If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say that they "can't sew," I'd, well, have a lot of dimes. Even if you don't have a sewing machine or the desire to start making your own clothing or window treatments, you can learn — and teach your child — basic hand stitching. Keep in mind that sewing isn't just for decorative art; it's a very practical skill that can be used to repair clothing, avoiding waste and needless spending. At once green and frugal, it's quite in line with toda …
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We might all wish we could have Alice's experience in Wonderland, where she enters a room only to find its size quite different than it appears. While we don't really have any magic tricks up our sleeves, we can benefit from some simple design principles to make small rooms avoid looking or feeling cramped. From color choice to textures and other décor choices, you can make even the smallest room appear more spacious than it really is. Rethinking Color Choices The first principl …
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Do you dread travelling with kids? Tsh Oxenreider and her husband spent a year travelling the globe with their three kids, 10 and under — and lived to tell about it! Here are some of her words of wisdom: "Travel happens differently when it's done with kids in tow. It has to. And that's okay. Going in with this attitude is more than half the battle, I've found." How is travelling with kids different, and how can you live to tell your own travel tales, and do so with a smile? Pr …
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Whether it's at a doctor's office, restaurant, or someplace else, we all know how waiting times can spell disaster for bored or "hangry" kids. You can curb the chances of a meltdown when you plan ahead by having a "bag of tricks" on hand for such waiting times. Since you can't always predict when such waiting times will present themselves, we recommend keeping your "waiting bag" in your vehicle. Printed Activities Whether you choose a ready-made activity book or a printed activi …
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Somewhere along the line, we realize that our ideal plan doesn't often happen. Wise parenting includes having a "Plan B" at the ready for such times. I like to call it my "bag of tricks." One of those less-than-ideal but equally unavoidable aspects of parenting is having sick kids. Of course, there are times when a visit to the doctor and major TLC are absolutely necessary. But then there are the other times. You know, when they don't require hospitalization or constant care, but you h …
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Today's parents have abundant choices when it comes to their child's bedroom furniture. Styles range from single Twin or Full beds to Captain's Beds, Loft Beds, and Bunk Beds, each style with its own unique set of benefits. Many parents love the idea of saving space but don't like the extra hazard of a bunk bed or loft bed. While a Captain's Bed may be a good compromise for some, Stair Bunk Beds may be another option to consider. Stair Bunk Beds offer your child a bed option that's packed wit …
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One way to decide on your child's next Bedroom Collection is to start with the bed style that will work best with your needs and preferences. We looked at several single bed options that are on the "ground level" in Part 1: Day Beds, Iron Beds, Sleigh Beds, Platform Beds, and Storage Beds. As we already discussed, those categories are not necessarily mutually exclusive; similarly, neither are the bed types we'll be discussing below. For instance, a Storage Bed may also be a Day Bed and may al …
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Obviously, the main ingredient of a child's bedroom is the item mentioned in its name: the bed. This all-important piece of furniture is something around which to build your child's bedroom collection. Some parents start with the look of an individual collection, but another way to decide is to start with the type of bed, then search out collections that include the desired bed style. Below you'll find an overview of the basic bed styles available as well as some reasons why you may decide o …
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All those cute little clothes, carefully folded, lined up in color-coordinated perfection — do you remember that day, likely before your baby was born, when you gazed upon that Instagram-worthy scene? As the daily requirements of life pile on top of the realities that come with children who like to choose their own clothes and need to learn how to put them away themselves, we're guessing you're not quite ready to let your followers on social media see the reality that is now your child …
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We all realize it's helpful to look into a mirror before we leave the privacy of our homes and make our debut into the rest of the world. But did you know that mirrors can provide benefits beyond vanity purposes? Visually, they can enhance a room's spaciousness and mimic a light source. Some people also believe that reflective surfaces provide positive energy, similar to water elements — but without the mess! We like how they hint at glamour with the extra sparkle they offer a room. And maybe …
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