Mother's Day: Just Days Away...

    Mothers come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some are biological some adoptive-- but all are incredibly special-- and while societies have been honoring mothers for centuries, the roots of today's American "Mother's Day" date back to the 1800's with celebratory days known as "Mother's Friendship Day" and "Mother's Peace Day". "Mother's Day" as we know it didn't become an official U.S. Holiday until 1914.

    Celebrated the second Sunday in May-- this year May 10th -- Mother's Day pays homage to mothers for their love and sacrifice, as well as the contributions they make not only to their families but to society as a whole. Traditionally we celebrate by giving Mother's Day cards and flowers, and taking mom for a wonderful meal that she doesn't have to cook herself.  You still have plenty of time to plan something amazing for your mom, but regardless of how you celebrate be sure you let the lady you call "Mother" know just how much she's loved--  and that goes for grandma too!

 

Sound The Alarm!

    Stay safe this Spring and Summer with functional smoke alarms strategically placed throughout your home. Operational detectors should be on each and every level of your home and especially located both right outside and in all the bedrooms. Be sure to change the batteries once a year. It's also especially smart to interconnect your alarms so that when one sounds they all sound. This can give you a head start to safety if the fire is still a distance away from where you are in the house. Be sure you and your family have an escape plan and practice it. New smoke detectors also come combined with carbon monoxide detection. If you don't have a combined smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, make sure you also install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.

For more information, check out these sites:
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms
http://www.fgcu.edu/EHS/Files/What_you_should_know_about_SMOKE_ALARMS.pdf
http://publicsafety.tufts.edu/firesafety/fire-alarm-evacuation-tips/
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center/Carbon-Monoxide-Questions-and-Answers-/

Why Family Vacations Are Important!

   Whether you take a fantastic trip or stay at home and plan nearby outings everyday-- scheduling time for a family vacation or staycation is important.
    Vacations create quality time when you put away work and concentrate on the people you love. You relax, and because you get the chance to explore new places and see and do new things you may have never done before, you're also learning without all the stress and pressure that often accompanies more formal educational situations.
    More than that, vacation time lets your children know they are loved and supported. Breaking away from a normal routine can foster a sense of adventure and the togetherness creates bonds that daily rituals can often block. 
    But perhaps the best part of family vacations are the lasting memories you can keep and share your whole life long.

For some staycation ideas right here in the Orlando area and Central Florida go to: http://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/central-florida-staycations/Content?oid=2242876
http://educationpossible.com/family-staycation-central-florida-without-theme-parks/

For other vacation ideas try these websites:
http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Family_Vacations_in_the_USA/
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/51-mini-family-vacations
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Inspiration-g1-c0-World.html

Summer Reading Fun!!

   Summer vacation signals a time for rest and relaxation, but make sure reading is still on your kids' "to do" lists over the break. That's because reading is not only fundamental-- it's fun. Encouraging your kids to read opens their imaginations and keeps them learning all through their "off" time. Take a stay-cation to your local library to get a hands-on experience with books. With our tech-savvy kids it's also a good idea to download electronic books on their tablets for easy reading on the go.

For more information on making reading  part of your child's Summer fun go to:  http://readingfoundation.org/
http://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/

Selling The House Due To Divorce...

   Whether you have to or want to sell your house because of a pending divorce--  being prepared will get you the best price.  Some basics to know:
-Experts agree Spring and Summer are the best seasons to sell. Good weather brings out the buyers.
-Remember you have to pay off the mortgage, any lines of credit and brokers and closing fees as well as any capital gains taxes that apply-- before you make any profit to split. Despite these expenses don't over price.
-Hire an agent both parties trust. The agent can do the pricing and act as intermediary to avoid conflicts.
-Your house no doubt holds many pleasant memories but to be able to sell you have to look forward not back, or you may never be able to part with it.
-Have all pertinent information such as property taxes, home owner association fees, special features, new repairs, and neighborhood and area attributes at you finger tips to entice prospective buyers.
-Finally, keep personal affects to a minimum (i.e. family photos) then keep the house clean, uncluttered and inviting.

For more information about selling a house when divorcing try these helpful websites: http://divorceinfo.com/sellingyourhouse.htm
http://www.divorcenet.com/resources/divorce/marital-property-division/selling-house-when-you-divorce
http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-articles/debt-and-credit/mortgage/need-to-sell-your-house-in-divorce.aspx?artid=899

Pick a Perfect Summer Camp!

   It won't be too long before the kids are out of school-- and that constant "Mom I'm bored" moan drones on. Win that war before the first battle even begins! There are some super "Summer Camps" in Central Florida that offer everything from arts and crafts to fun and games and all kinds of sports -- even figure skating. Or how about Space Camp at the Kennedy Space Center? Aside from all the sun and fun, your kids learn socializing skills, and there's even a camp to help our four legged furry friends become more adoptable. Many at affordable prices. For a look at some of what's offered in our area check out these links:

http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/YouthRecreationPrograms.aspx#.VQCk92Ma44k
http://www.newspaper-marketplace.com/orlando-sentinel/special-section/summer-camp-guide
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/education/camp-ksc.aspx
http://camps.fit.edu/
http://www.rollins.edu/summer-camp/index.html
http://www.universityofdoglando.com/camp-doglando/

For a list of top rated Summer Camps across the country go to: http://www.campratingz.com/ShowMost.jsp

 

Stranger Danger!

    While it's important to allow our young children to discover the beauty, magic and wonder of this world, it's also crucial to teach them that dangers do exist-- especially when it comes to strangers.

     Super important-- define "stranger" for them. Obviously, strangers are people your children don't know but be sure to explain there are "good" and "bad" strangers. Tell them "good strangers" like police officers, firefighters, security guards, and teachers at school can always help if they get lost or find themselves in trouble. "Bad strangers" may talk nice but may try to trick them or take them away.

    To keep your kids safe make sure you know where they are at all times, that they know their name, address and your phone number, and that they have safe areas to play, safe streets to use, and safe places to run to if in trouble.

    Most of all teach your children to be assertive and trust their instincts. Let them know it's okay to disobey and run away from adults they don't know when they feel uncomfortable-- especially if approached by a stranger in a vehicle.

    For more information on how to protect your kids from Stranger Dangers go to : http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/strangers