Make Yours The Cool House

5/18/2006

Everyone remembers the "cool house" when they were growing up. It was the place to be in the neighborhood -- and it still is! The "cool house" is the home with the best snacks, the warmest family and, most importantly, the coolest kids.

Believe it or not, kids aren't the only ones who want to have the "cool house" -- parent love that cool house feeling too. They take pride in entertaining, and strive to create the cool house atmosphere for their family and friends. Guests immediately feel welcomed because this home looks, feels and even smells fresh and cool.

Even though entertaining the neighborhood and keeping your space clean may seem like an impossible dream, it doesn't have to be. The hip moms who strive to create the cool house atmosphere know the secrets to throwing a great party and now you can, too. To make your house the "cool house," follow these transformation tips:

Organize a Family Movie Night

Invite your neighbors and their kids over for a night of films and fun. Order a few pizza pies and cut one into mini pizza slices. The kids will go crazy for these bite-sized treats!

Cool Cleaning Tip: Divvy up your cleaning into 15-minute projects and recruit your kids. They'll love helping you beat the clock!

Arrange a Neighborhood Basketball Game

Set up a basketball court in the driveway and join your kids and their friends for a game of hoops. Set up a lemonade and sandwich station in the living room for breaks in the game.

Host a Baking Party

The older your children become, the more they can do in the kitchen -- and the more fun they have helping out. So what better way to entertain your children and their friends than by having them help you bake your entertaining treats?

Cool Cleaning Tip: While cupcakes and milk go hand-in-hand, accidents and spills are right behind them. Spray your cloth-covered furniture with a stain repellent to make for easy cleanup. (NAPSI)