Thursday, October 5, 2017

Freedom Debt Relief Reviews Six Ways Parents Can Reduce the Cost of Childcare


Here’s a sobering fact for parents of young children: in some states, full-time childcare costs more than a year of college. You read that correctly. Families end up paying anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000 per year for full-time childcare depending on the child’s age and the state. It’s tough for parents to find ways to cut costs on quality childcare. In this article, Freedom Debt Relief reviews a few ways you can save on childcare without sacrificing the quality of care our child receives.

Shop around for childcare. Don’t settle on the first place you find without checking out at least two or three other day cares. Ask co-workers, friends, and relatives for recommendations on quality childcare in your area. You may be able to find a less expensive environment that still provides all the features you’re looking for in a childcare facility.

For example, consider a co-op, home-based daycare, community center, church or an organization such as the YMCA. These options are often less expensive than franchised childcare centers. It’s important, however, that you do the proper due diligence to be sure you’re choosing a safe place for your child.

Use your employer’s flexible spending account
. If your employer offers one, you can deposit up to $5,000 pre-tax dollars into a flexible spending account. You don’t save on childcare directly, but you can save up to 40% in taxes by maxing out the FSA depending on your tax rates. Keep in mind you have to use all the funds by the end of the year – which will be easy for some families.

Take advantage of the child are tax credit. You still have options if your employer doesn’t offer a flexible spending account or if your family spends more than $5,000 a year on childcare.  You can take advantage of the credit as long as the child is under age 13 and you include the federal tax ID number for the childcare provider. The credit, as Freedom Debt Relief reviews, allows families to save up to $3,000 on childcare for one child and up to $6,000 for childcare for multiple children.

Explore your options for financial assistance. Scholarships and government assistance are other options for reducing the cost of childcare. Ask the director at your childcare center about any discounts or scholarships that may be available for families. Families earning less than 200% of the poverty line may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Care. If your family doesn’t qualify for assistance based on income, Freedom Debt Relief reviews the Child Care Aware program as an option to get information about other programs that may be available for you, according to Freedom Debt Relief reviews.

Get help from friends and family. You may be able to avoid paying the expensive price tag on childcare by getting help from friends and family. If you’re unable to pay a lot of money, you may be able to do a service or task for them in exchange for childcare services. Consider paying for part-time childcare and having a trusted friend or relative care for your child a couple of days a week.

In two-income households, it’s common for childcare to almost devour one of the paychecks. In some cases, it may make more financial sense for one parent to stay at home with the children, especially with multiple children. Freedom Debt Relief reviews found a free Decision Making Tool from ChildCareWare that helps families decide whether it’s more beneficial for one parent to stay at home rather than go back to work.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Choosing A Travel Method For Your Baby

From tantrums to diaper accidents; caring for a baby is not easy feat and it is less easy during a trip. Each method of travel has its pros and cons like the cost of flight ticket versus buying gas, the stress of referring to maps and making wrongs turns while driving versus the ease of sitting in the plane and reaching your destination without worrying about navigation.

Traveling by road is slower but is more comfortable for your baby as you can follow his feeding and sleep schedules by making stop-overs. Flights on the other hand take you to your destination faster but are more expensive and quite restrictive about what you can bring along and also has limited space for movement. The amount of things you’ll need to transport may also factor into your decision. Will you need to take a car seat or a stroller?

When making the decision of travel method, ensure you consider your baby’s safety and comfort during the trip. Also put into mind your baby’s personality as an irritable baby would get stressed during a long trip while a baby that likes to motion might not appreciate being placed in a stationary position for even a few minutes.

If you do choose to fly with an infant, see the infographic below for helpful tips.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Sunday, September 10, 2017

How to Prepare Your Home for the Upcoming Winter

With summer only just coming to an end, it's understandable that you might not immediately think to start prepping your home for the winter. In reality though, there are plenty of issues that can manifest themselves, especially if you haven't been keeping an eye on your maintenance needs. Of course, even if you are fairly up to date on all of your home's basic needs, there might be a thing or two that you simply didn't know could become an issue. With that in mind, and in order to help you have the best winter experience possible, here's a look at several ways in which you can prep your home for the winter.

Waterproofing
It's no secret that basements are often the entryway for many different bugs, molds, and other common house issues. What's not as well known is what exactly you can do to help put a stop to it. For instance, basement waterproofing Lake County IL companies can help you fix your house up and protect it from unwanted intruders. While waterproofing is obviously a great way for protecting your home from the elements themselves, it also has the added bonus of keeping bugs away that typically thrive in wet environments.

Develop a Routine
If you're on a tight budget and want to reduce your family's energy costs in the winter, then you should work on developing a routine. By setting the thermostat to one temperature by day, and another by night, you can develop a rigid range of temperatures that you and your family can become accustomed to. By turning it into a routine, you can avoid the temptation of cheating and raising the heat, and can learn a valuable lesson about moderation.

Set Your Ceiling Fans
Many people tend to forget how ceiling fans operate. As it turns out, they should run clockwise in the winter, in order to help raise the cool air and push the hot air back down. Although it seems simple enough, you'd be surprised at just how much of an impact it can make.

Of course, these tips aren't going to transform your home overnight, but they can at least give you a few ideas of things to think about before the winter really kicks into gear. As always, the winter is best enjoyed when you know that you can relax at home without having to worry about bugs or rising energy costs, so make sure you take care of these issues today before they become a real problem.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Giving Food as Gifts

Shopping for gifts is more difficult than it should be, and it is paradoxically harder when you are shopping for someone you know very well. You want to impress your friends and loved ones with your good taste, but you also need to choose something that meshes with their own tastes. Gag gifts are an obvious solution, though they are impersonal and are often discarded quickly after being opened. Edible gifts are perfect for these situations, since they are lighthearted and actually usable. No one looks down on a gift that can be eaten.

Coffee and tea lovers always enjoy trying new brews and blends. Someone who drinks mainstream coffee brands every morning would love to receive a git box of imported high-end coffee. The same idea goes for tea; tea lovers are known for always wanting to try new kinds. If you can't find coffee gift that suits the recipient, subscription shipments are a great option. You could sign your friend up for a year's worth of monthly coffee deliveries.

Cheese is another popular food gift. A decorative box stocked with organic and artisanal cheeses will please hardcore foodies and casual snackers alike. It is not necessary to include crackers or bread with the cheese, though fruit jams or preserves would be nice complements. The idea is to give your friend something interesting and exciting, and bread does not accomplish that aim.

Meat gifts have seen a rise in popularity. Steaks and sausages made from organic grass-fed beef fit the same niche as fancy cheese or wine. People who are interested in eating the best foods all the time will be interested in trying premium meats that have been prepared in creative ways. Like coffee and tea, high-quality meats can also be gifted via monthly subscription services.

When in doubt, opt for candy. The trick with giving candy is to avoid the cliched boxes of chocolates with creamy colored fillings. Many companies sell chocolates or cake pops on sticks that are arranged like floral bouquets. Some even sell candy bouquets of popular candy bars and packets still in their wrappers. Chips, cookies and snack mixes can also be purchased in this format.


Gift giving doesn't have to be stressful! All you have to do is think about your friend's favorite foods and choose a version that is slightly upgraded, whether in quality, flavor or presentation, from the kind he or she usually eats.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Benefits of Installing a New Fence

Fences are one of the most common types of features to install on residential properties to increase the quality of the setting. Fences serve multiple purposes and can be used in both the front and backyard. Here are a few important benefits of installing a new fence on your property.

Boost the Curb Appeal

Fences are effective at boosting the curb appeal of the home when you want your house to stand out in the local area. Fences add extra detail to the exterior setting and will allow the property to look maintained. You can also boost the value of your home and make it stand out in the neighborhood. Vines and roses that grow up the fence will also look beautiful and can create a welcoming environment.

Different Styles Available

There are a variety of different styles of fences that are available to complement the architecture of your house. Choose from wrought iron fences that look contemporary and regal when you want to make your property look high-end. You can also hire a professional to install a chain link fence Tampa if you want an affordable product that is low-maintenance and extremely durable. Wood fences are also an option and look classic when you want a charming feature that looks inviting.

Protect the Yard

A fence increases the security of the home by reducing the risk of a break-in and making it difficult for intruders to access the property. Locks are often included in different types of fences, which can cause burglars to target a different home in the neighborhood. You can also prevent animals from making their way into the yard, which can protect your garden or grass from damage during each season of the year.

You can also increase the level of privacy that is available on the property, which can prevent neighbors from peering into the yard when you're spending time outside.

Define Property Boundaries

Adding a fence to the perimeter of your yard can make the property lines clear to new neighbors that move in next door. The feature will eliminate confusion and can prevent the neighbors from spending time in your space.

When it comes to making your home appear attractive and well-maintained, a fence can make for the perfect addition to your exterior setting. You can enjoy the benefits that come with the feature to create a comfortable property to spend more time on throughout the year.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Why Installing the Best Roof is a Good Investment

Homeowners everywhere know leaks in the roof of their home is a very bad sign, and they should arrange for an inspection followed by repair or roof replacement if one occurs. The roof of a building protects the interior structures from water damage, so even a small leak can result in substantial damage within a short period of time. Whether the roofing system simply needs to be repaired or completely replaced, every homeowner will agree that hiring the best roofing contractor available is important.

Residents in the Jacksonville, Florida area and surrounding communities are most likely aware of the outstanding reputation of Crown Roofing, a local roofing contractor that sells and installs GAF roofing systems. The company has many positive testimonials from residential, commercial and government clients, and they are able to offer three choices of roofing materials including shingles, metal and tile. One of these roofing choices is sure to meet the needs of their customers, and the company is also able to install siding, gutters, chimney caps and screen enclosures

Property owners may want to contact Crown Roofing to inspect their roof for signs of deterioration if they suspect their roof is nearing the end of its useful life. Proper roof maintenance includes an annual inspection, but it is highly recommended the property owner hire a professional to do the the job. A roofing contractor is more able to identify potential problems than the average homeowner, and climbing on the roof can be dangerous for anyone who is inexperienced.

Some of the most common causes of roof leaks include debris in the gutters or on the roof. Buildings that have trees surrounding them are more susceptible to these problems due to falling leaves or trees that shed needles. The gutters should be kept clean and any debris lying on the roof should be removed so rainwater does not back up and seep beneath the shingles. Extreme weather that includes high winds, driving rain or hail can damage the shingles resulting in leaks. It is a good idea to inspect the roof for damage following any storms, and also in the spring if the property has been exposed to snow and ice during the winter months.



Tuesday, June 6, 2017

JennyL Designs 3rd Anniversary 50% OFF

I've been designing digital stuff since 2007 and it was only on June 7th, 2014 that I have uploaded my very 1st product at my ETSY store under JENNYL DESIGNS. So tomorrow, my store will celebrate its 3rd Year anniversary.. wahoooo!!!

To celebrate it, I set up my store for a huge sale this year. I'm actually having 50% OFF sale now at my store for ALL items and that includes licenses. NO need to use any coupon codes because the sale price is marked down already or it is automatic deduction.

I'm hoping to see you all at my store this JUNE for my sale will take a month long to end. Thank you for all your support.!

Some Parenting Tips

Parents are gifted with the most important responsibility in the world. They are responsible for the health, safety, and guidance of their children. This requires a certain level of maturity, even for the parent. In essence, becoming a parent is a growing process for the adult as well as the child. However, one of the most important principles that any parent must learn is the need to be consistent.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say
Many parents discipline their children with idle threats. They tell their children that they will lose a certain privilege if they don't do something that they are supposed to do, or if they do something they have been told not to do. However, the follow through is not there. The child may repeat the bad behavior with no real consequence as a  result. This sends a message to the child. It's a nonverbal assertion that the most the child will suffer is a good chastising, but no real privilege will be lost as a result of doing the wrong thing.

Make The Standard Clear Ahead of Time
Children need to know what's expected of them on a consistent basis. This is why it's a good idea for any parent to communicate the expectations well before a child finds himself or herself in trouble. Consistent communication of expectations creates an opportunity for the child to do the right thing. If you tell your children to leave the toughbook docking stations alone and they don't listen, you can easily remind them that you'd set the expectation in advance and that they'd failed to follow through with the right behavior.

Follow Through with Consequences
If you state that there will be a consequence for a wrong action or bad behavior, follow through if the child continues with the behavior after being warned. This communicates to the child that you are serious and intent on following through with everything you said you would do if a rule was broken. This teaches respect for rules and shows your children that you are committed to being consistent when it comes to your expectations of them.

Consistent parenting has many positive benefits. It teaches children the concept of respect and introduces them to the reality that consequences exist for wrong behaviors. These teachings follow children into adulthood and teach them the power and the value of making sound decisions and following rules.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Custom Embroidery

Think back to the businesses you have visited in the last few weeks. Or, consider the products which you have purchased. Have you noticed their use of embroidery and how it made everything from welcome mats to company shirts look that much better? As opposed to iron-ons and decals, embroidered products have that extra splash to them.

Think about this in the terms of weather as well. For example, consider custom embroidery in Florida where humidity, the sun, and salt water can fade and erode other forms of design. Yes, a product which is embroidered can certainly get wet, but the logo or product name remains clear and sharp. In many cases, what is embroidered into the product lasts longer than the product itself.

So, if this is intriguing, what do you need to do to choose your custom embroidering? First, look at a site like Creative Images Embroidery to see what is offered. In some cases, what the company sees as custom may be slight adjustments to their existing templates.

Next, determine how they are handling the embroidering process. This practice was done by hand before the age of computers and automated machines. While hand-embroidery may seem like a good idea, it won't help you if you need to order 50 shirts for an event. Find out what they're using and how quick they can turnaround product.

Another item to review is the business' inspection process. You don't want any hoop marks to be seen on your product. Thus, check to see if the company steams their embroidered products to remove these marks and inspects them afterward to check for any burned areas.

Lastly, determine how they ship the products. Bagging the items keeps them from wrinkling; however, you may not wish to have chemicals of the plastic bags permeate the products. Also, look into the company's flexibility when it comes to delivery. In other words, they may have the option of using their own delivery companies or your shipping organizations and discounts. Should the products show defects, make sure the company's return policy allows for no-fee returns and a full refund or total replacement of the product.

When you're ready to promote your business, don't go the cheap way. Definitely look into embroidery to give the items the extra sheen of professionalism.

Busy Bee

Oh dear. ... it's been a one busy summer here for me.

I've been taking some vacation with friends and relatives here and there and I'm loving it. My sis in law and I went to Boracay in April and our family swimming was just the other week. My skin is darker but I don;t mind that anyway since it's summer and obviously staying under the sun  with sunblock on is a must during summer right?.

It's pretty hot here the whole day and it is around 36-37C with heat factor as much as 40 and humidity as well... yay.. Summer..

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Summer Vacation

It's summer vacation here in my side of the world and everyone is heading to the beach or pool. I just had a 4-day beach escapade with my sister in law and we had a blast. Actually, I just planned it 2 months ago and thankfully it became a reality to be in Boracay.

Summer vacation means no school for the kids so they need to be pre-occupied for they will get bored easily. Enroll them on swimming lessons (i just did wooo!), enroll them on art school where they can show their creativity. It's not also too late to enroll them to music school if they want to learn how to sing, dance and even play musical instruments. If your kids are into drums, encourage them to study hard and practice more. Who knows you might get them a gift at musiciansfriend.com electric drum set if they do good.

Encourage and support your children on what they want to do this summer break. Let them explore and learn new things. Keep them away from using too much gadgets for they can interact more with other kids and people when they go out of the house. It will encourage them to be more expressive and sociable unlike when they are just at home stuck with their gadgets.

Go to a place where you have not been before and  savor the memories as a family. Have a great summer vacation everyone!

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Homeowners Find Value in Contractor Choice

There are many great contractors out there today that have shown enormous skill in helping people create the homes they've always dreamed about. Whether a person is looking to improve a home to put it on the market or they're just looking to create something they can enjoy living in, contractors play a pivotal role in the process. Most people are not handy enough to take on a major renovation project, and even if they were, they do not have the time to do it. Contractors free these people up to live their lives. When it comes to choosing the right one, where do people turn? Being able to find the best free contractor leads is critical to getting the job done right.

Some contractors have great skill at doing kitchens. They know how to design a modern look and they work with the best granite or tile guys. Others are great at doing bathrooms. Others still can do full home renovations because they have a large enough staff and enough money to make it happen. What home owners are figuring out is that not every job is perfect for every contractor. Finding a contractor that fits with the details of the job is critical to that job's success.

Luckily for people in need of contractors, the Internet has made it easier than ever to get what they are looking for. When you go online, you can find reviews and listings of people who have completed hundreds of jobs. What this allows is more certainty and security in who you choose. You'll know from the beginning that the contractor has demonstrated plenty of skill over the long run to give you what you need. While there is no guarantee that your renovation project is going to turn out great, putting in this kind of due diligence is a good first step in the process.

When you have plenty of contractor leads, you can conduct interviews and otherwise assess the qualities of the candidates for the job. You will no longer have to go with the first option your friend told you about just because you don't know anyone else. With the help of the Internet, you can retain a renovation expert who will help add value to your home, create the space you've been dreaming about and take some of the stress off of your shoulders.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

A Little Update

Oh well hello again. Wow, it's been 3 months already since I have updated this blog. I have been very busy for the 1st quarter of 2017 and it's really good. Time flies really fast eh, One day I woke up at new year and now we are about to end the 1st quarter of the year. Summer vacation in our part of the world is really just around the corner. Most of the school kids are now on vacation.

Just a little update, my sister and family went home for a vacay last holiday and last January we went to Cebu and Palawan for 2 weeks .. yey 2 weeks of pure vacation and fun. I still can't get over the fun that we had in Cebu and most especially in El Nido and Puetro Princesa where we go island hopping and snorkeling. Ahhh.. love it!

Work wise, I have made about 15-20 new digital papers and cliparts that are now selling at my ETSY, Creative Market, The Hungry Jpeg, and TPT stores. I am currently working on some new designs as well.

My friends and I also went wake boarding this month and it was something that I never imagined that I will ever do and can do. It was something new for me and loved it as well. 

And you know what, I enrolled on a swimming lessons this week and I'm making progress. My coach is really taking time to teach me the good breathing and some techniques so I can swim properly.

I'm a changed woman lol/.... Making  and trying new things that can improve my personality and experiences.

I'm just loving and living my life to the fullest now.