Organizing 101

Super Bowl Sunday: How to tackle weight loss at halftime appetizers buffet

2018-01-31T01:04:00.001-05:00

Are you trying to lose weight? Then you know that holidays, festivals and parties are kryptonite to weight loss. Take Super Bowl Sunday [VIDEO] with the halftime appetizer buffets--it's almost impossible to avoid overindulging. And two out of three Americans do too much of that already. It didn't take the TLC show "My 600-lb Life [VIDEO]" to prove that obesity is out of control. If diet is part of your game plan, there are ways to tackle food blowouts, based on TLC's bariatric surgery show and Mama June's weight loss #Reality TV show. Super Bowl Sunday: How to tackle weight loss at halftime appetizers buffet

'My 600-lb Life' Weight Loss Tips: Essential diet hacks to nail New Year goals

2018-01-16T12:08:00.001-05:00

Are you having trouble losing weight no matter what you try? It could be because you're missing a few basic ingredients to weight loss. Here are easy but essential diet hacks inspired by Celebrities on Reality TV shows "My 600-lb Life" and Honey Boo Boo's "Mama June: From Not to Hot." Reports by TLC and MSN provided information for this article. 'My 600-lb Life' Weight Loss Tips: Essential diet hacks to nail New Year goals

Low-Carb, breadless, gluten-free stuffing Recipes for Weight Loss at Christmas,Thanksgiving

2017-11-22T17:41:00.001-05:00

"To baste is human, to stuff is divine." That should be the motto of Thanksgiving. But how about if you're on a gluten-free diet? What if you've had bariatric surgery like those on TLC "My 600-lb Life" and have to eat low-carb? How can you enjoy stuffing with visions of weight loss [VIDEO] stuffed in your head? Good news: here are carb-free dressings and breadless stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 'My 600-lb Life' Low-Carb Weight Loss: Christmas,Thanksgiving stuffing recipes

Frankenstein Friday Halloween party planner: Frankly monstrous howliday boo bash

2017-10-03T20:36:00.000-04:00

Some people are never satisfied! As if the Halloween freak fest wasn't enough, a few folks thought they needed more spookytastic frolics. So they dubbed the Friday before Halloween, Frankenstein Friday. Evidently they felt the good doctor and his monster needed their own gig.

Well, no point in letting a perfectly good howliday go to waste. Here's a Frankenstein Friday party planner. Scare up a kid-friendly Frankenstein boo-yah-palooza bash. Or screw up your courage and throw a frankly monstrous adults-only monster mash.

Play "Pin the Bolt on the Monster" by printing your favorite Frankenstein monster image. Perhaps you prefer the Boris Karloff one? Or maybe you like Frankenweenie? You might print Frankenberry or a generic Frankenstein monster image. Here are free printable Frankenstein images to choose from. These make great Halloween masks too. Enlarge the image and attach to wall. Cut out bolt shapes from gray cardboard. Add a loop of tape to the back (to prevent damage to walls from pins). Let guests try to get bolts on Frank's neck. The adults-only Frankenstein Friday version could be drinking game. The winner gets a Mad Scientist Molotov Cocktail (see recipe below).

Watch a version of Frankenstein movie. Look for "Victor Frankenstein" (2015), "I, Frankenstein" (Aaron Eckhart) or dig up the original Boris Karloff. For a funny twist, you might like the Peter Boyle (yes, Frank, from "Everybody Loves Raymond") version of the monster in "Young Frankenstein." Oldschoolers will recall Michael Sarazin's 1973 interpretation in "Frankenstein: The True Story." (He was so hot? What happened?). Some might be too scary for kids, so pick a classic Halloween comedy like "Abbot and Costello Meet the Monster." Adults-only Frankenstein Friday party guests could watch "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter or the remake with I forget who.

Have party guests dress up as monsters for Frankenstein Friday. Award prizes for the most creative monster costumes. Dance the Monster Mash. Have guests make up funny Frankenstein monster dances.
Make a Frankenstein monster themed party snacks buffet. Serve a green fruits and veggies tray with
sliced green kiwi (for eyes), celery sticks (monster's fingers), green pepper strips (skin), broccoli (brains) and guacamole dip (Frankenstein guts). Make green milkshakes with mint chip ice cream. Color Rice Krispie Treats green. Shape in cylinders. Melt chocolate and dip for hair. Make eyes, mouth and bolts from Runts candies. Make monster pizzas. Give each guest a small pizza crust. Let them create their own monster faces from pizza toppings.

Mix up Mad Scientist Molotov Cocktails (non-alcoholic for kids' parties of course). Mix Mountain Dew, limeade, green Hi-C or Kool-Aid, lime slices and lime sherbet. For alcoholic punch, add vodka or Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila. Or make Monster Mojitos: mix green creme de menthe, soda water, rum or gin and add lime slices as garnishes. And for a swizzle stick? Why a wrench of course! Your Halloween party guests will go mad for them. For more Halloween fun visit Halloween Harvest October and DIY Party Planner.

Shopping apps to save money on back to school, groceries, Christmas and year-round

2017-08-23T20:18:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest parental worries in fall is the cost of back to school supplies, school clothes, etc. And that's a legit fear: the average parent spent $650 per student on back to school shopping in 2014. Here are shopping apps to save money on back to school shopping. You can earn rewards on all your spending: groceries, clothing, school supplies, Christmas, etc., with these shopping apps. Make your money multitask!

Swagbucks is the best online rewards program ever. Download the app and start earning points doing things you already do online anyway. Why shop, play games, search, read articles and watch videos for free when you can get paid to?

Bing Rewards (or Microsoft Rewards) is another good search and earn app. Use points for gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, Target, Paypal or other places. Amazon gift cards snagged me a $129 Columbia backpack for $21 and free shipping.

Want to earn money back on stuff you already buy? Try Ibotta or Checkout 51. Save money on school lunch supplies, snack foods, groceries, school supplies, etc. Get apps at the Apple Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android. My oldest saves bank with stacking coupons, plus rewards!

Need an app to comparison shop for you? Try Walmart Savings Catcher. Get money back if Savings Catcher finds a cheaper deal on Walmart purchases elsewhere.

Get online coupon codes and printable coupons from Retail Me Not. Use this app to get coupon codes for restaurants, clothing stores, electronics, shoes, tools--anything you need! Don't shop before you check here! Retail Me Not saved $25 off the purchase of $80 Sperry school shoes.

Shopkick is the funnest (that's a word) shopping experience ever! Install the app on iPhone or Android. Earn points just for walking into stores! Scan product barcodes to earn more. Buy products and earn even more!

Customer loyalty card apps and credit card rewards programs. Most big box stores have some kind of store loyalty card. Target RedCard gets 5% back on purchases and Target Cartwheel offers perks and rewards.

Sears Shop Your Way earns cashback on purchases. Meijer mPerks saves by giving rewards and loading coupons. Discover offers high rewards on categories: September rewards are on back to school shopping. Do the math and pay with the card that gives you the highest cashback on specific purchases.

Duggar family 'Counting On' season 3 summer 2017, so who's pregnant or getting married?

2017-04-25T17:47:00.001-04:00

TLC promised a new season of "Counting On" coming in the summer 2017. The reality television channel will visit Ben, Jessa Seewald and their new baby, Derick and Jill Dillard, and Joy-Anna #Duggar and Austin Forsyth as they plan their wedding. There are also hints about newlywed Jinger Duggar Vuolo and cousin Amy Duggar-King. Another big question is whether or not Josh Duggar will return with his pregnant wife Anna. Duggar family 'Counting On' season 3 in the summer of 2017?

Mama June shares failed 'From Not to Hot' weight-loss, plastic surgery, boob job

2017-04-12T10:47:00.001-04:00

Uh-oh, the promised "From Not to Hot" transformation of Mama June Shannon may not happen. The "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" star's weight-loss has stopped and that will derail skin removal plastic surgery and a breast implant procedure. But worst of all, June's afraid she'll look like a fool at her ex "Sugar Bear" Mike Thompson's wedding. Will Sugar Bear and his body-shaming wife Jennifer Lamb get the last laugh? Can Shannon figure out what's causing weight gain, fix it, and get that tummy tuck and boob job? Mama June shares failed 'From Not to Hot' weight-loss, plastic surgery, boob job

Jinger Duggar, Jeremy Vuolo 'Counting On' birth control for family planning?

2017-02-28T17:38:00.001-05:00

If reality TV had a cutest couple contest, Jinger #Duggar Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo would win it. The newest duet from "Counting On" discussed family planning and for all their charm, they have baffling ideas on kids. It sounded like Pastor Jeremy said they would use birth control because they plan to delay pregnancy awhile. Then son-in-law of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar further confused afterwards by saying they were letting God lead. Can you put God in charge and put off kids? Isn't birth control not only to limit children but also to have as many kids as possible? Jinger Duggar, Jeremy Vuolo 'Counting On' birth control for family planning?

Morbidly obese Mathilde Broberg models after 134-lb weight loss, teaspoon diet

2017-01-30T18:30:00.001-05:00

A morbidly obese Danish woman is now a model, personal trainer and fitness guru after a stunning 126-lb weight loss. Mathilde Broberg used two simple, yet effective tools to manage calorie counting and portion control. Broberg's had plastic surgery but only got a tummy tuck after doing the work to shed the obesity. Here's more on how the 20-year-old lost half her body weight. Morbidly obese Mathilde Broberg models after 134-lb weight loss, teaspoon diet

Fergie rocks weight loss, 'Fergalicious' body: how does Black Eyed Peas singer juggle motherhood and sexy at 41?

2017-01-29T18:17:00.001-05:00

How does Fergie do it? At 41, the frontwoman for The Black Eyed Peas is hotter and trimmer than ever. The "Fergalicious" rapper was snapped on the beach recently sporting an itty-bitty string bikini. And even in motherhood and attachment parenting, Stephanie Ferguson manages to maintain her pregnancy weight loss. She shared the secret, and it might make you rethink diet and exercise. Fergie rocks weight loss, 'Fergalicious' body: how Black Eyed Peas singer stays sexy at 41

Gogglebox Scarlett Moffatt lost boyfriend after weight loss but 'I'm a Celeb' star finds new love

2017-01-11T15:07:00.001-05:00

Britain's Gogglebox sweetheart Scarlett Moffatt debuted wow-worthy weight loss and went on to further glory as Britain's "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" Queen of the Jungle. All the fame lost the lass a boyfriend but also found her a new beau--the love of her life--Luke Crodden. Miss Moffatt celebrated her losses and wins with a dramatic bobbed haircut named after the show's medic, Dr. Bob McCarron. Gogglebox Scarlett Moffatt lost beau in weight loss but 'I'm a Celeb' star finds new love

Kate Gosselin feels sad but justified excluding Collin Gosselin from his birthday party

2016-11-30T22:29:00.001-05:00

You've heard of kids being excluded from other children's birthday celebrations? Well, Kate Gosselin took it one step further--she didn't invite her son Collin Gosselin to his own birthday party. The Nov. 29 episode of TLC show "Kate Plus 8" showed the sextuplets' lavish birthday bash minus one sextuplet (Collin) who's in some kind of behavior therapy. Mom says she's sorry for herself and Collin's siblings that he couldn't attend his party but says it's best for everyone. Who does this kind of thing?? No matter what his behavior problems are he deserves a party! I've a feeling he's just a little strong-willed--hmm who does that remind you of?? Kate Gosselin feels sad but justified excluding Collin Gosselin from his birthday party

Jinger Duggar Vuolo pregnancy rush: Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar "Counting On" baby soon?

2016-11-17T18:53:00.001-05:00

Only two weeks married and Jinger Duggar Vuolo is feeling pregnancy pressure? The newlyweds Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo of TLC reality TV show "#Counting On" are keeping mum on when they'll be mummy and daddy. They're putting family matters in God's hands and sister Jessa Duggar Seewald said she for one gets that. But how about the notoriously controlling parents? In the ongoing "19 Kids and Counting" baby blowout, will Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar respect the newlyweds' space? Jinger Duggar Vuolo pregnancy rush: Jim Bob, Michelle Duggar "Counting On" baby soon?

Jinger Dugger, Jeremy Vuolo hushed, rushed wedding plans bypass parents: why the secrecy?

2016-10-26T21:26:00.001-04:00

A rogue Duggar wedding? That's what Jeremy Vuolo and Jinger Duggar are planning and their nuptials don't include the parents Jim Bob or Michelle Duggar. The "Jill & Jessa: Counting On" reality TV couple has flouted courtship, hands-off engagement and now even marriage traditions, saying they're doing relationships their way. Family members hint Jinger will be pregnant in the new year, so that suggests a wedding in the next two months. The couple are keeping wedding plans secret but say it will be small, so a destination wedding leaps to mind. Why all the hushed rush with these two? Jinger Dugger, Jeremy Vuolo hushed, rushed wedding plans bypass parents: why the secrecy?

Adele does it all! "Hello" singer loses weight, quits drinking, smoking and her beast mode workout pics are priceless

2016-10-11T11:52:00.001-04:00

If you needed another reason to love
Adele, here are four. She's worked hard to achieve eye-popping weight loss. The "Hello" singer also quit smoking and drinking--two majorly impressive feats. But the best thing about the British pop sensation is her confident yet approachable manner. Adele recently shared adorable pics of her beast mode workout face and did they resonate with exercise haters. Even those (insane) folk who proclaim to love fitness can identify with her angst! Adele loses weight, quits drinking, smoking and her beast mode workout pics are priceless

'Supersize vs Superskinny' multitasks obesity, anorexia polarities, SVS doc visits US for real 'My 600-lb Life' obesity: scared thin

2016-10-04T15:54:00.001-04:00

You've seen the TLC spin on morbid obesity in "My 600-lb Life" now here's Britain's approach. "Supersize vs Superskinny" swaps the diets of anorexic and obese patients in attempt to shock them healthy. Dr. Christian Jessen does interventions including introducing participants to folks with similar problems so they can see the logical outcome of their unhealthy lifestyles. Dr. Jessen went to the US to see how obesity is killing one town and to show obese LJ where his diet would lead, That transatlantic meetup was both heart-breaking and eye-opening. 'Supersize vs Superskinny' visits US for real 'My 600-lb Life' obesity: scared thin

Katy Perry births baby all in a day's work: multi-tasking midwife Perry hears baby roar

2016-09-18T21:34:00.001-04:00

Is there nothing super-duper superstar #Katy Perry can't do? The"It Girl" birthed a baby (her sister's, not her own) and still hit the studio for morning curtain call, all in a day's work! Sounds like the multi-tasking midwife really heard that baby roar! Perry and her significant other Orlando Bloom were recently caught getting down to business on a beach, him fondling Katy's breasts and naked paddleboarding. Looks like Mr. Bloom isn't the only one who can juggle two things at once. Katy Perry births baby all in a day's work: multi-tasking midwife Perry hears baby roar

Duggar fans come unbuckled at critics of Jill Duggar on son's car seat safety concerns

2016-08-11T17:17:00.001-04:00

Jill Duggar Dillard fans and foes are divided over possible car seat safety violations she and husband Derick Dillard have imposed on son Isaac Dillard. Derick posted a pic of the little guy zonked out in his seat, and several safety issues were noted. Fans were quick to defend the Duggar Dillard parents, but others feared for the baby's safety. Duggar fans come unbuckled at critics of Jill Duggar on son's car seat safety concerns

Kids summer activities planners: Kids calendars, work-at-home family organizer

2016-06-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

So kids are home from school for summer vacation and that's pretty exciting for them. But for work-at-home parents, not so much. Now work-at-home moms and dads have three months of childcare to juggle, too. Here are weekly kids calendars and family organizer to manage kids summer activities and work-at-home responsibilities. Parents who work away from home can use these kids summer activities planners to balance work and home. The family organizer only covers weekdays as kids summer activities on weekends are so variable. Kids summer activities planners: Kids calendars, work-at-home family organizer | Examiner.com

Parents Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day activities for kids of all ages to celebrate mom and dad | Examiner.com

2016-05-04T23:17:00.001-04:00

The fourth Sunday in July is National Parents Day. July 26 is Parents Day 2015. Here are activities for kids of all ages can celebrate mom and dad. Are your parents deceased? There are ideas for you, too. Parents Day activities for kids of all ages to celebrate mom and dad | Examiner.com

Recycling tips: Home management plan to organize recycled trash, recycle bin

2016-04-20T14:08:00.001-04:00

Recycling is an important family habit to practice on Earth Day (April 22) and all year long. Just about every bit of household waste can and should go in the recycle bin. A good Earth Day habit to aim for is 5 times more refuse in your recycle bin than garbage can. An Earth Day goal is one bag of garbage a week and the rest recycled trash. But as good as it feels to see an overflowing recycle bin, it can be messy and tedious without a home management plant for organizing recycled trash. Recycling tips: Home management plan to organize recycled trash, recycle bin | Examiner.com

Science learning centers: Biology activities, animal habitats, taxonomy games

2016-03-28T13:18:00.001-04:00

Learning occurs best when it's interactive, so put hands-on activities in all preschool and elementary classroom learning centers. When studying different countries, cultures in social studies or animal habitats sciences, use these hands-on activities in science learning centers. It goes without saying that all learning centers should have a bookshelf or basket of books appropriate whatever unit you're studying. DK--Dorling Kindersley makes excellent science reference books and field guides so use those in learning centers. Here are other biology materials, interactive games and hands-on activities for science learning centers. Science learning centers: Biology activities, animal habitats, taxonomy games | Examiner.com

Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas

2016-03-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

Just in time for Earth Month in April how about interactive preschool science lesson plans for learning centers? Here's a cross-curricular one that involves art, science and dramatic play learning centers. Dramatic play develops the preschool child's social, emotional, artistic, creative and communication skills. Dramatic play learning centers teach expression, self-awareness and confidence. Dramatic play lends itself to all content even for science learning centers. Here are homemade costumes, props and settings for preschool science within dramatic play learning centers. Children will create life-size habitat dioramas which I call bio-drama. Using recycled materials teaches real-life environmental science! Preschool science in art learning centers: Dramatic play animal habitat dioramas | Examiner.com

Free printable social studies lessons: World history timelines, geography bee | Examiner.com

2016-02-22T22:50:00.001-05:00

The National Geography Bee countdown is heating up. Students are working to qualify to represent their school at the National Geography Bee, reports the Crawford County Avalanche on Feb. 17. You can take the geography bee quiz online and use free printable world history timelines to prep students for the geography bee activities. What do world history timelines have to do with a geography bee? History timelines make excellent graphic organizers for social studies lessons. Social studies teachers can use timelines to complement world maps by showing not only the where, but the when. World history timelines map time as maps and globes map places. Visit National Geographic Kids for more free printable social studies lessons. Free printable social studies lessons: World history timelines, geography bee | Examiner.com

Best Valentine's Day gifts for women, presents mom, wife, girlfriend will love

2016-02-11T16:53:00.001-05:00

Did you put off Valentine's Day for your gal? Now at the last minute, Feb. 14, you grab chocolates and flowers. Sorry guys, thanks for the thought, but boring. Here are frugal, thoughtful Valentine gifts for women--wife, mom, girlfriend--that will delight. Use for women's birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day gifts. Best Valentine's Day gifts for women, presents mom, wife, girlfriend will love | Examiner.com