Or ice day, as the case may be.  Where I live, we get very little snow, but a ton of ice.  The effect is the same, though–5 people stuck in the same house together for 72 hours or more.  Usually we consider it a nice, roomy house, but on these days, it starts to feel a bit crowded.  

So, let’s talk about what to do to keep from going crazy on snow days. 

First of all, take a deep breath and get a grip on your patience.  You’re just going to have to accept that your day is going to be different, and much more kid-centered, than you had planned.  This can be a problem if you work from home (I can’t even count how many times today I told my kids, “Just because you’re home doesn’t mean that Daddy and I don’t have to work.”).  But kids aren’t entirely unreasonable.  If they’re old enough, make it clear when you need them to be independent and when you can give them attention.  You may have to reinforce it a few times, but they’ll usually work with you.

Here are some other ways to pass the time in a positive way.  Don’t forget that any of these can be spaced throughout the day or traded off (Dad plays board games while Mom reads, Mom bakes cookies while Dad uses computer).

• Trilogies.  Star Wars, Back to the Future, Shrek, Indiana Jones… at least 3, sometimes 4 or even 6 movies.  Watch one in the morning, one after lunch, and one after dinner.   This way they don’t veg in front of the TV all day, but it can still be fun to watch the whole series.  You can use the in-between time to work while they play, draw, or do chores.  Yes, you heard me, I said…
• Chores.  You might need to supervise, but why shouldn’t they fold socks, vacuum, or put away the dishes?  Not all day, of course, because snow days are supposed to be fun, but after a movie or an activity is a good time to say, “Now before we do anything else, I need everyone to bring me the sheets off their beds.”
• Board games.  Admit it; you have a bunch of games, but you hardly ever play them as a family.  Snow days are tailor made for some good family game time.  Younger kids can team up with parents or older siblings if they can’t play on their own.  And like I said above, one parent can play best 2-out-of-3 in Candyland while the other parent takes a break or gets some work done. 
• Work out tapes.  Our kids are usually in better shape than we are, but that’s because they’re used to being active.  If they are stuck inside the house all day, all that energy is going to be diverted to fighting with siblings or bugging you.  Work some of it out with them by doing an aerobics tape together.  Another way to fit in some activity is to put on a CD and dance around the living room for several songs.  But it’s no fun for them unless you get up and get moving with them.
• Baking.  Even little kids can pour a cup of flour in a bowl, and they take such pride in eating what they’ve helped make.  And then when they start whining that they’re hungry, you have something to give them!
• Reading out loud.  Give them coloring or drawing materials and start a chapter book.  You can do several chapters throughout the day, or just do a few at night.  The sitting and listeing involved helps keep everyone calm, and it has also been known to divert arguments.  The drawing during a story helps them process what they’re hearing and tap into their creative side.

Snow days don’t have to be crazy-making.  With a little patience and a good attitude, they can be some of your family’s best memories.

One thing I love about winter fashion is the unveiling of some really cute, cool and trendy boots. At this time of the year, when it’s necessary to stay warm and comfortable, boots are the most practical footwear you can put on. What’s great about it is that come in different styles now. Women can basically choose a style that would allow them to look alluring, preppy or chic. They can wear them high cut or low cut, with or without heels. They can also wear them fashionably because of the many kinds of materials boots are made from these days.

As women’s style is so versatile when it comes to boots, those for younger girls, on the other hand, are not so far behind. In fact, some of the cutest girl boots you can find are made to fit right into what’s hip among young girls today — colorful, playful and artistic. Although, we do notice a good number of these girl boots are embellished in flowers, butterflies and lots of pink. We would like to think that this is because the designs are a celebration of what it means to young.

Many of these girl boots are also designed to be lightweight, which means walking with it everywhere offers a lot of convenience and you won’t hear the girls complaining. They can play or run around wearing these lovely boots, too.

With boots, kids can go out without having to put on socks and still remain warm and cozy. That’s because some boots do come with special lining and surfaces. Not only does it protect the fee from the winter cold, it also protects the feet from cuts and blisters.

If it weren’t so hot to wear during summer, we’re pretty sure young girls wouldn’t take off their boots then.