30 Stocking stuffer ideas for kids

Ahh the stocking. Are you like me and have no clue what to put in your kids stockings? We'll I've gathered a list of some ideas to help us both out. This is a list for both older kids and toddlers.

1. Crayons/markers
2. Etch a Sketch mini's
3. Chocolates/Candy
4. Legos
5. Lip Gloss
6. Hot Wheel Cars
7. Mp3 player
8. Necklace
9. Silly Putty
10. Hair bows
11. Mini Play doh cups
12. Slinkys
13. Stickers
14. small stuffed animals
15. Bubbles
16. Bubble Gum
17. Toothbrush
18. Money
19. Yo-yo
20. Bouncy Balls
21. Barbie Clothes
22. Barbie
23. Movie passes
24. Temporary Tattoos
25. Moon Sand
26. Puzzle
27. Craft Items - paint, paint brush, glue, glitter, etc
28. Silly Straws
29. Thomas the Train figures
30. Transformer figures

Winterize your Car

Winter is fast approaching and its getting time to start getting your car ready for those cold months. So I thought that I'd share with you some of the best tips that I have found.

1. Change your oil. In the winter most cars use a thinner oil than in the summer. Yes thinner. The cold temps outside will cause your oil to thicken and if its too thick then it makes it hard for the oil to work properly. Check your owners manual for the right oil weight that you need for winter months.

2. Check your battery. Make sure that the post are clean and tightly connected. Also check to make sure that you battery doesn't need water, yes they have water in them. If your battery is several years old it might be wise to have a mechanic check it out too.

3. Windshield wipers and washer fluid. A lot of people use plain water for their washer fluid in the summer months. This will not be a good idea in the winter as that water is sure to freeze not only on your window, but in the reservoir also which may cause it to crack. Instead replace that water with a good winter washer fluid. Also change your windshield wiper blades. You don't want to be in the snow with bad wipers and not see clearly. Wipers usually last 6 months to 1 year.

4. Check your tires. If you live in areas that have a lot of snow you may have a set of snow tires too. Everyone should check tires for proper tire pressure and check to see that all four tires have good tread. The tire will have the proper pressure written on them to help prevent under/over filling. Don't forget to have your spare tire checked. They tend to be forgotten and if the time comes that you need it, the tire may be dry rotted and unusable.

5. Get your 4wd system checked. In the summer time most people never think about their 4wd system. Make sure that the 4wd will engage and disengage smoothly.

6. Belts and Hoses need to be checked too. When you have your oil changed ask the tech to check and make sure that all of your belts and hoses look good and that there are no cracks in them.

7. Antifreeze! You can do this yourself but its really easy to ask for this to be checked at the same time you get your oil changed. You want to have a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water. You definitely do not want to have too much water in your radiator. This could be a major repair job if the water were to freeze. New cars also use a special antifreeze so check to make sure what type your car needs. If the mixture is not 50-50 then your cooling system will have to be drained, flushed, and refilled.

8. Emergency Kits. This could be a life saver if you were to become stranded in the cold. Some essential items you should pack are:

• blankets
• extra boots and gloves
• extra winter clothes
• water, non perishable food, and snacks
• ice scraper
• flashlight with extra batteries
• small shovel
• windshield washer fluid
• wiper blades
• flares
• jumper cables or boost box
• small tool kit
• tire chains (in extreme snowy or icy areas)
• tire pressure gauge
• spare tire (make sure its checked and in good condition)
• tire changing equipment
• first aid kit
• paper towels, baby wipes
• a small bag of salt, sand, or non clumping kitty litter in case you need it for traction
• a full tank of gas, this is a good way to keep your gas line from freezing
• cell phone with a car charger

9. Have a plan. You should have a plan and know what to do in case you become stuck or stranded. Try to let someone know what way you are taking to/from work so that if you don't arrive in a timely manner they would know where to look. NEVER leave your car unless you know with absolute certainty how far help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. Put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you’re waiting for help.

10. Never use hot water on icy windows, they WILL crack and need to be replaced. Instead use cold water and/or an ice scraper. You can also spray some silicone on your door hinges (and locks too) and wipe off the excess this will help keep them from freezing shut.

Have a tip not listed? Add it to the comments section so that we can all be ready for winter.

Homemade Diaper Rash Creme

I used this creme religiously when Nate had diaper rash and it was literally gone in a day or so.

Get some Aquaphor at the drug store (kinda $$ but well worth it). Also get a small bottle of Maalox plain. Get a large mouth pill bottle from the pharmacy (should be free).

Take and put some of the Aquaphor into the bottle (maybe half full) then slowly pour some Maalox into the bottle with it (not much though).

Then take a butter knife and start stiring it slowly so that you don't slosh it out. After its starting to mix well you can stir faster. Keep stiring until its a creamy white texture. There ya have it.

This is what they use at the Childrens Hospitals too!

Allergy tips for Children

Well its spring and in the south that means its Pollen Season. If you have ever been to the south during the start of spring you'll be familiar with the ever present green hue on every car from Tennessee to Florida. So here are some tips to get us all through Pollen Season.

1. Benadryl - this is a staple in my house. Nate is always with a runny nose during pollen time and giving him Benadryl helps to cut off the drips! Our Dr has given us the OK for long term use so be sure to ask your Dr.

2. Paper Face mask - if your toddler is like Nate they are probably always wanting to be outside helping in the yard. If you purchase some of these mask, you can get them at Home Depot, have you child wear them when helping with outside task like mowing the lawn. This will help cut down on all the allergens that they would breath in.

3. Limit outdoor time in the mornings - Pollen is highest in the morning so limit the time spent outside during high pollen times.

4. Keep windows closed - Keeping you home windows closed will help keep pollen from getting in your home as much. Use air conditioner in your home as well as in the car.

5. No playing in leaves - If you still have to rake up any leaves don't let your child play in the leaf piles. I know this is great fun but its also horrible on the allergies.

6. Thorough spring cleaning - dust hides in great places like behind the TV, on top of the fridge, under the stove. So be sure to clean these places often to avoid having a dust pile up.

7. Buy hypo-allergenic pillows. You can also get hypo allergenic bed covers too!

8. OTC allergy medicines - In addition to loratadine, there are many other over-the-counter allergy medicines available that you can give your child. Many, including Benadryl, Triaminic Cold & Allergy, and Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, can make your child sleepy and likely shouldn't be used on a regular or daily basis. A non-sedating, once a day, allergy medication would be a better choice for your child's daily allergy symptoms.

*note Benadryl does not effect each child in the same way. Ask your Dr about daily use.