On this day in 1856, George Lyon let readers know that he bought the right to manufacture and sell Boyd’s Patent Bridle Winkers. The winkers would prevent horse blindness and shying by allowing light and air to the animal. He…
Tag: clothing accessories
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Supermom In Training: The truth about getting a kid ready in winter: NIGHTMARE
I grew up in South Florida. Getting ready for “winter” entailed putting on socks. Maaaybe you’d need a hoodie for the morning, but by noon, the sun made it warm enough for summerwear, once again.
But being a mommy and not only enduring the annoyance of getting myself ready for winter (I’m a legging-under-the-pants wearer) but getting a little person ready too… it’s unbearably dreadful. Truly. Between repeating myself a million times, finding all the bits and pieces to put on, and fighting my fiercely independent child, it’s quite the process.
It goes something like this…
Throw snowpants, jacket, scarf, hat and mittens on the floor.
“Do you have to go pee?” Nothing. “Cameron. Cameron! CAMERON! Do you have to go pee.”
“Um, nope.” Puts one snowpant leg on. “Um, yep.”
Goes pee. Gets halfway into putting his snowpants back on and zones out mid-dress to watch Peppa Pig. “Cameron!” Puts on snow pants. Stands there, entranced again.
Turn off the TV and hand him his coat. “No, I want to put my mittens on first.” So wait for him to put on his mittens at a snail’s pace.
Then he struggles with mittened hands to get his jacket on. “Mommy, my pants and sleeves are all scrunched up.”
Wrestle my entire arm up each coat arm and snowpant leg to reposition his clothes.
Put on his scarf while he fights me on it. “I don’t want it like that. I’ll do it.” Wraps it around too tight and balls it up to stuff under his coat, which won’t be comfortable. Now, a debate ensues on why mommy should just do his scarf until mommy takes the scarf, tosses it to the floor, and gives him a neck warmer instead. “But I don’t like this one… it itches.”
Put it over his head anyway. Zip up his jacket.
Go to put on his boots. “I want to do it! I know how!” Wait five minutes while he wriggles and rolls around in his snowsuit putting on his boots.
Mommy puts on her scarf, coat, hat, and mitts in 8.4 seconds and walks child to the door.
#truth
– Jennifer Cox
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Parenting 101: Preparing for a summer vacation
A lot of us moms and dads are preparing for a family vacation, and the whole process of preparing for a big getaway can be daunting. First things first: make a list. You’ll want a packing list for carry-on stuff or the car ride (depending on your mode of transportation), a packing list for suitcases, and a shopping list. Having a list will help to ensure that you don’t forget anything. Some suggestions for your in-transit bag:
– Chargers
– Colouring books, crayons and other basic art supplies (stamp pads, stickers, and more)
– Journals and blank paper
– Fun books like Where’s Waldo, nature or learning books, or activity/art books – get loads of ideas for great kids’ reads, plus activities to go along with those books, in our Little Readers blog section.
– Healthy snacks and water (from here or here)
– Folder for travel docs, brochures, print-outs of reservations, etc.
Try and stay organized as much as possible. Organization is key to a successful family vacation (especially road trips). Having an organized car, as well as well-planned-out luggage, will make the entire process all the smoother.
Group “like” items together to make packing (and living out of a suitcase) all the easier. This means keeping toiletries together, swimming stuff (bathing suits, towels and pool toys), shoes and outdoor gear, medication, your jewellery and accessories, and so on. Smaller clear cases or bags work well for smaller items, while more durable reuseable bags like these are ideal for the bigger stuff.
Use labels to keep everyone organized. That way, everyone knows where to get their clothes and other necessities, as well as where to put things like dirty clothes.
Come up with a schedule for your travel days, and discuss it as a family so there are no unexpected surprises on the day of. If it’s going to be a longer day of travelling, consider having a few “markers” along the way where you’ll celebrate or do something fun/special/different (each hour of a car ride, or during a layover).
Happy and safe travels!
