Articles by

How to celebrate your birthday when you’re a busy mom

Naomi de la Torre — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:17:00 -0700

It’s your birthday, Mom. Time to take a break from your busy schedule to celebrate you! Check out our suggestions for some flamboyant birthday fun on your special day.

Childcare solutions: What is a mother's helper?

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:00:00 -0700

You love your kids, but sometimes they drive you to the edge of sanity. It would be great to hire a regular babysitter, but your budget is just too tight these days. Have you considered enlisting the assistance of a mother’s helper?

5 Healthy (but yummy!) family meals

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:00:00 -0700

You want your kids to eat wholesome, healthy foods at every meal, but when you are dealing with little ones who would prefer to survive on a diet of string cheese and waffles, sometimes it takes a little creativity. These healthy and kid-friendly meal ideas will be a hit with everyone in your family. Kid tested. Mom approved.

7 Healthy summer desserts

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:00:00 -0700

Looking for some tempting summer desserts that won’t send your healthy diet into a tailspin? Try some of these to-die-for healthy summer desserts and satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt!

Nutritious and delicious snack ideas

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:00:00 -0700

It’s 3 pm and your stomach’s grumbling. Don’t dive into that bowl of chips yet! By planning ahead and having some nutritious and delicious snack ideas on hand, you won’t be tempted to spoil your healthy diet. Read on for the best slim snacks around.

What is unschooling?

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:38:00 -0700

To those brought up in a strict school environment, the idea of unschooling seems almost unfathomable. But this growing movement within home education actually has many impressive benefits. Read on to find out more about unschooling and why children thrive with this type of relaxed approach to learning.

Homeschool: Why are so many parents choosing it?

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 11 May 2011 06:17:00 -0700

What is behind this growing movement in home education? With over two million students being homeschooled in the United States, homeschool families are no longer just a weird fringe group. Homeschooling is growing in popularity among all segments of the population and quickly becoming a standard option for education. Read on to learn more about why homeschooling has gained so much appeal among American families.

Are homeschooled kids really lacking in socialization?

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:24:00 -0700

With the growing numbers of homeschooled kids getting into Ivy League universities, most people would now agree that homeschooling is a wonderful option for helping your children achieve academic excellence. But what about socialization? Do homeschooled children really lack in social skills? Read on to learn more about the homeschooling socialization debate.

Real job opportunities for work at home moms

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 04 May 2011 05:10:00 -0700

Choosing to stay at home with your kids has been great for your family... but not so hot for your family budget. Are you interested in learning about some work at home job options that are realistic and rewarding? Read on for some of the best jobs you can do while never having to get out of your footie pajamas.

Pet health emergencies

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:38:00 -0700

No one wants to think about a pet having an emergency, but a well designed pet emergency care plan will allow you to rest easy and know that you can handle any situation that arises. Here are the top five tips for handling common pet health emergencies.

Top 5 signs your pet is ill

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:29:00 -0700

Fido might not be able to stand up and ask for an aspirin, but he can tell you when he's sick. By watching for certain changes in behavior and appearance, you can keep a close eye on your four-legged friend’s health. Read on for the top five signs that your pet is ill.

7 Pet safety tips

Naomi de la Torre — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:20:00 -0700

It’s true: When left to his own devices, Mr. Fluffykins can get into just as much trouble as a curious toddler, which is why you should pet-proof your house before bringing home a four-legged companion. Follow these simple pet safety tips and keep your pets safe all year 'round.

Kid-friendly salad recipes

Naomi de la Torre — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:36:00 -0700

Getting kids to eat their daily servings of fruits and veggies isn't easy. These colorful, fun, kid-friendly salad recipes are guaranteed to tempt even the pickiest eaters.

Edible crafts for kids

Naomi de la Torre — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 13:47:00 -0700

Kids go through phases: Sometimes, they vacuum up every morsel of food they can find. Other times, they turn up their noses at broccoli and fish sticks, but slobber all over their toys as if they were candy. Edible crafts offer them the best of both worlds -- playing and eating. This recipe for peanut butter playdough will keep your little ones busy for hours.

5 To-die-for smoothie recipes

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:58:00 -0700

Looking for a scrumptious treat that won’t wreak havoc on your healthy diet? Don’t go drooling through the dessert aisle just yet. How about sipping on one of these fabulous to-die-for smoothies?

Healthy ideas for snacks on the go

Naomi de la Torre — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:03:00 -0700

Do you have a busy, on-the-go lifestyle? Don’t fall prey to the fast-food trap. Arm yourself with some of these delicious, healthy and portable snacks. You’ll stay peppy and energized…and your waistline will thank you, too. Healthy snacks to the rescue!

How to cut 100 calories from your favorite recipes

Naomi de la Torre — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:02:00 -0700

Does the word “diet” send shivers up and down your spine? Do you tremble at the idea of saying goodbye to all your favorite dishes just because you are watching your weight? Eating light doesn’t have to be a painful, tasteless experience. With these easy low-calorie substitutions, you can still have your cake and eat it too!

6 Best kept potty training secrets

Naomi de la Torre — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:14:00 -0700

Let’s face it. Potty training is the pits. Everywhere you turn, you are bombarded with commercials that make you feel like you are some kind of potty moron if you don’t have your toddlers potty trained by the time they can wobble over to the toilet and flush their Polly Pockets down. Not to mention your iPhone, the keys to your jewelry box and all the family toothbrushes. So in case you are spending half your precious 'me-time' worrying about how to get your 18-month-old to train overnight, let me share with you some of the best kept potty training secrets.

5 Fun baking recipes for kids

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:09:00 -0700

Kids are pretty much head over heels for any kind of baking that ends with them covered in flour and sugar from head to toe … not to mention the surrounding Tri-State area. So as long as you aren’t trying to channel Martha Stewart and whip up something that you can use to impress the women in your knitting circle, baking with kids can be one of the best family activities around. Grab some aprons, bust out your measuring cups and join us for a family-friendly baking adventure as we whip up five of the best baking recipes for kids.

8 Recipes you can make with the kids

Naomi de la Torre — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:33:00 -0700

Do you have trouble cooking when your kids are home swinging from your ankles and Mod Podging the drapes to the ceiling? How about involving them in the meal preparation? Below are eight easy recipes to get you started cooking with your children. Not only will your kids learn wonderful life skills, but everyone will have a great time and you might even save your dining room from that Mod Podge masterpiece, too!