Tips

8 Places to Sell Your Old Stuff If You’re Furloughed Looking for Extra Cash

Posted on January 20, 2019

Things are getting crazy out here for furloughed federal workers.

Over 800,000 workers are out of a job and waiting for the federal government shutdown to end while bills pile up and they scramble for ways to cut costs. Many are taking advantage of grocery giveaways and free meals but what about the stuff in the home that are piled up unused?

There are several places where you can sell your stuff. There is always eBay which was a pioneer in online sales of used items but which can still be time-consuming to set up. Now we have several mobile apps that have helped people bring in major bucks.

The following excerpt from sites like Techilicious may be helpful and talk about 8 places to sell your old stuff

1. Decluttr

Decluttr is a mobile app that provides a fast, easy and free way to sell and Buy CDs, DVDs, Games, Books, Mobile Phones and Tech.

There are no auction fees and they pay the next day and they pay to ship your old DVDs, CDs and Games and send you a pre-paid box! You cannot go wrong because you can accept or reject the offer for the items. A lot of it will be sitting in your shelves anyway. As long as you’re home, you might as well go through your house and scrounge up any stuff you think you can sell and start stacking those offers. It could add up!

Best for: Digital devices, books and tech.

SIGN UP TO START SELLING YOUR STUFF

2. Poshmark

Poshmark app is the place to sell your high end monogram handbag you never use, old Louboutins and rarely used couture items you cannot fit anymore or simply do not like. Major shoppers probably have handfuls of unworn clothes in their closets.

People have made full time income from this site. It functions similar to to eBay in that it allows people to buy and sell clothing and accessories with ease making it an ideal platform to offload some of the unwanted gifts during the holiday season.

Since launching in 2011, it has transformed into a community of five million sellers, who so far have been paid out $1 billion, according to Poshmark.

Poshmark takes a $2.95 commission on all sales under $15. It takes a 20% commission on any sales above $15.

Best for: High end clothing DOWNLOAD IT at iTunes TODAY!

3. Offer Up

If Craigslist is an online version of the classifieds, OfferUp is a tech-savvy version of Craigslist.

It sports a gorgeously intuitive, picture-heavy interface for buyers to find anything from appliances and antiques to clothing to electronics in their respective locations.

Download OfferUp on iTunes.

4. Tradesy

This sophisticated clothes reselling marketplace focuses on branded fashion from j. Crew to Louis Vuitton, with items displayed in a magazine-esque design that showcases editor’s picks and categories such as “unique and surprising shoes.”

Sellers can compile a personalized homepage or “closet” showing items for sale as well items they’ve liked from other sellers. Users can follow sellers and brands in order to keep track of new items.

Best for: Designer bags and accessories, with somewhat lesser demand for high-end clothing and shoes.

Get it on the Play Story or iTunes Today!

5. Vinted

There are dozens of fashion reselling sites out there, but Vinted offers an additional feature: the option to swap items without incurring any fees.

If you prefer to make some cold hard cash, it’s also an easy option for putting stuff up for sale. Where high-fashion-centric sites require sellers to send in their prospective items for checking before sending on to the buyer – thus lengthening the time before you get paid – Vinted lets sellers and buyers conduct their own exchanges, with seller ratings and the option to follow particular sellers and brands.

Best for: Clothes that are in good condition, from mass market fashion to designer brands, though the bulk of listings seem to be for mainstream fashion.

Download Vinted from Play or Google Play

6. Chairish

Chairish is a beautifully designed site and iOS app focus on the reselling of unique or designer homeware, as well as antiques and jewelry. The site’s homepage shows timely curations of the available products, such as barware in time for Father’s Day, or items from “New Miami Sellers.” A couple hundred new items are posted each day, with the site’s catalog filtered by designers, styles, and cities, so that buyers can hunt down anything art-deco in Chicago, for instance.

Best for: Vintage or antique furniture, house accessories, or jewelry in good condition.

VISIT CHAIRISH

7. Facebook Marketplace

With nearly 1.5 billion users, the reach of Facebook Marketplace can’t be beat. Marketplace defaults to listings in your local area, so you don’t have to worry about shipping your item. That makes it great for larger items, like furniture and appliances. But there is a brisk trade in a wide range of products.

Best for: Nearly anything in your house, including big items such as appliances and furniture and smaller items like clothing or accessories.

FIND FACEBOOK TAB in FACEBOOK!

8. Craigslist

Over 54 million people use Craigslist every month, posting anything from jobs to event listings. The buying and selling of secondhand goods represent a brisk trade on an overflowing marketplace that still looks like a 90s-era message board. It’s often the place to pick up a bargain from people who just want to get rid of their stuff.

Best for: Nearly anything in your house, particularly big things such as appliances and furniture. Smaller items like clothing or accessories are better suited to other sites

Download Craigslist Preferred AP

Be Safe and Watch out for Scams

While there are plenty of legitimate and reasonably lucrative ways to make money at home, there are some scammers who are out to take your money.

For local sales apps, never agree to meet a buyer in a remote location and go with a friend to avoid being robbed or scammed.

If you have an old vehicle you are looking to unload, look for these signs on the road an in local listings that read ” we buy junk cars near you ” and see what type of deal they’re willing to offer and compare to Carmax or other established platforms.

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10 Easy Valentine’s Day Crafts

Posted on January 18, 2019

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and soon you’ll be scrambling to find activities for your little ones to do while celebrating the day together! Here are a few ideas to get you going.

Make heart shaped pancakes – Make heart shaped pancakes for breakfast! Put pancake batter into a squeeze bottle and draw heart pancakes on the griddle! You can also cut sandwiches, deli meats, and fruits into heart shapes using cookie cutters. Creating heart shaped cupcakes or muffins is simple, just drop a marble or rolled up piece of tinfoil between the baking liner and muffin tin before baking to create an indent in the finished product, it will look just like a heart!
Create a conversation heart wreath – Cut the middle out of a paper plate to create a ring. Have your children help you cut out hearts and write short messages on them such as “I love you” or “You rock” and glue the hearts onto the ring to create a conversation heart wreath. Be creative with your phrases and make them special to your family.
Make your own valentines – Younger children will usually have a party in their classroom to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their classmates, so take some time to help your child create their own cards. They don’t have to be fancy, all you need is some construction paper, glitter glue, stickers, doilies, and adhesive to jump start the creativity in your child. Encourage your child to be creative and let them create whatever they want to, the cards don’t all have to be the same as long as there is one for every child in their class.
Valentine’s Day scramble – Post a piece of paper on the wall that has the words “Valentine’s Day” on it and see how many words you can create from those letters, adjusting to the age of the children around you. How many words can you find? You could also add the traditional candy heart phrases and see what additional words you can make using those letters.
Hold a Valentine’s Day dance party – Invite your neighbors over for a fun, family friendly dance party! Decorate the room with streamers and balloons, choose a few fun songs together, and get ready to dance!
Themed worksheets – A quick search online will turn up dozens of Valentine’s Day themed worksheets, from math sheets to crosswords, so you can easily find something meet your child’s needs.
Love themed books – Hit up the library for books with a Valentine’s Day or love theme; most libraries will have seasonally appropriate books on a separate shelf, which makes finding them easy. Check a few out and read them together!
Create coupon books for family members – Talk about what love is and what it means and then discuss various coupons you could create to show family members that you care about them. Offer to walk the dog for free, give a back rub, have one on one time, play a game together or offer to sweep the floor. The receiver can then choose when to redeem the coupons. Coupon books are a great way for kids to be able to give back to the family without a monetary contribution.
Go pink and red! – Create a pink and red theme! Pink lemonade, strawberry milk, cupcakes with pink frosting, watermelon, beets, strawberries, and apples are all great pink and red foods to offer for snack time.
Make a paper heart chain – Use your cutting and gluing skills to create a chain of hearts to hang up in your house! You can either create a chain by cutting hearts out like you would with paper dolls or cut out hearts together and tape or staple them together to create a chain of unique hearts. Hang them where everyone can enjoy them.

Children love to celebrate holidays and Valentine’s Day is an especially fun holiday to celebrate together. It’s a great time to discuss what love and family means and why it’s so important to recognize it together.

reprinted with permission

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6 iPhone Apps To Download While on BedRest

Posted on January 17, 2019

Nothing frees up your time like being told you have to stay on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy, and if you don’t have enough distractions you can quickly find yourself bored out of your mind.

Of course you can play your favorite games like Words with Friends or Wheel of Fortune, but after a while even those will lose their luster, and you’ll need something else to occupy your hours.

Here are 6 iPhone applications that will help take up some time and answer any questions you may have regarding concerns about the baby that may pop into your head while you are lying in bed. There’s an app for everything from saving for college to listening to the baby’s heartbeat:

1. CQapital is a hybrid automatic saving app that allows you to save based on goals. You can decide what triggers a deposit, and Qapital will do the work of getting that money into a savings account.

You can also save with group goals – get together with friends and family and set goals together.

This application allows you to do the calculations to determine how much per month you will need to save in order to pay for your child’s college tuition. If you start early then you will have the advantage of compounding interest and you won’t have to put as much away each month versus starting when your child is 10.

is a hybrid automatic saving app that allows you to save based on goals. You can decide what triggers a deposit, and Qapital will do the work of getting that money into a savings account.

You can also save with group goals – get together with friends and family and set goals together.

2. Soundhound Ever been bored and start humming a song and wish you knew what the song was? With this application you can hum a few bars and it will use its vast library of over a million tunes to identify the song. Want to come up with a bunch of lullabies for your baby? This application can help with that.

3. iPregnancyWant to know what’s going on inside your body at this very moment? iPregnancy tells you how big the baby should be, what’s going on physically with the baby, keeps track of appointments and has a great baby name function to help you figure out what you are going to name your little peanut when the time comes.

4. GroceryList You may be on bed rest, but the rest of the family still needs to eat. Don’t feel like you have to rely on your partner to handle everything with this application. Now you can look up recipes, create a grocery list, sort the items on the list by aisle in the store, and then text everything to someone else to run to the store for you. If your family runs out of anything they can scan the barcode using this application and it will automatically be added to the list.

5. My Baby’s Beat With this application you can actually use the microphone on your iPhone to hear your baby’s heart beat and your own. You can record the heart beat and e-mail it to

6. After Baby is born: BabyTimerThis application allows you to keep track of the number of wet and dirty diapers your baby has each day. It also keeps track of feedings so that you can report all of this information back to your pediatrician.

Good luck moms!

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Changing Your Wardrobe With the Seasons

Posted on January 14, 2019

“Seasons change, and so did I,” The Guess Who sings on the classic track “No Time.” The Guess Who were not singing about their clothing (at least, we assume), but they could have been, because changing what you wear with the seasons is an essential style move that everyone should master.

It doesn’t take a fashionista to know that what you wear should change with the weather, of course. When it gets cold out, you grab a coat. That’s just common sense! But the reasons to change with the seasons run deeper than this simple and practical truth. The fact is, a smart and seasonally sensitive wardrobe will help you look good.

The seasons and color

We all look good in certain colors. One of the most common ways in which we evaluate our ideal colors is to associate our own appearance with a season: seasonal color analysis pairs each of us with an ideal season and designates us as being “an autumn,” “a winter,” or another season.

It’s an apt naming convention, because seasons really do have color palettes of their own. And while you should keep in mind that some colors go better with your complexion, you should also remember that some colors go better with the world around you!

Think about a yellow dress, for instance. Does it go better with one season or another? Well, that depends on what sort of yellow it is. A bright, sunny yellow is perfect for spring or summer, but it might look a little garish in fall or winter — think goldenrod for fall, to go with the changing leaves, and a deeper gold for winter, especially around the holidays.

The seasons and fabrics

Certain fabrics make more sense in certain seasons. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are natural fits for summer; heavier, cozier fabrics are natural fits for winter.

Well, of course, right? But think about this: It’s not just that these fabrics feel more comfortable in certain seasons. It’s also that they look better in certain seasons. If you see someone in wool in summer, you feel uncomfortable on their behalf. In winter, though, you might be drawn to that person’s apparent comfort and cozy look. In winter, wool gear will make you look happy and huggable!

Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to find the right fabrics for the right seasons. But do keep the fabrics in mind! You can find slick, breathable fabrics that keep you warm these days, but those are better-suited for hiking than for your night out. Chunky coziness isn’t a liability on the trail, but don’t head to the bar like you’re climbing a mountain. Go for fabrics that look as warm as they are, and others will be more impressed by your look.

Layering and showing skin

When it gets warmer, we wear lighter fabrics; colder, and we go heavier. But there are other ways to warm up and cool off, and the most important one is layering.

Layering is one of the most important and most basic fashion moves. Everyone should know at least a little bit about pairing items up and donning them in attractive layers. Layers look hip, but they also look cozy. It’s the perfect technique for fall and winter. But don’t forget to consider fabrics! Layering lots of slick summer gear in winter may keep you warm, but it won’t make you look seasonally appropriate.

When it gets warm, we take away layers. Move to slick rain shells in brighter colors in spring, and then lose those layers in summer. You may even be able to bare some more skin in summer — though, for our guys in the audience, we have to advise against excessive tank top use.

If all of this sounds simple, it’s because changing what we wear with the seasons is the most natural thing in the world. Humans have been layering up in the cold and shedding layers in the warmth for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. And all you need to do to turn that basic instinct into a killer fashion instinct is to remember to look as seasonally appropriate as you feel. Communicate your seasonal sense with color, fabrics, and layering, and you’ll stand out and live in harmony with the seasons at the same time.

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What To Know If You’re Considering Getting a Surrogate

Posted on January 11, 2019

Lately, in the media, we hear a lot about celebrity women using surrogacy as an option for becoming a parent. Despite the news stories, the concept of surrogacy and the medical acronyms associated with it are still unknown t to most.

Furthermore, the procedures themselves might seem unfamiliar to a person who hasn’t studied reproductive technology.

Although every situation is unique and customized to the individuals involved, for those who have ever considered getting a surrogate or becoming one, these are the medically significant milestones that occur during the process.

Medical and psychological testing

Women who express interest in being a surrogate are tested rigorously to ensure they have the best chance of carrying a healthy pregnancy and can withstand the rigors of IVF. Standard screenings include checking for any physical conditions which could endanger their ability to be a surrogate, and psychological screenings to ensure they can withstand the powerful emotions and situations surrounding the process.

Trial with a mock cycle

After successfully passing all tests, the medical team will test their body’s reaction to the medications and process of IVF by performing a mock cycle. Surrogate candidates receive all medications necessary to prepare for conception and help the embryo develop while hormone levels, blood work, and ultrasounds are monitored. Medical professionals will customize the tests to their particular program priorities and the women’s unique medical profile.

A fertility specialist will develop an individualized medication plan to coordinate and control the surrogate’s cycle based on your body and the circumstances of your surrogacy.

Embryo transfer

If all conditions are favorable for successful implantation, their reproductive endocrinologist will prepare her body for the transfer. Most women take progesterone before the embryo transfer and continue through the twelfth week of pregnancy to maintain an appropriate and stable level of hormones for successful implantation. The oral steroid Medrol suppresses the surrogate’s autoimmune system to increase the chance of successful implantation. The embryos are placed directly into the uterus through a thin, flexible catheter which is inserted through the cervix. After that, she is sent home to rest for a few days.

Confirmation of pregnancy

The reproductive team will perform a non-invasive pregnancy test after nine days and repeated two days later. Pregnancy is confirmed after the results of the second test show an increase in pregnancy hormones. Many surrogates require more than one embryo transfer to become pregnant successfully.

If you’re considering using a surrogate or egg donor, you need to know if it’s right for you. Although there may be unfamiliar medical procedures during the process, every test and medication helps ensure your surrogate’s safety and boost your chances of success at having a family.

The medical professionals on your team will monitor and advise you at every step of the process.

It’s important to seek out a reputable and professional surrogacy medical team to help you determine your goals and preferences. Individuals are unique, so the process is different for each person and situation. Your medical team can give you a more detailed idea of what your journey to becoming a parent through surrogacy and will look like before you commit to a contract.

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5 Family Cars of 2019 To Consider If You’re Growing a Family

Posted on January 9, 2019

It’s a new year and Car Show season!

If you’re feeling the belly itch and you’re expecting to increase your family in 2019 or 2020, you may need to consider buying a more family friendly car this year.Here are our 5 top picks for family friendly cars to buy in 2019 if you’re expecting.

Photo credit: Simon Yeo

Mazda CX-9

Once again, for families in 2019 it’s still all about the SUV. Our top family friendly SUV pick is the Mazda CX-9 as it has an impressive ride and handling. It’s also got awesome advanced safety tech to keep new bub safe on the road. Older kids also won’t get bored on longer drives with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As a seven seater this one is perfect for larger families or for those parents who play chauffer to not only their own kids but their friends as well. This one comes in front and all-wheel drive models depending on your needs.

Photo credit: M 93

Chevrolet Malibu

If you’re not looking into buying an SUV then you might want to look at the Chevrolet Malibu for your family’s needs. The Chevrolet Malibu comes with a bunch of family friendly features. Perhaps most importantly it has excellent fuel economy for parents who are forever chauffeuring the kids around. The engine is officially rated for 33 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 mpg combined but many reviewers have fared much better during test drives. For a sedan this big, that’s pretty impressive.

Photo credit: The NRMA

Toyota Hilux

While not readily available in North America, though it can be ordered, the dual-cab doesn’t normally go hand in hand with family life, instead being designated to tradesmen, the Toyota Hilux seamlessly brings the comfort and room of a family car together with the handiness of a utility vehicle. This is the perfect solution for growing families that only want one car and for those that have many home renovation projects on the go. The performance is excellent and has super safety features to boot including 7 airbags, reversing camera, auto levelling LED headlights, daytime running lights and electronic stability program.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is our top pick for families that don’t need as much space and seating. Available as a 6-speed manual or automatic the Golf GTI is a fun little car, super affordable for those on a budget and of course very family friendly. Complete with a large infotainment system kids both young and old will enjoy riding in this car on extended trips or just to and from school. Cool sport seats in the front and a digital dash brings this hatch up to speed with far more expensive models.

Photo credit: Andrew Bone

Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia hatchback is the perfect choice for sensible families, however it’s also a lot more fun to drive than you probably think. While it’s a hatchback it’s still very spacious for the whole family, including a huge boot perfect for soccer parents. Opt for the Octavia Estate if you’re after a car with even more room in the back, the four-wheel-drive Octavia Scout if you’re looking at taking your family on light adventures and the sporty Octavia vRS if you’re all about performance.

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The 6 Things To Do To Teach Your Kids About Finance

Posted on January 7, 2019

Winter break is over!

We’re halfway through the school year yet there is still a lot of earning to do! One thing that schools traditionally do NOT teach children and that’s personal finance.

Studies show that teaching finance is not a top priority of the U.S. education system. Fewer than 20 percent of teachers report feeling competent to teach personal finance, according to a Council for Economic Education Survey, and only 17 states require students to take a personal finance course in high school.

“The majority of your kids’ financial education will come from you,” says Kathy Longo, the author of Flourish Financially: Values, Transitions, & Big Conversations. “Because we parents have such a great influence on how our kids spend, save, and invest, it’s critical that we teach them early and often how we want them to value money.”

Longo, who is also president and founder of Flourish Wealth Management®, provides a list of ideas and discussions that can help your kids learn about finance at different developmental stages:

Learning wants versus needs. Longo believes the foundation of a child’s finance education begins with learning the difference between wants and needs. “Asking kids whether they want or need something before they make a purchase really gets them thinking about their own money values,” Longo says.

Using a three-slotted piggy bank. In grade school, Longo says it’s important to teach kids about money in a tangible way. Three slots to separate dollars for saving, sharing and spending can help them understand the connection between the money in their piggy bank and the new toy they bought, Longo says. Some states in the US allow parents to open up savings accounts for them on their behalf like

like these banks in South Carolina and there are others in other states as well.
Giving back. Teaching your kids the importance of giving, such as by donating toys they no longer use, is a lesson that can stick with them for life. “You can strengthen that by talking about charities you support with dollars and time,” Longo says. “This is a great way of showing them that valuing money also means helping those less fortunate.”
Making a budget. By middle school, Longo thinks children should have an idea of what it costs to keep the house running each month. “Once they have a concept of a budget, get the kids involved in spending decisions for big-ticket items, like a car or family vacation, and the considerations that go into the purchase,” Longo says.
Explaining college. We all know it’s expensive, and Longo says teenagers should know early on in high school how loans, grants, and a college savings plan work. It’s also important to educate students about the additional financial opportunities they’ll have in life if they earn a college degree.
Getting a job. Is there a better way for your high school student to learn financial responsibility than by working part-time and paying for their gas, fun activities, etc.? “This is a good time for them to get a debit card, to learn the importance of a good credit history, and to see how staying within a budget requires discipline,” Longo says.

“Helping your children develop healthy money habits today,” Longo says, “will increase their chances for a happier life.”

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BIG LIST of Scholarships and Contests For Your Age 5-18 Kid {Deadlines Approaching}

Posted on January 4, 2019

The folks from Tuck.com contacted me last year to ask me to share this list of scholarship opportunities that get little competition because they are not that well known. As I am currently in the process of searching for opportunities for my children, I thought this would be a good time to share this list:

I added some opps from research and lists curated by FinAidOrg and Edvisors to round up this curated list of opportunities. I recommend checking out Scholarships.com which has lists for everything from ethnic groups like African Americans to scholarships just for high school students.

I’m talking a scholarship for every type of interest and requirement:

A $1,000 Essay Contest for a Child diagnosed with a Sleep Disorder;
Drawing contests
A Competition that requires your kid just pen a Haiku;
Jif’s contest for inventing a new Peanut Butter Sandwich,
A contest for Coming up with the best Horse Care Tips;
Contests for kids who love to write, who are into Journalism, love nature or who are interested in building a robot and more!

I only listed the ones with deadlines that are coming up!

Check them out!

MONTEM HEALTH AND WELLNESS SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor: Montem Outdoor Gear

Amount: $1,500

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

High school, undergraduate, or graduate students
Demonstrated knowledge of health and wellness
Enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited undegraduate degree program
Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher

Application Requirements:

An essay (500 to 1,000 words) that promotes “a practical approach to a healthy lifestyle during high school, college or university years (whichever is relevant to you) and how these habits can be sustained over a lifetime”

Renewable?: No

Deadline: Two annual deadlines in September and March

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Amount: $20,000 per year for up to 4 years

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Enrolled or accepted at an accredited four-year postsecondary institution in the U.S.
3.3 GPA or higher
Exceptional financial need
Recipients must commit to the following:
- 10-week summer laboratory experience after each year of financial aid support
- Employment at the NIH after graduation

Renewable?: Yes, up to 4 years

Deadline: March 2019

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Amount: $20,000 per year for up to 4 years

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Enrolled or accepted at an accredited four-year postsecondary institution in the U.S.
3.3 GPA or higher
Exceptional financial need
Recipients must commit to the following:
- 10-week summer laboratory experience after each year of financial aid support
- Employment at the NIH after graduation

Renewable?: Yes, up to 4 years

Deadline: March 2019

MORE OPPS

The Christopher Columbus Awards is a national science, technology, and mathematics program for middle school students. Participants work in teams to identify a problem in their community and, using the scientific method, devise and implement a workable solution. Each member of the winning team receives a $2000 savings bond which can be put toward their college fund. Winners will also receive a grant of $200 to further refine and develop their idea.
The Doodle for Google Competition is open to children in grades K – 12. The competition asks children to design a Google Logo based on a predetermined topic. Awards are given in four grade divisions: K – 3, 4 – 6, 7 – 9, and 10 – 12. The four national finalists in each grade group will receive a $5000 scholarship to be used at the college or university of their choice. One national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship.
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is open to students aged 8 to 18. Each year the Barron Prize is awarded to 25 students who have made a positive difference to the people in their community and the health of the planet. Award criteria focuses on environmental issues as they relate to people and their communities. Winners receive a $2500 scholarship to be used at the college or university of their choice.
Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program is open to students aged 6 to 18 who are involved in community service. Awards are given in two age groups, 6 – 12 and 13 – 18. To be eligible for an award, students must be nominated by an adult aged 21 or older. Ten national winners are chosen each year, each receiving a $5000 scholarship. 194 regional winners each year will receive a $1000 scholarship.
The National Geographic Geography Bee is an international contest designed to promote the teaching of geography in grade schools around the world. Like a spelling bee, students are quizzed on their knowledge of world geography in a contest setting. The contest is open to 8th graders at participating schools. Grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship.
Letters About Literature is a national reading comprehension and essay writing competition sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. The contest is open to students in grades 4 – 12. Contestants must submit an essay, in the form of a letter to a famous author, discussing how the author’s work has changed or impacted the student’s life. Awards are given in three divisions, grades 4 – 6, 7 – 8, and 9 – 12.
MATH COUNTS is a national competition for middle school students in grades 6 – 8. The contest takes the form of a spelling be, with contestants answering increasingly difficult mathematics questions in a competition setting. The national champion will receive an $8000 scholarship to be used at the college of university of their choice. The second place winner receives a $6000 scholarship, and third and fourth place winners will receive a $4000 scholarship each.

Scholarships for Children Who Are Under Age 13

Action For Nature Eco-Hero Award

Action for Nature sponsors the International Young Eco-Hero Awards to recognize youth aged 8 to 16 who have completed environmental projects focused on environmental advocacy, environmental health, research or protection of the natural world. Cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded. The deadline is February 28. For more information, call 1-415-421-2640, fax 1-415-922-5717, write to Action For Nature, 2269 Chestnut Street, #263, San Francisco, CA 94123, or send email to [email protected].

Angela Award

The Angela Award recognizes a female student in grades 5-8 who is involved in science. It is open to US and Canadian students. The award is a $1,000 US EE Savings Bond or Canadian Savings Bond. The award was established in honor of Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director Emeritus of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

BattleBots IQ

BattleBots IQ is a robot-building contest for teams of middle and high school students and college students. See the rules for more information, or send email to [email protected].

The Do Something Awards

The BRICK Awards by Do Something provide community grants and scholarships to “change-makers” age 25 and under who work with Do Something to improve their communities. The competition is open to US and Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Five Do Something Award nominees will receive at least $10,000 in community grants and scholarships. Of the five winners, one grand prize winner will receive a total of $100,000 in community grants. The nominees also participate in a live VH1 TV show and will receive continued support from DoSomething.org. (The community grants are paid to the nominee’s organization or a not-for-profit organization of the nominee’s choice. All winners have the option of receiving $5,000 of the total award in the form of a college scholarship.) The deadline is March 1. For more information, send email to [email protected].

Davidson Fellows

Davidson Fellowships are awarded by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development to US students under age 18 who have completed a significant piece of work in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Technology, Music, Literature, Philosophy or Outside the Box. The significant piece of work should have the potential to benefit society. The focus of the program is on gifted and talented students. There is no minimum age for eligibility. Four $50,000 scholarships, seven $25,000 scholarships, and five $10,000 scholarships are awarded each year. The deadline is March 31 (receipt); there are earlier deadlines for some forms. For more information, write to The Davidson Institute for Talent Development, Attn: Davidson Fellows Coordinators, 9665 Gateway Drive, Suite B, Reno, NV 89521 or send email to[email protected].

Dick Blick Linoleum Block Print Contest

Dick Blick sponsors an annual contest for block prints made from linoleum. There are three divisions: grades 4-6, grades 7-9, and grades 10-12. Within each division there is one first prize of $400, one second prize of $250, one third prize of $150, and two honorable mentions of $50. The prizes are in the form of art materials chosen by the winner’s teacher from Dick Blick’s catalog for use in the winner’s art class. The deadline is March 15. For more information, call 1-800-828-4548, fax 1-800-621-8293, write to Artsonia, ATTN: Linoleum Contest, 3166 North Lincoln Avenue, Suite 416, Chicago, IL 60657, or send email to[email protected].

DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition

The DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition is sponsored by the DuPont Center for Collaborative Research & Education in cooperation with General Learning Communications. The competition is open to US and Canadian students in grades 7-12 inclusive. The competition involves writing a 700 to 1,000 word essay about a scientific or technological development, event, or theory chosen by the student. Topic areas include chemical sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, environmental sciences and space technology.

There are two divisions: grades 7-9 and grades 10-12. Within each division there is one first place prize of a $5,000 US Savings Bond, one second place prize of a $3,000 US Savings Bond, one third place prize of a $2,000 US Savings Bond, and several honorable mention prizes of a $200 US Savings Bond. The first through third place winners also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Space Center Houston with a parent and the sponsoring Science and English teachers. The deadline is in mid-January. For more information, call 1-847-205-3000 or write to The DuPont Challenge, Science Essay Awards Program, c/o General Learning Communications, 900 Skokie Blvd., Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062-4028.

Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Award Program

The Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship Award Program is open to girls age 12 to 18 who demonstrate entrepreneurship and make a difference in their schools and communities. The first prize winner receives is $10,000, the second prize winner receives $5,000, the third prize winner receives $3,000, and the 12 finalists receive $1,000 each. The award program is sponsored by Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The deadline (receipt) is March 1.

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is awarded annually to ten US and Canadian students, aged 8-18, who have developed an extraordinary service project that helped people and the planet. Half of the winners are focused on helping their communities and people, and half are focused on protecting the environment. Winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. For more information, write to The Barron Prize, PO Box 17, Boulder, CO 80306-0017.

Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest

The Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest is open to children who are age 6 to 12. The grand prize is a $25,000 scholarship fund. The four runners up receive a $2,500 scholarship fund. The deadline is mid-November. The contest is sponsored by the J.M. Smucker Company.

Kohl’s Kids Who Care Program

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care Program (www.kohlskids.com) honors students age 6-18 who are involved in community service. Candidates enter by being nominated by an adult age 21 years or older. Nominees are considered in two age groups, 6-12 and 13-18, with three prize levels within each group. More than 2,000 children will receive a total of more than $350,000 in scholarships and prizes. More than 2,000 store winners each receive a $50 Kohl’s gift card, 194 regional winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship, and 10 national winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship. The deadline is March 15.

Letters About Literature

Letters About Literature is a national reading/writing contest sponsored by the Center for the Book in the US Library of Congress in partnership with Target Stores. The contest is open to US students in grades 4-12. Entries consist of a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre, explaining how the author’s work changed the student’s way of thinking about the world or themselves. There are three competition levels: grades 4-6 (100-250 words), grades 7-8 (250-500 words), and grades 9-12 (500-750 words). Two winners are selected from each level and awarded a $500 gift card from Target. The contest opens in September and the deadline is December 1 (postmark). State winners are announced in March and national winners in April. For more information, send email to [email protected].

National Marbles Tournament Scholarships

The annual National Marbles Tournament awards $5,000 in scholarships to mibsters (marble shooters) aged 8 to 14. The tournament is held in June each year. The children crowned King and Queen of Marbles each receive a $2,000 scholarship. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to the boy and girl who win the spontsmanship award. For more information, write to National Marbles Tournament, 811 Roeth Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502.

National High School Oratorical Contest

The National High School Oratorical Contest is sponsored by the American Legion. It is open to US students in junior high school or high school (grades 7-12) who are under age 20 as of the date of the national contest. State contests are held no later than mid-March, and the national contest finals are held in April. The American Legion pays for the travel and lodging expenses of the state winners and their chaperones. The first place winner receives an $18,000 scholarship. The second place winner receives a $16,000 scholarship. The third place winner receives a $14,000 scholarship. Each state winner who participates in the first round of the national contest receives a $1,500 scholarship. For more information, call 1-317-630-1249, write to National Americanism and Children & Youth Division, The American Legion National Headquarters, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, or send email to [email protected].

National History Day Contest

The National History Day Contest is open to students in grades 6-12 in the junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) divisions. The projects relate to a specific historical topic or theme. There are seven categories, including individual papers, individual exhibits, group exhibits, individual performance, group performance, individual documentary, and group documentation. Within each category, the first place winner receives $1,000, the second place winner receives $500, and the third place winner receives $250. The national contest is held in June.

National Spelling Bee

The National Spelling Bee is sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company. It is open to students in grades 1-8 as of their school finals (February 1) and who are under age 16 as of the date of the national finals (June 1). The champion wins a total of $28,000 in cash prizes and scholarships. The second place finisher wins a cash prize of $6,000, the third place finisher receives $3,500, the fourth place finisher receives $2,000, the fifth place finisher receives $1,250, the sixth place finisher receives $1,000, and the seventh place finisher receives $750. There are also assorted other prizes ranging from $50 to $600 for students who are eliminated in earlier rounds. For more information, call 1-513-977-3040, fax 1-513-977-3800, or send email to [email protected].

NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest

The NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest is sponsored by Knowledge Unlimited, Inc. and is open to students in grades K-12. There are three divisions: grades K-6, 7-9 and 10-12. First, second and third place winners in each division receive US Savings Bonds. The deadline is March 1 (postmark). For more information, call 1-800-356-2303 or write to NewsCurrents Cartoon Contest, PO Box 52, Madison, WI 53701.

Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition

The Nicholas A. Virgilio Memorial Haiku Competition is open to students in grades 7-12. Entries from home-schooled students are not accepted. The six winning haiku received $50. The deadline is March 25 (receipt).

Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Awards

The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Awards are sponsored by the Nicholas Green Foundation and administered by the National Association for Gifted Children. One $500 US Savings Bond is awarded to a student from each state. Candidates should be students in grades 3-6 who have distinguished themselves in academics, leadership or the arts. The deadline is June 1. Individual State associations may have earlier deadlines (in some cases as early as January 1). See the web site for additional details.

Red Vines Drawing Contest

Sponsored by the American Licorice Company, the Red Vines Drawing Contest is open to children in three age groups (as of May 1): kids (ages 6-12), teens (ages 13-18) and adult (ages 19+). In each age group and entry format there is one first prize winner of a $2,500 scholarship, one second prize of $250 and one third prize of $100. Entries (one per person) consist of an original work of art that features the Red Vines logo. Winners will be selected on the basis of creativity and relevance to the Red Vines brand candy. The deadline is September 30. For more information, visit the web site or write to American Licorice Co., 2796 NW Clearwater Drive, Bend, OR 97701.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are open to US and Canadian students in grades 7-12. It is sponsored by Scholastic Inc. and administered by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, Inc. More than 250,000 students enter the competition each year. Gold Portfolio Award recipients receive $10,000 scholarships (5 for art, 5 for writing, 2 for photography). For more information, call 1-212-343-6493, write to The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, or send email to A&[email protected].

TEAM Competitions

ThinkQuest

ThinkQuest is an annual team competition in which students under age 19 create innovative and educational web sites. There are three age divisions: 9-12, 13-15, and 16-19. Teams may have three to six student members. Prizes include laptop computers, MP3 players, and digital cameras

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards

The Toshiba ExploraVision Awards is a competition for teams of 2-4 US and Canadian students in grades K-12. The goal of the competition is to encourage students to explora a vision of a future technology. The teams research a technology or device and project how it might change in the future. They identify necessary breakthroughs to enable the development of the technology and discuss the positive and negative impact of the technology on society. There are four divisions: grades K-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, and grades 10-12. Within each division, there is one first prize and one second prize. The first prize consists of a $10,000 US Savings Bond for each student on the winning team. The second prize consists of a $5,000 US Savings Bond for each student on the winning team. ExploraVision is sponsored by Toshiba and National Science Teachers of America. Materials are available starting in September. The deadline is February 1. For more information, call 1-800-EXPLOR9 (1-800-397-5679), write to ExploraVision, 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000, or send email to [email protected].

West Point Bridge Design Contest

The West Point Bridge Design Contest is open to US students age 13 through grade 12 at the time of registration. Students compete individually (team of one) or in teams of two members. This engineering competition involves designing truss bridges. Each member of the first-place team receives a $10,000 scholarship. Each member of the five finalist teams wins a notebook computer. Registration opens in early January and ends on February 28. The final round is held in April.

Young Naturalist Awards

The Young Naturalist Awards is a research-based science essay contest open to US and Canadian students in grades 7-12. It is sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History and the Chase Manhattan Foundation. Two scholarships are awarded to the winning essays at each grade level. The 7th grade winners receive $500. The 8th grade winners receive $750. The 9th grade winners receive $1,000. The 10th grade winners receive $1,500. The 11th grade winners receive $2,000. The 12th grade winners receive $2,500. Award winners and their family members also receive travel and lodging to attend the awards ceremony at the American Museum of Natural History in the spring. There are also 36 finalists who receive a cash award of $50 and a certificate. The deadline is in early March. For more information, call 1-212-496-3498, write to Young Naturalist Awards Administrator, National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192 or send email to [email protected].

Scholarships for Children Who Are Age 13

American Morgan Horse Institute Graywood Youth Horsemanship Grant

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) sponsors the Graywood Youth Horsemanship Grant for members of the Morgan youth club or American Morgan Horse Association, ages 13 to 21. One or two grants are awarded each year. The grant is used to cover costs of study of horse care, breeding, management, training and riding of Morgan horses. See the application for additional details. The deadline is February 1. For more information, send email to [email protected].

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department Miss Recreation Pageant

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the annual Miss Recreation Pageant for unmarried female students aged 13 to 18. Candidates must reside within the city limits of San Antonio. The student crowned Miss Recreation will receive a $2,000 scholarship. The application deadline is in early December

Sizzling Style & Scholarly Smarts Scholarship Sweepstakes

CollegeBound Teen Magazine and N.Y.C. New York Color sponsor the Sizzling Style & Scholarly Smarts Scholarship. $1,000 will be awarded to the best 200-word essay about “what your one and only ‘can’t live without’ beauty product is and why you can’t live without it”. Candidates must be at least 13 years old and legal residents of the United States. The deadline is January 31. For more information, write to CollegeBound Teen Magazine, N.Y.C. New York Color/Sizzling Style & Scholarly Smarts Sweepstakes, 1200 South Avenue, Suite 202, Staten Island, NY 10314.

Scholarships for Children Ages 8 to 18 with some overlap

Name of Scholarship	Age/Grade Range	Award
Action for Nature Eco-Hero Award	Age 8-16	$500
Angela Award (NSTA)	Grades 5-8	$1,000
Christopher Columbus Awards	Grades 6-8	$2,000
Christopher Reeve Award	Grades K-12	$1,000
Courage in Student Journalism Awards	Grades 7-12	$5,000
DAV Jesse Brown Scholarship	Age 21 and Under	$20,000
Davidson Fellows Scholarships	Age 18 and Under	$50,000
Do Something Awards	Age 25 and Under	$100,000
Doodle 4 Google	Grades K-12	$30,000
DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition	Grades 6-12	$5,000
eCYBERMISSION	Grades 6-9	$9,000
Gee Whiz Kids Award	Age 12 and Under	Not Specified
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes	Age 8-18	$5,000
Haiku Contest for Kids	Grades 7-12	$50
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation	Grades 8-12	Varies
Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program	Age 6-18	$10,000
MATHCOUNTS	Grades 6-8	$8,000
National Geographic Bee	Grades 4-8	$25,000
National History Day Contest	Grades 6-12	$1,000
National Marbles Tournament	Age 7-14	$2,000
National Spelling Bee	Grades 1-8	$28,000
NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest	Grades K-12	Cash Prizes
Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest	Grades 6-8	$5,000
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards	Grades 5-12	$6,000
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards	Grades 7-12	$10,000
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships	Age 5-25	$5,000
Team America Rocketry Challenge	Grades 7-12	$10,500
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision	Grades K-12	$10,000
Young Naturalist Awards	Grades 7-12	$2,500

This table lists scholarships that are open to students who are age 13 or in grade 9.

Name of Scholarship	Age/Grade Range	Maximum Award
American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship	Grades 9-12	$18,000
Ayn Rand Insitute Essay Contests	Grades 9-12	$10,000
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair	Grades 9-12	$75,000
L. Ron Hubbard Writers & Illustrators of the Future	Grades 9-12	$5,000
Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology	Grades 9-12	$100,000

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Hair Treatment For Men and Dads: What To Consider In Choosing

Posted on January 3, 2019

Parenting doesn’t just take a toll on moms. I’ve blogged about how Dad Makeover after the pregnancy of a partner is a thing. What was missing was make over of the dome.

Most women experience hair fall due to bodily changes during pregnancy or after childbirth, while most dad could also lose his hair due to genetics and hormonal changes.

For a lot of men, a head full of hair is equal to physical appeal and confidence. And with it lacking here and there, men who experience hair loss feel that they need to address the issue somehow.

That explains the variety of hair treatment for men available in the market, ranging from prescription medicines, foams to surgeries. Unfortunately, these treatments aren’t created equally, and the results are not the same across patients.

Are you a dad reader considering hair loss treatments as well or is your partner, spouse or hubby thinking of it?

Here are the things that you need to look into.

1. Topical Treatments

Minoxidil is the most popular form of topical treatment for hair loss among men. As an FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment, it is widely available to men seeking to stop hair loss at the same time stimulate hair growth.

It was initially designed to treat and manage high blood pressure. Upon seeing that it stimulates hair growth as a side effect, scientists figured that it could also help address hair loss as well. Apparently, this drug helps expand and dilate hair follicles which encourages and prolongs hair growth.

Minoxidil comes in a foam or liquid form and is available in two strengths: 2% and 5%. Is it right for you? It could be, especially if you’re not entirely bald and you’re 40 years or younger.

Expect some mild side effects, such as itchiness, andirritation of the scalp, but with continued use, it should help hair fromfalling out. Do note though that it is not your holy grail to halt baldness,and if you stop using it, you will start losing hair yet again.

2. Prescription Medicines

As far as prescription medicines are concerned, Finasteride is probably is the most popular of them all.

It is a prescription pill designed to prevent hormones from converting into DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT makes hair follicles smaller and tinier, and then eventually halts hair growth. As what it promises, you take one pill a day for the long term, and you’ll notice rate of baldness significantly reducing.

It won’t allow you to regrow your hair in already bald areas, but it pauses the balding process so you can keep as much hair that you already have. Is Finasteride right for you? It could be, only if you commit to taking the pill for the long haul.

If you decide to stop in two weeks because you don’t see any progress or for any other reason, the hair loss process resumes, and it could be more aggressive than ever. Also expect some side effects as well, including reduced libido and erectile problems.

Only a small percentage of users report these, but you might want to know as you go through your options.

3. Hair Loss Treatment Surgery

If you want to see permanent results without maintaining a pill or foam, then a hair treatment procedure is right for you. Hair transplant is a minor surgery that involves taking out hair from the back of the head and transplanting them to the bald patches.

There are two ways to do this:

FUT, which takes out strips of hair from the donor site and dividing the piece into smaller portions to fill the recipient site. The aftermath of this procedure is visible scarring, but it’s nonetheless an effective procedure.
FUE, which removes hair follicles one by one from the donor site and then transplanting them to the recipient site. The benefit is that you don’t see any scarring and the surgeon can find patterns to make hair regrowth look as natural as possible.

Is hair transplant right for you? It could be if you’re looking to do one procedure for a hair regrowth that lasts for a long time.

Some doctors may recommend you take minoxidil to aid with the hair regrowth, but the process alone is an effective way to combat hair loss, even reverse it. It should be noted though that hair transplant procedures are typically not covered by most health cards, and it is significantly more expensive than prescription pills and over-the-counter treatments.

Final Thoughts

Whatever the reason, hair loss can be a source of stress, frustration, and insecurity. It’s just good to know that you have treatment options and that most are pretty effective. The experiences and effects can vary from one person to another,so it pays to manage your expectations and commit with the treatment route you choose with a good amount of patience.

Whether you or your dude use foam or take a pill or do the transplant, remember that it takes sometime for these treatments to take effect.

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4 New Year’s Stay Healthy Tip for Expecting Moms

Posted on January 2, 2019

While many people are dieting and changing their exercise and eating habits for the New Year, pregnant woman too can adjust theirs as well, not for losing weight, but for maintaining and elevating their health while carrying their babies.

Below are 4 tips from Veria.com, an online extension of the national health and wellness TV network Veria Living, to ensure a happy and healthy pregnancy.

1. Stay hydratedDrink 8-10 cups of water each day. Even slight dehydration can dramatically reduce energy level. Avoid reaching for caffeinated beverages – anything more than two cups of tea or coffee a day can reduce your body’s levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin.

2. Think of lean proteins, including eggs and poultry as your friend Remember to include some in each meal. Lean protein is super rich in B vitamins, which help convert food into energy.

3. Eat every 3-4 hours, 3 meals and 2 snacks Not going more than 3-4 hours without food helps to stabilize your blood sugar. When blood sugar drops from lack of food you feel tired and cranky.

4. Take fish oil supplements2,000 mg fish oil daily during pregnancy was found to reduce the incidence of Postpartum depression following delivery. If you didn’t take fish oil while pregnant, it is never too late to start. Other studies have found a higher intake of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil will decrease depressive symptoms in non-pregnant individuals as well. It’s Important to differentiate between the typical “new mom blues” and Postpartum depression. Some common symptoms of Postpartum depression are depressed mood, sleep problems, loss of appetite and trouble caring for your infant. If you suspect you have Postpartum depression contact your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.

Be well!

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