I don’t know too many people who don’t enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning. For those of us who have to get up at the crack of dawn to go to work, a cup of coffee is as crucial as the gas in the car. The question is, how much money are we spending on that morning cup of coffee? And how much can we save? My husband and I stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts for a couple of hot coffees last Wednesday evening on our way to a function. We don’t generally go to Dunkin' Donuts, but we were feeling a little worn out and, what do you know, there was a store right there on the highway. Let’s face it, …
Are you giving your children a daily chore, and subsequently a weekly allowance? Although there have been times when I've lapsed in these parental duties, I do my best to try to be consistent in appointing chores, checking daily to make certain they have been done, and awarding a certain dollar amount every week for the completion of these chores. In addition to teaching our children hard work and responsiblilty, the chores our children do help us. It is that much less we have to do around the house! And the older the kids get, the more work they are able to handle. My 10-year-old daughter …
Just because summer is at an end, there's no reason to stop working out and trying to stay physically fit. Many women work out like mad all spring in order to fit into that 2 piece bathing suit by summer, and then fall right back into their lazy habits by fall. Usually by the time January rolls around, these women are right back to making a New Year's diet resolution. Don't let that happen to you! There's no reason you can't stay fit all year long. If you're not already a member of the Y - of which there are two in the Woonsocket area -why not check out one of the following physical fitness …
Although there aren't many places in Woonsocket where you can purchase fresh-off-the-farm dairy and produce, you don't have to go far in order to keep your family healthy. Supermarket food is not only more costly, but far less fresh than the local, farm fresh items grown and cultivated right here in Rhode Island. In addition to our local farmer's markets, within an approximate 20 mile radius you will find local farms which sell everything from milk, eggs, bread, peaches, apples and blueberries to lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, eggplant, sweet corn and much, much more. These items are …
The pay telephone, which once could be found on virtually every street corner, is slowly but surely becoming obsolete. The "crying dime" - the coin in your pocket your parents made you carry for a pay telephone in case of an emergency - is a laughable cliche. These days, nearly everyone on the planet carries a cell phone, and if you don't, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. The last time I tried to locate a pay telephone was indeed the last time; they are simply not to be found. In an emergency situation, like a flat tire on a dark street, a lost child at an amusement park, a …
In approximately two weeks time, another school year will begin. Do your children still fit into last year's uniforms? Considering the rate at which children grow, probably not. Although we're saved from purchasing all the latest in expensive trends and fashions, we still have to put aside enough to purchase the uniforms now required by the Woonsocket school system. For those parents new to the area, the uniform consists of tan or black pants, shorts and skirts or capris for girls, and grey, black or burgundy shirts - generally either T-shirts or Polo shirts. The Woonsocket Public schools do …
When my daughter and I made plans to see the new Smurf movie at the Providence Place Mall Cinema, we made sure the plans fell on a Tuesday. I had heard that all movies and show times on Tuesdays at Cinema 16 were only $6 - a great deal no matter which way you look at it. Now that I think about it, it's actually kind of sad that, although I use to go to the movies for a measly dollar when I was a kid, things have gotten so expensive that I now see $6 as a great deal. At any rate, with my daughter Sydney and her friend Paige in tow, we made our way to downtown Providence, searched diligently …
When the warm weather arrives, I generally like to make an appointment with my favorite salon in order to have my hair lightened. Unfortunately, for the past few years I've been unable to do this due to a distinct lack of funds. A new hairstyle, cut or trim, or more specifically a rinse, highlighting procedure or color treatment can cost a fortune, and those funds can be especially important if you've got a big family. I recently noticed an advertisement for a sale on "highlights" at one of the local hair salons, and I decided to compare it to the prices at other local salons. The sale was a …
Are you aware that CVS pharmacy accepts returns on everything from perfume and make-up to batteries and electronic gadgets... even when the items are used or opened? They also offer fantastic money back savings through their Extrabucks rewards program. When I'm in the market for a new tube of lipstick, a compact, or a moisturizer, I've come to rely on my local CVS Pharmacy. These precious female necessities cost a fortune, and should you later decide that the color doesn't suit you, that the moisturizer doesn't work as well as it should, or that the expensive cologne your girlfriend told you…
As a single parent of two children (including one a hungry teenager,) I know how expensive the grocery bill can be, especially during the summer months when the kids are out of school. While visiting the local public library here in Woonsocket (a great source of information for all sorts of things,) I came across a bit of surprising information. Apparently the Sodexo Office at the Woonsocket School District is offering free breakfast and lunch throughout most of the summer for children under 18 years of age, with no application or registration required. The school district will offer your …
Television today is far different from television when I was a kid. When I was a kid, you plugged it in, and that was it. And while we didn't have as many choices as we do today, we also didn't have a monthly $100 cable bill. I do not encourage my kids to watch television, but I like to know that the choice is there if they desire to do so. After a year of dishing out nearly a hundred dollars a month for this unproductive and high priced service, however, I finally got fed up and canceled it. It was only after I did this that I learned of another, far less expensive way to give my children …
Before you spend a fortune on summer clothing for your kids, go through their winter wardrobe; you'd be surprised at how much of it can be turned into summer wear. You don't have to be a seamstress in order to transform your kid's cold weather clothing into summer outfits. In fact, in many cases you don't even have to have a needle and thread. A hefty pair of scissors will do wonders. One of the 2011 winter styles for kids were the long sleeve shirts with pretend short sleeves attached. My daughter had about four of these shirts, which, come next winter, would no longer fit her. I realized …
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. From 1776 until the present day July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with fun, family festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to picnics and barbecues. Independence Day celebrations can be great family rituals with many people hosting or attending picnics or barbecues, gathering for the Fourth of July Parades, and either attending a fireworks display or lighting off their own fireworks. If you're planning to do the latter, you don't want to …
My daughter and I made a commitment this week to start the summer with a few healthy changes. I've been contemplating the different ways in which my daughter Sydney (age 10) and I might whip ourselves into better shape for the upcoming summer fun. Dieting is always difficult, especially for a youngster; and planned exercise is always a drag. Real big changes, like a complete menu change or joining a gym, are not always feasible and can cause undue stress, especially if you've got a full plate to begin with. I realized that a few minor changes in our diet, like substituting fresh fruit for…
If you don't have central air conditioning, or simply do not want to pay an inordinately high electric bill this summer, there are many other ways to cool off the whole family. You don't need to have money in your pocket to visit the malls; window shopping can be just as much fun. There are two major malls located within a 20 mile radius of Woonsocket. Both are wonderfully air conditioned, and both have plenty of retail outlets, food courts, and fun entertainment options such as Cinemaworld at the Lincoln Mall, and Family Amusement Center at Emerald Square Mall. You can spend hours at the …
Summer vacation is almost here, and that means registration time for all those boys and girls interested in joining football, cheerleading, and gymnastic teams. For Woonsocket residents, there are two main options available for kids ages 5-14: The Woonsocket Redskins and Superior Cheer. The Redskins youth football and cheerleading organization will hold the 2011 season registration for new and returning football and cheerleading players at Bernon Park on Kermit Street (located right off Park Avenue) on Sunday, June 5, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to get your child …
Contrary to popular belief, the first Father's Day actually took place in Fairmont, WV on July 5, 1908. It was organized by Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to celebrate the lives of the 210 fathers who had been lost in the Monongah Mining Disaster. Unfortunately, the day was overshadowed by other events in the city and West Virginia did not officially register the holiday. The credit went to Sonora Dodd, who organized the first Father's day in Spokane, WA on June 19, 1910. It was later made an official holiday by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. Father's Day is a celebration …
When folks think about the city Woonsocket, they generally think of traffic, congestion, and a whole lot of people. The fact is, Woonsocket has more than it's fair share of natural beauty. A family on a budget can enjoy all of the amenities, wonders and outdoor treasures children desire without spending a dime. Whether they're in the mood to play on the swings, feed the ducks, take a stroll along the twisting paths or just run around, Woonsocket parks offer something for everyone. The weather is always a contributing factor...a sunny day, a windy day, or even a nippy day can add to the …
Spring is here, and that means it's time to purchase new shoes for the whole family. I've canvassed the area in and around the Woonsocket for the best styles and the best sales, and have come across four which meet the criteria. I would not recommend, on this topic, any sort of thrift store. Shoes are very important, especially for children. If a shoe is not new, it may not fit right or properly conform to the shape of the foot. Size is also very important. Because a child's feet are constantly growing, it is important to allow at least one finger's width from the end of the longest toe …
Last week, we talked about some of the best places - and the best prices - to get a pet for your child. Whether it's a goldfish, a mouse, or a Great Dane, all pets need someone to care for them on a regular basis. Through pets, children can learn about responsibility, loyalty, and the care and nurturing of another living creature. If you have a cat, a dog, a ferret, or some other furry type of critter, you are aware of the maintenance and cost involved in caring for your pet. Although there are many places right here in Woonsocket which offer the types of services pet owners need, such as …
