Tip of the Day 7/29/11

Some final websites to round out the week. Hope you visit some of them and find some new and relaxing ways to spend your weekend.

astroviewer.com/interactive-night-sky-map.php

possumsal.homestead.com/Bath/Stress-Relief.html

tinyurl.com/diymassage

tinyurl.com/easyfacial

tinyurl.com/bestoatmealever

pajamagram.com

filmsite.org (classic movies)

Pandora.com

Tip of the Day 7/28/11

For all you crafters, and wanna be crafters out there, here are some fun websites to check out. Lots of FREE ideas.

simplicity.com

WireLace.com

Sweetspot.ca

psImadethis.com

Try something new today and have fun.

Tip of the Day 7/27/11

Here is a website and some tips to help fight off those mid summer lazies. Let's get fit for Fall.

Create a backyard obstacle course for the kids (and maybe even you), at ymca.net/healthyfamilyhome/downloads.html

Drink lots of fluids and use sunscreen when outside. Don't forget to keep your pets hydrated as well.

Have a fun and fit day.

Tip of the Day 7/26/11

Today's Websites are to help get your brain in gear through this mid-summer heat.

If you have always wanted to further your education at an Ivy league school, but couldn't afford it or "make the grade," now you can without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.

At AcademicEarth.org, you can stream actual course lectures from some of the nation's top universities. Study Jack Kerouac with a Yale professor, tackle physics with an MIT engineer, or hear a UCLA political-science expert explain game theory. There's no homework, no exams, no 8 a.m. labs--just you, your curiosity, and your computer.

Or maybe, you want to learn or refresh some foreign language skills, well now you can for free. You don't have to buy that Rosetta Stone package you keep seeing advertised on TV, just start you computer and log onto bbc.co.uk/languages. Sign up for the language of your choice, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Mandarin Chinese and more, and you will get weekly e-mails from a teacher with lessons and learning tips. The BBC, one of world's largest broadcasting corporations, is on a mission to enrich people's lives with programs and services that inform, educate, and entertain.

The best part about both of these sites, they are FREE!

So, start today and keep those brain cells active and young. Happy learning.

Tip of the Day 7/25/11

It is only July but the Back to School ads are in full swing, so here are a few Web sites to inspire you to keep summer going for a while longer.

familyfun.gp.com/crafts: FamilyFun magazine's site, with projects categorized by age, season and materials

enchantedlearning.com/crafts: Educational crafts geared toward kids in first through third grades

theideabox.com: Crafts, recipes and games for preschool and older

Have a creative day.

Tip of the Day 7/21/11

In honor of the Dog Days of Summer, let’s make a “Braided Dog Toy” today.

What you’ll need:

• 3 old cotton scarves or rags
• Scissors
• Safety pin and pillow (optional)

Instructions:

1. If you are using scarves, then cut them each down to about 25 inches in length.
2. Knot together all three scarves or rags on one end.
3. Slide a safety pin through the scarves so you can attach the scarves and pins to a pillow. This is to help you when you do the braid part. Alternatively if you have a partner on hand, they can hold the knotted end.
4. Braid the scarves and tie a knot on the end. Trim the ends if needed.

**Pattern courtesy of sweetspot.com

Tip of the Day 7/20/11

Dog Days of Summer Tip #3: Easy Fabric Stencils

This is a great craft for adults or kids, fabric stencils to transform anything from clothing to pillow cases, from napkins to tote bags. Always think outside the box and use your creative mind to come up with a unique idea.

Supplies:

White Freezer Paper

Fabric Paint

Stipple Brush

Scrapbooking Punches or Pre-punched Stencils available at Micheal's or Jo-Ann Fabrics

Computer Printer Paper

Iron

Lint Free Cloth (men's hanky)

Using the Scrapbooking punch or stencil create a design for the item you want to stencil. If using a punch, place a piece of printer paper between the punch and freezer paper for a cleaner punch.

Place freezer paper, shiny side down on item, cover with lint free cloth and press with hot iron. If using a pre-punched stencil, follow instructions on package. Stipple with fabric paint. Let dry completely, then peel off paper. Place lint free cloth over the design and press with iron to set.

Your item is ready to wear or use and is completely washable.

Post some pics if you try this idea.