ExpertMom

Cheap Toys for the Park

Toys Comments Off

May 202013

What do we do with an afternoon when the weather is warm and pleasant? We go to the park of course! In the park there are other kids to play with, swings, a sand box, and stuff to climb on and areas to just let loose and yet the kids are looking for more. Here are some cheap toys to bring to the park…

A ball

Both girls and boys enjoy playing with balls. Bring a soccer ball, smaller tennis balls and perhaps some light weight balls to play with. If you need some ideas for cool games with the balls check online for good games for kids with balls and find the one that is age appropriate for your crowd. If you are looking forward to sit on the bench, you can relax; there are other kids in the park to engage in the game…

Street chalk

Street chalk is also an excellent idea for the park when you want to bring an activity that won’t cost you a lot of money and effort. With street chalk the kids can just paint whatever they feel like or draw the lines for fun games. Teach them to write the ABC or do a hang man with older kids.

Jumping rope

Jumping ropes and stretch bands can be used in many ways. Girls are usually pretty good at games with these tools and they don’t cost much. Get the longer type of rope and watch a whole bunch of girls get active to the delight of the Moms that get to take it easy and just read a book or talk to like-minded.

Water gun

If it is a really hot day nothing will beat the fun of water games. Get some cool water guns and let the kids fire away with them. Bring bottles with tap water for refill unless there is a tap in the park. Instruct the kids to play in a certain corner of the park as not to disturb other who might not be interested in these games.

It can also be fun with water balloons. These are amazing little toys that will keep your kids busy like never before. Bring smaller drinking battles with a thinner neck to make it easy to refill in the park.

Bowling set

Another fun game for the park is the bowling set. Get the plastic kind that is easy to bring along and not dangerous for little kids to play with. This is also a game that can have many different kids engaged at the same time but you need a flat surface for it which should not be right next to a road.

Finally 5… Gifts for a 5 Year Old Boy

Gifts for Children Comments Off

May 112013

When 4 come around many get to meet the monster. We are talking about the boy that snatches toys from others on the playground, refuses to share his own and gets time outs every other 5 minute. Welcome 5! This is surely a time to celebrate but what gifts for a 5 year old boy should you invest in? If he has been good at expressing his needs and desires during the past year you might have an idea but here are some pointers to remind you what he’s been wining about…

I want to bike!

Little boys and girls love to bike and he has seen his friends busy with all sorts of two wheelers. Now he is ready to try it by himself but skip the balance trainer! The best gifts for a 5 year old boy are the ones that he can use for a longer period of time. That’s why you should get a real bike that he can grow with. Just set it so that he will reach the ground and remove the support wheels. Let him slide and glide till he gets it. For many little boys this will be maximum one afternoon while others need some more time. A bike is truly a great gift!

Glue guns are awesome…

If he is a creative little boy he might be asking for a glue gun like the one his preschool teacher is using. Don’t give him a glue gun but get him something to craft with, perhaps a crafts set, or something that will remind him of the tools that his teacher is using. There are so many cool crafts items to give as a gift for a little boy that likes to get busy painting, cutting and gluing. A regular stapler can keep him busy for many minutes at a time.

Walkie talkie

Walkie talkies are fabulous. These little gadgets usually don’t cost much but they will provide him with hours of fun. If he has siblings the gift makes a lot of sense and it will encourage them to play together. Just make sure that this gadget comes with batteries.

Drums!

If you can stand the noise it might be time for drums. There are certain kids that just can’t seem to get enough of the songs and beats they learn in preschool and hear on the radio. Drums are really cool instruments and something that quite small kids can start with. If you think this will be over the top you might want to go for a regular electric piano with beats included so that he can enjoy seeing the effects that he can accomplish by simply pressing the buttons…

Get active

It might feel tempting to get him a new movie or computer game but try to find something that will get him moving instead. While games and movies can be a great help for busy parents they are not the best gifts for a 5 year old boy that should learn more about the world and his own abilities. Therefore it is highly recommended to stay away from these couch warming type of gifts and invest in sports equipment, regular board games, books or something else that will force him to think and do.

How can I make a copy of a famous ring with loose diamonds wholesale?

Gift for Mom Comments Off

Feb 112013

Dreaming of that perfect ring? Longing to wear that famous diamond engagement band worn by Jennifer Lopez, Princess Di, Priscilla Presley, or Elizabeth Taylor? With loose diamonds wholesale available online your dream can become a reality. While the rings worn by these four women contained many carats and cost millions, duplicating a famous ring is not out of the question. With a little ingenuity and the help of a diamond specialist you can design a ring that dreams are made of!

Famous Rings from the Past

Before the 1930’s engagement rings were not as widely worn as they are today. When the diamond mines in South Africa began extracting a surplus of diamonds, jewelers around the world recognized the opportunity for mass sales. The silver screen added to the allure…soon every engaged couple was seeking the perfect ring, no longer a luxury but a necessity, a statement symbolizing a bond that would last a lifetime!

Elizabeth Taylor is known for sporting a 33-carat, flawless, virtually colorless ring, presented to her in 1968 by her husband, said to be worth between 2 ½ and 3 ½ million dollars. This ring was just one of the many rings women around the world sought to emulate.

When Elvis Presley asked for Priscilla’s hand in marriage, she received a 3 ½ carat diamond surrounded by 21 smaller diamonds…the effect was stunning!

Famous Rings Today

Lady Di was the envy of millions of young women when Prince Charles gave his princess-to-be a lavish, blue-oval 18-carat sapphire encircled with a stunning array of diamonds.

Jennifer Lopez received an equally stunning pink diamond ring weighing 6 carats. Three white-diamond baguettes and an equally beautiful band of platinum accented the stones. At the time the ring was said to cost over a million dollars. The diamond created a huge demand for pink diamonds for weeks afterwards.

Copying Famous Rings

Then and now jewelers are asked to create beautiful replicas of famous jewelry. To duplicate the look of the original jewelry can be an expensive endeavor. The diamonds and type of metal used in the jewelry have a strong bearing on the final price. Famous rings can be duplicated in many ways. With a little creativity and the right loose diamonds, gorgeous jewelry can be designed in ways that closely match those worn by the rich and famous. While it’s possible to use synthetic diamonds the look is never quite the same, real loose diamonds wholesale can’t be beat. Like everything else in life, there’s really no replacement for the real thing, unless of course it comes to duplicating the precious jewels worn by the rich and famous!

How can I mount loose diamonds?

Gift for Mom Comments Off

Feb 032013

The Classic Diamond Solitaire

One great way to mount a cut stone, when you’ve purchased loose diamonds wholesale, is in a classic solitaire engagement ring. Solitaire engagement rings provide timeless beauty and elegance. Placed within the perfect setting the single loose diamond speaks for itself.

What are the requirements then of selecting just the right solitaire diamond, and what type of setting lends itself to a perfect classic arrangement? When getting ready to buy the diamond solitaire, it’s necessary to look at the Four-C classifications (cut, color, clarity, and carat), the shape of the diamond, and the setting. A well cut diamond accentuates the unique qualities of a natural diamond, adding “fire’ and excitement. The four characteristics used when buying loose diamonds for a diamond solitaire are listed here.

Carat weight

The weight of the diamond is classified as the number of carats. Traditionally this is one of the first attributes to consider when buying a loose diamond.

Clarity of the diamond

What makes natural diamonds so unique are their characteristic marks. Usually more valuable diamonds are known for having fewer flaws.

Color of the diamond

Diamonds are ranked according to a D to Z scale. Colorless diamonds fall into the D – F range and diamonds with a yellow tint fall into the S – Z range.

Cut of the diamond brilliance

Expertly cut loose diamonds are in high demand. Precision cut diamonds are elegant and well respected for their brilliance and shape. Nature determines the clarity, cut, and color and the craftsperson defines the cut. The more highly skilled the diamond cutter the better the results!

Diamond shape and the setting

Diamond shape contributes to the beauty and value of loose diamonds especially when mounted in a classic solitaire setting. Perfect mounting sets off the unique qualities of the stone, embellishing all of the finest features. The selection of diamond shape is determined by the preference of the buyer and the specific type of jewelry to be created. Round, oval, square, and heart-shaped diamonds are a few of the most popular choices on the market today. The metal used in the setting is also important. Choices include yellow and white gold (available in 14 and 18 carat gold), and platinum. Yellow and white gold are more readily available and tend to scratch more easily. Platinum is more expensive and durable but more expensive to repair than gold.

Understanding and buying loose diamonds wholesale is an art. With a little knowledge and understanding, loose diamond enthusiasts are well on their way to selecting and owning these gorgeous and timeless treasures. An exquisite loose cut diamond, when properly mounted, makes for the perfect classic diamond solitaire!

Can I buy wholesale diamonds and then bring these to a jeweler?

Gift for Mom Comments Off

Jan 202013

Yes, you can buy diamonds and bring them to the jewelers. Most jewelers will be more than happy to work with customers who bring in wholesale diamonds. Besides taking diamonds to the jewelers why not consider some great online options available for your loose diamonds. A few simple tips can help you before you even enter the jewelry store. Take the time to make decisions ahead of time so that you won’t risk becoming sidetracked by suggestions that may not suit your needs, your budget, or your personal style.

Tips – start with a budget

Decide ahead of time how much you plan to spend. This price will include the diamond purchase, jewelry setting, and the cost for mounting the stones.

Have a clear idea about the type of diamonds. Understand the significance of the 4-C’s. The number of carats, the color, the diamond clarity, and the cut, all are significant features. Even though no two diamonds are the same loose diamonds fit into distinct categories. The shape of the diamonds will also play a role in the type of jewelry decisions that you will make. So take the time to consider each aspect and establish your priorities.

Choose a setting that’s right for you and your diamonds

The solitaire and pave settings are two of the most popular styles for diamond rings. While these are often highly sought after styles, other settings are also popular. It’s necessary to have a warranty and certificate for the diamonds and for the setting. While it’s preferable to have them supplied by the same jeweler, it’s not absolutely necessary as long as you’re guaranteed an appropriate return/refund policy that includes delivery.

Buying diamonds and jewelry online

Buying diamonds and settings online from the same site offers several advantages. Once you’ve located a reliable dealer who offers a diamond certificate coupled with a warrantee/guarantee, you’ll have many great options available to you for selecting the perfect piece of jewelry. Online shopping provides many advantages over shopping in the traditional jewelry store. Most sites have extensive lines of jewelry available to their customers. You’ll be able to select price ranges within the scope of your personal budget. Because your selections will usually take place on the same day there is less of likelihood for surprises or hidden costs. Large inventories provide a great range of wholesale diamonds and beautiful settings. You can buy wholesale diamonds online and then bring these to a jeweler. You can many great options online for all of your jewelry requests. With a simple search you are ready to turn up countless possibilities all suited to your needs and budget.

This is how to use a treadmill for spiritual and physical fitness

Health Comments Off

Dec 312012

A treadmill is a wonderful piece of equipment. Today many women have one standing folded against the wall with various items hanging from the handles. If you’re only using it for burning calories by dusting it off once a month you need to see your treadmill in a new light. Turn it away from the window and make sure that you will be facing the wall where you can have privacy from passersby who might wonder if you have lost it as you seem to be talking to no one while walking on the treadmill.

Spiritual Exercise

If you don’t know about Emunah yet, you need to start by getting The Garden of Emunah by Rabbi Shalom Arush. This book will explain to you how you can change your life and start living with meaning and happiness without paying a fortune to psychologist, drug companies and gurus. One of the main aspects of Emunah, loosely translated as Faith, is to speak to G-d. Yes, you should speak to your Maker as if He was a friend with the difference that this Friend can truly do something about all of your woes and troubles.

Now, as much as we would like to get spiritual there is really no time for it. Women are busy with the facts of life and if we are lucky we get to express our spiritual needs for a few minutes here and there. With your treadmill and knowledge of how you can turn it into your hitbodedut station all of this can change. You can burn calories and get closer to G-d.

Your Talking to G-d Project

Speaking to G-d, also called Hitbodedut, is not always an easy thing to do, especially if you never did it, so the next step is to read In Forest Fields: A Unique Guide to Personal Prayer by Rabbi Shalom Arush. This book will give you some very useful information of how to talk to G-d and how to make requests. You can also read In the Garden of GratitudeThe Garden of Gratitude by Rabbi Shalom Arush to increase your inspiration to truly start your new project of walking the treadmill and talking to G-d. Don’t talk to other people too much about this, your evil inclination will be busy at work trying to prevent you from doing this because it could change your life in no time and all and leave the evil inclination without much to do but watch your happy life.

One Hour a Day

Aim for one hour a day on the treadmill. If you can’t commit to this amount of time do 30 minutes to begin with. Place a note with the things you need to talk to G-d about as you walk on the treadmill. You will be able to keep an eye on the treadmill clock so that you can divide your session into even parts. Choose a speed that makes it possible for you to talk. It is only good if you have to catch your breath, with time you will see that your stamina will improve and as you get used to talking to G-d, your body will get into shape. You will shed pounds as you shed your troubles.

Getting a Treadmill

If you don’t have a treadmill you might want to get one. Today this does not have to cost a lot of money and if you ask around a bit you might find that someone else might have one that you can take over before it caves in to the dust. You will only need a regular type of treadmill that will allow a faster walking pace. If it is foldable it is good since you might not have all that much space for it. Place it in a private corner where you can talk to G-d without anyone seeing your face. This is truly a perfect solution for a woman who wants to keep her privacy and work on her connection with G-d while doing something healthy that will soon make it possible to get into those pre-wedding skirts again.

Good luck!

Pick a Hotel in Orlando for Young Children

Travel with Kids Comments Off

Dec 022012

Planning a vacation with young children calls upon all your resources as a mom to make sure it will be enjoyable for the younger generation and the grown-ups alike. Your choice of destination is important. A short flight of less than 3 hours from the New York area, Orlando, Florida is one of the most child friendly vacation spots in the US. It tends to be sunny, and is much warmer than the American Northeast. Most tourist attractions, dining facilities and accommodation are geared toward the comfort of vacationing families. When you plan a visit to Florida, picking the right hotel in Orlando, your home away from home, is essential.

A peaceful night’s sleep

At its most basic, a hotel should provide a place for a peaceful night’s sleep, and that is what you will be looking for in your Orlando accommodation. When staying with young children, your needs will most likely be different from those of a single traveler. Probably you will not be interested in close proximity to the night club or the casino, but rather in the quietest location possible. You will need a room with space enough to fit in a crib or two. Safety rails for the children’s beds are an added convenience. You should ask about these requirements before making a reservation.

A good start to the day

Another essential with young children is giving them healthy food that they will enjoy, shortly after they begin to feel hunger. A hungry child is not going to have a good time, no matter how luxurious the accommodation or how entertaining the attraction. Look for an Orlando hotel that provides for the needs of young families by furnishing refrigerators and kettles or other food warming facilities. A child friendly in-hotel coffee shop that opens early in the morning is also very handy, if your youngsters are past the stage of bottles and baby food from jars. Once breakfast is taken care of, a hotel concierge who can help in booking tickets to sites you wish to visit will make your life easier. Even more important, if you do not have a car, is frequent shuttle service between the hotel and the major tourist attractions.

Finding a hotel

So how do you find a hotel that has these conveniences? The Internet is a busy mother’s friend. Look for accommodation near the sights you’d like to see and read reviews by other parents of young children who have stayed in the hotels to see what they recommend. Make sure that their priorities were similar to yours. When you find a hotel that looks promising, don’t be shy to email them and ask whether they can accommodate your requests. Arranging everything in advance for the comfort of your children is a great way to help make your vacation a wonderful family experience.

Status as the Grounding Healing Starts

Grounding Comments Off

Nov 182012

I think it is just right to make a little note of how we are feeling now that the grounding has begun this to compare how we will feel in a few weeks from now. We are trying to spend about 30 minutes a day on grass or regular ground. The kids only got around 10 minutes this morning and they might not get as much as we do since they go to school but perhaps we can double, triple, their dose of grounding once the weekend rolls around.

So here is current status for project’s participants:

Mom – sneezes every morning, is tired a lot (Mom thing no?) and suffers from many allergies, lower backpains

Dad – is constantly clearing his throat and is often stressed, lower back pains

6 year old – asthma and many colds, has an attach about once every 2 months more as the winter season hits

4 year old – often has a runny nose

Having done a first day of walking on grass or ground throughout the day I can’t really say I feel any difference. The only thing was that the actual grounding came with a sense of calm and freshness, but then again, so would any break with fresh air so nothing conclusive yet.

The experiment moves on…

Let the Grounding Begin!

Grounding Comments Off

Nov 182012

I am posting this quickly to let you know that I will start a grounding section in this blog. Having learnt more about this concept we have decided to give it a try. If you are new to grounding and its benefits, like I am, you should probably check Wikipedia to learn more about how the natural energies of the earth can work against the bad effects of free radicals in our bodies. It all sounds logic to me but I will not believe that it works till I see it with my own eyes.

We live in a Jungle of Asphalt

Once we decided to start the grounding it dawned on us that we live in a jungle of asphalt. There is hardly any grass or dirt to walk barefoot on! Having a small patch of grass next to our building I decided to start there late last night. In our community women do not walk around barefoot so in the cover of the dark I stepped around for a few minutes. The immediate feeling was good, relief, but that could all be an illusion since I know it is supposed to be good.

The Children

This morning the kids got to walk on this small patch for almost 10 minutes. After that we had to rush to get to the school bus on time. I didn’t think they would want to stay there for so long but it turns out they loved it and could have kept on walking there for more time. It is winter and the ground is chilly, but I made sure that they are properly dressed and that they don’t get too cold. Their feet were not icy cold when I put their socks and shoes on so it looks like it is not such a big deal that we are starting this now that December is coming around.

What are we looking for…?

I will continue to post on this section and give insights into our grounding test. I am looking to get rid of my constant sneezing and colds, I also want to see if the kids’ problems with asthma and colds will be reduced and if my husband will stop coughing. I have heard that these things can improve with the grounding after a few weeks so we will see if this is true.

Come back and see how it goes for a real life reference to the effects of grounding!

Expertmom

Healthy Gifts for a 5 Year Old Boy

Gifts for Children Comments Off

Nov 112012

There are so many unhealthy and yet popular gifts for young boys. It seems that every kid knows what Angry Birds are and if they won’t get to play the game on their Mother’s phone they will find other ways to follow the stories of these weird birds and their friends. If you are looking for healthy gifts for a 4 year old boy of for a 5 year old boy, you might find it hard to find anything that is not meant for passive entertainment. Well, it isn’t, but you have to start thinking differently. If you are not ready to get rid of the TV you can still do a lot of things to change the environment at home. Here are some healthy ideas to trade for those less healthy gifts…

Instead of Video Games

Video games are NOT healthy. In fact, they are a huge waste of time. Today kids will sit by their television for hours. They switch from regular TV to the games and then it is bedtime. If you are thinking about getting a new game for the PlayStation or other gaming console you should stop and consider what sort of behavior this will promote. Instead of getting Wii games where the kid will get off the couch, get the real deal. A 4 year old kid can start playing tennis, soccer just as well as a 5 year old. Invest with your time and take him out for some physical activities. If this is impossible get something that can keep him busy at home like a trampoline.

There are also board games and yes, you will find the Angry Birds version. If you get your 5 year old boy a board game you must make the time to play with him. He is not old enough to play by himself and he will most likely demand that you let him win!

Instead of Movies

Movies can be helpful as babysitters when you really must get some quiet time but if you overdo it they are very unhealthy for your child’s development. The movies are a very passive activity and should be traded for something that will engage the boy. There are fantastic pre-school books to work together in. You might not think that he is ready to learn the ABC but you will be amazed how fast he can pick up reading and writing if you start by sitting a little bit each afternoon. Trade the movies for learning books and play him story tapes while he build with Clics and other cool toys for this age group.

Instead of Violent Toys

It is tempting to get the soldiers and guns because he most likely asks for them. However, these are not necessarily the type of toys you want him to play with. Get him a cool robot that can transform into a car or truck instead. Another idea is to get something that relates to airplanes or space travel with the same kind of convert function to tease his imagination.

Instead of Cell Phone

OK, if you even thought that a cell phone would be a good gift for a 5 year old boy, something is not right! Cell phones are not good for grownups and they are certainly a bad idea for a child. If you want him to play with the concept of talking on a phone, go for walkie talkies or something similar. Remember that there was a time when people got by perfectly without portable phones? Save your child from all of the bad influences that he can get through the phone and go for something more playful and easy without the games and other passive entertainment.

Older Entries

ExpertMom

Cheap Toys for the Park

Finally 5… Gifts for a 5 Year Old Boy

How can I make a copy of a famous ring with loose diamonds wholesale?

How can I mount loose diamonds?

Can I buy wholesale diamonds and then bring these to a jeweler?

This is how to use a treadmill for spiritual and physical fitness

Pick a Hotel in Orlando for Young Children

Status as the Grounding Healing Starts

Let the Grounding Begin!

Healthy Gifts for a 5 Year Old Boy

Share This Page

Categories

Links