Like Father Like Son – 12 Coolest Matching Father & Son Formal Outfits

Read the original article: Like Father Like Son – 12 Coolest Matching Father & Son Formal Outfits

Mother & daughter outfits have taken over the online world for a few years now. Well, that is expected from moms who are so into fashion. But, entirely unexpected from the male species we call dads. Typical dads would put on whatever clean shirt is on top of their closest pile and care less about how they look. Same goes for when they dress their child.

Fashion rules, print clashes and trending patterns matter to them as much as the latest Taylor Swift news does. In translation: they don't care.

Then there are those who try their hardest to bond with their sons even if it's over shoes, clothes and what not. And boy, are we enjoying the product!

I have personally fallen in love with the newest fashion craze with father & son formal outfits as much as I have with Chris Evans or Johnny Depp. FYI, both men have swag and dapper written all over them.

It's All About the Suspenders

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For those who are going for a formal yet not overly black-tie mood, dress shirts can be paired with patterned suspenders and bow ties.

This father and son duo knows a thing or two about fashion. Love how they mixed and matched the color of their trousers.

Yes to Colored Trousers!

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Colored trousers can either make or break your outfit. Pair it with the wrong colored dress shirt, coat or shoes would send your ensemble to shambles.

This father and son clearly got it right. They look good enough to rock a semi-formal dinner with friends at the country club! Take off the jacket and you go from formal to casual just like that!

Coat that Right

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A coat and tie combo sans the tie. Love how they exchanged the color order of their coat and pants finishing both looks off with brown shoes.

The shades? It definitely adds extra swag. Ready for a night out with the momma around upstate New York.

Color Wheel of Mix and Match

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Although they don't match piece per piece, you can't trick your eyes from seeing the same style. They basically just took the colors of their pieces from the same color wheel. Same golden tie, gray and white combo for the cute little boy and solid black for daddy.

Dark VS Light

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No, this is not the fashion version of the feud between Luke and Darth Vader in Star Wars. This is the comforting vision of formal outfits that contrasts yet matches so well.

Same coat or vest and tie combination just darker and lighter shades different.

Mr. Big and Little Gray

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Who cares if they don't completely match? Matthew and his sandy blond haired spawn look great in their gray ensemble. I actually like how little offspring has coffee colored pants. I don't think all gray would suit his age. But then again, he's wearing an adult looking coat.

Point is, celebrity fathers like to match their formal outfits with their sons, too. And the media is loving it!

If the Shoe Fits

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Every dark colored outfit needs a pop of color to make it picture perfect. In the case of this father and son pair, they did it with their shoes. Top to bottom they matched piece by piece then there's the pop of color we're looking for.

Outstanding!

Them Bowties

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Now, this is something I would have my future husband and son wear to a wedding or a formal family gathering. I'm sure the little guy has a coat to match his dad's.

Those bowties sealed the deal and did the trick!

Trenchies

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These two look like they just stepped out of a magazine photoshoot for father and son matching formal outfits. Maybe they did.

Regardless, I am digging the trench coats and the matching gray and blue color scheme! Makes me want to wear the same combo with my daughter.

Black and White

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Clearly, they're either attending a wedding or daddy's bestman is his little man. I think it's precious to have matching tuxes tailored for a father and son whether its for a wedding or no reason at all.

Of course, the classic black and white combo looks dapper on any age.

A Touch of Armani

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Okay, so I'm not sure if they're wearing Armani but this fine daddy and his equally fine son is ready to rock the red carpet. I wouldn't be surprised if this ensemble costs quite a buck. Visit your local tailor. There's nothing like a traditionally made tailored suit for your hubby and your boy.

One word: swag.

The Beckham Code

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Obviously, David B. did not only pass on his impeccable genes to his kids but also his sleek fashion sense. Then again, if you're raised by fashion mogul, Posh Spice, you probably have no choice but to dress to perfection.

Undoubtedly, these two match in fashion and DNA.

Inspired to dress your hubby and son yet?

I'm sure you've matched with your daughter a couple of times or more. So why not let your men try matching formal outfits too? It's a fun experience!

Calling out the daddies out there. If you're a dad, then yes, I am talking to you. Try doing this with your boy. It's a great way to bond. After all, most boys dream to be like their daddy one day. Just imagine the smile you put on his face when he sees he's just like daddy?

So get creative and get matching! Got any matching formal outfits for father and son? Holler with a comment below!

Original article source: Like Father Like Son – 12 Coolest Matching Father & Son Formal Outfits

How I managed to unplug my kids from the electronics this summer

Read the original article: How I managed to unplug my kids from the electronics this summer

If you are a generation X mum like myself, you too are probably appalled by the obsession our kids have with gadgets these days. While, admittedly, there are some great things to pick up along the way (various learning apps that aid critical thinking development), all this gadget drama is just so…. worryingly addictive, unnecessarily popularized and unhealthy.

Why would a kid spend hours staring at a screen when they can go outside and run themselves to sleep! Maybe it’s just me, but I like my kids where I can see and educate them myself – outdoors.

If you share my values and find outdoor activities way healthier than any app there is, I am giving you some ideas to get your kids interested in the real life you’ve got to offer. Just remember - kids being kids, they’ll always want what their friends have so you’ll have a tough battle ahead of you. But, don’t let that shake you…

I have a feeling you’ll nail this! Here we go.

Be their inspiration

The reason most kids are stuck on their gadgets is the absence of human interactivity that should be a normal, healthy part of every kid’s development. Overwhelmed with work, parents often go for the easier way out, turn the TV or PC on, and let the kids entertain themselves. Don’t make the same mistake – be the parent who shows interest, spends time with their kids and actually knows what’s happening in their children’s lives.

Be their role model and inspire them to want to hang around with you. Sure, you’ll never be as interesting as that kid around the block who can stick his whole fist in his mouth (duh!), but you’ll be a cool parent they can learn from. You can nurture the bond between yourself and the kids through a series of family activities like movie nights, picnics, cooking together, reading stories, charades, barbecuing, organizing reading marathons… whatever it is that you know your kids would love.

Go camping

There’s no kid in this world who doesn’t love a little exploring (or a lot) and going camping with them is the perfect opportunity to let them channel their inner Sherlock Holmes. Rent a cabin or tent in the woods and stay the weekend. Then, spend days exploring the mysterious “magic woods”.

Make up stories as you go and get your kids interested in what comes next. Inspire them to get engaged in the story telling and come up with secret names for each and every one of you. Later, when you gather around the fire, refer to the “people from the woods” in the third person and create a universe of your own. If this doesn’t get them excited, nothing will! Only, when you are roaming the woods, carry a flashlight – you never know.

My kids went crazy over this game and we made going to the “magic woods” a monthly outing. Even I personally loved it (it’s true what they say – we never really grow up).

Go swimming together

As long as there’s some screaming, jumping and splashing involved, the kids will be in! With the hot summer at our fingertips, make it a family weekend thing and go together. Bring some sandwiches, let them have a large ice-cream (a little bribery goes a long way), you may even invite some of their best friends to join – it will be a blast! Just, please don’t forget to put some sunscreen on your kids prior to leaving for your swimming/sunbathing adventure.

Otherwise, when their backs and faces get burned, they’ll hate both you and the whole thing. And that’s a no-no!

Homemade sandwiches; Healthy snacks by Belvita; Bottle of water by Vittoria food & beverage; Snapple peach tea found on Amazon; Sunscreen care cream by Clarins Australia; Hello Kitty girly hat found on Amazon; Pokemon boy cap found on Ebay; Backpack found on Ebay

Paint together

If you’ve noticed a creative streak in your kids, encourage it. You don’t have to sign them up for painting lessons straight away, but you can always join the ride and do some painting yourself. Organize a family tournament (of course the kids will win) with different themes for assignment. Whoever paints the best pic, gets a present (it’s up to you think of the present, but always honor it). Watercolors, chalk, pencil, graffiti… whatever you feel will get your kids interested.

Well, these tricks were what made my kids drop their tablets and finally engage in the real life out. I hope it’ll work for you, too!

Original article source: How I managed to unplug my kids from the electronics this summer

Keeping them Busy: 15 Entertaining Indoor Activities and Games for Active 2 Year Olds

Read the original article: Keeping them Busy: 15 Entertaining Indoor Activities and Games for Active 2 Year Olds

Entertaining 2 year old? Easy! Throw them outside, let them collect rocks, water plants, move around boxes in garage and pretty much anything that picks there interest and gives you 5 minutes to breath and relax.

But what if that's not the option? In summer, small pool will do wanders, but what if it's raining all week? What do you do in fall and winter when the kids will be confined to indoors pretty much most of the time?

Luckily, the DIY moms put their best tips together and I have hand-picked some of the best activities to keep even the most energetic 2 year old busy.

Play Dress Up

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Materials Needed: Old clothes, costumes, accessories

You can either bring a group of moms with their toddlers and have a dress up a play date for the day. Have each mom bring their own sets of fun old clothes and accessories, pile them up along with what you have and let your kiddies have fun creating their own image! Doing this with a group enhances your child's imagination, creativity and social skills.

If it's too much of a logistic hassle to invite people over, you and/or your partner can play dress up with your 2-year-olds.

And since it's already the age of modern technology and high-tech mobile phone cameras, take lots of pictures of every costume your toddler comes up with!

Tea Party

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Materials Needed: Cookies, drinks, tables, chairs, toys and plastic tea set

A tea party is one of the few indoor activities that can either be played for real or pretend. Simply set up the chairs and table, add some stuffed toys on the seats, put some cookies on a plate and set up a party set for your kids.

You may think that this kind of activity is only meant for girls. It's actually not. Little boys can still join. This would be the perfect to start teaching them table manners.

But if you must, you can exclude your boys and invite some of your friends' daughters to join in the fun.

Blanket Fort

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Materials Needed: Blankets, chairs, lights, toys

If your little girls are busy playing tea party, your active boys can build their own blanket fort. Have your partner assist them in bringing chairs and enough blankets to make a cool fort they can crawl into. Add some pillows, lights and toys inside to keep them entertained.

You can also darken up the place and play a movie on the laptop.

This is good bonding time for daddies and their boys. You can also help them build their social skills by inviting neighborhood kids of the same age.

Paper Plate Toss Rings

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Materials Needed: Paper plates, paint, tissue cores

The process of making this is already a fun indoor activity itself. Of course, you wouldn't want a 2-year-old to be near paint or scissors but if you have older kids, you can have them help their younger siblings.

Simply cut a hole big enough to accommodate a tissue cure in the middle of the paper plate. You can have your kids paint their rings with whatever color they like and let the tossing begin!

Toss rings can also be a very helpful method for your toddlers to learn different colors and retain the information.

Toy Hide and Seek

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Materials Needed: Toy

Explain the simple hide and seek game to your toddler. You can show them how it works and they'll pick up pretty fast.

Simply choose a toy (their favorite toy would actually work best) and hide it from them. For sure they will look for it. Do it several times until they completely understand the concept and have fun!

Toddler Ball Drop

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Materials Needed: 5Gal water container, golf balls, bucket

Set a marker for a start and end point. Place the golf balls inside the bucket by the start point. Then, place the water container at the end point. Show your toddler how the game works.

Pick up a golf ball from the bucket, walk towards the water container and drop the ball inside the container. Have your toddler repeat the process until you run out of balls. Get him excited by clapping or praising him every time he successfully drops a ball into the water container.

Puppet Show

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Materials Needed: Old socks, brown paper bags, cardboard box, colored paper

Creating a puppet show with your older kids is a great way to have them bond with their siblings. Your toddlers can sit back, watch and be amazed while your older kids put on the show. If you do not have older kids, you can enlist the help of your partner or bring some of your girlfriends over so their kids can enjoy the show too!

Keeping the puppet show option as one of your go-to indoor activities can help enhance your child's comprehension and imagination.

Red Light, Green Light

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Materials Needed: Popsicle sticks, traffic light cut outs, glue and glitters

Explain what the traffic lights stand for to your child. Green means go, red means stop and yellow means slow down. This will teach your child how to have self-control and associate obeying your commands with fun.

You are bound to get fits of giggles here and there when your child has fully grasped the concept and is able to obey the paddles in a faster pace. Don't forget to praise your child every time he gets it right.

Bowl-A-Rama

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Materials Needed: Empty water bottles, a ball and paint

Color the insides of the water bottles with different colors by pouring some paint in it. Shake the contents until the entire area is covered with paint. Dump out the rest back into the paint can. Make sure the lid is secured shut to avoid paint splatters on your living room floor.

Set up a starting point and set the bottles the way bowling pins are set. Show your child how to play a few times and see the fun unfold!

Marble Racetrack

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Materials Needed: Marbles, pool noodle and a shoebox

Cut the pool noodle in half and tape them side by side each other to make the racetrack. Place the starting line end of the noodle at the edge of an end table or coffee table to provide a slope and place the finish line inside the shoebox to catch the marbles. You can have your older kids play marble races with your toddler or play with him yourself.

This will train your child's motor skills and strategic thinking. That is, of course, on top of all the fun both of you will be having!

Sponge Boats

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Materials Needed: Sponge, wooden chopsticks, colorful paper, ruler, scissors and glue

Looking at it from the picture, it is quite easy to make. Simple cutouts of sponges and you have yourself a fun bathtime with your toddler. Choose colorful and interesting decorated paper for your sails. Something along the lines of their favorite cartoon character maybe?

Many thanks to Community Table for these indoor activities instructable!

Mini Car Wash

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Materials Needed: Tub, water, soap, brush and plant sprayer

There are different variations of this activity. You can have your child play it in your bath tub where getting wet is no problem at all or you can provide a storage bin big and deep enough. Gather 5-8 of your son's toy cars okay with water, fill the tub half way with soapy water and have your son wash his toy cars all the while pretending he owns a car wash. The plant sprayer can be added fun but can also be a lot messier.

You can also role play and be the customer. This would add excitement to the activity and teach your child social skills.

All Aboard

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Materials Needed: Blanket

One of the simplest yet most fun indoor activities you can ever play with your two-year-old. Lay him on the blanket, tell him to hold on and take him for a fun ride across the floor!

This can also be done using a towel.

Pirate Play

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Materials Needed: Wooden blocks and aluminum foil

Every kid, male or female, has dreamed of playing pirate even once in their childhood. I can't blame them. It's fun and exciting.

Wrap some wooden blocks with aluminum foil to make them look like gold and silver bars. Hide them around the house and have your toddler collect them by finding them. Dress them up in pirate costumes to make it even more real for them.

Family Room Picnic

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Materials Needed: Blanket, plastic plates and cups, food and drinks

Indeed, this is a different version of a tea party but less formal and more unisex. Simply lay out a blanket on your family room floor, put some of your child's favorite snacks on plastic plates and fill their cups with juice. Invite some of your neighbor's kids and have a blast!

What are you waiting for? Get your creative juices flowing and plan out your daily indoor activities with your two-year-olds!

They're not that difficult to entertain. Anything colorful would catch their attention already. One thing you need to make sure of is that you don't get too repetitive. You can recycle activities on a weekly basis while you're trying to come up with other indoor activities.

But, you have to accept that sooner or later, they will want to see what it's like on the other side of that glass door where your family pet runs around all day.

Don't think way ahead of yourself and enjoy every single day of your toddler's years to the fullest!  Got any indoor activities you'd like to share? Hit us up with a comment below!

Featured image: Parent Globe

Original article source: Keeping them Busy: 15 Entertaining Indoor Activities and Games for Active 2 Year Olds

Single Moms and Dating: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Read the original article: Single Moms and Dating: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Single moms are a great catch when it comes to finding a life partner. Well, not always but a good portion is positive. And, like in everything in this world, there is a good, a bad and an ugly side to it.

A lot of single moms have had blows on their self-esteem, they think no one would accept them because they come with extra baggage. Some have gone through so much, they become very independent to the point of not needing a man to take care of them.

But, what really is it like to even consider putting single moms and dating in the same plate?

A Redditor has posted a question a few years ago asking if other Redditors if they would date a single mom. It has garnered thousands of reply from not only single men but from single moms and dads as well.

To say the least, their responses varied based on their personal preferences and social data but as stated, there are good, bad and ugly sides to this. Check out some of their responses.

Would You Date a Single Mom?

The Good

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Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

This guy seems to have his head screwed on tight. This is might very well be the best way to see if your potential future partner will become a great mother.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

I absolutely agree with this guy. You can date a woman with no kids and have the same rocky relationship you would have with a single mom. It's not about whether the woman has kids or not. It's either you or the woman who can't make the relationship work.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Awwww! This guy might just be the man most decent single moms are looking for!

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Sometimes it's not the mom that makes or breaks the deal. Sometimes it's the guy's own immaturity and fear of getting in too deep.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

This is a pretty picture with a happy ending. It would have been prettier though if the mom continued to be in the picture. But, we can't help but be happy for the child. She now has a dad to care for her like she was his own.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

This pretty much sums up my mom's life. My stepdad dated and married her despite the fact that he was getting all three of her daughters as well. Best decision they've made and our lives would have been so depressingly different if he didn't become a part of it.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

The things single moms have gone through forces them to mentally mature - which is something you can't get from a well-kept single woman who has not experienced life's bitterness. A lot, not all, of single moms are more grounded which is a bonus especially if the guys isn't just there yet. 😊

The Bad

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Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

While this isn't entirely a negative thing, it's quite disappointing to know that a lot of men are not responsible enough or emotionally ready to help raise a child. Kudos to this guy for admitting this, though.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

At least his reasoning is not for selfish reasons but for the welfare of the child. I completely agree with this. Spare the child the unnecessary heartache that makes him lose regard for father figures.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Sad to say but these fears are legit. Guys have no choice but to feel them. Then again, it's probably exactly the same for women and single dads.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

I just can't help but shake my head at the stupidity of a lot of people. Take this guy for example. Letting his other head decide his dates.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

I respect his honesty. If you don't planning on having a child of your own, why take on a the responsibility of taking care of someone else's, right?

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Clearly this guy does not like kids. But if fate wills him to have children of his own, he's sure to change his opinion of kids.

The Ugly

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Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

If a guy is "fighting" with a child for a your attention then something must be loose in that head of his. It's a child for Pete's sake. If a man does not have enough confidence in his worth in a family relationship, count on him to be the jealous crazy type where all other interactions with men aside from him is considered cheating.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Can't blame him for being wary of single moms but that's the ugly truth. Though you do not want to stereotype all single moms, you can't help but be extra cautious because of all the other similar situations you see around you.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Age does not make you more intelligent or more irresponsible. Mistakes can happen at any age. To think that a woman who is a single mom at an age less than 25 has poor judgement makes you prejudice. You can make tons of mistake at a prime age of 40. Does that mean you have poor judgment, too? No. It makes you human.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

Plain and simply wrong. No other words. Just wrong.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

If you're a single mom, don't date a guy who's open to dating single moms just because he doesn't have any other choice. He may think that he doesn't have a choice, but YOU have a choice so make it for you and your child. 😊

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

I certainly hope karma doesn't bite this guy in the ass and give him an offspring who has a mental disability. Actually, I just hope karma would spare a child the horor of having a guy like this for a father. He shouldn't be allowed to reproduce if he thinks this way about kids.

Comment from discussion Male Redditors: Would you date a single mom?.

I may have just lost a bit of respect for the male species. Women, single mother or not, are not pieces of meat.

Single moms and dads who make things work, make ends meet, fulfill their dream and perform the role of both mother and father all at the same time are heroes in my eyes.

It takes a strong person to run and keep a household by herself. She does not need a man by her side because she can't do it but because she also needs the love and support only a partner can give.

Sure, some of them are not qualified to be mothers but to those who are trying their best for their kids, I applaud you.

Your strength is unlike any other and you don't need a man to keep doing what you're doing. The right one will come and your world will be so much brighter.

Just remember, making a mistake does not define your worth as a person. Never settle for less!

Any thoughts on this post? Leave a comment below!

Original article source: Single Moms and Dating: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Looking for a Babysitter? Here are 8 Important Questions You Need to Ask

Read the original article: Looking for a Babysitter? Here are 8 Important Questions You Need to Ask

A babysitter might be a stranger to your family at the start. Whether they may come from an agency, a recommendation from a friend or a random ad you picked up from the paper. When they start with you, they are strangers outside of your family circle. Which means, you are uncertain of how much care they will give your child, their competence and where their loyalty lies.

When they start with you, they are strangers outside of your family circle. Which means, you are uncertain of how much care they will give your child, their competence and where their loyalty lies.

This basically is the same for every employer hiring a new employee. It's a gamble based on what you see on the first impression. But, unlike corporate employees, giving a stranger your full trust in taking care of your precious children goes a little deeper than a contract with legal bonds. Which is why every employer goes through an interview process to assess the potential new hire. Same goes for hiring a new babysitter.

If you are new to the whole babysitting fiasco, here are the most important questions you MUST ask a potential babysitter.

Why Do You Want To Care For Other People's Child?

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You'll certainly get multiple different answers to this question. Either they need the money, or this is the only thing they know how to do, these are common answers, but some may actually surprise you.

Why do you need to ask the obvious?

The obvious questions are actually the hardest to answer. This where you find out how much heart they have for kids of other people and sneak a peak at their genuine interest to help parents out.

They may drive with a story of how they grew up seeing their parents never having the chance to take a break from parenting to enjoy themselves. This is the kind of answer you need to look for or something similar as long as they give you a tinge of hint they are genuinely interested in giving you a much-deserved break.

What Is Your Family Like?

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Asking about their family might be a tad too personal for some but remember the person you're talking to might be the person you leave your kids with. By all means, ask the necessary personal questions you need to ask.

The moment you ask about their family, you'd see an immediate reaction, and you have to pay close attention. A shrug may indicate indifference in their family relationships. A sudden perk up may indicate how much they love to talk about their family. A sudden slump of the shoulders or a sigh might indicate they don't really want to talk about it.

A potential babysitter's current family standing is important. If they don't have that much value for their own family, how much value do you think they'd have for yours?

What Do You Do on Your Free Time?

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Knowing what they usually do in their free time will allow you to have a good sense of the chemistry they will have with your kids.

For instance, your family is into outdoor and rugged activities. Certainly a babysitter who's recluse and would rather stay indoors hunched over a good book might not be as equally fun for your kids as a playful babysitter will be.

Nevertheless, a person who's open to a lot of new stuff and willing to adjust might just be the perfect fit for you. In other words, someone who isn't good at cooking but willing to bake with your little girls will be someone worth giving a chance to.

How Well Do You Drive?

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If you require a babysitter to pick up your kids from school or drive them to soccer games, you'd better find one with a good driving record. The least you want to hear about when you're out on a date is a phone call about a car accident or a speeding ticket.

Although, they can tell you what you want to hear but most people can tell when people are lying so trust your instincts. You can also do a test drive to give you a bit of ease.

Do You Know CPR or Have You Had First Aid Training?

[caption id="attachment_7487" align="alignnone" width="550"] FirstAidExperience[/caption]

This is a must for babysitters in case of emergencies. Do not hire a babysitter with no training or who is unwilling to go through training.

Can you Swim?

[caption id="attachment_7488" align="alignnone" width="550"] GBallsSwimSchool[/caption]

A babysitter who can swim is only a must if you have pool in your backyard. Again, someone who can swim is nice to have in case of emergencies. Still, we hope nothing like that happens but we have to prepare for the worst.

How Would You Plan Your First Day?

[caption id="attachment_7489" align="alignnone" width="550"] BeHappyNyelviskola[/caption]

It's good to pick their brains to see what kind of creative yet safe activities they can come up with. The best answer to this question though, is for them to just spend time with your kids, get to know them and let them be comfortable around each other. If this goal is incorporated with their set of activities, then that would be great.

Do You Have References?

[caption id="attachment_7490" align="alignnone" width="550"] MMCTSU[/caption]

Don't hesitate to ask this question. It's your right and a must. You have to have opinions of other people not emotionally attached to the person you're questioning - preferably a previous or current employer, a neighbor or a co-worker. Checking on character reference is a wise thing to do. This stranger might be a deranged psycho and you wouldn't have known.

Remember: you are an employer and it's your job to find out as much as you can about a person especially one that will be left behind to care for your kids.

These questions are basic, quite obvious and a must to ask. If there's anything else you want to know, write it down on a piece of paper. I would also advise writing down important facts during your interview just so that you have focal points when you discuss things with your partner or mull things over.

Babysitters are easy to find. A babysitter worth keeping though is another thing. Main keys are pay attention, be observant, trust your gut and ask as many questions as you see fit. It wouldn't hurt to do that. The worse thing that can happen? Your potential babysitter can get irked and you move on to the next one. A keeper would understand why you need to ask a lot of questions.

Happy hunting!

Got any babysitter questions you think should be on this list? Let us know in a comment below!

Original article source: Looking for a Babysitter? Here are 8 Important Questions You Need to Ask

70+ insanely EASY POPSICLE recipes for this summer

Read the original article: 70+ insanely EASY POPSICLE recipes for this summer

No summer is complete without some juicy frozen pops. You've been probably overwhelmed with the amount of PIN-ned and INSTA-grammed pops and wonder where to start? The good folks at momooze.com put together the ultimate list of the BEST what's out there. And trust me, I've search each and every corner of the online world to compile this list for you. Enjoy and get cooking (or freezing!).

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles

Simple recipe with basic ingredients you probably have at home already - strawberries, pinapple, yoghurt and sweetner. Recipe by Yummy Healthy Easy

[caption id="attachment_7934" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Lava Flow Popsicles

Impress your kids with this easy and cool popisicle for the summer, all you need is pineaple, mango, coconut milk, strawberries, orange juice and honey. Recipe by One Lovely Life

[caption id="attachment_7935" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Watermelon Kiwi Popsicle

Two ingredient homemade popsicle with watermelon, kiwi and a bit of sugar. Full recipe at The Pretty Bee

[caption id="attachment_7936" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Mango Chia Popsicle

Recipe from Super Healthy Kids.

[caption id="attachment_7937" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Blueberries Cream Popsicle

Healthy and oh so good looking! By A Silent Pantry.

[caption id="attachment_7938" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Banana Popsicle

Three ingredient recipe by Sallys Baking Addiction.

[caption id="attachment_7939" align="alignnone" width="557"] source[/caption]

Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana Popsicles

Healthy enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert! By Recipe Runner.

[caption id="attachment_7940" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Berry Lemonade Popsicles

Simple enough that you kids can make it - lemonade, strawberries and blueberries. Recipe by The First Year Blog.

[caption id="attachment_7941" align="alignnone" width="532"] source[/caption]

Banana Nutella Popsicles

Simple three ingredient recipe by Pretty Simple Sweet - all you need is yogurt, Nutella and bananas.

[caption id="attachment_7942" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Blue and Red Striped Popsicles

Recipe by The View from the Great Island

[caption id="attachment_7943" align="alignnone" width="653"] source[/caption]

Yogurt Parfait Popsicles

Recipe by Le Zoe Musings.

[caption id="attachment_7944" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Cookies and Coconut Popsicles

Recipe by The View from the Great Island.

[caption id="attachment_7947" align="alignnone" width="653"] source[/caption]

Coconut Vanilla Popsicles

Recipe by Will Cook for Smiles.

[caption id="attachment_7948" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Lemon Slice Popsicles

Recipe by Kirbie Cravings.

[caption id="attachment_7949" align="alignnone" width="653"] source[/caption]

Coconut Peach Popsicles

Recipe by The 36th Avenue.

[caption id="attachment_7951" align="alignnone" width="953"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles

Recipe by One Lovely Life.

[caption id="attachment_7952" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Rainbow Popsicles

Recipe by The First Year Blog.

[caption id="attachment_7953" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Cherry Rose Tea Popsicles

Recipe by Le Zoe Musings.

[caption id="attachment_7954" align="alignnone" width="472"] source[/caption]

Cherry Lemonade Popsicles

By The View from the Great Island.

[caption id="attachment_7955" align="alignnone" width="653"] source[/caption]

Blackberry Cheesecake Popsicles

Recipe by Recipes to Nourish.

[caption id="attachment_7956" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Salted Caramel Mocha Popsicles

By Melanie Makes.

[caption id="attachment_7957" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Honey Chamomile Popsicles

By Vanila and Bean.

[caption id="attachment_7958" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Passion Tea Lemonade Popsicles

Recipe by The First Year Blog.

[caption id="attachment_7963" align="alignnone" width="532"] source[/caption]

Blueberry Pineapple Popsickles

Recipe by Sweet Life Bake.

[caption id="attachment_7964" align="alignnone" width="625"] source[/caption]

Mango Chia Popsicles

Recipe by Jelly Toast Blog.

[caption id="attachment_7965" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Fruity Striped Popsicles

Recipe by The View from the Great Island.

[caption id="attachment_7966" align="alignnone" width="426"] source[/caption]

Green Juice Popsicles

Recipe by Just a Taste.

[caption id="attachment_7967" align="alignnone" width="580"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Lime Popsicles

Recipe by Fox and Briar.

[caption id="attachment_7968" align="alignnone" width="667"] source[/caption]

Peach and Honey Popsicles

Recipe by Cookie and Kate.

[caption id="attachment_7969" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Mint Chocolate Popsicles

Recipe by Nuts.com.

[caption id="attachment_7970" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Avocado Lime Popsicles

Recipe by Healthier Steps.

[caption id="attachment_7972" align="alignnone" width="673"] source[/caption]

Berry Beet Popsicles

Recipe by The Bewitchin Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_7973" align="alignnone" width="650"] source[/caption]

Chocolate Passion Fruit Popsicles

Recipe by Kitchen Condifence.

[caption id="attachment_7974" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Coconut Lemongrass Popsicles

Recipe by Snixy Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_7977" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Almond Milk Popsicles

by The Harvest Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_7978" align="alignnone" width="480"] source[/caption]

Coconut Blueberry Smash Popsicles

Recipe by Wallflower Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_7979" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Ginger, Hibiscus and Minty Watermelon Popsicles

Recipe by Half Baked Harvest.

[caption id="attachment_7980" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Blackberry Ombre Popsicles

Recipe by tutti dolci.com.

[caption id="attachment_7981" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake Popsicles

Recipe by Joyful Healthy Eats.

[caption id="attachment_7985" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Peanut Butter Banana Popsicles

Recipe by Occasionally Eggs.

[caption id="attachment_7986" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Milk Ice Pops

Recipe by Sprinkle Bakes.

[caption id="attachment_7987" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Cucumber Mint Green Tea Popsicles

Recipe by Cake over Steak.

[caption id="attachment_7988" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Citrus Banana Cream Popsicles

Recipe by On Sutton Plate.

[caption id="attachment_7989" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Good Morning Icy Pops

Recipe by Popsugar.

[caption id="attachment_7990" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Blueberry Watermelon Hibiscus Popsicles

Recipe by Cooking JSL.

[caption id="attachment_7991" align="alignnone" width="660"] source[/caption]

Iced Mocha Popsicles

Recipe by The View from the Great Island.

[caption id="attachment_7992" align="alignnone" width="653"] source[/caption]

Apple Ginger and Sage Popsicles

Recipe by Turmeric n Spice.

[caption id="attachment_7995" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Dreamsicles

Recipe by Studio DIY.

[caption id="attachment_7996" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Kiwi Chia Popsicles

Recipe by The Little Epicurean.

[caption id="attachment_7997" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Winesicles with edible flowers

By KJ.com.

[caption id="attachment_7998" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Grapefruit Popsicles

Recipe by Paper n Stitch Blog.

[caption id="attachment_7999" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Pineapple Pink Lemonade Popsicles

Recipe by The House that Lars Built.

[caption id="attachment_8000" align="alignnone" width="677"] source[/caption]

Raspberry Mango Popsicles

Recipe by tutti-dolci.

[caption id="attachment_8001" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Coconut and Blood Orange Popsicles

Recipe by Fork Knife Swoon.

[caption id="attachment_8002" align="alignnone" width="710"] source[/caption]

Pomegranate Mango Popsicles

Recipe by Sustaining in Powers.

[caption id="attachment_8003" align="alignnone" width="700"] source[/caption]

Rhubarb and Elderflower Popsicles

Recipe by Kates Creative Space.

[caption id="attachment_8004" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Honey Yogurt Fig Pops

By Paper & Stitch.

[caption id="attachment_8007" align="alignnone" width="600"] source[/caption]

Sweet Peach Iced Tea Popsicles

Recipe by Paper & Stitch.

[caption id="attachment_8008" align="alignnone" width="550"] source[/caption]

Fresh Fruit Popsicles

Recipe by One Little Project.

[caption id="attachment_8009" align="alignnone" width="500"] source[/caption]

Mango Kiwi Lemonade Popsicles

Recipe by Cookie Named Desire.

[caption id="attachment_8010" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Blackberry Yogurt Thyme Popsicles

Recipe by Joyful Healthy Eats.

[caption id="attachment_8011" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Champagne Edible Flowers Popsicles

Recipe by Cooking with Janica.

[caption id="attachment_8014" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

White Peach, Kiwi and Coconut Water Popsicles

Recipe by Gourmande in the Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_8015" align="alignnone" width="590"] source[/caption]

Raspberry and Chocolate Toasted Meringue Popsicles

Recipe by Donna Hay.

[caption id="attachment_8016" align="alignnone" width="630"] source[/caption]

Lemon and Ginger Popsicles

Recipe by The Harvest Kitchen.

[caption id="attachment_8017" align="alignnone" width="650"] source[/caption]

Pomegranate Coconut Water Popsicles

Recipe by My Fussy Eater.

[caption id="attachment_8018" align="alignnone" width="680"] source[/caption]

Strawberry Chia Popsicles

Recipe by Jar of Lemons.

[caption id="attachment_8019" align="alignnone" width="640"] source[/caption]

Champagne Popsicles

Recipe by Bakers Royale.

[caption id="attachment_8022" align="alignnone" width="630"] source[/caption]

Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

Recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction.

[caption id="attachment_8023" align="alignnone" width="540"] source[/caption]

Chamomile, Ginger, Honey and Lemon Popsicles

Recipe by Port and Fin.

[caption id="attachment_8024" align="alignnone" width="680"] source [/caption]

Peach Melba Popsicles

Recipe by The Flavor Bender.

[caption id="attachment_8027" align="alignnone" width="640"] source [/caption]

Tinto De Verano Popsicles

Recipe by Baking Mischief.

[caption id="attachment_8028" align="alignnone" width="600"] source [/caption]

Have you found your favorite yet? Which one are you going to make this weekend? Leave a comment below!

Original article source: 70+ insanely EASY POPSICLE recipes for this summer