3 Kids and Us

Why is there a foul odor coming from my drains?

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You’ve given the kitchen a complete cleaning, and yet you still smell some lingering odors. Puzzled? Try sniffing the drains. A lot of mysterious kitchen smells are coming from hidden sources down in your pipes.

From Los Angeles to Sydney, plumbers are often called for this simple problem when you can easily take care of it on your own.

The Causes

There can be a few reasons why you are getting bad odors in your drains, though the main one is that there is a blockage or clog of organic material that smells. It’s not enough to actually block the water flow, but even a small build-up of food waste can start to rot and that’s what you’re smelling.

In particular, this can be a real problem if your kitchen sink has a garbage disposal. Food waste constantly gets clogged in it, and without proper cleaning, it will start to smell.

There is a small chance that you may have a more serious problem with sewage, but it’s highly unlikely. The best approach is to clean out the drains and see if that fixes the problem. If not, then call the plumber and see if there is more going on.

How to Get Rid of the Smell

Now that you have an idea why there are odors coming from your drain, you can take a few simple steps to get the problem cleaned up.

As we mentioned, garbage disposals are a special concern for drain smells. Let’s deal with that first. A popular technique for cleaning disposals is to take a handful of ice cubes and/or a quartered whole lemon (rind and all) and run through a cycle. The chunks of ice will break away any food clogs and the lemon will remove grease as well as freshen up the smell.

For the drain with no disposal, you have to take a less vigorous approach. A simple trick can be pouring a full kettle of boiling hot water down the drain. The heat will almost instantly melt any grease, which is usually the glue that holds food clogs together. When the clog washes away, the smells go too. This is a great and easy technique that you should do every week to prevent any problems rather than wait until you smell something.

Another trick is to pour vinegar down the drain, as the acid will kill a lot of bacteria that can be causing smells. For a stronger approach, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain and then follow up with the same amount of vinegar. The fizzing will break up small clogs and free any food build-up.

And don’t forget that drain basket. It’s a great tool to keep food out of the drain, but it can get pretty disgusting itself (especially the bottom side that you don’t see). Give it a good scrubbing once a week to keep it clean and smelling fresh. If you don’t have a drain basket, that could be part of the problem since all sorts of food bits and other material is ending up down in the pipes. Try getting a strainer basket and see if it helps with future smells, just give it a wash now and then.

What’s In And What’s Not For Prom 2017

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Every girl dreams of wearing the most sensational dress in the world for her prom night. That’s why we’ve put together the latest trends for 2017 – so you can choose the best possible style, shade, cut, and shape for your special event and be sure to be the Belle of your Ball.

The Main Trends for Prom in 2017

Every year we see a wide range of innovative designs popping up on the catwalks in time for prom dress shopping, but overall, this year’s trend is to be classic and elegant. Evening dresses always have a special place at prom, but, there are a few new designer threads you may want to consider.

Long Dresses

Long dresses for prom are elegant, stylish, and traditional. Floor length gowns are making a big comeback this year, and we’re sure to see more girls opting for long, flowing ball gowns for their big night. The most popular style of long dresses is set to be form-fitting fabrics with fluffy skirts. These selection of prom dresses for 2017 are very pretty. It’s worth noting that the length of form fitting dresses may not quite reach the floor, but more popularly to the knees or a little bit higher.

Convertible Dresses

The convertible dress is also a hit this year. In this case, a dress that flows to the floor is best and looks the most elegant by far! 2017 will see prom girls picking long dresses with fluffy skirts and corsets, and there will certainly be a wide variety of colours and shapes to choose from.

Lace Dresses

Another trend to be on the lookout for this year is dresses with bodices made of lace and other transparent materials. Other trends include oval, “to the neck,” boat neck, and even deep swing collars along with open arm options, cut-out heart shapes, and “carmen” sleeves. One shoulder strapped are also big this year, regardless of whether the strap is wide or narrow.

What’s on the Catwalks?

So, which trends have shown the most promise on the catwalks for 2017? Mainly, garments adorned with lace with extensive inserts. While these are a little more costly that other styles, they are certainly unique and will ensure you stand out at prom.

We also need to discuss 2017 prom dress colours. Designers from around the globe always bring out something new and trendy that is sure to impress on the big night. But, as we mentioned earlier, this year is about class and elegance, and that means shades of white and black are very in. While there really aren’t any compulsory colour rules for evening dresses, you really cannot go wrong with a black or white prom dress. Also in this year are pearl and greys.

If you are still deciding what type of dress you would like for your 2017 prom, keep elegant, classy, and lain shades in mind, and if you’re looking for that “wow” factor, go for lace with intricate and extensive details!

Things that Couples with Kids Should Consider before Getting a Divorce

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Getting a divorce is very rarely a comfortable experience and if you have kids, things get even more complicated. While no one from the outside has the right to judge you for your decision, there are things that both the parents should consider for the future well-being of their children. On that note, let’s take a look at some those points before you call the divorce attorney.

It’s Not the Same for Them

Getting separated after a particularly suffocating marriage can be a life-changing and positive experience for you, but it’s almost certainly not the same for them. Do not try to make them a part of your delight if they don’t want that. Never use force to “make” them accept the situation. Seeing one’s parents leave each other and learning to live with just one parent most of the time can be a harrowing experience. The best thing you can do is give them time to adjust to the new situation and provide them with your support when they need it.

Be with Your Kids

For many, divorce is a release and while we are not denying that, if you have kids, you need to be with them during and right after the divorce. It is necessary that both parties adjust to the new situation and all that comes with it, but what about the kids? You took a decision that they likely had no part in but have just turned their world around and changed everything in that world. The logical thing to do is not to just pack up and move to chase a new life right away but to be with your kids and help them adjust to the current situation.

Don’t make them feel like they have just lost both of their parents by going away on that exotic vacation right after a divorce. The vacation will surely come later, but the kids come first. If the children are young and you already have a boyfriend or girlfriend, it is important that they are given the opportunity to view that person not as an intruder into their lives, but as a part of the family. It will not happen right away or may not even happen easily, but the patience and the effort need to be there.

Not Everything Will Be Peachy

The partner being left will always feel betrayed and victimized, while the one who files for the divorce will likely feel more positive. The clash of heightened emotions makes for two very unstable people, which isn’t good news for kids, especially small children. One must act both cautiously and with empathy for the ex in order to make the painful transition phase as smooth as possible for both parties and, especially, the children. Also, even after the divorce is over, it is very likely that you will continue to come in regular contact with your ex since you both have children together. There might also be other issues like maintaining legal agreements, allowing maintenance, and dealing with negligent exes among others.

Even though divorce is not always the best solution to all the problems in your marriage, it might often be the only option left. In such cases, a qualified divorce attorney will help you make a case and win the divorce in your favor, but even then, it is ideal to consider and reconsider some of the points made here until you are sure about getting that divorce.

5 Best Snack Foods to Keep Your Family Healthy

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Keeping your family fit and healthy is a challenge. It’s not that easy maintaining a healthy lifestyle all year round because people, especially kids, are drawn to processed and sugary foods.  Anything that’s green and fresh is often considered unpalatable because of the influence of tempting food commercials.

As a responsible family member, your job is to make sure that everyone at home gets the essential nutrients he or she needs to ward off sickness and diseases like flu, obesity, and diabetes. Providing healthy and nutritious snacks is an excellent strategy to promote health in your family.

In this article, we’ve prepared a list of the best snack foods that are sure to delight everyone. These snacks guarantee that your family eats right without the dangers of processed carbs and sugar. Read on.


  1. Banana Nut Oatmeal

Nothing is healthier in the morning than a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal is a wholegrain which is a healthy source of fiber that lowers bad cholesterol (LDL). If you find oatmeal a bland choice for snacks, mix it with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Bananas help lower your risk for developing asthma and are a good source of vitamin C. Walnuts support brain health by improving cognitive function. Lastly, ground cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory properties that relieve allergies.


  1. Apple Slices with Organic Peanut Butter

Do your kids hate apples? Apples are extremely beneficial since they’re rich in polyphenols, plant chemicals that work as antioxidants to fight off free radicals in the body. Polyphenols offer protection from heart disease  and certain cancers.

To make apples super tasty, the trick is to add a spread of organic peanut butter on each slice. This isn’t only a yummy snack treat, but also provides added protein and potassium.


  1. Strawberry Almond Smoothie

Here’s an easy to make, delicious snack that’ll satisfy your family’s mid-morning or afternoon cravings: Strawberry almond smoothie. Consuming smoothies is a creative way to incorporate fruits into your daily diet. Adults and kids love smoothies since they’re cold and creamy.

To prepare strawberry almond smoothie, simply blend strawberries, almond milk, sugar, and tofu. You can use Splenda as a sugar substitute. Adjust your sweetness preference. Strawberries and almond milk promote a healthier brain and nervous system while tofu provides all eight essential amino acids.


  1. Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

If anyone in your family is a sweet tooth, he or she will absolutely love frozen yogurt blueberry bites. These deliciously sweet and sour treats can be the best substitute for any unhealthy dessert. Loaded with calcium, antioxidants, and fiber, you can pop as many as you want in your mouth without the guilt of gaining weight.

You only need 10 minutes to prepare these frozen yogurt blueberry bites. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare a bowl of blueberries and a bowl of Greek yogurt. Poke each blueberry with a toothpick and dip it into the Greek yogurt. Place each dipped blueberry on the sheet. Once you’re done, freeze the dipped blueberries for about an hour.


  1. Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins

Kids love calling this snack treat Ants on a Log. Adding a spread of peanut butter and raisin on a celery stick is a great way to have fun with this versatile vegetable. Because celery contains vitamins such as A, C, E, and B6, it lowers cholesterol levels, promotes healthy joints, and calms the nerves.

The addition of peanut butter and raisins add taste to the celery and provides your family with protein, potassium, and iron.

Conclusion

An effective way to help family members gain healthy eating practices is to provide them with nutritious and delicious snack foods. Snacking for children and adults is an important element of a healthy lifestyle. You can be as creative as you want when preparing snack treats. Don’t be afraid to mix and match fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

School Daze: Smartphone Apps to Keep Your Kids on Track

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21st-century kids are busy, busy, busy. A combination of homework, after school activities, at-home chores and social obligations can be hard to manage. Good thing there are some great smartphone apps that parents and kids can use to stay on track. In the interest of happy futures for everyone, we’re pleased to present some of the top Android apps for parents and kids.

Study smarter, not harder

An innovative app called StudyBlue facilitates the crowdsource creation of study guides for high school students and college scholars. Classmates and teachers can use StudyBlue to build flashcards and shared notes. Available for iOS and Android, this handy homework app is completely compatible with Evernote. The free version is very effective. Upgraded versions cost less than ten bucks a month and are worth the cost, advises Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

Speaking of Evernote… Photos, web pages, written content, and memoranda may be easily organized with Evernote. Students use Evernote to put together customized notebooks that may be shared or exported. Synchronizing editable notes projects is simple and quick with this excellent app for Android, Windows and iOS devices. The bare-bones version is free. For additional storage and more uploads, go for a paid plan.

Students can share audio notes via phone call and save them for future reference with Call Recorder for Me from Apalon. This cool Android app is legal to use, as long as both parties to the call know that it’s being recorded. For after-school homework groups, Skype is fun and easy to use. Parents might wish to monitor their students’ video chat time, however, because it’s easy for kids to use Skype for goofing off, too.

MyHomework for Apple and Android helps kids track homework assignments and upcoming examinations. Teachers who use the app can upload study files and test scores and remind students to study for tests. Parents may monitor the app to provide additional incentives that keep kids focused.

Reading and rewards

Kids who log into Biblionasium may find it easier to stay up to date with classroom reading assignments. The free dot com site facilitates communication between parents and teachers and offers incentives for completed reading assignment logs. Biblionasium also offers a search feature to help parents and kids find age appropriate reading material for after school fun.

Organize family meetings and events

Virtually every family member can use Google Calendar to manage their time. With a short learning curve, this free app lets parents and kids maintain individual calendars with color coding to emphasize super important upcoming events. The app can be synchronized across all platforms and devices and is one of the best methods of staying on track, says Learning Liftoff magazine.

Being a kid can be even more fun when time and efforts are organized. Parents who help their kids stay on track reap the rewards of happy, well-adjusted students. Try a few of these apps to see which ones work best for you and your kids.