Posts by Nikkimack19:

    How to Get Great Deals at Department Stores

    August 20th, 2011

    Many people love to shop at department stores because they can do all of their shopping in just one place. From clothing to jewellery and household appliances to bathroom rugs, you can find pretty much anything here.

    Of course, what many shoppers don’t know is that it is actually possible to get bargains at department stores. Here are some tips on how to get great deals:

    1. Watch out for sales.

    Most department stores have seasonal sales in order to make room for new stocks. Department stores are usually advertised in television commercials and local newspapers. Although the number of sale items may be limited, you might want to be first in line if you’re serious about looking for great bargains.

    2. Keep an eye out for coupons.

    Websites and local newspapers are great places to look for department store coupons. Coupons offer either a discount on a particular item or take a certain percentage off from your final total. Some coupons offer free shipping if you shop online at the department store’s website.

    3. Subscribe to the department store’s newsletter or mailing list.

    A store’s newsletter or mailing list is a great way to obtain information on special sales that may not be advertised in newspapers or on television. Store newsletters are also a great place to find coupons.

    4. Get a rewards card.

    Many department stores offer a rewards card to frequent shoppers. A rewards card can sometimes be a discount card used at the cash register. Other times, a rewards card makes use of a points system that allows you to obtain rebates or claim a prize later on.

    5. Head to the back of the department store.

    Ask the customer service department where you can find clearance items or items that are no longer in season. Many department stores place leftover sale or clearance items towards the back of the department store and offer these items at a lower cost. If it’s the middle of the summer but you find that you can get a great deal on a winter coat, then make the most of the bargain and just store it until the winter season comes along.

    6. Try shopping in the middle of the week.

    Most people think that sales only occur during the weekend. Contrary to popular belief, many department stores offer special marked down prices during the middle of the week in order to make room for newer items to be displayed during the weekend. If you’re looking for a great bargain and don’t necessarily look for the latest styles, then try heading to the department store on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

    7. Look out for slightly damaged items.

    At a department store, keep an eye out for items that with slightly dented, open or damaged boxes. These items can usually be found at the bottom or the back of the shelves. Don’t be afraid to ask the store manager if you can get a lower price on slightly damaged items. The store will need to eventually clear these items out in order to make room for newer merchandise and might even be happy that someone wants to purchase these rejects.

    People love shopping at department stores because they can do all your shopping in one place. Visit our website to find out how to get great deals at department store.

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    Guidelines in Choosing the Right Mobility Aid

    August 20th, 2011

    Mobility aids provide support to the limited movements of the disabled or injured and even the old. These include walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, lifts and motor scooters to name a few. They even vary in sizes, functions and purpose it is intended for use. They play a vital role in keeping mobility and being self-reliant.

    Choosing the Right One

    Choosing the correct mobility aid needs time. It also involves careful planning and detailed research. Thus, one should select wisely. Then, decide what is best and most suitable. The right device helps the person fulfill his aim. A wrong one can lead to accidents and health risks. It should also be fitted for comfort and special use.

    Here are a few points to consider before buying a mobility aid:

    1.Function and Purpose

    The device should be easy to use for its intended purpose. Its value depends on how it can adapt to changing user needs and capabilities. Using it well requires ample knowledge and data.

    Do not be swayed by vague selling campaigns. Most marketing resource exaggerate information compared to what is really written in product manuals and user warnings. Stick to what is considered necessary. Pinpoint its advantages. Through research, you may be able to grasp what is greatly required. This would also avoid mistakes and waste of time and money.

    2.Safety and Stability

    The device should not require extra attention to safely use it. It must always provide support to the user. It is also worthy to recognise its limits. Restrictions should be identified in order to precisely handle them. These will also prevent pointless risks and pitfalls. Awareness of the influence of human factors in product design is also useful when making correct choices.

    3.Personal Comfort

    As mentioned earlier, mobility aids should be fitted. One device is not the same as another. Each mobility device is tailored to match the user’s condition. It is solely for the user alone and not by anyone else. When it is custom-made, it mainly matches the owner’s preference, which makes it more easy to use.

    When choosing, always try it first hand. Testing it with your own body is for the best. Your body will get used to it immediately. Aside from that, it will be according to your liking. That way, others will not be able to affect your decision. You are the one who is going to use it so it should always be your choice.

    Although mobility aids help in movement and transportation, you should also bear in mind that it is not a solution for multitasks. Knowing each tool’s limits is your responsibility. Warnings are always provided in manuals. Just make it a habit to read and understand what it implies.

    Simply put, a device is as good as its owner. Depending on the usage, its functionality depends upon the knowledge of the user. In addition, safety and security should be the first priority. Because, its major function is providing assistance and not merely comfort.

    Need mobility aids?? We can help you find good and affordable?mobility aid company

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    Buying Quality Fancy Dress Costumes: The Look and the Feel

    August 20th, 2011

    Did someone invite you to a costume party or masquerade ball? And now, you don’t know what fancy dress costume to wear for that special occasion? This may happen to us one way or another. Recently, fancy costume parties and balls are becoming a trend. This does not only limit to Halloween. Many people are engaging to themed parties, which is more fun and exciting. The problem is how do you buy a quality dress costume? What are the factors that you should know when buying one? What kind of dress costumes will suit you well? These are only a few questions that you often asked yourselves when getting a fancy outfit.

    When shopping for a fancy dress costume, there are two basic key points to always keep in mind: “the look” and “the feel”. The “look” concerns about the overall outer appearance of the costume. The “feel” refers to the touch of the cloth. This basically involves the kind of material used in the costume.

    The Look

    When we say “the look”, we often relate it to the theme. Of course, this is also essential in deciding on what look are you going after. If the theme is fairytale, you may consider fairies, Cinderella-like ball gowns and other Disney-like costumes you can think of. The theme influences the type of dress you will wear for the occasion.

    However, not all dress costumes suit you. The outfit should accent your best body feature. Choose colours and styles according to your body size, skin tone and height. If you are fair, don’t choose colours that will make you look pale. Even though you want to be like a princess, you may look like a dead princess instead. Also, take not of your body size. Costumes may vary in styles but be sure they will fit your body. Wearing a too tight dress make you look uncomfortable.

    The most important thing about buying a dress is how well it is made. Check the seams and lines, making sure it is not loose. This will avoid the danger of ripping your clothes. Go for a reliable seamstress or costume retail stores who have long experiences. They will definitely offer you the best ones that will suit to your liking. Be certain that the dress have that dreamy look, as it should be. Do not show as if you are trying too hard. Lastly, do not forget that the cut of the dress affects the whole look. A perfect fancy dress costume will always have that wow factor.

    The Feel

    Whenever we buy new clothes, we often touch the cloth. This is a basic approach in finding out the quality of clothes we buy. It is also the same for fancy dress costumes. As you might know, fabric plays a crucial role in making the best fancy outfits. The type of fabric used affects the outcome of the dress itself. Basing on what the dress would like to achieve in effect, the kind of cloth to be utilised is also decided. For example, if the dress costume aims to be more mature and sexy, we associate it with laces and silks. The cloth should also be clingy as to show the body curves of the wearer.

    The quality of the cloth also affects the form of the costume. Even though the look is perfect, if the cloth contradicts it then it is a failure. It will make your dress look stiff and unpleasant. The fabric may or may not make you comfortable. Some cheap textiles can cause allergic reactions to the wearer. Stay away from those kinds of fabric. You do not want to be caught scratching here and there because of the itch. When choosing for a cloth, take into account the place and time of the party. An evening party in an open venue might be a little cold. So, try picking something that is a little warm for the weather and vice versa.

    Fancy dress costumes have become a staple garment in our wardrobe. Since we do not use it often, taking care of it is a must. Also, make sure to pick a dress costume that is versatile. It should be flexible and easy to improvise. You may not know when you’ll use it again. Try to ask for advices and ways to store it from the seller or an expert. They can give you tips on how to better take care of your clothes.

    Are you looking for a fancy dress costume for a masquerade ball or a costume-themed party? Come and visit us at fancy dress costumes locally. We will assist you in finding the best fancy dress company in UK that will offer you a wide variety of outfits to choose from.

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    7 Decorating Ideas For Small Nurseries

    August 20th, 2011

    Nurseries are oftentimes the smallest room in the house. Expecting parents usually panic once they realise that babies need a lot of things and that they have little room for it all. Don’t worry. With some creativity, you can maximise the space and make it perfect for your little bundle of joy.

    Here are some ideas for decorating small nurseries:

    1.Take Measurements

    Get the measurements of the walls in your nursery before heading to the store to shop for furniture. Make sure you know which walls have doors or windows. If possible, sketch out the room’s layout and take it with you when you go shopping. Having a floor plan of the nursery will come in real handy later on.

    2.Buy the Basics First

    Each nursery must have a crib, a changing table and a dresser. Many cribs have drawers under the mattress for additional storage space.

    You’ll find that there are many types of changing tables, one of which is a changing table dresser. This type of changing table maximises space and may just eliminate your need for a separate dresser. If your nursery is too small to handle a changing table dresser, then look for a compact changing table with a few drawers or shelves. You may also want to consider purchasing a changing pad and simply placing it on top of a long table or dresser.

    3.Keep the Rocking Chair in a Corner

    Purchase a rocking chair or glider if you have enough room for it. Tuck the rocking chair in an open corner. In order to take up less space, don’t use the chair’s ottoman.

    4.Paint the Walls in a Light Colour

    One trick to make a room seem bigger is to paint the walls in a light colour. Although white works best for this purpose, your nursery doesn’t have to be painted white. Pastel colours are great options for nursery walls. If you’re feeling creative, you could also opt to paint one wall a different colour, such as a shade of blue grey. Accent walls help make a room seem larger. You can also create a small mural above the crib or in one corner of the room.

    5.Accentuate the Room with Bright Colours

    Brightly coloured nurseries may be overwhelming. Stick to neutral shades for the walls and accentuate the room with occasional splashes of colour. For instance, you can purchase a bright mobile to hang over the crib or have a stack of colourful books displayed on a shelf. You can also line up your baby’s toys such as balls or blocks on a white table or shelf.

    6.Purchase a Shelf Floor Lamp

    If you browse through baby stores, you might find a shelf floor lamp. A shelf floor lamp serves as both a source of light and storage space for items such as bottles, books and other items. Shelf floor lamps do not take up a lot of room and are ideal for small nurseries.

    7.Sketch your Furniture Placements

    Before moving in furniture for your nursery, sketch out where you’d like to place each piece. Doing this will help you avoid having to move furniture back and forth.

    Furnishing a nursery can be a difficult task, especially if the room is a small one. Visit our website for ideas on how to decorate small nurseries

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    What Can Funeral Directors Do For You

    August 19th, 2011

    Death is a painful experience not only to a person but also to the bereaved family. The family is most often confused during this time. They cannot make sound decisions for the memorial service. During this tough period, the funeral director takes the obligation of planning for the funeral service. For someone who just still suffering, hiring a funeral director takes the burden off. The burden of doing such detailed tasks would be lifted upon the shoulders of the bereaved. As a result, the family will be able to focus more in grieving.

    A funeral ceremony is not a simple event. It takes times to prepare. There are so many things to consider and so many people to meet. From getting the corpse from the mortuary until the burial service or cremation, there are still issues to address in between. You also have to meet every person whom service is needed such as florists, mortician, a clergy or priest, coffin makers and some cemetery personnel. There are also those lawyers, insurance company and every person involve in the process. Aside from that, you have to pay each one of them. Since you have to issue plenty of checks, you lose track of your financial activities.

    This is what every funeral director would do for you. They can arrange a mortician to do the embalming and other needed procedure to the body. They will be the one to search for reliable coffin makers who will fit your budget. They can even help you in choosing the right design. They even run obituaries to reach out to other relatives, whom you must inform. Aside from that, they can contact various florists for the floral arrangements, get the priest or clergy who will conduct the ceremony. They even have access to every third party vendor that you can think of. The best part of it is the one-time payment. No hassle to withdraw cash or issue cheques every now and then. They can even offer it in a service package depending on your budget. It could turn out to be cheaper.

    Funeral directors are like errand runners who you can trust and believe. You do not have to do anything but instruct. Your worries will lessen. They can almost do absolutely anything you need. In addition, most funeral directors also handle the paper works and other legalities. They help in getting the death certificate. They may also provide assistance in claiming insurance money and benefits for the family. Funeral directors with the family’s permission can also do transfer of annuities and pensions.

    So, why would you put yourself in a difficult situation? Why worry about these details when you can simply hire someone trustworthy to do these things for you? As long as you employ a licensed and competent funeral director, then the hassle is gone. Do not stress out thinking what to do. Funeral directors are just right there for you. They are committed to work their best in order to give the best funeral service possible.

    If you need someone who can assist you in your funeral or burial needs, visit us at funeral directors locally. You can easily find the most reliable funeral director in your city or locality and contact them straight away.

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    Getting Kids in the Kitchen

    January 3rd, 2009

    With eager imaginations and enthusiastic spirits having your children help you in the kitchen can be easier than you think. With the chaos of making sure you get dinner on the table on time, keeping everyone happy and cooking healthy meals it seems like challenge to integrate your child in meal preparations. Ways of letting your child help in the kitchen is always in perspective of age and abilities. So given your child is capable and ready to help you in the kitchen it can be a great learning experience for them. With some simple tips your little chef will be on their way to culinary brilliance.

    One great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen is to let them feel involved. Allow them to do simple tasks like opening packages, measuring liquids and dry ingredients and fetching bowls and pots for you. This can give a child a really great sense of involvement by helping you. One great way to get your kids involved is to find out what your kids favorite recipes are.

    Kids love things like cookies, cakes and desserts obviously so why not let them get in on the fun of baking. One great all time baking classic are Rice Krispies Treats. This recipe is quick, simple and most of all fun. One great idea is to have a separate batch for you kids to cook with while you do your own. Set out everything they’ll need like sugar, butter, oil etc. and let them follow along with you that way when you pull their batch out of the oven they’ll be able to see how all their hard work paid off. Seeing what they’ve baked can be very big reward for the child, not to mention they get to lick the spoon! This idea can work with any of your child’s favorite snacks such as chocolate chip cookies, cakes, muffins or cupcakes. This idea is also perfect for the holiday season!

    When it comes time to make ginger bread houses and ginger bread men don’t forget to let the kids get in on all the holiday cheer. Kids can also be great helpers for the Chanukah feast, whether its matzo balls or latkes kids can be a helping hand with all the festivities.

    Hands-on in the kitchen is not the only way to get a child excited about cooking and baking. You can also incorporate the fun in the kitchen into their everyday imaginative play. Alex toys has a wonderful 13 piece stainless steel cookware set that includes everything from a whisk, tea kettle, frying pan and oven mitt. Also Melissa and Doug make a great wooden slice and bake cookie set for your little future bakers. This fun set includes a tube of 12 sliceable cookies with 12 decorative toppings, a kitchen mitt, wooden cookie sheet, knife and spatula. It’s all the fun without all the mess!

    Finally, what better way to complete your child’s play kitchen experience than with a delightful chef’s costume. This costume has all your little chef will need, like a white shirt, checkered skirt, chef hat and mittens. With all these great ideas, simple tips and toys your child shall be off to wow even the greatest chefs in no time!

    Alycia Shapiro is head chef and chief in charge of product selection at http://www.sensoryedge.com. You’ll find a great selection of play food , teaching toys, and play kitchens on sale.

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    The Perfect Holiday Gift For Kids: Blocks

    December 11th, 2008

    When the gift giving season comes back around it seems that children are among the hardest to shop for on the list, especially for the very young ones. When it comes to shopping for kids first thing is; think simple! Find something that is not something too elaborate. The more complicated a toy is the less chance you will have that it will be the right toy for a child. Find something universally liked by children that way you won’t go wrong. Second find something that is of good quality. If you buy a child something that is cheap and poorly made it will not last them long whereas with a quality toy can endure almost anything a child can throw at it. Third and finally look for a product that will keep a child’s interest for a long period of time. Toys that are popular in the moment may only keep a child’s attention for anywhere from few months to few moments after unwrapping. Does Furby sound familiar to anyone? You’ll want toys that a child can enjoy playing with through the years.

    With all these things in mind a great gift for a younger child will be easier to find. Think basic; what are the staple play toys that every child has? If you’ve ever seen a child open gifts on Christmas morning you know that there is always that very expensive gift that a child receives that comes in a box. The gift may be very impressive but after it’s opened the child will most likely play with the box instead. The irony of this goes back to one of the most basic toys a child plays with and that is simple block sets. There is nothing like a good old block set; it really is a universal gift. It’s perfect because it can last a child can play with for long time and it’s something that they can last them for years to come and you can find a set that is of very high quality. Even better blocks for child are not gender specific or age specific so any boy or girl of any age can enjoy them

    The basic block set is not as you may remember it when you were a child. Companies are making blocks in different colors, for different play purposes and different materials so those plain wooden blocks of the past are only one of many choices when it comes to block sets. Foam wonder blocks are just one example of the variety of blocks out there. This block set comes in a 68 set piece with a variety of shapes and colors of blocks. The best part is that these foam blocks are light, which makes them super easy to pick up. Also they are made out of EVA foam, which is free of any harmful chemicals. The best part is that since they are made out of foam they are safe to play with so nothing gets broken in the house and they are quiet so there is no ruckus during playtime. Another great idea for a gift is Alphabet Nesting and Stacking Blocks. These blocks are fun and brightly colored with pictures correlating to each letter and made of high grade cardboard. They are also great for alphabet learning and establishing coordination. So they are both fun and educational. Finally has created the Soft Pattern block set. This set comes with eight different shapes in four different colors, all in the same soft pattern. These blocks are specifically unique because of their endless stacking possibilities and unique bear and star pattern. This is also a great block set because of the versatility so a child will not get bored with these blocks very quickly.

    These fun and unique products are all great ideas for holiday gifts and are all available at www.sensoryedge.com. Alycia Shapiro has scoured the wholesale market for great toddler toys, toy blocks, and pretend play fun for kids ages 2 – 6.

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    Don’t Stress Out When Shopping For Children’s Holiday Gifts

    December 9th, 2008

    Holiday toys should be just as safe as they are fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect present.

    It really is better to give than to receive. The holidays are that one time of year when everyone seems to go the extra mile to get that perfect gift especially for all the little ones in their lives. You’ve got to admit that watching a child get that present they’ve been waiting for is more fun for you! But while you’re in the middle of your gift-buying craze, here are a few safety tips that will keep mom and dad’s mind at ease.

    Okay, so I know what you’re thinking, I don’t have time to do a little homework! I just want something under the tree. Just a few minutes on the web can save you hours in the returns line. This kind of research is focused on safety. Many stores are not up to date with the latest safety information on toys. In fact, I recently read an article about a woman that purchased a toy that had been recalled that she purchased at a local toy store. You can avoid this by checking out www.cpsc.gov. This website announces all of the most current recalls and can help you shop smart.

    Let’s be honest, silence really is golden unless it’s the wonderful sound of kids laughing. Most people want to avoid toys that make a lot of noise; but did you know that there’s actually a good reason to avoid them? Certain toys that make sounds are not regulated and are actually loud enough to cause hearing damage to young children. Kids tend to put their ear next the speakers on these toys, and that can simply be too close. A good rule of thumb: if it hurts your ears, leave it at the store.

    We see so many labels on products that it becomes “white noise” and it’s easy to glance over a safety label or ignore it completely. But they’re there for a reason! Before you get in line or press the place order button, take a closer look at the age recommendation. Many people argue that their child is advanced and can handle the more sophisticated toys, but when dealing with a child’s safety you are better safe than sorry. Small parts are a disaster in waiting and we all know that kids tend to place things in their mouth. Marbles, magnets, and other tiny pieces must be kept away from young children regardless of their intelligence level.

    Last but not least is a comment on cleaning up. It’s Christmas morning, mom and dad have their coffee in hand and watch the kids open boxes like 49’ers going after a gold strike. Soon you’re surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and empty boxes. Take a few minutes to clear the area, this won’t just help your house looking nicer; it will help keep your kids safe. The fact that the toy is safe doesn’t mean that the packaging is too. There are so many little plastic pieces and zip ties in that empty box that can be become a safety hazard in the wrong hands or swallowed by a family pet.

    So now you have a list that you can check twice before your shopping adventure begins. Keeping these tips in mind and taking a little extra time before you hit the buy button will make the joy of the season cheerful and less stressful.

    Alycia Shapiro is a mom and a toy store owner. She has filled her store at http://www.sensoryedge.com with fabulous educational toys and kids furniture that have made SensoryEdge a popular destination for parents, teachers and therapists. If you’re looking for a great gift,

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    Interview With Dick and Cheryl Shaw of Little Colorado

    December 3rd, 2008

    Their name may be Little Colorado but this unique company is anything but little. As a producer of high quality children’s furniture Little Colorado is one of the few American furniture producers left and it is one thing that they pride themselves in. As their name says Little Colorado is located in the state’s capital of Denver and did not start out as the large company they are now. Back in the mid 1980′s the company’s founders, Dick and Cheryl Shaw found themselves in the middle of an economic slump for the city of Denver. Both having well established jobs, the two were offered job opportunities in other cities when their previous workplaces had closed. However they decided to take a different route and find an entrepreneurial business opportunity there in Denver. As they began their search for a new business venture the company’s founders realized there were not very many options when it came to moderately priced children’s furniture. It seemed that children’s furniture was only came in two options; cheaply made and cheap or cheaply made and expensive. There had to be more options than that! The Shaws knew that there would be a market for high quality furniture that was also affordable. Little Colorado has drawn from their Colorado roots to produce wood furniture with the classic western flair.

    As time has past Little Colorado has really spread its wings and become an international company. Little Colorado’s products have traveled the globe and have reached children all the way in countries such as Canada, Brittan and Japan. Despite their booming business Little Colorado has not forgotten to take the time and do something for their community. The LC gang participates in many charitable causes for children and also gives employment opportunities to legal immigrants who come from places like Armenia and Russia. Cheryl Shaw takes special pride in her foreign employees, “One of our managers, who has been with us for 10 years, came to us as a young man from Armenia, worked his way up through the ranks, is now our second in command, and several years ago became an American citizen. That had to be one of our proudest days.” Little Colorado has given these immigrants opportunities in order to become successful here and many of them have reached success within the company and on their own. Little Colorado has also down on their luck American who have dealt with personal issues to help them on their way to reestablishing a life for themselves in society.

    This special company attribute’s its success to providing a product that is of high quality and unique products and it is what sets them so far apart their competition. Little Colorado also stands out in the area of product delivery. The company prides itself in their speedy shipping. Cheryl Shaw says,” Our customers will never hear ‘Sorry! Your product did not make it from China as scheduled’ “. Being an American company Little Colorado does not have to ship or outsource from the foreign countries so the shipping process is a breeze. As the company’s philosophy says their goal is to provide quality product as well as consistent delivery in a timely fashion. Now that Little Colorado has branched out to a global market, overcome some challenges over the years and grown to be a well established company they are now ready to focus on the future. Some of their goals are to become a more eco-friendly company and “Go Green”. As a company in the beautiful state of Colorado they know that our environment is something that we should respect and take care of. Little Colorado would also like to broaden their horizons with their customers and diversify their customer base but above all Little Colorado will forever and always continue to emphasize the importance of being made in America.

    Alycia Shapiro is Vice President in charge of product development at SensoryEdge. You can visit her websites to learn more about Little Colorado Kids Furniture and other great products at www.sensoryedge.com.

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    Teaching Kids to Eat Right Through Play Food

    November 30th, 2008

    As parent it seems like days consists of nothing but chores. Having to run errands all around town including picking up and dropping off the kids, taking care of finances and finally making sure everyone gets fed amongst all the chaos. With all the madness you may have to resort to a frozen meal or two every once in awhile. We’ve all done it! But despite the craziness of everyday life you as a parent want your child to eat well and get the nutrition they need. However most of the time you don’t have the ability to sit by your child as they eat and make sure they finish every bite of their vegetables at every meal. Currently childhood obesity is at an all time high with over 20% of children in the overweight category. Childhood Obesity also known to cause illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, Insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and liver disease. But there doesn’t need to be all doom when it comes to your child’s nutrition. You can help your child eat better by taking a few simple steps.

    The goal is to make changes in your child’s eating habits not put them on a diet. A simple step could be to start every meal off with a fresh salad or adding a side dish of fresh steamed veggies. Making this a daily routine will help incorporate vegetables in your child’s everyday eating habits. Vegetables not on your child’s list of favorite foods then try steps to cooking lighter. Instead of using butter or oil use a low calorie substitute. Also a great way to help with your child’s nutrition is to cut down on soda intake. At the dinner table have things like water, milk and fresh juices instead. This will bring necessary nutrients while also cutting out the high levels of sugar and calories that are contained in soda. Finally at the end of dinner rather than serve a dessert of ice cream, cake and pudding try switching things up with some fresh fruit. Sliced watermelon, strawberries, pineapple and oranges are just a few ideas to help incorporate fruits into your child’s eating habits as well.

    One unique way to encourage your children to eat healthier is to show them through their toys. As parents it seems that with children play always imitates life. Manufacturers like Melissa & Doug have a great set of toys that can teach any child the appreciation for fruits, vegetables and eating a balanced diet. First they have the Play-time Produce Vegetable Set. This set contains tomatoes, corn, carrots, cucumbers and other vegetables. With this durable, light-weight and health conscious toy you can get your kids to love their veggies early on. Another set is the Cutting Fruit set. This set contains 17 hand-painted wooden pieces of fruit along with a wooden knife. When you use the wooden knife the fruit makes a realistic cutting sound. With this fun and unique set you can teach your child how to get their five servings in a day. Another favorite is the food groups set. This well-balanced 21 piece food set with all four food groups, individually boxed in wooden crates for storage, sorting and stacking is perfect for teaching children about healthy eating. All the pieces are made of wood so they are sturdy and durable for even the roughest of play. Another great thing about all these products mentioned is that they are all non-toxic, which is perfect for food play!

    Hopefully with a few of these easy tips you and your kids will be off to happy and healthy eating. Plus pretend play fun instead of hours in front of the TV.

    Alycia Shapiro is the head cheese at SensoryEdge. Known for kids furniture and educational toys. You’ll also find great toy food sets that will provide fun and education year round. For more on childhood obesity, please visit http://www.obesityprevention.org/childhood/index.html.

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