As parents, we want what is best for our children.  Giving our children the best requires an enormous investment of time, energy, finances and emotions.  If you are currently taking care of a child, you have an important role in helping to build the future.  Your child’s future quality of life depends on what he or she learns from you about the importance of proper nutrition.  Developing good eating habits with your children is extremely important – every bit as important as making sure they do their homework, wear a seatbelt, return home on time, and look both ways before they cross the street. 

It's hurricane season again in Texas.  Just one year ago the world watched as Hurricane Katrina devasted Louisiana and the surrounding gulf states. 

Kingwood and the Houston area helped many of the Katrina evacuees, and then one month later needed help themselves as Hurricane Rita threatened to hit Houston as a Category 5 hurricane.  Luckily Rita shifted and downgraded to a  category 3 before it hit, but the damage was still extensive.

Besides the power outages and debris scattered everywhere, the biggest inconveniences came during the last minute scramble trying to get ready before the hurricane hit.  Here are a few tips to be prepared for the next emergency. 

School begins soon and possibly some anxious moments of lost homework, a disheveled backpack and unknown test dates.  Whether it's keeping track of homework or remembering to bring home a backpack, students from middle school through college need to be organized to succeed in school. For many students academic challenges are often due to disorganization rather than intelligence.  Organizing for academic success is a learned skill and with the right tools and routines can make a difference for any student.

What lurks in our most important kitchen space? The pantry!  When we organize, it is the spot that will most save time and money, as well as reduce stress (especially at 5pm!)  The pantry can be stocked with items on sale for daily use and to protect us in those emergency situations too.  It is also the spot to begin party planning.  Use these effortless steps to organize your pantry.   

Getting started with the pantry is simple. Set aside two hours to get this job done.  Start at one side, top shelf, and work across and down.  Decide what to keep, donate or toss.  Keep only what is good, tossing out of date foods! If you have an abundance of unopened items, consider donating these to one of our local food pantries.  Take the items out of the pantry one at a time to make these decisions.