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.

The post A Great DIY Werewolf Costume For Kids! appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

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.

The post Parenting Tips for Moms: Staying Sane During the Best and Worst of Times appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

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.

The post Parenting Tips for Dad appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

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!

The post What is Family Home Evening appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

* 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.

The post Family Budgeting Tips appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

Family dinners lead to healthier food choices

Some studies have been done that show that when families eat dinners together, the meals are more well-balanced, with more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods and soda. In addition, evening dinners also have larger amounts of key nutrients like iron, calcium and fiber.

Better Grades for children and opportunities for new foods

It is important to note; there is a direct link between higher academic performance and dinner with family.

1. It seems that dinner with family is not only more nutritious but also a motivating factor in helping children to do better at school.
2. In addition, dinner with the family is a golden opportunity for children to try different foods.
3. Often when different foods are eaten in the evening, they become foods that are served more often at dinner time.

Happiness and dinner with the family

Keep in mind; dinners with the family may also lead to greater happiness within the family unit. When children eat with their parents on a regular basis, they are more likely to have better mental health and be emotionally stronger than when eating meals at a restaurant. In addition, research has also shown that when teens ate regularly at meals, they were more likely to have good manners, communicate better and be adjusted.

Save money; eat at home and have more control over portions

Thousands of dollars are spent each year eating out; in some cases, up to $3,000 dollars a year or more. Every time you eat out, it adds to your food budget and before you know it, it is taking a huge amount of money from your monthly and yearly finances.

1. Most importantly, the average meal you eat in a restaurant has at least 60% more calories than a meal that comes from your home.
2. Keep in mind; portions that are served in restaurants continue to grow. Just take a look at what is being promoted on TV and magazines for fast food and sit-down restaurants.
3. When you combine these facts with how eating at home affects our diets, then you may come to the conclusion that it is healthier to eat at home. And, by eating at home you feel less stress.

To conclude,dinner with the family is sometimes looked upon as hectic and frustrating; however, there are several good reasons why families should eat dinners together such as strengthening the ties between family members.

The post Why Family Should Eat Dinner Together appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

What are the things that you should consider when improving your home?

• The budget and the funds you are willing to spend.
• If the improvement requires a contractor, choose a contractor with the necessary permits and licenses.
• Get quotes from several home appraisers and compare the quality of the work and service fee.
• Getting a plan is important as it outlines what needs to be upgraded, the materials to be used and how long it will take.

Several things can be done to improve a home. Below is an outline of what many homeowners do to upgrade their habitats.
Decorating the interior.

Home décor reflects the personality of the owner. Repainting a room or using wallpaper in a home can give it a new and fresh look. Home accessories and furniture can make a big difference in a home. Windows can also make a rather dark and uninviting room vibrant. Various types of windows can be incorporated to complement the home décor. Upgrading the floor either by using tiles or wood may help in brightening the home.

Exterior Improvement.

Home exterior is the first impression people get before they get inside the house. Landscaping can change the appearance of a place. Whether it is in planting flowers and trees or shrubs, pruning and trimming hedges or mowing lawns an environment can look beautiful and inviting. Exterior lighting, maintaining sidewalks, extending living space through improvement of decks and patios, gives the exterior a finer look.

Replacement of the front door and the garage door.
The front door can transform the whole look of a home. Adding a working bell and using appealing materials and color for the door can improve the home in a unique way. The garage door also boosts the home appeal and increases the home value.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is referred to many as the hub of the home. It plays a significant role especially when one wants to sell the house. Kitchen remodeling services may involve repainting or replacing cabinets, getting a new floor and countertops. Replacing kitchen faucet can give the kitchen a radiant look.

Incorporating or replacing the Heating and cooling system.
The system helps in bringing more comfort to a home and also saves money. It eliminates air pollutants as some efficient systems can also humidify the home. The latest technology incorporates a programmable thermostat that works automatically. It is important to maintain the system through cleaning of the air vents, air filters and air ducts.

Adopting energy efficiency techniques
The heating and cooling system is one way of saving energy. Insulation can help keep the home warm during winter and cool during summer. Another way is by allowing more natural light into the home and using energy efficient light bulb and thus reducing carbon footprint.

The post Home Improvement Tips appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

1. Keep your doors locked at all times.

Many times, a simple door lock is a deterrent. Thieves who aren’t intent on doing a lot of hard work will sometimes check the doors to residences. If your door is locked, they’ll simply move on to the next residence, looking for a door that’s unlocked. Try and teach your children to lock the door, and if you and your children have separate schedules, make sure they have copies of the house key as well.

In addition to making sure the doors are locked, make sure there’s no easy access through the windows. This could mean locking your windows if you’re by the first floor or a fire escape, or just reinforcing your windows so nobody can get in or out.

2. Invest in home security signs and alarms.

Many people have found that simply having a sign and warning about home security is enough to deter thieves. Others have found that the process needs to be more stringent. Investing in a home security alarm is really important, and a great deterrence. If anything does go wrong, the company is notified and can notify you as quickly as possible.

3. Consider getting a dog.

Consider getting a dog as a family pet. Dogs are a great deterrence to thieves and would be robbers. If you do choose to get a dog, make sure that you put up signs and warnings that you have a dog.

Studies have shown having a sign warning you have a dog is almost as effective as having the animal. The dog doesn’t have to be a guard dog, almost any dog is a deterrent. Make sure to get a dog who is good with kids if you have kids.

4. Teach your children about “stranger danger.”

It’s highly unlikely someone will walk in your home and kidnap your child. Often, your home is a safe place. Make sure, however, that your child knows which people are your friends.

Make sure that your child knows that they can come to you if they have any questions. Make sure to tell your children that if they see anyone entering or exciting the house that they don’t recognize to tell you immediately. Keeping your family safe is important, and educating your children on how to stay safe is also important.

5. Don’t live in fear.

Although our world can be dangerous at times, it is important to remain calm. It is important to follow basic safety techniques and procedures. Doing these will ensure you and your children are as safe as you can be.

Conclusion

There are some very easy tricks that you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. If you follow these tricks, you should likely have no problems.

The post Keeping Your Family Safe appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

Curb Your Impulses

When trying to decide which type of pet to get, take a trip to the local animal shelter. Go in with an open mind and see all of the pets there. Spend some time with each type of pet and see what interests you. You may find that you enjoy the sound of the birds or that the cats are too wild for you. Ask questions of the workers at the shelter to help with your decision. Hold and pet any animal that interests you. The more time you spend with the animals before purchasing one, the more educated your decision will be.

Home and Lifestyle

The type of home you live in and how you live your life will be huge factors when it comes to a pet. The pet you choose will need to fit into the home you live in. Certain dog breeds are very hyper and need lots of space to run. Some birds are very loud and may disturb neighbors. Your work and work schedule may also be a deciding factor. If you travel a lot, pets will need to be cared for while you are away. If you have children, you will need to make sure you choose a pet that is kid friendly.

Care and Maintenance

All pets need to be cared for and tended to. It will need to be decided who will be responsible for certain things involving your pet. Who will take the pet outside? Who will feed the pet and water it? If you work long hours, you may need to look into having a pet sitter stop by. If you have a nanny, you may need to add those chores to their job description. All of these responsibilities need to be factored into the decision-making process.

Budget

As with anything else, a pet does cost money. There is the upfront cost when you are initially purchasing the pet and then there are also recurring expenses. Food will need to be purchased regularly. If a pet is sick, medication may need to be purchased. A pet will need to be taken to the vet periodically. All of these expenses can add up and need to be budgeted for.

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience but it is a decision that needs to be made by looking at all that is involved. Not all pets do well in all situations so it does take some time to choose the right pet for the right situation. Having a pet is a long-term commitment and can be one of the best decisions ever made if done right.

The post Finding the Right Pet appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

Do More Family Activities

One of the keys to a good relationship is doing things together. Whether it’s a weekly thing where you and your kids go to an event on Saturday, or have a family night on Thursday or Friday, it helps keep engaged. You get to share in laughter and fun you wouldn’t have otherwise during the week. This is a good way to bond and share things. You shouldn’t be just strict parents or lay down rules all the time. You should show a bit of fun and enjoyment because you and your kids need that after a busy schedule. This kind of activity helps you draw your family closer and increase the like and love factor. Keep this in mind when you feel things become stale.

Communicate with Each Other

Whether something is bothering you or your kids or there needs to be changes made, you need to speak on things. You should keep things so distant from your family that it begins to eat you up inside. No. Have a family meeting and get things together under one accord. This will help to ease the load and also build character during tough times. Even if it’s something small like doing a set of chores, this will help the family become more responsible as a unit. You can spread the work out and it’ll make things easier to manage in the household.

Have a bit of “me” time

We all grow tiresome of the same routine. Why don’t you go out for a jog or enjoy some time with your friends? This is healthy because we all need time away. It helps ease your mind and it gets you to moving in some other direction that makes you appreciate your family more. At the end of the day, you should still be able to do some of the things you liked to do when you didn’t have a family especially when they only enhance your life.

Be Patient

Not everything is perfect. Sometimes, a family member may make a mistake. It’s okay to be angry but then you should talk and find out what happened. There’s a certain trust and care that goes into being patient. It’s harder for a family member to reach out when they think you’re constantly judging them. Show that you care and love them no matter what happens. This way you can deal with trials and tribulations much easier.

These are just a few ways you can improve your family relationship. It takes time and patience to build with your family. However, it can be one of the most rewarding things in your life.

The post How to Improve Family Relationship appeared first on The Home Spun Life.