Questionable Choices in Parenting

Laughing at life as a parent so they don't commit me

4 Apps You’ll Want to Download in the Winter

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Winter can bring unexpected weather and frigid temperatures. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just stay inside until spring? Since we can’t hibernate, we can at least have a few apps that can make winter a little easier. From predicting the weather or keeping an eye on road conditions, consider these apps key to your weather survival.
Weatherbug – There are a lot of weather apps that you can download, but users agree, Weatherbug is among the best and most reliable. From tracking severe weather conditions, checking in on specific storms, showing radar maps for current conditions in your area and other areas you need to track, and providing detailed forecasts for the next couple of hours, Weatherbug can help you plan your day so you know how to dress and what to expect when you hit the roads.
Waze – If you are traveling and bad weather hits, you will want Waze and its community users to tell you what the roads are like ahead. Waze is great at giving up to the minute directions, road conditions, and can give you alternate routes if there are hazards ahead. If this is an app you use when you travel, you’ll want to use it in the winter for your regular commute as well.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

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Hello winter, looks like you are back. But this time, we are prepared for your ice and snow. Here’s a few driving safety tips to make your frigid weather and icy roads a little easier to navigate.

  • Before you go-clean off your car. Don’t forget the roof. It can be tempting to just start driving and hope all of the snow just comes off your car-but don’t do it! It’s dangerous for you and other drivers. Don’t start driving until you have cleared the snow from windows, headlights and the top of the car. A broom is a great tool for reaching the top of your roof and pushing the snow off your vehicle. You can also buy an ice and snow scraper with an extendable handle.
  • If you know that snow and ice are in the forecast, be sure to visit the gas station before the bad weather hits. Always keep your gas tank full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.  Also if something happens, and you are stranded, you’ll need that full tank of gas to run the car heater until help arrives. If there is snow or cold weather in the forecast, don’t forget to fill up your gas tank.
  • When there is snow on the ground or if it is snowing, drive in another car’s tracks. Don’t drive on roads that do not have tracks in the snow from another car. Driving in these tracks can decrease your chance of sliding on ice or snow. Also, never pass a truck that is plowing snow or treating the road. Stay back a safe distance, but never pass the truck!

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Creative Winter Hacks You Probably Haven’t Tried

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When snow and ice are in the forecast but you still have places to be-simply staying inside and waiting for the snow to melt isn’t always an option. So to get your car cleaned off and get you on the road, here are a few winter car hacks that you probably haven’t tried but they will surely make winter a little easier on you and your car.
  • If snow and ice are in the forecast, place plastic bags around your car’s mirrors and secure with clothespins. The bags will stop the ice from forming on your car’s side mirrors.
  • You can also put knee-high socks over the windshield wipers before the bad weather hits. This will save you from de-icing the wipers the next day.
  • If your windshield wipers are already covered in ice, grab a bottle of windshield washer fluid. Pour it on to your wipers because it can help melt the ice that’s clinging to the blades. It can also be a quick way to defrost your whole windshield if the ice is thin enough and you are in a rush. However, if temps are too low, this might not work.
  • Here’s how your cat can help you out this winter. You may need to borrow some of their kitty litter or you can keep a bag or two of cat litter in your trunk. On snowy days you can sprinkle the litter under the tires if you get stuck! This will give your tires something to grip onto and improve your chances of getting out of that snowbank. If you are keeping the litter in your car, go ahead and grab the big bag and store it in your trunk. The extra weight can help you when driving on ice and snow.
  • Kitty litter can also come in handy for cutting down on foggy windows. Just place the kitty litter in a sock and place it on your dashboard. The kitty litter will absorb the moisture and will also help absorb any odors in your car. So basically, this little sock is multi-tasking for you.

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Car Products that Every Busy Parent Will Want

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Busy parents find themselves spending a lot of time in their cars. From school pickup to drop off, after school activities, games, and practices, to playdates and just regular busy family schedules-we spend a lot of time in our cars. So, we need products that won’t clutter our car and will help make our busy schedules a little easier. From the way to work to the way we store everything for our kids, here are five products you’ll want to get for your vehicle.
Cutequeen Black car Laptop/Eating Wheel Desk – If you find yourself trying to squeeze in some work while you are waiting for your kids in the car pickup line or at their practices and after school activities, then this wheel desk will make your life so much easier. No need to balance your computer, tablet, or notes on your lap, just attach the wheel desk to your steering wheel and get to work!
Car Trunk Organizer by FORTEM – As a mom or dad on-the-go, you’ve got to be prepared. From emergency supplies to carrying sports equipment for you kids. But you need to keep it all organized and these trunk organizers are perfect for holding lots of stuff so you’ll be prepared for just about anything.

5 Ways to Stay Healthy When You Travel

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Being sick is the worst, but being sick when you are away from home is even worse. So if you have travel plans coming up, whether business or for fun, there are a few things you can do to boost your immunity and hopefully keep the germs from cold and flu season away.
Wash your hands a lot– As simple as this tip sounds, it can really make a difference. Wash your hands before you eat, after using the restroom, after coming in contact with people that are sneezing or coughing, and when you return from public places be sure to lather up. Basically wash your hands often throughout the day.  Be sure to use hot water and lots of soap, too. Skip the hot air blowers in the public bathrooms and instead opt for paper towels. Get into the habit of using paper towels to open the bathroom doors so ensure you don’t get germs on your clean hands from people who are not washing their hands.
Carry antibacterial wipes with you– Clean down surfaces while you travel. From door knobs, tray tables, seat belts, conference room and hotel tables, phones and chairs, and bathroom fixtures from the airport to the hotel to your destination-get rid of germs with antibacterial wipes. It may seem a bit excessive, but this is a great way to ensure you don’t get sick.

Products to Keep in Your Car For Emergencies

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check out these products that are designed for your car. From a first aid kit to a portable car jump starter, these products will make sure you are ready for any emergency.
Snow MOOver 46″ Extendable Snow Brush with Squeegee & Ice Scraper – When snow and ice hit, cleaning off your car can be a real nightmare, especially if you have an SUV. However, the Snow Moover makes cleaning your windshield and the top of your car super easy. Now you can get moving and not have to worry about the snow and ice on your car.
AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge – If you think your tires are low but you aren’t sure, this digital tire pressure gauge is a life saver. It’s easy to use, affordable, and can help you out in a pinch.
Portable Car Jump Starter – If you’ve ever had your car battery die, you know it can be a nerve-wracking situation—especially if you are in the middle of nowhere. If you have a portable car jump starter, then you can get your battery working again so you can get home or somewhere safely. This one also works as a flashlight and a phone charger.

Winter Boredom Busters for the Entire Family

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Stuck inside because of snow, ice and frigid temperatures? Here are 25 family activities that are perfect boredom busters for this winter.
1. Bundle up and go for a winter hike. Be sure to collect pine cones to make pinecone bird feeders. These bird feeders are simple to make and it’s even more fun to watch the birds enjoy a winter snack
2. Go ice skating as a family. Now is a great time to learn how to ice skate
3. Take the entire family snow tubing. You’ll have a blast and everyone will get a chance to burn off some of their energy.
4. Grab your winter gear and head outside. Make lots of snow angels. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your winter fun
5. If the weather isn’t too cold, why not go on a winter picnic. This is a great activity for a day that isn’t too cold and everyone will enjoy some fresh air.
6. This one is a family favorite, build a family of snowmen. You can even make tiny snowmen if you don’t have  a lot of snow.
7. Make a yummy treat! Bake and decorate cookies as a family. You can always share a few of the baked goods with neighbors if you have extras
8. Have a family game night. Break out of all the board games you have in your home and spend some quality time playing and laughing.
9. Go on a winter hike and enjoy the outdoors. Even though it is winter, you can still get outside.
10. Why not go bowling. This is the perfect indoor activity on a cold and snowy day. Go early to beat the crowds.
11. Make snow ice cream-it only takes a few ingredients and is super fun. You need milk, sugar and vanilla to make plain snow into a delicious treat.
12. Go roller skating at an indoor rink. The entire family will love this one.
13. Have a family game night and play a few board games
14. After a long day of playing outside, make hot coco and don’t forget the marshmallows

How to Snack Healthier When You are On-The-Go

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When your family has a busy schedule and you find yourselves in the car a lot, it can be super easy to do some serious snacking while you are on-the-go. However, it seems like the easiest and most portable snacks are not always healthy snacks. With a little extra planning, you can turn snack time in the car into a much healthier in-between meal. So if snacking is a must while you are in the car, here are a few ways to make sure everyone in your family is grabbing healthier snacks to keep them moving and grooving.
  • Fresh fruit is always a great option for a healthy snack. Since you are going to be in the car, go for easy to serve and less messy fruit options like sliced grapes, sliced apples and peeled oranges. Stock up on snack sized plastic bags to store the fruit.
  • We are also big fans of freeze dried fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas. Before the trip, divide the fruit into individual servings and place in plastic sandwich bags. These healthy snacks are great to leave in your car so someone can grab the snack whenever they need it.
  • Fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks are a great option and easy to serve with dips like peanut butter and hummus, which can be found in individual travel sizes as well. Get creative with the containers and it will make serving and cleanup easier for you.
  • Dried fruit like raisins and cranberries are yummy and easy options and can be divided up in snack size plastic bags or go ahead and buy the snack sized boxes and pouches for these items.

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Winter Hacks to Help You Survive the Snowy Season

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The winter months bring lots of cold temperatures, snowy days and nights, and can really wreak havoc on your day. So to prepare for those frigid temperatures and the snow and ice that can make it impossible to get to work on time, here are a few winter hacks you’ll want to remember before the snow starts.
  • Kitty litter is great for giving your tires a bit of traction. So stock up or borrow some from your cat if you are having trouble getting your car out of snow.
  • An old credit card works as an ice scraper in a pinch and keep a push broom handy too. It can get all of the snow off the top of your car. Driving with snow piled high on your car is dangerous for you and other drivers.
  • If you know snow, ice, and low temperatures are on the horizon, mix three parts white vinegar with one part water and spray the mixture onto your windshield. This mixture will prevent ice from forming and save you time in the morning. If you didn’t spray your windshield ahead of the snow, no worries, it works great to cut through the ice.
  • If your door locks are frozen, a few squirts of hand sanitizer will help you get into your car quickly.

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