Kinsley has been having a lot of nose bleeds lately. Normally when she gets blood on pillows, pillow cases and sheets, I have to wash them two or three times even if I apply a regular stain stick to the blood.

My brother and sister-in-law were visiting this week and noticed my dilemma so they told me about Oxi Clean Spray that you can pick up in most grocery store laundry detergent isles. I was so pumped about picking this stuff up and trying it that Heather and I hopped in our vehicle right away to pick this stuff up.

When we got home I sprayed a small amount on a blood stain I was previously trying to take out with bleach and right away it started eating up the stain even before I could put it in the washer to be laundered again.

I am sold on this stuff and no – the company did not contact me and ask me to review their product. It is what it is and now it’s time to pass this information on to you. I know a lot of you probably already know about this stuff but I thought it would still be cool to figure for Tuesday’s Tip Jar because there has to be someone out there, like me, who did not know about Oxi Clean Spray.

I can’t wait to see what this stuff will do with a grass stain!!

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Our church is sending a team to help the people in Haiti. One of the things they are taking to Haiti are Flips Flops for the children. Our family thought it would be fun to decorate our flip flops. All you do is pick up some ribbon. It can be fabric, gift wrap ribbon or a combination of both. Cut out your strips and double knot them all through the flip flops. You might have to take your scissors and do a little trimming at the end. I thought it would be fun to share this craft with you for Tuesday’s Tip Jar. Enjoy!!

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Different dogs have different personalities – just like people. Some are friendly, some are not. It is important to know that while MOST dogs will never bite, even the cutest and most cuddly CAN.

It is estimated that more than 4 million dog bites occur in the United States each and every year. Over 500,000 of these bites require medical attention. Approximately 60% of all bite victims are children.

Fortunately, most dog bites can be prevented. Here are some safety tips for you to remember. This is a refresher of what we have been discussing for the last couple of weeks. Be sure and read both pages, ok?

Tips to keep your dog from biting.
Tips to keep your dog from biting you.

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!
Linked up with Random Tuesday Thoughts

NEVER ride your bike or run past a dog. Dogs love to chase and catch things.

NEVER disturb a dog that’s eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.

NEVER tease a dog. If a dog snarls or growls, he is warning you to stay away. Step back!

ALWAYS ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting a dog. NEVER approach a dog you don’t know.

NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with ANY dog.

REMEMBER, if you are threatened by a dog, REMAIN CALM. DON’T SCREAM. DON’T RUN. Speak softly but firmly to the dog, saying things like “good boy.” Avoid eye contact and stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

AND, if a dog attacks you and you are knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

Last week we talked about tips to keep your dog from biting.

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!
Linked up with Random Tuesday Thoughts

Pick Your Pet Wisely – Sure he’s cute, but that doesn’t mean he’s the right pet. Visit with a trained Adoption Counselor or breeder and find out all you can about his individual personality and the characteristic traits of his breed. If possible, meet his parents. Then decide if this particular pup is the right one. If not, keep looking!

Train AND Socialize Your Pet – A well trained dog is more reliable. In addition, give your pet the opportunity to get used to lots of different people, places and things. This process called socialization will help your dog to feel at ease and therefore less likely to bite.

Neuter Your Pet – It’s a fact. NEUTERED DOGS ARE LESS LIKELY TO BITE! And, your dog will live a healthier life.

Give Your Pet A Proper Home – Whenever possible, DO NOT chain your dog. Provide adequate fencing to keep your pet in – and others out! A crate inside the house or a doghouse in the backyard, will give your pet a private place to “get away” from stressful situations.

Keep Your Pet Healthy – A sick animal can be unpredictable. Keep vaccinations up to date and take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups.

Next Tuesday we’ll talk about tips to keep a dog from biting you!

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!
Linked up with Random Tuesday Thoughts

Need a minute, Mom? God ahead and take it. But read this first to find out how to grab “me” time and get the most from it.

Pick your priorities.

Your time is limited, so choose what you really want to do. Whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a cup of tea or exercising, give this time the same importance as the time you spend taking care of your children.

Block out one afternoon just for you.

Then, get out of the house. Because sometimes you need time to think and enjoy the company of yourself. (And sometimes it’s about enjoying the company of a friend.)

Feeling guilty? That’s a good start.

Although there’s nothing wrong with taking time for yourself, don’t be surprised if you feel guilty at first. Try thinking about that feeling for awhile; then let it pass. Not only will this time help you feel more refreshed, but being more relaxed is good for your children, too.

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Linked Up w/ Random Tuesday Thoughts

Have you ever thought about what you should do with the unused medication sitting in your medicine cabinet? You need to be sure to go through them and check the expiration date so you will know which ones you need to get rid of. It’s not a good idea to flush them down the toilet, pour them into the sink or randomly throw them in the trash. Here are some steps you can take in order to dispose of unused medications properly. This applies to over the counter medications and will help keep our planet healthy.

• DO NOT FLUSH unused medications and DO NOT POUR them down a sink or drain.
• To ensure protection of people and pets: a) Pour medication into a sealable bag. If medication is a solid, crush it or add water to dissolve it. b) Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds, or a similar material to the plastic bag. c) Seal the plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.

Hat Tip: www.smarxtdisposal.net and www.nebraskameds.org

Last Week: Screen-Free Activities With the Kids

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Linked Up W/ Random Tuesday Thoughts

Turn off the TV, and…

1. Make paper bag costumes and have a parade.
2. Design a poster for a local contest in your community.
3. Discover your community center or local park activities.
4. Blow Bubbles.
5. Mark and color on a calendar.
6. Build a fort in the living room and camp out one night.
7. Research your family history and draw a family tree.
8. Invent a new game and teach it to your friends and family.
9. Make a sign to tape across the TV during TV-Turnoff Week.
10. Play hopscotch, hide & seek or freeze-tag.
11. Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt.
12. Play board games with family and friends.
13. Clean-up or redecorate your room.
14. Make puppets out of old clean socks and have a puppet show.
15. Write a play with friends. Perform it at a nursing home.
16. Construct a kite. Fly it.
17. Go on a family trip or historical excursion.
18. In the snow, go sledding or make a snowman.
19. Create a collage out of pictures from old magazines.
20. Shoot hoops with friends. Play a round of H.O.R.S.E.
21. Make a friendship bracelet.
22. Draw pictures of members of your family.
23. Tell stories around a camp fire.
24. Plan a slumber party.
25. Bake cakes or cookies and invite friend for a tea party.
26. Construct a miniature boat and float it on water.
27. Write a letter to your grandparents. Make a special card.
28. Create sidewalk art with chalk.
29. Everyone!!! Have a huge party to celebrate being SCREEN-FREE!!!

Last Week: Screen-Free Activities in Your Community

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Linked Up w/ Random Tuesday Thoughts

Turn off the TV, and…

1. Organize a community clean-up or volunteer for charity.
2. Become a tutor.
3. Join a choir. Sing!
4. Start a bowling league.
5. visit and get to know your neighbors.
6. Start a fiction or public policy book group.

Last Week: Screen-Free Activities On the Move

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Linked Up w/ Random Tuesday Thoughts

Turn off the TV, and…

1. Go roller skating or ice skating.
2. Go swimming. Join a community swim team.
3. Start a community group that walks, runs or bikes.
4. Organize a game of touch football, baseball or softball in the local park.
5. Go for a bicycle ride.
6. Learn yoga.
7. Play soccer, softball or volleyball.
8. Play Frisbee.
9. Workout.
10. Go dancing. Take a dance class.

Last Week: Screen-Free Activities Around Town

Now it’s your turn – drop a tip in the jar!

Linked Up w/ Random Tuesday Thoughts