MOMPROVEMENT

Is Your Car Prepared for the Winter?

Posted by momprovement on December 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Is your car prepared for the winter?  Even though you may have many things occupying your attention at this time of year, taking care of your vehicle during cold weather is important.   So make sure and take the time to protect your car from the weather so it will continue to transport you and your family during the winter months.

Routine maintenance is important for your car all year long, but during colder weather you want to be sure your car will keep you warm and not break down and leave you stranded.  If you’re one of those that procrastinate, you may not want to wait too long to winterize your car.

There are a number of things any car owner can do to prepare their car for winter.  However, some systems are best checked by a qualified mechanic.  For instance, brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic because they are such a vital component of your car to keep you and your family safe.  A mechanic can make sure your brake pads are adequate, but you can check the brake fluid to ensure it is at the correct level.

You obviously want to make sure the antifreeze level in your radiator is adequate.  The antifreeze mix should be at least 50 percent antifreeze to 50 percent water.  Some professionals recommend a 60:40 mix, especially if the area you live in gets extremely cold in the winter.  Follow the instructions given in your car owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the electrical system in your car, now would be a good time to do so.   Check the alternator belt, and other belts in the system, to ensure they’re in good condition.  Make sure the battery is charged.

No one will argue about the benefits of maintaining the proper pressure in your tires.  You can save on fuel consumption by keeping them properly aired up.  The tread depth and proper inflation can also help with traction on snow and ice.

Change the oil and oil filter before the weather turns bad.  Ensure the all of the exterior lights – turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights – all work properly.  Now would also be a good time to check that the windshield wipers are in good shape.  Verify that your defrosters are working properly, too.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times.  The purpose of the emergency kit is to be prepared just in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded.  The kit might include:

First aid kit
Blankets
Extra gloves for each family member
Flares
Snow shovel
Tire chains
Kitty litter
Spare Tire
Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
High energy food, like energy bars, and water

Is your car prepared for the winter? With the above list of items, you know what items are important to check and keep in your vehicle to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination or are able to survive in case of a breakdown.

Warm Winter Family Movie Night

Posted by momprovement on December 12, 2008  |  2 Comments

Well, in most parts of the U.S., winter is actually here.  Daytime temperatures are cool but night-time temperatures are frigid.  We are already trying to find ways to keep warm.  Winter movie nights are a perfect opportunity to snuggle up and share body heat.

Since winter will be at least three months long, longer in some locations of the country, you may want to plan at least two winter movie nights per month.  Perhaps you can let the children choose one night, Mom choose the movies another, and then Dad choose some for another night.  Whether you allow each child to make all of the movie choices is up to you.  It may help keep bickering over which movie to get down to a minimum.

Movie night can become a monthly tradition.  Either order pizza to be delivered or find something easy to fix for dinner.  Plan on having a warm drink such as hot chocolate, cider, or tea to drink to warm you up.  Have blankets at the ready to snuggle under.

Does your family love popcorn, like most movie goers?  Get the microwave ready or purchase a hot air popper.  Season the popcorn in a way that everyone will enjoy it.  Plan on having one bowl per two people in your family to ensure everyone gets some.

You may want to head out to your favorite movie rental store to see which new releases everyone is interested in.  Or, if you have a good collection of movies at home, you may want to re-watch some of those.

What type of movies does your family enjoy most?  The males in the family probably would prefer movies with guns, explosions, and action galore.  Women are known for preferring “chick flicks” and romantic comedies.  Regardless of the movies you choose, it’s important that your family spends the time together.

Find some older movies that you enjoyed when you were a child or young teen.  Most likely you’ll still think the movies are funny and your children may very well have fun with them, too.  Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and many of the early Disney movies are some choices the children may like to watch.

It would be great if Mom and Dad could try to get a babysitter for the children every once in a while so you can have a movie night for just the adults in the family.  Mom and Dad can choose movies that may be a little more mature than would be appropriate for young children.

Cooler weather means spending more time indoors.  Warm up this winter by enjoying some movies, snuggling up with your loved ones, and relaxing for the evening.  You may find that you enjoy movie nights so much that you carry them through the remainder of the year.

Ready, Set, Start Over!

Posted by momprovement on September 20, 2008  |  2 Comments

Well, I’d like to weigh in and say I’ve lost at least SOME weight! But the simple fact is that, well, it’s been a stressful couple of weeks, and so I’ve actually gained a pound!

I’ve actually heard that the stress of trying to lose weight can make one gain weight, and I’d believe it. I was simply pushed over my stress threshold, and resorted back to my comfort eating. Although, interestingly enough, I’ve taken on a new comfort food. Usually it’s just chocolate and Coca-cola. But this time it’s been Hostess cinnamon swirl cakes and crystal light raspberry tea! Go figure!

And my hips haven’t moved since about 3 days after my Core Rhythms review!

But not one to give up just yet, I will start again.

After all, I just drank the last Coke, and I only have 3 snack cakes left!

So, if you’ve started on a weight loss and fitness journey – how’s it going?

Hermit Crabs are Social Pets

Posted by momprovement on September 9, 2008  |  No Comments

Hermit crabs, despite what the name implies, are neither solitary animals nor true crabs.  The hermit crabs are social animals and live in large groups in the wild.  They have a long abdomen and no hard covering (two things that make them different from true crabs), which is the reason they must live in leftover snail shells.

Although hermit crabs are advertised or thought of as cheap and easy to maintain, there are some things that are important to consider if you want to keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy.  When kept at the proper conditions and in the right environment, hermit crabs have been known to live for 6 to 15 years.  Most, unfortunately, will only live for about 6 to 12 months.

A glass terrarium makes the best choice for the hermit crabs.  The glass helps to keep the temperature and humidity at the proper level.  There should also be a proper airflow to help cut down on mold and bacteria.

Inside the terrarium there should be enough suitable material lining the bottom to allow the largest hermit crab to dig down, about twice the height of the crab should be sufficient.  Materials that you can use include sanitized beach sand, quality play sand (not used for construction), crushed coral, fine river pebble, and damp coconut fiber.

You will also need to create two different ponds for your hermit crab by using non-metallic, non-porous dishes.  One is for fresh water and one is for ocean water.  Adding sea sponges to the water dishes will help maintain the humidity and moisture in the hermit crabs’ environment.

Under the tank you will need to place a heat pad made especially for small animals and reptiles.  It gently warms the glass and sand, but you will still need to regulate the temperature of the sand by installing a thermostat at sand level.

Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals and therefore are most active at night and least active around noon.  They do not bite, but will pinch using their strong front claws.  These same claws are used for climbing, so hermit crabs are proven escape artists.  Be sure that your enclosure does not offer them any chance to break free.

Because the hermit crab has no natural outer protection, you need to provide shells for the molting process.  Young hermit crabs may molt several times a year, otherwise the molting typically will occur about once every 12 to 18 months.  Molting crabs often bury themselves in the substrate and will remain buried for the entire process.  Do not disturb molting crabs.

There are two varieties of hermit crabs most often sold in stores.  The Purple Claw Crab is usually the more aggressive and can be prone to pinching.  The Ecuadorian Crab is the sweeter choice.

Although the hermit crab may seem to be the easiest pet around, it does require some care and special housing.  If you are able to meet these needs then the hermit crab is a fun and entertaining addition to any home.

Have Fun with Fish

Posted by momprovement on September 9, 2008  |  No Comments

Fish can be a relaxing addition to the home environment.  When it comes to putting an aquarium in your home, you have many choices in sizes, designs and especially in the wildlife that will inhabit the tank.  A good rule of thumb is that for every one inch of fish you will need one gallon of water (but don’t forget that the plants and other decorations will also take up space).

Freshwater aquariums are generally the least expensive and easiest to maintain.  The smallest size to start out with is probably a good 20 gallon tank.  Be sure to use water that is non-chlorinated.  Fish should be added no more than two at a time and then time given for the water (and good bacteria) to adjust to the new occupants – this is known as cycling.

Maintaining good water quality is the key to healthy and happy fish.  It requires the optimal filtration system for the size tank and the number of fish.  You will also need to purchase lights and accessories for the tank.  All together, the start-up costs for a freshwater tank can run from about $200 and go up from there.

There are an amazing variety of fish that live in fresh water, and they come in almost every shape and color that you can imagine.  The fish that you choose should be able to live together and be comfortable in the space that you are willing to provide.

Dwarf Gourami are small, peaceful fish and can be found in several different colors.  They are well suited to smaller aquariums and community aquariums.

The Red Eye Tetra is a great beginner fish and easily adapts to a community tank.

Angelfish are peaceful and easy to care for.  They are a popular aquarium fish because of their great color variety.  They make a good choice for the community aquarium.

Rainbowfish are small and colorful (as the name implies).  They tend to swim at the top of the water and can fill a void in most tanks.  They are hardy and active and can do well in a semi-aggressive aquarium.  It is a schooling fish and prefers to live with six or more of the same species.

Bettas (Siamese Fighting Fish) will fight aggressively with one another, but will typically be okay in community tanks with other species of fish.  They come in a beautiful array of colors and their long, flowing fins make them prized additions to the freshwater aquarium.

Swordtails can make a wonderful, and colorful, addition to the passive community aquarium.  They are school fish and will do best in groups of five or more.

Fish can be a relaxing and entertaining addition to your home and your family.  Although they are relatively easy to maintain, they do require some basic needs (like space and oxygen) that should be considered before you purchase your pets.

Hamsters and Gerbils and Rabbits – Oh My!

Posted by momprovement on September 9, 2008  |  No Comments

Rodents as pets?
Rodents may not be the first species you think about when you start considering a family pet, but they can be a great choice. Rabbits are easily house-trained and are very social animals. Gerbils and hamsters are fun and entertaining, but they do have very short lives compared with other household pets.

Hamsters

Hamsters are small (about 6 inches), typically solitary animals.  They are nocturnal by nature, and may be temperamental when handled.  Raising hamsters from babies is the best way to ensure they will be more agreeable, but they can still be biters – and the bites can be very painful.  Most hamsters only live for about 2 to 3 years. But they make great first pets for older kids (3rd – 6th grade).  I had about 3 hamsters when I was growing up.  However their short life span may be an issue for those who are more sensitive about things like that.

Things to be concerned about when buying a hamster include:

• Hamsters with runny or sticky eyes, matted fur or runny nose.

• Pet store employees that cannot guarantee the sex of the hamster (you could end up buying a pregnant female – this happened to my sister once when she got a “male” hamster for Christmas, we had about 6 hamsters by New Years!)

• Cages that are overcrowded and not separated by sex (males should be in one cage and females in another).

Gerbils

Gerbils are even smaller than hamsters (about 4 inches), with long tails.  They are very active and very social animals.  They prefer to be with other gerbils, but putting a male and female together is one way to insure that you will get prolific breeding.  Acquire your littermates when they are young to help them get used to one another.  Gerbils can be quite tame, and a pair would be content in a small home (about 1 ft by 2 ft by 1 ft). Gerbils also have short lifespans – about 2 to 4 years.

Gerbils are best housed in a terrarium at least 10 inches by 18 inches (and 10 inches high).  Gerbils are hoppers, so keep the top tightly covered with a mesh lid.  They are also burrowers and need about 6 to 8 inches of material on the bottom (preferably a combination of straw and peat, or sawdust or wood shavings).

There is really only one breed of gerbil sold in stores today – the Mongolian gerbil.  Hybrids of the breed have been developed over the past few years to introduce color variations.  There are some rare, imported species (like the small Egyptian gerbil, the Indian gerbil or the Libyan gerbil or jird) that can occasionally be found in shops today.

Rabbits

Rabbits have traditionally been kept outside, alone, in a hutch. This is not the best place for such social animals. Rabbits make ideal indoor pets. They are friendly, like social interaction, and are typically easy to litter box train.  You can also keep them indoors in a crate like those used for house-training dogs.

Both the female (doe) and the male (buck) can exhibit negative habits as they reach maturity.  The does can become territorial and start nipping.  The bucks can begin to spray their urine to try and attract a mate.  The best way to avoid this is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered when it is at the right age.  Rabbits also tend to chew, a lot.  We had a rabbit for my teenage step-daughter, and would let him roam about the house sometimes.  We lost countless barbie heads (he found them under the beds), one laptop computer cord, and several shoe laces!  So be sure you keep a close eye, and everything is picked up (especially under the beds!)

Rodents like the gerbil, hamster and even the rabbit can make the perfect choice for a first pet. They are easy to care for and do not require a long-term commitment. There are plenty of choices when it comes to family pets. Be sure to pick the one that is best suited to your needs and your home life.

Cooking Tips for Busy Moms

Posted by momprovement on September 8, 2008  |  No Comments

Cooking Tips for Busy Moms

Quite often, women feel they must be superwoman or supermom, regardless how difficult that may be to pull off.  One area where women struggle trying to do everything is cooking.  Follow these cooking tips for busy moms and give yourself a break!

If you’re like many women today, you’re working a full-time job during the day and then come home to put in at least another eight hours taking care of the home.  Finding things that will make your time at home less taxing would be great, especially when it comes to being able to feed your family nutritious meals that they will enjoy.

Truth be told, everyone prefers to eat a good, home cooked meal.  But if you’ve just spent a draining eight hours outside the home, you may not have the energy to cook from scratch.  You can create great meals that don’t take a long time; here’s how:

• Make a plan before going grocery shopping.  Creating a meal plan for at least a week at a time will solve two problems. Firstly, you’ll know what you’re going to fix so you won’t be racking your brain after you come home trying to figure out what to fix.  Secondly, you’ll be able to better control how much you spend because you’ll already know what ingredients you need.

• After you’ve done your shopping, wash all the vegetables and cut them up into the sizes you’ll need for each meal.  This may take a while on the front, but will save you a lot of time when you’re preparing each meal later.  Don’t forget to ask for help from those that are old enough to use a sharp knife.  This will greatly lessen the time you need to spend.

• Make your crock pot your best friend.  This one cooking tool can make your life so much easier, and your family much more satisfied with the meal.  Put your ingredients into the crock pot, turn it on, and leave it alone.  By the time you return home, you’ll have the makings for a great home-cooked meal!

• When you plan a family favorite, prepare more than one meal’s worth.  You can double, triple, or quadruple the amount that you make.  Freeze the separate meals for later use.  When you’re craving a particular meal and don’t have time to fix it, you’ll have one in the freezer; all you have to do is take it out and reheat it.

• If you don’t want to spend an entire day cooking extra meals, plan on cooking enough for one extra meal that you can use as a planned leftover one night.  If you’re using making chili one night, make a little extra that you can add to baked potatoes on another night.

• Stretch your home-made meal with a great tossed or pasta salad.  Salads are quick, easy, and nutritious.  They’re also good to add when you’re having leftovers.  They’ll stretch the meal quite nicely.

You may not be able to be supermom or superwoman, but you can accomplish your goal of providing nutritious, home-made meals even after working outside of the home all day long.  By using these tips, you’ll reduce some of the time you need to prepare those meals.  You might actually find that you have a chance to enjoy your meal, as well, and that should make you feel super!

Cats Can be the Perfect Pet

Posted by momprovement on September 8, 2008  |  No Comments

Cats Can be the Perfect Pet

Cats are very interesting creatures.  Most cats are solitary creatures by nature.  They want to be social when they want to be social and they want to be alone when they want to be alone.  But cats can still be some of the best pets you will ever have.

There are some things that you should think about before bringing a cat home to be part of your family.  Some cats can be aggressive territorial animals (especially the males) and can have a tendency to spray – or mark with urine – their home.  Be sure that you have your cat spayed or neutered as soon as it is old enough.

Most cats are hunters by nature.  If you have other small pets in the house (birds, hamsters or rabbits) then you might want to think twice before bringing a cat into the home.  On the flip side, cats can help to decrease a rodent problem, particularly for homes in the country or in the woods.

There are many breeds of cats – each with their own unique needs, tastes and look, but keep in mind that no two cats (even of the same breed or litter) will be alike.  Although pound cats (those that have been abandoned and are at risk of being put down) often make the best pets, there are still some breeds that you might want to consider for your home.

Breeds of Cats

The Siamese cats were made famous by Walt Disney as being picky, but more often these cats are very social, intelligent and curious.  One distinct factor is their need to talk – often and for a long time.  The Siamese cats are short haired and need very little grooming.

Himalayan cats are needy cats, but they are typically quiet and affectionate.  Because of their long hair, they will probably require more grooming (and shedding WILL be an issue).

The Maine Coon Cat is an American long-haired cat.  It is considered to be very friendly and have a loving spirit.  It is also believed to be highly intelligent.  The patient nature of the Maine Coon Cat makes it ideal for homes with children.

The Ragdoll Cat is another good choice for homes with children.  It is a sweet-natured cat, known (and named) for going limp when picked up.  It is extremely laid back, without an aggressive bone in its body.

The Sphynx Cat is the breed of choice for people who suffer from allergies.  This nearly-nude cat has little or no dander problems, but does require frequent bathing.

The Manx Cat is the tailless cat.  These are extremely playful animals and often exhibit dog-like tendencies (like playing fetch).  It is a one-person breed that will bond strongly with its owner.

Kittens are always a treat for the home, but they all grow up to be cats.  Cats are climbers and jumpers and tend to find a way into everything that you don’t want them in.  But cats are also great at knowing just when you need loving support, and their purr is the perfect stress reliever from the world outside.

Weight Loss for Moms

Posted by momprovement on September 4, 2008  |  No Comments

Time to Lose Weight

Well, it’s that time again.  Time to try to start to lose all that baby fat again!  I said I would lose weight when my baby was one and I stopped nursing, but, well, life happens, and here it is, my baby is 19 months and I still haven’t started losing weight, that is until today.

Sure, we can all come up with reasons why later would be better, but the truth is, there is no better time to start than right now.

The Starting Point:

Here’s my situation:

• Current weight: 176

• Current height 5 foot 2 inches (I actually don’t expect this to change!)

• Current health status:  I would say on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being great, I’m actually about a 5.  I feel fine on a day to day basis, no major health issues, but I don’t really have much energy at all, and with 3 kids, I need to whip myself in to shape, not just to look good to my husband (who loves me like I am!) and not just to look good in my skinny jeans, but to have the energy to keep up with my kids.

• Current health plan:  I am in the process of giving up drinking Coke, (I say soda, some say pop, actually what I drink is really Coke, the full strength stuff in a 44 ounce styrofoam cup!) and I want to cut out high fructose corn syrup (more on this in a later post).  I am looking into various diet possibilities, and will let you know when I pick one!

• Current exercise plan:  I am going to start walking 3 days a week, and I just borrowed my sisters copy of “Core Rhythms” that I will start using.  Look for my review of that exercise DVD once I get started!

Well, that’s it for today!  That’s where I am now!  Sorry, no picture!  I’ll post it once I can see a difference between by “before” and “after”!

Dogs Make Great Family Pets

Posted by momprovement on September 3, 2008  |  No Comments

Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend”; they are social animals who see the humans around them as their pack and they become strongly attached to those humans.  A dog can be a lot of fun and a great addition to your family, but a dog can also be a lot of work.

Things to Think About In Deciding If a Dog Is the Right Pet for your Family:

Dogs are social and do best when not left alone.  If you are not going to keep the dog inside then consider getting two dogs so that they can keep each other company.  You will need to plan on spending plenty of time with the dogs so that the dog will feel like it is part of the family.

Socialization takes at least one half hour every morning and about one hour every evening.  The younger the dog, the more time needed.

Dogs love routing – same time, same place.

Dogs are a long-term commitment – with many breeds living twenty years or more.  Be sure you are ready for such a relationship before you commit to having a dog join your family.

Dog Breeds and your Family Pet

If you have decided that a dog is the right pet for you then you need to decide which dog breed you will bring into your family.  Every breed has different needs and typical personalities, but like people, every dog within each breed is unique.  Before you take a dog home, spend some time playing, petting, and getting to know that particular dog.  See how it responds to you and your family.  See if there is a trail period so that the dog can come home and meet the whole family and live a day in the new atmosphere.  Do whatever you can to ensure that the dog you choose is a good fit for you and that you are a good fit for the dog.

The Beagle is a small, friendly dog that needs companionship from human or from other dogs.  It is a pack animal.  It is gentle, tolerant, and typically good with children.  It can be loud – often prone to barking and howling.  The short, smooth coat is easy to maintain.

The Collie was made famous by the television show “Lassie”, and is a dog of grace, speed and strength.  Most often the collie is an intelligent dog that is willing to please.  It makes a gentle friend and is great with children.  Although it is a breed that is wary of strangers, the natural inclination to be friendly keeps it from being the best watchdog.  The smooth-coated collie does not need much grooming.  It needs room to run and plenty of shade and is not recommended for apartment living.

The Greyhound is a wonderful pet and makes a great indoor companion.  Although it is used in racing, it is gentle and quiet – preferring to nap.  It is not a high-energy dog, but does need social interaction (with family or other dogs) to avoid becoming timid.  The breed is loyal and friendly but can be extremely sensitive.  Grooming is easy, mostly because of the short coat.  The skin on the greyhound is thin and so it is sensitive to cold.  It can also have troubles with digestion, so the greyhound should be fed several small meals over the course of the day as opposed to one large meal.

There are many things to consider when you are thinking about bringing a dog into your family, and one of the most important is the long-term commitment to the animal.  Dogs are social animals and they will bond with their family.  Breaking that bond can be harmful to the pet.  Take some time to really think about the long-term place a dog will have in your family before bringing one home.