3 Kids and Us

Things to Do to Get Your Home Prepared for the Cold Weather

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School is back and session and that means one thing…the cooler weather is just around the corner. As beautiful as the fall can be and as magical as the winter weather might look, getting your home ready is imperative to surviving the harsh elements throughout the cold season. If you haven’t started preparing, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the cool weather ahead. Here are some suggestions for getting ready:

Weatherize the House

During the fall and winter, the heating bills tend to surge due to the cost of gas and oil. You can reduce the amount of energy you’re using in your home during the cooler months by improving its efficiency. Over time, every home loses efficiency (some even start off inefficient). Cracks in the walls, around the windows and doors, and issues in the property’s foundation can quickly become ways for cool air to get in the home and your warm heat to get out.

Weatherizing your home essentially means finding and plugging those airways so that you can keep the cold air out and your heat in. Here are some suggestions on how to weatherize your home:

  • Place weather stripping around the doors and windows
  • Put plastic around windows that have cracks or let in a lot of cold air
  • Reinsulate the basement and attic
  • Fill in cracks with calk
  • Fix any foundation issues

Service Your Heating System

You’re going to rely on your heating system a lot during the fall and winter. A heating system that isn’t properly maintained will eventually lose efficiency. This isn’t good for a few reasons. First, it will cause the heating system to work harder to generate heat through the house. Second, it will cause your heating bills to increase. Lastly, it could lead to serious damage. Contact a company that specializes in heating repair and maintenance. They can check for any underlying issues and complete routine maintenance like cleaning the ventilation system and changing air filters.

Get the Gutters Cleaned

Having the gutters cleaned at least once or twice a year is necessary for the structure and integrity of your home. When gutters aren’t cleaned, they fill up with debris like twigs and leaves from nearby trees. This debris then clogs the gutter system preventing it from properly navigating rain waters away from your house. When the water isn’t properly routed away from the house, it can saturate the ground around it resulting in serious foundation issues.

If you’re not afraid to grab a ladder and clean them yourself, then by all means, get up there and do it. However, if you’re afraid of heights or have never cleaned the gutters before, it’s best to contact a roofing company for assistance. Not only will they clean your gutters, they can assess your roof to ensure that it will withstand the rain in the fall and the heavy snow and winds in the winter.

Tend to the Garden

Another home improvement task you’ll need to do before the winter comes is tending to the garden. Most of the garden chores you can do yourself unless you happen to have a black thumb. Towards the end of fall you’ll need to start cleaning up and covering up your garden for the winter. Start by getting rid of the dead stems and foliage from your flowers and/or veggies. This prevents them from harboring diseases and insect nests during the winter. Then, get rid of any weeds and debris before the ground gets too cold to deal with. Till the soil and then add compost to the soil. The fall is also a good time to dig and box any raised beds, create a cold frame, and complete any other general gardening repairs.

Home Décor

Some might consider making changes to the home’s décor to bring sort of a warm feeling to the cooler seasons ahead. Some home décor ideas can actually help to make the house feel warmer and save you money. For instance, putting up thicker window treatments can help to keep the cool air out. Switching to heavier bedding minimizes the need for the heat to be turned up too high when it’s cold at night. There are a ton of home décor ideas you could try for the fall and winter.

Well, you’ve got a laundry list of things to complete before the cold weather arrives. It’s a good idea to get started on these things sooner rather than later. As unpredictable as the weather can be at times, you don’t want the cold season to come upon you and you’re not prepared.

Experience Enchantment and Ecstasy at Disney World

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It’s magical, moving, and a must see. Disney World holds so many wonders for people of all ages, it’s a great experience, and has left all its visitors wanting to return again and again. It’s a place where boys and girls see their most loved movie characters come to life, and where adults relive fond childhood memories. See a phenomenal picture of this multinational mass media company at this resplendent resort: take the kids to Disney World, and have the time of your lives. Here’s some things to see while you’re there.

Magic Kingdom Park

This is the first of the 4 theme parks opened at Walt Disney, and is suitably named, because it is truly a magical experience. Children, and adults, have been able to behold some of the most cherished, and memorable Disney characters, from Mickey Mouse to Cinderella. Electrifying and exhilarating entertainment is on offer each day at the theme park, and they surely won’t leave you disappointed.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a popular ride in the park. It’s both a haunting and hilarious experience all in one.  It depicts a haunted goldmine, wrapped up in legend stories of supernatural forces within the caverns. Grab all the family, and jump on board for a evocative journey.

One of the most identifiable buildings, as you enter the theme park, is Cinderella’s fairy tale palace. A glowing, and intricate, brick structure with blue tips, not only lights up its structure, but the emotions of all who come across it. The wonderful love story of Cinderella has stayed in the hearts of many throughout all generations, and now you can step into this storybook adventure yourself.

Epcot

Twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park, this 300 acre theme park is a place where you can let your imagination run wild. Get the feel for what it would be like to travel around the world on land or sea, in a place where countries are united. Its truly a sight to behold, and to celebrate by being amazed and entertained by all its wonders.

In Epcot, you can be enthralled and enlightened at the same time, one of the attractions you can do this in is The Circle Of Life. Be captivated by these classic film characters from Lion King, as they share important lessons about the environment. Let Simba set you straight on your surroundings, as he teaches some important facts to Timon and Pumbaa.

Let your emotions come to life with a visit to Headquarters where you can meet the highly entertaining characters, Joy and Sadness, from the recent Disney Pixar film Inside Out. Capture a moment with them and gain a feel of what it’s like inside Riley’s head. The options of what to do at Epcot are inexhaustible.

Dine With Disney

Make sure you don’t missed out on the host of places to eat while you’re at the resort. You could enjoy a storybook dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, where you meet the Disney Princesses, in a building with the ambiance of a castle and cathedral combined. Or enjoy eating the old fashioned way at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, American comfort food at its best. There’s plenty of other places you could enjoy a good meal at Disney, so fill your tummy as well as your imagination.

Balancing fatherhood with having a healthy lifestyle

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You don’t need to be told that becoming a father is a life-changing experience. The fact is telegraphed from a thousand different directions. Your time will never be your own again, your sleep patterns will be messed up beyond recognition, you’ll have scant time to see your buddies, you’ll know more about children’s TV shows than what’s happening in the NBA or the NFL. But you already knew all that, right?

Of course, you did. But you probably didn’t know the 100 other ways in which parenthood changes your life. The good news is that most of these are incredibly positive, which is why most new dads reel off lists like the one above with a smile on their face – who cares who’s making the playoffs this year, you’ve got more important things on your mind now, and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

However, there are some things that can creep up on you that are not so life-affirming – for example, the dreaded phenomenon that the Brits have dubbed the dad bod. Let’s find out how you can keep in trim, particularly when there is a rapidly growing ankle biter to keep up with.

Eat properly

The problem stems from a combination of the fuel that you are putting in and the exercise that you are doing to keep in shape, but the single largest issue with new dads putting on some extra inches concerns diet. Many are quite certain that they eat less as they find themselves rushing off to work without having had breakfast due to lack of time, and then bolting something quickly in the evening.

Therein lies the problem. Skipped meals do not help – they just mess with your metabolism and increase the temptation to grab something fast and unhealthy to keep hunger at bay. The body likes routine, and by eating regular meals at regular times, you will metabolize food faster and more effectively.

The truth is that babies and kids thrive on routine, so there should really be more reason to eat properly and regularly than there was before.

Get out there

You have more in common with your kids than you might realize. Not only do you both need regular healthy meals, but you also need fresh air and exercise. The archetypal image of the dad out there kicking a soccer ball or throwing some catches with his youngster are great to put into practice, but the important thing to remember is that it is never too early to start.

Your three-month-old baby is not going to be throwing a ball like Joe Montana, but get out there every day with the stroller, take a walk, and get into the routine of venturing out together. The time will disappear faster than you know, and the transition from those first tentative steps to you struggling to keep up will happen in the blink of an eye.

Get checked out

A healthy diet and regular exercise will put you on the right course, but if you are still feeling less than 100 percent, it is always worth getting checked out medically. As we enter our 30s and beyond, there are a number of potential ailments that can crop up, and almost all can be alleviated quickly, just as long as you get them diagnosed.

Even the healthiest dads can find their cholesterol level creeping up as middle age approaches, while a testosterone blood test can be booked online and can identify issues such as calcium deficiency.

Don’t forget your social life

Despite all the tongue-in-cheek comments earlier, it is important for dads to have a little time out and remember that they are still one of the guys, just as much as moms need their girl time.

Schedule something, even if it is just a couple of times a month, and take the opportunity to do more than sink a few beers. This is an ideal moment to relive those youthful days and throw a ball around in the park for half an hour. Chances are, your friends are in a similar position to you, and they will love the idea – and you can always have a beer or two afterwards!

A schedule that works

Most things in life are about achieving a balance, and keeping fit in fatherhood is no difference. The most important thing to try to achieve is routine so that the good habits are convenient and become second nature. If they are a chore, they will end up being dropped, and that’s a guarantee. Good luck!

Helping Your Child Get Used To Being At A Child Care Centre

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If your child has just started at child care, remember that things can go wrong on the first day, and your child will likely protest when it’s time to say goodbye. Many kids experience nervousness and anxiety when starting child care for the first time, but there is quite a bit you can do to make the transition as easy as possible for both you and your little one.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Child Care

You can begin preparing your child by talking to him or her in advance, telling then where they will be going and what they will be doing during the day. You could also take your child to visit the day care centre a few times before you have to leave them for the first day. Show your child where he or she will be going and answer any questions that have as openly and honestly as you can to reassure them that everything will be okay.

On the first day, try to arrive around 15 minutes beforehand to help your child settle into some sort of activity before you have to get to work. This way, they’re less likely to protest your leaving if they’re already having fun.

If your child is bound to be anxious, send a familiar object like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal to help him or her adjust to the situation. Child care centres in Sydney or in your local area are always happy to accommodate these kinds of things.

Here are a few more tips to make your child feel at ease:

  • Try to make enough time so that you won’t be rushing to sing in and get your child settled with an activity.
  • Be sure to take note of your own body language when you say goodbye to your child. If you feel uncertain, you could be showing your own anxiety to him or her.
  • Try to resist the temptation to just sneak out the door when your little one is not looking – it could well create problems for you both. If your child fears that you are going to disappear each time you drop them at school, they may be unwilling to let you out of their sight.
  • If you think your child is going to react very strongly on day one, see if your partner or a friend could drop them off.
  • Ask the teacher if they can provide insight about any problems. For example, your little one may not like other children or is just having a hard time settling down for a nap.
  • Do your best to stick to a routine and avoid making any changes while your child gets used to the new arrangement.
  • Accept that it’s time for your little one to adjust to his or her new school routine and that some children may take longer than others.
  • Try to be alert to any underlying problems. If your little one has yet to settle into the new arrangement, it may be time to talk to the teacher. It could be something as simple as a personality clash and your child may do better in another classroom.

Remember those tips and your child will be able to adjust in the child care centre easily.

Essential Tips on How to Have a Great Family Vacation in LA

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So, you’ve decided that you want to take the family for a vacation in LA. You know what you want to do and have already found one of the Los Angeles vacation rentals that’s going to be perfect for you and the kids. But, there’s one nagging feeling at the back of your mind. And that’s all about how you can make sure that everyone one is happy and has the best time on their vacation. If you’re in this position, don’t worry. We’ve all been there and experienced this at some point. Here are some essential tips on how to have the perfect family vacation in Los Angeles.

What Makes LA a Great Destination for Families?

The main reason is that LA has so many things to keep everyone in the family entertained and interested for the length of the trip. You can find something that suits pretty much any age and even the more resilient of teens will enjoy some of the activities. But, as parents, we all know that there’s a fine line between having a perfect trip and an absolute disaster! Let’s have a look at what you should do.

Plan, Plan, Plan:

Planning is one of the most important parts of having a successful and stress-free family vacation. The more time you take at the start by coming up with a suitable itinerary to keep everyone happy, the smoother it will be when you arrive. It’s also a good idea to read recent reviews on blogs or TripAdvisor to get an idea of any unexpected things that may pop-up so that you’ll be more prepared.

Plan what you want to do each day and draft up an itinerary to keep things organized. You should also consider spending a full day at the theme parks. One of the most important things to do is to plan carefully and not to overdo it with the different activities. The last thing anyone wants is to start off at breakneck speed to find themselves exhausted on the third day.

Start Your Day as Early as Possible:

When you’re on vacation, it can be difficult to drag yourself out of bed at 7 am. We all want to stay in bed until 11 am when we’re not working, right? But, this isn’t a good idea if you’re planning a day of sightseeing. The crowds typically start to come in the late morning and early afternoon. This means that you may be faced with long waits if you don’t get there early enough.

Quite simply, the best thing to do is to aim to avoid the crowds as much as possible. This means there will be less stress for you and the kids won’t get bored whilst waiting in the long lines. And the earlier you start, the earlier you finish, which means you can then have more time relaxing later in the day.

Take Advantage of Early Bird Deals and Offers:

A savvy parent will look online before taking their family vacation to see what early bird tickets and promotions are available. The better ones will give you a discount and allow you to skip the line. This is one of the best features of booking in advance because who wants to spend hours standing in the queue to get into the attraction?

Always Book a Hotel with Breakfast Included:

One of the top ways to make the most out of the time when you’re on vacation is to book a hotel or resort that offers a buffet breakfast. This saves you both time and money in the morning and the day will typically start off in a positive light. Compare this to waking up early and then spending 30 minutes walking around the street to find a place to get some food. If you’re staying at a vacation rental, consider stocking up on food from the supermarket for breakfast. This also helps you to leave at the earlier times to avoid the crowds and long lines later on.

Allocate at Least One Day to Relax:

There’s nothing wrong with spending a few hours relaxing around the pool. It’s a good idea to find your accommodation in a place that’s near the beach or has a pool at the very least. One day of relaxing will be perfect for everyone. And the best part is, you don’t have to plan the day!

Choose the Activities to Suit Everyone in Your Family:

Just because you and the spouse want to see Hollywood or visit some of the museums, it doesn’t mean that the kids or teens will appreciate it as much. Make sure you ask everyone what they want to do and find something to suit everyone. Younger kids tend to prefer areas where they can play and older ones love the thrills at the theme park. This is a family vacation and everyone should have their say on what they want to do.

Have a Budget and Stick to it:

The final point is a practical way to enjoy your holiday and not feel the post-vacation blues when you return home and realize just how much you’ve actually spent. Set a daily budget and stick to it as much as possible. It’s OK to spend a little extra, but if you do go overboard, the little extras quickly add up when there are three or four of you.

The Takeaway Message:

Los Angeles is a great place to spend a family vacation. Plan ahead and ask everyone what they want to do and see. And don’t forget to have at least one day around the pool or beach to relax!