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Kids are naturally attracted to animals and will love the birds that come to eat off of their homemade bird feeders. The following instructions are for a very simple bird feeder that can be made again and again. Once you put out food for birds and they start coming on a regular basis you should continue to feed them as they are rely on the feeders as a food source.What you will need for this simple bird feeder is a piece of string or yarn, cereal in the shape of an

Spend a summer day making musical instruments with the children it is lots of noisy fun. Once everyone is equipped with their homemade instrument go on parade through your neighborhood to show off you new marching band.Make a tambourine with two paper plates and something that makes noise to go between them. You can use beans, rice, or small bells from a craft store. Use staples to keep the two plates together with the noise makers inside. Have the child decorate the outside and hang long streamers from the edges.You can make a drum with a large empty cereal box. Punch two holes in the sides of the cereal box and tie a piece of yarn to go around the child

Depending on when you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy (most likely between weeks 24 and 28) you are going to have many weeks of watching what you eat ahead of you. If you find a meal that you like and works well with your blood sugars you may be tempted to eat it again (and again and again). You are going to reach a point where you do not want to even think about a piece of toast with peanut butter again. And when you do, here are some ideas for a diabetic friendly breakfast:* One piece of whole wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter and a glass of milk* A bowl of cereal and milk with almonds sprinkled on top* One egg (cooked to your preference) a piece of toast and a glass of milk* Natural peanut butter spread on half a banana* Egg and cheese omelet with your choice of vegetablesGo for quality foods because as you can see, meal sizes are going to be small. By combining your breakfast foods with a protein you will assist your body in processing the sugar. The added benefit of the protein is be satiating for a longer period of time. If you fill up on carbohydrates (which is very easy to do at breakfast) you are going to be hungry sooner and have a higher blood sugar for your next reading.As breakfast is going to set the tone for the rest of the day, don

Ask any pregnant woman who is in her first or third trimester how they are feeling and the answer will almost always be “tired”. One of the first clues that many women have that they may be expecting a visit from the stork is the fact that they find themselves droopy eyed in the middle of the day for no reason.You may find that doing a simply task as walking around the block leaves your desperate for an afternoon nap. The energy you use to have is now faced with the challenge of growing a baby and your body is hard at work. You are also producing more blood, using more water and nutrients and have a higher heart rate and metabolism when you are pregnant. While the best defensive against the tiredness you will face is to get more sleep. There are also some healthy foods choices you can make that will help you get through your day if you do not have the opportunities to take naps. First, adjust the size of your meals. Anyone who eats a large meal is going to feel tired afterwards regardless of if they are pregnant or not. Being pregnant is going to make the effect of a big meal that much worse. Most of your energy is going to be used towards digesting the meal so of course you will feel sluggish and drained. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. Eating six small meals a day will help you combat fatigue. Eating a good breakfast is the best way to start your day. You are refueling your body after a long foodless night with a good breakfast. A good breakfast is not a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. You want to stick to complex carbs and protein. Whole grain cereal and a banana for example. These foods will stay with you and keep your blood sugar and energy level up for quiet a while. Do not skip lunch. There are many people who skip lunch thinking they will make up for it by having a big dinner. This is bad when you are not pregnant but it’s even worse when you are pregnant. You need that midday meal to help refuel your body. As with your breakfast, you should keep it filled with whole grains and protein. Have a whole grain pita and stuff it with chicken salad and add a side of grapes or an apple.Plan to eat most of your calories during the day. A pregnant woman needs an extra 300 calories a day throughout their second and third trimester. The first trimester those are not needed yet. You should eat these extra calories through out the day in the form of healthy snacks such as nuts, cheese, veggies and dip. Do not save your biggest meal until the end of the day. Your body needs these calories to help you get through your day. Steer clear of the quick sugar fixes like candy and soda. In the end these will only make you more tired.Lastly, make sure you are getting enough iron. Eat iron fortified food such as spinach and lean red meat to keep your energy up. There are times when extreme fatigue could be the symptom of an iron deficiency and you might need an iron supplement also. Besides eating well, make sure you get plenty of rest even if this means pushing your bedtime up and giving up those late night TV talk shows. As any parents of newborns will tell you, get your rest while you still can.