Tips for Decorating This Christmas Season

As the year comes to a close, many people start focusing on the holidays. While it can be a beautiful season, you may also find yourself stressing to get everything done on a limited schedule. One area that tends to frustrate people is decorating. Though it can be fun to invest in decor and display it around your residence, you also need to come up with a plan so you don’t feel like you’re annoyed as you attempt to deck the halls with boughs of holly.

If you need advice on how to improve your decorating process, now is the perfect time to look for help. Explore these tips and see what you can do to get more out of your attempts at decorating.

Start Small

Decorating in some neighborhoods can become something of a healthy competition. One home will put up an elaborate display and other homeowners will try to outdo their neighbors each year. While this can be a fun way to go about creating a beautiful wonderland on your lawn, it can also be a huge point of frustration for you and your family. Instead of opting for a big, complicated display, try to scale back and see what you can accomplish on a smaller scale.

Minimalist decorations are quite popular nowadays. A few strategically placed decorations can create more of a cozy sense of winter magic than a garish display of bright lights and singing Santa Claus inflatables. Sit down before you start putting up and decorations and formulate a plan on how to go about making your home more festive for the holidays. The simpler the plan, the easier it will be for you to get through these tasks without feeling overwhelmed by how much you need to finish.

Artificial Options

Another area where it can be easy to feel stress while decorating is with your Christmas tree. Though you may feel like a natural tree is the best way to go, it can also be a lot of work. Putting up a real tree in your home means you need to go buy one, haul it to your house, put it up, decorate it, and then tend to it in the weeks before and after the holiday. If you want an easier option, then it can be helpful to consider buying an artificial tree from a seller like Balsam Hill.

Balsam Hill trees may be artificial, but they perfectly capture the real deal. Selecting an artificial tree gives you more control over the size and style of your tree, allowing you to maximize the space in your home and find an option that fits perfectly. Decorating an artificial tree is also a lot easier, as you do not need to worry about damaging the branches while hanging your ornaments. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about watering the tree or any of the mess that comes along with caring for a larger living plant.

Make Memories

You may also want to think about making your decorations at home this year. This can be especially fun if you have little ones in the house. Set a night of the week aside for your family to make some decorations together. You’ll be able to create some beautiful wreaths, garlands, and ornaments for the season and make lasting memories all the while. Your little ones will be able to look back on these years with fondness when they remember how much fun it was to make decorations with their parents.

Stressing out about the holidays is an easy way to ruin your season. Find a better way to decorate by opting for simpler solutions and see how much of a difference it can make to your experience.

Birthday Gift Ideas For Kids 10 And Under That Aren't Toys

Struggling with birthday gift ideas for kids under 10? We’ve got you covered!

You’d think with having the whole world at our fingertips that finding the perfect birthday gift for our little ones would be a piece of cake. With so many user-friendly apps and online stores with an abundance of toys and gifts to choose from, it’s almost as if you don’t have to put any thought into your shopping at all.

But isn’t that the problem? For consumers, everything is always well within reach or suggested to us via clever marketing. But what about a gift that really means something? A gift that won’t end up at the bottom of the toy box with all the other plastic toys that they own but don’t even play with…? Well, here you’ll find 5 of the most popular gifts for children under 10 years old and none of them are toys.

An Investment In Their Future

Sure, your kids can’t play with a savings accounts – not until they’re older anyway – but investing in their futures and putting something away for them to utilize when they’re older is a wonderful commitment and gesture of love. Check out Golden Eagle Coin for investment pieces as well as somewhere to buy silver bars, gold coins and other items, you can also get the latest information on items that will increase in value over time. Alternatively, speak to your local bank about an IRA or a savings account.

Lessons

Do you have a budding Picasso at home? Or even a mini Serena Williams? If your child has a passion or a hobby, why not help them take it a step further with some lessons in their favorite interest? Not only will it give them more confidence, but it could even take them down a career path when they’re older. In addition, joining things like dance schools, theatre groups or sports teams allows them to experience things like competitions or exhibitions, the value of teamwork, or focusing on tapping into their own creativity. It’s character-building, to say the least.

A Dress-up Box

All children enjoy dressing up as their favorite princess or superhero, but what about something more realistic? Simply go through your wardrobe at home and see if you have any items you can donate. Hats, scarves, trousers, shoes, bags, costume jewelry, dresses, gloves, etc. Or visit your local thrift shop and see what you can find. Let their imagination run wild!

A Charitable Donation

The gift of giving is a wonderful thing, especially to those less fortunate than ourselves. So, incorporating a donation as a gift will teach your children about charity, kindness and it will make them feel good. This could be sponsoring a child in a foreign country, helping to plant more trees, sponsoring an endangered animal or even adopting an animal at a local rescue center.

Time

They say the greatest gift you can give any child is your time. So, take a weekend and dedicate it to some quality time. Let your child decide where they want to go, what they want to do, and make sure you take plenty of photographs to document that time spent together. You can have a photo book made so your child can look back on those fun memories.

Do you have any other gift ideas to add to this list?

Display Your Special Memories With Canvas Factory (Giveaway)

Something that I believe many of us have in common is the outrageous amount of photos we have on our phone camera rolls, memory cards and on our computers. I think of all of the vacations, birthdays, graduations, celebrations, and everyday moments we have captured digitally. Our younger daughter graduated last month from the University of South Carolina, and I immediately knew I wanted our family picture with our graduate on a canvas.

I was recently introduced to Canvas Factory. They offer an easy way to upload your photos, even from your social media accounts, and turn them into a beautiful canvas. Your canvas will arrive ready-to-hang on your wall because the canvas is stretched and wrapped around a wooden frame. It's a nice way to display your memories to enjoy for the years to come.

The process of ordering your canvas couldn't be easier. It took me around 7 minutes from start to finish. Thankfully I had already chosen my photo ahead of time, so that helped to speed up the process. You have the choices of canvas size/shape, how you want the "wrap" (the edges that get wrapped around the sides of canvas), and if you want to add any type of color effect. You can check out as a guest or sign up for an account. It's just so easy! Also, they offer amazing sale prices all the time, so make sure you sign up for their email list.

This is what we had made. Isn't it beautiful? The quality is top notch, and the color is rich and vibrant. We are excited to add it to a wall of canvas prints in our living room. I have the biggest smile when I glance over and see this print.

Now that you've seen how easy it is to use Canvas Factory for your canvas prints, it's time to try them out for yourself. One lucky reader will win a code good for a FREE 20"x16" Canvas (40x50cm) or 18x12inch (45x30cm). Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to Canada & U.S. Residents only and ends on July 15, 2019. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Signs of a Medical Emergency in Pets

Just like for humans, accidents and emergencies can occur for family pets. Whether they eat something toxic, experience trauma, or show signs of disease, it is important for pet parents to be prepared. There are many signs that your pet may be experiencing a medical emergency. Pet owners should know these signs to be prepared in case of a medical emergency in their pets.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of a medical emergency will depend on a variety of things. For example, if your pet was in an accident, it may be obvious that they need immediate medical attention. However, some emergencies might be less obvious.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, you should address it immediately:

• Difficulty breathing 
• Blood in urine or feces 
• Unconsciousness
• Eyes appear swollen, red, or cloudy
• Slow or rapid heartbeat 
• Sudden blindness
• Collapse
• Hives or facial swelling
• Seizures
• Signs of heat stroke
• Swollen abdomen
• Ingesting toxic substance
• Constant vomiting
• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Cannot stand or walk
• Change in body temperature

There are additional reasons your pet may need emergency care. For example, if your pet is pregnant and experiencing complications, you should take them to an emergency hospital. Additionally, your pet should receive immediate medical attention if they experienced an accident or trauma like being hit by a car.

Each of these symptoms could mean your pet is suffering from any number of medical conditions. For example, if your pet is unconscious with a slow or rapid pulse, your pet could be suffering from cardiac arrest. They could also have a parasite-related issue, such as heartworm disease. Like humans, the list of potential health issues is never-ending. Seek help immediately, so that a diagnosis can be made, and a treatment plan started.

Although some situations may not be a medical emergency, if your pet has a sudden change in behavior, they may have some underlying medical issues that need to be addressed. In this case, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up soon after your pet shows minor signs that something may be wrong. 

What You Should Do If Your Pet Shows These Symptoms

If you notice that your pet is showing these signs, you should act immediately. Call your veterinarian or a 24-hour veterinary hospital. For pets that have suffered a trauma, you will want to be cautious because they may be aggressive. Approach them slowly and say their name. Use caution when lifting them, making sure to support their neck and back. If your pet is aggressive, call for help.

First Aid Kit

Your pet may need veterinary attention as soon as possible; however, there may be a few first aid techniques that will help stabilize your pet. For instance, if there is significant bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to lessen the bleeding.

Your pet may grab hold of food or another foreign object that they should not have, which can lead to choking. You can try removing the object by gently reaching into your pet’s mouth or throat. If you cannot reach the object, try putting your arms around their belly and pushing firmly up just below the ribcage. This action will act as a modified Heimlich maneuver and should dislodge the object.

If you remove the object but your pet is still unconscious, there are more steps you can take. Check their breathing and heart rate. If they are not breathing, you can perform CPR on your pet. To do this, place your pet on their side and blow into their nostrils while holding the mouth shut. If you don’t feel a heartbeat, you can try chest compressions. You will want to do three quick compressions for every artificial respiratory breath you administer.

Your pet may ingest something toxic such as chocolate or a cleaning product. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. They will give you instructions for how to proceed based on your pet’s age and breed, what they ingested, and how much they ingested.

24-Hour Emergency Care

When pet parents notice a medical emergency for their furry friends, they should seek help right away. Many veterinarians are only open during business hours. If the incident occurs during these times, call your vet to ask what the next steps should be. They will have insight into your pet’s age, breed, and medical history. Your vet might suggest bringing your pet into their clinic or taking them to an emergency hospital.

Unfortunately, if the incident happens after hours, you must seek emergency care at the closest animal hospital as soon as possible. Serious conditions can progress or worsen quickly, so it is important to take immediate action. Remaining calm will help your pet cooperate and help soothe stress for both of you.

Why Is My Hot Tub Water Cloudy?

One of the most common complaints for hot tub owners is cloudy water in the spa. It can be incredibly difficult to determine the exact cause of cloudy spa water because there are so many different things that could be causing the problem. Since determining the cause of the problem can be challenging, preventing cloudy spa water can be difficult. Here are a few possible causes of cloudy water in your hot tub and how you can prevent the issue from occurring.

1. Product Build-Up

We all use a lot of different products on our bodies. Unfortunately, these products aren’t so good for spas. Between the lotion, soap, makeup, and hair products on the average human body, it is no surprise that the water in your hot tub is less than clear. To prevent cloudy water from these types of products, you can rinse off in the shower before you take a dip in the hot tub.

2. Biofilm Growth

Bacteria is bound to happen in warm, moist places if the proper chemical levels aren’t maintained. Hot tubs are known breeding grounds for bacteria, which is why it is so important that you use a sanitizer in the water. Bacteria can build up in the pipes and fittings in the internal system of your hot tub. You probably won’t even know that there is a problem until you start to see your water getting cloudy.

If you haven’t run your hot tub in a while, the biofilm is likely to start building up in the spa. In these cases, you will need to shock the water and add sanitizer into the system. Additionally, you may need to use a treatment that will kill all of the bacteria in the internal system of the spa.

3. Hard Water

Hard water is a problem for many households. While hard water can cause problems all over your home, if you have a hot tub, you are likely to start seeing cloudy water. Hard water contains too much calcium, which can change the appearance of the water in your hot tub. Test your water for calcium hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels. If anything is unbalanced, you can use chemical balancers to help control the levels in the water of your spa. Balanced water is less likely to form scaling or cloudiness.

4. Filter Problems

Spa filters can be a little tricky. Spa filters need to be clean and installed properly to prevent dirty water from circulating throughout the hot tub. If your spa filter is misaligned, dirty water can slip past the filter and lead to cloudy, dirty, murky water. When you replace your spa filter, make sure that it is positioned properly to keep the water in your hot tub clean.

Keeping spa filters clean is also critical in the maintenance of the water in the hot tub. A dirty hot tub filter doesn’t properly remove all of the bacteria and other gunk that can lead to cloudy water. If your filter is too dirty for cleaning to help, then you will need to replace your hot tub filter altogether. Never run your spa without the filter. A filter can prevent all kinds of problems, including cloudy water.

Hot tub filters should be switched out at least once every 12 to 24 months depending on how often you are using your hot tub and how you normally use the tub. Filters should be cleaned every few weeks with a spa filter cleaner.

5. Low Sanitizer Levels

Sanitizers are necessary to keep the water in your hot tub safe and clean. Chlorine and bromine are commonly used to manage bacteria and fungi that could try to live in your hot tub’s water, causing the water to appear cloudy. Using the right amount of sanitizer can prevent bacteria and fungi from living and breeding in the water of your spa.

Keeping your water clear isn’t always easy, but with these tips, you should be able to keep your water looking pristine for a longer period of time.

Futuristic Construction Games for Kids

Kids love building things and there are many futuristic construction games they can play and some can be found on Mini&Maximus. They are very enjoyable and parents can play with them too. These games are also very realistic and 3D. If your child wants to go into construction in the future, then here are some popular ones, all of which involve driving round in a wide range of different vehicles.

Construction Stimulator Pro 2017

Construction Stimulator Pro is a building game and you can handle a wide number of vehicles including bulldozers and cranes. This game is one of the best out there and it gives you a massive opportunity to build a name for yourself in the construction industry.

SimCity BuildIt

In SimCity, you can build your very own dream city. In this game, you can become the mayor which will leave you responsible for countless tasks for building the city. It allows you to solve real-life situations too. You can also connect and compete with other players.

Megapolis

Megapolis is an extremely similar and enjoyable game to SimCity BuildIt. You can build and design things from houses to airports. Build yourself a functional and modern city you can enjoy. Megapolis is a variant of the word megalopolis, this means a large city or urban area.

Skyscraper Construction Sim 3D

Skyscraper Construction is a construction game particularly aimed at skyscraper fans.
You can build your own skyscrapers and drive around in a large variety of vehicles. You can manually hand-design buildings by scripting with corresponding coordination for every object.

Big Machines Stimulator 3D

Big Machines Stimulator is an excellent choice of game if you are into heavy machinery. This game allows you to drive around in a large variety of different vehicles, including cranes and earthmovers.

Bridge Construction Stimulator

The aim of this game is to build safe and strong bridges. These bridges need to be built strong enough for heavy vehicles such as trucks and school buses to drive over. It is fun to play and good if you want to go into building bridges.

City Builder 17 Federal Prison

In this game, you need to build a high-security federal prison. You begin with simple tasks and move up to more complicated ones. As the game player, you are responsible for the different features of the construction process.

All of these games are very fun for kids and will lead them into the construction industry if they are used sharply.

Top Gift Ideas for Girls Aged 10 Years Old

Ten years old is a preteen age. The kid becomes aware of their image and the surrounding world. They are quite picky, hence finding the right present is difficult. Girly gifts are excellent ideas but having some balance is essential and for more ideas check out StarWalkKids. Make her face light up with a gift that is not only entertaining but improves creativity, reasoning and logic skills. Some suggestions of gift ideas that will help a girl explore their personality include:

1. Origami brainteaser 

An Origami brainteaser has ten puzzles which kids can take as much time as they need to master. There are a variety of outcomes for puzzles such as the Flexi twist and Lotus of the Heart. The puzzles are brainteasers with many bold colors that spur creativity and art. It helps the kid master patience, think logically and overcome a challenge. The kid learns to stick to a project until its completion.

2. Spirograph deluxe design set 

Spirographs assist kids in creating a variety of shapes. The endless designs are fascinating to children. The kit has swirls and geometric patterns that make it easy to create any spiral shape imaginable. Children can learn the art of layering and alternating colors to come up with a transformative piece that they can show off to friends. Spirograph brings to life traditional hands-on art that enhances imagination. Kids can design with their friends hence fostering social relationships.

3. DIY wear friends forever jewelry 

Affirming long-lasting friendship is vital for 10-year old girls. Friendship bracelets are a great physical representation of a bond. The kit comes with looms for making bracelets, embroidery floss of different colors, beads, and a beading needle. The gift is perfect for nourishing social relationships and learning teamwork.

4. Hearth song large super soft plush 

Get your child the Hearth song large super soft plush if they love cuddling toys or are big fans of Dazzle the Unicorn. The plush has hearts, a pink collar, and the mane and tail are also fluffy. It is a perfect travel buddy or a bedtime companion for your kid to stroke and cuddle. It is a durable gift and easy to launder.

5. Color your pillowcase

The child can color and design the pillowcase using washable fabric makers. You can launder the pillowcase due to the washable makers. It encourages creativity; a child can draw their favorite their favorite characters or doodle anything.

6. Fabulous flowers hair accessories

The kit is meant to keep the girls busy making great hair accessories. It has crystals, glitter gel, and rhinestones for decorating the hair accessories. It is the perfect gift for girls with an inclination towards art. It fosters creativity as the kids spend hours creating unique patterns and designs.

7. Melissa and Doug friendship stamp set

It is a unique art and craft kit that encourages children to stamp a variety of pictures and then color. The set has colored pencils for sketching and coloring and pads of washable ink. The game promotes creativity and concept. The kids can use it to make cards and various scenes which enhances the motor ability and coordination skills.

Always pick a gift that enhances the kid’s personality or develops their hobby. Do not forget to include something pink and pretty.

Poison Prevention for Pets

As a pet owner, it is important to know and understand the items that are considered poisonous for pets. While there are literally hundreds of things that could cause problems for our beloved pets, there are a few common foods, household items, and plants that are known trouble-makers. We believe that you should know about these items so that you can do your best to protect your pet from accidental poisoning.

Foods Considered Poisonous to Pets

You’ve probably heard of a few different foods that are problematic for pets, such as chocolate and grapes. However, there is a fairly large list of foods that shouldn’t be given to pets. Here is a list of common foods that should never be given to dogs and cats:

• Alcohol: Alcohol, which can also be consumed in the form of yeast in uncooked bread dough, can cause intoxication in pets. Common alcohol poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous problems that can lead to coma and death.
• Candy, Gum, and Xylitol: Xylitol is often found in sugar-free candy and gum. This artificial sweetener can lead to acute liver failure and is considered toxic to pets.
• Chives, Garlic, and Onions: These foods, which are all part of the Allium family, are known to cause upset stomach and red blood cell damage. Cats are more prone to issues with these food items, but dogs can still encounter problems.
• Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine: These foods contain methylxanthines that can lead to tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and more. 
• Coconut and Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Coconut water should also be avoided because it is high in potassium.
• Grapes and Raisins: Both of these foods can lead to kidney failure.
• Mushrooms: Only a few different kinds of mushrooms are toxic to pets, but it is best to prevent your pet from eating any mushrooms so that they are safe. Poisonous mushrooms can lead to liver failure in pets.
• Nuts: Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can lead to serious health problems for pets including hyperthermia and pancreatitis.
• Potato Leaves and Stems: Potato greens are toxic to cats.
• Raw Meat: While many people believe that animals can eat raw meat, the bacteria in raw meat can lead to salmonella and E. coli.
• Rhubarb: In pets, rhubarb can cause weakness, tremors, bloody urine, and more.
• Salt: Excess amounts of salt can lead to salt poisoning. Symptoms of salt poisoning include seizures, coma, kidney damage, and death. Salt is generally found in high concentrations in cured meats and paintballs.
• Tomato Leaves and Stems: Tomatoes are safe for dog and cat consumption, but the leaves and stems can lead to weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Yeast and Yeast Dough: Yeast can cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s system. This can lead to bloat and twist, as well as intoxication.

Common Household Items Considered Poisonous to Pets

You probably have a variety of chemicals and cleaners around your home that you don’t think much about. However, many of these products could be extremely dangerous to your pet. Here are a few of the most dangerous household items for pets:

• Antifreeze: Antifreeze, even in small amounts, can be deadly to pets. It contains ethylene glycol, which can cause vomiting, intoxication, lethargy, coma, and acute kidney failure.
• Batteries: Many batteries contain alkaline, which can cause ulcers in the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Signs of alkaline poisoning including drooling, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and inability to defecate.
• Bleach and Cleaners: Household cleaners can lead to mouth ulcers, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and squinting of the eyes.
• Citrus Acid and Oil: Citrus oil is a common ingredient found in potpourri. Both citrus acid and oil can lead to nervous system depression in large quantities.
• Deicers: Deicers contain chemicals that your pet may lick off of their paws. These chemicals can cause illness. 
• Detergents: Household detergents may cause drooling, vomiting, burns in the mouth and throat, inappetence, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. 
• Lawn and Garden Chemicals: Both fertilizers and pest sprays contain chemicals that could lead to drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored gums, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
• Medications: Many human medications can cause problems for our pets. Pets should never be given human medications without prior consent from your veterinarian. Symptoms could include vomiting, seizures, hyperthermia, low blood pressure, and death.
• Mothballs: Mothballs can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, fluid accumulation in the body, tremors, seizures, kidney damage, and coma.

Plants Considered Poisonous to Pets

Many people love having plants in and around their homes because they are pretty and help clean the air. Some of your favorite plants could be hazardous to your pet, however. Here are a few of the most common poisonous plants to pets:

• Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel is edible, but the plant itself is not. It can lead to lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Azalea: Azaleas can lead to weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac failure.
• Chamomile: While humans consume things like chamomile tea, the plant is dangerous for pets. It can cause dermatitis, anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums contain a variety of toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, dermatitis, and incoordination.
• Daffodil: These flowers can cause gastrointestinal problems, convulsions, tremors, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. While the whole plant can cause problems, the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins.
• Daisy: Daisies can lead to dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination.
• Geranium: These plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, dermatitis, depression, and anorexia.
• Hydrangea: These flowers contain cyanide, which can be problematic in large quantities.
• Lilies: Most dangerous to cats, lilies can lead to kidney failure. All parts of the plant are considered dangerous, and almost all varieties of lilies are harmful.
• Poinsettia: These plants can irritate the mouth and stomach, which can cause vomiting.
• Sago Palm: These palms can lead to vomiting, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver damage, liver failure, and death.
• Tulips: Tulips can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and hypersalivation. Remember that the bulbs contain a higher concentration of the toxins that cause problems for pets.

Preventing Accidental Poisonings

While it is impossible to prevent all cases of accidental poisonings, you can do your best by knowing the items that could be a cause for concern and keeping them away from your pet. If you believe that your pet has gotten into a toxic substance or item, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian.

None of the above lists are exhaustive, but the items listed are some of the most common poisonings that veterinarians see. To see a full list of items that are harmful to pets, check out Pet Poison Helpline’s Poisonous List.

5 Great Activities To Do Indoors When It's Raining

In good weather, when it is dry outside, there is nothing better than the great outdoors to keep us all entertained. A picnic on the beach, a ballgame in the park or a stroll by the river, it’s easy to fill the days with fun and enjoyment. But what if it’s raining and wet? What do we do then?

Parents with young children on school holidays are especially challenged on rainy days. Without giving them free reign to watch TV all day, playing electronic games or worse, being endlessly on their smartphone, it does need some creative thinking to keep them busy and happy indoors without spending a small fortune. Here then are some suggestions.

5 Great Activities to do Indoors when it’s Raining: 

1. Cooking / Baking 

Christmas is near and it’s time to think about making or baking some festive food to eat at home over the holiday season and as gifts for friends and family. Enlist the help of your kids to make sumptuous chocolate truffles and wrap them prettily in bags with ribbons. Make a panforte as an extra to the traditional Christmas cake or get down to some pickling and preserving of the season's produce. In pretty packages or decorated jam jars, these gifts are usually much appreciated but they do take time and effort, so a rainy day indoors is perfect for getting down to it.

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2. Learning a New Skill Together

We come back to the festive season theme of making gifts instead of buying them. Perhaps this is the year when you and the family learn jewelry making, wood carving, screen painting, pottery, embroidery, etc. If YouTube doesn’t give you enough instructions, there may be workshops locally that would interest. For example, the Artsy Hive in Miami have walk-in pottery painting sessions. Anhinga Clay Studio in Miami offer winter camp days for children who want to be creative with their hands.


3. Dancing

There is no better way to break a sweat and it costs next to nothing. All you need is music. If you’ve never learned to salsa, now is the time. It’s raining outside so shift the furniture round and clear some floor space. Again YouTube can come in useful. Salsa, cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, get the kids to show you some hip-hop, teach them to jive!

4. Yoga

We’re sticking to exercise here. It’s slower than dancing but equally challenging, good fun and will burn up some energy. Plus, this will make you and the family feel so good afterwards! There are lots of beginners to advanced yoga classes accessible online these days, so if you don’t want to take a trip to your nearest yoga studio try a class together at home.

5. Museums

When you’ve had enough of staying at home, there are always museums to go to on a rainy day. Yes, this can be an expensive trip especially if there are a few of you but there are still museums that will offer free admissions.

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Some examples in Miami are the:

Institute of Contemporary Art - admission is always free with guided tours at 2.00pm.
HistoryMiami Museum - free all day every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Miami Children’s Museum - free admission on the 3rd Friday of the month.
Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum - admission is always free.

Don't let the rain put a damper on things. Enjoy the day indoors!

About the Author

Emily Dick is a mom of one, a young girl named Daisy. She is the inspiration behind Emily’s new venture into the world of writing – parenting website whooopsAdaisy. Here, she writes about a range of topics and reviews some of the best toys, games and gifts for children of all ages, from babies to school-aged children.

Six Hacks for Breezing Through the Airport

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

When it comes to travel one of the most familiar sights is that of an airport. Depending on how you prepare and how you spend your time there, an airport can either be a tedious drag, or it could be a true highlight. This is especially important when you have children with you. The younger they are, the less patient they will be with the waiting aspect of flying. By following these six hacks, you can vastly improve your airport experience for the whole family and make getting through the airport a breeze:

Hacks for Getting Through Security 

     1. Have Everything Packed for Easy Security Checkout 
Have your liquids and electronics within easy reach so that you can quickly and efficiently unload your luggage to be scanned. It is wise to also refrain from wearing metal and to remember to remove the items like coins or keys from your pockets.

     2. Teach Your Children Before You Go 
If this is your child’s first time flying remember to coach them on what is going to happen before you go. That way they will know what is going on and won’t need to ask questions.

Hacks for Making the Wait Easier 

     1. Have Games and Activities Ready
Games and activities are a sure-fire way to keep kids entertained, but just remember that electronics shouldn’t be their only source of fun. Bring coloring books, a doll, and other quiet activities for them to enjoy.

      2.Try Walking Around When Children Are Restless
If your child is restless, then walk around with them. Let them go into the shops and engage with the world around them. You will know exactly when your flight is boarding and when you need to go back, and letting them run around inside the airport should blow off some steam, so they rest well on the flight.

Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash

Hacks for When Your Flight is Delayed 

     1. Know What Your Rights Are 
You have rights when it comes to flying, but depending on where you fly, and with who you fly, those rights will differ. Flying in the EU means you can enjoy EU protections and regulations, but other airlines and destinations aren’t so lucky. Check in advance so you know what your rights are without stressing about a delay or cancellation.

     2. Get Compensation

Whether you travel for business or leisure, a delay at the airport will likely cost you. Perhaps the only cost will be lost time at your holiday destination, but more likely there will be extra transportation costs to cover the delay once you land. Do not let these inconveniences ruin your holiday. Instead, rest easy knowing which compensation plans are applicable. In the EU, for example, you are covered by government regulation, making the compensation process as easy as going to FairPlane and filling out their online form within six years of your flight’s delay. 

Photo by Dmitry Sovyak on Unsplash

Flying with children doesn’t have to be a nightmare, you only need to prepare your children and pack accordingly. By following these six hacks, you can actually turn the waiting hours at an airport from boring and stressful to fun for the whole family.

Hotel Transylvania 3 Spook-tacular Giveaway

Have you or your kids seen the Hotel Transylvania movies? My son got to see the first two on-demand through our cable service, and has been eagerly awaiting the latest one to come out on DVD. Good news: Hotel Transylvania 3 is now available on Digital HD, and comes out on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack & DVD on October 9. This sounds like the perfect choice for a family movie night, especially with Halloween coming up. I can see a lot of laughter, singing, and requests for, "May I watch it one more time, pleeeeease?".

Hotel Transylvania 3 is filled with more than an hour of engaging bonus materials including three “All-New Scary-Oke Sing Alongs,” a monster dance party dance along to “I See Love” by Joe Jonas featuring Jonas Blue, plus a fun zing-tastic read along with Drac.  Families can enjoy all the frightful fun with a “Plan Your Own Spook-tacular Sleepover” feature and “Vampire Make Over: Mavis and Drac Tutorial,” and go behind-the-scenes to explore the amazing talent who bring these characters to life in “Behind the Screams – The Voices of Hotel Transylvania 3.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3 is directed by three-time Emmy®-winning director Genndy Tartakovsky and written by Genndy Tartakovsky and Michael McCullers. The film is produced by Michelle Murdocca. Hotel Transylvania 3 is presented by Sony Pictures Animation.

Bonus Materials Include:

Three All New Scary-Oke Sing Alongs: Sing along to three Hotel Transylvania 3 inspired songs with your favorite characters!
“Dennis Had a Giant Dog” – Sung by Dennis & Winnie
“Monsters Like to Party Down” – Sung by Johnny
“Oh These Wolf Pups” – Sung by Wanda Werewolf
Plan Your Own Spook-tacular Sleepover: This feature will give you all details on how to make your own sleepover spook-tacular! From snacks to crafts to games and more, follow these steps to create a Hotel T sleep-over with your friends and family, the perfect setting to binge watch all 3 Hotel Transylvania movies.
Vampire Make Over: Mavis and Drac Tutorial: Learn how to turn yourself into your favorite Hotel Transylvania 3 characters.
Behind the Screams – The Voices of Hotel Transylvania 3: Step behind the "screams" with the returning stars and hilarious new cast to see how these characters are brought to life in the recording booth.
Johnny’s Home Movies (Franchise Recap): Johnny brings viewers up to speed on what’s happened in the Hotel Transylvania franchise so far.
“I See Love” Monster Dance Party Dance Along: Get up and get moving to this haunting monster mash.
Drac’s Zing-tastic Read Along: It's storytime with your favorite characters have a silly tale about Drac's search for a Zing!  Read along or sit back and enjoy!

Two Mini Movies (rated G): Two mini-features that will have you howling.
- Puppy
- Goodnight Mr. Foot

We are so excited to be able to offer a reader giveaway! One winner will receive 1 Hotel Transylvania 3 DVD and Trick-or-Treating themed pillow case.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on Oct 14, 2018. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Great Places To Eat at When Your Family Visits Germany

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A family vacation to Germany is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is so much to see and do you definitely want to plan accordingly ahead of time. One thing you definitely want to plan is where you will eat. There are numerous famous restaurants around the country. Whether you visit Berlin or one of the smaller towns an hour or so outside the capital, there is plenty to eat. Here are some of the most popular establishments to eat at in Germany for locals and tourists alike.

Hofbräuhaus München

This restaurant dates back to the 16^th century. It is easy to see why it has lasted for centuries once you step foot inside. It is a glorious three-floor beer hall that offers incredible Bavarian cuisine. It proudly boasts itself as the world’s most famous tavern. While you can certainly grab a beer, it has some classic German dishes on the menu, including roast pork with crackling, wiener schnitzel and beef goulash. With both a rich history and rich food, the entire family will find something to love here.

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Restaurant FACIL

You will definitely want to make a reservation before stopping by Restaurant FACIL. It is a fine dining establishment that boasts minimalist décor and huge glass windows. It features a seasonal menu, so you can visit it at different points of the year to enjoy unique dishes. It has been awarded with two Michelin Stars, so when you look for something a bit more upscale around Berlin, this is the place to go to.

Bayerischer Bahnhof

On lists of the most popular German restaurants in Leipzig, Bayerischer Bahnhof frequently ranks toward the top. It is a restaurant, beer garden and inn all in one. This restaurant was first built in 1842, and it is the perfect location if you will host a large event or if you want to check out whatever soccer match is on. In addition to offering a variety of homebrewed beer, it also serves up pork steak as well as pumpkin and apple cream soup.

Monsieur Vuong

Monsieur Vuong is small but personable. It serves up simple Vietnamese food, such as noodle salads and pho. The food is light, and you can be certain your dish will be free of any MSG. You can also enjoy an exotic tea or fruity cocktail along with your meal. Most meals will not last long, so it is perfect if you just want a quick bite before going about your day.

Osman’s Tochter

There is a sizable Turkish population throughout Berlin, and you can enjoy some of the finest Turkish cuisine around as Osman’s Tochter. It draws influence from classic dishes but puts a modern twist on them. Some of the dishes you can order here include lamb chops, fish köfte and grilled meatballs in yogurt. Many tourists prefer sitting outside to partake in some people-watching.

These are just a few of the amazing restaurants you can eat at while visiting Germany. There are plenty of others to find, so do sufficient research to find establishments you will remember for years to come.

Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day With Your Family

Today, August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day! Yes, there's an actual national day for this great classic. A&W Root Beer helps create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float!

The product, information, and gift card have been provided by A&W so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about A&W Root Beer. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of A&W.

Many of us grew up enjoying a frosty A&W Root Beer float with our family and friends. There is something so satisfying about slurping one up on a hot summer's day. We love the classic version starting with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and then filling your mug or glass to the very top with A&W Root Beer. It is the one drink where we don't mind any of it running over the edges of our glass, or getting a little messy. It's the perfect treat for the family to enjoy together!

I have never strayed from the classic root beer float, but I'm so intrigued by the different versions you can make. You can step up your float game by making a salted caramel root beer float. Simply start with two scoops of salted caramel ice cream, fill with A&W root beer, then top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. YUM!

Looking for a more decadent option? How about a brownie sundae root beer float?! Put some brownie bits in a mug, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fill with A&W Root Beer. Then you can top that all off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherry, sprinkles, and additional brownie bits.

If you are watching your calories, you can easily use Diet A&W root beer along with a lower calorie or sugar-free ice cream product.

Be sure to grab a case or bottle of A&W Root Beer, and your favorite ice cream to share with your family and friends. School will be back before you know it, so make some delicious memories while you can!

For more tasty recipes, check out A&W Root Beer's website, and follow on Instagram.