Kids and Technology

Once upon a time, a set of building blocks or a click 'n view toy was all you needed to entertain a child. However, as technology continues to play an integral role in our day-to-day lives, our kids are becoming more interested in -- and savvy with -- electronics and gadgets. While it's remarkable that technologies have become so intuitive that even a child can operate them, it is important to consider how home electronic systems may need to be adapted.

A CEDIA professional can provide a series of tips that can help families work together to understand the best technologies for their lifestyle and provide examples of how the systems can be designed to respond differently to each user. For example, CEDIA members can create a system that will allow a child watch television during designated hours but may restrict certain channels and be set to a time limit, based on a password that is required to activate the remote control. Another home electronics system might text parents when their children disarm the house alarm after school.

To learn more, you can log onto CEDIA.net, where you can find a CEDIA professional in their area.

Here are some additional perspective on integrated home systems that are family-friendly from Joe Calise, President of Sights - N - Sounds in Seaford, NY and CEDIA member:

Do your kids use your home system mostly for entertainment, or for other benefits/functions as well?

Mostly entertainment. However, many kids shows provide education, as well.  We prefer a more hands on approach to education, but certainly don't mind them watching educational programming if they are going to watch TV.

What are some elements of your home system or your clients' systems that are beneficial to both parents and kids?

Having a system that a 3-year-old can operate gives them more freedom to learn. It also enables them to be more self-sufficient when they need or want something. 

Have you adapted your system designs to account for the fact that kids today are becoming more and more adept at technology?

I believe you have to.  When it comes times to show how a system works, usually the first thing asked is for the kids to watch so they can operate the system!  After grabbing a pen and notepad, they are usually very surprised that they did not even need to take notes. With the kids, when technology does not do what they expect it to do, it gives us insight on what we need to focus on for our next project.

Additional thoughts/perspective:

With technology becoming more converged, and simplified, we as an industry need to do more to prove our value, and how we can make systems customized to their own environments.  This is a challenging task, but it's important to adapt to the times.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

 

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The Best Time to Go Guide for 70 Destinations

Travel, they say, is broadening. Unfortunately, the recent rise of gas prices may force some travelers to put plans on hold. Happily, it's possible to getaway this spring without blowing your budget, if you know the best places to go. The Go Frugal Blog on FreeShipping.org compiled the high and low seasons for 70 of the most popular travel destinations worldwide to help you discover the best deals.

Before you plan your next journey, check out the The Best Time To Go Guide For 70 Destinations. Here's a glimpse of three exciting travel destinations to consider.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Costly: June to August
Less Expensive: April and May
Summer means hot weather and humid, rainy conditions. The weather is more comfortable in April and May than during the height of summer. The humidity isn't as prevalent, and the summer rains have dissipated. Best of all, as the crowds have not yet arrived, you'll enjoy uncrowded resorts, low season rates and an excellent chance of upgrades.

Ireland
Costly: July and August
Less Expensive: April to June and September to October
The Emerald Isle is known for its rain, so you can expect a certain amount of damp at any time of the year. The weather is likely to be at least as good in May, June and September as in the summer months and hotels are less busy. Spring flowers are at their best in April and May, and October offers a frugal fan's choice of free arts festivals.

Portland, Oregon
Costly: Mid-May to October
Less Expensive: January to March
The Pacific Northwest sees its fair share of rain, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer when braniacs take a break and outdoor festivals are everywhere. Winter is the least expensive time, with fewer crowds and more availability. Second cheapest are the spring and fall shoulder seasons, when the weather is cooler and schools are in session.

Once you've decided on your vacation destination, check out our Best Time To Buy Guide for 101 Products and Services which was first to make its debut in the series of Go Frugal consumer savings guides. Save even more on travel necessities with free shipping codes to merchants like TravelSmith and L.L.Bean.

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The Go Frugal Blog featured on FreeShipping.org is a collection of money saving tips and frugal living ideas. FreeShipping.org is the largest resource on the Internet linking shoppers to free-shipping deals offered by more than 4,000 online merchants.

Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews to talk about "The Best Time To Go Guide". As a broadcast and print media source, Andrea has appeared on ABC News NOW, NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC and has been quoted by SmartMoney, Kiplinger Personal Finance and many more. 


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Be a Star This Year with an "OLIVIA" Themed Birthday

Nothing is more exciting to a child than her birthday party; presents, friends, treats, games and more presents! For moms however, the stress can pile on when it comes to the pressures of throwing a memorable party. 

Now, Nick Jr.’s Olivia makes planning birthday parties easier than ever! What child wouldn’t want to be surrounded by their favorite 6 ¾ little girl on their birthday? With Olivia’s Customizable Party Packs you can throw your child the birthday party she wants, without the headaches and “bank aches!” From the Basic Party Pack, which includes invitations, dinner plates, cups, utensils, napkins and more, to the Deluxe Party Pack, which includes balloons, centerpieces, confetti and candles, all you’ll have to worry about are some finishing touches, which Nick Jr. takes care of for you! Go to NickJr.com and find fun, easy and free recipes, crafts, decorations and more, such as the ones listed here:

·         OLIVIA Red Velvet Cupcakes

·         OLIVIA Straw Toppers

·         OLIVIA Photo Frame

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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FLOODING and MOLD PREVENTION TIPS

With tri-state area experiencing widespread flooding and local rivers predicted to rise through the weekend, please consider an interview offering  “SEVEN HOME FLOOD AND MOLD PREVENTION TIPS ,” with Mike Dunphy, Editor in Chief  and Publisher of Holmesmagazine.

Dunphy has over 20+ years experience as a professional contractor and recently launched the shelter publication Holmes: The Magazine To Make It Right, with Mike Holmes, America’s Most Trusted Contractor and star of “Holmes on Homes” and “Holmes Inspection,” as seen on HGTV.

IMMEDIATE MUSTS:

1. Unplug all electrical appliances before the water enters to prevent electrical fires.
2.  When using a sump pump, make sure no debris surrounds it that can get sucked in, clog it, and prevent the pump from keeping up with the rising water.
3. Ensure the pump hose removing the flood water is discharging that water at least 16 feet away from the house – otherwise that water will just come right back into the home.
4. During flood cleanup, pull back or remove any item that can retain moisture like carpeting to discourage mold growth.
5. Turn on the heat in your basement to dry out any excess moisture to help prevent mold.

TO PREVENT FUTURE FLOODING:

1. Ensure your home’s lawn slopes AWAY from the house!  Ground sloping towards the home channels water right into it. If this is an issue, have a contractor or landscaper re-grade the  property.
2. Check your foundation annually to ensure that moisture is not penetrating the house --  and repair it BEFORE an emergency situation arises.

HOLMES: The Magazine to Make it Right - HOLMES: The Magazine to Make it Right is the recently launched shelter publication by Mike Holmes, the star of “Holmes on Homes” as seen on HGTV. Distributed by Time Warner Retail, HOLMES: The Magazine to Make it Right is designed to serve as a manual for every homeowner, man or woman. Covering an array of home renovation related topics, this publication strives to “make it better” by “building it right the first time.” The first issue hit stands in the US in November 2010 and will soon be introduced in the United Kingdom and Australia. (www.holmesmagazine.com)

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Special Spring Break Ideas

Spring break offers the last extended break for children before summer begins. This year, think about different ways to celebrate this time off from school with a special trip, vacation or family planned activity that will elicit smiles from the little ones – big or small.

Visit the Relatives
For families that live a long distance away from other family members, spring break can allow for a surprise visit outside of standard holidays and get-togethers. This spring, consider surprising your family with a special visit from the grandkids or nephews and bring everyone together again. During road trips, you and the kids can spot license plates from other states and try to name the capital of each plate’s state.  You can also play funny storytelling games where you start the first sentence of the story, your child has to make up the next part of the story and then the next person in the car takes a turn and so on. Soon you will have a wacky hodgepodge of a story that everyone improvised together.

Frugal Family
FunYou don’t have to spend a lot to have fun with the kids during spring break this year.  Try staying in and creating a life-sized self-portrait. Visit your local crafts store and purchase a giant piece of paper that is as tall as your son or daughter. You can even try using butcher paper from your deli, which could work also. Once you have your paper, lay it on the ground at home and have your child lie on it while you trace his or her entire body on the paper. Once you have the basic form, your child can go to town decorating it and drawing whatever he or she wants on the form. When your child is finished, take a picture of the self-portrait with the artist standing next to it.

Go Local

If a big trip isn’t in the cards this spring break, try something local. Consider taking your children to the premier of the newest movie they are dying to see. It will cost a little more than a normal matinee, but they will feel special when they know they have seen the film before anyone else and will likely want to brag about it. Doing this lets you show your child you understand their world, makes you feel like a rock-star mom and gives you the chance to share the movie details with friends who might be considering a film outing for their own family.



Thanks to http://www.kumon.com/ for the great tips shared above about Spring Break! For more information about them, visit their website or the other following accounts:
www.Facebook.com/Kumon

www.twitter.com/KumonNAmerica

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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10 Ways to Combat Escalating Food Prices

Watching cashiers ring up purchases at the grocery store is becoming more painful every day. Unfortunately, things are about to get much worse, particularly for low-income consumers who don't have ready access to discount supermarkets.

According to the United Nations, global food prices hit a record high in February due to upward-spiraling gas prices and stockpiling by importers. These factors are hitting the already volatile cereal markets. Wheat, corn, sugar and edible oils have seen the sharpest price increases in the last six months, with a relatively smaller increase in rice. Produce has already skyrocketed, with prices expected to rise by roughly one-fourth to one-third in the next year.

Such price increases and the resulting extreme poverty are partially credited with recent public unrest that toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt and sparked further unrest in North Africa and the Middle East.

So what's an American consumer to do? Here are 10 ways to combat rising food prices.

1. Shop Warehouse Stores
Not all prices are better at membership stores, particularly if you tend to go overboard, but there are some really good deals to be had. Look for great buys on perishable items and shop towards the end of the day, when department managers want to unload extra inventory.

2. Use Coupons
Now's the time to get in on the extreme-couponing trend, particularly since there are so many ways to access them these days. You'll find coupons online in both Internet-code or downloadable (IP) form.. Mobile coupons are as close as your cell phone. CellFire is a great source for grocery savings.

Don't overlook the coupons that print out with your receipt at the register. Known as Catalinas, these coupons are targeted towards the purchases you've made that day. Some stores, like King Soopers, also allow you to stack manufacturer and store coupons for additional savings. Not all supermarkets allow you to stack, however, so check first.

3. Hit Dollar Stores
Whether you cruise the narrow aisles of Dollar General or hit one of the smaller chains, dollar stores offer "ka-ching" savings on boxed, bagged and canned goods. Make sure you check the expiration dates, however.

4. Use Grocery Store Rewards Cards These loyalty cards have become a necessity to access store sales, but they also have another benefit; You can download online coupons directly to your rewards card and the savings will be taken off at the register. Visit the rewards-card pages of such supermarket websites as Safeway and Food Lion to find these manufacturer coupons.

Some rewards card also provide gas savings when you buy groceries. At times, King Soopers has taken up to 10-cents off each gallon you purchase at their pumps when you spend $100 or more in their store.

5. Buy Generic
By and large, store-brand generics can be much cheaper than manufacturer products with the exact same quality. In fact, generics come off the same assembly line before being slapped with separate labels so skip the brand name items.

6. Use Discount Gift Cards
Shop websites like GiftCardGranny for discount gift cards from Kmart, Walmart and other major chains that sell food goods and produce. Paying just a portion of the card's face value gives you an instant savings on your grocery needs.

7. Make A List
Avoid impulse purchases by making a list before you leave home and sticking to it when you hit the store. Knowing specifically what you need also helps avoid duplications of products you already have at home.

8. Plan Your Meals
It's a lot easier to make a list when you have a plan. Creating a weekly menu also helps you avoid quick trips to the supermarket that end up costing you more in many ways. For last minute meals, create a gourmet dish at a deep discount by buying meats, produce and other food items that are on sale at your local grocery store.

9. One-Stop Shop
Save gas, time and money by shopping stores like Target that allow you to buy everything on your list within one visit.

10. Avoid Out-of-Season Produce To every vegetable and fruit there is a season...and a better price. Squash are cheaper in the fall while asparagus can be a bargain in the spring. Wait until prices are at their best and plan your menu around seasonal produce to save big.

###

Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews to share tips on how to combat escalating food prices. As a broadcast and print media source, Andrea has appeared on ABC News NOW, NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC and has been quoted by SmartMoney, Kiplinger Personal Finance and many more. See Andrea's recent interview on NBC Today Show. 


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

By Dr. Richard Gentry

Adapted from his new book, "Raising Confident Readers"

Lots of parents read aloud to their baby and toddler, but few take the next step: encouraging early writing. Did you know that babies can draw pictures (prewriting) and create narratives at between 2 and 3 years of age? A young child who is stimulated with targeted activities early and often can be writing and illustrating complex stories by age 4 or 5.

Why does this matter? Because studies show that when reading and writing is taught to children starting at birth, their neural pathways develop in different ways. They are more intelligent, have a 32-million-word advantage by kindergarten over children who did not get this exposure, and are less likely to develop learning problems such as dyslexia.

Over 30 years as an early childhood literacy, reading, and writing specialist, I have developed fun and simple activities parents can do with their babies and young children that help them develop writers' brains. They can be summed up in four easy-to-remember words in the acronym READ.

Repetition. Joyful repeated readings of favorite books are a hallmark of early reading and writing success. Long after you are exhausted rereading these favorite books, your baby or toddler will thrill in reading them over and over again. Babies love repetition, which encourages him to mimic the words and babble sounds -- early language responses. Over time, this mimicking behavior turns into higher-order concepts and understandings, and eventually memory "reading." Babies also mimic feelings during book sharing. If you read with feeling, it encourages your baby to have positive associations with reading.

Enthusiasm. Many experts agree that talking to your child and having frequent read-alouds, surrounded by talk about books during book sharing, are the most important brain-stimulation activities in parenting. You are activating her social, hearing, emotional, and linguistic systems all at once. The other E's in this step are Enticement, Exploration, Engagement, and Explosion. By enticing your child with fun reading activities, exploring new books, and engaging her in the process, her vocabulary, knowledge, and love of learning will explode. From birth to age 6 is when your baby's brain has the greatest ability to establish language proficiency.

Attention. When you read or write with your child, you are constantly making decisions about how to direct his attention. Since reading and writing are complex, at various times you must focus his attention to the many different aspects of language, reading, writing, or spelling. You are switching off between attention to sounds, meaning, rhythm or musicality of language, expression, feelings, letter naming, and letter formation, to name a few. The key is to do a variety of targeted reading and writing activities with your child that are appropriate and fun for his phase of development.

Drawing. Your child might be ready to scribble on paper long before you think she's able. Early scribbling is the precursor to early writing. With early marking and scribbling, she is showing an internal desire to communicate, joy in expressing ideas, and the urge to make meaning. Experts agree that drawing almost always opens the gate to early literacy. There are lots of fun and easy activities you can do with your toddler or preschooler to help her be an early writer.

About the Author 

J. Richard Gentry PhD is the author of Raising Confident Readers: How to Teach Your Child to Read and Write -- from Baby to Age 7 (Da Capo / Perseus, www.jrichardgentry.com), which is chock-full of reading and writing development tips and activities you can do with your baby and young child. Dr. Gentry is a nationally acclaimed expert on childhood literacy, reading, and spelling development, with more than 30 years of experience working with beginning readers. A former university professor and elementary school teacher, he is currently an educational consultant in Florida. 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Ten Tips to Prevent the "Silent Killer" Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a very real household danger. If you want more tips about safety and poison prevention at home, text TIPS to 69866.

It was anything but a happy new year in Los Angeles in January where one woman mourned the loss of her mother and grandmother -- both who died from carbon monoxide given off by a gas oven door they'd left open to stay warm. A week later, 11 students in Vermont were hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning that occurred as a result of a faulty furnace. Both incidents were a painful reminder that when it comes to this "silent killer" the public is far from educated on how to prevent deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless odorless gas undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.  Products that are typically involved in CO poisonings include malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters; engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; fireplaces; and charcoal that is burned in homes and other enclosed areas.

Symptoms range from headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness to confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination and loss of consciousness.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be of slow or swift onset depending on circumstances. But it is deadly. California Poison Control, in an effort to raise public awareness, has issued the following 10 Tips to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. With proper prevention, this "silent killer" can be stopped in its tracks.

1. Have all heating equipment installed properly, and have your home's heating system inspected by a professional prior to turning the heat on when cold weather season begins.

2. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in all homes and in apartments.  When a CO detector goes off, assume that a real CO danger is present, and get all people and pets out of the structure immediately.  Do not re-enter until a heating professional, gas company or fire department has declared the area safe from CO.

3. During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

4. Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.

5. Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in such an area.

6. In climates with snow, make sure that chimneys and vents do not become blocked with snowfall.

7. Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building, or outside of an open window.

8. Do not use charcoal or hibachi grills to cook with or for heat indoors under any circumstances.

9. Do not attempt to heat your home by turning on the oven or clothes dryer and leaving the door open.

10. Never let a car engine run inside a closed space such as a garage.  Drive out promptly after starting the car, and turn the car engine off as soon as you drive into an enclosed space. Never have a garage door closed with a running vehicle inside, even for a few seconds.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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5 Essential Tips For Surviving a Winter Storm

5 Essential Tips For Surviving a Winter Storm

www.eHow.com

1. Prepare your home

Shut all of your windows and exterior doors. Insulate all interior water pipes with a heavy foam wrap or insulation to stop the potential of freezing. Ensure flashlights have batteries, cellular phones are completely charged, and candles are available.

2. Have a blizzard kit handy

Keep an emergency blizzard kit on-hand at all times. Have it loaded with non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, warm clothing and a first-aid kit. Stock enough supplies to last each family member a few days. Store the kit in a safe, accessible area of the house.

3. Plan for power outages

Plan for an alternate source of heat if you rely on electricity for heating and cooking. Power outages are very common during blizzards and may last for a few days. Backup generators are great for powering a few appliances, but make sure you have enough gas to run it.

4. Prepare your car

Keep a blanket, water, food, a shovel and even a little bit of sand in your car at all times. The shovel and sand will be essential if you get stuck in the snow. The blanket, food and water will sustain you until help arrives.

5. Get ready to dig

Gather tools like shovels, snow blowers and other equipment used for snow removal. Leave them inside your garage or back door so you have access to them after the blizzard.  If they must be stored outside, make sure they are secured to withstand high winds. 

Content from www.eHow.com, the leading online destination for practical, trusted advice and know-how. The site offers informational articles and videos spanning a variety of topics including Home, Food, Health, Money, Style, Family, and more.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. 

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Simple Solutions to Help with Weight Loss Resolutions

Now that it’s almost halfway through the first month of 2011, it’s a good time to check in on the progress of your weight loss resolution. If the pounds are not dropping quite as quickly as you’d like, don’t worry, just implement some simple solutions that can help you stick to your resolution. Erin Jacques, national yoga director and trainer for the New York-based Exhale Enterprises, Inc. offers dieters the following uncomplicated fit tips:

1) Easy transportation and take the longer route – park your car in the last spot furthest away from the store, building, or destination and just walk! If taking public transportation, get off a stop or two early and make the decision to walk the rest of the way.

2) When in doubt always opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

3) Take either 5 minutes in the morning or evening just for yourself to sit in a comfortable, quiet spot, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Embracing stillness and clearing the mind helps to prepare the body for sleep or the beginning of the day.

4) On your lunch break or any time during the midday, get up from being inside and step out for a 5 to 10 minute walk just to breathe fresh chilly air and perhaps feel the sun. This simple act will awaken the senses, stretch the body and stimulate energy.

5) During lunch, dinner or happy hour – skip the sugary juices, sodas and mixers and instead opt for water. Beverages like HINT Water also offer a hint of flavor without the calories, sugars and artificial flavors.

6) When watching T.V. during the commercial breaks get up, stretch and move the body! Take it a step further and do exercises for the duration of a commercial. Switch it up with planks, push ups, triceps dips, squats and lunges.

7) Before bed or any time in the day, prop your legs up the wall, close your eyes and actively rest. This will re-circulate the blood in the legs, help to balance the energy and calm the mind.
 
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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