February Product Review: Reynold's Slow Cooker liners

http://www.reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/en/product.asp?prod_id=3200

"Reynolds® Slow Cooker Liners are 13"X21" liners, optimally-sized to fit 3 to 6.5 quart round or oval slow cookers. There are 4 liners in each carton, along with time saving tips and delicious recipes."


We were grocery shopping a couple weeks ago when my husband noticed these slow cooker liners on the shelf by the foils and wraps.  "Hey, you use that crock-pot thing alot why don't you try'em?" he said. That crock-pot thing he was talking about is my stand by appliance.  I have always said that a women must have invented the crock-pot or slow cooker, whichever you call it, because of it's shear genius design.  Just put your ingredients in, turn in on, and come back later to a fully cooked meal.  GENIUS!

Ok, well not so genius was the past design...

The integrated crock with the electronics all together made it VERY difficult to clean. If you were lucky, like me, you could have the slow cooker type with the metal bowl and separate heating element which was a step in the right direction.  But prayers were answered when the powers that be designed the removable crock, I thought it couldn't get any better.

I was wrong! So wrong!

Going on my husband's suggestion I purchased a box of Reynold's Slow Cooker liners.  I have used their baking bags before (another genius invention!) so I figured what the heck?

The idea is so simple-put the liner in the pot, place your ingredients in the liner, cover, and turn it on. Come back later, serve the meal, and then throw the liner away. You only have the lid to wash. That's it! I confess that I still rinse out the crock pot after use, but I bet you wouldn't have to if you didn't want to. I was worried above stirring and serving, but so far they have held up great. I have used these several times (like I said my crock pot is my stand by appliance) and have not be disappointed.  The only negative comment I have is that they only come 4 to the box!

February 2010 Product Review Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners

Positive points- Super easy to use!  Makes clean up a breeze. Even comes with recipes in the box...

Negative point- Only 4 in a box (should be 10!). They do cost about $1 each, but the time saved cleaning is worth it.

After reading some on the other online reviews going back a couple years, why haven't tried these sooner! Oh, by the way...I never would have tried them now if my husband had not suggested them.  I knew I loved him for some reason!

Bedtime/Waking up for school

At bedtime I use a similar consequence/reward method as I do for curfew.  I didn't have to implement this until my youngest son started school.  The bedtime we have used is 9:00 for kindergarten through 3rd grade, 9:30 for 4th thorough 6th grade, and 10:00 for 7th thorough 9th grade.  For the grades 10th and above I use the general rule of "As long as you are on time for school and your grades are good, use your best judgment for your bedtime."  This may not work for many children, but it has worked just fine for us with minimal problems.

IF there are problems getting up in the morning then bedtime is adjusted according to the curfew rule listed in the previous posting. I give my children two "snooze" warnings and then the clock starts and for every minute you go over not wanting to get up, that night you go to bed a minute earlier.

Curfew

The rule at my house is a rule my dad started with me:  Be in the house at curfew.  If you decide to stay out past curfew, the next time you must be in one minute earlier for every minute you go over.  Simply put if curfew is 11:00 and you stay out until 11:15, next time curfew is 10:45. For repeat offenses the rate goes to two minutes for every minute, and then three.

Also, decide in advance which clock is the offical curfew time and let your child know.  That way you avoid the excuse, "Well, my watch says..."

Discuss with your child ahead of time what events warrant breaking curfew, for example car problems, and when to call to ask for an extension.

Sleep-over guests

These tip ideas are courtesy of a co-worker:

If you are having a friend over for a sleep-over for the first time there are important things to consider.

1- Find out what they will or won't eat.  "Anything" is not going to work here, please be specific.  Example here: John will eat beef, but nothing with gravy. So beef stew is off the menu, but roast beef plain may be ok.

2- Check out game and movie ratings.  Because you allow your child who is 10 to watch PG-13 movies does not mean that Suzie's mom will let her. 

3- Allergies.  These are VERY important.  Even the simplest allergy should be discussed.  It may be the middle of winter, but you need to know that Johnny is allergic to ant bites.

4- Bed time routine.  Is there ANYTHING special that you need to know.  Nightmares, talking in their sleep, needs to be asleep by midnight, gets up often to use the restroom, etc.

5- Contact information for the parents. Sounds straight forward, but if you have 3 different numbers make sure you know which is the best to use. 

6-Next day arrangements.  What time will they be there to pick up Jack?  Do you need to take him home?

The main point is don't assume that any other child is like your child or that other parents are like you.  Every child is unique and special.  Sleep-overs are fun, but make sure you have any information that you may possibly need because you may just need it.

Sports and Extra Curricular Acitivites

Having three very active boys, the subject of sports participation was never questioned, but there are a few parents who see extra curricular activities as unnecessary even unwanted.  I have never pushed my children to participate in any activity they did not want, but I have made it perfectly clear that once you are on a team you will finish the season with the team. Case in point, this spring my middle boy has decided that he would like to try-out for the golf team.  The golf season is the same time as the baseball season, and baseball (in my opinion) is a sport that he is very good at.  This is a decision he will have to make, but I want him to weigh all options beforehand, because once he is placed on a team, be it golf or baseball, he will be expected to finish the season.

Winning and losing are concepts that children need to learn and experience for themselves.  Working as a team toward a goal, depending on your team mates to complete their tasks, and following the instructions of your coach are all things the children need to learn and all will help them as they develop into adults and go out into the world.

There are a few parents who push their children very hard into sports, gymnastics, dance, etc.  You hear about the damage it does to the children.  If your child is truly talented and loves the sport or activity don't forget that they are still kids.  Everyone needs some fun time and when the sport or activity is no longer fun then pushing your child will not only hurt them but your relationship with them as well.

January Product Review Purex Complete 3-in-1

http://www.purex.com/purex-3-in-1/product

I have decided to review one product each month that is designed to help parents in their homes.  This month it is the Purex 3-in-1 Laundry sheets.  I must admit when I first saw the commerical for this product, I thought "You must be the laziest person alive to think this is any better than regular detergent and dryer sheets". When they finally made into my market area I took one look at the price and kept walking. Then the thought hit me, you are going to have a college student soon maybe this is just what he needs to simplify his laundry.  So, not wanting him to be the first, just in case there is something to this, I bought a starter pack (just to try!).  The starter pack comes with 20 laundry sheets in a recloseable plastic container.
Laundry day is every day at my house, so once I got home I opened my new "time-saver" and started a load of laundry.  Following the directions I placed the sheet in first and then the clothes. To actually test this I choose a load of what we would consider normal laundry, colored shirts and socks and started the washer. I peeked in mid-wash and the water wasn't very soapy, but let the washer continue.  After the washer finished I placed the clothes in the dryer-laundry sheet and all- and started my next load which happened to be jeans. While my first load was drying I realized that using the laundry sheets really didn't act or subtract anything to my laundry ritual, and unless the first load came out amazingly soft I would be disappointed.  Well, you guessed it, I was disappointed.

So, my first review of 2010-Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry sheets

Positive points- The box was lighter than my bottle of detergent and only having to have one product would be helpful for college students or anyone who has to go to the laundromat

Negative point- Unless you have a coupon or find it on sale it is really no more cost efficient  than regular detergent and dryer sheets for only 20 loads of laundry.

Clothing Choices

Children need to learn how to make proper clothing choices.  Weather and occasion should be taken into consideration.  I started early, about three years old, giving my boys two shirts to choose from for school/daycare.  Then gradually you can add more choices until they are able to do it themselves.  If your child is determined to wear inappropriate clothing, start by showing them what you will be wearing and explaining why.  Still not changing? If it is winter and they want to wear a special t-shirt put a long sleeved shirt under it, if it is summer and they are certain about a sweat shirt again put a t-shirt under so when they get hot they can cool down.
Now special occasions can be a more difficult battle....make a big deal about dressing up for the occasion.  Choices here are very important especially if the child is going to have the clothing on for an extended period of time, for example before, during, and possible after a wedding and then reception.  If your six year old son enjoys a coat and tie, let him help choose the tie.  If he doesn't, a nice golf shirt with khaki pants will be totally appropriate.  For little girls dress them up or down to fit their tastes.  An eight year old tomboy is probably not going to sit through any service in ruffles and lace, but a skirt with a shirt on that she picked out may be just the thing to make her look like a little lady.  Also, please remember the importance of comfortable shoes.  How many times will they come off if they are a little tight?  Every time you put them on! Simple slip on shoes are convenient, but as easy as you slip them on they can be slipped off!  Tie up shoes (double tied) and buckles may be better choices in the long run if your child has a tendency to want to be bare-footed.

Your Tips Are Always Appreciated!

I would love to hear other parents tips and opinions.  Please leave comments on any post.  Feedback is great!

Restaurants

I let my children order for themselves as much as possible. I, of course, guide them in the decision making, but the actual ordering I let them handle. I'm one of those weird parents who feel that children should know how to communicate properly with any adult not just their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Laundry

Start letting your kids do their own laundry as early as you can. I started my boys doing their own laundry in middle school and when my oldest started college in the fall it was one less thing he and I had to worry about. It doesn’t sound like much but during that stressful time one less thing is a very good thing!

Menu Planning

Let everyone plan the menu for a day or if your kids are too small for the whole meal at least let them pick the vegetable or side dish. They are more likely to eat it if they have some input.

The beginning......

This is starting as an experiment. Let me start by saying that I do NOT know everything.  Because of that I have had to look up quite a bit in books and on the internet.  But in a crunch the most referenced source of information for me has always been my family and friends.  People who have "been there, done that"; people who know what to to do, but also what not to do.  So I am inviting all parents to post their quick tips, fast fixes, and "go to" advice to share.  Feel free to post as many ideas as you would like, but make sure they all are tried and true!