http://www.sheknows.com/authors/elaina-verhoff/articles Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:18:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/971763/tips-for-setting-a-family-budget Whether you're strapped for cash or have plenty to spare, a family budget is always a good idea. A budget helps you avoid future financial crisis by helping you live within your means -- and guess what -- it doesn't have to be an exercise in drudgery either! Set your goals and save for big ticket items like college and retirement. While you're at it, go ahead and sock away for a fabulous family vacation too. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/971763/tips-for-setting-a-family-budget Elaina Verhoff Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971303/best-toys-to-donate-to-your-preschool After cleaning out old toys, your first inclination might be to haul off your donations to a local charity or consignment store. But don't forget about your child's preschool! Review this list of popular preschool toys to learn which toys preschools need most . http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971303/best-toys-to-donate-to-your-preschool Elaina Verhoff Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:56:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971299/6-great-toys-for-preschool-boys Stumped for ideas on what toys to get for your own preschool-age boy or a friend? We've rounded up the best toys for three- and four-year-old boys. From blocks to bulldozers and puzzles to pirates, you'll find it all right here. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971299/6-great-toys-for-preschool-boys Elaina Verhoff Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:51:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971297/trains-planes-and-automobiles-why-preschoolers-love-transportation Seriously. What's with preschoolers' fascination with transportation? Generation after generation of kids gravitate toward planes, trains and automobiles practically from birth. Find out what's behind this intrinsic love of all things mobile. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971297/trains-planes-and-automobiles-why-preschoolers-love-transportation Elaina Verhoff Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:45:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971293/educational-tv-for-preschoolers If you're like most parents, you try to limit TV time for your preschooler. So when you do turn on the tube, you want to make sure you choose shows that will feed their sponge-like brains with juicy educational programming. Review these guidelines and choose TV shows for your preschoolers that will both educate and entertain. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971293/educational-tv-for-preschoolers Elaina Verhoff Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:37:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971291/themes-for-your-preschoolers-bedroom No matter how much you love your baby's nursery, it's time to face facts. Your baby isn't a baby anymore. Once your little one reaches preschool age, it's probably time to give their room a refresh. Here are our favorite creative themes to decorate your growing son or daughter's bedroom. http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971291/themes-for-your-preschoolers-bedroom Elaina Verhoff Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:14:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/969135/whats-a-bb-cream-and-why-do-i-need-it Any beauty junkie worth her makeup brushes knows there's a ton of buzz this year about BB cream -- the new must-have product. This multitasking cream that once had to be imported from Asia can now be found on drugstore shelves. So what is this stuff and how do you know if it's something you should try? Find out here. http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/969135/whats-a-bb-cream-and-why-do-i-need-it Elaina Verhoff Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:09:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/969127/top-10-beauty-products-you-havent-tried-but-should Shake up your beauty routine with some of the best beauty breakthrough products out there. Here are ten beauty products you probably haven't tried, but should! http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/969127/top-10-beauty-products-you-havent-tried-but-should Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Sep 2012 02:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967945/my-favorite-flaw Accept your flaws and love yourself for who you are. Easier said than done, right? Here are the inspiring stories of two women who have come to terms with their so-called flaws. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967945/my-favorite-flaw Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:20:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967925/creative-responses-to-critics Criticism is a part of life. It may come from a colleague in a meeting, a judgmental mom on the playground or a snarky comment on Facebook. Even well-intentioned criticism spikes our heart rate and puts us on the defensive. If we give in to these negative urges, we end up feeling even worse. Learn how to adopt a Zen-like approach to handling criticism. You'll be glad you did. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967925/creative-responses-to-critics Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:04:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967919/learning-to-embrace-your-flaws “Mommy, why is your arm skin hanging down in a big blob?” “Why are your legs all lumpy and bumpy?” “Let me feel your jelly belly!” You may not have kids constantly pointing out your flaws, but maybe there's a little voice in your own head reminding you of your imperfections. Stop focusing on your “areas of improvement,” and learn to embrace your flaws -- in all their lumpy, bumpy glory. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/967919/learning-to-embrace-your-flaws Elaina Verhoff Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:16:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/967917/celebrity-body-flaws What is it about celebrities that makes us feel so self-conscious about our looks? Hmm... maybe their amazing bodies, stunning beauty and flawless skin? But doesn't all that perfection get a little boring? The next time you're obsessing over how you look in a bikini or considering a little facial sculpting, think of these celebrities who have embraced their “flaws.” http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/967917/celebrity-body-flaws Elaina Verhoff Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:48:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965985/how-often-should-your-student-wash-his-hands Back to school season means pencil boxes, binders, glue sticks and markers. It can also mean colds, flu, strep, even MRSA. When you're preparing your kids for the start of the school year, make sure you talk hygiene. The number one way to keep your kids healthy is to teach them not only how, but when to wash their hands at school. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965985/how-often-should-your-student-wash-his-hands Elaina Verhoff Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:41:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965983/germ-patrol-where-germs-are-lurking-in-schools Grab the disinfecting wipes. You'll want to do some serious sanitizing after reading this article. In 2010, scientists from the University of Arizona swabbed six K-12 schools to find out where the germs were congregating. The most contaminated area? The cafeteria. Here, we share the other top spots germs are found in schools, plus tips on how to keep your little scholars clean and healthy. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965983/germ-patrol-where-germs-are-lurking-in-schools Elaina Verhoff Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:29:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965981/simple-ways-to-defend-a-students-health From the moment a new baby is conceived, it's completely understandable for parents to be concerned – okay maybe a little obsessed – with their little one's well-being. We can shelter our kids for a while, but once they hit school age, there's no way to protect them from the nasty germ-filled world. Or is there? Here are some steps parents can take to help keep their kids healthy at school. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965981/simple-ways-to-defend-a-students-health Elaina Verhoff Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:14:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965939/teaching-healthy-habits-to-elementary-students We love teaching our kids to share, but not when it comes to germs. Review these hygiene habits with your kids to help them avoid germs at school and stay healthy all year long. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965939/teaching-healthy-habits-to-elementary-students Elaina Verhoff Mon, 30 Jul 2012 01:01:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965937/encouraging-healthy-habits-when-youre-not-around At home, your kids may reach for apples instead of sweets, pick up a basketball instead of the Wii remote, and brush, wash and bathe without complaint. But do you ever wonder what happens when they head to a friend's house, overnight camp or school? Here are some tips to make sure your kids keep up their healthy habits -- even when you're not around. http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/965937/encouraging-healthy-habits-when-youre-not-around Elaina Verhoff Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:07:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/965273/summer-tearjerkers-that-make-us-reach-for-the-ice-cream Some of our favorite films are the summer romances that tug at our hearts and turn us into total crybabies. We've rounded up some of the best romantic tearjerkers along with suggestions for the perfect ice cream pairing. Grab a spoon, press play and enjoy! http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/965273/summer-tearjerkers-that-make-us-reach-for-the-ice-cream Elaina Verhoff Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:32:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/963470/best-ice-cream-cameos-in-a-film Ice cream may not be up for any Academy awards, but it's made plenty of appearances on the big screen. Let's take a look at some of ice cream's best cameo appearances. And... roll 'em! http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/963470/best-ice-cream-cameos-in-a-film Elaina Verhoff Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:50:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/963466/cute-ice-cream-themed-party-invites Summer's the perfect time to invite friends and neighbors over for an ice cream party. Catch their attention with creative invitations that put them in the mood for a cold, refreshing treat. Here are some of our favorite ice cream party invites. http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/963466/cute-ice-cream-themed-party-invites Elaina Verhoff