Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2010/01/22/high-school-orientation/.
High school! Yikes!

I just went to the welcome meeting at the high school. Yup – my son will be in ninth grade next year.

I sat next to a family that I met when our boys were starting preschool. It really doesn’t seem like it was that long ago.

And the next chapter begins.

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Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2010/01/21/justice-for-girls-coupon-2/.

Here is a Justice for Girls coupon for 40% off your entire purchase. I have no details as to how long this promo is running but I wanted to give a little shout. I have added the button to my sidebar as well for easy access. Enjoy!

• Justice for Girls Coupons
• Justice For Girls Coupon

Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2010/01/07/digital-planner/.
By now most people are using a digital planner for organizing their busy schedules.

What was once reserved for business professionals only is now mainstream thanks to devices like the iPhone. The increased competition has caused prices to drop considerably the Blackberry and Palm devices as well – thus making them affordable to the masses. Other phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, and Samsung are also offering some slick new devices that have planning tools built right in as well. And the big news lately is the new NexusOne phone from Google.

With all of these choices it would seem that making that old Franklin Covey calender go electronic is easy to do. But sometimes the choices are staggering – too many options result in doing nothing. Even on the iPhone itself – there are so many apps for personal productivity, that choosing the right PDA program is difficult.

If you are considering purchasing a digital planner, here are a few things to consider.

First, decide if you want your cell phone to be your calendar as well. This is appealing to many people because carrying around one device is usually easier than carrying around two or more. If you always have your phone with you then your calendar and contacts will be with you as well. Obviously, storing your contacts on your cell makes things simpler too. Having all of your phone numbers in your phone means that you can call anyone with the touch of a button – no more memorizing of numbers.

Many phones have calendars and address books built right in. But if you are even a casual user of this technology then you will need ease of use – translation: a QWERTY keyboard. Tapping in events or contact info is tedious at best on a numeric keypad – and it is almost guaranteed that you will not stick with this method for very long.

Luckily, many phones have full keyboards making the input process easy. The downside of using what is known as a smartphone is purchasing the data plan. Many carriers require users to have a data plan with these devices. Even if you find one that does not require data, the capability is usually built into the phone, and should you accidentally access the internet – the data fees without a plan can add up fast.

If you select not to use your phone as a PDA then IMHO the iPod Touch is one of the most versatile standalone options out there. In fact, you might hard pressed to find an electronic personal organizer that is not a phone.

Should you choose the smartphone route then the next step is to take a look at your service provider. For example, currently the iPhone is available exclusively on the AT&T wireless network. If there is no AT&T coverage in your area then this option is not for you. Most of the other carriers like Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile have comparable phones by all of the other major manufacturers although the models will differ by carrier.

Finally, you will need to consider whether you want to sync your data with your computer. The iPhone will obviously sync seamlessly with Apple Mac laptops and iMacs, and in fact also sync up nicely with Windows PC’s as well. Unfortunately, not all of the other brands sync easily with a Macintosh so you might have more choices if you are a Windows user. There are several programs out there like the Missing Sync that will sync say a Blackberry to a Mac but there is a separate charge for the software and extra effort on your part.

Once you have made your choices and taken the plunge a digital planner is sure to make life easier for organizing both your business and family life.

Return from this page about choosing an electronic calendar to the Parenting Tips homepage.

• Digital Planner vs. Paper Planner

Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2010/01/04/kids-allowance/.
A kids allowance is a big source of debate amongst many families. Some families swear by it and others feel that such a system is not necessary. And sometimes sticking to policy is difficult as the novelty tends to wear off.

Not surprisingly – parents and their children often have different views on this subject. My kids in particular would happily accept a few million dollars a week regardless of whether their poor parents would have to enter bankruptcy to make the wage.

In our family we do not offer a traditional weekly payday to our little and not so little ones. Instead we started what we call a ticket “game”. I was a little hesitant to start out but everyone really seems to like it and it has lasted now for over a month – which is a long time around here.

It all started because I was just plain tired of nagging the kids to do the things that I expected of them – homework, chores, instrument practice, and the dreaded learning system worksheets. I was frustrated, they weren’t listening and so on and so forth. Clearly negative feedback wasn’t working.

So one day, I was at the office supply store and came across a roll of raffle tickets. Hmmm – an idea was born. Instead of an allowance – how about giving the kids tickets for accomplishing certain tasks? Especially tasks that were important to the smooth functioning of our family.

But what were these tickets worth? Again, I wanted to stay away from the monetary angle – so I filled a small box with trinkets, fun school supplies, and some candy and made each item worth 10 tickets. On Sunday, the kids can “cash” in their tickets for a few items of their choosing. To sweeten the pot, I threw in a few handmade certificates worth $10 for iTunes or $25 for a toy or video game store. Of course, these certificates carry a larger ticket value 100 or 250 respectively. There was some grumbling about this but I have put a stop to buying things on a whim which has restored some order to what usually resulted in unhappy children (we have all heard the “why did you get him something and not me?” argument.) It also gives the kids an incentive to earn more tickets.

Now to figure out a way to earn the tickets. Basically, I drew up a little contract stating that the children would earn a certain amount of tickets for a good grade, or for doing a particular chore, or for practicing their instruments, etc. I put in a provision allowing me to reward them randomly with tickets when I catch them being good. Also, I specifically disallowed any arguments about the game – particularly those revolving around the number of tickets given, the number required to cash in for something, and the fairness or (unfairness) of my randomly giving them out. Finally, because I wanted this to be a reward system I absolutely do NOT take tickets away for poor behavior.

I have been pleasantly surprised with how well the children have embraced this kids allowance system – and at how easy it was to implement. The younger ones really like it and I think the older ones just go along with it so they can get stuff.

When considering what kind of system is right for your family you may want to take a look at some allowance guidelines for kids that I set forth in a previous article. Also, using a digital planner can help get your plan organized.

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Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/11/21/sirius-satellite-radio/.
I’m just wondering – is Sirius Satellite Radio in trouble? You see, I just purchased a serious mommy vehicle – a Honda Odyssey minivan (my second one – the transmission blew on the first one after only 68,000 miles – but that is a different story), in July. One of the “perks” was free XM radio for 3 months.

Of course, towards the end on my trial period, I got several – errr, daily – calls trying to get me to sign up for the service for some nice low monthly rate. Summoning some inner strength, I turned them down flat. (After all, how much is the 80’s channel and Radio Disney truly worth?)

Eventually, the calls stopped and XM went silent in my car.

Until today.

I received a letter in the mail informing me that Sirius satellite radio is now once again activated in my car for a free two week period. During this time I can sign up for 5 months of service for only $20. Did you hear that – a mere $20. My daughter is in Hanna Montana heaven! Naturally, if I do not cancel within the trial period, service will continue at the regular monthly rate. I am sure that the XM folks are banking on this. And in my case – the odds are against me.

So – what should I do? Pass up this excellent five month offer and deprive myself of the best of Adam Ant, Mister Mister, and Duran Duran – or bite the bullet and set an ical reminder to cancel at some future date?

Advice, please?

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Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/11/19/pop-up-books/.
All kids love pop up books. But these are usually not library worthy – the pages are too easily torn, and then the fun is gone. Adding these choices to a home library where they can be cared for is the best way to go.

So imagine my delight when I received not one but two popups to review – both by David A. Carter. The popular Bugs are back this winter and they are ready to frolic in the snow. Snow Bugs: A Wintery Pop-up Book (Bugs in a Box Books) is the newest addition to this series and the pages are filled with wonderful textures, animations, and shapes. The book starts off with a Thermometer Bug telling us that it is cold outside. Brrrr! The delicate Snowflake Bugs are my favorite but my daughter likes the Ice Skater Bug – and she loves to twirl her across the ice.

Something to keep in mind as we start our holiday shopping is that these whimsical books are not just for the young set. My youngest child is six – and I thought that maybe the magic would have worn off just a bit. Perhaps the kids would think that this Snow Bugs book was for babies. This could not have been farther from the truth. The book has been sitting on my living room coffee table for a few weeks now and not a day goes by without one of the children picking it up and flipping through.

However, David A. Carter has another book out called White Noise: A Pop-up Book for Children of All Ages
. This is the last installment in his acclaimed color series of pop up books. White Noise is very appealing to both adults and children alike. This volume is filled with abstract, colorful, and modern designs. On each page there is a different element that is made with white paper. And this element, that is made of white, that makes noise – white noise. Yes, the book actually makes noise! The sound is subtle, and one must read the words to understand the premise – but it is there and it is fun. This book is a wonderful way to experience art in 3D.

Both of these books would make cherished holiday gifts.

• Ghost Ship by Mary Higgins Clark

Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/11/11/the-childrens-place-coupons-2/.
Once again I have a – The Childrens Place coupon to share. This one is good for 20% off and is good through November 16, 2009.

To take advantage of this deal use this link and code HA299.

Also, the fall sale and holiday markdowns (already?) are going on now as well. In addition to all of that the ongoing offer of $5 standard shipping on all orders is still in effect. Shopping for the holidays seems like a good idea right now!

• The Children’s Place Coupons
• Children’s Place Coupon
• Childrens Place Coupons

Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/10/30/kids-halloween-recipes/.
Kids Halloween recipes will come in handy this weekend!

Several years ago, I made a failed attempt to feed my children veggie burgers before they set out to trick or treat. After all, they were going to get pretty sugared up by the time the evening was over – so why precede the event with healthy meals?

Big Mistake.

The kids complained – I told them to just finish up. The following October 31, the kids took a walk down memory lane saying “Remember when Mom made us eat veggie burgers – we threw them out when she wasn’t looking!”

So I have since replaced the nutritious route with an easier one – pizza.

But this year, I have summoned up the courage to try something new. Fright night is on a weekend so I have a little more time for meal preparation – time to get creative.

My plan is to keep things simple. If I get too fancy, nobody will eat what I make – again. Here is what I have put together:

• Apple cider – plain. Would love to spice it up, but won’t have any takers.
• Blood and guts pasta with eyeballs – basically spinach pasta, sauce, and stuffed olives (this one is from Clarissa who has a whole list of ghoulish pumpkin recipes and other October themed meals to try out)
• Tombstone cupcakes – my favorite – which I have made for years – make regular cupcakes, frost them, dip them in Oreo cookie crumbs, take a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie broken in half, stick it in the cupcake like a tombstone, and write RIP or something spooky on it with frosting.

Easy. Fast. A holiday meal kids love!

Because I found so many great options in my search for kids Halloween recipes – and I cannot possibly make them all – I will share one other favorite here:

• RecipeGirl.com has an awesome Trick or Eat post – I especially like the Chocolate Dipped Worm pretzels. The witches fingers are quite realistic as well  but given my cooking skills, I am not sure that they would turn out quite as well!

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Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/10/29/david-shannon-books/.
David Shannon books have long been my children’s favorites. The stories are witty and the illustrations are so colorful and vibrant. The all time favorite in our house is No David! followed by How I Became a Pirate but we truly enjoy them all.

So, when I recently received a copy of Robot Zot to review – I was quite excited. This book is actually written by Jon Scieszka (another prominent children’s author ) and illustrated by Shannon.

Robot Zot is the main character in this book. He is a confident, indestructible, and energetic toy. (Sound like any three year old little boys that you know?) In fact, his battle cry is:

Robot Zot – never fall.
Robot Zot – conquer all!

And with this trailblazing attitude he forges his victorious attacks on all kitchen appliances – and the TV. He even rescues a damsel bot in distress and and narrowly escapes an encounter with the family dog. Finally, when his work is done – he heads out into the world in search of new challenges, leaving his mess behind.

This one of David Shannon books will make parenting tough because it is sure to get the kids riled up. But boys everywhere will love the action packed fun housed on these pages. They will catch a glimpse of themselves in Robot Zot and be able to relate to him easily. Parents, also, will not miss the similarities between Zot and their own children.

This book has definite family favorite potential!

• The Bone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver
• Book Reviews

Copyright © 2010 Neena. Visit the original article at http://neenmachine.com/2009/09/30/coupons-for-the-childrens-place-store/.
Many of you know about my other site – I Love A Good Sale – where I post lots and lots of coupon codes. In fact, lately I have been redesigning things over there. The site is now easier to use and updated more often. However, my work over there has kept me away from writing over here! Unfortunate – I know. But whenever I come across a useful offer for parents I like to post it here as well.

So – today I want to let you know that I have a page where I will now exclusively post promotional offers and coupons for the Children’s Place Store. Now through the end of October there are 2 coupons that are sure to save you money. Also the fall sale is in full swing and costumes for Halloween are also being offered at a discount.

Just a little FYI.

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