent was given a supply of several pieces of fabric, ribbons, sashes, etc. to create a saw free pirate outfit for their child (two variations shown above).

Also, some stick on Pirate Tattoos were available, and special name tags, for children and adults.

The outdoor games included a water balloon toss, during which the children would smash the water balloons on rubber duckies and plastic boats, scattered all over the play area.

The “Walk the Plank” piece was leaned against the edge of the ball pool, and the little pirates (with parent’s assistance) walked up the plank,  and plopped into the ball pool.

Everyone really enjoyed these outdoor activities, and the pirate outfits turned out adorable.

This was the Birthday “Thank You” Favorites corner.

There were “Thank You” favorites for adults – Pirate Trunk full of gold chocolate coins, Pirate Popcorn, and a sample bottle of White Rum.

The “Thank You” favorites for children consisted of a large bag (see above), filled with an inflated Pirate Sword, Pirate Hat, Pirate Eye Patch, Tattoo stickers, small games, and Kraft Materials for the Pirate Outfits.

Since I dedicated this post to decorations and games, my follow up post will be about, the cake and the fun foods, all in Pirate  Theme of course.

Lots of interesting stuff, I promise, so please stay tuned.

photo credit: born1945

Labor Day is gone, summer vacation is over, and the school buses began rolling down the streets as usual.

When I spot a yellow school bus on the road, I know that a new school year has already began, at least for some students.

Going back to school may be a lot of fun for some, especially if they are looking forward to seeing all their friends and favorite teachers, after the summer break, but for others, it could be quite an intimidating experience.

Starting Pre-School, Kindergarten, High School, or College, can be one of those trying times for many young people, in many different ways.

In my opinion, a Freshman year in High School, is a very frightening time for many students.

Here they are at “the bottom of the totem pole” once again, surrounded by older, more mature pupils.  Their social life is changing with growing interest in the opposite sex, dating, starting new relationships, which seem everlasting, in addition to extracurricular activities, part time jobs for some, plus lots of homework to keep up with.

Not to mention the importance of fashion, such as certain brand names, make up, and most of all, peer pressure.

I came across a great article on this subject, which offers very helpful suggestions on how to deal with stress at school.

You will need to go to that site to read the article in its entirety, but I will provide their bullet points:

1. Create a Schedule

2. Get Plenty of Sleep

3. Ignore the “Mean Girls”

4. Have a Healthy Escape From School

5. Don’t Procrastinate

6. Eat “Brain Foods”

7. Focus on What’s Important

8. Don’t Abuse Drugs and Alcohol

I hope you had a chance to read all about it, and found this information useful, and helpful.

I am very interested in hearing students’ opinion about their High School experience, and their suggestions on dealing with stress associated with beginning the school year.

Enjoy your school year!!

Summer is almost over, but this does not mean that we considerably cut down  on driving.

Some of us prefer to get on the road once the “summer rush” is over, to avoid all the traffic, congestion, and actually enjoy the trip.

Autumn season can be a breathtaking experience for travelers who enjoy the beauty of nature, especially once the leaves begin to change colors, which is my favorite part of that season.

Here are some tips from ecomii.com, on getting the most out of your auto fuel, and help the environment.

Today’s Tip: Relax Your Driving

What?

Improve your gas mileage – and reduce emission – by slowing your roll.

Why?

Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by up to 33%, costing you an extra $1.31 per gallon.

Did you Know?

The 1912 Ford Model T got 28.5 miles per gallon, making it more fuel-efficient than many of today’s wheels.

Being a grandmother (BABA in Ukrainian, or BABCIA in Polish) is such a rewarding experience, since you have lots of fun with your grandchildren, without being the firm disciplinarian you once were as a mother to your own children.

Of course, I try to follow the parent’s rules, as not to cause too much confusion for the grandchild, but I am much more relaxed with these rules, and try compromising to achieve the needed results.

Another grandma shared a link with me to a wonderful article about disciplining children, and how often parents use the wrong approach in disciplining their children, which compelled me to share it with all of you.

Also, there are several references to great parenting books, which would make a perfect gift for new parents.

Parents advisor Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions.

According to her, there are patterns to behavior.

Kids do the same things when they’re tired, hungry, or getting fed up;

it’s up to adults to take note and adjust accordingly.
Ignoring a kid’s signs is one of many discipline mistakes parents make all the time.

We’re too negative.

“Don’t hit your sister!” “Stop pulling the dog’s tail!”

The number of things you tell your toddler or preschooler not to do is endless.

THE FIX: Ask for the behavior you want to see.

“Parents say ‘no’ so frequently that kids become deaf to it — and the word loses its power,”
Save the nay saying for truly dangerous situations , and focus on telling kids how you would like them to behave.
For example, instead of,
“No standing in the bathtub!”
try,
“We sit down in the bathtub, because it’s slippery.”

We expect too much from our kids.
As soon as you shush him, he does it again.  Why doesn’t he listen?

THE FIX : Play teacher.

When your child breaks a norm, remind yourself that
he isn’t trying to be a pain — he just doesn’t know how to act in the situation,
so snapping isn’t effective (or fair).

Kids are born mimics, so modeling or drawing attention to something we want them to do goes a long way.

“It takes time and repetition for kids to learn to handle themselves,”

We model behavior we don’t want to see.

When you drop something, you yell.

A man cuts you off and you call him a rude name.

But then you get mad if your kid reacts the same way when things don’t go her way.

THE FIX :  Apologize and take a do-over

We use time-out ineffectively.
When you send your 3-year-old to his room after he hits his brother, he starts banging his head on the floor in rage.

THE FIX: Consider a time-in

A time-out is meant to be a chance for a child to calm down, not a punishment.
Some kids respond well to the suggestion that they go to a quiet room until they’re chill.
But others view it as a rejection, and it riles them up.

Plus, it doesn’t teach kids how you want them to behave.

Take a “time-in,” where you sit quietly with your kid.

If he’s very upset,
hold him to get him settled down.
Once he’s relaxed,
calmly explain why the behavior wasn’t okay.

Too angry to comfort him?

Put yourself in time-out;
once you’ve relaxed,
discuss what you would like your child to do differently.
We intervene when our kids simply annoy us.
You hear your children chasing each other around the house and immediately shout.

THE FIX :  Ignore selectively.

Keep in mind that children sometimes do things that are irksome because they’re exploring new skills.
Other times, they’re seeking attention.
When safety isn’t an issue, try watchful waiting.

We’re all talk and no action.

“Turn off the TV… I’m serious this time… Really!” Your kids continue bad behavior when warnings are vague, for the same reason you run yellow lights — there aren’t consequences.

THE FIX :  Set limits and follow through.

Start with respectful directives.
If she follows through, thank her.
If not, give a consequence

We assume what works for one kid will work for another.

THE FIX:  Develop a diverse toolbox.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/7-discipline-mistakes-all-moms-make-2509433/
Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions.

• Linda Sonna, Ph.D., author of The Everything Toddler Book
• Devra Renner, co-author of Mommy Guilt.
• Robert MacKenzie, Ph.D., author of Setting Limits With Your Strong-Willed Child.

Toys, toys, toys, and more toys for kids.  We all love buying toys for our children and grandchildren.

There are so many to select from, to keep them fun, educational, and most of all SAFE.

Buying toys seems like an easy task, but it does require some research and common sense.

Today I will share another tip from ecomii.com, to put a bug in your ear, to keep in mind for your next toy shopping trip.

Today’s Tip: Avoid Unsafe Toys for Tots

What?

Protect your baby’s health by forgoing plastic toys, which may contain PVC, lead, cadmium and other dangerous substances.

How?

Only purchase toys made from upressed wood and organic fibers like cotton and hemp.

Why?

Children are at the highest risk of toxic poisoning, because their skin is so absorptive.

Plus, we all know how they love to chew.

Did you Know:

In the EU, soft plastic toys are banned from children under the age of THREE, because the phthalates (”softeners”) used, are highly toxic.

Please be a smart consumer and read the labels on the toys you are about to purchase.  Do additional research before making the final decision, to keep your babies safe and healthy.

Kids love coloring with crayons, but also with their favorite magic markers.  There are variety of those on the market, but some are not a safe as you might think.

As a parent you try your best to keep your children safe and healthy.

You feed them organic food, buy safe toys, and now you should read a tip about safe markers, posted by ecomii.com

Today’s Tip: Make Your Mark as  a Parent

What:

Protect your kids from toxic fumes by avoiding alcohol or solvent-based magic markers.

How:

Choose safe, water-based markers instead.  Look for seals of approval from the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI-AP), or American Society for Testing and Materials ( ASTM).

Why:

Alcohol and solvent-based markers – such as permanent markers – contain dangerous chemicals such as xylene, toluene, and acetone, and children are especially susceptible to them.

Did you know:

If safety wasn’t reason enough, did you know that water-based markers are much easier to clean up?

With the summer in full swing, and farm fresh produce on stands on every corner, you really can experience the wonderful taste of home grown fruits and vegetables.

The texture, aroma and freshness of these products is superb, and worth every penny you spend on it, and more!

Here are some tips, from ecomii.com.

Today’s Tip: Taste the True Meaning of Farm Fresh

What?

Reduce your “farm to for” time – and support your local economy – by shopping at farmer’s markets.

How?

Visit www.localharverst.org, to find farmer’s markets in your area.

Then bring your own bags to cart home your uber-fresh produce.

Why?

Locally grown food is better for your health, and better for the planet.

It’s usually cultivated with organic methods, and it reduces both transportation and packaging waste.

Did you know?

Over 3,000 acres of farmland are lost to development every year.

Help slow this trend by keeping local farmers in business.

Please do the right thing, and shop at your local farmer’s markets and farm stands.

photo credit: redjar

Someone has brought a very interesting fact to my attention, and I am more than happy to share it with all of you.

I am often posting money saving tips, so when I read about this one, I could not believe it myself.

Can you believe that recording your favorite shows on your DVR, just to watch them later at your leisure, is a costly venture?

Actually, according to this study, running your DVR uses half the energy of an average new refrigerator, and more than an average new flat screen TV.

Unbelievable, but apparently very true!!

Please read the whole article, to find out more.

Please share your thoughts, and opinion, with all of us.

Summer is fast approaching, so does summer vacation for kids and parents, which also means many long trips by car.

Many of us have AAA, or OnStar,  for roadside assistance as needed, however there are few additional items we all should carry with us, while traveling by car.

I came across a very well put together U-Tube Video about Roadside Emergency Kit to keep handy at all times while traveling.

Please click on the link below, and I can assure you that you will not only learn a great deal, but you will actually enjoy it.  Please pass it on to your loved ones to check it out as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STNzgKKvN1o&feature=fvw

If you have any additional suggestions, or stories to share, please do so, and we’ll all be very grateful.

Happy, and safe, trails!!!

I planted Yukon Gold potatoes  in my garden this year.

To encourage all my gardener friends out there to try growing potatoes in  their gardens as well, I had a post on how to grow potatoes.

Today I wanted to update you on the current status of my potato plants.  They are about 15 inches tall now, and starting to form flower buds.

I would also like to remind you to check your potato plants for Potato Beetles, because I found about 10 of these little guys on my plants, and a couple of leaves already had eggs laid on them.

Most of the time these little pests are not very visible, since they tend to hang under the leaves, to eat and to lay eggs.

They have to be removed immediately, and destroyed.

Since I keep my garden organic, I do not use any chemicals, so  I hand picked them off  (gloved of course), placed them in a plastic bag, squashed them, and discarded the whole package in the trash.  I was not going to leave even the squashed ones near my garden, in case any of the eggs were still alive.

I also, removed the couple of leaves with the eggs on them, which are orange in color, very tight together, about 1 millimeter long, and planted perpendicular to the leaf surface.

If you do not spot these early enough, they will grow very quickly into a salmon color larvae, eat your potato leaves, and mature into full grown beetles.

Remember my self-seeded tomato plants , well, with the warm, rainy weather, they are doing very well.

Since they were self-seeded from fallen down tomatoes from last year’s crop, they grew in clusters, and now I replanted them to give them more room to grow to maturity.

I have about 12 free Cherry Tomato plants in my garden this year…lots of savings… as these are always quite expensive at the grocery store.

I will keep you posted on the progress of my veggie garden, throughout the growing season.

Please share your gardening stories.