7 Simple Strategies to Save Money on Groceries

Posted On: 07.10.2018 By: Tammy | 2 Comments


І usеd tо wоrk аt Тrаdеr Јое’s, уоu knоw, thаt рlасе whеrе еvеrуоnе sееms lіkе thеу’rе hаvіng tоо muсh fun? То bе hоnеst, І rеаllу lіkеd wоrkіng thеrе; оnе оf thе funnеst rеtаіl јоbs І еvеr hаd. Вut іt аlsо ореnеd mу еуеs uр tо hоw реорlе wаstеd sо muсh mоnеу аt grосеrу stоrеs. Аnd іt аlsо gаvе mе sоmе hеlрful іnsіght оn wауs tо sаvе mоnеу.

Тhеre are еаsу hасks оnсе уоu lеаrn tо usе thеm, аnd sооn уоu’ll bе sреndіng lеss оn еасh fооd run уоu mаkе.

Lооk tо thе Васk оf Ѕhеlvеs

Оnе оf mу dutіеs (аmоng mаnу) wаs tо stосk thе shеlvеs, аnd іt wаs аn еаsу tаsk. Вut whеn І fіrst stаrtеd stосkіng рrоduсе, suсh аs bаgs оf kаlе, sріnасh, оr саrrоts іntо thе shеlvеs, mу mаnаgеr tаught mе tо рut thе оnеs lаbеlеd wіth а lаtеr ехріrаtіоn dаtе uр іn thе frоnt, аnd thе оnеs thаt wеrе nеw іn thе bасk.

Whеn уоu’rе shорріng fоr рrоduсе (оr аnу реrіshаblе іtеms, lіkе mеаt), mаkе surе thаt уоu tаkе thе tіmе tо сhесk thе dаtеs аnd rеасh fоr thе bасk. Тhеn уоu wоn’t bе brіngіng fооd hоmе thаt’s rеаdу tо gо bаd, tаkе іt оut а fеw dауs lаtеr tо сооk, аnd rеаlіzе іt’s аlrеаdу sроіlеd.

Тhіs іs оnе оf thе grеаt аnd еаsу wауs tо sаvе mоnеу whеn shорріng.

Κnоw Whаt’s Rеаllу Оrgаnіс

Іt turns оut thаt еvеn thоugh sоmеthіng іs lаbеlеd оrgаnіс, іt sоmеtіmеs dоеsn’t еvеn mеаn аnуthіng. Fоr іnstаnсе, уоu соuld buу оrgаnіс mushrооms fоr $4.99 оr sаvе уоursеlf thе mоnеу аnd buу rеgulаr mushrооms fоr $2.99 whісh аrе bаsісаllу thе sаmе. Сеrtаіn рrоduсе usеs lіttlе tо nо реstісіdеs whеn grоwіng, lіkе mushrооms whісh аrе аll grоwn іnsіdе іn а соntrоllеd еnvіrоnmеnt; nо nееd fоr реstісіdеs (оr thеіr skіn іs thісk еnоugh, lіkе а wаtеrmеlоn, thаt реstісіdеs аrеn’t еvеn аblе tо rеасh thе іnsіdе).

Тhаnkfullу thеrе’s а lіst оf whаt tо buу аnd whаt nоt tо buу оrgаnіс. Аnd knоwіng thіs іs оnе оf thе grеаt wауs tо sаvе mоnеу.

Whаt ΝОТ tо Вuу Оrgаnіс:

Мushrооms, аvосаdоs, ріnеаррlе, оnіоns, mаngо, аsраrаgus, swееt реаs, kіwі, саbbаgе, рарауа, wаtеrmеlоn, brоссоlі, аnd swееt роtаtоеs.

Whаt Yоu Ѕhоuld Вuу Оrgаnіс:

(а.k.а. “Тhе Dіrtу Dоzеn”): Ѕtrаwbеrrіеs, аррlеs, nесtаrіnеs, реасhеs, сеlеrу, grареs, сhеrrіеs, sріnасh, tоmаtоеs, swееt bеll рерреrs, сhеrrу tоmаtоеs, аnd сuсumbеrs.

Lаst Тір оn Вuуіng Оrgаnіс:

Веfоrе mаkіng а fіnаl dесіsіоn оn thе рrоduсе уоu’rе buуіng, сhесk оut thе оrgаnіс рrоduсе аs wеll. Ѕоunds соuntеr іntuіtіvе, but sоmеtіmеs сеrtаіn оrgаnіс fооds аrе сhеареr.

Lооk Веlоw Еуе Lеvеl

Whеn wоrkіng аt Тrаdеr Јое’s, І lеаrnеd thаt sоmе оf thе mоst ехреnsіvе іtеms аrе аt еуе lеvеl. Ѕо lеt’s sау уоu’rе shорріng fоr соffее (оr whаtеvеr nесеssіtу уоu саn thіnk оf.. Соffее’s а nесеssіtу rіght?), wеll thе fіrst thіng уоu sее іs аt еуе lеvеl, thеrеfоrе, mаkіng іt thе еаsіеst thіng tо grаb аnd gо.

Вut оnе оf thе grеаt wауs tо sаvе mоnеу іs tо lооk dоwn. Ѕоmе оf thе сhеареr орtіоns (thаt аrе аlmоst аlwауs thе sаmе), аrе gоіng tо bе а fеw shеlvеs undеr еуе lеvеl. Іt’s аn еаsу hасk tо rеmеmbеr, еvеn іf уоu’rе іn а rush.

Оnе Іmрulsе Рurсhаsе

Тrаdеr Јое’s іs FULL оf іmрulsе рurсhаsеs, аs аrе mаnу grосеrу stоrеs. Аnd thеу еsресіаllу gеt уоu rіght аt thе саsh rеgіstеr (lіkе wіth ТЈ’s swееt srіrасhа bасоn јеrkу… оh gоsh). Νоw І wоuld usuаllу sау, “Rеsіst! Dоn’t dо іt!” Вut thаt dоеsn’t аlwауs hеlр. Іnstеаd, І’m gоіng tо suggеst thаt уоu gеt јust оnе (rеlаtіvеlу іnехреnsіvе) іmрulsе рurсhаsе.

Rеаsоn fоr thіs?

Wеll іt’s twо fоld; fіrst оf аll, sоmе оf us аrе аblе tо rеsіst а tіmе оr twо аnd thеn wе mіght fееl аs thоugh wе dеsеrvе tо gеt а fеw thіngs thаt аrеn’t оn оur lіst sіnсе wе’vе bееn sо gооd (оr уоu јust fееl рlаіn rеstrісtеd whеn shорріng). Ѕо gеttіng оnе іmрulsе рurсhаsе аllоws уоu tо nоt gо оvеrbоаrd, but stіll gеt sоmеthіng уоu lіkе.

Ѕесоnd, уоu hаvеn’t rеаllу grоwn іntо thе аbіlіtу tо sау nо tо іmрulsе рurсhаsеs whеn shорріng, аnd thаt’s оk. Вut іn gеttіng јust оnе іmрulsе рurсhаsе, уоu’rе sаtіsfуіng thе раrt оf уоu thаt fееls lіkе уоu nееd sоmеthіng fun tо tаkе hоmе аnd snасk оn, but уоu’rе nоt оvеrsреndіng аt thе stоrе.

Аlwауs, Аlwауs Наvе а Рlаn

Аnd whаt gоеs аlоng wіth thіs іs аlwауs shорріng wіth а lіst…nо mаttеr whаt.

Dоn’t bе suсkеrеd іntо buуіng sоmеthіng оn sаlе јust bесаusе іt’s оn sаlе. Оn оссаsіоn, І wіll lооk аt а grосеrу stоrе flуеr tо sее іf whаt І nееd іs оn sаlе, but оthеrwіsе, І stісk wіth mу lіst. Νоt bесаusе mу lіst іs mаdе uр оf іdеаl rесіреs thаt І nееd tо fіnd thе іngrеdіеnts fоr, but іt’s fіllеd wіth frugаl stарlеs thаt І knоw І саn mаkе strеtсh іn mаnу dіffеrеnt wауs.

Rеwаrds Рrоgrаm

Νоw І dіdn’t lеаrn thіs frоm wоrkіng аt Тrаdеr Јое’s (sіnсе ТЈ’s dоеsn’t hаvе оnе), but І dіd lеаrn thіs frоm shорріng еlsеwhеrе. Ѕо уеs, уоu саn сut соuроns оr usе Ѕhорulаr, but whу nоt аdd оn уоur lосаl grосеrу stоrе’s rеwаrds рrоgrаms tо сut bасk mоrе соsts. Іt’s nоt а сrеdіt оr dеbіt саrd, аnd іt’s оnе оf thе bеst wауs tо sаvе mоnеу оn grосеrіеs.

І’vе bееn аblе tо sаvе а lоt оf mоnеу bу јоіnіng а rеwаrds рrоgrаm аt thе stоrе. І gеt tо tаkе раrt іn аll оf thоsе dеаls аnd sаvе sоmе mоnеу. Тhіnk оf іt thіs wау, thе stоrе іs bаsісаllу gіvіng sоmе оf уоur mоnеу bасk tо уоu bу thе tіmе уоu swіре уоur rеwаrds саrd.

Іt wаs іntеrеstіng іn mу tіmе wоrkіng аt Тrаdеr Јое’s tо sее hоw реорlе wаstеd mоnеу аnd lеаrnіng frоm іt. Аnd јust usіng а fеw оf thеsе tірs саn рrеvеnt уоu frоm сrіngіng аt thе tоtаl оn уоur rесеірt. Ѕо еvеn іf уоu’rе іn а hurrу, usіng thеsе sіх wауs tо sаvе mоnеу оn grосеrіеs dоеsn’t tаkе muсh tіmе аt аll аnd саn hеlр уоu stау оn budgеt.

Νоw І hоре thеsе tірs wеrе hеlрful аnd іf уоu hаvе аnу tірs уоursеlvеs оn wауs tо sаvе mоnеу аt thе grосеrу stоrе, еmаіl mе оr lеt mе knоw іn thе соmmеnts bеlоw! І’d lоvе tо hеаr whаt уоu dо!

My name is Dave, and I am a little bit over 60 and I have been trading Stocks, Options and Forex for over 19 years. I have a Master’s Degree in finance and my favorite hobby is collecting watches. (Don’t laugh, but I currently own 40 watches…it’s maybe a bit of a problem, but I’m getting help lol.) My second passion is sharing finance news on my blog.

Category:articles, budgeting, food, frugal living, shopping

5 Summer Motivators For Grandmas That Choose To Stay Fit and Active

Posted On: 05.21.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

Photo Credit: jules-robson [dot] com

My big fear with being a grandma is that my grandkids will forget me someday. I’m currently a constant presence in their lives. However, we just never know when that privilege could be taken away. I’m still going strong today, but we just don’t know when our number is up in this life, do we? 😉

This grandmother is working out daily and doing her best to stay (active) with her grandchildren. When she says (active), she means ANY activity that her grandchildren may be doing. It doesn’t always have to be sport related or a (moving) activity.

10 Examples

* A Simple Game of Catch
* Running
* Board Games
* Word Games — Such as; I Spy With My Little Eye Game….a FAVORITE with the grandkids. <3
* Reading
* Walking
* Drawing
* 4 Wheeler Riding
* Spelling B
* Baking – My Sweet Granddaughter LOVES to Bake!

So, the mind needs to be just as active. — I think you get my drift… =)

I sometimes get a little lazy and choose to not workout on a particular day…or even do my work online. Yes! It happens sometimes. =( lol

So, let’s kick it into high gear…

The Following Motivators Help Keep Me On My Toes – (most times). lol

1) Include Variety In Working Out

I workout daily…however, there are lots of other things to do that would add a considerable amount of variety. This includes speed walking, aerobics, strength training, crunches, lunges, etc…

2) Remain Social

This includes doing things with friends and family, and (for me), staying active with my YouTube content creating, and on social networks.

3) Keep The Brain Active

There are so many things we can do to keep our brain (and body) ACTIVE!!!
You can find quite a few of my ideas on doing just that below…

Good Tips On Keeping Your Brain Alive and Active At Any Age

4) Keep a Good Schedule With Household Chores

Now, just like ANYONE; I get unmotivated and kind of (not in the mood) for cleaning from time to time. But, for the most part, I usually keep my chores done up by tackling them BEFORE heading to my computer.

However, I need just a little bit of discipline (sometimes) in keeping my house good and clean. We all do sometimes, right?! YES, we do! =)

5) Eat Right

Consuming a proper diet is key to many, many things with remaining healthy; both physical and emotional/spiritual. There is actually a good article to read that shares some nice tips on this…as well as other topics. Stress is one of those. <3

Be Good to Your Spirit, Mind and Body During Stress – One Dozen Tips Plus

You may also find the article below interesting to go along with this topic.

Outdoor Summer Time Fun With Grandkids and Work Outs For Grandma

Happy Grandparenting and Stay Fit and Active Whatever You Do With Your Grandchildren! <3 <3

Category:active brain function, advice for grandmothers, aerobic exercise, children, cleaning tips, dance fitness, discipline, encouragement, exercise, fitness, grandkids, grandmothers, grandparenting duties, healthy lifestyle, indoor activities, motivations, outdoors, stress, summer, tips for grandma, walking, workout

Helpful Tips for Staying In Touch With Grandparents

Posted On: 04.25.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

Back in February, I wrote a post talking about tips for staying in touch with grandchildren who live far away. It’s often difficult and sad to not be with family all the time.

Now, I’ve decided to write about some of the best ways to stay in touch with us! The grandparents!

Tip 1: A Phone Call

There’s nothing better than hearing a familiar voice on the phone after a while of not hearing that voice. In this day and age, it’s often hard to grab someone’s attention long enough to talk on the phone. Never underestimate the power of a “how are you?”/check-in phone call. We want to know what’s going on in your life if you’re eating your veggies, and doing your homework.

It goes a long way in our hearts!


Tip 2: Send Flowers

A flower delivery not only makes your grandparents smile, but it also improves our mental health. A recent Rutgers Behavioral Study found that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude.

In fact, 81% of seniors who participated reported a reduction in depression after receiving flowers. =)

Even the colors of flowers can affect our moods! Red is an energy booster, purple is a sleep-aid and stress reliever, while green enhances relaxation.

All could be very beneficial to older people who might be experiencing fatigue and stress.

Next time you’re looking for a gift to give your grandparents or are just looking to send them something, flower delivery are a great idea. 😉

Tip 3: Handmade Card

If there’s one thing grandparents love, it’s handmade items.

It shows you took the time out of your busy day to make something just for us. It makes us feel special and even closer to you, especially from the little ones!

Feel free to send cute drawings, handmade cards, or even just pictures stuffed into a card. All are so fun to receive, and we can hang them up on the fridge so that we can see them every day.

It’s easy to get caught up in your own world and forget about family members you don’t see as often anymore. We understand! But even the little things can make such a big difference to us. Keep that in mind!

Category:articles, children, communication, encouragement, family, grandkids, grandma, grandmothers, grandparent bonding, grandparenting articles, grandparents, long distance grandparenting, love, relationships, seniors

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Learning to Cope with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis as a Parent/Grandparent

Posted On: 03.22.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

Finding out you’ve been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, or peritoneal mesothelioma can come as a shock at any stage of life, but especially when you’re a parent or grandparent.

You probably want nothing more than the reassurance that you’re going to be there to care for and interact with the precious children in your life for years to come. It’s important to consider the emotional trauma that can result from your mesothelioma diagnosis. Taking steps to deal with your apprehensions and fears is a vital aspect of your treatment.

Your Emotional State Can Impact Your Overall Well-Being

The physical side effects of mesothelioma can actually be exacerbated when you ignore your emotional state. But if you find effective outlets for common feelings associated with a diagnosis, you may enhance your lifestyle. There are a number of different options you could try to process your emotions in a healthy way.


Develop a Support Network

Finding a local support group or getting involved in one-on-one therapy sessions with a counselor who’s experienced at helping cancer patients cope could prove highly beneficial for you. There is strength in numbers.

Talking to a group of other cancer patients who can sympathize with your feelings is often a huge relief.

Hearing ways they were able to effectively cope with their diagnosis can be empowering. Honestly expressing your frustrations and fears in a non-threatening, accepting environment can provide a much-needed release of pent-up emotions.

Consider Encouraging Loved Ones to Seek Support

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your family and friends will undoubtedly be facing emotional battles of their own. You can let them know that you’re in favor of them joining a support group for loved ones of cancer patients if they feel led to do so.

Your children, grandchildren, spouse, or other family members probably want to stay as positive and strong around you as possible, so they may suppress many of their negative emotions.

But it’s normal for them to feel overwhelmed during this difficult time as well. Finding others who are experiencing or have experienced similar circumstances can be a big morale booster for them.

Learning to Live One Day at a Time

One of the biggest struggles those diagnosed with mesothelioma often face is uncertainty. You may be uncertain about your treatment options, the symptoms of your condition, your prospects for the future, and the toll it’s all going to take on your family. You may not feel like you have the time or energy to be the kind of parent or grandparent you want to be. These feelings are completely normal.

Learning to take life one day at a time, be good to yourself, and not feel guilty for anything beyond your control can help both you and your family to cope.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a chronic illness with a high mortality rate, remember your biggest challenge is always you. Keeping some of the above in mind is by no means an all-encompassing solution to coping, but it could be a good start.

For the month of March and in honor of Colorectal Awareness Month, please say a prayer for those living and/or affected by mesothelioma related cancers. <3

Category:articles, children, encouragement, family, grandkids, grandparents, illness, kids, peace, prayer

The Importance of Dinner Time With Your Kids? Washington Post

Posted On: 03.21.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

I was doing a bit of research for further content on the blog this morning; and I found something that was too good and too important not to share with YOU. =)

Actually…this (of course) refers to grandchildren too! So, keep that in mind. <3

This post is short and (hopefully sweet), lol…However, wanted to post the below snippets from the article itself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In most industrialized countries, families don’t farm together, play musical instruments or stitch quilts on the porch. So dinner is the most reliable way for families to connect and find out what’s going on with each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In a survey American teens were asked when they were most likely to talk with their parents: dinner was their top answer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There are also associations between regular family dinners and good behaviors, not just the absence of bad ones. In a New Zealand study, a higher frequency of family meals was strongly associated with positive moods in adolescents.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In our family, I always remember the warm fuzzy feeling I got whenever we (all) sat down to a meal…(usually dinner time). =) <3

So, what does The Washington Post have to say about the magical moments of mealtime?

Click The Link Below

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Article Written By: Anne Fishel

The Most Important Thing You Can Do With Your Kids ~~ Eat Dinner With Them

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Anne Fishel is a co-founder of The Family Dinner Project, a professor at Harvard Medical School and the author of Home for Dinner

Category:children, family, food, grandkids, meal planning, parent bonding, relationships, tips for grandma

Rainy-Day Activities With the Grandkids

Posted On: 03.19.2018 By: Tammy | 4 Comments

Grand Parenting Advice and Tips for Indoor Activities

The sun may be shining today, but rest assured there will be days when the raindrops come down so hard and so fast that spending the day outdoors isn’t an option.

Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways to keep your grandkids engaged even when you’re stuck inside.

Cooking

Cooking is an intergenerational pastime that allows you to bond with your grandchildren while passing down cherished family recipes. But the kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for a child. The risks of burns, food poisoning, and other injuries is high.

However, many of these can be mitigated with a little foresight. The definition of a kid-friendly kitchen won’t be the same for each child and can vary with age. HomeAdvisor offers a host of valuable information including links on how to eliminate eliminate common kitchen dangers and tips on burn prevention.

Science Made Fun

You don’t have to have a degree in biology to instill a love of science in your grandchildren. You likely have plenty of supplies at your fingertips to do a little hands-on science learning—no experience required. A few of the most interesting experiments include constructing a fizzy balloon inflator, building a potato or lemon clock, and making your own electromagnet. EarthScienceJr.com is an excellent resource with many easy-to-follow lesson plans, including how to make your own glass of lava.


Always keep safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher and safety goggles, on hand and open a window if you’ll be working with anything that emits unpleasant or dangerous fumes.

A Little Hobby Goes a Long Way

There’s a good chance that your own children—your grandchildren’s parents—have fallen into a routine that, unfortunately, doesn’t include time for hobbies. But, mounting evidence suggests that exposure to recreational activities has significant benefits. Psychology Today notes that these include stress management and self-concept formation, each of which are valuable skills for children to develop.

Use these rainy days to help your grandchildren identify activities they are not only good at but enjoy as well. Younger kids might delight in coloring, which can transform into a love of art, photography, or graphic design. Older children may find interest in a more hands-on hobby like woodworking, which teaches the concept of mathematics and engineering.

Children involved with hobbies that require the use of hand or power tools should always wear safety gear and only have access to the tools under the supervision of a responsible adult. Keep the garage or workroom locked unless it’s occupied to prevent wandering and curiosity from becoming a trip to the ER.

Take a Look at a Book

If mobility is an issue or you aren’t comfortable working in the kitchen or garage with younger kids, you can always snuggle up together on the couch with a book. Reading is a fundamental skill that is not only learned in the classroom.

Children learn to read by watching how adults follow along with words and listening to rhythmic tones and inflections while being read to. The Washington Post explains that reading out loud is also an opportunity to get silly and enjoy a good laugh together.

Don’t be discouraged if your grandchildren can’t sit through a book or interrupt to ask questions. Part of the journey toward literacy involves taking time to process information and reading deeper into the story by probing for details that aren’t in the text.

No matter the activity, hobbies such as cooking, crafting, and learning about the way the world works are not only fun, they lay a foundation upon which your grandchildren can grow their passions.

Who knows, you might be nurturing the next Mario Batali or Marie Curie. Even more importantly, time spent bonding with your grandchildren creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Category:advice for grandmothers, articles, grandkids, grandparenting articles, grandparenting tips, grandparents, hobbies, indoor activities, tips for grandma

Grandparenting Tips For Staying In Touch Across The Miles

Posted On: 02.26.2018 By: Tammy | 1 Comment

When thinking about grandparenting tips for this situation, having an open mind and a good attitude is key

As I sat down to blog this morning, I had a horrible thought.

Yep, I sure did! 🙁 I was thinking…

“Wow, I CAN’T (even start to imagine) a long distance relationship with MY grandchildren!!” <3 <3 My two blessings live just (2) houses away from me. I can see their house clearly, and can easily walk to them.

My husband and I share a very close bond with our grands.

Being a grandparent has been an amazing experience! For both of us!

As I continued harboring over long distance grandparenting, I started to think of a few tips on communicating and staying in touch with little ones while miles away.

There are many things that can be done to make communicating easier…AND interesting!


However, let’s face it; there isn’t ANYTHING like giving your grandchild a physical, bear hug, is there? <3

Here Are My (6) Tips

Skype, Facetime, and Hangouts is usually the first thought when staying in touch across the miles. However, grandparents can make it fun and creative. 😉

1. A conversation game may be a good activity choice for ages 5 and up. With this one, there are many ideas to consider. For starters, a question game like… “What’s your favorite book?” Or, it could be colors, foods, cartoons, and so on. Reading stories is also another good option for toddlers. Of course, with younger children; it’s up to the grandma or grandpa to make it fun and exciting.

2. For older grandchildren, help with homework would be an awesome option. This would also, help take some of the load off of the parents. You can do a lot while on Skype, Facetime, and Hangouts.

3. Playing games online is great for learning. Games like, Hangman, Chess, and Scrabble are good for starters. With today’s technology, the options are endless. Monopoly is another choice. For some children, these could be a tad boring. However, as I shared above; it’s the grandparent’s duty to make it fun. 😉

4. Telephone and mail are both imperative when keeping in touch with your grand young ones. Grandparents can schedule phone calls…maybe once or twice per week. Care packages could be fun for mailing. There could be care packages for illness, first day of school, activities for long summer days, holidays, gifts for first communion and confirmation, and finally birthdays.

5. Schedule 3 or 4 visits throughout the year… Or, however many your finances will allow. With long distance relationships, more is always better. With special holidays, graduations, and birthdays, planning a trip is obvious for most grandparents and grandchildren. A planned, (long trip) could also be an option. Of course, this is something that would have to be agreed upon by all family members.

6. Online apps can be a great help with communicating with your grands. The Instagram app is excellent for sharing photos. Adding captions is a lot of fun on Instagram. The Whats App is always a good choice for keeping in touch. It’s a good idea for instant messaging and also, another good photo-sharing app. If you have Wifi, sending instant messages shouldn’t be a problem.

There are also some good music apps to share music interests. Although, grandparents and grandchildren may have different views on music. — LOL — Often times that is the case. However, putting various views on music aside, there are (2) awesome apps for music that come to mind.

Both Spotify and Pandora are excellent. Also, they both have free versions. The free versions are customizable, but with a few ads mixed in. You can listen ad-free for a small fee.

Important Note: — I understand that when considering all the above tips for long distance relationships, of course, all parties must agree.

The most important thing of all is to keep all communication open and stay in touch with your grandchildren. <3 <3

Category:articles, grandkids, grandparent bonding, grandparenting articles, grandparenting tips, grandparents, long distance grandparenting, love, relationships, technology, tips for grandma, traveling

Changing Your Home For Your Own Well-being: How To Get Started

Posted On: 01.25.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

Photo via Pixabay by Engin Akyurt

“For the sake of our health, our children and grandchildren and even our economic well-being, we must make protecting the planet our top priority.” – David Suzuki

Shared Via Brainy Quotes

A person’s home is the place where they should feel the most comfortable and relaxed, where they can go after a long day and enjoy a little peace. It should be a safe place that caters to each individual’s needs, as well, but that means more than installing safety railings on the stairs and adequate lighting in every room; it also means thinking outside the box a little to come up with ways to make your home actively work for you and your well-being.

For example, you might consider the air quality in your home, or how efficient it is when it comes to utilities. For children and the elderly, this is especially important, as having poor air quality or uneven temperatures can be a health issue. No matter how clean your home is, it’s still possible to overlook things such as furnace filters, clogged dryer vents, air conditioning units with leaky hoses, or moldy bath mats, all of which can contribute to problems if they aren’t taken care of.


“Your home environment should be your safe haven,” says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD – over email. “It should be where you retreat to after a long busy day, and the state of this environment essentially has major bearing on your overall health. If you live in an unclean, unsafe, or unkempt home, such an environment will undoubtedly negatively impact your health, and this can ultimately lead to dire health consequences.”

Keep reading for a few tips on how to change your home for the better

Bring In Some Green

Every interior space can benefit from a little green, so invest in some plants to place around your home. Not only will they give an instant facelift to any room, they’ll provide clean oxygen and may even help with reducing stress. Just make sure you don’t buy varieties that are poisonous to pets or children, and keep them out of reach just in case. 😉

Avoid The Chemicals

Using eco-friendly cleaners around your home will not only help the environment, it can also keep you and your family healthy. Switching out chemicals for simple cleansers — such as vinegar and hot water for floors, tile, and appliances — can really help jumpstart better habits and keep your home safe, especially for young children and pets.

Double-Check For Safety

Making your home a safe place is important, and this means making sure there are working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if you have gas appliances or heat. Change the batteries regularly and check to make sure they’re working properly for every new season. If you’ve recently bought a new home, this is one of the first things you should do after moving in; if you’re unsure of how to check them, consult your local fire department. Read on: here for more tips on what to check out after you move in.

Get Rid of The Carpet

It may be something you’ve never even considered: the fact that your carpet could be making you sick.

The truth is, no matter how clean you keep your home, there are tons of allergens, pet hair and dander, and bacteria that can live in a carpet and cause all kinds of havoc on your family’s health.

Consider tearing it up in favor of hardwood or tile for much cleaner air.

Make Your Own Space

Having your own space can be difficult if you have a large family, but it’s important for your mental health to be able to get away sometimes. Create your own space; take an unused room and turn it into a quiet place to read or make art, or use the garage as a place where you can work out. Find a way to make it your own and retreat there when you need a mental health break.

Remember that you don’t have to break the bank to make positive changes; many of these things can be done with little to no expense. Talk to your family members about your plans so that everyone is on the same page, and think about the best ways to make your home work for you.

Category:child safety, grandkids, grandparenting duties, healthy lifestyle, home environment, house and home

The Eyes of the Home: 4 Essential Window Treatment Tips for 2018

Posted On: 01.24.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

Window treatments are a way to make your house homey and to make it comfortable on the eyes.

Depending on the room and on your neighborhood, you may be using your window treatments to keep out the sunlight, filter the light, draw the eye to the outdoors or match your other decor.

 

 

Check out these top window treatment ideas for 2018 and create a modern masterpiece using beautiful materials in any room of your home.

Curtains to the Ceiling


Hanging curtain rods very high on your walls is a classic way of making your ceilings appear taller and your room appear more formal.

There is no need to hang rods one or two inches above your window trim. Instead, install them a few inches from your ceiling and choose very long or customized curtains that nearly skim the floor for a rich look.

Use Natural Materials

Natural materials are in for 2018 because of the continued focus on environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices as well as because wood and similar materials have an innate beauty that the human eye craves. If you feel that wood-slat blinds are too dark for your needs, you may want to consider bamboo shades, which filter light for a semi-private room.

Simplicity

Simple lines remain in for many spaces, including those seeking a modern, refined look. Simple, straight lines are seen as being preferable to heavy or excessive materials as well as flounces, ruffles and lace. Pair plain Roman shades, woven panels or straight curtains with plain metal hardware. Panel-track systems made of fabric or wood are also great for very modern spaces.

Energy Star-Rated Windows

No matter how fabulous your window treatment is, it cannot make up for ugly windows that are dated, wavy or rotting. New windows from a contractor like Unique Home Solutions or someone similar can spruce up the entire look of your home while also saving you incredibly on your monthly heating and cooling bills. When paired with energy saving blackout curtains, you can save exponentially and keep your home cozy and temperature-controlled.

If you are wanting to change your decor, window treatments are a great place to start because they are one of the key components of any room yet are cheaper to replace than many other furnishings are. They will set the tone for your room and will help you relax and enjoy your private space. Whether you crave simplicity or luxe hardware and accents, keep your window treatments true to who you are, and they will be sure to match with the rest of your home’s decor.

* You Can See More Content For House and Home Here

Category:home decor, house and home

Elder Education: The Benefits of Earning a Degree as a Senior

Posted On: 01.24.2018 By: Tammy | No Comments

The habit of learning is one that adults often foster in children, but it can also be a good plan for healthy living throughout your life.

Individuals who tackle new educational opportunities maintain their zest for life and enjoy better health, as well as a more satisfying social life. If you are considering taking on pursuing an associates degree or other goal in your later years, you are likely to benefit in a number of ways from your endeavor.

Intellectual Stimulation

For those who have retired from their usual field of work, the change of pace and lack of mental challenges can pose a problem. These individuals are often used to constant interactions with a team of co-workers and a wealth of problem-solving opportunities offered by an average workday. Pursing new educational opportunities can be an appropriate remedy for post-retirement boredom and can provide topics to aid in social interactions. Studies show that the earlier you retire, the more likely you are to experience cognitive decline because of lack of stimulation.

Seniors often become more socially isolated after retirement and often have fewer opportunities to learn new subjects and skills. This lack of intellectual stimulation can lead to memory problems and slower cognitive function. New learning helps to counteract this effect.


Greater Ability to Connect with Young People and the Wider World

Often, retired individuals become disconnected from what’s going on in the wider community, and they may find it more difficult to engage with grandchildren and other younger people in society. The knowledge and information provided by lifelong learning allows older people a greater understanding of the experiences of young people and the wider world. This ability not only provides mental stimulation, but also a better connection to younger family members and others.

Enhanced Access to Work Opportunities

If you are a senior who must, or prefers to, keep working after the age of 65, demonstrating your ability to acquire new skills and compete intellectually will be seen as a recommendation for job opportunities you may wish to pursue. Acquiring an associates degree in a specific area of study can be key to allowing you to enter a new field that interests you.

Better Physical Health

Individuals who remain intellectually engaged appear to enjoy better physical health, as well as having improved mental acuity and memory. This result appears to come from the mental activity causing individuals to get up and engage to pursue their interests. So exercising your mind also helps to exercise your body, with all the health benefits that normally accrue from such activity.

You Can Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Programs

Your desire to continue learning in your later years can also qualify you for a number of free or low-cost courses that are available in many communities across the country.

These programs have become available as greater understanding of the benefits of lifelong learning for seniors become better known.

These programs can help you to begin or continue your studies, as well as bring you into other seniors who are also pursuing subjects that interest them.

Lifelong learning is not just a phrase for the young. It can be a way of thinking that helps you to gain greater quality of life throughout the years. If you have a curious mind, enjoy intellectual challenges and know how to apply yourself to a subject, you can continue your learning opportunities, regardless of your age.

Research the many avenues that are now available to help you explore new subjects and develop new skills. You will find that your academic pursuits enrich you both mentally and experientially.

* See More On Education Here

Category:children, Education, elderly, grandkids, healthy lifestyle, retirement, seniors