Household Management 101 Blog

Christmas Budget Help & How To's: Video Guide

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:52:04 GMT

The other day I talked about making a Christmas budget, and I bet a couple of you felt like this little boy! I know I've felt that way before about budgeting, but I really want you to at least try it so I've gathered some additional helpful how to videos to encourage you.

Reminder: Home Routines To Do Now That Daylight Savings Time Has Ended

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:52:04 GMT

The other day you had to change your clocks since it is "Fall back," also known as the end of Daylight Saving Time. This is a helpful PSA to let you know this annual event can also help remind you to do some chores around the house which don't have to get done too often. Find out which ones I suggest.

Hot Apple Cider Recipe With Cranberries: Perfect For A Crisp Fall Evening

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:52:04 GMT

The nights are getting decidedly cool around here, and so it is the perfect time for some hot apple cider. My family loves it with some cranberry juice, so come check out my family's recipe.

Stress Free Holidays Series: Week 5

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:00:10 GMT

Now that Halloween is over we begin to focus on Thanksgiving, along with our continued Christmas planning. This week we'll clean up from Halloween, plan the Thanksgiving meal, as well as do some more Christmas related tasks.

Put Your Christmas On A Budget: Why & How Plus Free Printable Form

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:45:23 GMT

Do you have a written Christmas budget yet for this holiday season? It's not too late. Here's why I think you should have one, plus I've provided a FREE printable Christmas budgeting form you can use to create one today!

How Many Licks Does It Take To Get To The Center Of A Tootsie Pop? Now The World Will Know!

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:45:23 GMT

A couple of years ago my daughter did an experiment to find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop. Find out the results of her experiment here, and know the answer to this age old question! :)

Halloween Safety Tips For Kids: To Keep Safe & Have Fun

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:22:31 GMT

Happy Halloween! Make sure to read this article I wrote about Halloween safety tips before you get your kids ready to take trick or treating this evening, to make sure it's a fun night for all! Stay safe (and warm) out there -- it sure is cold here!

Fun Ideas & Recipes For Halloween For Kids & The Whole Family

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:22:31 GMT

Are you in a panic for what food to fix for Halloween tomorrow? If so, check out this fall ebook bundle from the Menu Mom, which has 4 Halloween related ebooks, as well as 8 other fall related ebooks that can help you out in a pinch.

Printable Pumpkin Carving Patterns & Stencils You Can Use

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 02:55:32 GMT

It can be difficult to find family friendly printable pumpkin carving patterns and stencils, so I've scoured the web and rounded up some good links for you. Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Carving Tips For A Safe & Fun Time With Your Family

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 21:04:41 GMT

Here's my tips for pumpkin carving, from the perspective of doing this activity with your kids, including safety tips, carving supplies and techniques, and how to keep your pumpkins from rotting so quickly!

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:55:04 GMT

Are you carving pumpkins with your kids this year? If so, don't throw out the seeds! Instead, roast them for a fun Halloween treat. Here's simple instructions for how to do it.

Stress Free Holidays Series: Week 4

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 23:55:04 GMT

This week in the Stress Free Holidays Series we're focusing mainly on last minute Halloween preparations, as well as continuing some Christmas prep. I hope all this Halloween planning and prep is helping you -- it's been great for me so far!

Ideas For Halloween Traditions With Your Kids

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:50:12 GMT

Halloween doesn't have to be a scary time. Instead, embrace the fun and turning of the season to fall, using some of these ideas for family friendly Halloween traditions you can do with your kids starting this year.

Caramel Apple Recipe: Simple & Delicious For The Fall

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:33:45 GMT

With Halloween right around the corner, I wanted to share one of my favorite Halloween treats, homemade caramel apples. There's nothing better than when the caramel is still just a bit sticky! :)

Would A Family Gift Idea Be More Fun? You Bet!

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 17:42:01 GMT

Do you struggle with gifts to get for large families? I know I do, but family gifts can fulfill the three F's -- Fun, Frugal and Family Togetherness. Get some ideas for cool gift here!

Stress Free Holidays Series: Week 3

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:13:14 GMT

Lots of stress comes from being unprepared. Follow these simple steps to make sure you have a stress free holiday this year. This week we're working on Halloween traditions, including planning the food to be served, as well as setting a Christmas budget and finalizing the Christmas gift list.

Teaching Kids Proper Hand Washing Technique

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:29:54 GMT

Teaching kids proper hand washing technique is one of the best, cheapest and most effective ways to prevent or slow the spread of germs within your family. Get tips for how to teach your kids this important skill, including some helpful videos.

My Family's Top 10 Family Halloween Movies

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:30:35 GMT

Here's my family's top 10 list of favorite Halloween movies (all of which are family friendly!). I'd love to hear your faves too, since I'm always looking for something fun for our family to watch.

Fires Escape Plans: Make Sure Your Family Has One

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 14:21:09 GMT

This is my last post for Fire Safety Week, but it is one of the most important -- make sure you and your family have a fire escape plan from your home, and that you practice it. Here's more information on how to make one.

Stress Free Holidays Series: Week 2

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:25:42 GMT

The best method for holiday stress relief is to plan your holiday preparations, and take small steps forward. Find out what you should do this week to make your holidays joyful and fun.

Check Smoke Alarm: A Very Important (And Simple) Fire Safety Tip

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:47:10 GMT

Fire safety week continues here on the site, and today I'm talking about checking your smoke alarm. Find out what you need to know about this vital safety equipment for every home.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher: Video & Written Instructions

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:43:26 GMT

Here's a video, along with written instructions, about how to use a a fire extinguisher, including what the acronym PASS means.

Stop, Drop And Roll: How To Teach Kids To Do It

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:43:26 GMT

Make sure each of your children knows how and why to stop, drop and roll! Here's an idea for helping teach your kids about this important fire safety tip!

Fire Safety Week: Tips For Keeping Your Kids & Home Safe

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 05:31:09 GMT

During fire safety week here at Household Management 101 I've compiled tips for keeping your kids and home safe from fire.

Homemade Halloween Costumes: Ideas & Pictures

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 14:56:32 GMT

Are you thinking about making a family friendly homemade Halloween costume this year for yourself or your kids? If so, I've gathered some really cute ideas and photos to get you inspired.

Stress Free Holidays Series: Week 1

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:57:21 GMT

Part 1 of the Stress Free Holidays series explains the importance of planning ahead as a way of reducing holiday stress. Find out what you can do now to make your holidays fun and enjoyable. This week we're working on Halloween costumes, our Christmas card list, and planning who you'll gifts to, and what you'll get or make them.

Printable Christmas Wish List For Kids & Adults

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:16:08 GMT

Here's a free printable Christmas wish list that can be used by either kids or adults, to help you get ideas for what to buy your loved ones.

Christmas Card List Printable: Plan Who You'll Send Cards To This Year

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:53:20 GMT

I've created a free printable Christmas card list you can use to track who you want to send cards to this year, and keep track of their addresses. Grab your copy today!

Printable Halloween Calendar For October 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:55:39 GMT

Here's a free printable Halloween calendar, for October 2012, that you can place in your holiday planner.

Printable Christmas Calendar For December 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:55:39 GMT

Here's a free printable Christmas calendar, for December 2012, that you can place in your holiday planner.

Printable Thanksgiving Calendar For November 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:55:39 GMT

Here's a free printable Thanksgiving calendar, for November 2012, that you can place in your holiday planner.

Christmas Gift List Printable: Use It To Help Create Your Christmas Budget

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 23:42:49 GMT

Use this printable Christmas gift list to plan the gifts you will give this Christmas season, and also as a budgeting tool at the same time.

Free Family Christmas Traditions Ebook: Make Holiday Memories To Cherish

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 23:25:46 GMT

I've created a free ebook with ideas for family Christmas traditions you can do this holiday season to make special Christmas memories that last a lifetime. This is an exclusive gift for all Household Management 101 weekly newsletter subscribers so find out more about the book and how to get your copy here.

How To Make A Holiday Planner For A Stress Free Season

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:24:24 GMT

Here are instructions for how to make your own holiday planner, so you can get and stay organized for all the seasonal holidays your family celebrates each year.

Turning Mattress Tips: How To Guide & Knowing When To Flip It

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:26:25 GMT

Here are some turning mattress tips so you can do it right, and a hack to remember when to flip your mattress, and which way to rotate it each time.

Fall Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Home Ready For Cold Weather

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:28:21 GMT

Get this free printable fall cleaning checklist to make sure you don't forget anything when cleaning your home this autumn to get ready for the change of seasons.

How To Organize Kids' Artwork: Ideas & Tips

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:58:35 GMT

Do you have a budding artist or two in the family? If so, I bet you've got lots of pictures, sculptures, and crafts to prove it, don't you? Here are some ideas for how to organize this artwork, and keep it to a manageable level in your home from readers, and around the web.

How To Use An AR Reading List To Find Books At Child's Reading Level

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:58:35 GMT

I often struggled trying to figure out more books for my kids to read that weren't too hard, or too easy, but within their level to encourage and improve reading, until I realized I had a FREE resource available that could really help me. It's an AR reading list, and here's how to use it to get some ideas easily.

Ideas For How To Organize School Papers

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 01:52:37 GMT

Yesterday I gave you some ideas for organizing your kids' school papers based on my own experience. Today, I've collected tips from others to give you even more ideas and strategies you can use.

How To Keep Track Of And Organize Your Child's School Papers

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 02:19:28 GMT

Continuing on with the back to school theme, here are my tips I've learned so far about how to organize school papers your kids bring home each day in their backpack. I'd love to hear even more from you guys too!

5 Tips For Instilling The Reading Habit In Your Kids

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:43:54 GMT

Do you wish your children had the reading habit? Here are 5 tips and strategies for how to instill a love of reading in your children.

Summer Meal Planning Ebooks: Ideas For Feeding Them All Season Long

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:08:59 GMT

It's the beginning of summer -- are you ready to spend the next three months with your kids home, each day? If you often wonder what to feed them, three meals a day, day in and day out during this season you're not alone. That's why I'm excited to share this sale on a bundle of 9 ebooks from The Menu Mom that can give you ideas and inspiration for the summer ahead.

Daily Laundry Routine Can Reduce Your Laundry Pile

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 03:20:25 GMT

There are lots of ways to keep your laundry pile under control. For instance, some people do marathon sessions one or more days a week to keep up. This page is not about those people though. This page is about people who have chosen, instead, to do a little at a time of their laundry, by doing a load daily. Come read the laundry routine and schedules from these ladies, giving ideas for how you can reduce your laundry pile a little bit at a time with this method.

Laundry Schedules & Routines For Large Families

Thu, 31 May 2012 22:30:27 GMT

When you've got a large family, either with lots of kids, or lots of people living in the household, you know one thing -- there are lots of loads of laundry. I have always been fascinated by big families, since when they have their households working like clockwork, and still have time for love and laughter, I think the rest of us should take note since it will probably work for us too! Whether you yourself have a large family, or just want to get some good ideas from ladies that deal with lots of laundry on a daily basis, come on over and see some schedules and routines that work.

Laundry Routines & Schedules For Moms With Young Kids

Thu, 31 May 2012 18:37:36 GMT

Figuring out how to get the laundry done when you've got kids, especially young ones, is a skill that all us Moms need to learn to stay sane. Fortunately, you don't have to go it alone, or try to figure it out all by yourself. Instead, you can see what laundry routines and schedules other Moms of little ones have already used successfully in their own home, to get some ideas of your own.

Handprint Turkey Craft - Easy Thanksgiving Kids Craft Idea

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:03:04 GMT

An easy Thanksgiving craft you can do with your kids is to make this cute handprint turkey. See an example and full instructions here.

Planning Thanksgiving - Even More Steps To Take For A Stress Free Thanksgiving Day

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:02:15 GMT

Here are some more steps to take as part of planning Thanksgiving day to make it a stress free, enjoyable time for you and your family.

Kids Cleaning Toys - Good Role Playing Or Feminist Mistake?

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:10:47 GMT

I just saw an article on the Huffington Post, and it was called 14 Worst Toys For Girls. It listed as one of the 14 toys the My Cleaning Trolley Set,

Is Glass Bakeware Safe Anymore? The Dangers Of Exploding Glass Dishes

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:51:37 GMT

I've used glass bakeware for years, but I recently learned about increasing incidents of exploding glass while cooking. Find out more here.

Vinegar Laundry Uses - See What It Can Do!

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:48:14 GMT

Learn vinegar laundry uses to help you get your clothes clean and soft for less.