Choosing The Best Car Seat For Your Baby

Everyone wants the best car seat for their baby. A baby's car seat is probably the most important purchase you will make for her. Heaven forbid you get into an accident, you want to be sure that she will be well protected.

There are 3 types of car seats you should be familiar with.

Infant car seats are great for newborns because they fit so snugly. They are designed to fit infants up to about 20 pounds and 26 inches long (maximums vary from one model to another). Most babies outgrow it after around six months, though you may get more or less use out of it depending on how fast you baby grows.

A big plus with infant car seats is that they come in two pieces. The base stays mounted in the car, while the seat comes out. An attached handle makes it easy to take the baby in and out of the car without having to remove her from the car seat. There's no need to disturb your sleeping newborn.

Moving up to convertible car seats

Once your baby outgrows her infant car seat, she's ready to move on to the convertible car seats. Convertible car seats get their name because they convert from rear-facing to forward-facing.
Until your baby reaches the age of one, her car seat must remain in the safer, rear-facing position. After her first birthday, you can switch it to the forward-facing position. This is nice because you are able to see each other.

Most convertible car seats are good for babies up to about 40 pounds, though there are a few models that go higher. Look for a model with adjustable straps so you can raise them as the child grows.

Booster Seats

For children who are too big for convertible car seats, the next step is the booster seat. Booster seats use a cars over-the-shoulder seat belts rather than built-in straps. A child should remain in the booster seat until they are big enough to safely use the car's seat belts.

A few more car seat tips

Never, ever, sit a child on your lap or allow him to ride without an appropriate car seat. It's against the law and you are risking his life.

There's no such thing as 'the best car seat' because every child is different. You need to find the car seat that fits your child and car properly.

Newer cars support the LATCH system, which is easier to install and does not require the use of the car's seat belts.

Car seat installation instructions are notoriously confusing, and the installation can vary from one car to the next. Have your car seat installed by a trained professional. Contact your local police department. Most have one or two officers trained specifically to install car seats properly. No matter what type of car seat you buy, it won't do a bit of good if it's installed incorrectly.

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Baby Nursery Decor That Will Grow with Your Child

While waiting for your baby’s due date to arrive, use that time wisely to design a baby nursery decor that will grow with your child. A little planning now can save you time and money down the road as your baby becomes older.

Quick and easy decorating ideas

Painting: When painting the walls of the room, most people tend to go with an off-white. But if you want to be more creative, a popular idea is to paint below the chair rail green for grass and above it blue for the sky. From there, you can simply change the decorations to fit the interests of the child.

Decorations: Posters and other artwork are an easy and inexpensive way of decorating a room quickly. This allows you to keep up with the child’s interests and letting them select the posters gives them input for their room.

Fabric Designs: There are many wonderful novelty prints available in the fabric store. They are a great way to decorate and make a coordinated room. Purchase a yard or two of the print, cut out the designs, and use a fabric starch to stick the designs to the wall (use a liquid spray starch, soaking the pieces, apply them to the walls, they will stick after they dry). This works wonderfully, especially in apartment where you may not be able to use nails. If you sew, you can also create matching curtains and possibly bedding as well.



Not your ordinary paint job


Magnetic paint: A recent addition to the decorating tools available is magnetic paint. While a bit more expensive than regular paint, it’s great to use in a child’s room. Paint a coat, or two (following the directions) over the primer, then paint over the magnetic paint with the main color used in the room. Alphabet and number magnets then become not only a decoration, but educational.

Chalkboard paint: Another fun paint to use in a child’s room is chalkboard paint. Using it either below the chair rail, or just in one area, makes a great place for a child to be creative, without damaging the rest of the walls.

Probably the most important aspect to keep in mind while decorating a room to grow with your child is the furniture. There are many "convertible" beds, that can be used as a crib, then a day bed, and eventually a twin bed, with the simple addition of support braces and a mattress.


Most of all have a little bit of fun with your baby nursery decor!

I've done a baby snoopy nursery theme and a road construction theme.

What have you done with your nursery?

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How to Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is an ideal way for you to preserve memories and share thoughts. It is a great way to spend some time too. Every one of us has memories that mean so much to us and the thought of losing them is something that no one really wants to think about. Yet, when we get them together and get them on paper, they can be with us for a long while and they will be there even when we are not.

Don't get distracted by all the scrapbook supply choices

Wondering how to scrapbook? Getting started in scrapbooking may seem overwhelming. If you walk into the local craft store, you are likely to see a wide range of products to purchase. You’ll find a lot of kits that you can use, stickers, papers and fun colored markers and paint. You’ll find a wide range of choices and this may have you thinking that you need to purchase all of this to create a great looking scrapbook. The fact is, though, that you really do not need to do all of that at all.

When getting started in scrapbooking, you should carefully consider the options that you have and the things that you really would like to use. You don’t have to use pricy products to have a great looking scrapbook either. Here are some tips that can help anyone to get started with their scrapbooking project.

Start practicing your scrapbook planning skills

• What will you put your thoughts in? The first thing that you should consider is the book or album that you will use for your scrapbook. You can do these on the computer if you like. You can use a photo album or your can purchase a specific scrapbooking album. But, whatever you use, make sure it is what will give you the most freedom in design. This way, you can make it personal.

• What will you use to personalize it? Adding pictures to the scrapbook is easy. But, from here, you’ll need to personalize it. Now, you can do this in many ways. If you enjoy stickers, you can use them. Or, you can take some colored paper, cut fun shapes and sizes out and use these. There are plenty of ways to add sayings and messages that are easy to do.

• How will you preserve the images? It is essential that you use paper that is acid free and preserve your images. This will help you to get the best results and it will help you to get a scrapbook that is going to last for many years.

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Love Quotes From Songs

Set Sail Layout

Love quotes from songs are the perfect addition to any baby album. Inspire your layouts and journaling by borrowing a few perfect words from someone else. Do you find you feel love for you newborn like you never knew was possible?

Pick one of these scrapbook quotes that rings true to your heart.

It's incredible, that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable too. - Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable"

At last my love has come along. - Etta James, "At Last"

I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I want to go through time with. - Jim Croce, "Time in a Bottle"

I can fly higher than an eagle for you are the wind beneath my wings. - Bette Midler, "Wind Beneath My Wings"

I know this love of mine will never die. - The Beatles, "And I Love Her"

I'll be adding more scrapbook quotes soon.

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Bow Tie Ham n Cheese

Here is a toddler friendly supper idea

Ingredients:
2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked bow tie pasta

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

2-1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese

4 ounces sliced cooked ham, cut into strips

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:
Cook and drain pasta as usual. Melt butter in a saucepan. Saute garlic in this for a few seconds. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper, stir until smooth. Add milk and stir constantly while heating to a boil. Continue to boil for a minute then stir in mustard and cheese. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Stir in cooked noodles and ham cubes until well coated in melted cheese. Sprinkle lightly with parmesan cheese at serving time.

*TIP: Keep a jar of cheese sauce around or use the package of cheese sauce from macaroni and cheese for those rushed/in a hurry nights.

More Food for Crop

Wake Me Up Tacos

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Wake Me Up Tacos

Floral Focus Layout

Welcome to the Food for Crop section of my blog. We can't scrapbook all the time, right? A gal's got to eat. Ok, maybe it's that the family has to eat???

Wake Me Up Tacos

Ingredients:
6 ounces of breakfast sausage
1 can refried beans
1 tablespoon butter or margerine
8 eggs, beaten
12 taco shells (crunchy or soft whichever you prefer)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups green pepper
2 cups favorite salsa

Instructions:
Brown sausage in skillet, drain as usual. Mix sausage and refried beans together in a large bowl. Melt butter in skillet, add eggs and scramble as you usually would. Fill taco shells by layering meat/bean mix, scrambled egg, cheese, tomato, pepper and salsa.

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Baby Shower Games

Peek A Boo Layout

Baby showers are a fun time for all. They are a time for family and friends to celebrate and honor the mother-to-be. Typically, the guests at a baby shower are a variety of close friends, acquaintances, and the families of both the mother and father, and it's unlikely that everyone knows each other. So a fun way to break the ice and get acquainted is to play a few games.

Play short, fun games

The games are short and fun to play. Everyone has a good time and gets to know each other a little. The winner of each game wins a prize. You can decide whatever type of prize you want to give out depending on what you think your guests would enjoy. You could give out candy, a small gift basket, candles, or evena bottle of wine.

Don't know any fun games to play at a baby shower? Here are a few suggestions.

Measuring Mommy
This is a fun game in which all the guests haveguess how big mommy's belly has gotten. Bring a long roll of string (toilet tissue works in a pinch too). Each guest estimates the size of the mother's belly and cuts a length of string based on their guess. After everyone has had a chance to guess, take turns wrapping the string around the mother's stomach. Whoever guessed the closest wins the prize!

Sing It, Baby
Have all the guests sit or stand in a big circle. Starting with the mom-to-be, each guest must sing a line or two from a song that has the word "baby" in it. If a guest can't think of one when their turn comes, they're "out". It's not as easy as it seems. Songs can't be repeated, and you'll be surprised how quickly people get eliminated. The last person left wins.

Who's who?
When you mail out the invitations, ask each guest to include a picture of themselves as a baby in their response. On the day of the shower, number each picture and display them in the room where everyone can see. Give each guess a piece of paper and let them guess who they think each baby picture is. Whoever gets the most right wins.

How Many Q-Tips?
Get a big jar and fill it with Q-Tips. Be sure tocount them as you put them in. Guests have to guess how many Q-Tipsare in the jar, and the one that comes closest wins!

Take lots of pictures

Most importantly, be sure to have your camera out and get pictures of everyone!
Happy baby shower planning.

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Valentine's Day Scrapbook Titles

Cutie Pie Layout

Here are a few Valentine scrapbook title ideas to give your album a little love.

Love is in the air

All we need is Love

Makes my heart go pitter-patter

Celebrate with Chocolate

After all, Romance is just one small piece of the love equation

A day dedicated to love

Lovin Life

Pucker Up

I'm hot for you

Every day moments that spark my passion

You melt my heart

Little Cupid

You'll Always Be Mine

The Season of Love

Dedicated to You

Why I Love You

Heart's Content

You Are My Valentine

Silly Love Songs

Perfect Valentine Treat

Love in Bloom

Songs from my heart

Take Heart

Endless Love

Live Laugh Love

The smallest things bring the biggest love

Snuggle Up

You Have My Heart Today and Always

My Family Loves Me

Much Sweeter Than Sweets

Sweet Little Fingers, Cute Little Toes

Call Me Dr. Love

Simply Adorable

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Winning Tactics for Formal Baby Pictures

When you take your baby the very first time for baby pictures you are probably going to be very nervous and excited. You may be worried that you'll get carried away. That's ok. This is a once in a lifetime event and those first pictures are going to be favored. Your little darling will never be that little again. Relatives will treasure the photos as well.

Choosing a place to get your baby pictures taken

There are many great places to go for getting your baby pictures taken. Some, by your own opinion, will be better than others. If you know others that have had pictures taken recently, you can ask them about the experience. Find out what they like and what they didn't. Ask to see the pictures to determine if it is a style you like.

Try calling around to find out about the businesses. Can you bring props or extra clothing changes? How much time is allowed?

Determine how many times you want to go have baby pictures done

Every photography business is going to offer different packages. They may have a type of membership program. Determine up front how many times a year you wish to have new baby pictures taken. Ask about the programs when you call around. This tactic for formal baby pictures will ensure you don't overbuy a package or membership. It's harder to make a sound decision when you feel pressured to make it on the spot, but this way you'll go prepared.

Make a list of the sizes of baby pictures you need and the quantity of each size

Spend the time making a master list of who you would like to give baby photos to. Include what size of picture you would like to give them. Compare this list to some of the picture packages offered. This is a great way to avoid panic ordering and sticker shock. You may determine you need to scale back the expectations of how many pictures you can purchase based on what you can afford.

Save the master list. It will come in handy not only when having formal baby pictures taken, but when you order your own reprints too.

Make sure you allow for a few extra photos. You'll be able to tuck them away and it will avoid reprint costs if the need arises.

First baby pictures are a great way to celebrate milestones. Plan ahead and have fun with your little one.

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Scrapbooking Ideas

Don't feel like you have to come up with your own ideas

Having a wide range of scrapbooking ideas can be one of the most challenging aspects of creating a memory album. I know I get stuck on albums because I'm afraid I don't have the right ideas to get started. How about you? Are you currently not moving forward on your dream to have meaningful scrapbooks? Just take a moment to remind yourself that you do not need to be skillfully trained or have unlimited ideas for types of scrapbook layouts.

Journaling ideas to start your album

Ask yourself a few questions about scrapbooking. Write out the answers. This will help you gather the right information.

1. What would you like your scrapbook to look like?

2. What memories do you have of this person that you would like to come through in the scrapbook?

3. What would you like the scrapbook to say about all the people in it?

4. What qualities do you love about each person?

5. What milestones, important aspects or life changing events have occurred in their life that should be included in their book?

Scrapbooking ideas are everywhere

Asking questions like these will help you come up with great ideas for your layouts. I like how it allows me to visualize what the finished product will look like. The next stop is magazines, analyzing color combinations I like or poring over scrapbooking specific publications. Look at the orientation of elements on a page. Look at the color combinations of your clothes. Walk through the card aisle at the store. Finding ideas does not need to be too hard.

Learn more about types of scrapbook layouts

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Making Scrapbooking A Part of Your Life

Making Scrapbooking a Part of Your Life

I've been thinking about starting this blog for a while. It combines two of my favorite things - babies and scrapbooking.

There are many rewards of scrapbooking. You get to provide your loved ones a way to remember the important events in their life. You also get to show them that you love them. They will always remember the time you took to put together their story.

Scrapbooking is a fun way to let your creative energies shine. How cool is it that the end result will last a lifetime or maybe it will last many lifetimes.

How to Get Started with Scrapbooking
Don't Be Overwhelmed

It was difficult for me to start scrapbooking. Maybe it was for you too. I thought about it for a long time. I wanted to decide if it was an undertaking I really wanted to start. I felf slightly overwhelmed. Do you feel like you need to work on some huge project?

I found it better to just think about completing a few pages and then building from there. A scrapbook kit is a good way to try this hobby. Use the things around your home such as cards, receipts, invitations, or announcements from your child's past.

Use Other People's Ideas

Making scrapbooking part of your life is easier when you realize you don't have to come up with all the ideas. Other people's ideas are available in magazines, in galleries and on blogs. Keeping an open mind will allow you to enjoy the wide range of helpful hints available. Soon you'll be on your way to completing unique scrapbook albums for your family that will be cherished forever.

How to Scrapbook

Scrapbook Ideas

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About Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day, a nationally recognized day set aside to improve public awareness about the environment. Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin, was an environmental activist and decided to move forward with the momentum gained in the early and mid-60's by The Wilderness Act, which was drafted to protect the 9 million acres of federal land.

Senator Nelson first approached President John F. Kennedy in 1962 about including environmental issues on a conservation tour. President Kennedy traveled to eleven different states over five days to share the message of preserving the environment in September of 1963. While it took until 1970 to have Earth Day officially recognized, it was a start.

Taking inspiration from the "teach-ins" in the 60's, where anti-war protestors had sit-ins on campus to share their views on the Vietnam War, he began having "teach-ins" for the environment as well. They announced the plans for an environmental movement in September of 1969 and the response was pouring in from all over the country. People sent letters, and telegrams and called Senator Nelson's offices for more information.

Denis Hayes was selected to organize the first Earth Day out of a donated office and with a few college students as staff. The grassroots movements across the United States led to nearly twenty million people celebrating Earth Day.

Earth Day's date is the same as Julius Sterling Morton's birthday, the founder of Arbor Day. Some think it was the inspiration for choosing April 22nd as Earth Day. While Arbor Day is still celebrated on April 22nd in Nebraska, it varies around the rest of the world. It is usually changed to fit in with the best planting time for the area. There are some organizations that promote Earth Day around the vernal equinox, around March 21st.

Earth Day has continued to grow over the years. Some cities have even started having Earth Weeks, which usually begin on April 16th and conclude on April 22nd. Earth Day is celebrated in 175 countries by more than a half billion people worldwide.

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