Step 1 – Give the pool a thorough clean. Scrub down the walls, skim the surface of the water and run your pool vacuum cleaner. Remove all floats, skimmer baskets, ladders, ropes and other pool accessories.

Step 2 – Test the pH and alkalinity of the water to ensure these fall within recommended levels. For most pools you want to keep pH levels between 7.2 and 7.8 and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. If the pool chemistry is unbalanced it will reduce the effectiveness of your “winterizing chemicals.” (see step 3)

Step 3 – Add the following “winterizing chemicals” to the pool: A non-chlorine shock treatment (with chlorine shock you run the risk of bleaching the pool surfaces), a slow release floating winter oxidizer and a winter algaecide. These three chemicals are often sold together as a “winter pool kit.” Some kits also contain a stain prevention product. Circulate the water for a few hours after adding the chemicals to ensure an even distribution with no dead spots.

Step 4 – Drain the pool until the water level is below the return hose of your pump and skimmers. This step may not be necessary if you blow out the pipes (see step 5) and add plugs to the skimmers and return jets.

Step 5 – Close down and drain the pump and filter system ensuring you follow the manufactures instructions closely. If you are in a very cold location you will need to blow the water out of the plumbing lines using a compressor or shop vacuum and plug the returns. If you are not able to remove the water from the pipes you may have to add pool grade antifreeze.

Step 6 – Place a good quality, tight fitting cover over the pool and secure it well. Ideally you want a cover that not only protects the pool from harsh weather but also does allow any debris to enter the pool. Pool covers will last longer if you do not have to drain the pool (see step 4). Some pool experts recommend placing an air pillow on the water to take up the slack if the pool water freezes.

First up, consider the cost. Unlike other sports that only require a ball and sensible shoes, winter sports usually demand more expensive preparations. Be prepared to spend for the trip; the transportation alone if you don’t live near the slopes will cost you the following: airline tickets, car rentals and the like. Hotel rooms and meals of course, you will need a place to stay that offers good services and located near the slopes so that whatever you need is readily accessible. These places will also be able to arrange the activities you have planned for your family, and recommend others, as they are used to doing for guests.

The equipment is also quite expensive, so if your children are doing this for the first time, consider renting the equipment first before buying their own personal things. They might not like it at all and after this first trip will refuse to do it again. Kids also outgrow their clothing and shoes quickly, and this goes for snow boots. Rentals also include the essential snowboards and the helmets designed for the wearer’s safety. Examine all the equipment or have an expert do so to make sure they work fine.

Pelican Ice Wave Snowboard

Pelican Space Scooter Snowboard

You can also check your local classified ads for used or cheap snowboard gear. Sometimes parents buy all the equipment only to find they’re kids lose interest after a couple of times.

Snowboarding lessons are done in groups and in private tutorials. Group lessons can average $40 for half a day of lessons, and private ones can go up to $300 for the same length of time. There are also hourly rates at some places, but they are usually more expensive. The rates of rentals and lessons are of course dependent on the type of hotels and places you are in.

Another thing very important to invest in is good quality snow clothing. It is vital that your kids stay warm all throughout the fun in the snow, whether they will be snowboarding or not. Good quality clothing does not always mean thick clothing, it means layers of excellent insulating fabrics in which your kid can stay dry even when the outside layer is wet from falling down (sometimes laying down) in the snow. Gloves are also important so the hands don’t feel cold and to prevent frostbite from handling the snow and other equipment with snow on them. Clothing pieces also need to be breathable, so that the warmth inside does not cause perspiration to stay in if they do sweat a little. Remember the importance of goggles, as they will help your child see better while learning the sport and they of course do a great job in protecting the eyes as well.

Insulated Snowboard Jacket For Girls

Insulated Snowboard Jacket For Boys

Just because everything is white and covered in cold snow doesn’t mean the sun isn’t doing its job. People who don’t protect their skin from the sun’s rays still get sunburnt from spending the day outside. Protect your children by slathering their skin, especially the face as it is exposed, with a good quality sunscreen, preferably one with a 50sph or higher. You don’t want the trip to end with kids with red faces and a white goggle mark around the eyes.

Kids will be expected to be exerting extra energy trying to learn this new sport, so be ready with high-energy snacks and always bring lots of water so they can hydrate regularly.

Now one of the most important parts of safety in the slopes is ensuring the lessons come from a professional who understands the process of teaching kids how to snowboard. The instructor should be your partner in ensuring the kids’ safety above all else, and he should be someone your kids will be comfortable with so they can feel at ease asking questions and raising concerns with. Beware of those who act like they are training a group of Olympic snowboarders, which can easily drive you to the conclusion that the lessons will not be fun, at all. Instead, opt for those who genuinely want it to be a great activity for kids and who appreciate their easy-going nature.

Above every safety measure, the most important thing of all is that you talk to your kids, and make sure they understand the whole trip and the lessons. Involve them in conversations to make sure they know how to stay safe, where not to go if there are dangerous or off-limits areas, and what to do in case they get lost. Always have contingency plans for trips like this. Even when you are there to have some much-needed fun, you cannot take for granted the harsh environment you and your family are in.

So if you’re one of those parents who like to plan family trips in the snow where everyone gets involved in learning some sort of sport or activity, do consider snowboarding for kids. It is a sport that enhances your child’s motor skills, body and mind coordination, balance, and confidence. And as any good parent deserve to, while ensuring it is fun and safe for your family, remember to have fun too. The fact that you are reading this means you are a good parent concerned for their safety, and that means you deserve all the fun you can have as well!

There are many benefits to be had from embroidery. For one thing, the very act of threading a needle, and then pulling the needle and thread through fabric can develop and improve hand-eye coordination as well as fine muscle coordination. Such skills will help them in other activities such as sports and even playing a musical instrument.

Embroidery for kids is also a fairly easy way for them to express themselves. If you buy a ready-made kit, there are instructions and a pattern for them to follow. It is a very simple activity that lets children create works of art. They may also gain confidence and satisfaction if you let them work on an item to be used within the household such as a dresser scarf for their room, a throw pillow, a towel, or a handkerchief. All of these projects can also be purchased in ready-made kits that provide everything you and your child need to successfully finish the project. Here’s a few embroidery kits that our readers have suggested. These make really fun projects for kids at home during the winter months.

Kids’ Embroidery : Projects for Kids of All Ages Make 15 fun, colorful projects, including bags, pillows, lampshades, journal covers, scarves, pins, and patches.

Alex Toys Super Embroidery Kit Comes with 12 colors of floss, plastic embroidery hoop, scissors, needles, ribbon, sequins, buttons, glass beads, flowers, felt butterflies, five colors of felt, felt shapes, practice cloth and transfer paper. Easy instructions include lots of great project ideas.

Embroidery -Kids Can Do It This embroidery kit features twelve different stitches, full-color photos and simple-to-follow directions for a variety of easy projects.

Simple Embroidery -Klutz This friendly book of instruction shows the ins-and-outs of 14 different embroidery stitches, and comes with all the supplies needed to get stitching, including thread, needles and an embroidery hoop.

More than muscle coordination and satisfaction, embroider may be able to improve a child’s attention span. Other activities such as watching television and playing video or computer games have been shown to decrease attention spans due to the never-ending stream of stimulation they provide. Embroidering is a leisurely activity that teaches constancy and patience. If you want to work on a child’s attention span, you can start with small projects and work your way up to longer projects. Finishing longer and longer projects will help give them greater self-esteem and may spill over into school and work ethics. If a child can consistently work on a piece of embroidery for a few weeks, they will be able to consistently work on other projects as well.

Most importantly, however, embroidery is fun. As mentioned before, it lets children express themselves, especially if you let them choose which project to work on. If you yourself like to embroider, it can be a special bonding experience between you and your child.

The best thing about embroidery is that it is relaxing and doesn’t take up all of your concentration; you will be able to talk to each other while embroidering, or even listen to music or watch a movie. In the end, your child will have something beautiful to display in the house. If he or she has chosen to work on a picture, you may want to frame their work and display it either in the living room or front room, or they may want it in their bedroom. In order to fully boost their confidence, let them know that you like what they have worked so hard on and praise them for it. If they have worked on an item such as a pillow, towel, or other such thing, let them use it and show your child that they have made a positive contribution to the household.

If you find yourself looking for a project to do with your child, or if you have always wanted to teach your child embroidery but have not yet managed to do so, I strongly suggest taking this month to teach your child about embroidery. Celebrate National Embroidery Month by introducing your child to an activity that they may love for a lifetime.

There is more to bird feeding than you would think. There are many different types of wild bird seed available for different birds, different types of wild bird feeders, and some basic tips that should be followed while feeding birds. By doing our part and taking care of our wild birds we can ensure a happy environment and can help wild bird hunger. Furthermore, what do birds eat? Before choosing the type of wild bird food you first want to decide on which type of birds you will want to attract to your backyard.

Most people use black-oil sunflower seeds because they will attract the largest variety of birds to your backyard. These seeds are great because they attract many birds and it is also an easy seed for smaller birds to crack open. Hulled sunflower seeds are similar to the ones mentioned above except the shell has been removed which makes them a little more expensive. If your wanting to attract finches Nyjer thistle seed is what they like the best, however you will need a special feeder for this type of food. Cracked or whole kernel corn will attract many blue jays and other game birds; this feed can also attract other types of animals. You can also buy premium mixes from a store that will attract various types of birds. There are many different types of bird seeds out there so make sure you choose wisely by following those guidelines.

Moving on, after choosing which feed suits you best you next want to choose the best bird feeders to ensure that your wild birds can get to the food that you are offering them. You want to offer a variety of different feeders throughout the yard to ensure that your birds will not be fighting over the food and there will be plenty of other feeding spots throughout the yard. When choosing bird feeders there are many factors that you want to keep in mind such as the type of bird that you are trying to attract, does the feeder meet the needs of the birds feeding preferences, you don’t want to choose a feeder that has to be refilled more frequently, is the feeder okay for the climate that you live in, is the feeder easy to clean, and the price of the feeder and what you are going to have to pay to fill the feeder. Also, while choosing a feeder you want to choose one that squirrels can’t get into because they will eat all of the feed. Buying the correct feeder is a very important step in the bird feeding process.

To make sure that you are attracting the wild birds that you want and keeping them happy and coming to your backyard more often there are a few tips and guidelines to follow. When the time comes to refill your bird feeders make sure you clean them first by removing all old or moldy bird seed and refilling it with clean and fresh feed. You wouldn’t eat off of dirty dishes and neither do the birds. While purchasing a feeder keep in mind what location the feeder will be places because you want to choose a style that is nice to look at from all viewing angles and also you want to keep size of the feeder in mind. By keeping your hummingbird feeders filled for up to two weeks after their migrating season starts you will provide hummingbirds that are still migrating south plenty of nourishment.

Last but not least if you are going to offer only one type of feeder make sure it is a tube feeder with sunflower seeds and to hang it at least five feet from the ground. Keeping these tips in mind will keep you birds happy and nourished.

Celebrating National Bird Feeding month in February can be fun for people of all ages if you know all of the right things to do when feeding wild birds. Choosing the correct type of food for the certain types of birds you will want to attract will give you the best results. Bird feeders come in all types and varieties so choosing the best bird feeders wisely will ensure that your birds will be able to eat the food and continue happily. Many tips and guidelines should be kept in mind while purchasing food, feeding the wild birds, and cleaning the feeders to make sure that you get the best results from your food and feeders.

Wild birds are an amazing thing to watch so we can do our part to help them stay nourished so that they can continue to give us something to watch out the window or sit in the backyard and enjoy.

There are somethings to keep in mind when going out in the cold weather though. First is clothing. Unlike summer, shorts, a tank top and flip flops won’t do. To insure they stay warm, have them wear some kind of under garment like long johns or thermal underwear. This will help them enjoy their outside activities just a little longer. Next, they should have snow clothing such as snow pants, a heavy jacket, snow boots, gloves, a hat or ear muffs. For some they may even want to wear snow goggles.

Take note of overall safety issues.  Are they visible to adults? They should always make sure they go in pairs because at least if something happens there will be someone to help them or to go for help. They should always make sure an adult or a friend knows where they will be and if they change locations they should make that same person aware. If it is night time some things you might want to consider is putting on reflective wear, carry a flash light, and try to stay clear of roads.

If you are someone who is interested in learning how to snowboard or ski your local mountain or ski resort can provide you with beginner classes. Most of the time these classes are free with snowboard gear rental. You can also purchase kids snowboards, especially if they’re going to go regularly. It might be a good idea so they get used to one board. Here’s some of our recommendations, available from amazon.com.

Paricon Sceptor Snowboard

Pelican Ice Wave Snowboard

Pelican Space Scooter Snowboard

Please make sure that you and your child read the rules of the mountain and the safety instructions provided at the time of rental. Once completing the lessons they will be able to test out the bunny slops and show you what they have learned. Remember moms they probably will fall a couple times! They are kids, they will bounce back and this is very normal when leaning something new. Do not panic – give them a chance to get the hang of it.

Your kids should remember that while they are there to have fun and enjoy themselves, they they should also be careful and follow the rules and regulations. Always instruct them to make sure their skis are on the right way, their boots are locked in tight to their boards and that they are wearing the proper gear.

Winter is a fun time of the year for kids, but the weather is harsh and it can become dangerous at times. Let them enjoy themselves and just be a kid, but talk to them about how important safety is. They are out of the house and doing something physical this is a good thing. Encourage them to try new things and not give up even if it is hard at first. Maybe even suggest they invite a friend along. So bundle up, be safe enjoys yourself and your kids and have a nice warm glass of cocoa when you’re finished.

Sent in by Mary H – Valentine Mailbox:

Start Valentine’s Day for your family with  surprise for each member. Make a small homemade Valentine mailbox to place on the back of each family member’s chair. This is a craft that can be done the day before Valentine’s Day with your children. Use half of a cereal box to make each mailbox. Cover the outside of the mailbox in either red or pink construction paper. Decorate each mailbox with the person’s name and cut out hearts and glitter to make it special for each person. Use a hole punch to place two holes on the back of the mailbox. Use these holes to attach the mailbox to the back of each person’s chair at the kitchen table with ribbon.

Before everyone gets up Valentine’s Day morning place a card and a small gift into each person’s Valentine’s Day mailbox. The gift can be a small stuffed animal or even a little bit of chocolate. The idea is to give each family member a small surprise gift to start their Valentine’s Day off right. A great way to build on this idea is to have each child place a special card from them in your spouse’s mailbox.

Sent in by Judy L – Valentines Breakfast:

Prepare a special Valentine’s Day breakfast for your family. You will want to make heart shaped pancakes for this event. You can attempt to make these by hand or use stencils that they sell in cooking stores. You can place chocolate chips in some of the pancakes for those in your family that enjoy chocolate. Make sure to include fresh fruit like strawberries to place on the pancakes. You can also make heart shaped toast. Once the toast is out of the toaster and buttered use a heart shaped cookie cutter on them. Make eggs, bacon, and any other breakfast favorites of your family.

Nonstick Heart Pancake or Egg Rings Creating heart shaped pancakes or eggs is simple with this handy mold. Set of two.

Valentine’s Day Toast Stamper A really cute way to add some Valentine joy to your families breakfast.

Sent in by Judy C – Valentines Cards: 

Start out by helping your children to cut out card sized hearts for the cards. The hearts can be cut from red and pink construction paper. The front of the heart can decorated with stickers, glitter and even ribbon to make each homemade Valentine card special. A personal note written on the back and signed by your child finishes the back of the card.

Your children can make special treat bags to go with each of the Valentine’s cards that they hand out. Start by choosing either chocolate candies or conversation hearts to fill the treat bags. You can get pink and red color tulle from your local craft store that can be cut into squares to make the treat bags. Place the square of tulle on the table. In the center of the square, you can help your children to place a small pile of candy. Finish off the treat bags by pulling up the sides and tying them together with ribbon.

Click here for more Valentine craft ideas!

What you need:
1/2 cup chopped almonds
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Put chopped almonds in a skillet. Cook, stirring often over medium high heat, until golden brown. Remove from heat.

In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate chips and shortening until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 the toasted almonds. Spread onto the prepared baking pan.

Sprinkle with remaining almonds, and chill 30 minutes, or until solid. Break the chocolate almond bark into bite-size pieces to serve. yield: 16 servings.

Enjoy!

Many of the best active games are available today for the Nintendo Wii, as they were first to market with an easy to use, motion sensitive controller. Development of Wii games for kids using this platform is a little farther ahead than the others. But if you have Xbox or PlayStation, look for many of these types of games to come out very soon for the Kinect and Move as well. For starters, Nickelodeon has its activity game called Nickelodeon Fit. This game does not require a balance board accessory, and has strength, cardio and balance exercise, all with children’s favorite Nick characters like Dora. Reviewers say this is one of the best Wii games for kids. Another top selling game is Just Dance, which is great for children 10 and up. Now there is Just Dance Kids also, for the younger set. Kids get to practice their moves to top pop songs. There are over 40 fun dance routines, plus the youngest kids can dance with their favorite friends from The Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba. For the Kinect, try Dance Central, another great dance game.

There are plenty of sports games on the market too. For the Wii, Wii Sports Resort is a popular sports game, where players of all ages can golf, play basketball, and row a canoe or throw a Frisbee. There’s also Active Life Extreme Sport Challenge, with snowboarding, in line skating, and even double dutch! For the Kinect, look for Kinect Sports, with soccer, volleyball, bowling, boxing and other sports, made for the Xbox. On the PlayStation 3 platform, there are fewer games available so far, but a popular one is Sports Champions rated for ages 10+, which has disc golf, archery, volleyball and more.

If you have any of these game consoles, take advantage of the active games available now, and keep your kids active no matter what the weather outside.