By BETH BENCE REINKE for Smart
Summer's out, school's in!
Back to the morning routine of packing lunches, stuffing book bags and searching for lost shoes and homework. One way to ease the transition is an entryway makeover.
In the morning and afternoon, the entryway serves as grand central station of your home, said Tammy Burke, professional organizer and owner of "Organize It All" in Dallastown.
Here are some go-to snacks kids can make
By KARA EBERLE for Smart
Moms like it when their kids eat healthy.
But sometimes it's hard to get fruits and veggies in their tummies.
Amy Wolfe, 33, of Manchester Township said she usually gives her children fruit,
hoping it holds them over until dinnertime.
Wolfe and her kids -- Kaden, 8; Lilla, 6; and Rylan, 3 -- tried these after-school snacks thinking they might be a fun and healthy way to tame their hunger pangs without spoiling their dinner.
In the end, the children were drawn to the less healthy parts of the treats: peanut butter, cheese and pretzel sticks.
Lilla was the only one to eat the celery and the peppers.
But they said they had fun making the treats.
And it kept them seated at the table -- and out of Wolfe's hair -- for a little while.
A little research goes a long when choosing a companion animal
By Jennifer Vogelsong
Maybe the kids have been begging for a puppy. Or, your apartment looks kind of lonely, so you're considering a cat.
You walk into the pet store -- just to browse -- and find you can't resist the puppies' eyes, or the kittens playing with their toys.
At the animal shelter, the pull is stronger. Poor little things -- they've been abandoned, neglected. They want someone to love.
Before you know it, you're a pet owner.
But do you know what you're getting into?
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Other members of the household
Is everyone willing to pitch in and help with the animal's care or is one person going to be responsible?
Is anyone in the house allergic or afraid of the animal you're considering?
Time and schedule
How much time are you willing to devote to daily care and interaction with a pet? Dogs and cats count on their human for companionship and exercise.
If considering a puppy, will you be able to return home to let the animal out every four hours or so until it becomes housebroken?
How often do you travel? What arrangements will you make for pet care while you're away?
Space
Can you provide a large dog with a safe, fenced-in area to run and play? Do you have space for a litter box, animal bed, and room for exercise?
Cats should be kept indoors and dogs should only be outside in enclosed areas or under direct supervision.
Children
Pets can be a great way for children to learn about responsibility, loyalty and friendship; however, many experts recommend a child be at least 6 years old before you bring home a pet. At the very least, the child should exhibit self-control and obey the word "no."
Teach children to respect an animal's space and warning signs.
Existing pets
Consider the temperament of any pets you already have and how they might react to a new animal.
Give your existing pet extra attention and serve him or her first when feeding to reassure the animal he or she is still the top pet in the household. This will reduce the chance of aggression toward your new pet.
Money
The biggest outlay of cash will be when you first acquire the pet. Be prepared to pay for spaying and/or neutering, adoption fees, microchipping, health exams, flea and deworming medications.
Pets, like humans, get sick from time to time. Are you willing to spend the money to keep vaccinations current and pay for emergency care should the animal become ill?
Commitment
Dogs can live more than 10 years and some cats reach 20. Are you ready to make that kind of commitment? How would you accommodate your pet should your living situation change -- if you move or add children to your household?
Annoyances
Animals are prone to accidents, especially when adjusting to a new environment. They may soil the carpet until they're housebroken or accidentally knock over a vase with their tails while trying to run from something that frightens them. Can you handle such inconveniences?
LOCAL RESOURCES
Here are just a few places to start your search for the perfect pet:
York County SPCA
Address: 3159 Susquehanna Trail, Manchester Township
Phone: 764-6109
Web site: www.ycspca.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Adams County SPCA
Address: 11 Goldenville Road, Gettysburg
Phone: 334-8876
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Closed Tuesday and Sunday.
PetSmart
Address: 351 Loucks Road, Manchester Township
Phone: 854-5624
Web site: www.petsmart.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation
Location: Dillsburg
Phone: 697-3377
Web site: www.helenkrause.org
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment
Essentials
If you decide to get a cat or dog, here is a list of essentials to have on hand before you bring your new friend home:
Food and water dishes
Grooming tools (comb, brush, shampoo, nail clippers)
Collar (cats), collar and leash (dogs)
Food
Treats
Bedding
Toys
Crate (dogs) or carrier (cats)
Litter box (cats)
Litter box liners (cats)
Kitty litter (cats)
Stain remover
Chew repellent spray
The phone number of your vet
A BIT ABOUT BREEDS
Like people, animals have individual quirks and distinct personalities, no matter what their breed.
"A lot of times, people come through (a shelter) looking at the visuals rather than the personalities," said Melissa Smith, operations manager of the York County SPCA. "If you're looking for a specific breed of dog, you really should do some research."
If you're looking for a new dog or cat, consider the following common traits of popular breeds.
Dogs
Setters, pointers, collies and retrievers are active breeds that love the outdoors and need plenty of space and exercise.
Corgies, pugs, shitzus and lhasa apsas are good for folks who like to fuss over a smaller furry friend.
Beagles, boxers, bulldogs, cocker spaniels, golden retrievers, labs, pugs and poodles are generally good with children.
Cats
Longhaired cats, especially Persians and Abyssinians, are affectionate kitties that become depressed if ignored. They make good lap cats.
Siamese cats are known for being both gentle and chatty.
Shorthaired cats tend to be curious and active playmates.
PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME
Much like children, pets can get into trouble if you're not careful. Here are some tips to make your home a safe place for your pet to live.
Keep medications, cleaners, laundry detergents and other household chemicals on high shelves.
Keep food and houseplants out of reach. Some can be poisonous and even fatal to dogs and cats.
Move wires out of reach so your pet won't chew them.
Store small items out of reach. Buttons, knick-knacks and other items might look like food or toys but could be harmful if ingested.
Be aware of potential hiding spots. Curious cats and small dogs might decide to climb into the fridge, the dryer, underneath the hood of a car or even into closets and drawers. Check before using or closing to avoid entrapment and potential death.
Be alert of your pet's whereabouts when closing doors and moving chairs. Paws, noses and tails can get easily caught or smashed.
Source: www.americanhumane.org
By NANCY POSTER for Smart
Here's how to keep it clean
• Put a cover on it. "Most people do purchase outdoor furniture covers," said Mike Stevens of Artesian Factory Outlet, a retailer that sells pools, spas and other recreational items in the Greensprings Plaza in York.
The cost of a cover is under $50, he said, and will allow homeowners to keep their furniture outside year-round.
By NANCY POSTER for Smart
Cold weather has kept you off your bike and off the trails. But now it’s time to get pedaling and start exploring the countryside.
Before you set out, however, take a few minutes to give your bike a quick once over.
By NANCY POSTER for Smart
Life can be a balancing act for working parents as they juggle on-the-job duties with caring for their home and family.
Add to the mix a hefty dose of guilt that afflicts many parents who wish they could carve out more one-on-one time with their kids.
What’s a mom and dad to do?
“I’m in love, Mama.”
Have any words struck more fear in a mother’s heart?
Here is our gift to you: Gift tags you can download and print. Happy holidays!
By BETH BENCE REINKE
For Smart
Whether you’re at home or visiting relatives, the holidays are a great time to gather around a board game for some family fun and togetherness. Felton resident Jeanie Olson remembers playing cards and board games when she was a kid. “My sisters and I used to play 500 Rummy on Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house,” she said.
Olson and her husband, Jan (pronounced “Yon”), make board games a frequent part of family life for their children, ages 14, 13, 8 and 2. She says games provide a face-to-face opportunity to laugh, talk and build strong relationships, instead of sitting in front of a video game or computer screen.
“The kids can be scattered through the house, and if you get a game out, they all come running,” she said.
Finish reading 'Board games worth playing' »Smart readers tell us about their holiday nightmares.
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