AskAnissa: It's the most awaited time of the year, winter! But my kids don't like it because they couldn't play on the streets with the other kids for the reason that I don't allow them to. The weather is too cold and they may catch colds and cough. But I'm a bit bothered because they kept on asking me, when they could play because they are already tired of watching cartoons all over again. The only time they can go out is when we do the groceries or when they are heading to school. How can I make their lives a bit more interesting? They are sick and tired of watching me prepare meals and cleaning the house. Do I have other options even though the weather doesn't cooperate well with my kids' wants? I need an advice. – Anonymous

Answer: Whenever the month of December takes place then it's a sign that children will no longer enjoy playing outdoors for the reason that it's getting cold and parents won't anymore allow them to. However, there are a lot of options that these kids may do aside from staying outdoors with their playmates and that's to do indoor activities instead.

Puzzles are often the best option especially when they are still younger because aside from the fact that they'll enjoy doing it, they can also make their brains work. Many of the indoor activities can be downloaded from the internet and be printed in a sheet of paper wherein kids can enjoy answering it. Parents can also invite other children to make it more enjoyable and interesting. At least they're having fun and at the same time learning in just the comfort of one's home.

Coloring pages can also be a good option if the outside weather seems to be cold. Many children enjoy doing activities that has a relationship with blending and mixing colors. Some coloring pages can be downloaded and yes, it can be printed too. Try to print a lot of designs in order for the children to have a diverse option wherein they can be able to share it with other kids too who will visit their homes.

Children often want to make the most of out it even though they are just at home. They will learn to appreciate little things and will also be able to learn with other kids too. As parents, you should always keep in mind that the weather isn't a hindrance for enjoyment because there are a lot of options that you can incorporate just to see them happy.

Coloring pages: http://www.janbrett.com/treva_coloring_page.htm
Puzzles: http://www.thepotters.com/puzzles/kids/winter.html

Celetbrate Women by contributing or donating for Breast Cancer research during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Quilt Pink is a national effort by American Patchwork & Quilting to raise money for breast cancer research. Quilt Pink is being billed as the – “Biggest thing in quilting since fabric. Quilt Pink will raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to hold the second annual Quilt Pink fundraising campaign September 21-23, 2007 at independent retail stores across North America.

To participate, find a local participating quilt shop, make plans to visit on Quilt Pink Day; come yourself or bring a friend and make a pink-and-white quilt block. You can find participating quilt shops online through the Quilt Pink website. To make Quilt Pink Day even more fun, BHG American Patchwork & Quilting magazine is holding a sweepstakes where the winner will receive quilting books; Flex Arm Plus Lamp from Environmental Lighting; scissors, pinking shears, rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, cutting mat, razor edge and stitch pal organizer from Fiskars; folding sewing table from Horn of America; an Emerald 118 sewing machine from Husqvarna Viking; fabric from Moda and a quilting thread kit from Robison-Anton.

"Quilt Pink" Challenge: Make a block to honor yourself, a friend, a relative, a loved one. Many online quilt shops are also hosting their own “Quilt Pink” challenge and are making donations to the charity. Quilters participating in the event may enter to win a grand prize package from Moda and other Quilt Pink sponsors.

In 2006, more than 1,000 shops across the country held Quilt Pink events, uniting 100,000 stitchers of all ability levels in the fight against Breast Cancer. While we encourage the use of the Quilt Pink fabric line from Moda, you are certainly welcome to use any of your own fabrics in your stash, and what a great use for them. Check to see if your favorite quilt shop is participating on Quilt Pink Day, September 30, 2007.

Question:  I have been thinking about starting my own business from home and wondered if it was a good idea.  I would like to find some information on working from home, to see if it really is what I want to do, can you help?  Maggie B., Bozeman, MO

Answer: Working from home is definitely worth it.  There are some people who need the surroundings of a professional office, other employees, a boss etc to truly thrive, but, I believe that if you are contemplating working from home, then it just might be for you if you can create the right routine, schedule, organizational skills, and surroundings.  I have created a special page with articles from Sylvie Fortin who has successfully worked from home for years, and who is helping others to do the same.  I will post more articles and information on my Home Business pages, as time progress's.

Question: I am looking for smocking designs for dresses and shirts. I am interested in any smocking patterns, although I am thinking of a fall or Christmas design. Do you know where I might find these kinds of patterns? Belinda T., Mesa, AZ

Answer: I have found that there are some great online resources, but in the September/October 2007 Issue of Sew Beautiful, they have several smocking designs and a pull out section with patterns.  Depending on what type of design you want, there are many from fall to elegant to animal and geometric designs.  Depending on how much you enjoy this type of needlework, there are online and offline membership groups such as the Smocking Arts Guild of America and there are also Yahoo Groups and you may even find a local or semi-local group of whom you can get together with for inspiration and ideas.  I found a great site recently that has some good tutorials and how-to's, visit EverythingSewing.net and watch the video's.  There is a great deal of information such as: smocking-designs, smocking plates, smocking patterns, smocking instructions, smocking supplies, smocking dresses, smocking stitches, and smocking kits online and in major magazine publications such as Sew Beautiful.  Below are some of my favorite online resources for smocking.

ElizabethsEmbroideries.com

PatGarretsonHeirlooms.com

SewBeautifulMag.com

MarthaPullen.com

SmockingBonnet.com

I will list more resources on a Smocking Page.