How to…Spend more time with family

Children grow up all too fast – before you know it, they’re graduating high school and flying the nest! So it’s important to enjoy time with our families whenever we can – these golden moments create lasting memories that will be cherished for life. Busy lifestyles mean that, all too often, family time gets pushed aside by other chores. So, it’s not surprising that one of the top 10 New Year resolutions is to spend more time with family.

Got a full schedule? Don’t worry – there are lots of ways you can squeeze in extra family time!

Get organized

Make a big family wall chart to clearly mark each person’s commitments, so you can easily see when everyone is free at the same time. Color-code it with a set of Sharpies to schedule in group family time – okay so it might not be spontaneous fun, but it will ensure you get quality time where you can plan something worthwhile.

Free it up

Consider your schedule – is it crammed with classes, clubs and after-school activities? Do you find yourself spending a lot of your time driving your children from one thing to another? Maybe you’re doing too much. Family time can be just as important. Spending time with adults can be beneficial for children’s learning and development, so try cutting a couple of after-school clubs per week.

Delegate

Sharing out those time-consuming household chores will free up your time to spend having fun with the family. Encouraging your kids to get involved will give them useful experience for when they’re older – take it in turns to do the laundry and clean the bathroom. Order household supplies in bulk so you don’t have to go shopping as often – kids get fed up in supermarkets and would rather be out having fun!

Family exercise

Instead of going to the gym alone, take the whole family out for a bike ride or a swim. A hearty walk in the open air is great exercise and provides an opportunity to chat with your family and catch up on what you’ve been missing. Seek out new places instead of going to the same park every time – think of each walk as a mini-adventure to make it more fun. Pack a picnic box and make a day of it!

Use your imagination

Family time doesn’t need to be expensive – have a big craft session with glitter glue and craft kits; stage a treasure hunt for little ones; make a photo collage; play dress-up with your old clothes; bake cupcakes and have fun decorating them… the opportunities are endless! Getting creative and trying something new is a great bonding experience.

Picture it

Kids grow up fast, so preserve those special memories by carrying a disposable camera in your bag on days out. You can have hours of fun making family videos on a camcorder – remember to pack a couple of spare DVC cassettes so you don’t miss out on those priceless moments.

Speaking of “priceless” moments… check out our Baby Care Center that offers a wide array of baby products at UNBEATABLE prices.

Labor Day weekend is only a few days away and many of you may have made your plans for the weekend months ago, weeks ago, days ago or not at all! For those who are still trying to figure out how to fit in a fun but productive weekend here is a list of ideas that you can choose to do either the entire weekend or pick a few and spread throughout the weekend.   Decide if you want all fun, all productive or a little of both!

So in our last post we dished out a few ideas for Easter Dinner, but now its time for the most important part… THE EASTER BASKET.

Some times it’s hard to come up with new gift ideas year after year.  Kids are generally pretty easy to get excited about Easter no matter what’s in the basket, but what about an older child, or even an adult? Yes adults can get Easter Baskets too – no matter how old you are it’s totally cool to give, or get an Easter Basket! Or is that just my excuse to give and get gifts? Anyway, here is a list of 20 Easter Basket Gift Ideas for the entire family.

1. My First Easter Bib – We wouldn’t want to ruin the brand new pastel colored Easter outfit now would we?
2. Hide n Squeak Eggs – These look so fun, I might have to buy one for myself!
3. Wubbanub Plush Pacifier Toy – Babies love these, and it helps keep the pacifier in their hands rather than on the floor.
4. Velveteen Rabbit Book – This is a must have for every child, it brings me back : )
5. Green Sprouts Stacking Cup Set – They are pastel..they will fit in the Easter basket..and they will keep the baby entertained. Phew!

1. Barbie Easter Doll – All little girls want a Barbie – or two, or three, or four.
2. Temporary Easter Tatoos – Fun for boys and girls.  This should hold them off from wanting a real one until they are at least 18.
3. Animal Print Plastic Eggs – Way more cool than plain plastic eggs – plus you can fill them with cash or coins for a pleasant surprise!
4. The First Tip for an Easter Egg Hunt – Too tired to plan a hunt yourself? This kit should do the trick.
5. Crayons or Markers – So they can write “I Love You Mommy” all over your walls

1. Flower Seeds or for non-gardeners a Solar Flower – What’s spring without flowers?
2. Easter Egg Ornaments – A classy touch for any room.
3. Easter Pink Nail Polish – Pink is the new black… or was that last year? Either way these colors will look great.
4. Electric Egg Cooker – Ugh how long DOES it take to hard boil eggs?? Who cares I’ve got an Electric Egg Cooker!
5. Floral Perfume – You are never fully dressed without perfume.



1. Razors – Remind them as they trim their beard that the grass will soon be on its way. Hehe.
2. Baseball Memorbilia – It’s that time of year again… embrace it.
3. Cologne – Spring smells nice, so should our men.  Please and thank you.
4. A Diamond Bracelet – Oops oh wait that’s for you… get it anyway, you deserve it!
5. A Pink Easter Tie – Real men wear pink!!!

Have a wonderful Easter Holiday and don’t forget to enter our TIGI Hair Care Giveaway.  All you have to do is “Like” us on Facebook and fill out the form. Click below to Enter.