The Home Spun Life

A Great DIY Werewolf Costume For Kids!

October 12, 2015 by thehomespunlife_jd22w3

Few monsters are as scary and as iconic as the werewolf. Though the vampire may have him beat in popularity, there’s something spooky about a monster that lives as a man most of the time, but who is doomed to cause chaos on others. If your child is interested in being a werewolf this year for Halloween, try out this simple DIY costume.

Creating The Clothes
A good werewolf costume needs to look rough and lived-in. Think of your favorite werewolf movie and how, when they change, their clothes often gets ripped or torn up as they rampage. Buy an old t-shirt and a pair of jeans, or dig up a pair of both, and make small rips up and down them that won’t cause them to burst open.

Now, stain them with a little fake blood, especially near the collar of the shirt, in order to make it look more scary. This little suggestible detail will make the costume more convincing when your child goes out on the prowl.

Make sure to cover the holes in the shirt and pants with patches of decorative hair, as if your child’s werewolf fur is coming out.

The Makeup Process
Start by using some hairspray to make your child’s hair look wild. Common werewolf styles are rather angular or pointy, so it’s not a bad idea to have them grow their hair out a little bit before Halloween in order to achieve the shape.

Now paint their nose black and put some black shadows under their mouth and eyes. Shade under the eyes with a brown makeup pencil and they will look suitable canine.

Make sure to add a little red around their mouth, as well, to make them look rather bloody. You should also stick on some false nails and stain them with blood, and use inexpensive “fang” teeth to give them a scary and dangerous-looking mouth. Stain the canine teeth with the fake blood to make them truly terrifying.

Other Extra Touches
A few other ideas you can integrate include a full wig, if you have one lying around your home. This simple wig can be more easily styled if your child doesn’t have long hair.

Make sure it can strap down to your child’s head in order to make it effective. You should also pencil in or use stage glue to hold three or four “whiskers” to the side of their face near their nose.

Try to practice a good howl with them before they go out for the night. Watch some old werewolf movies and bay along with the doomed wolf. This is not only a good way to get into character, but a fun and silly way to bond with your child.

While watching the movies, have your child practice prowling like a werewolf to add an even more authentic touch to their costume.

To simulate the nose a little better, you could take an old clown nose, trim down the sides a little to make it more appropriate in shape, paint it black, cut out “nostril” holes, and place it on your child’s nose. It should be fairly square and squat and have a nice “V” shape in the front.

As you can see, this werewolf costume is simple enough for just about anyone to make. Why not try out this DIY costume and see what your child thinks? You might be surprised at just how much they love it, as it will set them apart from friends wearing more traditional store-bought costumes.

Parenting Tips for Moms: Staying Sane During the Best and Worst of Times

August 24, 2015 by thehomespunlife_jd22w3

Being a mom coincides with being a superhero on most days. Every task of the household seems to be yours and while that may seem fairly daunting sometimes, it is a very rewarding experience. Alas, mothers are expected to conquer each day and do so without breaking a sweat, but those who have lived this reality understand that the superhero title does not come equipped with special powers, thus straining the need for a few helpful tips to make mom duty a little easier. Being a good parent is such a broad title, but it is attainable in a more direct manner than once anticipated.

Never Rush Through the Moment

The day is long for mothers. They are often the first ones awake in the morning cleaning from the night before and ensuring that the children will have something to eat when they wake up. When everyone’s day ends after work and school, mothers are still exhaustingly straightening up and making sure that their children’s days were worthwhile. This is incredibly taxing for human beings, but it is fundamental that you embrace every second, mom. Children grow up in the blink of an eye and rushing through any moment just to end your own day will be regretful to you sooner rather than later. Enjoy the spills, hardships, lectures, and laughter often.

Fun Is Not Poor Parenting

The world has been on high alert this past decade when it comes to monitoring a child’s sugar and fat intake; processed food is to be avoided at all cost. The manner that people attempt to patrol mothers is direct nonsense. If you provide your children with adequate nutrition each day, do not be afraid to order the occasional pizza or give your kid a cupcake.

Some Work, Mostly Play

How often do you follow behind your child to pick up their mess? Leave the cleaning for later and instead invest that energy in playing with your child. Memories are forever, but a clean house is not.

Perfection Is False

Regardless of how long you have been a mother, you will never be perfect. You will have to work with your children each day in order to make this a successful journey, but striving for perfection is a waste of everybody’s time.

It Can Wait

Being overwhelmed comes with the motherhood territory, but it is salient to ask yourself from time to time what has you so occupied. At that very moment, what do you need to do that is so crucial? If you really cannot think of anything, enjoy what you are doing with your children and appreciate it.

You Know More Than You Think

First-time mothers are often discredited. In fact, too many people are intent on proving one another wrong. Being a mother comes with a profound instinct and connection to your children. Always listen to your gut because you know more than any book could ever tell you.

Swallow Your Pride

As a mother, it is probably difficult for you to admit when you are unsure what to do with a particular task or problem. Regardless of longevity, you will always be learning as a mom and it is important to remember that. Remaining humble and open to further knowledge will only benefit your children, which is the most key fact of all time.

Parenting Tips for Dad

February 28, 2015 by thehomespunlife_jd22w3

SOME EXCELLENT TIPS ON HOW TO BE A PROPER PARENT. A MUST-READ FOR EVERY DAD OUT THERE

All parents want to fall into the category of being a “good parent.” Every parent strives for it. Some fall short. This happens especially when your a father. Dads sometimes have the worst time at getting the parenting down right. Dads have a tendency to dote on their daughters. Doting on their daughter tends to have some mixed results.

Dads want to dote on their kids, especially their daughters. This tends to through some monkey wrenches into the game plan. They see their daughters as “pure.” Many dads were once “bad boys” themselves. They are hard-pressed to make sure their kids don’t follow in their footsteps.

How many of you dads are feeling overwhelmed, with having to set a good example for your daughter?

Well, this content is meant to shed some light on how to be a good parent, without causing ill feelings within their kids.

1) Love your spouse. This might seem simple, but it’s crucial. Loving her mother and showing affection is going to go along way. Not showing her mother love is going to send some mixed signals. Would you want your kid to marry a guy who is behaves the same way? Kids look at their dads as a hero, especially the girls. Be the example you’d like to see for her future husband-to-be.

2) Spend time with her. This is so important, even if it;s just a few minutes. Ask about her day. Find out her likes and dislikes. Not spending time with your kids, especially the girls, is really going to send a message. It’s not going to be a good one either. If you show her that she is the number one person in her life, outside of your partner, then she will be more likely to make better choices.

3) Share some of your interests with her. You might be surprised at how much she can relate. She might be afraid to share certain interests with you, simply because you haven’t confided in her. She can’t be the only one making an effort. You might have more in common with your child then you think.

4)Be an example of what you want to see. If you were a “bad boy” in the past, talk about it with her. Explain to her why you did what you did. Share with her information at the appropriate age, but don’t wait too long. Do you really want your kid to choose a guy who is exactly like you used to be? Many dads don’t take this seriously enough. Then they wonder why their daughter is acting the way she is. Don’t make the same mistake many other dads have made over this.

5) Always be respectful of others, no matter who they are. Whether you like it or not, most daughter will put their dads up on a pedestal. They will take in everything they see, from a very early age. If they see you treating someone badly, they will think it’s part of the norm.

Try to treat your daughter as many morals and values as you can. She will take this with her as she grows. The more of a positive impact you have on her, the better off she will be later in life.

What is Family Home Evening

July 3, 2014 by thehomespunlife_jd22w3

THE BEST WAYS TO SHARE SOME GOOD QUALITY FAMILY BONDING TIME, WITHOUT GOING OVER BUDGET

Family bonding is something of a unique thing these days. Bonding these days usually consists of looking down at the phone 90% of the time. If someone wants to talk, they send a text. I am sorry, this is not bonding with the family. Bonding with the family consists of actually doing quality things with your loved ones.

Still confused?

Thought some of you would be. Here is some fresh ideas and tips on how to spend some quality bonding time with your family, without breaking the bank. So, put down the phones. Turn off all notifications, including texting and open up your mind.

1) Let’s do some cooking! It;s not that unusual. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied. It’s a great way to encourage some real conversation. It’s also a good way to get those great family secret recipes. I mean, you are going to get them anyway. Why not learn them now. This also builds love and shared emotions. Family cooking is a good way to get to know your loved ones a little bit more.

2) Maybe create your own family scrapbook day. What else are you going to do with all those memories? It’s a good way to walk down memory lane. You can look through the old pictures, rekindle some of those old memories you forgot about. Put them all in a scrapbook, as you go along. This way you can keep them for years to come. When it’s some rainy or snowy night out, you can pull them out. This is also a great way for your kids to learn about their past and where they came from. If your kids don’t know where they came from, things like their past, how can they move on to their future properly?

3) Take some time and walk along a countryside path. I say this, if there’s one around you. Taking a quiet walk down any quiet path, with your family at your side, it’s a great way to bond. You can talk about old times. You can smile at the funny little mishaps your older sister has. It’s all good. It’s all in fun. Just remember to do this on a sunny day. Doing it on rainy day, it can really do a number on your mood.

4) Take a trip to the movies. Now, movie prices might have gone up since you were a child, but the kids prices should be good. Pick a movie that the whole family want to see and go for it! If you have to, pick two movies. This way the family can split up and still get the same enjoyment.

5) Like idea number 4? Well, here’s an even better solution, especially for those who don’t like to go out. Pick a few movies and rent them. Even better, go to Netflix and watch them. I am sure many of you can pull up Netflix on your PC or your t.v.
You can binge on movies for most of the night. Just get the popcorn going. Get some sodas. You are good to go!

Family Budgeting Tips

May 1, 2014 by thehomespunlife_jd22w3

Whether there is one income in the family or a few, it can sometimes be hard to pay all of the bills at one time while having money left over for the fun things that you want to enjoy, such as going out to eat or even getting new clothes. If you have a budget, then you will know what is due and how it will be so that you can plan accordingly with all of the money that is brought into the home. Family budgeting tips can be kept on the refrigerator or above a desk so that everyone can see them and know when fun events can be enjoyed or when there might be a short adventure in the future.

* Make A List
The first thing that you should do is make a list of everything that needs to be paid each month. This would include the house payment, car payments, insurance and other utilities. You also need to plan for things like toiletries and things that are needed for school. Make a list of how much you want to spend for holidays and birthdays so that nothing comes as a surprise.

* Envelopes
Although it seems like this method of saving money and allotting it for the necessary bills is simple, it works. Write the designated amount and the item on the front of the envelope. Each week, add to the envelope until it has the required amount of money to pay that bill. If you see that there is extra money, then it can go to a savings account or to get clothing for the family or other items that are needed for the home.

* Debts
Pay down as much debt as possible. Look at the bills that you have that are outstanding, and begin paying them off with extra money. Income tax returns are a good way to get caught up on the bills that you have, especially credit cards, so that you have a cushion during the year. A credit counselor can help if you find that you have more debt than you can handle.

* Cash
Use cash for as many items and bills that you can. Sometimes, a credit or debit card company might charge a small fee when using the card. This is taking money away that you probably can’t afford to lose. Using cash also gives you a visual idea as to how much you’re spending. If you see that you only have $50 for food, then you know that you can’t go over that amount. This can help you stick to the budget that you have created.