Minimize children's sleep problems with bedtime routine

William Nichols - Writer
Laurie Weinreb-Welch - Clinton County Extension Educator

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Unplug the TV, turn off the computer and force the kids to quit stalling and go to bed.


Doing so can help parents and caregivers recover up to 200 hours of sleep a year lost due to children's nighttime awakenings, according to a Penn State Cooperative Extension expert.
 
"American children sleep less than doctors recommend. In fact, two-thirds experience frequent sleep problems," explained Laurie Weinreb-Welch, a children, youth and family extension educator based in Clinton County.

These sleep problems develop during infancy and result in one-quarter of infants, toddlers and preschoolers appearing sleepy or overtired during the day, according to the National Sleep Foundation. This number increases to three out of 10 school-aged children having difficulty awakening in the morning.

Read the entire article http://live.psu.edu/story/47800

Organizing the Kitchen Part II

On the heels of my successful freezer organizing project, I was motivated to continue on and tackle my pantry. Realizing effort put in to organizing the pantry would later save time, money and stress. I gathered my tools and went to work. Here is the process I used, I hope it helps you.

Tools required to do this include: labels, permanent markers, baskets, and air tight storage containers (preferably square or rectangular—saves space).

1. Empty all shelves, wiping them down with a bleach solution. To make a 1:10 solution, you need 1 part bleach for every 9 parts water. A good amount to start with is:
                               ¼ cup bleach 2 ¼ cup water
2. Sort out the items into different categories such as: breakfast items, snacks, and baking goods.
3. Check use by dates and expiration dates. Discard expired items. This also a good time to take stock and plan meals to use up some overstocked items.
4. Create sub-groups, it save time during meal time. Canned fruits, canned soups, ethnic ingredients and vegetables can be an example of the various sub-groups.
5. Labeled baskets are a handy storage system for maintaining a clutter-free pantry for food and seasoning packets.
6. Store dry goods such as flour, pasta, teabags, sugar, and cereal in labeled air tight containers.
7. Label shelves into categories (condiments, ethnic, beverages etc.). Frequently used items should be kept in front. Place items you want children to get for themselves within arm's reach. Reserve high and back shelves for items used less often.
8. Lastly, implement FIFO (first in/first out) system. When stocking shelves keep oldest in the front to be used first.

I found such satisfaction to see my pantry neat, tidy and clutter-free. Using the above system took about two hours for me to complete. Best of all, my organized pantry has saved time with planning meals, tracking food choices for shopping and has minimized my spending. Got ideas, please share what works for you!

Get Out of the Kitchen and Socialize During the Holidays!

I enjoyed (more like survived) another holiday! For all those designated cooks you may know exactly what I mean. Were you missing an ingredient when you were ready to start cooking? Did you forget to serve something you had planned? Or there is that often asked question. "How do I time my dishes to have everything ready to serve at once?" Hopefully my four steps will reduce your stress and gain you time to socialize. # 1 Don't procrastinate!!!

# 2 Plan Think about all the family functions and parties you will be attending over the holiday, write it down either on a calendar, datebook, or a post a visible note. Include start time, location, departure time and directions if needed. If you are hosting, plan your menus! Make sure to include items that can be made ahead and limit items that need to be made last minute.

# 3 Make a List I know some people can go through life without the need of a list, but for others it is the only saving grace from total disaster. Make a grocery shopping list made from menu items and recipes you plan to use. Consider making a list for each function include: all the food items, serving utensils, and any miscellaneous items you plan to take.

# 4 Prepare Ahead Once menus are planned review and add preparation/cooking times. Make items that can be prepared ahead. Many casseroles can be prepared a week or more ahead then frozen. Several days before the function make a time line of preparation/baking times for all menu items. This will help reduce stress and make sure nothing is forgotten and everything is done when dinner is scheduled to be served.

Having family members help with holiday preparations is also an effective way to save time in the kitchen. If you have found some sure fire ways to save time in the kitchen please comment and share your secrets. So we all can enjoy the holidays with less stress and more free time to visit with friends and family. ENJOY!!