How to Navigate New York City Like a Local

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on how to navigate New York City.  New York City (NYC) is a popular travel destination. Everyone is in a hurry to go somewhere.  So, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city consider taking a tour.  Cruises such as Liberty Cruise NYC packages allow you to tour NYC leisurely. 

 

New York City travel tips

 

 

 

How to navigate New York City

 


Walk Properly

If you are traveling in a large group, walk independently instead of walking side by side. Furthermore, don’t hold hands.  The easiest way to incur the wrath of the locals is to walk side by side while holding hands.  If you want to get along with everyone, walk single file and keep moving.   Additionally, if you need to stop, get off the sidewalk.  It’s important to keep the flow of traffic moving.

 

Riding Bikes

If you have decided to rent a bike, obey all traffic laws to avoid getting into any trouble. Moreover, you should keep off the sidewalk because it is meant for pedestrians. Make sure that you ride on the paved streets.  Furthermore,  do not run any red lights. You should also remember that pedestrians have right of way.

 

 

New York City

 

Use the Subway Carefully

If you want to use the subway to get to your destination, you should have your card out and ready for swiping.  Don’t block the turnstile searching for your card.  If you start rummaging through your purse at the last minute, you will definitely irritate many people.

Once you’re on the subway be considerate of others.  Avoid sprawling out over too much space. No matter how tired you feel, you should not sit on the steps while waiting for the train because they are dirty.

 

Navigate the Grates Carefully

In Manhattan, there are many grates on the ground.  As a result, you should avoid them if you are wearing heels. On the other hand, if your shoes are flat you can walk on the grates.  Leave ground that is not grated for people with small dogs or those in heels.  Remember, if you displace the grates, you or others can fall ten feet down.  So, use caution to avoid injuries.

 

New York City

 

Use Phone Maps

If you are not sure of your destination, you can use a phone map.  They can help you figure out where you are in relation to your destination.  However,  you should not shy away from asking New York City residents because they are friendly people.

 

Don’t Use the Cell Phone When Walking

Even if you are looking at maps to figure out where you are going, burying your head in your phone is a bad idea.  You could end up falling into holes or bumping into people.  To avoid this,  you should stop if you want to look at a map or just ask for directions.

 

Watch the Umbrella

If you are carrying an umbrella, you should lift it up when you pass people.  This will help avoid crashing into them. Moreover, you do not want to injure someone and ruin a good day.

 

New York City is a Gawking City

The city is filled with attractions, performers, and celebrities. If you are not careful, you might not reach your destination on time.  As a result, make sure that you pay attention to your surroundings.  Most importantly, you want to avoid blocking the flow of foot traffic. If you have to stop, get off the sidewalk or stand flush with the buildings.

 

 

 

 

Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote Review

Purchasing a weekender or a travel carry on can be overwhelming.  So, today I’m sharing my review on the Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote.  Check out my other travel destinations and travel tips too.  Especially, one that will uphold the vigor of airport handling and pounding and being pulled in and out of vehicles.  Not only should the luggage be durable, but why shouldn’t it be fun.  I searched for a weekender that would hold my items, easy to pull through the airport, easy to store, fun, and easy to get in and out of a vehicle.  Traveling can be stressful, but I have found fun items can eliminate the stress.  When you look good, you feel good.

 

 

rolling travel tote

 

 

Olympia Luggage Cosmopolitan Map Rolling Travel Tote  –  It’s perfect for getting through the airport, hotel or from the car to the house. It opens from the top, which makes it easy to get items in and out of the bag.  The handle is retractable, and it has handles.  It fits in most overhead bins on airplanes.  Additionally, it allows you to carry as a tote if needed.  The material is quality, so it will endure the stresses of getting it in and out of the car trunk and rolling it through the airport and hotels.

 


 


 

 

Furthermore,  you can wipe this tote down with soap and water to clean it or use wipes if you’re on the go.  The wheels keep things moving, unlike many that I have had where the wheel wobble or get stuck.  It’s stylish and fun too.  I’ve gotten lots of compliments in the airports and hotels.

 

 

travel carry ons

 

 

I have two drawbacks for the Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote, this one doesn’t have inside pockets.  Usually this would be a deal breaker for me.  However, it does have a pocket on the front of the bag.  It’s convenient for holding your phone, passport, airline tickets or a bottle of water.  Additionally, the tote may tip over if it’s not balanced.  So when you pack, may sure you distribute everything evenly.  This would never be a problem for me because I will use every inch of space with clothing, my laptop, books, Kindle etc.  Furthermore, it’s so cute that I would just pick it up if it tipped over and keep moving.

If you like this Olympia Cosmopolitan Rolling Travel Tote head over and make a purchase.  This would make a great gift for the world traveler, teacher or treat yourself.  I highly recommend it!

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #159

 

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

 

I hope that you are being productive in the New Year! Welcome to Week 159 of Sunday’s Best.  We’re starting our Love Is In The Air theme this week. We’re looking for all things heart shaped, sweet and about love.  Blow the dust off those old recipes, crafts, cocktails and any other posts that will help us celebrate Valentine’s Day.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post.  It will be featured the following week.  An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger.  All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.  The Post With the Most Clicks and a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected Easy Snow Cream Recipe from Blessed Simplicity

snow recipes

 

 

Kim selected German Schnitzel and Potato Salad  from 3 Winks Design

potato salad recipes

 

 

Brittany selected Egg Cups with Bacon, Spinach and Cheese from Janine Huldie  

 

breakfast recipes

 

 


The Post with the Most Clicks


90 Valentines Day Ideas for Families 
from Simply Well Balanced 

(This post has a cumulative total of 90 Valentine’s Day Ideas, not 15 as shown)

   Valentines Day Ideas
and
Delicious Cobbler Recipes from 3 Boys and a Dog
cobbler recipes
and 
30 Mostly Healthy Game Day Appetizers from Green Spot Green Living
game day appetizers

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Baby It’s Cold Outside

Wine Bottle Recycle from Purple Hues and Me  

 

 

winter craft ideas

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again.  We could select your post next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


9 Items You Should Have in Your Travel Carry On

Today, I’m giving you travel tips on Items You Should Have in Your Travel Carry On.    Packing for a trip can be overwhelming.  Unfortunately, we have a tendency to over pack, and not plan accordingly.  A lack of planning leads to leaving something behind that we need or wished that we had packed.  So, getting organization is key, and the travel carry on should be a priority.   

 

 

travel carry on tips

 

Check out our top items for the travel carry on:

 

Daily Medicines – If you take medicines daily place them in a pill box and carry them with you in you travel carry on.  Many travelers make the mistake of placing them in checked baggage.  However, if your baggage is lost or delayed you will be without your medicines.  Don’t jeopardize your health, plan ahead.

A Shawl or Light Blanket – I haven’t been on a flight yet, that didn’t end up cold.  It didn’t matter if it was a long flight or a short one.  Years ago, flight attendants gave out pillows and blankets to passengers.  But, that luxury is no longer available.  As a result, I take a light blanket on my flights.  I always purchase a light weight travel blanket that I can fold and easily place back into my carry on.

Flight and Travel Information – I always keep my itinerary and other travel documents in my carry on in a plastic document travel bag.  This includes hotel and car reservations, travel agency information and places of interest.

Passport – I keep my passport in a pocket in my carry on.  Maybe I’m being paranoid, but I don’t include it with my flight or travel information.  As a result, I still have my passport if the travel information gets lost. I can always retrieve my travel information from my phone or laptop, but trying to get another passport while in travel status can be a challenge.

 

 

travel tips

 

 

Water /Snacks – For some reason, I’m usually asleep when they bring the snack and drink cart through.  So, I pack a few snacks or a sandwich from one of the airport shops and a bottle of water in my carry-on.  If I have the kids, I also pack snacks in their carry-on as well as drinks.

Phone/Electronics Chargers – I place my phone and other electronic chargers in gallon baggies, and place them in my carry on.  If I’m able to find an outlet in the airport, I can charge my phone or use my tablet or laptop without running down the batteries.

Lightweight Change of Clothing and Toiletries – I always pack a sundress, extra pair of underwear, leggings or a pair of shorts & tee in my carry on.  Roll them so they don’t take up much room. I also carry a toothbrush and toothpaste.  You can purchase travel size toiletries at CVS, Walmart or Walgreens.

 


 

Travel Pillow – I sleep on my flights, so I always take a travel pillow.  They keep my neck from getting stiff or ending up in an awkward position.

Tissues/Hand Wipes – Personally, I have allergies and tissues are a must.  I carry them in my purse as well as my travel carry on.  Additionally, I take hand wipes and use them regularly.

We hope that will find our tips for your travel carry on beneficial.  You may also like: Using Travel Check Lists to Organize Packing.  

 

The Benefits of Taking Bus Tours in New York City

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on taking bus tours in New York City.  With all of the different modes of transportation available in the Big Apple, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming.  Furthermore, when sightseeing in New York, no mode of transportation is quite as enjoyable as a bus.  This city is known for having some of the best bus tours in the country.  

 

 

bus tours in New York City

 

 

 

Bus Tours in New York City

 

New York is Not Car-Friendly

If you are thinking about renting a car while vacationing in New York City, think again. Trying to navigate the traffic in this city can be very stressful. As a result, the last thing you want is to sit at a standstill for hours due to a traffic jam.

The best way to get around the city is by taking a tour bus. These buses will be able to take you to all of the attractions you want to see.  The money you pay for a bus tour will be worth it considering the problems you can avoid.

 

Reap the Eco-Friendly Benefits of a Tour Bus

Did you realize that the motor coaches used on these bus tours are nearly three time more efficient than commuter trains? They are nearly five times more efficient than transit buses.  Furthermore, can reduce your carbon footprint by taking a tour bus. If you are passionate about the environment and reducing air pollution, then using bus tours is vital.

 

Tour the City Without Stress

Are you going to be traveling with a large group?  Trying to cram multiple passengers into a sedan can be downright aggravating. Instead of feeling cramped,  ditch the sedan in favor of a tour bus. With a tour bus, you can travel with 10 to 12 of your friends comfortably.

Before booking a particular tour, we suggest that you call around to see which company can accommodate your party. Most of the bus tour companies will be able to give you this type of information over the phone. Once you have this information, narrowing down the list of available bus tour companies will be easy.

 

Knowledge Only Locals Have

Who better to show you the sights of New York than local drivers?  They will able to easily locate places Central Park or Times Square.  Rather than spending your trip lost and frustrated, entrust your travel needs to an experienced bus tour provider.

Before deciding to use a particular bus tour company, do your homework. Finding out what type of track record a particular company has is essential before hiring them. Looking at reviews from former customers is a great way to -figure out how well they have performed in the past.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth

In case you’re considering getting pregnant or you are pregnant –  you probably know some essentials about dealing with yourself and the child.  Giving birth can be a physical challenge.  Preparing for childbirth causes us to face our inhibitions.  Moving through the birthing process causes us to feel excitement, fear, anxiety, and finally a feeling of ecstasy as we give birth to our child.  Here are a few more parenting tips for a healthy pregnancy:

 

 

tips for a healthy pregnancy

 

 

  • Eat healthy  

Plan to eat a solid, balanced diet during your pregnancy.  Pick wholegrains as opposed to white sugar to ensure a sufficient amount of fiber.  Daily portions of protein is important too.  For example, fish, meat, eggs, nuts and some milk and dairy are important for a balanced diet.

  • Fluids

Be sure to drink water and other nutritious drinks.  Great sources of nutritious drinks include low sodium V8 juice, fresh squeezed orange juice or nonfat milk.

  • Exercise

Staying fit is an absolute necessity for most mothers to be.  So, one of our tips for a healthy pregnancy is exercise. Standard activity will offer you some assistance with controlling your weight.  Exercise also helps clear your head and help you sleep better. Furthermore, keeping your diet in check and doing these simple exercises at home will help with delivery.  Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are good exercises for most pregnant women.  However, check with your doctor before beginning any physical activity program.

Special prenatal exercises like squatting and Kegels help with childbirth and can possibly shorten the labor time. Yoga and a massage are great ways to relax and help ease contractions during labor.

  • No smoking, alcohol or caffeine

If you smoke, now is a great time for you to quit.  Also, do not allow yourself to be exposed to second hand smoke. Additionally, eliminating alcohol is advised as well.  An occasional glass of wine may be allowed.  Consult your doctor before consuming any alcoholic beverages or caffeine.  Both could possibly affect the birth weight, development hindrance and premature delivery.

  • Stay at home for as long as possible

Staying at home allows you to move freely and comfortably until your contractions are strong and coming every 3-5 minutes apart.

  • Think positive and Stay focused

Just thinking of your new baby will help give strength to bear the labor pains and the process of childbirth.

This tool is used for relieving labor pain and can be used through childbirth to reduce pain awareness by stimulating the production of endorphins.  Consult your doctor before using this machine.

  • Hydrotherapy

If you are considering an epidural for pain relief, you may try a birth pool instead. Soaking yourself in warm water increases oxytocin production, encouraging dilation.  Consult your doctor for options.

We hope that you enjoyed our tips for a healthy pregnancy.  Again, consult your physician before starting any exercise routines, concerns about your diet or labor desires.

 

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #158

First, it’s hard to believe we’re half-way through January 2018. I hope that you are being productive in the New Year! Welcome to Week 158 of Sunday’s Best.  This is our last week for our Baby It’s Cold Outside theme. We’re looking for winter crafts, recipes, decorating ideas, mantel display, tablescapes and more. It’s cold, snowy or has frost on it, we welcome it.  Next week we will be starting our Love Is In The Air theme.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected Love Bug Sugar Cookies from Delightful E Made  

Valentine's Cookie Ideas

 

 

Kim selected Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls from Growing Up Gabel  

 

slow cooker recipes

 

Brittany selected 11 Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids from Play Dates to Parties 

 

valentines day crafts for kids

 


The Post with the Most Clicks


Hawaiian Side Dishes for Pork
from 3 Boys and a Dog 

 Hawaiian Side Dishes

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Baby It’s Cold Outside

Faux Birch Wood Candleholders  from Purple Hues and Me  

 

winter decorating ideas

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Easy Interior Update Ideas For Your Home

 

Interior Update Ideas

A dated interior can drag down your property value.  Furthermore, it can make your home less than enjoyable.  Unfortunately, not everyone has the funds to do a full remodel.  If you need to make some changes on a tight budget, then you’ll want to get a little creative with your solutions.  Here are a few nifty interior update ideas for your home that won’t break the bank.

Quick Fixes for Old Sheetrock

Cracked walls are a hassle, and repairing them can be both messy and expensive.  However, if you know that the damage is just cosmetic cover it over with fabric.  Furthermore, lightweight fabric that has been dipped in liquid starch will cling neatly to your wall.  Begin by removing the baseboards first so that you can run the fabric behind them.  Next, put some crown molding or a basic trim around the ceiling to help secure it. The luxurious finish will float right over most imperfections so that you can have a new look without worrying about the cracks.

Enclosed Radiators

If you have radiators in your home, then turn them into useful storage space.  By using some wood and painted pierced-metal panels, you can enclose them. The enclosures can be built to slide in and out of position for servicing the appliance. You’ll add a little valuable storage space to the room too.  You’ll also prevent little ones from hurting themselves on the radiator.

Colored Stain

If you have quality wood furniture that has a tired finish, then it’s time to update it with some fresh colors. You can make plain wood furniture look great by refinishing it with a black, white, or even red stain.  Some of the wood grain will still shine through, but you’ll have an updated piece that’s sure to look amazing.

Floor to Ceiling

Make your windows look bigger by stretching out your window treatments.  Hang the rod one to two feet above the window frame to make it look more impressive. You can also stretch out the sides and visually expand a small window by covering more of the wall on either side of the window. In addition, you can instantly transform a room and make it feel more luxurious by replacing the color of your lighting.

New Hardware

Other interior update ideas is your home’s hardware.  Update the look of almost any space with new hardware. Simply adding new pulls and handles can make your kitchen feel more current.  In the bathroom, look for new towel racks.  Also, consider replacing the doorknobs throughout your home to finish the upgrade.

Kitchen Gallery

Turn the kitchen into an art gallery by hanging some pieces above the cabinets or on open walls. It’s a great way to add color to the space and make it more visually appealing.  If you have vaulted ceilings in the kitchen, then you can use crown molding in areas to create a nice little shelf for the artwork.

With a little creativity, you can update your home without spending a small fortune with our interior update ideas. The little details can make a huge difference in how your property looks and feels. When you’re working with a tight budget, these clever ideas may be the answers you’ve been looking for.

Author bio: Jeff E. Brown is a freelance writer and a self-taught handy man with a knack for lifehacking and DIY projects. Based out of his home office where his two dogs keep him company while he types, Jeff loves writing about home improvement topics, teaching others all the tips and tricks he has learned since he moved out of an apartment and into a house. When he’s not writing, he loves organizing barbecue parties in his garden. You can contact Jeff via his landing page.

 

Organic Cleaning Tips for Parents With Small Children

 

organic cleaning tips

Research has come out recently about environmental toxins.  In particular their effect on the endocrine system.  Some household products are toxic.  Fortunately, most parents know the harmful ingredients (bleach, parabens, sodium sulfate, phthalates, etc.)  Unfortunately, there are literally dozens of other toxic ingredients in some of the cleaning products we use every day. This post discusses organic and non-toxic cleaning tips for parents of newborns and young children.

Always check the label

Products that say “organic” on the label contain little or no artificial ingredient or preservatives. However, some products marketed as “natural” and “organic” do have some ingredients that may be classified as unsafe for children. As a result, it is recommended that parents review the ingredients carefully.  You can get more information on this by visiting the Enviromental Working Group (EWG) website to find more information on specific ingredients.

Buy eco-friendly cleaners

Cleaners that have been endorsed by groups that support eco-friendly products (such as Greenseal.org) are ideal for parents with children.  These “green” cleaners don’t have ingredients known to cause skin irritation, sensitivity, or cancer.  Also, they don’t have phthalates and fragrances must be disclosed.

So, if you can’t immediately access safe cleaners consider making your own non-toxic cleaners at home.  For example, combine white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.  It’s perfect for cleaning bathtubs and porcelain sinks. If you need a solution that kills bacteria try hydrogen peroxide.

Products that are labeled non-toxic are deemed safe to use because they don’t cause any personal injury from contact or inhalation.  But, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that the product is completely free of chemicals. Biodegradable simply means that the product will decompose after some time.  Most importantly, it is not an indicator of safety, especially for newborns.

Be very selective with plastics

Plastics are made with a variety of chemicals such as BPA and PVC.  Some can leak into food and drinks. The good news is you can find plenty of plastic materials that are free of BPA and other harmful ingredients.  Plastics that are labeled “microwave safe” only mean that the plastic won’t melt from the heat.  That doesn’t mean that other chemicals won’t leak from the plastic.  As a result, make a habit of hand-washing plastics instead of using the dishwasher.

Avoid commercial cleaners

Any cleaning product that advises using gloves or opening the windows is most likely unsafe to use around your child.  Home products such as table salt, tea tree oil, vinegar, and lavender can be used to clean windows, ovens, and walls.  Additionally, they also good for cleaning bathrooms, mold, and rugs.  Most commercial bathroom cleaners are toxic and can cause long-term health problems for infants. Vinegar and baking soda can be used to create a paste that cleans out scum.  Furthermore, it leaves the walls and floor of your shower perfectly clean.  Alternatively, use Castile soap and club soda for tougher stains.

When purchasing products such as hand soaps, sanitizers and air fresheners, check the label for chemicals that might be unsafe for your little one. The EWG database will provide more information on the ingredients.

Additional Resources:
http://www.empiremaids.nyc

How to Buy a Photo Scanner for Family Photos

Since you were born, your parents started taking photos of you.  The photo included other family members and other special events related to them.  However, these pictures can get lost or destroyed.  Unfortunately, along with the lost photos goes memories.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to buy a photo scanner.

photo scanner

 

 

The best way to save your family photos is to store them in your personal computer. Furthermore, one of the best methods is to use a high-quality scanner.  What does a scanner do?  It scans physical photos and transforms them into digital photos directly onto your computer.  Fortunately, you can save tons of them without worrying about them getting lost.

Also, scanners have existed since the 1950s.  However, they only became available for the larger public in the 90s.  The best photo scanner is are the flatbeds. They are easy to use and are compatible with almost every type of computer. If used excessively, many photo scanners can deteriorate your images. So, be sure to select a photo scanner that will endure usage.  Especially, if scanning your family photos is the main goal. 

In the $100 price range, there are lots of photo scanners that can do the job.  But, if you have used a camera with film negatives or you are planning on scanning artwork, a nice scanner can go up to $200. They can come with features that will hold your pictures in place.  This feature can be useful when scanning photos.  Additionally, you must pay attention to how they use the combination of light and mirrors.  If pixels are missing, and that is due to the light or the mirrors, the quality of your scan will be affected. 

As a result, there are three major points to consider when buying a photo scanner:

  • The first one is the resolution.  The more dots per square inch, the better your pictures will come out on the computer.
  • Secondly, image-sensing technology is very important too. Remember that contact image sensors are good for scanning documents.  However, the charged coupled device or CCD can hold a large number of photos and that is what you need.
  • Last, check the dynamic range and tonal range. The higher range it has, the better scan you will have.   For example, Letter D represents the top range. Same thing goes with the tonal range, the higher, the better.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of a photo scanner, you may also want to start considering a high-quality printer to reproduce your images as well.  Keep in mind that digital storage can be fragile, so “hard copies” are good to keep on hand. 

The types of printers used by artists for artwork should be considered.  However, these can become quite expensive.  Additionally consider a printing service, which uses very high caliber equipment to produce quality prints.

We hope you found our tips on how to buy a photo scanner helpful.  Go forth and start scanning your family photos! The market has a lot of scanners ready to be bought, coming in different shapes and colors, but remember that the specifications are the most important factor you have to look for when getting one.