Best Tips & Tricks - page 3 - Parenting and Family Tips & Tricks

In each issue of Rexanne's Web Review monthly newsletter, there is a "Tips & Tricks" section, with reader tips, tricks and some I've found that I hadn't already seen or received via email 1000 time already. ;-) This page was created to help you find your favorites without having to go through each archived newsletter version or, if you've just cruised in looking for some great family and parenting tips & tricks, enjoy the information!

Do you have a tip or trick you'd like to pass along? Please send it for possible publication in one of the next issues of Rexanne's Web Review and this page: Click here to submit your tips & tricks:TIPS

51) Kids & Pills

Does your child have a hard time swallowing pills? The easiest way I've found to get them down is camouflaging the dreaded pill in a teaspoon of applesauce or Jell-O. Works great!

52) Cookie Baking Tips

~ Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling out cookie dough. It does the same job as the flour will do and you don't have to worry about adding too much flour to the dough.

~ To freeze drop cookie dough, drop spoonfuls of dough on a cookie sheet lined with plastic wrap, spacing closely. Place them in your freezer for several hours. Place the dough balls in a re-sealable freezer bag and put back in the freezer. To bake, remove what you need from the freezer bag and place on cookie sheets. Set on the stove as you preheat the oven to thaw. Note the type of cookie and baking instructions on the bag.

~ You will find excellent tips at this site on how to mail your homemade goodies so they get there in one piece instead of many: Mailing Cookies

This great tip was sent it by Marilyn:

"When the fridge won't hold one more piece of art work, time to "take a picture of the fridge" and toss the originals. You won't feel as guilty. We have a bunch of pages in our photo album already filled with fridge pictures."

Great idea, Marilyn, thank you!

54) Easter Egg Hunt Tips

The following tips to help you have the perfect egg hunt are from: Robyn's FYI Easter Egg Hunt Page.

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1) Hide plastic eggs rather than hard boiled.

2) If younger kids, (3 and under) will be playing, be careful of small toys and jelly beans. These items can easily choke a child.

3) Have at least one person that is trained in first aid and a first-aid kit. (Many American Red Cross chapters offer a one day course in first-aid.)

4) Be ready for bad weather. Locate an indoor location to use if needed.

5) Set up well marked boundaries.

6) Have adults scattered about the grounds to supervise.

7) Moisten paper towels in water, fold and place in baggies. Great to carry around for quick cleanups, such as chocolate covered faces.

8) Be sure all candy eggs are well wrapped. You may wish to place them in zip-lock sandwich bags.

9) Hide appropriate to age groups.

10) Figure how many eggs and how much candy you think you need and multiply by 2.5. - Rexanne's note: I'm assuming she means per child. I'd multiply by at least five, but I'm excessive. ;-)

11) If you have a mixed group of kids, stager the start of the hunt. Younger kids & kids that need assistance first, then older kids.

12) Have spare baskets for kids who may have forgotten theirs.

13) Keep a stash of candy and eggs for any kids who may have had problems. You don't want any to feel left out.

14) If the hunt is for a nonprofit group, check with local fast food stores for donations of prizes. Many times they will donate, either toys from their kid's meals or coupons for food/drink.

15) Have the video camera and a regular camera loaded and ready.

16) Don't forget: drinks, special treats for kids who may not be able to eat sugar and special needs of some children.

55) Green Fridge

Our food & cooking editor, Martha, has put together a page of hints, tips and tricks worthy of a WWW place of honor. You will find tips on cooking, baking, food storage, decorating, cleaning, energy saving, nail maintenance, mental clarity and so many more I can't even begin to list. This is a great, book-mark-for-sure page. Super links at the end of the page add more value to this great resource. Well done, Martha!

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Mattress Care

Elaine sent in this excellent tip:

"Spin all your mattresses around! Daylight savings time is a good reminder of when to do this. Remember to SPIN in the spring and FLIP in the fall."

I am spinning now, Elaine. Thank you for sharing!

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Spare Laundry Basket

Janine sent this tip:

"I always keep a spare laundry basket in the trunk of my car for storing grocery bags and purchases. The bags stay put and I can just lift the basket out and bring it in the house when I'm done shopping."

I love this tip, Janine. Thank you!

57) Birthday Guests by Numbers & Poison Control Number

It seems appropriate that a dad sent in the best tip this month (It was a Father's Day issue). Thanks, Stanley, for this great piece of advice and kind words about my birthday site (Birthdays by Rexanne):

"Your birthday site has to be the best resource online! Since I'm the party planner in our family (I know it's strange!), I've found everything I need to get my kid's parties going in the right direction plus things I never thought about on your bday pages.

I have a tip for fellow Web Review readers: Limit the number of guests to the birthday child's age. If your child will be five, have five guests, etc. It really helps keep things under control and our sons look forward to having more guests each year."

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This is the toll free poison control number. Write it down, stick it on the fridge and add it to the baby sitter's list: Poison Control - 1-800-222-1222

58) Fireworks Safety & First Aid

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July the National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following safety tips:

1) Always read and follow label directions.

2) Have an adult present.

3) Buy from reliable sellers.

4) Use outdoors only.

5) Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

6) Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

7) Light only one firework at a time.

8) Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

9) Never give fireworks to small children.

10) If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

11) Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.

12) Never throw or point fireworks at other people. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

13) Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

14) The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

15) Stay away from illegal explosives.

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Just in case the above didn't register, here is a page on first aid for fireworks injuries: Fireworks First Aid

59) Tooth Fairy Fun & The Heimlich Maneuver

Here are some super tips and ideas on Tooth Fairy lore from readers of Main Street Mom: Tooth Fairy Ideas

Remember to send in what your going price or celebration is for a lost tooth: Tooth Fairy

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And for everyone's safety and concern, here's a page explaining and illustrating how to administer the Heimlich maneuver. Good one to print out and leave in an accessible spot just in case: Heimlich Maneuver

60) Halloween Trick or Treat Tips

Here is a list you might consider printing out for the kids! :-)

- Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths.

- Use fresh flashlight batteries.

- Glow in the dark light bracelets, necklaces or glow sticks and wands are the best way to insure you'll be visible by cars and other trick or treaters. A large variety of light up & glow merchandise can be found here: Glow & Light Up Stuff

- Go to the bathroom before leaving the house!

- Bring a plastic bottle of water ... you'll be thirsty soon enough.

- Walk, don't run!

- Stay on the Sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road. Walk single file, facing the traffic.

- Cross only at corners, with adults if possible.

- Do not wear roller blades, ever, while trick or treating or wearing a costume.

- Even if one car stops it doesn't mean others will.

- Trick-or-Treat only in familiar neighborhoods.

- Do not cut across yards.

- Wear a watch you can read in the dark.

- Make sure your costume doesn't drag on the ground.

- Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers.

- Make sure your shoe laces are tied tight.

- Avoid wearing your mask while walking from house to house.

- Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props. Avoid pointed props such as spears, or wands that could endanger other children.

- Only visit houses with lights on.

- Always use the front door, NEVER go to the back of a house.

- Stay away from animals you don't know.

- Carry a spare Halloween bag in case yours breaks.

- Be polite and remember to say thank you!

61) Reader's Tooth Fairy Feedback & Tips

Our reader's tooth fairy customs are precious and inspiring. Before we get to them, I found a great, free tooth fairy letter to personalize and print for your toothless babes: Tooth Fairy Letter

Read on:

Kathy wrote:

"My kids get $1 but we try to use special coins. My oldest always got a Susan B. Anthony $1 coin (almost impossible to find now; guess I'm glad she's outgrown the Tooth Fairy). My next one got the new gold $1 with Sacagawea. We tried to keep it a little different. Not sure what we'll do with our 3rd one. As she's only 1, we have awhile to decide."

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Peggy wrote:

"I did not want to save the teeth, but felt bad to just throw them away. What I devised was to make a small satin bag with a drawstring. The child put the tooth in it and put that under the pillow. I removed the tooth in the night and fixed a rhinestone into the fabric of the bag to remember the tooth by. I made up the story that in tooth fairy land, rhinestones (jewels) are everywhere, but teeth, especially healthy ones without cavities, are very valuable, so the fairy trades the jewel for the tooth. I sometimes also made teensy little notes from the fairy to the child which were very cute and funny. Over the years, with several children, the bag came to be covered with little 'diamonds,' a neat way to remember the number of teeth lost."

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Tracy wrote:

"The tooth fairy leaves a shiny golden dollar under our pillows! Our kids have a friend who got $5.00 for their first tooth that fell out. My daughter was so unimpressed because she gets a golden dollar. Maybe someday she will understand she really didn't have the better deal ... I'm not telling her though! :o)"

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Pam wrote:

"My daughter was in kindergarten when she lost her first tooth. As a child, I could remember getting 25 cents for a tooth. So figuring in inflation, I dutifully placed 50 cents under her pillow. When she got up the next morning, my daughter marched into the kitchen and announced, 'The tooth fairy must be broke.' I smiled warily and said, 'Why do you say that sweetheart?' 'Because everyone at school gets 2 dollars for their teeth and I only got 50 cents!' Being the loving parent that I am, the next time and each time afterward, I placed two crisp one dollar bills under the pillow of each of my toothless children!"

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Gee parents ... I feel so lame now! I manage to replace the tooth in my daughter's tooth fairy pillow with a crumply old dollar bill, after having left reminders all over my bed so as not to forget before I conk off for the night. ;-) Your ideas and feedback are so terrific. Please keep those emails coming, on any subject. Remember, we need your tips, tricks and comments to keep RWR fresh!

62) Homemade Bubble Wrap & Appetizer Tip

This trick, sent in by Sylvia, is just in time for shipping cookies and gifts to loved ones far away:

"You can use any plastic baggies that zip for making your own version of bubble wrap. Stick a straw in a mostly closed zipper baggie and inflate it. Remove the straw, zip it the rest of the way and place as many as you need in and around items that you'll be sending through the mail."

This trick is terrific, Sylvia. Thank you!
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Here's a little food tip that will come in handy for the holidays:

Instead of using toothpicks for spearing soft appetizers, try using pretzel sticks. This will save guests from wondering where to deposit the used toothpicks and adds a snappy crunch.

63) Keep Wrapping Paper from Unrolling

Elaine sent in this wrapping paper tip. Not quite in time to help us through the holiday wrapping rush, however, we wrap presents all year long so take advantage of the head start:

"To keep wrapping paper from unrolling and getting crumpled, save empty toilet paper rolls. Cut them open with scissors and slide one around the tube of wrapping paper. The paper won't unroll anymore and you just slide the cardboard toilet paper cuff off when it's time to use the wrapping paper. You could also use an empty paper towel roll."

I've already used this tip and it works great! Start saving your empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls today. Thanks Elaine!

64) Reheating Pizza & No Mess Finger-paint

Brad sent this tip on the best way to reheat pizza:

"When reheating pizza, cover the top part of the slice with tin foil, leaving the crust and bottom exposed. Heat in a toaster oven or oven until the cheese begins to melt. This will ensure that the crust is crispy and the pizza will taste better than when it was fresh."

You know what readers? It's true, it works and I will never again eat left over pizza cold. Thanks Brad!

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And Martha sent in this really good tip for no-mess finger-painting:

"When the little ones want to create another masterpiece, just pour a small amount of paint into the wells of an empty Styrofoam egg carton. When they're finished, just close the lid and toss the carton into the garbage."

Sounds like a perfect plan. Thank you Martha!

65) Lunch & Milk Money Management

Michelle sent in this terrific tip:

"If the kids buy lunch or even just milk at school, organize envelopes with the correct amount of money for each child for each day of the week. Do this on a Saturday to avoid scrambling during the week for the right amount of change or fill the envelopes and put them in their back pack each night."

Thank you, Michelle!

66) Remove Mildew from Clothing

Amelia sent this super useful tip to share:

"To remove mildew from clothes, mix equal parts of non-chlorine bleach with dish soap. Make a paste and apply it to the mildewed portion of the garment. Use a toothbrush to work it in if the stain persists. When the mildew brushes off, launder as usual."

Thank you, Amelia!

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To prevent moth damage and to add a spicy, pleasant aroma to your winter clothes, put whole cloves in the pockets of woolen coats or in bags with sweaters when storing for the off-season.

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Fill a strong plastic bag of mushrooms with clear water. Hold the bag closed and shake. Pour out the dirty water and redo if the mushrooms are really dirty. Mushrooms will come out clean and white, without damage.

68) Play Pens and Recent Picture Tip

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Play Pens:

Your baby's playpen can be used as a bed or a play area. You can also put a sheet over the top of the play pen for shade in the summer heat. Take it along on outings, visits or trips. Or buy a used or new play pen to keep in the trunk of your car.

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Recent Picture:

Take a Polaroid picture of your child the day you go on vacation or to any crowded area. If your child becomes lost, you will have a recent picture, possibly with the same clothes the child is wearing, which will improve your chances of finding your child.

69) Travel & Summer Safety Tips

Thanks to Lisa who sent this link about travel safety: Travel Tips

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Here is a page dedicated to summer safety tips for children: Summer Safety

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And parents, remember to always have adult supervision for children near water. Even if you consider your child "water safe," there are too many potential hazards that can occur. See this page for good water safety tips: Water Safety

70) Plant Food & No-stick Dough

Stephanie sent in this first tip:

"Use the water from hard boiled eggs to water your plants. It's full of nutrients that plants love."

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And David sent in this excellent advice:

"Before I roll dough of any kind on the counter or a cutting board, I spray the surface with nonstick cooking spray, then flour, then roll the dough. Keeps it from sticking."

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Thank you both for the great tips this month!

71) Beanie Storage & Milk Carton Pourer

Beanie Storage:

Is your child's room littered with Beanie Babies? Try hanging an over-the-door shoe holder behind their bedroom door. You can easily stuff two beanies in each slot.

Can't remember where I read about this tip, but I've just used it and it works great!

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Thank you Jeannie, who sent this good tip:

Milk Carton Pourer:

"Save a washed, empty milk carton to use as a pancake mix or muffin mix pourer. This makes it really easy to pour batter onto the griddle or into muffin tins."

72) How to Make Perfect Gravy

I know how hard it is to make perfect gravy. It took me many years of trial and error before my mother-in-law showed me how to do it right. Even then, I modified her recipe and my gravy is perfect every time. I'll share my secret with you right here ... you're welcome! ;-) How to Make Perfect Gravy

73) Snooze Patrol & Reader Gravy Tips

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Snooze Alarm Control:

Elaine sent this very clever tip that I might consider using myself:

"A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep when you hit the snooze button."

LOL Elaine. Love it!

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Reader Gravy Tips:

Deanna sent her own gravy tips to share:

"Use the potato water for your gravy. My mom said that all the nutrients from the potato are in the water they were cooked in. It does make your gravy taste just a little bit better. Also, if you want your gravy to be a nice rich brown color, just add a little bit of brewed coffee (not too much) to it. Does not change the flavor, just makes it a pretty brown color."

74) Buying the Freshest Bread Possible

I received this tip from more than one reader. You know who you are. Thank you!

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Bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Each day has a different color twist tie. They are: Monday blue - Tuesday green - Thursday red - Friday white and Saturday yellow. So if today was Thursday, you would want red twist tie - not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)! The colors go alphabetically by color: blue - green - red - white - yellow, Monday through Saturday.

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Speaking of bread tips, I always freeze bread as soon as I bring it home. When making sandwiches or toast, I remove the needed amount and return the rest to the freezer. If the bread is to be used right away, I zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to thaw. We always have fresh, soft bread this way. Also, if the loaf of bread has defrosted, it refreezes perfectly.

75) Valentine Decorations

Here are some good ways to Valentine up your home. Add a touch of romance and love to the place and watch the hugs and kisses fly. ;-)

1) Scatter those cute candy hearts with words down the middle of the dining room table or on the end and coffee tables or all three. Mix in some little confetti hearts. Leave them there all month.

2) Fill a candy bowl with Valentine-decorated candies or chocolates. Place it on an end table or on the coffee table.

3) Make the mashed potatoes pink by adding a few drops of red food coloring.

4) Tape Valentine's Day pictures, colored by your child, to the front door, the bedroom doors, the bathroom doors, the fridge, etc.

5) Buy roses or red and pink flowers to place in vases around your home the entire week before Valentine's Day.

6) Have a romantic movie night. Rent every sappy love story in the video store and make sure to have a box of tissues handy. The guys'll resist, naturally. Feed them something macho like buffalo wings to keep them there! ;-)

7) Light pretty pink and red candles in the bathrooms, on the dining room table, in the master bedroom. You can do this in the kids rooms, too, but only if they're old enough to be fire-safe.

8) Have a fire burning in the fireplace. Roast marshmallows!

9) String red and white mini lights around the house and throughout the indoor plants. You can do this outside, too.

10) Red heart helium-filled balloons floating around the living room are fun and will make everyone smile for at least 12 hours. :-)

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