Articles

4 Important Lessons We Can Teach Our Kids About Self Care Skills

October 31, 2019 by Kathryn 5 Comments

As parents, one of the greatest truths about raising kids is that they learn from what they see us do. Raising healthy, happy and well-adjusted children isn’t about what we tell them, it’s about how we model our behavior to set an example for them.

Our kids learn a lot from us; they learn how to treat others, how to carry themselves out in the world, and how to set standards for themselves. But one of the most important things our kids will learn from us is how to treat and value themselves. If we take care of our well-being, both physically and mentally, that will become something our kids will also value.

Learning self care skills is incredibly beneficial for children, but we need to teach them the right way. Self care is not about vanity or being selfish. It’s about ensuring that our minds and bodies are nourished so that we can better provide for others. Pouring from an empty cup doesn’t benefit anyone!

If you’re wondering how to start teaching your kids about the benefits of self care, use these four key points to help them learn some of the basics: [Read more…]

4 Things Families Dealing with Eczema in Children Should Know

October 11, 2019 by Kathryn 4 Comments

This post was sponsored by Pfizer Canada. Opinions expressed belong to Mommy Kat and Kids and are not influenced in any way. Please view full Terms and Policies.

I’ve always been close to my brother and sisters and as the oldest child, their problems were my problems. So, when my sister, Brenna, developed severe eczema as a toddler, I suffered along with her as my family struggled to find a solution.

Since that first diagnosis, my family has become pretty familiar with eczema. My oldest niece developed a case of eczema that was just as severe as her mother’s had been. My oldest son had mild eczema as a toddler that he thankfully outgrew in a few years. And one of my little nephews had minor eczema as well.

Through all that, I’ve learned a lot about eczema and the agony it can cause. And if your own child has been recently diagnosed, these are four things to remember as a family dealing with eczema in children!

[Read more…]

Finding Hypoallergenic Earrings for Girls

September 24, 2019 by Kathryn 1 Comment

I love getting presents for my three little nieces, but I also have to be careful about what I buy! They all have some issues with allergies and skin sensitivity, which means double-checking that the clothes, accessories and earrings for girls that I get for them are safe.

If you or someone you know is allergic to jewelry, you may have also had difficulty finding hypoallergenic options that won’t cause an allergic reaction. Most allergic reactions from jewelry actually occur due to the nickel content of the piece.

Nickel is a very common metal and is used as a sort of “filler” in cheaper jewelry. This can mean that cute and inexpensive ring or necklace could cause adverse reactions. Here’s how to find cute hypoallergenic earrings for girls. [Read more…]

Taking the Leap of Faith – Steps To Starting a Business From Home

September 20, 2019 by Kathryn 1 Comment

It’s an idea that’s been bubbling under for a while, and all the time you’ve spent at home or trying to juggle family and work commitments has only made that idea stronger.

You’re considering starting a business from home. A job that you can do in your home office that allows you to indulge your passions and career goals and lets you spend time with those who matter most to you. But where to begin? [Read more…]

5 Useful Tips to Save Electricity and Reduce Your Monthly Electric Bill

September 3, 2019 by Kathryn 1 Comment

If you’re trying to save money, analyzing the cost of your utilities is a great place to start. Paying your electricity bill is essential, of course, but you may be paying more than you need to! To try to lower your bill and save money, try these five tips that can help you conserve electricity.

1. Seal Up Your Home

The cracks around your doors and windows are leaking your money away. It’s a good idea to seal them with caulk and weather stripping. Not only do cracks and gaps waste money by causing your heating and cooling system to work harder maintaining the temperature, they can eventually reduce the life of your furnace too! Proper insulation of your home can lower your energy costs by 15 to 30 percent. Check out Electricity Monster for more ways to save on your electricity bill.

2. Use Your Appliances Strategically

Using appliances with thought is very helpful when trying to reduce your electric bills. Everything from dishwashers to washing machines can be “gamed” to reduce their energy consumption. For instance, you can dry loads of your clothing consecutively rather than waiting between loads. This reduces energy consumption as the unit remains warmer and dries clothes faster after multiple loads.

In summer, avoid using a dryer if possible and put up a clothesline to let Mother Nature dry your clothes. Cold water detergent for washing machines is now often the same price as other varieties, so switching to doing your laundry with cold water is also a great way to save money. And remember to load your dishwasher fully before starting it to ensure you’re cleaning as many dishes as possible with each cycle!

3. Shield Your Home From the Sun

Air conditioning can use a lot of electricity in the summer, so cut down on your air conditioning use by using blackout curtains or blinds on the sunny side of your house. A tinted window film can save you even more money by making your home energy efficient.

And consider landscaping your home to help keep it cool as well! Strategically planted trees will shade your home from the direct sun, keeping it cool for the maximum time possible so that your air conditioning will not have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

4. Choose the Right Light

Sometimes saving electricity is as simple as thinking about the light bulbs in your home. They may be sucking change from your bank account. The most energy-efficient lighting option is LED bulbs. They use 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs and can last about 25 times longer. Also, unlike florescent bulbs, they do not contain mercury.

Regardless of the light bulbs you’re using, though, make sure to turn off the unnecessary lights during the day when you can make use of the daylight. Also, remember to turn off extra lights before going to bed at night!

5. Schedule an Annual HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system can sometimes be the cause of an elevated electricity bill. Get it checked and cleaned at least once a year by scheduling an HVAC maintenance service. Proper maintenance will ensure that your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is working optimally and efficiently.

As an added bonus, regular maintenance also ensures you’ll have cleaner air circulating in your house. And don’t forget to change or clean the filter of your HVAC system at least once every season to keep it running at peak efficiency!

With a little care and inexpensive maintenance, trimming money off your monthly electric bill can be surprisingly easy. And using these tips to save electricity means more money in your bank account for fun!