The Internet’s Best DIY Photo Album Sites

Nothing can give a space a personal touch quite like framed photos of friends and family. Whether you're looking to spruce up your home or give a personalized gift to that special someone, these two photo service websites are for you.

Shutterfly
Arguably the internet's most popular photo service site, Shutterfly makes it easy to create custom photo albums, collages, stationery, calendars, and much more. Simply upload your favorite photos from your computer and start designing. The gift portion of the site allows you to design mugs, canvas prints, totes, tees, smart phone cases, magnets, mousepads—even blankets!—using your favorite photos. Better still, the website's prices are affordable, and frequent online coupon codes promise even more bang for you buck.

Snapfish
Whatever the occasion, Snapfish likely has a commemorative gift with which to remember it by. Create a wedding photo album, design graduation announcements, or put a personal touch on greeting cards and stationery. Like Shutterfly, Snapfish also offers a wide variety of photo gifts, from mugs and calendars to blankets and jewelry. Or you can just keep it simple and order standard prints!

The Essentials Every Home First Aid Kit Should Contain

Accidents happen. Any given day could present you with slips, scrapes, burns, and bruises, which is why a first aid kit is something every home should have within easy reach. Here are a few essentials that every home first aid kit should contain.

  1. Adhesive bandages. Most people have the traditional bandage strips on hand, but make sure to stock up on larger and smaller types for cuts of different sizes and for awkward locations.
  2. Tweezers. You’ll never know the importance of owning tweezers until to rub your foot against the rough wood on a deck or patio. Ouch!
  3. Thermometer. If you’re worried that you might be running a fever, a reliable thermometer can tell you for sure. If you have children, be sure to invest in a children’s thermometer, as well.
  4. Aspirin. From soothing a headache to relieving aching muscles, aspirin is a necessity for all kinds of ailments. Once again, children need their own type of aspirin, so stay well-stocked on both types if you share your home with little ones.
  5. Topical antiseptic. To reduce the risk of infection, clean any small cuts with topical antiseptic or antiseptic wipes.

First Aid Kit Essentials Checklist [Real Simple]
Anatomy of a First Aid Kit [American Red Cross]
First Aid Kit Essentials [Johnson & Johnson]
First-Aid Kit Essentials [Parents]

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Houston

Houston is home to a wide variety of museums that appeal to people of all ages, but two in particular stand out to children. One of these museums will have your little ones looking back into the past, while the second provides a glimpse far into the future.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most widely visited natural history museums in the country. It offers a wide variety of traditional attractions as well as an innovative approach to teaching the sciences to kids. Travel back in time through the Hall of Ancient Egypt, then venture even farther in the Morian Hall of Paleontology. Your family will learn how energy is made and used in the Wiess Energy Hall, and they'll enjoy stargazing at a recreated authentic night sky in the Burke Baker Planetarium. Kids love learning here, but you'll be surprised at how much adults enjoy it, too!

The Children's Museum of Houston
The Children's Museum of Houston is synonymous with fun, and this highly interactive learning center will make your kids excited about learning. Watch them engage in an ecological study inside the EcoStation. In the Cyberchase exhibit, kids will enter into an interactive world where math is not just learned, but experienced. This colorful center also provides countless programs and fun classes, so make sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.

Expecting a New Baby? Read These Babyproofing Tips!

You couldn’t possibly be more excited to welcome your little one into the world, but incorporating a baby into your home is a whole different story. There are so many sharp edges, open doors, and hot objects that could be hazardous to baby’s soft skin, and it all might seem a bit overwhelming. Here are a few smart, simple ways to babyproof your home with ease.

  1. Install a toilet lock in the bathroom. Once your baby begins crawling and walking, he or she will want to explore every room in the house. A toilet lock will keep baby’s tiny fingers from getting underneath the toilet lid.
  2. Store medicines behind locked doors. If your current medicine cabinet doesn’t have a lock, install one. There are few things more dangerous to babies than pills and medicines, and even if your medicine cabinet is out of reach it's better to be safe than sorry.
  3. Invest in a safe crib. Cribs with drop-sides were recently discontinued, so don’t attempt to re-use that hand-me-down crib. Also make sure that your crib’s slats are 2 3/8-inches apart.

20+ Tips for Babyproofing Your Home [Parenting]
Baby Safety [iVillage]
Childproofing Checklist [TotSafe.com]
Tips to Babyproof Your Home [Lowe’s]

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly? Find Out Here!

You’ve brushed your teeth for as long as you can remember, but how can you be sure that you’re doing it correctly? Check out these simple steps for proper tooth brushing to find out.

  1. Twice a day is only the beginning. Although many people are taught to brush their teeth in the morning and the evening, that’s actually only the minimum amount. Brushing your teeth after a large meal or any time you drink a potentially staining beverage is always a good idea.
  2. Brush in a circular motion. Dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion up toward the gums rather than the usual back and forth motion across the teeth. This technique removes bacteria without causing gum pain.
  3. Stop the final rinse. While many people rinse their mouths out with a bit of water after brushing, this is harmful because it removes the beneficial film delivered from the toothpaste. If you feel the need to rinse, only put a small amount of water in your mouth and swish it across your tongue rather than around your teeth and gums.
  4. Don’t skimp on flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and it should be done almost as often. Bonus points if you floss before brushing, as that enables the toothpaste to coat those hard-to-reach places between the teeth.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [Lifehacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

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