Search Results for: blog what to do with the family jewels

Halloween-Themed Boredom Busters for Kids

A visitor far creepier than Jason, Freddie or Norman Bates is about to storm the East Coast just in time to potentially ruin Halloween for millions of young trick-or-treaters. Hurricane Sandy is threatening to put the kibosh on All Hallows’ Eve festivities up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Residents are hunkering down in preparation for the big blow. Government officials predict some people could be without power for days in the wake of the vicious winds, rain and snow associated with the super storm. So what does this mean for parents whose children will be enjoying an unexpected hiatus from … Continue reading →

What to Do With the Family Jewels

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Genealogists tend to collect up a lot of important papers. You probably have copies of your ancestor’s birth certificates, obituaries from relatives, and tons of old family photos. Other aspects of genealogy include taking care of family heirlooms, which often include wedding rings and other jewelry. A woman who is a quilter has found a very creative way to display her family’s precious jewels. Jacquey Cooney lives in Choteau, Montana. She is a talented quilter who made bereavement quilts for babies in Alaska who passed away, (and also for their families). These were called “Amanda Blankets” because they were named … Continue reading →

Affordable Outdoor Summer Fun For Kids

Whether you are at the beach, in the woods or at the park, having some structured activities for your kids to participate in always makes the day run a bit smoother. The following outdoor activities are simple and affordable. What’s more, they come in very handy when your child gets tired of exploring nature on his own. AT THE BEACH: Sand Obstacle Course Materials: Plastic shovel Stick Directions: Use the stick to draw a winding line in the sand (this is the path your child will follow). Use the shovel to dig ditches along the path for your child to … Continue reading →

St. Patrick’s Day Fun for the Whole Family

If you think this blog is rushing things a bit, then you haven’t strolled through Wal-Mart or Target recently. Both stores are already hawking Easter items. Meanwhile, the St. Patrick’s Day loot is tucked away in an obscure corner near the pet items. I’m only an eighth Irish, but you don’t have to have an ounce of green blood running through your veins to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Just gather the family, whip up some Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, soda bread, and some shamrock shakes and you’ll be in business. Then, gather the kids, clear off the table and … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Travel: Touring Department Store Window Displays—Seattle

It’s simple, really. If you are looking for an affordable family friendly holiday activity, head to your local mall. The activity is not set amongst the stacks of sweaters or rows of remote controlled toys. In fact, you don’t even need to step foot inside a single shop to enjoy the festive treats that await you behind glass walls or inside fencing near the food court. As I continue my series of blogs spotlighting seasonal store window displays I am focusing on the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, Washington. That’s where you’ll find Nordstrom’s flagship downtown store and its spectacular seasonal … Continue reading →

How to Save Money at Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading is my go-to for supplies when I am planning a big birthday party, as I am doing this year. They have a ton of stuff, from decorations to crafts to goodie bag items. It is easy to find items to fit practically any theme. The spending could quickly get out of hand, unless you know the Oriental Trading money-saving secrets. My youngest, who usually gets short-changed in most things, by fortune of his birth (hand-me-downs and a much slimmer photo album) is finally getting his do with an elaborate (for us) knight-themed birthday party. He is inviting all … Continue reading →

Prince Harry Adds to a Long Line of Royal Scandals – Part 1

The scenario has probably played itself out a thousand times before…a young handsome guy visits Las Vegas with some friends, they hang out at the hotel bar, meet some gals and head back to their suite for a game of naked billiards. No big deal, right? Well, it is if naked photos or taken and you have the Queen of England to answer to. Prince Harry, let’s just call him the Rowdy Royal, seems to have a pretty easy life. Oh sure, he did his thing in Afghanistan, but he doesn’t really have all the stress that William has because … Continue reading →

Jesse James and Kat Von D Split, Gene Simmons Proposes

Jesse James gushed about his romance with tattoo artist Kat Von D. She was the one for him. She made him feel like no other woman ever had, was his best friend and the year he split from wife Sandra Bullock was actually the best year of his life because of this “amazing woman.” Von D responded in kind. She said “There is no one else for me. He’s the one.” James claimed Von D was “so kind and loving and committed to making the world a better place every day.” I mean, he declared his for her was “beyond … Continue reading →

The Ring – A Real Life Genealogy Mystery Solved

There’s something intriguing about a genealogy mystery, especially when it happens in real life and not in a book or a movie. The particular mystery that I learned about today is even more intriguing to me because it involves a place that I have visited before, Kittery, Maine. What’s more, this real-life New England genealogy lost and found mystery was solved just a few days ago by a professional genealogist from Utah. The story began a few weeks ago when a resident of Berwick, Maine found a ring on a beach near Kittery. Fortunately, the ring had an inscription so … Continue reading →

The City of Milwaukee’s New Anti-Co-Sleeping Campaign

Co-sleeping has often been a controversial subject. Some parents and experts love it, saying it brings the whole family together, makes for more confident children, and eases night time feedings. However, other experts think it is a dangerous practice that should be avoided. The city of Milwaukee falls into the anti category when it comes to co-sleeping. The city started a new controversial campaign recently to encourage parents to put babies in their cribs. The campaign is a dozen mattresses and two sofas along a busy intersection. While this may not sound inflammatory, each is inscribed with an anti-co-sleeping phrase … Continue reading →