Rainy/Snowy Day Fun - NOT!

My last post about the snow days included words like "peace" and "silence" and "tranquility."

OK, we've had enough snow days.

Time to get on with life.  Here's how today's snow day goes:

Peace flew out the window when both boys decided to get up swinging.  Over the one bowl of Honey Smacks left in the box.  I made peace by splitting it between them as they put up barriers between then of all the other "healthy" cereal boxes so they didn't have to talk to each other.

Silence disappeared when the youngest figured out he could made funny noises with his tongue.  This he commenced to do all morning, the only stop when his older brother pinned him to the floor trying to make him stop.  He'd stop, then get out of punching distance and start again.  I almost lost one lamp to the ensuing chase.

Tranquility - forget it.  Could be someone filling the bird feeder and not realizing it wasn't closed properly to everything spilling all over the kitchen.  Could be two clients calling with complaints about what I wrote when they never bothered to answer my calls so I had to find information from their website, is it my fault it is not up to date?

Or is it that there isn't coffee in the house, is that why this snow day is different from other snow days?  Or that it actually isn't snowing, it is simply snizzling? Perhaps the dog just informed me it is too nasty outside for her by peeing in my shoes?

Oh wait, I see snow.  My mood is already improving because it is an ACTUAL snow day!

How to stay warm on a cold winter day......

Living closer to a ski resort, we've learned quickly and early that staying warm is essential, espeically when you have small children.  Keeping children warm decreases the "whine" factor and makes the outdoor experience more pleasant for everyone!  Here's the basics of layering:

Start with the right base - a good moisture wicking base layer is a MUST!  This keeps the chill of sweat off the skin and the warmth in for maximum comfort.  There are many different brands and we find that the inexpensive as well as the expensive work just fine.  Make that base layer a turtle neck and you're doing even better.  Brands like Champion and UnderArmor make great base layers that move sweat away from the skin and hold the heat in.

Thicker warmer layer, this is your fleece or your wool, something thicker and warmer to hold in the body heat.  The first layer is thin and designed for wicking and warmth, the second layer is designed more for warmth.  Think of a light fleece with a zipper front, if they get too warm they can always unzip it and let some cooler air in.

Top Layer is protection from the elements - this layer is your waterproof layer, holding out rain and snow and snizzle and other types of condensation.  Without a way to seep in close to the skin, the body stays warm in the layers under this protection and maintains a nice comfortable temperature.  If out skiing or boarding, think of the ski/board coats as they have a "snow Skirt" a snap in the bottom, closing off the bottom of the coat from any draft or snow.ice.rain finding it's way in.

Depending on the temperature, you can always add or shed layers as needed, the most important is that base layer, without that, you've got a miserable day ahead.  Additional elements of being comfortable include several other essentials:

Neck Warmer - this is a nice little fleece number that encircles the neck, include one with a head covering built in and you're set!
Liner gloves and gloves - liner gloves are like the base layer, holding in the heat and trapping it between them and the outside layer of gloves. 
Face Mask - if you don't like the neck warmer, the facemask is a great way to cover the face from the elements and help keep chapped lips and crying children at bay.
Top Layer, the Cool T-shirt if you are a snowboarded or have a small child, the top layer is a T-shirt of their favorite skate shop because to them it's all about looking cool and not worrying as much about being cool!

So enjoy that nice cooler weather and have fun outdoors.  There is no such thing as being cold only inappropriate attire!