Have you filed your taxes yet this year? There’s a reason so many people opt to hire someone else to do their taxes for them— it can be a daunting task! Doing them yourself is a good way to save a little money. Read on to learn about free programs to help you get them done.

Now that you have received your W-2 s, are you getting ready to prepare your taxes?

Before you pay a tax preparer, pay for a tax anticipation loan or buy a commercial tax preparation program, look into these two free opportunities for completing your taxes. There is a free service available to Utah citizens through the VITA program if your income is $54,000 or less.  You can go to utahtaxhelp.org. Click on Find a VITA site to find out if there is a free site in your area where trained volunteers can assist you in preparing your tax return and you can apply for earned income tax credits, if you are eligible. You can also call 211 and they can help you find a location in the Salt Lake City area and make an appointment. If you need to file back taxes, you can also check to see if they can assist you with that process.

If your income is $66,000 or less, you can file online for free. This online service is also available at utahtaxhlp.org. Click on File online for free now. You can also access the program by going to myfreetaxes.com. Don’t be alarmed that the information indicates it is brought to you by H&R Block and United Way; it is still free.   

Just think, by doing your taxes for free, any tax return you receive can be used for creating that emergency fund, paying off some bills, starting a college savings plan for your kids or planning  for a vacation. Happy saving in 2018!

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson, Utah State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Professor, Salt Lake County

Summer is almost over, but there’s still time to do a few more fun things with your family. Check out this list for inspiration.

1. Visit your county fair – see the animals and all the fun exhibits youth and adults have made.
2. Make your own bubbles and have a family bubbles contest.
3. Go fishing at the urban fishery or a lake.
4. Go to a concert in the park.
5. Take a drive to see the beauties of nature.
6. Go to the park and throw frisbees.
7. Make kites and fly them at the park.
8. Go to a garden or orchard and pick your favorite vegetables or fruit, or visit the farmers market and bring some new food home to try.
9. Make homemade ice cream in a bag or a can.
10. Go on a smartphone scavenger hunt in your neighborhood – let everyone come up with items to find.
11. Interview a family member about what he or she did for fun as a kid.
12. Make your own pizzas together.
13. Pick your favorite family movie and watch it together.
14. Make your own family crest or other family art project that you can hang in your home.
15. Take a trip to the library and have everyone select a children’s book to read at home.
16. Go for a hike in a park or somewhere you have always wanted to see.
17. Visit the zoo or bird refuge.
18. Take a walking tour to see historical sites in your town.
19. Visit an area museum.
20. Watch the sunset together.
21. Go camping…even in your backyard.
22. Play croquet or other fun lawn games.
23. Go on a geocaching adventure near you home.
24. Make your favorite float – with ice cream and root beer or your favorite flavor of soda – maybe after “Back to School” night.
25. Have a water balloon fight or squirt gun duel.
26. Go on a bike ride as a family.
27. Make an obstacle course and invite the neighbors for an evening of fun.
28. Have a neighborhood “unbirthday party” for everyone.
29. Make cookies together and deliver them as a surprise to a neighbor.
30. Make your own bowling alley in the back yard using cans or soda pop bottles and balls.
31. Have a hoola hoop contest with your family and friends.

This list was compiled by Marilyn Albertson, Utah State University Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Professor, Salt Lake County

Mother’s Day is coming right up. Try some of these thoughtful ideas to celebrate mom, grandma, and all the influential women in your life. 

Mother’s Day has been a tradition since the 1860s when Ann Jarvis created a committee to establish a “Mother’s Friendship Day” and was nationally recognized in 1914 by a proclamation signed by Woodrow Wilson.  It is a great way to honor those who gave us life, nurtured us and helped us on our way through life. It is usually celebrated in May in the United States. So how can we let these wonderful women know of our love and appreciation?  Here are a few ideas you might try or adapt.

For Your Mom or Grandma- After You Have Left the Nest

When children grow up and leave home, it is very hard for their moms. They still worry about their children, and miss all the fun times and meaningful interactions they had together.

Creating an “All about Mom” questionnaire can be a way to remind your mom how much you love her, and of all the good she has done. Not only does this gift come from the heart, but it’s simple to do and can to involve everyone. Try one of these questionnaires:

All About Mom from One She Two She

All About Mom or Grandma from The Crafting Chicks

Try having all your siblings fill out the same questionnaire (be sure to send them the questionnaire in plenty of time before Mother’s Day). You can present the completed questionnaires to your mom or grandma on Mother’s Day along with her favorite treat or flowers. Another idea is to roll up all the questionnaires, tie a ribbon around them and attach a little bag of Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses.

From Mom, to the Kids

Sometimes on Mother’s Day we leave the rest of the family out of the celebration.  Recognizing and sharing with your family why you love being a mother to them can strengthen your parent-child relationships, build lasting bonds, and remind you why you are glad to be a mother. You can use this form to write to each of your children, young or old, telling them why you love being their mom or grandma. Roll it up and tie it with a ribbon, then attach a treat such as Sweetrts. Here’s a printable tag you can attach as well. 

Download Happy Mother’s Day.. From Me! Form Download Printable Tags

For Other Women who have Influenced You 

For many women, motherhood may not be a role they have had. They may not have become mothers for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they may have never married or not been able to bear children. They may be a neighbor, close friend, aunt, teacher, etc.  Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder of not being a mother. These women often play a vital role in the nurturing and “mothering” of other’s children.

Create a similar questionnaire and fill it out or have your children fill it out for the person who is special to you.  You could also take a picture of them with your children, frame it and have your children write a special note to them.  Write a letter telling them how they have impacted your life, and let them know of your love for them.  You could top it off by inviting them over for a meal or special party to honor them.

For After Your Mother is Gone

After my mother died, it was hard to celebrate Mother’s Day without her, so I decided to reach out to some wonderful aunts of mine who I had interacted with during my growing up years. I purchased Mother’s Day Cards, and wrote a note telling them of my love for them.  I was surprised at how many of them responded back about how much my thoughts had touched them.  Some other ideas you might consider:

•    Send a note of remembrance to a someone who has lost their mother.  This might help the child be reminded of the fine person their mother was, lessons she taught them or what wonderful characteristics they have inherited from her.
•    Send Mother’s Day notes or cards to neighbors who you love but are not your own mother. You may want to recount a fond memory and thank them for their influence on your life.

Mother’s Day Brunch Fruit Dip

Melted white chocolate is blended into cream cheese and lightened up with fresh whipped cream in this effortless, delicious fruit dip! Perfect for serving at Mother’s Day brunch.

Ingredients

•    ¼ cup milk
•    4 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
•    8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (very important!)
•    ¼ cup sugar
•    ½ cup heavy cream
•    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•    Fresh fruit (berries, apple slices, pineapple wedges, kiwi fruit, etc.)

Instructions

1.     Heat milk until hot but not boiling. Whisk in white chocolate until melted and totally smooth. Set aside to cool.
2.     In a large bowl, beat sugar into cream cheese. Mix the white chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
3.     In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and vanilla until soft (not stiff) peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
4.     Cover and chill for at least 4 hours (to overnight). Serve with fresh fruit dippers, and/or vanilla wafers, graham crackers, etc.

Notes

If the cream cheese is not completely at room temperature, the melted white chocolate will re-solidify into little chunks once you mix the two together.

Pretzel Flowers

These tasty little flowers would make a cheery gift, and this recipe would be a great one to make with children.

Ingredients

• Pretzel twists or squares
• White chocolate pieces or candy melts
• M&M candies

Instructions

Heat oven to 200 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange pretzels on parchment, and place one candy melt on top of each pretzel. Warm in oven for 2 minutes, or until candy melt is soft, but not melted through the pretzel. Place M&Ms on top of the candy melt in a circle to make a flower shape Let cool for an hour or two before storing in an airtight container.

Microwave Instructions: 

Place pretzels topped with candy melts on a paper plate and melt in microwave at 50 percent power for 30-50 seconds.  Arrange M&M candies on top in a flower shape. Let cool for an hour or two before storing in an airtight container.

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson – Extension Associate Professor – Family & Consumer Sciences, Salt Lake County

Fruit dip recipe from http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/04/white-chocolate-cheesecake-fruit-dip.html

What’s on your list of must-do winter activities? Get some inspiration from our winter bucket list. 

Each season has its own excitement and beauty to enjoy. Here is a list of fun things to do this winter to get you started. These are great for family, friends or date nights!

Outdoors

• Go sledding.
• Build a snowman.
• Drive or walk around to see local Christmas lights at night, visit Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point November 21 to December 31 (closed Sundays) or Ogden’s Christmas Village (Saturday after Thanksgiving through January 1).
• Go caroling.
• Go for a sleigh ride.
• Have a fun and safe snowball fight.
• Try cross country skiing or snowshoeing at such places as  Soldier Hollow, Millcreek, Donut Falls, or a place near you!
• Go tubing at Soldier Hollow.
• Go skiing or snowboarding. Local resorts include Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Snowbird and more.
• Visit the Macy’s 2016 Holiday-themed Candy Window Display at City Creek Center November 17 to January 1.
• Go window shopping at the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo.  Enjoy shopping, lights, music, entertainment and outdoor firepits to warm you up. From 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays in November and December. The lighting of Riverwoods is November 18 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Entertainment

• Go ice skating. The Gallivan Center rink’s opening day is November 13 at 6 p.m.
• Plan a weekend away at the Snowbird Cliff Lodge and Spa.
• Visit the Festival of Trees located at the Sandy South Towne Expo Center from November 30 to December 3  from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Have a Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place Heritage Park December 9-23, Monday through Saturday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Spend Christmas at the Grand America Hotel. They host Santa and Mrs. Claus with photo opportunities.  A great buffet is provided to complete the experience. There are select days throughout December with seating between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit their website to make a reservation.
• Take a stroll through the Annual Holiday Window display at the Grand America Hotel from November 22 to December 31.
• Go see the Hogle Zoo lights December 1 to 31 from 5:30 to 8 or 9 p.m., depending on the day.  Closed Christmas Day.
• Attend the Messiah sing-in with the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall on Saturday, November 26, and Sunday, the 27, at 7:30 p.m.   
• Attend the Nutcracker with Ballet West at the Capitol Theatre on December 2 to 26, times vary.
• Visit the lights at Temple Square. They are first lit the day after Thanksgiving and stay on through December 31. Free concerts and performances daily at six venues November 25 to December 23.
• Eve Winter Fest December 29 to 31. Salt Lake City’s three-day celebration with concerts, DJs, grown-up drinks and engaging activities for kids and families. Discover everything that downtown has to offer with one all-access pass. 
• Watch sporting events  – cheer for your favorite basketball, wrestling, ice hockey or gymnastics teams.
• Attend a local play.
• Visit a museum, local landmarks and local art galleries.

Home

• Play a favorite board game or try a new one.
• Make warm hot cider or cocoa and watch a holiday movie.
• Build a fort with all the blankets and pillows you can find in the house.
• Snuggle up to a fire or a sofa and read a holiday classic with someone.
• Put together a giant puzzle.
• Have a gingerbread house construction party where everyone brings their old candy, boxes, glue guns, crackers and more. This is fun for the little ones up to the hard-core construction engineer designers.
• Make indoor s’mores in the oven. Lay the crackers on a cookie sheet, and then place your desired chocolate on the cracker along with marshmallows. Place in the oven at 350 degrees for  3 to 5 minutes until the marshmallows and chocolate are soft and gooey.  
• Plan a progressive dinner with your friends when January gets boring. Pick your favorite theme and have everyone prepare a different course.
• Host a murder mystery dinner.
• Have a cookie exchange party where everyone brings their favorite cookies to trade, then everyone has a variety to take home.

Books

• Winter themed books for youth:
  • The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
  • Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
  • The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby
  • Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
  • Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
  • Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
• Christmas-themed books for all:
  • A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
  • The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
  • The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcot

Crafts

• Make a memory book with pictures taken throughout the year.
• Make snow paint to paint the snow and add some color to winter.
• Make someone you love a homemade gift for the season.
• Create homemade ornaments with your children or friends.
• Cut out paper snowflakes and decorate the house.
• Make a holiday wreath for the season.
• Make your own Valentine’s Day cards and decorations.

Food

Here are some foods to warm you up during those cold winter days.

• Make a warm breakfast
  • Veggie frittata three ways
  • Cranberry pancakes
• Make some holiday treats for your neighbors and family.  They can be sweets or a healthy alternative.
  • Utah State University has some fun holiday recipes here
  • Sweet bread
  • Eggnog cheesecake bars
• Try a new winter dinner recipe
  • Minestrone soup
  • Crock pot maple brown sugar ham
  • Crock pot chunky beef & potato stew

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson, Utah State University Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County, and Kirsten Lamplugh, Utah State University Extension Intern, Salt Lake County

It’s time to start preparing for the winter months. Preparation now will help prevent damage to your home later and will save energy and money. You can spread these home projects out over several weeks to make it easier.

1. Check seals around doors and windows: You may be surprised by the little cracks and spaces that heat can escape through during the winter.  Look around window frames for any cracks on the outside and apply caulk.  Check on air leakage around electrical outlets and switch plates. You can install insulation or outlet gaskets very easily.
2. Inspect furnace and filters: Have the furnace checked for efficiency and clean or replace filters. If a furnace has a dirty filter, it will not function as efficiently.  Air vents also fall into this category; be sure to vacuum them and check for possible leaks that decrease efficiency in the home.
3. Reverse ceiling fan blades. Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of the blades. The clockwise rotation forces warm air down where people can enjoy it rather than allowing it to escape to the ceiling area.
4. Clean chimneys: Since ash and creosote can build up in a chimney, it is important to have a professional clean it at least every other year, or more if you use it frequently. You can use a flashlight to check for bird nests or other items that may be blocking any part of the chimney.
5. Drain outdoor hoses and faucets: Water expands when it freezes and can ruin faucets and hoses if they aren’t properly taken care of. After draining pipes, store hoses indoors. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated frost-free hose bib covers.
6. Wrap indoor pipes: Pipes may be exposed to the cold in the basement, inside cabinets or in the attic.  To avoid them bursting from freezing, wrap them in heat tape or tubular pipe insulation sleeves.
7. Winterize evaporative cooler: Turn off the power and water to the cooler. Turn off water pump and fan, remove them and store indoors. Drain water out of lines and out of the swamp cooler pan. Disconnect the water supply line to the cooler and drain or blow it out to keep any residual water from being trapped in lines and freezing. Place cover or tarp over the cooler and tie it down securely. To prevent warm air from escaping through the ceiling inside the home, close the air diffuser vents and place a diffuser cover over the vent or place an evaporative cooler pillow plug inside the diffuser.
8. Make necessary repairs on roof: Take a look at your roof and look for any possible places for leaking, missing shingles or weak corners, especially on older homes.
9. Clean out rain gutters and make repairs: This is especially important for preventing unnecessary damage.  After all the leaves have fallen, you can clean out your gutter and check for possible broken parts.  This helps prevent gutter damming, which happens when draining water gets backed up and leaks into the home.
10. Mow leaves into the lawn: This will act as mulch and help nourish your lawn during the winter. There is a helpful tutorial at USU Extension’s Live Well Utah blog here.
11. Prepare the lawn mower for rest: Use all the gas in the lawn mower or add stabilizer to keep it from decomposing over the winter and causing problems when it’s time to use it again.
12. Pull out the snow removal equipment: Gather snow blower, fuel, snow shovels and chemical ice melt, and place in a readily accessible location.
13. Check or replace emergency supplies: Inspect fire extinguishers, batteries, candles, flashlights and propane lanterns or heaters.
14. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure they are working properly.  Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odorless gas produced by gas furnaces and ranges.
15. Replace light bulbs in exterior light fixtures: This will provide safety in lighting up walkways and steps during the dark winter nights.

This article was written by Kirsten Lamplugh, USU Extension Intern, Salt Lake County and Marilyn Albertson, Utah State University Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County

Resources: 

energy.gov   Cozy Up to Colder Weather: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall and Winter (parts 1 and 2)

Style at Home How to Prepare Your Home for Winter.

https://extension.usu.edu/htm/news-multimedia/articleID=2129  Ask a specialist: Do you have tips for winterizing my home?  Richard Beard, Utah State University Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist,  2006

Winter is on its way. Follow these steps to winterize your vehicle and ensure that you are ready for whatever this winter may bring. 

With winter approaching, thoughts turn to safe driving. Now is a great time to winterize your car and add to your car emergency kit.  You never know when you might be stopped on the freeway or stranded away from home.

Winterize Your Car:

• To be prepared for inclement weather, keep your car filled with gas. Never let your tank get below half full.
• Keep your car serviced. Check the oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid reservoirs to make sure they are full, and keep them at correct levels.
• Put your snow tires on, check tire pressure and tread depth on all tires including your spare tire. Make sure all tire changing equipment works on the tires on the vehicle. Carry a full-size spare tire if you can.  Also carry canned air and tire sealant to repair a tire.
• Test your heater to make sure it works. Inspect your battery and make sure it is charged and the terminals are clean. Inspect your windshield wipers and replace if worn.
• Check the condition of your jumper cables. A heavy duty set of jumper cables is recommended.

Winterize Your Car Emergency Kit:

If you already have water, food, a first aid kit, a fire starter kit, a flashlight, blankets and toilet paper in your basic car emergency kit, add some additional items:

1. Cell phone charger – A phone can save your life in inclement weather, but batteries don’t hold a charge as long in cold weather. Consider carrying an external portable charger with you.
2. The Winter Survival Kit app – This tool will help you find your current location, call 911, notify your friends and family and calculate how long you can run your engine to keep warm and stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s available free for both Android and iOS systems from the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Go to: Winter Survival Kit at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/apps/winter-survival-kit.
3. Windshield scraper and small broom – Having tools to keep heavy snow off windshields, the roof of your vehicle and away from exhaust pipes is important in snowy/icy weather.
4. Water – To keep water from freezing or getting too hot and leaking in your vehicle, wrap with a space blanket (or other blankets) or store in an insulated cooler bag.
5. Survival medications – Carry an emergency supply of necessary medications in case you are stranded away from home for more than one day.
6. Extra jackets, gloves, hats and boots – Make sure everyone has enough clothing if you had to walk outside for at least an hour in cold weather. Add hand warmers and include heavy gloves.
7. Hand sanitizer/wet wipes/extra diapers/sanitary supplies/plastic bags – Carry a large empty can with a plastic cover, tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes. These items can be important if you are traveling with small children or if you have other personal sanitary needs to address during an emergency.
8. Tool kit- Make sure to carry basic tools that can be used on your vehicle, including a multi tool with knife and duct tape.
9. Safety Tools: Tow Straps – These straps should be used with caution to avoid harming the frame of your vehicle but can be very helpful in pulling the vehicle out if you are stuck. Shovel – A compact shovel with a telescoping handle is a must in snowy weather. Make sure it is sturdy enough to handle hard-packed snow. Sand/cat litter – Carry this to help give you traction if you get stuck.  Emergency flares and distress flags, warning triangles/whistle – These can alert others to your situation and also allow emergency personnel to find you.
10. Tire Chains –If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and are traveling in mountainous areas, they may be required.
11. Fire extinguisher – Make sure the extinguisher is designated for use with a vehicle, and understand how to use it.
12. Compass and map of the area- This is the old-fashioned form of GPS and can be helpful when cell service is not available. In stormy weather, the compass is a must because you can easily lose your bearings and be confused about directions.
13. Collapsible fuel container for gas – This is a great item to have if you run out of gas and have to carry it to your vehicle. Gas stations may not have extra fuel containers.
14. Entertainment – Pack a deck of cards, a paperback book, dice, paper, markers, pencils, coloring books and other games to keep everyone entertained.
15. Cash – Keep enough cash in small bills (ones, fives, tens and change) to fill your car with gas or possibly cover a night’s stay in a motel or cover minor repairs. Store in a secure place in the vehicle.
16. Emergency information – Keep an envelope in your glove compartment with family contact information, towing service, AAA Road Assistance, police or emergency services and your insurance company. Always let someone know where you are going if you travel.

Good luck in getting your vehicle ready for the season ahead!

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson, Utah State University Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County

Resources: 

ASK A SPECIALIST: DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR PREPARING AN EMERGENCY CAR KIT? Answer by: Carolyn Washburn, Utah State University Extension family consumer science agent, Washington County.   http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news-multimedia/articleID=6233/print=true, Posted by Dennis Hinkamp on Nov 12, 2012

Winter Storm Survival Kit for Cars,   https://web.extension.illinois.edu/disaster/winter/ws_surv.cfm

Winter Survival Kit, North Dakota State University Extension at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension/apps/winter-survival-kit

Keep your kids looking sharp for school with these tips on removing stains.

Ever looked at your kids’ new school clothes after school and wondered what happened? Kids can get all kinds of stains on their clothes while playing and learning at school. Here are some common stains, and how to treat them.

Airplane glue: Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains). Wait 1 minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.  If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach. For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Blood: Soak in cold water if fresh. If dried, pretreat with prewash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, liquid detergent booster or paste of granular laundry product and water. Launder using bleach safe for fabric. Old stains may respond to soaking in enzyme product.

Felt tip marker: Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains) Wait one minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately.  If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.  For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to the back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Grass stains: Sponge the stain with alcohol and let dry. Sponge with cool water. Work liquid detergent into the stained area. Rinse with water. Let dry. Soak in mixture of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon enzyme product for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Launder in hot water with chlorine bleach if fiber content and fabric permit.

Mud:  Soak for 15 minutes in mixture of 1 quart lukewarm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse.  Sponge with alcohol, using light motions from center to edge of stain.  Soak for 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon enzyme presoak products.  If color stain remains, launder in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach.

Washable ink: Treat stains as soon as possible after staining.  The older the stain, the more difficult to remove.  Use these steps before laundering a washable garment. Stains that are laundered and dried are almost impossible to remove.  Soak for 15 minutes in mixture of 1 quart lukewarm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Rinse. Sponge with rubbing alcohol, using light motions from center to edge of stain. Soak for 30 minutes in 1 quart warm water with 1 tablespoon enzyme presoak products. If color stain remains, launder in chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric or in oxygen bleach.

Crayon (a whole load of clothes):  Scrape excess crayon with blunt knife. Wash in hot, soft water with soap (such as Ivory) and 1/2 cup baking soda for 10 minutes. If stain remains, work soap paste into stain. Wash 5 minutes. Rinse. To remove remaining color, use bleach or color remover that is safe for fabric.

School glue:  Saturate area with pretreatment laundry stain remover (aerosol types work better on greasy stains) Wait 1 minute for product to penetrate the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with heavy-duty liquid detergent. Launder immediately. If color stain remains, soak/wash in chlorine bleach if safe for fabric, or in oxygen bleach. For extra heavy stains, apply dry cleaning solvent to the back of the stain over absorbent paper towels. Let dry, rinse. Proceed as above.

Stain Removal Reminders

Treat stains as soon as possible. The longer the stain remains in the clothing, the harder it is to remove. Stain removal should be done before laundering washable items or drying them. Stains that are laundered and dried are nearly impossible to remove.  

More tips available here.

This article was written by  Marilyn Albertson –USU Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County.

Mom and Dad may be ready for school to start again, but are your kids ready to trade in their pool towels for pencils and notebooks? Get their math brains going with these sidewalk chalk math games.

Sidewalk Chalk Hopscotch Math Games

Step 1 – Draw a large 5 x 5 grid on the ground using chalk.

Step 2 – Fill the squares with the numbers 1 to 25 randomly.

Step 3 – Gather children ages 3 to 9 and get hopping! Try the following hopping games to reinforce and practice arithmetic skills:

• Number Sequencing – Hop on each number in order from 1 through 5, then 1 through 10, then 1 through 15, then 20 and then 25.
• Odd/Even Numbers – Hop on the odd or even numbers in order.
• Pre-subtraction – Hop on each number from 5 through 1, then 10 through 1, then 15, 20 and 25 through 1.
• Addition – Start at 1 then add 2 each time, then 3, 4 etc. Repeat starting at 2, then 3 etc.
• Subtraction – Start at 10, then subtract 2 each time, then 3, then 4. Repeat starting at 15, 20 and 25.
• Times Tables – Hop through the 2, 3, 4 and 5 times tables.

For each game, start with easy questions so your children get a chance to enjoy the hopping and get some oxygen to their brains before tackling the harder questions. Stop while they’re still enjoying it. For easier games, try a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 4 grid. For math whizzes, try a 10 x 10 grid (but only if they draw it out themselves).  (Source: http://imaginationsoup.net?2011/03/17/hopscotch-math/)

Sidewalk Chalk Dice Game 

Draw 12 circles and write the number inside each one up to 12.  Then let your kids throw dice and add them up, and hop as many spaces as they rolled.

 Sidewalk Chalk Calculator Game

Draw an oversized calculator with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway.  To play, a person throws a stone on the calculator to indicate the number you have to jump to.  When you jump on the number on the calculator you have to figure out how to make the number (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). For example, if the stone lands on 4, then you hop to the 2 and then multiplication sign, jump to 2 and then jump to the equal sign and hop back to the 4.
(Source: http://eisforexplore.blogspot.com/2012/05/kid-calculator.html?m=1)

Sidewalk Chalk Subtraction Game

Gather two bean bags and write numbers 1 through 25 on the sidewalk. Throw bean bags on two numbers and subtract the smaller number from the larger one to get the score for the round.
(Source: at:http://www.education.com/activity/article/sidewalk-chalk-subtraction/)

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson –USU Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County

The end of summer is a great time to declutter your children’s closets as they prepare to go back to school.  Why not make a game out of identifying what to discard, what to keep, what to repair and what to replace? 

Items needed:

• Safety pins
• Printed Fix-It and Match-Me Tickets
• Printed Back to School Clothing Inventory Table
• Box for discarded items
• Basket for items needing repair
• Bag for items needing to be matched with something else to make them wearable

Have your children try on all their clothing. Once they have modeled an item and a decision has been made, they can put the item in the discard bag, put it back in their closet/drawer or label with the appropriate ticket. The “Fix It” ticket can be filled out describing the needed repair, pinned to the item and placed in the designated basket.  The “Match Me” ticket could be placed on any item needing to be matched with something else to make a wearable outfit, then placed in a bag to take with you to ensure a proper match when shopping.  As you take inventory, it might be helpful to chart what they have and what will need to be replaced now or later on the printable clothing inventory table. The list could be used when shopping to help you avoid overbuying or forgetting needed items.

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson – USU Extension Associate Professor- Family and Consumer Sciences, Salt Lake County.

Ten tips for helping Families get back in the groove as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

1. Reset the Clocks

Start practicing your daily routine including wake up time and bedtime before school starts so your student can get plenty of rest in order to tackle the school day’s demands.

At least a week before school starts, move up bedtime by 15-30 minutes. Then be sure to wake them up earlier as well.

Give them a reason to get up earlier. Plan some fun activity outside in the early morning sunshine to help reset their internal clock. They will gradually fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier.

Reset their homework clock. Start by setting some time aside in the evening to go to a “homework station” and practice numbers, reading or other skills

2. Establish Goals

What does your student want to accomplish this year? What would you like your student to accomplish this year? These are things to consider when setting goals.  In order to set reachable goals, it is good to know the S.M.A.R.T. way to set goals. S.M.A.R.T. stands for:

Specific: Be clear and don’t leave room for guessing,

Measurable: Make a goal where the progress can be tracked.

Attainable: Ask yourself if your goal is attainable within your time frame.

Relevant: Make sure your goal is meaningful to you.

Time-bound:  Set a “due date” for your goal.

3. Get Calendars Aligned

Parents and kids should review schedules together before school starts.

Find out what time school starts and ends.

Find out times and dates of extracurricular activities your kids will be involved in.

Include on the calendar vacation days and other special events. Parents should make a plan for who will handle any carpooling, childcare and taking children to all after-school activities.

Plan who will prepare dinner, help with homework, pack lunches and handle bedtime preparation and other needs. Record this on the calendar for easy reference.

4. Create a Routine 

Set times for different activities your family takes part in, whether it be chores or family game night, make a routine of it.  Involve kids in the planning and decision-making.  Have them help you decide when to do homework, chores or other activities.  If they feel they had a part in the decision, they may be more likely to follow through and cooperate.

Set mealtimes, wake up and bedtimes, leaving and returning home, homework time, extracurricular activities, chores and bedtime activities.

Prepare for the next day. This could include setting out clothing to wear, making lunches, gathering homework and signed permission slips, etc. to take back to school and loading backpacks.

Set up a place for homework time where there are supplies needed for homework.

Create a place to store artwork, school keepsakes, certificates and other special school memorabilia.

5. Brainstorm Meals and Snacks

Start now collecting ideas for fun lunch box meals and after-school snacks.  You can even start gathering supplies, and trying some of the recipes out to see how well the meals are received.

Create an afterschool menu or list of the snacks available that day and make sure children can easily access it so they know what is available to them.

6. Hunt for What You Have

Check for clothes packed away and in dressers to assess the amount of clothing your student has for school.  Then check you drawers, offices and closets for school supplies that you might already have. After everything is gathered, bring it all together and make a list of what you need.

7. Gather What You Need

After you have hunted for the supplies you need, start looking through ads to find coupons or deals on school supplies and clothing. Then venture out to gather what you need. The earlier the better so there is a good selection and to guarantee you will get what you need.

8. Follow the Rules

Go on your student’s school website or visit the school and ask for forms, applications and a list of rules they have in order for your student to attend.

Don’t forget to find out the dress code and get the needed physicals and immunizations.

Update your student’s emergency contacts.

Pay any fees needed for your student(s) to attend school.

9. Participate in Back to School Activities 

Find out the dates for Back to School night or a meet and greet with teachers. This can help your student acclimate to the change school will bring and give you a chance to become accustomed to the school, teachers and other staff.

10. Take Time to Play

Make sure you plan free time for your student(s) before they start on t homework.  Helping them decompress can help them have fresh minds when starting their studies.

This article was written by Marilyn Albertson – USU Extension Associate Professor- Family and Consumer Sciences, and Fayth Bushman – former USU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Program Assistant, Salt Lake County.