KidSmartLiving @ Home

Listen In... Answers to Questions about Makit Make a Plate, Bowl & Mug Group Kits

KidSmartMom — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:18:00 GMT

Listen In... We've put together a quick Podcast that answers common questions about our Make-a-Plate Group & Classroom Kits, including:

What are Makit Group Kits and how do they work?
What can I make with Makit Make-a-Plate, Bowl, Mug & Travel Tumbler Kits
How much does it cost?
Is there a minimum order?
How long does it take?
Can I use other markers or paper?
Can I use computer art or copies of the same image?
Can I save kti materials for later?

Just click on the player button above to hear these answers, or you can save it to your Ipod to share.

See our Make-a-Plate Group/Classroom Kit Page and the More Makit Info pages for the details mentioned in the recording.

Wipe-Clean Decorative Throw Pillows? You've Got to be Kidding!

KidSmartMom — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:42:00 GMT

Decorative fabrics play a major role in most homes, from upholstery to pillows, curtains to cushions. But with today’s busy lifestyles, who wants the headache of caring for delicate and demanding textiles? Certainly not parents managing a houseful of rambunctious kids.

Thankfully, there's a universe of stylish, comfortable fabrics made to take on the spills, smudges and fingerprints that come with a busy home. Finding these family-friendly textiles is easy, but not in most home stores. Instead, head to your nearest patio and outdoor furniture shop.

Here you'll discover that soft, inviting, stylish fabrics now rule the world of outdoor decorating. Innovative brands including Sunbrella, Sun-n-Shade by Waverly, and Outdura have virtually banished scratchy, plastic-y outdoor fabrics from the market. Offering looks to match the finest interior textiles, these easy-clean, moisture and mold-resistant outdoor fabrics are finding a ready welcome indoors, too.

Fiber construction is what sets the new breed of outdoor fabrics apart. To mimic the look and feel of regular decorative textiles, outdoor fabrics are crafted of finely spun acrylic that's woven into myriad styles, textures and designs. No one will know the new pillows or sofa are done in outdoor fabrics unless you tell them -- or until they spill something.

The similarities between regular and outdoor fabrics end then it comes to durability and stain-resistance. The nonabsorbent nature of outdoor fabric fibers makes then naturally resistant to most anything a busy home can dish out. Smudges are easily cleaned off, liquids bead up instead of soaking in, and mold, mildew and allergen molecules have no place to grab hold and grow.

Even with outdoor fabrics’ growing popularity for indoor use, higher-end and custom outdoor furniture stores still offer the greatest variety of styles. In most, you can pick up ready-made accents like throw pillows and cushions and order yardage for drapery or upholstery projects.

So if you're tired of fighting style-busting spills and smudges, give outdoor fabrics a look. They may be just what the decorator ordered!

Perk Up Post-Holiday Homes with Low- to No-Cost Home Decorating Tricks from the Pros

KidSmartMom — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:07:00 GMT

Post-holiday cleanup is an ideal starting point for spring cleaning and home improvement projects. But if the sagging economy isn’t inspiring costly updates, you can still create a new look, add pizzazz or a make decorative statement on even the tiniest budget. Just add your own creativity to some helpful tips from a few innovative decorators.

Here are some great ways to make the most of shoestring-budget decorating projects. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to make low-cost, high impact changes to your home, check out my list of must-see shows; “Design Cents,” “FreeStyle,” “Mission Organization,” and “Design on a Dime” on HGTV, and “Sell This House” on A&E. Each of these offers loads of inspiration and creative solutions that cost little to nothing.

Looking for No-Cost Decorating Ideas? Start at Home…

Design Tip Number 1: Shop… At Home
When was the last time you rearranged your furniture? Now go one step further. Have you swapped major pieces or decorative accents between rooms lately? Try shopping your own home to create a fresh look at no cost – it’s easy and as budget-friendly as it gets.

Swapping out decorative pillows, artwork, rugs, or a few accent pieces between rooms is a simple job; and rearranging larger pieces such as chairs, shelves and wall units within – and between – rooms can create a whole new feel. And don’t forget to scour closets and storage areas for useful finds. Need inspiration? Watch a few episodes of “FreeStyle” and “Design Cents” on HGTV for scads of no-cost room redo ideas.

Design Tip Number 2: De-Clutter Your Way to Style
Often, the basics in a room are fine but any sense of style is lost in the clutter. Culprits include too many accessories clustered on tabletops, accent furniture-lined walls, and stacks of magazines, books, DVD’s, toys, games, and such. In these cases, a good clean-out can feel like a room makeover for free.

To de-clutter, grab some moving boxes and mark them: Keep, Trash, Donate, Another Room, and Store. Begin sorting, working around the room until the floor, table and shelf surfaces are clear. Then look at your furniture with a critical eye. Remove fussy fill-in pieces that serve no decorative or useful purpose. Keep pieces that you like, especially those that can be used for storage.

Once you know what you want to keep in the room, begin putting it back together. Don’t be afraid to move furniture or pictures, and remember Tip no. 1 – you just might find the perfect accent for this room in another. To see no-cost clutter clearing solutions in action, watch a few episodes of “Mission Organization” on HGTV.

In Decorating, a Little Can Go a Long Way…

Design Tip Number 3: Paint Your Way to High-Impact, Low-Cost Style
Decorators differ on many things but virtually all agree that a coat of paint is the fastest way to perk up lackluster style on a tight budget. A fresh coat of paint is just that – fresh. It covers smudges and wear to bring a sense of clean and new to a room. Updating walls takes just a few gallons of paint, and clever uses of color can tie a look together more effectively than hundreds spent on new furnishings.

If you like your existing wall color but still want something new, try painting one accent wall or sponge an accent color right over the existing paint on a wall or two. Check the “oops” bin at the paint store for great deals on accent wall paint – you might find the perfect color for just a few dollars.

In just a day’s work, painting a room or a few accent walls can wash away decades of drab, usually for less than $50. Need ideas? The designers on A&E’s “Sell This House” are masters of turning rooms around with bit of paint.

Design Tip Number 4: When in Doubt, Light it Up
Give an instant makeover to dark or dreary-feeling rooms with new or repurposed lighting. Regardless of color scheme and furnishings, most any room can be invitingly styled with proper lighting using a few tips from the pros.

In large bedroom and living areas, forego stark overhead lights that cast hard shadows and make rooms feel cramped and small. Instead place table, floor and small accent lamps in appropriate places to create a comfortable wash of soft light. You’ll find stylish yet inexpensive lamps in most home and department stores and even consignment shops – or shop your other rooms and storage nooks for no-cost finds.

Lighting curio cabinets, bookshelves and display cabinets also combats the shadows while highlighting interesting pieces and collections. Installing inexpensive under-cabinet accent lights and strip lighting couldn’t be easier with sleek new battery-operated and plug-in styles. These lights are ideal for lighting kitchen workspaces, too. See the many ways inexpensive lighting can be used as a decorative tool on “Sell This House.”

***
I hope some of these ideas help light that spark of inspiration (while keeping the wallet closed) for your upcoming home decorating projects. I'll be working on our guest/room office this weekend - starting with the De-Clutter tip, then moving on to the Shop.. at Home tip. Happily, I painted just before school started -- one down...

Please share any great ideas you have!

Get Storage-Starved Kitchens Holiday-Ready in Four Simple Steps

KidSmartMom — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:45:00 GMT

The holidays are fast upon us, bringing together family, festivities and, everyone’s favorite -- food. If your kitchen isn’t quite up to the challenge, now is the time to get it organized and ready for the demands of the season. With a little planning, a quick clean out and some handy tools made to work in tight spaces, busy cooks can make the most of stingy kitchen storage and conquer clutter status-quo – in just a few easy steps.

Step One – Clean Out and Organize Kitchen Trouble Spots
A cluttered, disorganized kitchen can become a holiday entertaining horror show, especially if your kitchen is starved for storage space like mine. But who has the time -- or desire -- to do a full clean-out with Christmas looming? Instead, tackle the areas that will be heavily used or that really bother you; for me it’s the fridge, pantry and mixing bowl catch-all cabinet. Set aside a half-hour to an hour or so for a quick clean-out of your trouble spots. And if you’re still struggling to fit bulky colanders, mixing and storage bowls in tight cabinets, add the new space-saving collapsible versions to your wish list this year. They’re ideal for stretching space in cramped cabinets.

Step Two – Take Stock of Serving Essentials
Hosting everything from big family gatherings to impromptu visits with friends is easy when serving essentials are conveniently at hand. During your quick clean-out gather together (or at least locate) platters, trays, cheese boards, serving tongs, pitchers and other key serving pieces. With serving tools at the ready, you can quickly whip out hors d’oeuvres and festive beverages in style.

Step Three – Makin’ a List… As You Go
As you do your clean-out, keep a notepad handy to jot down foods or spices to be replenished and serving or party goods to purchase. Also note any special ingredients you’ll need to buy for holiday menus and goodies.

Step Four – De-Clutter Countertops for Holiday Peace-of-Mind
Cluttered countertops jangle the nerves of the most resilient cook, especially when workspace is sparse. Don’t fight countertop clutter during your holiday cooking, instead give yourself some breathing room. Store rarely-used appliances in upper cabinets, move mail or school paper stacks out of the kitchen, and remove anything that clutters or blocks food prep areas. You’ll be amazed at how a tidy countertop can soothe the soul.

Homemade Gift-in-a-Jar Recipes Add a Thoughtful, Tasty and Economical Twist to Holiday Gift-Giving

KidSmartMom — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:59:00 GMT

Homemade jar recipes with beautifully layered ingredients topped with a flourish are a thoughtful and economical way to treat friends, coworkers, neighbors or teachers to the flavors of the season. And making them is easy and fun – especially if you get the kids involved.

Jar recipes for everything from cookies to soups to hot drink mixes can be found on the internet and even in some cookbooks. In most jar recipes, you’ll simply measure dry ingredients into a standard one-quart canning jar, and then tie a card with the cooking instructions to the lid. You can also adapt some of your own recipe favorites, but try a few jar recipes first to get the hang of the proportions.

Here are three classic Recipe Gifts-in-a-Jar to get you started. Build your layers in a 1-qt canning jar in the order written. For the prettiest finish, pack each layer flat before adding the next – a small ladle or meat hammer works well – then secure the lid, add a decorative ribbon and attach the cooking instructions.

Oatmeal Chippers Cookies
Jar Mix:
1-1/3 C old-fashioned oats or quick-oats
½ C granulated sugar
¾ C semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ C brown sugar
1/3 C chopped pecans
1-1/3 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp salt
variations: substitute chocolate chips for mini M&M’s, or cut pecans and add more chips
Print Oatmeal Chippers cooking instructions to include with jar gift

Confetti Soup
Jar Mix:
1/3 C beef bullion granules
¼ C dried minced onion
½ C dried split peas
¼ C barley
½ C dried lentils
1 tsp. dried thyme
½ tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. dried basil
1 dried bay leaf
1/3 C long-grain white rice
1-1/2 C Tri-color spiral pasta (rotini)
Print Confetti Soup cooking instructions to include with jar gift

Cocoa Steamer Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
Note: this recipe yields about 5 quarts of mix. It’s a way to make bulk gifts for teachers, neighbors and co-workers, and you can package it in just about anything, from canning jars, to clean recycled food jars, to food gift bags.

1 Box Nonfat Instant Milk (8-qt yield size)
1 1-lb. jug of dry nonfat dairy creamer
1 large jar Nestle Quick, Ovaltine or another chocolate milk mix
1 1-lb. box powdered sugar
1 container Hershey’s Powdered Cocoa (Dutch Processes is best)
variations: add 1 jar instant coffee for Mocha Steamer mix

Blend first 3 ingredients together in 1-2 large mixing bowls. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, sifting if lumpy. Blend mix thoroughly and spoon into jars, bags or store in airtight container. Tie on instructions together with a candy cane or a small bag of mini-marshmallows for a holiday treat.
Print Cocoa Steamer Hot Cocoa instructions to include with gift jars or bags

Safe, Smart Holiday Home Decorating Ideas for Busy Families

KidSmartMom — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:11:00 GMT

The bustling holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the joy of transforming family homes into festive wonderlands. Dazzling lights, sparkly tinsel, fancy dishes, and children's laughter are all part of the holiday magic -- but young children and holiday decorations aren't always a perfect mix. Worry not, armed with a few safety precautions, decorating alternatives, and a dash of creativity, parents can create fun, worry and hazard-free holiday homes for all to enjoy.

Decorate a Safe, Festive Christmas Tree
As the centerpiece of the holiday home, Christmas tree safety is a primary concern. The tree should be set in a stable stand and can be further secured by tying twine or fishing line from the upper trunk to a hook on the closest wall. Tree needles can be a choking hazard for small children, so check a live tree closely for shedding needles, try to keep the floor clear of dropped needles, and remember to keep the tree well watered to retain freshness.

Traditional Christmas tree decorations can pose child safety risks, but parents have several safer decorating options. If using lights, wrap strands close to the trunk, well away from little hands. Pre-lit artificial trees usually have well-secured lights, so these are a safer choice if going artificial. Garlands and ribbon streamers, too, should be placed out of reach of small children because of choking and tree-tipping dangers. Fragile glass balls and ornaments, including any with small pieces, can be securely tied high on the tree, but avoid using tinsel icicles and hook-style ornament hangers around small children, as both pose choking risks.

Decorate child-accessible areas on the tree appropriately for children's ages. Some kid-tough ornaments to consider include mini frames made from fun foam, felt, or fabric; cloth-covered foam balls, canes and other shapes; solid wood shapes; and fabric bows.

Remember to check gifts under the tree for wrappings that may be dangerous, such as tied-on ornaments and stretchy elastic cording. For added safety around the Christmas tree, a versatile child safety gate such as KidCo's Configure Gate or Hearth Gate can be installed to keep little ones at a safe distance.

Deck the Hall… Safely!
Parents can comfortably decorate with swags of boughs, garlands and lights placed well out of reach over doorways and in other high areas, with electrical cords secured to the wall and plugged into inaccessible outlets wherever possible. When decorating a stairway in a home with children three years old or younger, avoid wrapping boughs, garlands or light strands around the stair railing or banister. These decorations pose the risk of choking or strangulation, and they also can make the stairs inviting to play on and railings difficult for small hands to grip. For a safer holiday touch, securely tie individual decorative bows or other durable accents onto the railing or banister, on the side away from the stairs.

Festive, Kid-Smart Holiday Home Trimmings
Parents can easily decorate child-accessible areas throughout the house using child-friendly items with a festive twist. Consider topping a coffee table with durable wooden bowls filled with colorful children's blocks, or quilted holiday baskets spilling festive fabric-covered foam balls. Other kid-friendly holiday décor ideas include tough acrylic candy dishes filled with holiday cookies, and carved wooden figures and charming toys tied with bright holiday bows. A children's wooden nativity scene can make a homey, worry-free holiday centerpiece in any room, and a child-safe dash of holiday color can be added to sofas using piles of festive holiday pillows.

Add Holiday Color with Throw Pillows or Slip-on Covers
Pillows are great, worry-free way to safely add festive color and pop to a room frequented by toddlers. Switch out everyday throw pillows for seasonal colors - or look for inexpensive pillowcovers in to slip over your everyday pillows. Bed, Bath & Beyond offers a line of removable throw pillow covers in standard throw sizes. Or you can make your own no-sew pillow covers out of festive fleece patterns. See our super-easy No-Sew Fleece Pillow Project for instructions.

Kid-Smart Entertaining and Durable Holiday Table Styles
Families can enjoy festive and elegant dinner tables even in a home full of active kids. It's easy to adorn holiday tables and buffets with plastic dinnerware, drinkware and serving pieces in styles that mimic the beauty of fine glass, ceramic and porcelain -- without the danger of breakage. And make the Kid's table the best seat in the house with ways to serve little ones in style - and keep them happy while you enjoy dinner, too!

Child Safety On-the-Go
If spending the holidays away from home, parents with small children should take a quick moment to rearrange for safety upon arrival. Consider packing a few portable childproofing devices such as removable cabinet locks, electrical outlet covers and a pressure-mounted gate like KidCo's Center Gateway. If playing host this season, ask houseguests to keep medicines and toiletries safely hidden out of children's reach, or consider clearing an inaccessible shelf for guests' use. A careful moment will make holiday visits safer for children and more relaxing for all. See our Child Safety on the Go Checklist entry for more tips on traveling with little tykes.

Home Safety Never Takes a Holiday
Whether celebrating baby's first Christmas or maintaining a home full of busy older kids, all parents should remember that safety never takes a holiday. But a little caution and creative planning can make an inviting, safe and stylish home easy to achieve for merry family holidays.

'Twas the Weekend Before Thanksgiving and All Through the House... How are You Preparing for the Big Day?

KidSmartMom — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:31:00 GMT

Well, I guess the obvious answer is I'm avoiding the issue and blogging!

No... seriously, I have a pretty easy Thanksgiving planned this year, we're taking it on the road and going camping -- turkey, new puppy and all. So, I have managed to sidestep house prep woes this year - but that has not always been the case!

I love hosting Thanksgiving, I think even more than hosting Christmas. I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner in all its glory, the russet-hued decorations and the football games afterwards. But, I am a working mom and though I manage to keep our small home uncluttered and tidy, if I put a "Martha" eye to it, I'm sure there would be lengthy list of homekeeping wrongs.

Happily, I learned years ago that my guests were not concerned about dust bunnies under the sofa, as long as the turkey was succulent. Here's how I've managed to host Thanksgivings for more than 15 people on a working mom's schedule and in a house that seats, say 12 on a good day.

Step One - The Weekend Before Thanksgiving: Organize your kitchen and get your shopping list together.
A cluttered, disorganized kitchen can become a Thanksgiving horror story. The weekend before, determine if you need to spend a few hours tidying and organizing the pantry and fridge. If that seems overwhelming, just assemble your Thanksgiving essentials in a handy place so you know what you have, where it is, and what you'll need to shop for. Also make sure you have enough dinnerware, flatware, napkins and placemats for all guests; enough serving bowls, casseroles and platters for the dishes you're preparing; plus enough serving utensils for contributions from guests. This sounds like alot of work, but really, it takes about an hour or two at most.

Once you've made your shopping list, make space in the pantry, fridge and freezer for what you're buying. If your kitchen is storage-starved like mine, just store dry goods in an out-of-the way spot (like the dining room) until Thanksgiving morning. You'll need to keep your turkey frozen (depending on size) or refrigerated, but you can slowly defrost your turkey safely in a cooler if fridge space is maxed out - just follow the defrosting instructions.

Now is also the time to consider oven space. I have small ovens to go with my small kitchen, so to manage Thanksgiving day cooking, I use a turkey roaster on our covered patio to free oven and counter space. I have even used roasters in the garage and while camping! Sometimes an unconventional answer is just what's needed when hosting large dinners.

Speaking of unconventional, I roast my turkey upside-down. The dark meat juices cook down into the white meat so it's never, ever dry! This was a great joke on my first hosted Thanksgiving dinner as I heard my new father-in-law ask my mother-in-law if they should mention that the turkey was upside down. They did not want me to feel bad, so said nothing - other than how juicy the turkey was during dinner! Guess who else cooks turkeys upside-down now?

Step Two - Shopping for the Meal: Pick your day and stick to the list.
I shop no later than the Monday before Thanksgiving. I made the mistake once, for my first hosted Thanksgiving, to shop on Wednesday after I left work at noon. Woopsie! Thankfully, my mother then lived in town and her well stocked pantry saved the day. So I recommend a relaxed shopping experience. Get your list, check it twice, maybe grab a Starbucks and give yourself time to shop for the big day. Most stores make it easy by assembling popular ingredients on islands or endcaps. If you're combining shopping with a longer outing, just stow a cooler in the trunk for the turkey. He'll keep other perishables cool, too.

A few things you might include on your list are, plug-in air fresheners for living areas and bathrooms, toilet paper, paper towels, carpet stain remover (for before and during!), and some holiday coloring books and crayons for any young kids that are coming. (See our Holiday Kids' Tables blog entry for more kids' table ideas).

Step Three - House Prep on Tuesday and Wednesday: Clean, Prep and Decorate
How clean is clean? I follow the old adage, dust, mop and vacuum any surfaces that can be seen. I do include in that a quick dusting of baseboards, blinds, lampshades, windowsills and picture frames. Plus I hit any unsightly carpet stains that I have until now ignored. It can take a while, but if completed on Tuesday or Wednesday, your house will still look great on Thursday and you can concentrate on dinner and your guests.

Don't forget these few amenities to make guests feel spoiled - and keep you from leaving cooking to fix problems... In bathrooms, add extra hand towels (roll a few up in a cute basket), make extra toilet paper rolls handy, check the hand soap (liquid is best, and maybe add a hand lotion dispenser), and pop in an air freshener. For overnight guests, have beds made up (or have bedding together for fold-outs), make hanging space and hangers available in closets, and have fresh bath towels and bath soap.

Decorating certainly adds flair to any occasion, but if you're not decor-inclined or do not have a ready stash of seasonal accents to pull from, you can still easily add Thanksgiving charm to your day. Just pick up a few handfuls of fall-hued artificial florals and a roll or two of coordinating wired ribbon. Leaf and floral picks can be wound onto light fixtures, around candlesticks on tables, or hot-glued to wreath forms for quick and easy Thanksgiving style.

Step Four - Start Meal Prep on Wednesday: Baking!!!
Everyone who hosts Thanksgiving has their own cooking schedule, but if you have not yet developed one, I heartily recommend baking pies and cornbread for stuffing the day before. From a cook's perspective, the holiday basics such as sweet potatoes, green bean or corn casseroles and stuffing really aren't difficult to pull together as the turkey roasts, but if you add baking chores and clean-up that morning, the day can be busy indeed. So I do my baking on Wednesday evening. Also - pop any white wines into the fridge now to be sure they're not forgotten on Thanksgiving morning.

Step Five - Thursday: Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Day!
If prepared, Thursday should be relatively low-stress. You're prepped, guests are comfy and all you need to do is enjoy preparing and sharing you meal. Now, for doing the dishes.... I leave that assignment up to you!

Make the Kid's Table the Best Seat in the House this Thanksgiving

KidSmartMom — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:51:00 GMT

Ah, the kid's table... the spot where, if lucky, you might corral busy youngsters for a whopping seven minutes during Thanksgiving dinner. It's always just enough time for them to smear potatoes across their face, drop their plate on the floor, then materialize at the grownups' table just as you're getting seated.

But we can fix that!

Here are a few tips for setting a kid-friendly table that keeps kids put, and content, so you can enjoy your meal.

Start with Kid-Friendly Tableware
The last thing anyone wants to do during a festive meal is clean up broken glasses or dishes, so choose kid's dinnerware wisely. Plastic or disposable dinnerware is (or should be) acceptable for kids even in formal settings. One fun and attractive dinnerware option is Bambu disposable dinnerware, made of, you guessed it, bamboo. They even have sporks! Bambu is the year's hottest earth-friendly dinnerware item. Or consider using durable plastic dinnerware. Melamine dinnerware styles offer the look of better ceramics, while acrylic glasses add a festive touch, without the worry.

Pictured: Venetian Melamine Dinnerware and Pearlessence Acrylic Glasses

Capture Their Attention with the Unexpected
Make kids feel special with a creative placecard. Here we've used mini pumpkins, which they can continue to decorate after the meal. Small toys or stuffed animals with kid's names or holding little name cards are good options too.

Take a Tip from Busy Restaurants
Cover the kid's table with kraft or butcher paper and let kids draw or decorate with stamps or stickers before and after the meal. Or buy some holiday-themed coloring books and assemble your own restaurant-style coloring placemats, complete with a small bundle of crayons for each child.

Turn the Kid's Table into the Craft Corner
If kids are old enough to use glue sticks, holiday-themed projects such as Indian headbands, turkeys, wreaths, or woven paper placemats can keep them happily occupied while you enjoy your meal. For smaller kids, pre-cut parts from construction paper, craft foam or felt so they just have to stick the pieces together. Our friends at The Family Corner have some great holiday project ideas, and many are perfect for young kids:

Happy Thanksgiving.. and if you have any great kid-corralin' ideas of your own, please share!

Six Budget-Stretching Secrets of Online Bargain Hunters

KidSmartMom — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:39:00 GMT

With the election finally decided, all eyes turn to the consumer in the slowing economy. Will they be shopping this holiday season? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, the disappointing start is already sending holiday-ready retailers scurrying to attract customers through early sales and enticing offers.

Nowhere is this more apparent than the internet, where customers can comparison shop to their heart's content. The savviest shoppers, armed with these six budget-stretching secrets of online bargain hunters, are poised to make the most of every dollar spent. They just might remember the 2008 holidays as the Year of Great Deals.

1. Shop Small and Save the Tax: Most small internet retailers are physically located in only one state, and thus required to collect sales tax only on sales within that state - meaning savings for the rest. Find sales tax information on a website's customer service or shipping page.

2. Load Up on Flat-Rate and Free-Shipping Offers: If you've found the perfect gift on a website offering flat-rate or free shipping, spend a few extra minutes browsing for others on your gift list. Anything you can add to an order without additional shipping is money saved.

3. Buy in Bulk: Popular kitchen items such as wine glasses and drinkware are always welcome gifts. For the bargain hunter, these can be purchased in bulk at discounted prices then divvied up among those on your gift list. For great finds at bulk prices, look for companies that cater to restaurant and hotels, but do not have order minimums, like SimplySmartLiving.com.

4. Sign Up for Email Specials: For real savings opportunities -- from discount coupons to the very best shipping offers -- sign up to receive email updates. The email list is essentially an online customer-appreciation program, and recipients almost always get the best offers.

5. Search for Coupons: If you find a great website but see no advertised deals, do a Google search for the store name and the word "coupon." Some online stores publish coupons which can be found on sites like KeyCodes.com and MyJaco.com. Savvy shoppers also share coupon codes on blogs and in chat rooms -- and though some shared coupon codes may have expired, it's still worth a search.

6. Shop Early: Avoid backorders, rush shipping and delivery surprises - all potential budget-busters - by shopping early. With so many good deals already out there, smart shoppers can minimize holiday stress and sidestep frustrating shipping or stock issues by getting their shopping done before the holiday crunch.

The internet is known for great deals, and this year's holiday shopping will be no exception - especially for those armed with the savvy and strategies to make the most of every dollar spent.

Love Testing New Recipes? Cook and Click to Win a Baker's Bundle in Alicia & Annie's Blog Event

KidSmartMom — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:51:30 GMT

Two fun, free recipe sites have joined forces in a monthly blog event that recipe-seekers are sure to love... and the November contest's prize is simply delicious!

To better illustrate their thousands of posted recipes, the Cooking with Alicia and Annie holds a monthly event with a tempting prize drawing, and entering is easy. Just do what any cook loves to do... try a new recipe.

To enter, pick a recipe on the site that interests you, cook it up, take a photo of it, and post a review - plus any additions, variations or tips you have to offer. Choose from mealtime basics, baked goods, desserts, holiday and regional specialties, along with hard-to-find craft, project and gift recipes like popular jar recipes so perfect for holiday gift-giving.

You can post your recipe result entry on your own blog or on the recipe contest message board provided. All postings are automatically entered in the event drawing, and you can enter as many times as you wish by simply testing and posting more recipe results.

November's prize is perfect for the busy baker, and just in time for the holiday crunch -- a Baker's Bundle of space-saving collapsible mixing bowls, measuring cups and assorted baking tools worth over $100, donated by... us! KidSmartLiving.com

If cooler temperatures have you searching for hearty one-pot meals, seeking a new twist on a holiday favorite or looking for scrumptious new desserts to tempt family and friends, visit Cooking with Alicia and Annie, and cook up winner.

Make-a-Plate - those Plastic Plates You Drew when You were a Kid - are Still Around and Hotter than Ever!

KidSmartMom — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:36:00 GMT

Make-a-Plate, the same company that made those draw-it-yourself plate kits eons ago when we were young is still cranking out priceless keepsakes. I still have mine from kindergarten -- and I'm NOT saying how old they are, but it takes more than one hand to count the presidents since then, I'll leave it at that. My plates still look great and are quite useful, so I'm sold.

If you've never heard of Make-a-Plate kits but are looking for a nifty gift for kids, or anyone for that matter, here's how Make-a-Plate and their other kits for Mugs, Travel Tumblers and Photo Plates work:

First, buy the Make-a-Plate (mug or tumbler) art kit, which includes the art paper, markers, instructions and return envelope.
Next, let imagination go wild -- kids create a masterpiece; moms record favorite family recipes; friends create memory plates for brides, graduates, coaches -- the possibilities are endless
Last, send in your artwork to be preserved as a durable, dishwasher-safe melamine plastic plate (or mug or travel tumbler)

Make-a-Plate offers two types of kits, individual kits and group and classroom kits, and there are differences in cost and how processing is handled. Which one is the best for you? Here's a look at the differences between the two.

The price of the individual kit is $12.95, and includes the production and return shipping of one finished item, making it a great gift as there are no additional costs.
The group kit costs $6.99, and provides paper, markers and production forms for up to 50 items -- but has no prepaid production. You pay production and return shipping fees only for the items you return to be produced.

Group kit production fees currently are $5.95 per plate, $2.95 per mug or $3.95 per travel tumbler. Return shiping costs are based on the number of items you're having made. The group kits are ideal for teachers, scouting groups or anyone wanting to make multiple items. Group kits can also be used as a fundraiser.

Individual kits include five pieces of project paper so additional items can be made for an extra charge. We've done a comparison, and if you're planning to have three or more finished items, the group kit is the more economical choice, especially since there are no production minimums. The individual kits are the better option when only one or two items are being made, or as a gift.

Along with the basic original artwork kits, there are Make-a-Photo Plate art kits, including photo kits with Disney border designs ranging from Pooh and Princesses to Hannah Montana and High School Musical. You can also find coloring-book style Make-a-Plate kits for many themes, including superheroes, Disney characters and more.

Once artwork is sent in, finished Make-a-Plates typically take about two weeks to arrive. But during the holiday rush - Make-a-Plate's busiest time of the year -- processing can take up to four weeks. To have plates produced in time for Christmas delivery, plan your artwork in before Thanksgiving.

Beyond Babyproofing: Cozy Up to a Family-Friendly, Child Safe Fireplace

KidSmartMom — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:23:00 GMT

Fall winds and rustling leaves forecast cozy family evenings around a crackling fire. While a toasty hearth is welcoming in any home, it can pose a few dangers to tots and other family members. Here are some simple precautions to ensure that your fireplace, chimney, hearth or wood stove is as safe as it is comforting this season.

Protecting Small Children from Hearth and Fire
Even without a burning fire, a hearth's sharp corners and rough surfaces pose year-round dangers to young children. Padded hearth guards made of fire-retardant foam are an easy remedy for accidental bumps and cuts. But padded guards do not limit access to the fireplace itself. Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen or door, mounted if possible, and keep it securely shut (KidCo's Fireplace Door Lock is great), and the fireplace clean of ashes and burned debris so curious hands and mouths stay soot-free!

For fireplaces or wood stoves that receive heavy use during the winter months, KidCo’s HearthGate™ Baby Safety Gate is an ideal solution. It fully surrounds the hearth area to protect little ones from the fire’s obvious dangers and the hearth’s hard surfaces. Remember, to move fireplace tools, wood boxes and gas valve keys to less-accessible spots if the hearth is not enclosed within a Hearth Gate.

Chim-Chim’ney! Maintaining a Safe Fireplace and Chimney
To ensure safe operation, fireplace and chimney systems should be inspected and cleaned each year – even in warmer areas where fireplace use is less frequent. Flammable creosote from burning logs builds up on chimney walls over time, and obstructions such as bird or animal nests can inhibit proper venting and possibly cause a chimney fire. Cracks or deterioration also pose fire hazards and may allow dangerous carbon monoxide to escape into the home. Professional chimney sweeps offer cleaning, inspection and maintenance services. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) provides a list of certified “Sweeps” online at www.csia.org.

Enjoy Crackling Warmth – Safely!
Seasoned hardwood or artificial firelogs are the safest fuel for fireplaces and wood stoves, and blank or black ink newsprint is generally the best starter. Color newspaper sections should not be used as these inks may release unwanted fumes -- for this reason, too, never burn wrapping paper or other rubbish in a fireplace. And of course, never use charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline to light a fire. The vapors from even a small amount of these fluids can concentrate in a fireplace or woodstove and cause an explosion.

Remember to keep fires to an appropriate size for fireplaces and woodstoves. A too-large fire may overheat the surrounding wall or roof materials, causing them to deteriorate or even ignite. Place logs toward the rear of the fireplace as this usually ensures a better draw of smoke up the chimney, and keep the damper open until the ashes are cool to minimize any buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide.

Last -- but certainly not least -- be sure that fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have new batteries and operate properly. If you haven't invested in a household fire extinguisher, now is the perfect time to do so – and to learn how to use it. Make it a pre-holiday gift to yourself and enjoy family fireside gatherings with added peace-of-mind.

Keep Halloween Hazards from Becoming a Real Scare!

KidSmartMom — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:10:00 GMT

Spooky decorations, creepy costumes and candy-filled visions spur kids – and often the entire family – into a fun-filled frenzy on Halloween. But don't let hidden dangers spoil the evening for your ghouls and booys! Here are ten simple Halloween safety and planning tips to help keep fright night from becoming a real scare.

10. Fill ‘em up first: Send trick-or-treaters off with a full tummy so they won’t be as tempted to eat candy before it’s inspected.

9. Have a Trick-or-Treating plan: Accompany young children at all times and send older kids out in a group with strict route guidelines and curfews – and a charged cel phone for emergencies. Don’t forget flashlights or glow sticks for everyone, both to see and be seen.

8. Remember safety basics: Emphasize to kids that Halloween night is no different when it comes to safety. Avoid strangers and dark houses, stay on well-lighted streets on a pre-approved route, and take extra care when crossing streets.

7. Decorate with the littlest ghouls in mind: Make yard decorations safe and inviting to all. Secure electrical cords and strings out of reach, use glow sticks or battery-operated candles as light sources instead of real candles, and make walkways clear and accessible. If creating a particularly scary haunted yard, consider including a less-scary approach for younger trick-or-treaters (unless, of course, you want a bunch of leftover candy). When handing out candy, include toddler-friendly goodies like single-serving cookie or animal cracker packs in the candy bowl - parents will thank you!

6. Costume for comfort and safety: Dress kids in costumes that are temperature-appropriate, allow free range of vision and movement, and are easily seen in the dark. Accessories like swords, knives and fairy wands should be safely blunted or flexible to prevent injury. Do costumes call for a spooky glow? Flameless battery-operated wax candles create ghoulish candle-lit effect and are safe to carry.

5. Carve a safer Jack o’Lantern: Let little ones scoop the insides of the pumpkin and draw the face – always the best designs – but leave the carving to adults or older kids. Create a safer spooky light using glow sticks in two or three colors or battery-operated candles.

4. Check all candy before eating: Inspect candy before allowing kids to eat. Discard candy with broken wrappers, packaging that can be opened and resealed, or that appears tampered with in any way.

3. Keep pets inside all night: It’s safer and less stressful for pets, pet owners and visitors.

2. Prepare for unexpected scares: Assemble a portable first aid kit to treat minor scrapes, burns or cuts, and include medications for asthma or allergies.

1. Have a get-home plan: Whether trick-or-treating, attending a party, or stopping by the neighborhood carnival, have a plan that works for everyone in case of separation. Identify a location to go if separated from the group, and attach parents’ names, address and phone numbers to younger kids’ clothing.

Ridin’ the Storm Out… How One Mom Stays Sane in the Wake of Hurricane Ike

KidSmartMom — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:34:00 GMT

You can’t always be lucky in a storm like Hurricane Ike. These events seem to randomly pick and choose their victims, so I must first state I’m ever so thankful we escaped damage. That certainly makes a little inconvenience and discomfort in the aftermath easier to bear.

There’s also something we did before the storm that’s been key in keeping us out of the lines you see on TV. We prepared. For this – and for our continued comfort after five days without electricity – I must credit my Southern Louisiana-bred Cajun Hubby, for whom this was not the first rodeo.

I’ll admit, though, that his “experienced” hurricane preparation tactics did not at first jibe with my newbie hurricane-readiness ideas. “No plywood on the windows?” I’d ask. “Naw, they’re protected enough. What we need is gas,” he’d reply. And so on...

So, with an empty porch, stuffed pantry, full tanks in anything that holds fuel, he-man generator, cooler of bottled water, gas stove, hand-crank flashlights and battery-operated candles, a full bathtub for flushing the toilet if water is off (good to know), and exposed windows – we faced the storm.

Oh, my!

The following morning, bleary-eyed, I surveyed the damage. Windows, check. Roof, check. Trees, not so check. Neighbors’ property, more of the same. Power, off for hours… but what’s that rumbling noise I hear outside?

In walks Cajun Hubby, with an array of extension cords snaking from he-man generator. Within a minute, I have a working fridge, fan, coffeemaker, and would you believe it? Dish Network! We are officially the most popular family on the block – what a man.

Events like this bring out the neighborliness in people, so the roar of chainsaws soon fills the air as everyone pitches in to clear trees and marvel at our area’s relative good fortune. My daughter delivers carafes of coffee up and down the street and we thrill to know that, unlike nearby neighborhoods, we still have running water.

Five days later, we’re still at it and doing fine. It doesn’t concern me (too much) that the neighbors opposite us have had power for two days and we’re still rumbling along. It will come. Anyways, Cajun Hubby says it’s cool… we haven’t tapped the gas in the other Waverunner yet.

I’d say we’re good for another week without much worry – and we just may have to be!

School Days... These Back-to-School Safety Reminders Can Help Reduce Accidents and Injuries

KidSmartMom — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Safety concerns can easily take a backseat amid the rush to stock up on fresh school supplies and fall’s hottest elementary-school fashions. But most parents are surprised to know that school-related accidents account for about 2.2 million injuries each year in children under the age of 14. Happily, many of these are easily preventable.

Here’s a look at where and how school-related injuries occur and a few simple precautions parents can take to keep kids safe.

Playgrounds account for the majority of school-related injuries with falls from equipment making up more than half of these. Adequate playground surfacing – at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch or other loose-fill safety surface – that's maintained throughout the year is proven to help prevent injuries from falls. Kids will be kids on the playground, and scrapes and bumps are just part of it, but adequate surfacing at your child's school can help minimize the risks.

Back-to-school time also increases kids’ risk of injury due to traffic, bicycles and school buses. Review ALL basic traffic safety rules with your walkers, car riders and bicycle riders to ensure safe to-and-from school habits. Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet (buy a “cool” one if necessary… it’s cheaper than brain surgery!) and be certain that bike riders know and follow bicycle rules of the road. Bus riders should arrive at the bus stop early, know and follow the driver’s safety rules, walk several steps away from the bus upon exiting, and wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street.

Possibly the most effective preventative measure against traffic injuries is being organized and on time. Though easier said than done, it's true that when kids and parents rush to arrive at the last minute, safety rules and caution can be forgotten. Kids dash across the street and parents roll through stop signs – that’s just how accidents happen. It’s a challenge, but adding 15 minutes to your morning routine can dramatically decrease the risks to your family and to others.

Clothing such as drawstring hoods and accessories like backpacks also account for several injuries each year – and even several deaths in the past. Drawstrings and backpack straps can become caught in bus or car doors, a very real and dangerous hazard. Remove or shorten drawstrings on younger kids' garments and, once adjusted to size, cut loose or dangling backpack straps to help prevent these injuries.

Organized sports are another contributor to the tally of school-related injuries, but these don’t have to be “just part of the game.” Parents should be fully aware of all risks and make sure kids are properly conditioned, prepared for the physical demands of the sport, and that the proper safety equipment is always used. Also ensure that the school's sports program is prepared to treat emergencies during both practice and competition.

Kids will always be kids. Accidental scrapes, bumps, falls, and even a break or two are just a few of the things we signed on for as parents. But a little extra effort on the side of caution as the busy school year gets underway can mean the difference between a simple band-aid fix or 32 stitches – or worse!

The following websites offer more information on school-related injuries and preventative measures: www.safekids.com; www.cpsc.gov

Singing the "Dishwasher Ruined My Plastic Glasses" Blues? These Tips Can Help Change Your Tune

KidSmartMom — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:24:00 GMT

Oh, the promise a plastic glass labeled "top rack dishwasher-safe" holds! Carefree kitchens with drinkware that's not only unbreakable, but dishwasher-friendly. No more stacks of plasticware waiting to be hand washed. An escape from tedium... relief from drudgery!

Indeed.

Crystal-clear plastic drinkware unblemished by the dishwasher is certainly a reality for some. But anyone with a dishwasher less than ten years old may hold a different view. Their "top rack dishwasher-safe" tumblers often come out of the top rack crackled, scaly or clouded - sometimes after just a few wash cycles. What gives?

For those quick to point a finger at makers of plastic glasses for mislabeling their products, prepare yourselves. It's not plastic glasses that are faulty - it's that dishwashers have changed greatly in the past decade, mainly due to the EPA's Energy Star guidelines for energy-efficient appliances.

Most dishwashers made prior to 1994 draw hot water directly from a home's water heater, which is usually set at 140-degrees F or so. Though too hot for most household needs, 140-degrees is the optimal cleaning temperature recommended by most dishwasher detergents - and is undamaging to most "top rack dishwasher-safe" plastic drinkware.

Newer Energy Star-rated dishwashers feature built-in water heaters that further heat wash and rinse cycle water by as much as 30-degrees. Since incoming water no longer needs to be quite so hot, home water heaters can be lowered to an energy-saving 115- or 120-degrees, which is fine for other household uses.

Unfortunately, the home's water heater setting is often overlooked when a new dishwasher is installed. And while a 30-degree increase doesn't sound like a lot, it can be enough to breach the heat tolerance of many dishwasher-safe plastics.

But there are ways to enjoy the benefits of newer dishwashers without giving up the convenience of plastic tableware.

Those with Energy Star-rated dishwashers should first check their user manual for wash setting water temperatures. If possible, wash plastic tableware on an unheated setting so incoming hot water will not be overheated. If no unheated option exists, check the home's water heater. If set around 140-degrees, lower it to 120-degrees, so the final water temperature in the dishwasher won't top 150-degrees.

For drying, the air dry setting is generally best to prolong the life of plastic tableware since heated dry temperatures can be excessive for many plastics.

Finally, not all plastics are created equal - some plastics perform much better in all types of dishwashers than others.

For lasting good looks, drinkware and dishes made from resilient plastics like melamine, SAN, polypropylene or polycarbonate are better choices than items labeled "top rack," which are usually less durable acrylic or polystyrene. Tableware made from these better quality plastics is often found in busy restaurants since it can withstand repeated washings in commercial dishwashers up to 155-degrees.

Best of all, most restaurant-quality plastic glasses and tableware is "any rack dishwasher-safe." Now, that's convenience to sing about.

Collapsible Kitchen Tools Make the Most of Tight Kitchen Storage Spaces

KidSmartMom — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:45:00 GMT

Cooks everywhere, especially those of you navigating tight kitchens, prepare to rejoice! A new generation of space-saving collapsible kitchen tools has arrived to make even the stingiest kitchen cabinet seem downright expansive.

Leading kitchen goods brands Progressive and Chef'n listened to cooks' storage woes and responded beautifully with a new breed of cleverly designed colanders, bowls and measuring tools that flatten for easy storage. Combining rigid rims and bases for stability together with flexible sides, collapsibles fold accordion-style from full height down to about an inch tall -- or less. So, instead of nesting or wedging bulky full-sized items into tight spaces, busy cooks can simply collapse them down to store wherever convenient.

Even better, collapsible cooking tools are designed to fit in the dishwasher in their flattened state, making space-wasting bulky loads and hand-washing large items things of the past.

I must admit that flexible-sided mixing bowls and measuring cups sounded a bit flimsy to me when first introduced. So, when testing collapsible tools for our product reviews, I gave them a thorough run in our kitchens, subjecting them to plenty of boiling pasta, thick batters, and of course, my assistant chef, age 9.

My inner skeptic was quickly silenced when, in use, these items stood up to any mixing, pouring or dumping we dished out. Though the walls of the collapsible bowls, colanders and measuring cups we tested are flexible, they’re formed in rigid, high-heat food-grade polypropylene plastic which makes them very sturdy and self-supporting when expanded. Plus, it's fun to pop collapsible bowls and colanders up and down, making them a perfect lure to get kids into the kitchen to help out.

Needless to say, I was a quick convert to collapsible kitchen tools, especially since my home’s kitchen is anything but spacious. Collapsible colanders, bowls and measuring tools are a great solution for any cook looking to save a lot space or simply add convenience in any kitchen.-kf

No, it's not me in the video... but this video from Progressive provides a good look at the round collapsible colander by offered on KidSmartLiving.com, where you can also find a full selection of collapsible kitchen items from both Progressive and Chef'n.

Decorative Pillows Add Worry-Free Style to Busy Family Rooms

KidSmartMom — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:44:00 GMT

Large or small, colorful or subtle, decorative pillows create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in any room. As one of the easiest, quickest and least expensive home decorating solutions, throw pillows are a particularly easy way for parents to add a dash of style to busy family rooms without worry... if the pillows are chosen with kids in mind!

Choose Safe, Easy-Clean Pillows for Lasting Style
Who can resist the lure of stacks of pillows? Certainly not kids! And that can mean trouble for more delicate, highly embellished decorative pillows.

Parents looking to add a pop of color or texture to a busy family room should look for easy-cleaning fabrics with minimal embellishment, such as hard-wearing chenilles, denim, microfiber and ultrasuede. Decorative detailing that can hold up to busy kids include piping, self-ruffles, cording and well-secured tassels.

Better yet, look for pillows with removable covers to make cleaning a breeze. A few styles available today are made to be laundered, but most pillow covers made of more decorative fabrics will recommend dry cleaning. (hint: we use Dryel with great success)

Create a Personal Touch with Paint
Painted pillow covers (like the pillow pictured) are a craft project even the most creatively challenged can do to add a decorative touch for minimal cost. Simply create stripes, swirls, dots or country-plaid patterns using fabric paints on basic cotton pillowcovers. For the creatively inclined, stencils, stamps and sponges offer limitless design possibilities. And best of all, the final look is long-wearing and family-friendly.

Treat Windows to Kid-Safe Fashions that Stand Up to Busy Family Homes

KidSmartMom — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:09:00 GMT

Thanks to major improvements in the safety, durability and functionality of window coverings, parents today can enjoy easy-care window styles -- from subtle to dramatic -- that's safer for little ones.

Window Covering Safety Concerns and Major Industry Changes

Unless you've recently shopped for window treatments, you may not be aware that the window covering manufacturing industry underwent a safety overhaul in the mid-1990s. In response to mounting safety concerns that window covering cords were one of the products most frequently associated with strangulation deaths in children under age five, manufacturers redesigned products with improved child safety features -- ranging from safer pull cord systems to completely cordless styles. They also developed pull cord safety kits for consumers to use on existing window coverings.

Even with this design overhaul, a child safety concern still existed. In 1999, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the inner cords of horizontal blinds (those that raise the slats of the blinds) could be pulled out to create a dangerous loop and had been responsible for 16 deaths since 1991! So, again manufacturers refined their designs to prevent this hazard, and created an easy "cord stop" repair solution for consumers to fix existing products.

Though window covering pull cords are a primary child safety risk, other window treatments such as floor-length drapery, curtain rods, and vertical blinds can pose safety concerns as well, especially in homes with children under three years old. Rest assured, there are steps that parents can take to improve the safety of all types of window coverings, and create easily maintained style.

Child Safety Solutions for Existing Window Coverings

One of the easiest and most effective ways parents can protect children from window-related hazards is to eliminate a child's access to windows by keeping cribs, chairs and sofas away from windows and dangling cords. This also will make life easier since parents won't be constantly fixing mussed-up blinds! But this is just the first step, children are naturally curious and surprisingly inventive, so childproofing dangerous window coverings is a must for a safe family home.

There are several ways parents can childproof unsafe window coverings (most made before 1995) without running out to purchase new products. If uncertain about the year window coverings were manufactured, a quick check will identify existing child safety features and help determine if simple safety repairs are needed:

Do the pull cords connect at the end to create a loop? If so, is the plastic end "tassel" one solid piece, or will it break apart easily, breaking the cord loop? (If it separates into two pieces, it probably is a safety tassel)
Can the inner cord (between the blind slats) be pulled out?
Does the continuous loop (on some vertical and horizontal blinds) dangle freely?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider making a few childproofing modifications to your window coverings. Below we've listed the most common child safety issues and sources for free safety repair kits. One solution or a combination of solutions may apply, depending upon the window covering's style, use and how accessible it is to young children.

Most window covering retailers provide child safety devices free of charge. Call The Window Covering Safety Council at 1-800-506-4636 to find a retailer near you, or to request free safety devices listed below:

Install Separate Tassels on Pull Cords
The tassel is the plastic thimble-like piece at the end of the pull cord, often it creates a loop of the two or more cords used to raise or lower the blind. To fix this dangerous loop, lower the blind completely and cut the pull cord(s) as close to the top of the blind as possible. Remove the equalizer cleat (which on some styles hold the cords together, creating another loop) and install one tassel on each cord. And of course, do not retie the cords as the bottom - that creates a loop!

Install Break-Away Safety Tassels on pull cords
This repair will cause the pull cord tassel to separate into two pieces when pressure is applied.

Install Cord Stops
This repair will minimize the danger of inner cords being pulled out from between the blind slats (pre-1999 designs). The cord stops are installed onto the cords near the head rail when the blind is completely lowered. However, when the blind is raised, the cord stops themselves may create a child-accessible loop, so a cord cleat is a good device to use in conjunction with cord stops.

Install Cord Cleats
Cord cleats allow the cord to be wound safely out of reach near the top of the blind. This is a great child safety fix, but really should be used in conjunction with a safety tassel just in case someone is in a hurry and the cord is not wound up.

Install Continuous-Loop Tie-Downs
Continuous-loop systems are used with various types of blinds and drapes, and are often seen in floor-length styles. These styles have a control cord that must be kept in a loop to function correctly. Wall- and floor-mounted cord tie-downs are available to remedy this child safety hazard.

What to do About the Draperies?

Any parent knows that just about anything a child can reach has a potential for danger. Long draperies, curtains and vertical blinds are no exception. If long window treatments are a fixture in your home, the best child safety remedy is to ensure that the hanging bars and hardware systems are securely installed into the wooden studs surrounding the window or door.

Typically, windows and doors are framed with studs that extend about 4" around the opening. Any rod hardware extending beyond 4-inches might be installed only in sheetrock, which is not as secure - even when sheetrock anchors are used. Stud finders are available at any hardware store to help identify the stud areas around windows. (The 4-inch frame rule-of-thumb may not apply to some homes or window designs, when in doubt it's a good idea to check.) If rods or other hanging hardware are not secured to studs, consider installing a wooden header bar, which attaches to the studs and creates a strong wood base for attaching the hanging rod.

Also, avoid using spring-loaded, pressure-mounted rods with any curtain that a child can reach (remember - they move chairs!). These can easily be pulled down, possibly injuring the child, and often have small end caps that are a choking hazard if pulled off the rod.

A temporary safety solution those with long draperies might consider is to tie drapes up, out-of-reach, in a decorative swag effect. This can help protect both the drapes and your child during the toddler years!

Look for Window Coverings that Combine Safety, Functionality and Style

Child-safe window coverings come in a wide variety of styles to fit most any need -- some even feature remote-control! Used alone or with any number of window-topping swags, valances or panels, these new styles will add child-safe, easy-care style to any home's decor. Coverings parents might consider include:

Pleated and Cellular (Honeycomb) shades
Available in both cordless and safety cord designs, fabric pleated and cellular shades come in a variety of colors and styles. Most styles are stain- and dust-resistant and easily cleaned with a vacuum attachment or damp cloth. Cellular, or honeycomb, styles also feature energy-efficient insulating properties and linings that effectively filter or block light.
Look for: Duette Honeycomb by Hunter Douglas, Lumicel Honeycomb by No Brainer Blinds, Cirrus Cellular and Pristine Pleated by Levelor, DiamondCell and NeatPleat by Bali

Metal Miniblinds
Offering both cordless and safety cord styles, metal miniblinds are still an inexpensive and durable choice for active families. An added plus, many of today's styles are made with dent-resistant alloys and dust-repelling finishes.
Look for: LightLines and SoftSuede by Hunter Douglas, Mark 1 by Levelor, Marquee by No Brainer Blinds

Faux-Wood Blinds
Faux woods blinds truly offer easy-care style for active families. While mimicking the look of expensive wooden blinds, faux wood blinds work better in high-traffic and high-humidity areas -- great for kitchens. Faux woods are easily cleaned with soap and water (don't try this with real wood blinds!) and feature child-safe cord designs.
Look for: WoodMates and Everwood by Hunter Douglas, Biowood by No Brainer Blinds,

Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a classic window covering style for contemporary, traditional and country style homes alike. They offer safe, durable and energy-efficient features perfect for active families. Choose engineered faux woods and fire-retardant polyvinyls which require little to no maintenance and can even be cleaned with soap and water.
Look for: Palm Beach Shutters by Hunter Douglas, Satinwood by No Brainer Blinds, VinylBilt Shutters

Roman Shades
Roman shades add versatility, dimension and charm to any room, and now they're designed with child safety in mind, featuring bottom-lift and locked pull cord styles. Available in variety of textures, fabrics and colors, roman shades add a manageable drapery-like touch to any room -- great for living and family rooms.
Look for: Jubilance by Hunter Douglas, Fresco by Graber, Casual Classics by Bali

Roller Shades
The tried-and-true roller shade is sometimes all that's needed. Child-safe in the original styling, spring-tension roller shades remain among the most durable, kid-smart window covering options. And with today's new styling, light filtering features and hem decorations, roller shades offer unexpected looks that fit most budgets. Available in spring-tension and continuous loop styles.
Look for: Remembrance by Hunter Douglas, Derbyshire by No Brainer Blinds, Roller Shades by Levelor

Safety Alert: Imported Vinyl Miniblinds Might Contain Lead

Inexpensive vinyl miniblinds made before 1996 may pose an unusual but dangerous threat to child safety. Prior to 1996, some low priced vinyl miniblinds used lead as a stabilizer to make the slats of the blind more rigid. Over time, the Sun's UV rays can break down the vinyl, creating a dust on the surface that contains trace amounts of lead.

After this situation was linked to a child's lead poisoning death in 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ruled that imported vinyl miniblinds must be reformulated. Today, tin is the primary stabilizer used in these blinds.

If your home or apartment has older vinyl miniblinds, you may consider testing the blinds for lead to ensure a child-safe environment. Lead safety test kits can be found at most home improvement stores. You can also learn more about lead safety hazards in the home online at LeadPro.com

Stay on Budget with a Babyproofing Plan

KidSmartMom — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:49:00 GMT

High fuel prices (and the related higher costs of... well, everything!) are certainly pinching household budgets, and parents with babies and small children are bound to feel it. From diapers to formula, not to mention all the other "stuff," parents can quickly find themselves spending a good amount of money on little ones' needs.

While it's easy to save on clothing, toy and furniture costs by shopping consignment and resale shops (and even some garage sales) gently-used child safety and baby proofing items are not as easily found -- mainly because these shops don't want to risk the liability if a safety product fails. Plus, used baby gates in particular may not have the correct hardware or extensions to fit your needs - or worse, be under a recall!

So, retail stores or online shopping is where most parents generally turn for babyproofing and child safety needs.

But, the selection of safety products on store shelves is in a word - overwhelming. There are safety products for every perceived home hazard these days, and often a dozen or more choices among every type of item. Parents, especially new ones, can quickly become paranoid just by gazing at the array of products on the safety aisle. It seems the whole house is out to get Junior!

Happily -- and remember this when shopping -- you DON'T need everything. Take a tip from the babyproofing professionals: Address the baby safety basics, then add selected safety products to meet your family's or child's specific needs -- and your comfort level.

Before stepping into a store or heading online in pursuit of safety items, it's a good idea to first assess your home's safety needs and make a babyproofing plan. To help you, we've compiled three simple one-page baby safety checklists based on professional babyproofers' in-home assessments:

Baby Safety Gate Checklist and Worksheet
Childproofing & Safety Items Checklist
Child & Family-Friendly Home Checklist

These checklists will help you identify the safety needs in your home, introduce you to the safety products designed to meet these needs, and provide a worksheet/shopping list to note needed items and quantities.

With a plan in-hand when you go shopping, you'll avoid overspending on unnecessary items. Plus, you'll have the right items and quantities on-hand when you begin to install, saving time and frustration.