Tip of the Day

Visitors' Luggage - November 20, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Have your holiday visitors put luggage and purses up high, out of childrens' reach.

Often, grandparents carry medication in luggage; ask them to store it with your other medications (locked and out of reach).

Safe Cooking - November 19, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking

Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F and be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2-1/2 inches deep. Check the internal temperature at the center of the stuffing and meaty portion of the breast, thigh, and wing joint using a food thermometer. Cooking times will vary. The food thermometer must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Let the turkey stand 20 minutes before removing all stuffing from the cavity and carving the meat.

Following these cooking guidelines can help you prepare a safe holiday dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Safe Stuffing - November 18, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Turkey Basics: Safe Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. However, if you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before cooking, and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165°F, possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Follow the FSIS' steps to safely prepare, cook, remove, and refrigerate stuffing; Spanish language instructions are available

Safe Preparation - November 17, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Turkey Basics: Safe Preparation

Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey. If these areas are not cleaned thoroughly before working with other foods, bacteria from the raw poultry can then be transferred to other foods. After working with raw poultry, always wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces before they touch other foods.

Safe Thawing - November 16, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing

Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature. The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140°F — the temperature range where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly. While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely, but as soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again, if it is in the "danger zone."

There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. For instructions, see "Safe Methods for Thawing;" instructions are also available in Spanish.

Home Security - November 13, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Make home look like you've never left.

Whether you're 100 or 1,000 miles away, your house should appear inhabited as a safety precaution. To do this, purchase low-cost timers that can be programmed to turn on and off radios, televisions and lights. Piles of newspapers next to the front door can be a clear indication that no one is home. Avoid this by holding subscriptions and mail with the postal service (downloadable forms are available online at www.usps.com) or opt to receive bills electronically through bill payment services to permanently reduce clutter.

Sealed Inside & Out - November 12, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Energy Tip of the Day

Make sure your water heater is insulated, windows and doors are sealed, and your refrigerator seals are healthy.

Furnace/Heat System - November 11, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Furnace/Heat System:

Fall is a good time to check your furnace for proper operation. Turn your system to the heat function, just as you would when the weather becomes cold, and be sure it is heating properly. If you discover there is a problem, you can call a professional to address it before the cold weather arrives. If winter is upon you, and your furnace/heat system should go out, you might have to wait a few very cold days for a service person to arrive, as it will be one of the busiest times of the year for them.

Another tip with any furnace/heat & air system is to regularly check and replace the filters. The filter is one of the most important elements in the proper operation of the furnace. Be sure you know what kind of filters you have as each furnace accepts a certain size filter, and there are 30-day, 60-day and 90-day filters. There are also filters that you do not replace, but you simply remove them, hose them off, and put them back into the furnace unit.

Prevent Injuries - November 10, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Prevent injuries.

Injuries from falls and fireworks often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended. Don't use generators, grills, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage. Install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home. Test them once a month, and replace batteries twice a year.

Gaming Consoles - November 9, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Energy Tip of the Day

Leaving a gaming console on when not in use is like leaving three lightbulbs on when you are not in the room.

Energy Costs - November 6, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Give yourself a break on energy costs.

Before leaving on a trip, turn off your water and gas and unplug common appliances such as microwaves and televisions. This will both reduce unnecessary usage and prevent damage caused by energy surges. Consider setting your thermostat 10 degrees lower than the outside temperature or simply turn it off. If you'll be away for an extended period of time, turn off your pilot light for maximum savings. From putting lights on timers to setting up automatic bill pay, following these tips can minimize pretravel stress and help make your return home sweet.

Clean Gutters - November 5, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Clean Those Gutters!

Most gutter systems should be cleaned 3-4 times a year, with the change of the seasons. The reason is each season trees go through various cycles that can clog up your gutters. In early fall, you should remove leaves that have fallen early to keep your gutters flowing freely.

Improper gutter maintenance will lead to clogged or damaged gutters and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home's foundation, exterior trim and basements.

Clean Pantry - November 4, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000
Question: What does an empty box, a step ladder, a telephone book, a cloth, a car and one hour have in common?

Answer: They're what you'll need to clean the pantry or if you don't have one, your food cupboards.

Remove all items you haven't used in the past year...or won't use in the next few months. Make sure everything is packed properly for storage. Then you can put unused/unwanted food in the box, contact your local non-profit food pantry, and put the box in your care (for now).

Manage Stress - November 3, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Manage stress
The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Keep a check on over-commitment and over-spending. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Practice time management. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook.

Task Lighting - November 2, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Energy Tip of the Day:

Use task (focal) lighting instead of lighting whole areas or rooms.

Halloween Safety - October 30, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

There are many ways to keep your child safe at Halloween, when they are more prone to accidents and injuries. The excitement of children and adults at this time of year sometimes makes them forget to be careful. Simple common sense can do a lot to stop any tragedies from happening.

Prevent Winter Problems, Clean Gutters & Downspout - October 29, 2009 - Daily Family ...

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Prevent Winter Problems, Clean Gutters & Downspout

Fall is a great time to clean gutters to be sure they provide proper drainage in the winter. Wait until most of the autumn leaves have fallen and follow these cleaning guidelines:

-- Use a ladder that reaches about a foot above the gutter.

-- Take out all debris from gutters. You'll probably need gloves and a container.

-- Sweep the gutter clean with a stiff brush.

-- Use a forceful spray from a garden hose to flush away any remaining debris and make sure the gutter isn't blocked.

-- Check for leaks using the garden hose.

Make sure you don't damage the gutter by resting the ladder against it. Also, direct the downspout away from the house so water doesn't collect against the foundation.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Planting Trees - October 28, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Planting Trees

Fall is an optimum time to plant trees, even if you live in a cooler climate. Here are a few things you should know about how trees grow, to help you plan your landscape:

* A tree loses many of its roots in the transplanting process.

* In spring, a tree will use its energy for leaves. In fall, it will concentrate on root growth.

* You can plant a tree as long as the ground temperature is above 40 degrees. Below this temperature, trees will not grow roots.

* Plan to give a tree at least a month of root growing weather.

Even if it is cold outside, there may still be time to put a tree in the ground and give it time to flourish, come spring.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Dining-Out Secrets - October 27, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Dining-Out Secrets

* Never order fish on Monday -- odds are, it was fresh on Saturday.

* Best time to make a dinner reservation at a popular restaurant is about six hours before you want to eat. That is when cancellations start coming in.

* Avoid dining out on holidays. Restaurants are so overbooked that they often charge double for the same meals they serve every day.

* Better: Have your special meal the day before or after the holiday.

* Become a regular. The best restaurant is the one at which you are known.

* Go out for lunch. Restaurants that are always full for dinner are often desperate for midday business and may charge half as much then for the same menu items.

* Avoid new restaurants for at least three months -- while they work out the kinks.

* Be nice. It's the surest way to get good service.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Halloween & Your Dog - October 26, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Halloween & Your Dog

Halloween is "fright night" for humans, not dogs. Screaming, running, spooky children in masks make many dogs uncomfortable, nervous and frightened.

Halloween costumes are fun and are meant to disguise our normal appearance. Dogs do not understand this change in appearance and may become frightened. Costumes that change the way a person walks, stands, or their general appearance may cause a dog to react different then usual even with those they know.

Keep in mind that children on Halloween night are excited and doing their best to be scary. This is not a fair or safe situation to put even the best of dogs in. Even the normally terrific tolerant family dog can find this night hard to handle.

Along with costumes being frightening to a dog there are some that may become interesting too. Swords, tails and dangling things may be fun for an excited dog to chase and toddlers certainly won't appreciate that. Every child and every costume is a new opportunity for different reactions from the same dog. I recommend setting up your dog with their own private Halloween bash in a safe quiet spot with a yummy treat of their own. Here are some tips to help make this safe haven most comfortable.

1. Stuff a food dispensing toy with yummy mush and freeze it until it is "Halloween" time.

2. Use a fan or radio for white noise. Something consistent is best.

3. Be sure the blinds are down or the dog is not watching kids coming and going by the window. This will only frustrate him and allow him to practice barking and carrying on at the window.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Put candy in a safe spot.

Many dogs are stolen, poisoned or injured by Halloween pranks. Keep your dog safe and sound inside your home.

Be safe and aware and have fun!

Article by www.familypaws.com

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Removing Fat From Cooked Foods - October 23, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Removing Fat From Cooked Foods

If time allows, the best method of removing fat is refrigeration until the fat hardens. If you put a piece of waxed paper over the top of the meal, it can be peeled right off, along with the hardened fat. Ice cubes will also eliminate the fat from soup and stew. Just drop a few into the pot and stir; the fat will cling to the cubes; discard the cubes before they melt. Or, wrap ice cubes in paper towel or cheesecloth and skim over the top.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Soup Secrets - October 22, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Soup Secrets

Always make soup at least a day ahead of time, so that the seasonings will have time to improve the flavor. Never use salt or pepper to season soups until you are almost finished with the cooking process. Both of these seasonings will intensify and may give the soup too strong a flavor. When cooking soup, always cook with the lid on to help the flavors become better absorbed. When you make a cold coup, remember that a cold soup needs more seasoning than a hot soup. The heat tends to drive the flavors into the product more efficiently.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Substituting With Rice - October 21, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Substituting With Rice

Use rice in almost any dish that calls for pasta. It's cheaper and the mild flavor goes well with hearty, tangy flavors. For a quick lunch, pour a can of unreconstituted cream soup of any kind over a couple of cups of rice.

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Freezer Sandwiches - October 20, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Freezer Sandwiches

Did you know that you can freeze peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for school lunch? It's true! Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread. On the other slice, spread a thin layer of peanut butter to act as a barrier for the jelly to avoid seepage, then spread on the jelly. Assemble the sandwich and freeze. In the morning, put the frozen sandwich in your kid's lunch box or bag and the sandwich will be perfect and ready for eating at lunchtime!

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com

Routines - October 19, 2009 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Start Off the School Year w/Great Family Routines

The school year can be more sucessful and positive for both you and your children by establishing a number of simple routines.

REGULAR BEDTIME
Establish a regular bedtime to ensure that your children get enough sleep. This will effect their daily performance in school. Discuss the importance of this regular time with your children and let them know that all homework, television, snacks, baths, etc. will be completed by this time. As a result, it might be a good idea to establish a regular 'Get Ready for Bed' start time too!

HUG & KISS
As your children leave for school, give them a hug and kiss! Tell them that you love them and are proud of them. As they leave say, "Have a great day!' and let them know that you will be thinking of them during the day!

ANOTHER HUG & KISS!
When your children arrive home from school, give them another hug and kiss! Stop what you are doing for five minutes to sit with them individually and hear about their day. Ask them questions. Be enthusiastic, encouraging and positive.

THE BACKPACK
Look through your child's folder/bag each night. Check for homework, notes from school that need to be signed, etc. Praise them for great work and review errors that they have made without being condescending or hurtful.

PREPARATION
Set out the backpack, lunch, clothes, etc. the night before. Doing so can improve the morning routine by eliminating that last minute hunt for misplaced papers, shoes, and other items!

Today's tip provided by our sister site FamilyCorner.com