For Girls & Dolls
For Girls & Dolls
An Informational Site for Girls of all Ages
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Tips On How To Make Sure Your Children Are Safe Online
I am always saddened, disgusted and shocked to hear about stories where children are cyber bullied or that
the police have caught a sex offender trying to pose as a child online. Or that kids are even using texting to
send pornographic photos to each other.
When I hear these stories it only wants me to prevent my girls from using the computer or having a phone,
FOREVER!
Obviously, that isn't possible because as we all know the internet and cell phones are part of our lives.
As of matter of fact, my two oldest girls are at the age where they want to have a Facebook account and
use the instant messaging services like AIM to connect with their friends.
I also know that it won't be long until texting will be their main form of communication, HELP!
Although I am trying to keep them from these things as long as possible, it is inevitable that these
social media networks and texting will become part of their daily lives.
I think it is very important for us as parents to make sure that when our children are online or texting
their friends, they remain safe and don't use them to harm themselves or others.
I have found some tips on different ways we can protect our children and I think it is very
important that I share what I have found. (If you can add to these tips and share ways you protect
your children, I would love to hear them. Just use the comment button at the end of this post.)
We are all very busy but it only takes a few minutes to check on our children.
After all, that is what parents are suppose to do, protect our children!
- Be Mindful of the computer's location in your home.
(You should keep the computer in the kitchen or family room.)
(You should keep the computer in the kitchen or family room.)
- Only allow your children to use age appropriate sites.
- Encourage sites with strong safety features.
- Frequently check the browser history on the computer your child uses so you know what sites
- Frequently check the browser history on the computer your child uses so you know what sites
they have visited.
(If you can install monitoring control software to restrict where kids can go, even better.)
(If you can install monitoring control software to restrict where kids can go, even better.)
- Make sure to use whatever parental controls are on each site.
- Know your child's passwords.
- Make sure you are their "friend" on social media sites. (If you don't have an account open one.)
- Review your child's friends list on Facebook, My Space, AIM etc.
- Pay attention to photos and personal information that your child posts on their sites.
- Limit the time your child spends on the Internet.
- Do spot checks on your child's cell phone for both calls and texts.
- Know your child's passwords.
- Make sure you are their "friend" on social media sites. (If you don't have an account open one.)
- Review your child's friends list on Facebook, My Space, AIM etc.
- Pay attention to photos and personal information that your child posts on their sites.
- Limit the time your child spends on the Internet.
- Do spot checks on your child's cell phone for both calls and texts.
- No cell phone use in their bedrooms after a certain time. If you can, take it and keep it until morning.
- Inquire with your cell phone provider if there are parental control features for cell phone usage.
- Inquire with your cell phone provider if there are parental control features for cell phone usage.
(Maybe you can shut off the phone during bedtime or during school hours. There might be a
slight fee but well worth it.)
- Tell them to think before they press send because once it is sent there is no "take back button"
- Make sure your child knows anything sent out that is sexual in nature is a criminal offense;
Not only can it have dire consequences, but will follow them throughout life.
Another idea I thought was great is to sit with your children and write up a contract you both
can agree on and sign.
Here is one example of what it could be
1. We, (insert parents names), will visit your social networking (i.e.Facebook) sites periodically.
2. I, (insert child's names) will only visit sites that are appropriate to my age.
3. I, (child's name) will not post inappropriate photos or comments that will hurt me or others.
4. I, (child's name) will use the computer during assigned times only for school
work and social use.
5. I, (child's name) will not use my cell phone after the time set by my parents and know
that it is not allowed in my bedroom after bedtime.
I, (child's name) understand that if any rules of this contract are violated, my privileges will be
revoked on my computer and/or cell phone. Usage will be limited to school work/projects
under supervision of my parent(s).
TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!
I think the most important thing to remember is to always keep an open communication with your child,
no matter how hard it might be.
I know I am going to work hard to do whatever it takes to keep my children safe. They need us!
LizAnn
Spring Cleaning The Natural, Non-Toxic Way and Save Money In The Process
Share / SaveHappy Earth Day!
In celebration I thought I would share some natural ways to clean your home and save money in the process.
that makes me want to clean and organize my house and start fresh.
I know a lot of people feel the same way.
Since I am on a "Be Greener Path" I thought I would clean the way my Grandmother did, with
homemade concoctions. When you think about it, before there were all of these chemical cleaners,
homemade natural cleaning products were the norm. Not only are they very effective
but they are less expensive and non-toxic.
You will be very surprised to learn how easy it is and how few ingredients you need to
make your own cleaning products. These do-it-yourself cleaning products will really clean your
house and create a healthier home in the process.
There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used
in place of commercial household products. This is a list of common, environmentally safe products
which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications.
Just remember even though these ingredients are natural, they
clean because they are powerful.
Home Made Substitutions
Baking Soda- cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours
Borax- (sodium borate) cleans deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper,
painted walls and floors.
Citrus Solvent- cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains.
Cornstarch- can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Hydrogen Peroxide- bleaching agent and antibacterial (I use this to clean toothbrushes)
Lemon- one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Olive Oil- wood polisher
Soap- unscented in liquid form (like Dr. Bonner's), flakes, powders or bars are biodegradable
and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
White Vinegar- (can't live without this) dissolves hard water mineral scale, cuts grease, removes
mildew, removes tarnish, cleans wood and glass.
Washing Soda- (sodium carbonate) cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles,
sinks and tubs. Do not use on aluminum.
(Use care as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes)
Combinations of the above basic products can provide less harmful substitutions for many
commercial home products. In most cases, they're also less expensive. (got to love that)
Here are some formulas that I have used for safe, alternative home care products. Please remember
results may vary and cannot be guaranteed to be 100% effective.
Your best bet is to test in small hidden areas if possible.
Homemade Cleaning Formulas
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon of water. Use for removal
of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, window, bathroom mirrors, etc.
Bathroom Mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold.
Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto stain,
let sit for several minutes and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
For fresh grease spots, sprinkle corn starch onto spot and wait 15-30 minutes before vacuuming.
For a heavy duty carpet cleaner, mix 1/4 cup each of salt, borax and vinegar. Rub paste into carpet
and leave for a few hours. Vacuum.
Chopping Block Cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface.
For tougher stains, squeeze some of the lemon juice onto the spot and let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.
Coffee and Tea Stains: Stains in cups can be removed by applying vinegar to a sponge and wiping. To
clean a teakettle or coffee maker, add 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup vinegar; bring to a boil. Let cool,
wipe with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water.
Deodorizers:
Plastic Food Storage Containers- Soak overnight in warm water and baking soda.
In-Sink Garbage Disposals- Grind up lemon or an orange peel in the unit.
Carpets- Sprinkle baking soda several hours before vacuuming.
Garage & basements- Set a sliced onion on a plate in the center of the room for 12-24 hours
Lime Deposits: For coffee pots and teakettles put 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups
of water into the units.
Run mixture through coffee maker and then run just water through to rinse.
For a teakettle boil mixture for a few minutes then rinse with water while kettle is still warm.
To remove lime scale on bathroom fixtures- Squeeze lemon juice onto affected areas and let
sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a wet cloth.
Marks on Walls and Painted Surfaces: Many ink spots, pencil, crayon or marker spots can be cleaned
from painted surfaces using baking soda applied to a damp sponge. Rub gently, then wipe and rinse.
Rust Remover: Sprinkle a little salt on the rust, squeeze a lime over the salt until it is well soaked.
Leave the mixture on for 2-3 hours. Use leftover rind to scrub residue.
Stainless Steel Cleaner: Clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar, or olive oil.
For stainless cookware, mix 4 tbs baking soda in 1 qt water, and apply using a soft cloth.
Wipe dry using a clean cloth.
For stainless steel sinks, pour some club soda on an absorbent cloth to clean, then wipe
dry using a clean cloth.
Stickers on Walls: To remove, sponge vinegar over them several times and wait 15 minutes,
then rub off the stickers. This also works for price tags (stickers) on tools, etc.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes.
Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.
Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with
fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring
powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)
Water Rings on Wood: Water rings on a wooden table or counter are the result of moisture that is trapped
under the topcoat, but not the finish. Try applying toothpaste or mayonnaise to a damp cloth and rub into
the ring. Once the ring is removed, buff the entire wood surface.
Window Cleaner: Every time I make this window cleaner I think of my grandmother.
She is the one that taught me this trick.
Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper to clean.
Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying.
Be sure to follow this recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the
glass and eventually cloud it.
I hope you enjoy making these at home cleaning formulas as much as I do. I always feel great knowing I am
using less harmful products in my home.
Happy Spring Cleaning
LizAnn
How To Save 1 Million Trees
Did you know...
"If every household in the United States replaced just ONE package of
virgin fiber napkins (250 count) with 100% recycled ones,
we would save 1 million trees."
Wow, this is a staggering statistic and I think an easy one to achieve.
Actually, I have a way we can save even more trees.
But first, buying recycled napkins as often as you can is the first thing to do.
I found a list of the top 10 recycled napkin products and who makes them as a guide.
|
Product |
Product Type |
Company |
Rating |
Total Percent Recycled |
Percent Post- Consumer |
FSC |
Endangered Forest Protection |
Bleaching |
Mercury Avoidance |
|
CVS Earth Essentials |
Napkins |
CVS |
|
100 |
60 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
? |
|
Bella |
Napkins |
Marcal |
|
100 |
40 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Marcal |
Napkins |
Marcal |
|
100 |
> 60 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Small Steps |
Napkins |
Marcal |
|
100 |
70 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Natural Value |
Napkins |
Natural Value |
|
100 |
80 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Green Forest |
Napkins |
Planet, Inc. |
|
100 |
90 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Earth First |
Napkins |
Royal Paper |
|
100 |
< 80 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Seventh Generation |
Napkins |
Seventh Generation |
|
100 |
80 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
365 Everyday Value |
Napkins |
Whole Foods |
|
100 |
80-95 |
N/A |
N/A |
PCF |
Yes |
|
Scott Naturals |
Napkins |
Kimberly-Clark |
|
100 |
80 |
N/A |
N/A |
ECF |
Yes |
To take it one step further and save even more trees... (A friend of mine gave me this idea and I love it)
Buy cloth napkins and use them for everyday, instead of paper napkins.
Think of how many more millions of trees we can save.
Not only that, you will be saving a lot of money.
I went out and bought inexpensive cloth napkins. Since I have five in my family I bought 15 cloth napkins
just to have extras and in case guests come over.
Each family member gets their own cloth napkin. They use them until they get dirty then I wash them.
I know, I know, what you're thinking, exactly what I was thinking... More laundry... Great! Thanks LizAnn!
But that isn't the case. You will be amazed how long the cloth napkins stay clean.
It was a real eye opener to find out how the napkins don't really get that dirty.
(unless of course we have spaghetti and red sauce)
And, I have to tell you, using cloth napkins made the table so much nicer.
The kids think meals are now more fancy since using cloth napkins, and I agree.
I still buy paper napkins (100% recycled of course) because you do need them once in a while, but not nearly as often.
By doing this one thing I feel so good that I am helping save MILLIONS OF TREES
and at the save time SAVING MONEY
and at the same time MAKING EVERYDAY MEALS MORE FUN AND FANCY.
Now, if I could just cook better we would be all set! LOL
Go Green Girl! it's easier than you think!
LizAnn
WARNING! Infantino Baby Slings Being Recalled
If you have and use either of these Infantino Baby slings; SlingRider or Wendy Bellissiom by Infantino,
PLEASE STOP
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that the over-the-shoulder baby slings can be deadly for
children younger than 4 months old. Deaths of 3 infants have been linked to these products.
Because of this warning, the company is recalling these slings and taking them off the marked all together.
You can read all the details for this recall here ABC News: Information on Recall of Baby Sling
LizAnn
Those Swim Goggles Are Still Good Don't Throw Them Out!
tip/trick that will prevent you from having to buy new swim goggles when the rubber strap breaks.
swim team.
Whether your kids are on a swim team or not, I know most children don't get into a swimming
pool without wearing swim goggles.
With the constant putting on and off of the goggles and the chlorine from the pool, the rubber strap
tends to wear out and rip fairly easily.
If you are anything like I was, when the strap on their goggles would rip and tear I thought they
were no good and would go and buy another pair. I ended up having to buy several pairs of swim
goggles every season.
With two girls swimming this added up. (Good swim goggles are not cheap.)
Then I found out about the goggle bungee strap. The bungee strap extends the life of your swim
goggles because when the rubber strap breaks you can replace it with this bungee and TaDa! the
goggles are as good as new! The bungee strap is really sturdy, adjustable and lasts forever it seems.
This is a pair of my daughters goggles with the bungee strap.
She has had this strap for almost two years now.
To be honest, I don't know if you can find these bungee straps at your local sports store or not.
I purchased mine at a swim meet but you can buy them online. I buy most of my swimming equipment
from www.swimoutlet.com You can usually find everything you need from this site and they have
great prices. Here is the link to the site and the bungee straps. Goggle Bungee Straps The straps
cost $5.50 here and come in several colors. Sometimes if you catch a sale they are even cheaper.
Please know that I am not getting paid for recommending these straps or from the online store
I mention above.
I'm just sharing this money saving tip because it was very useful for me and I hope it is for you too.
I can't wait until I am in a pool!
Happy Spring and Happy Swimming!
LizAnn
Make Your Life Easier With These Useful, Helpful Household Tips.
Happy Friday Everyone!
I hope the weather where you live is as nice as it has been where I live.
SPRING! YEAH!
Sorry you haven't heard from me in a few days. My sister and I are working on the finishing touches of our
first product and I can't wait to announce it to you.
In the meantime, I thought I would share some more cool household tips that will make your life easier.
Prevent Weeds from Taking Over Your Garden.
Take newspaper and wet it. When you put your plants into the ground, cover with dirt and nutrients as usual.
But before you cover with mulch, put layers of the wet newspaper around your plants overlapping as you go.
Make sure you don't leave any dirt showing around the plant. Cover the newspaper with mulch. Weeds will
get through some gardening plastic but they will not get through wet newspaper.
(Just think of all the free time you will now have because you won't have to pull weeds all the time!)
You're Welcome! ha ha
Broken Glass
There is nothing worse than breaking a glass, thinking you have gotten all of the pieces up but then someone
in the family steps on a tiny shard you have forgotten- OUCH! Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the
small pieces you can't see. Works like a charm!
Remove Dirt and Dust from Hard to Reach Places.
Love this... Take an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll and put it at the end of your vacuum house.
Since it can bend and flatten easily you will be able to vacuum the dust and dirt from narrow openings,
from under your refrigerator, from under your dresser and even between heat registers.
Reduce Static Cling
In Clothes
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of a clingy skirt or dress to prevent static cling. The same thing will work
if your pants are staticky . Place a pin in the seam of the pants and ta da! No more static
In Hair
If you hair is flying all over because of the static, rub it with a static free dryer sheet and static is gone. I even
carry a static free sheet in my purse just in case!
Keep Your Measuring Cup Clean When Cooking or Baking
Isn't it annoying when you have to wash your measuring cup several times while making something
because an ingredient sticks to the cup. Well, this tips helps that problem.
Before you pour a sticky substance into the measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water,
but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes
right out! LOVE IT!
Foggy Windshield?
Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser.
It works better than a cloth (or the sleeve of your shirt- ha ha!)
Want Smooth Legs?
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs rather than shaving cream. It is cheaper and leaves your legs
really smooth. This is also a great way to use up any hair conditioner that you bought and didn't like.
A Safe, Effective Way to Get Rid of Ants in and Around Your House.
If you have ants put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," but can't
digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have to
worry about pets or small children being harmed!
Extend the Life of Your Dryer and Even Lower Your Electric Bill.
If you use dryer sheets the waxy substance from them builds up on the mesh on your lint screen.
This build-up is transparent so even if your lint screen looks clean it isn't.
( A way to test yours is to try and run hot water through the screen. If the water doesn't go through,
it is because of the wax build-up from the dryer sheets) This can cause the heating unit in your dryer to
burn out (it can even cause a fire) A way to prevent this build-up and the potential dangers from it is to
take out your dryer filter, wash it with hot soapy water using an old toothbrush (or other brush)
at least every six months.
Here's to making life easier!
Have a Wonderful Weekend
LizAnn
How To Avoid Dizziness and Nausea While Exercising
I started taking aerobics, step and pilates classes last week. Yesterday, during the step class, I felt really
dizzy and lightheaded and had to stop.
During the last few months I haven't worked out as much as I usually do, so I guess you can say
I have gotten out of shape.
But still, feeling dizzy while working out has never happened to me before and it really scared me.
I figured I just over-exerted myself but I wanted to make sure it wasn't something more serious.
So I decided to do some research to find out what could cause this to happen and how I can prevent it from happening again.
Here is what I found out.
First of all, if you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded during exercise stop immediately. Sit down, rest, and lower your head to see whether putting it down helps blood move back to your brain. Solving the problem, however, depends on its cause.
Most of the time this type of problem is associated with over-exertion, like running too far or too fast. (I think this is what happened to me) But, if a person is engaged in a more moderate exercise and this happens, it could be a problem that needs medical attention.
This is rare and most of the time there are some other easily addressed causes of nausea and dizziness.
One of the biggest culprits is LOW BLOOD SUGAR.
A lot of times people workout before breakfast and this means that the body may have had no fuel since dinner the night before. So if you exercise without any food your blood sugar plummets. You feel nauseous and weak. The best bet is to have a light breakfast, preferably some lean protein and/or complex carbohydrates with a little healthy fat. This can also happen if you work out right after work and before dinner. In this case if you have a light snack or sports bar it will hold you over.
DEHYDRATION could be a reason.
Dizziness is very common if a person has been exercising hard and sweating, especially in high heat or humidity.
It's important to keep hydrated, because otherwise during exercise your heart will have to work harder to pump the blood. This increases your pulse rate and causes blood vessels to constrict to keep blood pressure up. When you're dehydrated, the brain receives less blood and you feel dizzy. It is very important to be well hydrated when you exercise.
Moderate types of exercise rarely require all the glucose and sodium that one finds in sports drinks, but a healthy dose of water is essential. Dizziness and nausea are both symptoms of dehydration.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE is another possibility.
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood pressure during and after each heartbeat is much lower than usual. This means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body do not get enough blood. This can be caused by medications, it can also be caused by blood pressure that is too low or another health problem.
If you experience dizziness often when exercising, you should consult a health care provider.
On the other hand, many of us experience "the head rush" occasionally. The best fix for that is to move from head-down to head-up slowly. If there is a particular exercise that you know gives you that feeling, try moving through it more slowly or leave it out of your routine.
I feel better now that I know what can cause dizziness/lightheadedness or nausea while exercising.
I am going take the above recommended steps (stay hydrated, make sure I don't work out on an empty stomach and don't push myself beyond my abilities ) to try and prevent it from happening again.
I think my problem yesterday was that I over-exerted myself. I guess I am more out of shape than I thought (darn)
I hope this information will help you prevent this from happening to you.
LizAnn