We all love them.  They are easy and convenient.  They make cleaning up slick, but they are so expensive and full of harsh chemicals.  So what can you do?  Make them yourself!

Homemade cleaning wipes are just as easy and convenient, but cost significantly less and contain only the cleaning compounds you select. These wipes are easy to make, and you can make them for a variety of cleaning causes.

You will need:

• cylindrical or tall square plastic food storage container, 10-cup capacity (Large Coffee Can)
• extra-large roll of paper towels
• cleaning compounds of your choice (recipes follow)
• electric drill with 1/2-inch drill bit
• electric knife
• liquid measuring cups

OR if you have an empty container from a commercial cleaning wipe or baby wipe box you may be able to use that.

How to put the container together:

Place the lid of the storage container onto a piece of wood.  Use the drill to make a ½ inch diameter hole in the center.

Higher quality paper towels will not shred when pulled through the hole, so look for thicker quilted towels in order to have a better cleaning wipe experience.  Using the electric knife and keeping the paper towels wrapped in their wrapper, cut the paper roll in half; making two shorter rolls.  This will take a few minutes, as you need to cut through all the paper towels and the cardboard tube inside.  Set one half aside for a later use or a different cleaning solution.

Now remove the wrapper and place one half inside the storage container.  Slowly pour one type of cleaning solution over the top of the paper towel roll.  You will use between two and four coups of the solution depending upon the size and absorbency of the towels you selected.  Once saturated, place the lid on and allow the towels to soak for at least four hours, overnight is better.

Once well saturated, gently remove the cardboard tube from the roll and discard it.  Carefully pull the end of the paper towels from the INSIDE of the roll up and thread it through the hole in the lid.  Replace the lid.

Pull gently on the exposed end to separate the cleaning wipe.

As these sit around, they may begin to dry out.  You can always add a little water or cleaning solution when needed to soften them up.  If you add cleaning solution, do let them stand overnight before using.

Vary the strength of the cleaning solution by adding more water for a milder solution or more cleaning compounds for a stronger solution.

Happy Cleaning!

General Recipes:

General Surface Cleaning Recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups water

Disinfectant Cleaning:

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pine cleaning solution such as Pine-Sol brand
• 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cup water

Window and Glass Cleaning:

• 1/2 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Baby Wipes:

• 1/2 cup baby oil
• 1/2 cup baby wash
• 2 cups water

Anti-Fungal Baby Wipes

Omit vinegar if baby has a raw rash.

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon calendula oil
• A few drops lavender oil
• A few drops tea tree oil
• 1/4 cup 100% aloe vera gel
• 1 cup water

Eight is Great Baby Wipes

• 1/8 cup vegetable oil
• 1/8 cup baby wash
• 8 drops lavender oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil
• 2 cups water

Babies need all kinds of gear as they grow. Many parents buy used baby products or borrow them from friends in order to save money on the items that will only be used a short period of time.  Are these practices safe?  They can be if you are a smart consumer and are aware of product recalls before you make these purchases or borrow items.

Some of the most popular used baby gear products are cribs, high chairs, strollers, baby carriers, baby swings, play yards and of course car seats.  These items tend to be quite expensive, and purchasing them used allows parents to spread their funds further.  First and foremost, we want your baby to be safe.   Protect your baby by being a smart consumer and following the tips below.

Tip #1: Visual Check

Look the item all over checking for visible damage, broken or missing parts.  Pick up the item, turn it over, look closely, and if the item is unassembled, have the seller assemble it to make sure all the parts are present.  If you find any damage, do not purchase the item.  Check for the manufacturer’s tag, as this will have the model number for future reference.

Tip #2: Check for Recalls

If the product passes the visual check, now you should check to see if the product has had any recalls on it.  The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) is a great place to check.  Visit their website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html .  Use the model number of the product to make sure the used baby product has not been placed on the recall list and that it is safe to use.  Those that sell used baby items may not even realize the product has been placed on the recall list especially if they have not used the product in awhile.

Tip #3: Things to consider

Some baby products need additional safety warnings when getting them used.

Car Seats – Ask the previous owner if the car seat was ever involved in a car accident.  If so, the car seat should be discarded as an accident can place unnoticeable strain on important parts.  In my opinion, unless you know the owner and can trust them, this is one baby gear item I would purchase new.

Cribs – When you are pregnant, you are often offered the family baby crib that everyone in the family has used.  Be very careful, and make sure that the slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches between each other.  I highly recommend taking the model number of a used crib to the CPSC website to double check for any recalls.  The CPSC also has a nice PDF that goes into more details about what to watch for when choosing a used crib.  Get it here: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5030.pdf

Remember, when choosing a used baby product, it is best to err on the side of safety.  Keeping your baby safe is the number one priority of all parents.

I enjoy making these recipes with my children.  The recipes are straightforward, easy enough for even young children to make with a little help from mom (or dad).

Valentine’s Day Chex Mix

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex
• 1 cup white vanilla baking chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup M&M’s plain chocolate candy (red, white, and pink)
• 1/4 cup jimmies candy sprinkles (red or pink)

Step 1: In a smaller microwave safe bowl, microwave the baking chips, peanut butter and butter together, uncovered on High for 1 – 1.5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl pour in cereal.  Pour the peanut butter mixture over cereal and stir until evenly coated.

Step 3: Place half of the mixture into a 1-gallon food storage plastic bag.  Add powdered sugar, seal and shake until well coated.  Spread onto waxed paper (or foil) until cool.  Approximately 15 minutes.

Step 4: Stir the candies into the remaining mixture.  Spread onto waxed paper (or foil) until cool.  Approximately 15 minutes.

Step 5: Once cool, mix both cereal mixtures together.  Store in airtight container or place into baggies to share with friends at school.

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Valentine’s Day Snack Mix

• 1 package (12.7 ounces) Valentine’s M&M’s
• 1 can (9-3/4 ounces) whole cashews
• 1 package (8 ounces) yogurt-covered raisins
• 1 package (3.53 ounces) dried cranberries
• 1 cup miniature pretzels
• 1 cup chocolate bear-shaped crackers

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container, or place into baggies to share with friends at school.

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Fruit and Fruit Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 Jar Marshmallow Fluff
• 1 block Cream Cheese
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• Variety of Fruits – apples, bananas, grapes, variety of melons, kiwi fruit, ….

Mix first 3 ingredients together. Slice fruits and serve.

Don’t let the remaining pieces end up in a landfill, instead use them to make the craft projects below.

Heart Puzzle Frame

Materials:

• Various Puzzle Pieces (use those from a puzzle with a missing piece)
• Glue
• Paint
• Small Cut-able Plastic Lid or Sheet of plastic
• Cardboard piece

This is a great craft to have your child make for their grandparents, mom, dad, aunts and uncles.

Step 1: Cut a big hole through the lid that is big enough to put your picture in (cut the ridge off the lid) or cut the sheet of plastic into a circle the size you would like your frame to be.

Step 2: Get as many puzzle pieces as you can and paint them red, pink, white and other Valentine’s Day Colors. Let Dry.

Step 3: Carefully glue the puzzle pieces to the plastic lid. Make one row a heart shape of pieces and then let dry. Next, glue the rest of the puzzle pieces layering the first layer.

Step 4: Carefully cut the picture to fit the BACK of the lid and when dried, glue the cardboard piece to the back.

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Puzzle Piece Craft Necklace

Materials:

• Puzzle Pieces
• Yarn or String
• Scissors
• Paint (optional)

Step 1: Cut the yarn or string into 4 to 6 inch lengths.

Step 2: Tie one end of the string to a puzzle piece making a knot.  Tie the other end to another puzzle piece and make a knot.  Repeat until you have a necklace the length you want.

You could paint the puzzle pieces to give them a different look.

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Puzzle Container Craft

Materials:

• Empty Container or Pot
• Puzzle Pieces
• Paint (Optional)
• Craft Glue or Decoupage Medium
• Paint Brush

Step 1: Make sure your container is clean.  Paint the container the color of your choice.

Step 2: Once the paint is dry, you can glue your puzzle pieces to the container, covering the space. Use multiple levels to make it even more interesting.

Step 3: Once all are dry, finish the container off with a coating of decoupage medium to preserve it.

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Do you love to Dance? Crank up the music – make sure it has a fast beat so you’ll really build up a good sweat.  To do this, you might want to take a little time and make a mix CD first, the more fast songs, from different genre’s the more fun you can your family will have.  The kids won’t care what the lyrics are – they’ll love jumping, hopping, running in place and just dancing around the room.  Don’t want your neighbor’s to see you?  The close the curtains, but don’t’ use that as an excuse!

Do you have a pool in your yard?  Or does a friend? If so, then get swimming!  Put your younger children in floating gear and swim with them from one end of the pool to the other.  This will increase the benefits of swimming, as you are not just moving your body though the water.

Build a simple obstacle course.  Help your children set up an obstacle course around the yard or inside the house.  Climb over things, crawl under other, swing from the swing set, hop into rings, jump rope, throw a ball, or carry something for a few ideas.  Be creative.  If the obstacle course is too easy for you, then don’t use your hands.  The kids will love building this and using it to.

Don’t knock the Videos. Exercise videos are a great way to get a good sweat in with your children.  They will enjoy trying to do the video and you will reap the benefits.  Don’t be surprised if the children fade in and out of the video, just keep some games, puzzles or other toys close by so they can play when they are taking a break.

Field Ball Head out to a field, local park or other open space with a soccer or kickball.  Have the kids kick the ball and race them to see who can get to it first.  Then kick it again, repeat till all are tired out.  This is a great way to get some short bursts of cardio, helping to increase your resistance, and giving your heart and lungs a workout.

Visit the Track Take the kids to the local track, preferably one that is fenced in.  Let them play Frisbee, tag, or other game in the middle, while you walk, jog or run around the outside.  The kids will have a blast and so will you.  Invite a friend or two, so you’ll have someone to talk to and the kids will have friends to play with.

Take a hike! That’s right, head out on the local walking or hiking trails with the kids.  They will enjoy the nature aspect and you can get that much appreciated exercise in.

Mom’s often use their children as the reason they cannot fit exercise into their schedules.  No more excuses!  Get up off that couch and get moving!  Leave a comment sharing your other great exercise tips and tidbits with our readers.

Would you like to be more of a green mom?  I know I try to do my part to be easier on the environment and be as green as possible.  So I thought I’d gather together a few tips and tricks at limiting the amount of plastic in our lives, making our homes greener.

First you do not need to accept those plastic bags at the grocery store and you do not need to store your fruit and vegetables in them either.  Reusable Grocery Bags can be purchased at most grocery chains for less than a dollar, you can purchase other tote bags for grocery shopping too.  Some chains, including Target, give you money back for each reusable bag you use at their store.  For your produce, you can purchase produce bags, they allow air to flow through and keep your produce fresher. They are often made of mesh or muslin and are lightweight and good for the environment as well.

Another is the storage bags and containers we use in our kitchens on a daily basis.  Not that long ago, our grandmothers or great grandmothers didn’t use plastic for storage.  They used glass canning jars or glass refrigerator dishes.  Use these as you would the plastic and you are helping the environment and possibly your health.  The news reports these days about how plastic breaks down over time can have health implications is scary and unnecessary.  Using glass is one way to take precautions for your health and save the environment.  Be on the watch at yard sales or thrift stores for used glass dishes you can use for storage on the cheap.

To try and reduce your plastic footprint, you need to make it a habit to think about each purchase you make.  Ask yourself: Is the item made of plastic? Is it wrapped in plastic? How long will it last? Can I get it used?  Can I recycle it when I am done?  Is there a non-plastic alternative product?  We may not be able to completely eliminate plastic from our lives, but at least we can try and reduce the amount.  If we all do our own part, then we are starting the process at becoming a greener mom.

If you find yourself with a stash of those plastic shopping bags there are a few things you can do with them to keep them out of the landfills:

• Recycle them – many grocery stores have a collection box for the plastic shopping bags used by their store.
• Make a reusable shopping bag from them
• Use them in your small trash cans around the house
• Use them to scoop kitty litter into

Do you have other ideas?  Please share them!

My children love to help in my vegetable garden.  They find every part of gardening fun.  Working the soil in the spring is especially appealing to my children.  Any excuse to get down and dirty makes them happy.  They enjoy helping plan where all the vegetables will be planted and setting up all the rows.  They even enjoy sprinkling the seeds.  They care for them all summer long, watering when needed, pulling weeds, and of course enjoying the vegetables as they become ripe.  Gardening is such a great educational family friendly topic, families should learn to embrace it and show children how they too can help feed their own families.

This is the time of year to start planning a vegetable garden, be sure to involve your children.  Let them help pick out the vegetables, figure out how much space they need and allow them to be creative with the space.  Don’t want to share your garden?  Let them plan a small garden of their own.  I mean really, what fun could raising vegetables be? Remember, it is full of their favorite things, like dirt, worms, stones, seeds, digging, fresh air, responsibility, science, reading, pride. With a garden, imagination becomes your most valuable crop.

Never gardened before?  You don’t need much to get started.  Things to keep in mind are a yardstick, shovel, tarp, rake, trowel, water, compost, wooden stakes and the seeds.  Favorite vegetables of children include carrots, cherry tomato plants, green beans, peas, and more.

Step 1 is the cold weather step.  Sit down with your child and sketch out the garden together.  Figure out how big to make the garden, read the seed packets to determine how much space the vegetables need to grow and prosper.  Discuss with your child what and where to plant the vegetables.

Step 2 is for when the snow and frost leave the ground. Dress in old clothes and get ready to get dirty.  Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunscreen.  Use your sketch, yardstick, stakes and string to map out the plot with your children.  Lay your yardstick out and stake the ends of your garden, keep working till you have all four sides marked.  Use the string to mark the edge of your garden.

Now it is time to dig!  Your child can use a child’s size shovel to help you dig out the square to a depth of about one foot.  Lay the tarp out and put all the dirt from the garden spot onto the tarp.  Have the children dig through this dirt looking for worms and removing the stones or other debris they may find.  The soil needs to be as clean as possible

After the garden spot is dug down, help your children break up the dirt.  Place the soil back onto the hole and add some compost to make the soil richer.  Mix well.  Rake the soil over and smooth it out. Remember to have your child do as much of the work as possible.

Step 3 is for planting the garden.  Use the trowel or the rake handle to create rows that are about ¾ inch deep.  Open the first packet of seeds and sprinkle them across the row by hand.  Try to space the seeds out about and inch apart.  Gently fill these holes with dirt, there is no need to pack it down.

Move onto the next row.  If using more seeds, then do as above.  When planting pre-started plants such as tomatoes or peppers, then dig evenly spaced holes in the garden with the trowel.  Place the plant into the hole, and cover the roots with dirt.  Tomato plants grow best if stacked up.  You can either purchase tomato stands that go around the plant or you can use wooden stakes and string to keep the tomato plants from falling over.

Once the garden is planted, then you should water.  Spray the seeds with a fine mist, just dampening the ground.  The plants can take a bit more water, but try not to over soak the garden.  Water lightly every day and in about two weeks you should see the first seedlings.

You could make a scarecrow for the garden or even a rain gauge.  Children might find it interesting to keep track of how tall the plants are growing, and when they have watered or fertilized them.

Step 4 is caring for the garden.  Over the course of the summer, you must remember to water and fertilize the garden on a regular basis.  The children can go in and pull weeds to keep all the nutrients headed to the vegetables.  Gardening is not just about getting it started, you do need to care for it all summer long.

Step 5 is the harvest.  Harvesting vegetables is very rewarding.  As the carrots grow, my children enjoy picking one, washing it off and eating it as a snack.  They also enjoy fresh peas, green beans, tomatoes, and cucumbers.  Fresh from the garden salads are a favorite summer and fall treat here.  Enjoy the harvest and if you have plenty, consider freezing or canning some for the cold weather months.

Don’t forget to take pictures of your child through the different stages of the garden.  They will enjoy looking back at these while enjoying the “fruit of their labor”!

One of the hardest things to do after children is keeping that spark alive between husband and wife.  We sometimes get so wrapped up in raising the kids, worrying about money, stressing about making sure everything is just right, that we forget to kindle the spark that brought us together in the first place.  I have a few friends that swear date night with their husbands brings them closer.

Being the frugal one of the group, I always ask them how they can afford to pay a sitter and go out and “do” something.  Some of course have the luxury of having family in the area able to care for the children and others have swapped babysitting with another couple so both can enjoy a date night. Others just save a little each week in order to pay the sitter.  What I also found out is that what they might go out and “do” doesn’t cost any money!  Those that send their children out of the house may just have a quiet dinner at home and cuddle while watching a movie.  Others go grocery shopping.  The date night ideas vary and some do not cost a penny.

So I was intrigued.  My husband and I have been married for 14 years and have two children under the age of 10.  We are both scout leaders and work full time.  Was it worth the energy to plan a date night?  Do dates nights really help bring back the spark that was there before we had children?  I decided it was worth a try so I started doing my research to come up with viable ideas that my husband would also enjoy.  These are the ideas I have come up with.

Date night at home ideas:

• Plan and make a delicious meal that both parents love, preferably one that the children dislike so it is extra special.
• Movie Night – rent a movie that both will enjoy, have movie theatre popcorn available and cuddle on the couch while enjoying the movie.
• Adult game night – play games the kids can’t play yet.
• Take a bubble bath with your significant other.
• Give each other a massage.

Inexpensive Date “night” ideas:

• Take a hike on your favorite mountain together.
• Go out to breakfast – just the two of you!
• Go Sledding or Skating together
• Head to the local bowling alley or arcade – relive your younger days!
• Go on a picnic together and enjoy each other’s company.
• Go to a wine tasting (or beer tasting).
• Go “house shopping” even if you are not in the market, this can be quite fun and free!
• Go out dancing.
• Watch the sun rise or set from a beautiful location

Other Date “night” ideas:

• Visit your favorite museum or zoo and take the time to look at the exhibits, hold hands with your sweetheart and listen to each other.
• Have a favorite band?  Attend a concert and sing out loud to one another.
• Take an art class together or a dance class.
• Sports fans?  Head out to a local sporting event and enjoy the hot dogs, hot peanuts and fun loving crowd.
• Head off to the casino and see how lucky you are.
• Have a couple’s massage.
• Go out to dinner and pick a restaurant that you wouldn’t take the kids to.

These are just some ideas I came up with.  My husband and I tried date night and found out that they are quite refreshing.  Since trying a few of these, we have figured out that some can be done after the kids are in bed, and some of our friends have traded babysitting services with us so we have not had to pay too much extra to enjoy each other’s company.  I must say that my husband and I will continue date nights, we get 2 or 3 in a month, and each one helps us reconnect with each other as lovers, which was what we were before we were parents.  So, what I have learned is that date night does bring husband and wife closer together, and that they can be done very frugally too.

As parents, we have all heard our children pester for a pet of their own. This can be a big decision and depending on the ages of the children, one that should not be entered into lightly.  Children will say most anything to receive a pet of their own, but what you need to realize is that children, even those with the best intentions, will need your help in caring for the pet of your choice.  So think carefully about how much time and money you have available to care for this pet, before making the decision as well.

Pets appropriate for younger children:

Rats, mice, hamsters – Popular pets for families.  They are easy to care for and provide plenty of entertainment with their antics inside their cages.  They will crawling about and run on their wheels.  Be cautioned though that if they are not socialized and tamed, they may bite if frightened.  Children need to be taught the correct way to hold them.  These may be too fast and not cuddly enough for young children.  Hamsters play in the evenings, and if your children go to bed early, then they may not see the hamster much.  Keep in mind, Syrian varieties are better for children, as they are a larger, more tolerant variety, the smaller varieties are not as tolerant of being handled.  These rodents need to have their cages cleaned on a regular basis, as they tend to have a very strong odor.

Guinea Pigs – Another popular pet as they enjoy being handled and are very social.  Children can hand feed them and they are even know to be very cuddly.  Keep in mind that they are easy to care for, but a little on the messy side.  Guinea pigs prefer to have a friend, and you should consider purchasing two.  Short-haired varieties are easier to care for than the long haired varieties and tend to have less medical needs.

Rabbits – When tamed, socialized and handled on a regular basis, rabbits can make wonderful pets for children, especially if you have a calm child whom respects animals.  An adult should help a child handle the rabbit as the rabbit may kick and struggle if it is surprised or handle roughly.  They can become part of the family, and can even be litter box trained.  If you decide to let them run around the house, keep in mind that rabbits like to chew and they will chew anything, so keep electrical cords and such out of the way.  They may live indoors or out.  They need a home that has plenty of space for exercise, access to sunlight, and plenty of food and water.  Rabbits can be messy and an adult must help care for their needs.

Cats – If you introduce a kitten to the family when the children are young, they will grow up with your children.  Introducing an adult cat to a family with young children takes much patience, and how well they get along with the family will depend greatly on the cat’s personality.  Cats are quite independent, but they do require a daily routine of care.  They need food and water, and a clean litter box.  Cats can be less tolerant of rough housing, but that too is dependent on the personality of the cat.  A cat can make a lifelong friend for your child.

Dogs – Dog require a large amount of time and commitment.  They make incredible pets but should be considered only if the parent truly wants a dog themselves.  There are many varieties of dogs.  They come in all shapes, sizes, and even temperaments.  Dogs need training, socialization, and daily exercise.  They also need grooming and other maintenance.  As with kittens, puppies that grow up with children tend to make friends with the children.  Remember that puppies require even more work and care than an adult dog.  Be careful if you adopt an adult dog be sure to ensure their temperament fits that of your children.

Water Creatures – Fish tend to make great pets for the family looking for an easy to raise pet.  Freshwater fish are a great option, as they take little care and can be amusing to watch and come in a variety of shapes and colors.  Other options include “sea monkeys” or brine shrimp and these require very little care and can be very educational for children to raise.

Remember to always supervise young children with any animal you choose to bring into your family.  You should research your pet of choice to ensure you understand all the care they need, and have all the equipment needed for their care.