The Allstate Blog » Pamela http://blog.allstate.com Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto Insurance Mon, 20 May 2013 20:01:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 6 Halloween Safety Rules for Homemade Halloween Costumes http://blog.allstate.com/6-halloween-safety-rules-for-homemade-halloween-costumes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-halloween-safety-rules-for-homemade-halloween-costumes http://blog.allstate.com/6-halloween-safety-rules-for-homemade-halloween-costumes/#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:00:04 +0000 Pamela http://blog.allstate.com/?p=3237 Halloween party with children wearing fancy costumes

Goblins, ghouls, and ghosts… oh my! Both store-bought and homemade Halloween costumes can be wickedly fun – and also unsafe. Long costumes, a lack of fire-retardant material, masks that obscure vision and sharp accessories pose a safety hazard for young trick-or-treaters on the go. This Halloween, whether you buy your children’s costumes at the store or make them at home, be sure to put safety first. Follow these six Halloween safety rules when outfitting your trick-or-treaters.

1) Shorter is safer.

Falls are a leading cause for Halloween injuries. In the excitement of ringing doorbells and collecting candy, it’s all too easy to trip on a long costume or slip on a rocky path. Be sure that long costumes and capes stop several inches from the ground when your child is standing. When in doubt, hem up costumes by an extra inch or two.

2) Use lighting.

A glow stick, a flashlight or reflective tape can help children be more visible to oncoming traffic. For extra visibility, add a strip of reflective tape to your children’s trick-or-treat bags and the backs of their shoes. If your children use a flashlight, put in fresh batteries at the beginning of the night.

3) Don’t feel the heat.

The bottom of a long costume can easily catch fire when swept over a Jack O' Lantern candle. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1980 at least 16 trick-or-treaters have sustained burns while wearing their Halloween costumes. All costumes, capes, wigs, beards and accessories should be fire-resistant. Costumes with spray-on glitter have the greatest risk for flammability, since the glue that holds the glitter is not flame-retardant. For homemade Halloween costumes, opt for sewn-on sequins rather than sprayed-on glitter.

4) Leave the mask and high heels at home.

Masks limit eyesight, so opt for fun hats, wigs or non-toxic face paint to complete your child’s costume. To prevent potential skin or eye irritation, remove all face paint before children go to sleep. High heels can also be dangerous; your princess will look just as regal in some pretty ballet flats, and she'll be much safer walking between houses.

5) Skip the sharp accessories.

Does your pirate need a sword to complete his costume? Is your witch missing her magic wand? Make-believe accessories, like knives, swords and wands, should be constructed from soft plastic or foam with no sharp tips. Otherwise, a child could easily trip and hurt himself--or another trick-or-treater--with his own sword.

6) Walk, don’t run.

If you won’t be accompanying your kids while they trick-or-treat this year, remind them to walk, not run, between houses. Avoid neighborhood short cuts and stay on well-lit sidewalks. This is especially important for children wearing dark costumes, like witches or goblins. Even with reflective tape, it can be difficult for drivers to see kids darting between cars or crossing streets mid-block until it’s too late. What will your child be dressed up as this Halloween?]]> Halloween party with children wearing fancy costumes

Goblins, ghouls, and ghosts… oh my! Both store-bought and homemade Halloween costumes can be wickedly fun – and also unsafe. Long costumes, a lack of fire-retardant material, masks that obscure vision and sharp accessories pose a safety hazard for young trick-or-treaters on the go. This Halloween, whether you buy your children’s costumes at the store or make them at home, be sure to put safety first. Follow these six Halloween safety rules when outfitting your trick-or-treaters.

1) Shorter is safer.

Falls are a leading cause for Halloween injuries. In the excitement of ringing doorbells and collecting candy, it’s all too easy to trip on a long costume or slip on a rocky path. Be sure that long costumes and capes stop several inches from the ground when your child is standing. When in doubt, hem up costumes by an extra inch or two.

2) Use lighting.

A glow stick, a flashlight or reflective tape can help children be more visible to oncoming traffic. For extra visibility, add a strip of reflective tape to your children’s trick-or-treat bags and the backs of their shoes. If your children use a flashlight, put in fresh batteries at the beginning of the night.

3) Don’t feel the heat.

The bottom of a long costume can easily catch fire when swept over a Jack O' Lantern candle. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1980 at least 16 trick-or-treaters have sustained burns while wearing their Halloween costumes. All costumes, capes, wigs, beards and accessories should be fire-resistant. Costumes with spray-on glitter have the greatest risk for flammability, since the glue that holds the glitter is not flame-retardant. For homemade Halloween costumes, opt for sewn-on sequins rather than sprayed-on glitter.

4) Leave the mask and high heels at home.

Masks limit eyesight, so opt for fun hats, wigs or non-toxic face paint to complete your child’s costume. To prevent potential skin or eye irritation, remove all face paint before children go to sleep. High heels can also be dangerous; your princess will look just as regal in some pretty ballet flats, and she'll be much safer walking between houses.

5) Skip the sharp accessories.

Does your pirate need a sword to complete his costume? Is your witch missing her magic wand? Make-believe accessories, like knives, swords and wands, should be constructed from soft plastic or foam with no sharp tips. Otherwise, a child could easily trip and hurt himself--or another trick-or-treater--with his own sword.

6) Walk, don’t run.

If you won’t be accompanying your kids while they trick-or-treat this year, remind them to walk, not run, between houses. Avoid neighborhood short cuts and stay on well-lit sidewalks. This is especially important for children wearing dark costumes, like witches or goblins. Even with reflective tape, it can be difficult for drivers to see kids darting between cars or crossing streets mid-block until it’s too late. What will your child be dressed up as this Halloween?]]> http://blog.allstate.com/6-halloween-safety-rules-for-homemade-halloween-costumes/feed/ 0 Car Trouble: Locked Out, But Not Knocked Out http://blog.allstate.com/car-trouble-locked-out-but-not-knocked-out/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=car-trouble-locked-out-but-not-knocked-out http://blog.allstate.com/car-trouble-locked-out-but-not-knocked-out/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 13:04:30 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/05/10/locked-out Locked Out

We’ve all had days like this. Mine started on a day when I had to get my teenage son to an early lacrosse practice, our beloved puppy to the vet to be “fixed” and then me on the 8:17 train into the city for a 9 a.m. meeting. We were scrambling to load puppy, lacrosse equipment and a meeting presentation into the car, when we realized we had forgotten a crucial item – my son’s helmet. Both son and I darted back into the house to snag the helmet. As we re-entered the garage where the car sat running with puppy inside, we witnessed our pooch jumping up at the car window, tail wagging, delighted to see us – just as her paw hit the lock button inside our Honda CRV. It was in that moment that the world screeched to a halt. Something clicked (other than the lock) and I went into crisis mode. After futile attempts to convince the puppy to unlock the door, I noticed the little white sticker in the window … 1 800-ALLSTATE.  I had signed up for Good Hands Roadside! I grabbed my son’s cell phone. (Mine was in the car with puppy – helpful). I called the number. Next, I called a friend to come get my son. My friend and Good Hands Roadside arrived at the same time, pronto. Hello lockout service I love you! We were “in” in no time. So worth the $50 service fee and so glad I had already set up my profile and registered my credit card number to save time. Friend took son and helmet to lacrosse practice. I took puppy to vet, missed train but opted to make the drive into the city … and made it to the meeting with literally 10 seconds to spare. I guess they weren’t kidding when they said help any time, anywhere, for any one.  I’m a big fan of Good Hands Roadside now! (P.S. - I have since had another copy of our lost spare key made even though they are not cheap.) Have your own lockout nightmare? Share below.
]]> Locked Out

We’ve all had days like this. Mine started on a day when I had to get my teenage son to an early lacrosse practice, our beloved puppy to the vet to be “fixed” and then me on the 8:17 train into the city for a 9 a.m. meeting. We were scrambling to load puppy, lacrosse equipment and a meeting presentation into the car, when we realized we had forgotten a crucial item – my son’s helmet. Both son and I darted back into the house to snag the helmet. As we re-entered the garage where the car sat running with puppy inside, we witnessed our pooch jumping up at the car window, tail wagging, delighted to see us – just as her paw hit the lock button inside our Honda CRV. It was in that moment that the world screeched to a halt. Something clicked (other than the lock) and I went into crisis mode. After futile attempts to convince the puppy to unlock the door, I noticed the little white sticker in the window … 1 800-ALLSTATE.  I had signed up for Good Hands Roadside! I grabbed my son’s cell phone. (Mine was in the car with puppy – helpful). I called the number. Next, I called a friend to come get my son. My friend and Good Hands Roadside arrived at the same time, pronto. Hello lockout service I love you! We were “in” in no time. So worth the $50 service fee and so glad I had already set up my profile and registered my credit card number to save time. Friend took son and helmet to lacrosse practice. I took puppy to vet, missed train but opted to make the drive into the city … and made it to the meeting with literally 10 seconds to spare. I guess they weren’t kidding when they said help any time, anywhere, for any one.  I’m a big fan of Good Hands Roadside now! (P.S. - I have since had another copy of our lost spare key made even though they are not cheap.) Have your own lockout nightmare? Share below.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/car-trouble-locked-out-but-not-knocked-out/feed/ 0 Preparing for a Family Road Trip http://blog.allstate.com/preparing-for-a-family-road-trip/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=preparing-for-a-family-road-trip http://blog.allstate.com/preparing-for-a-family-road-trip/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:09:44 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/03/22/preparing-for-a-family-road-trip Family Road Trip

Living with two six-year-olds, even brushing my teeth without interruption can be a challenge. When my husband and I planned a little getaway with the girls earlier this month, I knew we could be in for a wild ride. The kids are pretty civilized when we run errands around town, but I figured six hours on the road would be a different story. So, I asked some friends of mine—seasoned veterans of the family road trip—for a bit of advice before our departure. These are some ideas they shared:

Create a “Car-Time” Schedule

To make our time on the road a little more manageable, I broke down each leg of the trip into one-hour chunks. By labeling each hour as “movie time,” “story time” or “game time,” I had a better idea of what I needed to bring along to keep the girls entertained. Scheduling a stop every hour also made the drive more doable. Just giving the girls a chance to stretch their legs was great, but I also planned quick 10-minute activities for each stop, such as a bubble blowing party, a game of tag or a fun exercise routine. This gave the girls something to look forward to. If they got restless I could say, “Just 15 minutes until our next energy break!” Letting them know there was a light at the end of the tunnel helped calm them down—at least for the next few miles.

Find New Ways to Have Fun

Beyond packing the standard arsenal of books, toys, coloring books and travel-size board games, I researched some classic road trip games to teach the girls on the ride. These five were their favorite:
  1. License Plate Bingo: This one can be played as a family or as a competition, depending on your kids’ ages. We worked together to find cars with license plates from all 50 states. We didn’t spot them all, but the girls did get excited when we found one from Alaska!
  2. 20 Questions: This game was great because it stretched our kids’ imaginations. At first, my husband and I picked a few random items and the girls would ask yes or no questions until they could guess what it was. But by the end, they were picking the secret items—and figuring them out was actually pretty hard!
  3. Travel Scavenger Hunt: Before the trip, I made each of the girls a list of things they should try to spot on the ride. Each list was a little different, including items like “brown cow” or “water tower,” but I made sure to have prizes for both of them, regardless of who found all their items first.
  4. The Flag Game: When we were driving through slightly more populated areas, I assigned each of the girls a side of the road and challenged them to see who could count the most flags. I was surprised by how long they could keep the competition going!
  5. On The Map: To help them understand where we were headed, I highlighted a map with our route and circled each of our stops along the way. As we entered each new county or state, I would announce our arrival, and the twins would take turns marking our progress.
We also had fun letting the girls choose where we ate along the way. Using the mobile app from kidsmealdeals.com, we were able to find local restaurants with kids’ specials and had the girls pick from that list.

Expect the Unexpected

After several hours on the road, chances are you’ll encounter something you didn’t plan on. Make sure to keep a bag with extra clothes, bottles of water, a healthy supply of snacks, wet-naps, sunscreen, a first-aid kit and anything else that might come in handy separate from your luggage. You don’t want to be digging around inside suitcases if someone spills an entire juice box down their shirt. Thanks to all of our preparations, the long drive wasn’t nearly the disaster I’d envisioned. Though there were a few trying moments, we are able to the keep the ‘Are we there yet?’s at bay and enjoy (most of) our time together. Want to avoid—or at least limit—the ultimate in road trip surprises? Make sure your vehicle is covered by the proper car insurance policy.
]]> Family Road Trip

Living with two six-year-olds, even brushing my teeth without interruption can be a challenge. When my husband and I planned a little getaway with the girls earlier this month, I knew we could be in for a wild ride. The kids are pretty civilized when we run errands around town, but I figured six hours on the road would be a different story. So, I asked some friends of mine—seasoned veterans of the family road trip—for a bit of advice before our departure. These are some ideas they shared:

Create a “Car-Time” Schedule

To make our time on the road a little more manageable, I broke down each leg of the trip into one-hour chunks. By labeling each hour as “movie time,” “story time” or “game time,” I had a better idea of what I needed to bring along to keep the girls entertained. Scheduling a stop every hour also made the drive more doable. Just giving the girls a chance to stretch their legs was great, but I also planned quick 10-minute activities for each stop, such as a bubble blowing party, a game of tag or a fun exercise routine. This gave the girls something to look forward to. If they got restless I could say, “Just 15 minutes until our next energy break!” Letting them know there was a light at the end of the tunnel helped calm them down—at least for the next few miles.

Find New Ways to Have Fun

Beyond packing the standard arsenal of books, toys, coloring books and travel-size board games, I researched some classic road trip games to teach the girls on the ride. These five were their favorite:
  1. License Plate Bingo: This one can be played as a family or as a competition, depending on your kids’ ages. We worked together to find cars with license plates from all 50 states. We didn’t spot them all, but the girls did get excited when we found one from Alaska!
  2. 20 Questions: This game was great because it stretched our kids’ imaginations. At first, my husband and I picked a few random items and the girls would ask yes or no questions until they could guess what it was. But by the end, they were picking the secret items—and figuring them out was actually pretty hard!
  3. Travel Scavenger Hunt: Before the trip, I made each of the girls a list of things they should try to spot on the ride. Each list was a little different, including items like “brown cow” or “water tower,” but I made sure to have prizes for both of them, regardless of who found all their items first.
  4. The Flag Game: When we were driving through slightly more populated areas, I assigned each of the girls a side of the road and challenged them to see who could count the most flags. I was surprised by how long they could keep the competition going!
  5. On The Map: To help them understand where we were headed, I highlighted a map with our route and circled each of our stops along the way. As we entered each new county or state, I would announce our arrival, and the twins would take turns marking our progress.
We also had fun letting the girls choose where we ate along the way. Using the mobile app from kidsmealdeals.com, we were able to find local restaurants with kids’ specials and had the girls pick from that list.

Expect the Unexpected

After several hours on the road, chances are you’ll encounter something you didn’t plan on. Make sure to keep a bag with extra clothes, bottles of water, a healthy supply of snacks, wet-naps, sunscreen, a first-aid kit and anything else that might come in handy separate from your luggage. You don’t want to be digging around inside suitcases if someone spills an entire juice box down their shirt. Thanks to all of our preparations, the long drive wasn’t nearly the disaster I’d envisioned. Though there were a few trying moments, we are able to the keep the ‘Are we there yet?’s at bay and enjoy (most of) our time together. Want to avoid—or at least limit—the ultimate in road trip surprises? Make sure your vehicle is covered by the proper car insurance policy.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/preparing-for-a-family-road-trip/feed/ 0 A Mom Cave to Rival Any Man Cave http://blog.allstate.com/a-mom-cave-to-rival-any-man-cave/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-mom-cave-to-rival-any-man-cave http://blog.allstate.com/a-mom-cave-to-rival-any-man-cave/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:09:36 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/02/22/a-mom-cave-to-rival-any-man-cave Aroma Therapy

If dads can have their “man caves,” then moms should also have a place to retreat and relax, right? Enter the growing "mom cave" trend. The trouble is, most advice on putting together a mom cave centers on carving out a tiny space: a window seat, a shared room, even a closet! Say, what? Men get entire rooms, a run of the basement or that second garage and women get … a nook? I’m proposing some new thinking on this emerging trend: some mom cave ideas to rival any man cave.

Claim your territory

To begin, you need a “cave-worthy” space. Consider a windowed enclosure over the patio for a beachy Hamptons feel. Bump out a second bathroom to make room for a dressing room, a seating area and an extra deep tub. Convert a storage shed into a private garden retreat. Or, replace that aging garage with a two-story number (guess who claims the second floor as their personal studio space?).

Trick it out

Next, dress it up with what you love. Man caves make serious investments in tech and sports gear; mom caves should do no less. Install a flat screen TV and surround sound speakers for those marathon Mad Men sessions; lay down a hardwood floor and add light dimmers for an in-home yoga studio; or install cubbies, a standing desk and plenty of task lighting for the ultimate crafts room. And after you spend precious time and money creating your own personal space, make sure you protect it with personal property coverage. Don’t hold back (the boys never do). Here’s some side-by-side thinking if you need an extra dose: Man cave theme: Cigar lounge or tailgate party Mom cave theme: Hamptons beach retreat Man cave seating: Leather recliner Mom cave seating: Velvet loveseat Man cave diversions: Darts. Pool. Air hockey. Mom cave diversions: Magazines. Crafts. Yoga mats. Man cave drinks: Full bar with a beer keg Mom cave drinks: Juice and wine bar Man cave tech: Flat screen. Sound system. Sound proofing. Mom cave tech: Flat screen. Sound system. Sound (toddler!) proofing. Want more ideas? Check out this Pinterest board. Mom caves of all kinds are gaining in popularity, too. Check this preview of a show on HGTV called, of course, Mom Caves. Whichever way you go, don’t forget to catalog all the changes. Beyond the obvious build out, everything from the artwork and furniture to the laptops and other tech gear should be added to your home inventory. Take pictures of your new retreat, then compile receipts and stash them with your insurance files or keep a convenient digital record of it all.

Enforce the zone

My last bit of advice: keep it sacred. This is a mom cave we’re talking about here. I suggest a deadbolt. Find more mom cave ideas here. Do you have a mom cave? Do you want one? Share your thoughts!]]> Aroma Therapy

If dads can have their “man caves,” then moms should also have a place to retreat and relax, right? Enter the growing "mom cave" trend. The trouble is, most advice on putting together a mom cave centers on carving out a tiny space: a window seat, a shared room, even a closet! Say, what? Men get entire rooms, a run of the basement or that second garage and women get … a nook? I’m proposing some new thinking on this emerging trend: some mom cave ideas to rival any man cave.

Claim your territory

To begin, you need a “cave-worthy” space. Consider a windowed enclosure over the patio for a beachy Hamptons feel. Bump out a second bathroom to make room for a dressing room, a seating area and an extra deep tub. Convert a storage shed into a private garden retreat. Or, replace that aging garage with a two-story number (guess who claims the second floor as their personal studio space?).

Trick it out

Next, dress it up with what you love. Man caves make serious investments in tech and sports gear; mom caves should do no less. Install a flat screen TV and surround sound speakers for those marathon Mad Men sessions; lay down a hardwood floor and add light dimmers for an in-home yoga studio; or install cubbies, a standing desk and plenty of task lighting for the ultimate crafts room. And after you spend precious time and money creating your own personal space, make sure you protect it with personal property coverage. Don’t hold back (the boys never do). Here’s some side-by-side thinking if you need an extra dose: Man cave theme: Cigar lounge or tailgate party Mom cave theme: Hamptons beach retreat Man cave seating: Leather recliner Mom cave seating: Velvet loveseat Man cave diversions: Darts. Pool. Air hockey. Mom cave diversions: Magazines. Crafts. Yoga mats. Man cave drinks: Full bar with a beer keg Mom cave drinks: Juice and wine bar Man cave tech: Flat screen. Sound system. Sound proofing. Mom cave tech: Flat screen. Sound system. Sound (toddler!) proofing. Want more ideas? Check out this Pinterest board. Mom caves of all kinds are gaining in popularity, too. Check this preview of a show on HGTV called, of course, Mom Caves. Whichever way you go, don’t forget to catalog all the changes. Beyond the obvious build out, everything from the artwork and furniture to the laptops and other tech gear should be added to your home inventory. Take pictures of your new retreat, then compile receipts and stash them with your insurance files or keep a convenient digital record of it all.

Enforce the zone

My last bit of advice: keep it sacred. This is a mom cave we’re talking about here. I suggest a deadbolt. Find more mom cave ideas here. Do you have a mom cave? Do you want one? Share your thoughts!]]> http://blog.allstate.com/a-mom-cave-to-rival-any-man-cave/feed/ 0 8 Things You Learn in Parenthood http://blog.allstate.com/8-things-you-learn-in-parenthood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-things-you-learn-in-parenthood http://blog.allstate.com/8-things-you-learn-in-parenthood/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:16:59 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/02/15/8-things-you-learn-by-having-kids Parenthood Twins

People without children of their own often remark to me that "kids are a learning experience," usually after one of my kids does something adorably ridiculous like emptying a jar of pasta sauce onto the living room carpet. In response, I smile and nod, biting my tongue about how drastic the understatement is. Here are just a few of the life lessons I've been taught so far. The Amazing Shrinking Domicile. If you were lucky enough to purchase a dream house, dream car or even just a dream diaper bag before your baby arrived, you probably wondered how you'd fill all the space (I know I did). Boy, did that "extra room" evaporate under the volume of clothes, toys and unidentifiable paraphernalia that started arriving during the baby shower and just never stopped. Lesson learned #1: You can never have enough space or be too prepared with a baby on board. By the Seat of Your Pants. Regardless of whether you read every last parenting book or you decided to more or less wing it, chances are you had some idea that you'd know what you were doing when the time came; an idea that promptly flew out the window for me when my beautiful little monsters took up residence. But everything turned out okay because I realized that I actually was capable of dealing with marbles in the garbage disposal or toys down the toilet. Plus, having a homeowners insurance policy helps give me peace of mind. Lesson learned #2: Admitting that you might not know what you’re doing but that you’re doing your best isn’t too bad after all. Drive Me Crazy. The job of driving has never been harder: I can't be the only person who's endured an in-car screaming session caused by a dropped "lucky penny" or the distribution of the wrong flavor of juice. Still, you'll find yourself battling through it somehow and end up as a safer driver than your pre-child self could ever imagine.  Not to mention the fact that you’ll become much more aware of other drivers. I can see a teenager texting and driving from three miles away. And never again will I talk on the phone while driving – I can’t believe I ever did! Lesson learned #3: Keeping harmony in the car deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. The Sands of Time. When you're up at midnight trying to get your aspiring opera singer to fall asleep, the minutes might drag; but you'll find the rest of your time with your child fast-forwarding at warp speed. Before you know it, you'll be shelling out big bucks for college. All you can do is take plenty of pictures and videos - the more embarrassing, the better - and hang on for the ride. Lesson learned #4: The days are long but the years go fast so cherish every moment like it’s your last. Unconditional Love. If a friend suffered the occasional five alarm diaper explosion, spewed the contents of your best culinary creations onto the table, and halted the functioning of your household because of a refusal to put on shoes, the friendship would probably die pretty quickly. It would be a lot to deal with even from a much-loved spouse. But when it comes to my kids, I've happily dealt with all this and more, just because. Lesson learned #5: Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts. Sure it’s crazy and messy at times, but in the end well worth it. Bye-Bye Bubble Bath. If you enjoy taking the occasional peaceful moment by yourself, you might want to stock up before your baby arrives. Because afterwards, you'll never get a moment to yourself again. Never. So don’t count on being able to take a leisurely soak in the tub. And you can pretty much forget about candles too. Lesson learned #6: Embrace and take advantage of being together 24/7 with your family. Your kids will be out of the house more quickly than you'd like. My Precious. Before we had kids, there were certain possessions that I really preferred to stay in a whole, undamaged form. That's not a realistic expectation now that I've got the equivalent of hurricanes on legs living in my household. Your furniture, your pets, your jewelry, and especially your electronics; none of it will ever be safe from little fingers bent on destruction. This gave me added incentive to stop buying nice things now and put the money toward a college fund. Saving money is so important when you have little ones, especially a set of twins that will be entering college at the same time. All it takes is a few dollars to start. Think of it like any other planned expense and before you know it the kids will be grown – and so will your college savings plan. Lesson learned #7: Helping your child secure their future is one of the best gifts you can give. To Sleep, Perchance to Dream. Yeah, perchance to get more than half of the recommended daily total of forty winks. If this is your first experience with child-rearing, you might think that the worst is over once your little one figures out how to sleep through the night. Not so. According to a National Sleep Foundation survey, you can pretty much count on never sleeping well again. Lesson learned #8: Keep lots of coffee on hand!
]]> Parenthood Twins

People without children of their own often remark to me that "kids are a learning experience," usually after one of my kids does something adorably ridiculous like emptying a jar of pasta sauce onto the living room carpet. In response, I smile and nod, biting my tongue about how drastic the understatement is. Here are just a few of the life lessons I've been taught so far. The Amazing Shrinking Domicile. If you were lucky enough to purchase a dream house, dream car or even just a dream diaper bag before your baby arrived, you probably wondered how you'd fill all the space (I know I did). Boy, did that "extra room" evaporate under the volume of clothes, toys and unidentifiable paraphernalia that started arriving during the baby shower and just never stopped. Lesson learned #1: You can never have enough space or be too prepared with a baby on board. By the Seat of Your Pants. Regardless of whether you read every last parenting book or you decided to more or less wing it, chances are you had some idea that you'd know what you were doing when the time came; an idea that promptly flew out the window for me when my beautiful little monsters took up residence. But everything turned out okay because I realized that I actually was capable of dealing with marbles in the garbage disposal or toys down the toilet. Plus, having a homeowners insurance policy helps give me peace of mind. Lesson learned #2: Admitting that you might not know what you’re doing but that you’re doing your best isn’t too bad after all. Drive Me Crazy. The job of driving has never been harder: I can't be the only person who's endured an in-car screaming session caused by a dropped "lucky penny" or the distribution of the wrong flavor of juice. Still, you'll find yourself battling through it somehow and end up as a safer driver than your pre-child self could ever imagine.  Not to mention the fact that you’ll become much more aware of other drivers. I can see a teenager texting and driving from three miles away. And never again will I talk on the phone while driving – I can’t believe I ever did! Lesson learned #3: Keeping harmony in the car deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. The Sands of Time. When you're up at midnight trying to get your aspiring opera singer to fall asleep, the minutes might drag; but you'll find the rest of your time with your child fast-forwarding at warp speed. Before you know it, you'll be shelling out big bucks for college. All you can do is take plenty of pictures and videos - the more embarrassing, the better - and hang on for the ride. Lesson learned #4: The days are long but the years go fast so cherish every moment like it’s your last. Unconditional Love. If a friend suffered the occasional five alarm diaper explosion, spewed the contents of your best culinary creations onto the table, and halted the functioning of your household because of a refusal to put on shoes, the friendship would probably die pretty quickly. It would be a lot to deal with even from a much-loved spouse. But when it comes to my kids, I've happily dealt with all this and more, just because. Lesson learned #5: Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts. Sure it’s crazy and messy at times, but in the end well worth it. Bye-Bye Bubble Bath. If you enjoy taking the occasional peaceful moment by yourself, you might want to stock up before your baby arrives. Because afterwards, you'll never get a moment to yourself again. Never. So don’t count on being able to take a leisurely soak in the tub. And you can pretty much forget about candles too. Lesson learned #6: Embrace and take advantage of being together 24/7 with your family. Your kids will be out of the house more quickly than you'd like. My Precious. Before we had kids, there were certain possessions that I really preferred to stay in a whole, undamaged form. That's not a realistic expectation now that I've got the equivalent of hurricanes on legs living in my household. Your furniture, your pets, your jewelry, and especially your electronics; none of it will ever be safe from little fingers bent on destruction. This gave me added incentive to stop buying nice things now and put the money toward a college fund. Saving money is so important when you have little ones, especially a set of twins that will be entering college at the same time. All it takes is a few dollars to start. Think of it like any other planned expense and before you know it the kids will be grown – and so will your college savings plan. Lesson learned #7: Helping your child secure their future is one of the best gifts you can give. To Sleep, Perchance to Dream. Yeah, perchance to get more than half of the recommended daily total of forty winks. If this is your first experience with child-rearing, you might think that the worst is over once your little one figures out how to sleep through the night. Not so. According to a National Sleep Foundation survey, you can pretty much count on never sleeping well again. Lesson learned #8: Keep lots of coffee on hand!
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/8-things-you-learn-in-parenthood/feed/ 0 3 Ways to Help Your Aging Parents http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-help-your-aging-parents/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-ways-to-help-your-aging-parents http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-help-your-aging-parents/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:02:46 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/01/24/3-ways-to-help-your-aging-parents-at-home Family

It didn’t come as a surprise when my parents started asking for more help around their house. My mother is 72 and my father is 77, so it’s a testament to their health that they’ve been able to get along on their own for so long. But between long hours at work and taking care of my girls, finding time in the day to get their groceries, clean out their gutters and do a little laundry was harder than my husband and I expected.
So he and I put together a plan to help us help them. Here are a few steps we took to fit everything in without losing our minds:

Schedule a family meeting

I knew my parents would be hesitant to own up to everything they needed, so I planned a family meeting to put it all on the table. My husband and I asked what we could do to make their lives easier and let them know that we honestly wanted to help. After they opened up about the things they were struggling with, we made a list of tasks they’d need done on a weekly and monthly basis. We also found out how often their prescriptions needed to be refilled or renewed. Getting everything on paper in the beginning really helped us make sure nothing important fell through the cracks.

Divide and conquer

My husband and I take 30 minutes each Sunday to write out a schedule for the upcoming week to help us keep everything straight. We highlight time-sensitive tasks, like doctor’s appointments, and clarify who’s handling each task. We also keep a running list of chores posted on a white board on the fridge. We put an ‘x’ next to each completed task—and when the week is over, we erase them all and start again. There are usually things my girls can help with, such as dusting and folding laundry, so we bring them along about once a week for some Grandma and Grandpa time. They love having their little chores to conquer and often race to see who can get theirs done first!

Identify danger zones

Always the homemaker, Mom has quite a collection of floor rugs around the house. But after witnessing a few trips and slips, I saw they were becoming a major risk factor. So, a few months ago, I added non-skid backings to reduce the chance they’d be a liability. I also check to make sure that high-traffic areas are clear of stray items and power cords, and that any furniture with wheels is locked in position. We’re planning to install handles or railings next to showers, bathtubs and steps for extra stability. Since a fall can mean a long recovery for people their age, you can never be too careful. Helping your parents retain their independence can be a challenge, but taking proactive steps while they’re still in good health can make all the difference later on. And having a plan in place can help turn a long list of chores into a family bonding experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
]]> Family

It didn’t come as a surprise when my parents started asking for more help around their house. My mother is 72 and my father is 77, so it’s a testament to their health that they’ve been able to get along on their own for so long. But between long hours at work and taking care of my girls, finding time in the day to get their groceries, clean out their gutters and do a little laundry was harder than my husband and I expected.
So he and I put together a plan to help us help them. Here are a few steps we took to fit everything in without losing our minds:

Schedule a family meeting

I knew my parents would be hesitant to own up to everything they needed, so I planned a family meeting to put it all on the table. My husband and I asked what we could do to make their lives easier and let them know that we honestly wanted to help. After they opened up about the things they were struggling with, we made a list of tasks they’d need done on a weekly and monthly basis. We also found out how often their prescriptions needed to be refilled or renewed. Getting everything on paper in the beginning really helped us make sure nothing important fell through the cracks.

Divide and conquer

My husband and I take 30 minutes each Sunday to write out a schedule for the upcoming week to help us keep everything straight. We highlight time-sensitive tasks, like doctor’s appointments, and clarify who’s handling each task. We also keep a running list of chores posted on a white board on the fridge. We put an ‘x’ next to each completed task—and when the week is over, we erase them all and start again. There are usually things my girls can help with, such as dusting and folding laundry, so we bring them along about once a week for some Grandma and Grandpa time. They love having their little chores to conquer and often race to see who can get theirs done first!

Identify danger zones

Always the homemaker, Mom has quite a collection of floor rugs around the house. But after witnessing a few trips and slips, I saw they were becoming a major risk factor. So, a few months ago, I added non-skid backings to reduce the chance they’d be a liability. I also check to make sure that high-traffic areas are clear of stray items and power cords, and that any furniture with wheels is locked in position. We’re planning to install handles or railings next to showers, bathtubs and steps for extra stability. Since a fall can mean a long recovery for people their age, you can never be too careful. Helping your parents retain their independence can be a challenge, but taking proactive steps while they’re still in good health can make all the difference later on. And having a plan in place can help turn a long list of chores into a family bonding experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-help-your-aging-parents/feed/ 0 Carpooling 101 http://blog.allstate.com/carpooling-101/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carpooling-101 http://blog.allstate.com/carpooling-101/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:48:37 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/01/11/carpooling-101 Carpooling with Kids

Being a mother, the dangers of driving are much more real to me. When I put that kind of responsibility in someone else's hands, my worries multiply tenfold. Following these tips helps to settle the butterflies in my stomach when I see someone drive off with my children in their care.

In the Beginning

  • Meet the Moms - If you don't already know the other childrens' parent(s), organize a playdate where the kids can have fun while you and the other potential carpooling parents can get to know one another.
  • Calendar is King - In order to maintain your role as carpool mom, everything should be written on the family calendar. In addition, there are online tools for actually setting up a carpool in the first place.

Carpool Etiquette

  • Be respectful of other people's time - Your kids, other kids and other parents are counting on you. Make sure you’re on time.
  • Accept differing parenting styles - Every individual has his or her own view on what it means to be a good parent. As long as the kids are safe, chances are you'll have to make some adjustments to keep the peace.
  • Let your kids be their own diplomats - You can (and should) establish ground rules for your car, but it's not always easy to enforce them. Children can learn valuable skills about negotiating their own quarrels if you give them the chance.

Master the Details

  • Information - Maintain an emergency contact sheet with names and phone numbers, but also include things like food allergies and any other quirks for each kid.
  • Work with the system - Schools have elevated transportation management to an art form. Check out your school's website or contact school administrators for rules regarding speed limits and pick-up locations.
  • Maintain your vehicle - This can involve more than just getting your oil changed. For example, you might not know that parents who volunteer to drive for school functions often need to meet specific insurance requirements.

Simple Safety

  • Seats - Booster seats are a must, and it's important that you make sure they're sized and installed correctly.
  • Seatbelts - Invoke the buckle-up brigade. There's nothing more important to car safety than buckling your seatbelt. As a parent, I know the rules, such as not sharing seatbelts and not letting kids ride in cargo areas. Make sure all the kids in your car know them as well.
  • Minimize distractions - Whether you're scanning the street to ensure no children are in the way, or you're making sure that all of the kids make it safely to their houses, your full attention should be on the job of carpooling every time you get behind the wheel.
  • No parenting while driving - Refrain from arguing, persuading or in any way trying to affect behavior unless your foot is firmly on the brake. Pull over if you need to intervene.
Have your own tips? Share them below!]]> Carpooling with Kids

Being a mother, the dangers of driving are much more real to me. When I put that kind of responsibility in someone else's hands, my worries multiply tenfold. Following these tips helps to settle the butterflies in my stomach when I see someone drive off with my children in their care.

In the Beginning

  • Meet the Moms - If you don't already know the other childrens' parent(s), organize a playdate where the kids can have fun while you and the other potential carpooling parents can get to know one another.
  • Calendar is King - In order to maintain your role as carpool mom, everything should be written on the family calendar. In addition, there are online tools for actually setting up a carpool in the first place.

Carpool Etiquette

  • Be respectful of other people's time - Your kids, other kids and other parents are counting on you. Make sure you’re on time.
  • Accept differing parenting styles - Every individual has his or her own view on what it means to be a good parent. As long as the kids are safe, chances are you'll have to make some adjustments to keep the peace.
  • Let your kids be their own diplomats - You can (and should) establish ground rules for your car, but it's not always easy to enforce them. Children can learn valuable skills about negotiating their own quarrels if you give them the chance.

Master the Details

  • Information - Maintain an emergency contact sheet with names and phone numbers, but also include things like food allergies and any other quirks for each kid.
  • Work with the system - Schools have elevated transportation management to an art form. Check out your school's website or contact school administrators for rules regarding speed limits and pick-up locations.
  • Maintain your vehicle - This can involve more than just getting your oil changed. For example, you might not know that parents who volunteer to drive for school functions often need to meet specific insurance requirements.

Simple Safety

  • Seats - Booster seats are a must, and it's important that you make sure they're sized and installed correctly.
  • Seatbelts - Invoke the buckle-up brigade. There's nothing more important to car safety than buckling your seatbelt. As a parent, I know the rules, such as not sharing seatbelts and not letting kids ride in cargo areas. Make sure all the kids in your car know them as well.
  • Minimize distractions - Whether you're scanning the street to ensure no children are in the way, or you're making sure that all of the kids make it safely to their houses, your full attention should be on the job of carpooling every time you get behind the wheel.
  • No parenting while driving - Refrain from arguing, persuading or in any way trying to affect behavior unless your foot is firmly on the brake. Pull over if you need to intervene.
Have your own tips? Share them below!]]> http://blog.allstate.com/carpooling-101/feed/ 0 3 Ways to Make the Holidays More Meaningful http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-make-the-holidays-more-meaningful/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-ways-to-make-the-holidays-more-meaningful http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-make-the-holidays-more-meaningful/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:27:15 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/12/21/make-the-holidays-more-meaningful Christmas Twins

Sometimes I catch myself following the “Do as I say, not as I do” mentality. Like telling my twins they’ve had enough dessert at Thanksgiving, then sneaking into the kitchen for an extra piece of pie. Most of the time, this approach is pretty harmless. But when it comes to the holidays, I’ve noticed that my kids definitely pay more attention to my actions than my words.
I’ve always said the holidays are a time to enjoy friends and family, not to get caught up in material things. At the same time, I’ve been ringing up credit card bills like it’s an Olympic sport. This holiday season, I’m determined to put the emphasis on meaning and memories. Here’s my plan to do as I say:

Get creative with gift-giving

The last thing my husband needs this Christmas is another necktie he’ll never wear. But if there’s anything he hates more than neckties, it’s organizing our very cluttered basement. So this year, I’m giving him the gift of time—in the form of me setting aside an afternoon for some serious basement duty (and topping it off by baking a batch of his favorite cookies). I’m sure he’ll appreciate a break from this yearly chore more than any accessory money could buy. As for my girls, I’m trying to satisfy their sweet (and beautifully misspelled) wish lists while finding gifts that also mean something special—and it’s turned out to be a bigger challenge than I thought! Whenever possible, I’m sticking to gifts that encourage family time, such as board games, craft and jewelry-making supplies, movies for us to watch together and tickets to local plays and museum exhibits.

Take time out to volunteer

I’ve always wanted my family to know the value of helping out in our community. But between swimming lessons, school fundraisers and endless birthday parties, our weekends leave little room for anything else. This time around, I set up some volunteer dates during the kids’ winter vacation. Through our local community center, we signed up to help cook a holiday meal at a local shelter. Although the girls are still pretty young, the program coordinator said there would be plenty of little things they can do. And with the help of a few friends, I organized a Saturday get-together for families in the neighborhood to make holiday cards for nearby nursing home residents. That way, we’ll get to enjoy some catching up while doing good!

Build new family traditions

While I love the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, I’ve spent one too many holiday seasons sprinting from store to store. I’ve come to realize that spending less time searching for the perfect gifts and more time with my family is an easy way to make our holiday memories more meaningful. By shopping online and limiting my non-virtual shopping trips to an hour or two, I’ve been able to minimize my time in retail lines so far. As a bonus, between my plans for ice skating, cookie baking and turning our house into a winter wonderland, there’s no way the kids will be whining of boredom two days into winter break! While there’s no secret recipe for a happy holiday season, shifting your focus can put you on the path toward a more memorable one. Unlike years past, I’m hoping this holiday season will bring us more thoughtfulness and gratitude in the New Year.
]]> Christmas Twins

Sometimes I catch myself following the “Do as I say, not as I do” mentality. Like telling my twins they’ve had enough dessert at Thanksgiving, then sneaking into the kitchen for an extra piece of pie. Most of the time, this approach is pretty harmless. But when it comes to the holidays, I’ve noticed that my kids definitely pay more attention to my actions than my words.
I’ve always said the holidays are a time to enjoy friends and family, not to get caught up in material things. At the same time, I’ve been ringing up credit card bills like it’s an Olympic sport. This holiday season, I’m determined to put the emphasis on meaning and memories. Here’s my plan to do as I say:

Get creative with gift-giving

The last thing my husband needs this Christmas is another necktie he’ll never wear. But if there’s anything he hates more than neckties, it’s organizing our very cluttered basement. So this year, I’m giving him the gift of time—in the form of me setting aside an afternoon for some serious basement duty (and topping it off by baking a batch of his favorite cookies). I’m sure he’ll appreciate a break from this yearly chore more than any accessory money could buy. As for my girls, I’m trying to satisfy their sweet (and beautifully misspelled) wish lists while finding gifts that also mean something special—and it’s turned out to be a bigger challenge than I thought! Whenever possible, I’m sticking to gifts that encourage family time, such as board games, craft and jewelry-making supplies, movies for us to watch together and tickets to local plays and museum exhibits.

Take time out to volunteer

I’ve always wanted my family to know the value of helping out in our community. But between swimming lessons, school fundraisers and endless birthday parties, our weekends leave little room for anything else. This time around, I set up some volunteer dates during the kids’ winter vacation. Through our local community center, we signed up to help cook a holiday meal at a local shelter. Although the girls are still pretty young, the program coordinator said there would be plenty of little things they can do. And with the help of a few friends, I organized a Saturday get-together for families in the neighborhood to make holiday cards for nearby nursing home residents. That way, we’ll get to enjoy some catching up while doing good!

Build new family traditions

While I love the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, I’ve spent one too many holiday seasons sprinting from store to store. I’ve come to realize that spending less time searching for the perfect gifts and more time with my family is an easy way to make our holiday memories more meaningful. By shopping online and limiting my non-virtual shopping trips to an hour or two, I’ve been able to minimize my time in retail lines so far. As a bonus, between my plans for ice skating, cookie baking and turning our house into a winter wonderland, there’s no way the kids will be whining of boredom two days into winter break! While there’s no secret recipe for a happy holiday season, shifting your focus can put you on the path toward a more memorable one. Unlike years past, I’m hoping this holiday season will bring us more thoughtfulness and gratitude in the New Year.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/3-ways-to-make-the-holidays-more-meaningful/feed/ 0 Carpool Lane Violations: What’s Your Excuse? http://blog.allstate.com/carpool-lane-violations-whats-your-excuse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carpool-lane-violations-whats-your-excuse http://blog.allstate.com/carpool-lane-violations-whats-your-excuse/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:23:49 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/11/10/carpool-lane-violations-whats-your-excuse Carpool Lane

We have all been there. Isolated in a sea of rush hour traffic that isn't rushing anywhere. You're boxed in and your inner speed demon is aching to squash the accelerator to the floor and leave the city in a wake of exhaust. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see a driver’s Shangri La: the carpool lane with its pristine asphalt stretching ahead for miles and devoid of idling vehicles.
You start to daydream: Who would care if you pulled into the HOV lane and just went a few miles? Your question is answered quickly by the pretty blue lights flashing in your rear-view and you find yourself explaining to Officer Unforgiving that you were "in a hurry.” Back in reality, traffic violations may have a noticeable effect on your insurance premiums, which is why being smart on the road not only saves lives, it can help save you money, too. I have made the mistake. I took the wrong turn and wound up all alone in the carpool lane. I realized my error and merged nervously back into regular traffic (only after I took a moment to savor the luxury of an open road, of course). I drove for a dozen paranoid miles obsessively checking my rear-view and thinking the 1989 Corolla was an unmarked police car. Luckily, I didn’t receive a ticket that day. However, some daring motorists embrace the carpool lane boasting some not-so-subtle gimmicks devised to trick the police. Trust me, police do not give extra credit for creativity. If you find yourself standing before a municipal court judge, here are some of the ploys often used to deceive the authorities:
  • A life-like mannequin in the passenger seat, a cardboard cutout made to look like a passenger or a lifelike doll buckled into a child safety seat.
  • Having a fake conversation with said mannequin, cardboard cutout or lifelike doll.
  • Fake stickers saying your vehicle is a low emissions vehicle (when it isn’t!).
  • Telling the police your wife is in labor or other medical emergency. (Just try to talk your way out of the police escort to the hospital!)
If you fancy yourself an actor, you might recognize these lines given to the police;
  • "I'm lost."
  • "I didn't see the sign."
  • "I didn't know."
  • "I’m from out of town."
  • "I have to warn the president about (insert threat to humanity)."
But why not actually carpool? Why not think of a traffic jam as a miniature break from your daily tasks? Why not crank the radio and serenade your fellow gridlocked drivers? Many cities and companies offer a reward system for carpooling, telecommuting or using public transit. The clean air campaign is just one example. Ask your company about the possibility of telecommuting to completely avoid the mayhem of rush hour and wear and tear on your vehicle. Whatever your reason to get there on time, make the smart choices and avoid citations that can affect your driving record and your insurance premiums. Visit Allstate.com for more auto insurance information.
]]> Carpool Lane

We have all been there. Isolated in a sea of rush hour traffic that isn't rushing anywhere. You're boxed in and your inner speed demon is aching to squash the accelerator to the floor and leave the city in a wake of exhaust. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see a driver’s Shangri La: the carpool lane with its pristine asphalt stretching ahead for miles and devoid of idling vehicles.
You start to daydream: Who would care if you pulled into the HOV lane and just went a few miles? Your question is answered quickly by the pretty blue lights flashing in your rear-view and you find yourself explaining to Officer Unforgiving that you were "in a hurry.” Back in reality, traffic violations may have a noticeable effect on your insurance premiums, which is why being smart on the road not only saves lives, it can help save you money, too. I have made the mistake. I took the wrong turn and wound up all alone in the carpool lane. I realized my error and merged nervously back into regular traffic (only after I took a moment to savor the luxury of an open road, of course). I drove for a dozen paranoid miles obsessively checking my rear-view and thinking the 1989 Corolla was an unmarked police car. Luckily, I didn’t receive a ticket that day. However, some daring motorists embrace the carpool lane boasting some not-so-subtle gimmicks devised to trick the police. Trust me, police do not give extra credit for creativity. If you find yourself standing before a municipal court judge, here are some of the ploys often used to deceive the authorities:
  • A life-like mannequin in the passenger seat, a cardboard cutout made to look like a passenger or a lifelike doll buckled into a child safety seat.
  • Having a fake conversation with said mannequin, cardboard cutout or lifelike doll.
  • Fake stickers saying your vehicle is a low emissions vehicle (when it isn’t!).
  • Telling the police your wife is in labor or other medical emergency. (Just try to talk your way out of the police escort to the hospital!)
If you fancy yourself an actor, you might recognize these lines given to the police;
  • "I'm lost."
  • "I didn't see the sign."
  • "I didn't know."
  • "I’m from out of town."
  • "I have to warn the president about (insert threat to humanity)."
But why not actually carpool? Why not think of a traffic jam as a miniature break from your daily tasks? Why not crank the radio and serenade your fellow gridlocked drivers? Many cities and companies offer a reward system for carpooling, telecommuting or using public transit. The clean air campaign is just one example. Ask your company about the possibility of telecommuting to completely avoid the mayhem of rush hour and wear and tear on your vehicle. Whatever your reason to get there on time, make the smart choices and avoid citations that can affect your driving record and your insurance premiums. Visit Allstate.com for more auto insurance information.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/carpool-lane-violations-whats-your-excuse/feed/ 0 Tips to Keep Tricks and Treats in Perspective http://blog.allstate.com/tips-to-keep-tricks-and-treats-in-perspective/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-to-keep-tricks-and-treats-in-perspective http://blog.allstate.com/tips-to-keep-tricks-and-treats-in-perspective/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:08:13 +0000 Pamela http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/10/27/tips-to-keep-tricks-and-treats-in-perspective Jack-O-Lanterns

Although Christmas will always hold a unique place in kids' hearts, Halloween isn't far behind in popularity (and, of course, spending!) If you want to have some money left over after the holiday season to put in the kids' college funds, and if you want to make it through to Thanksgiving with your sanity intact, follow these tips for keeping this spookiest of days in perspective.
Teach your kids three simple letters: D.I.Y. Now is the perfect time for getting your kids involved with doing things for themselves, and along the way, showing them that Mom isn't always going to be there to wipe their...noses. Even a very young child can help with picking out items for a homemade costume, cutting simple shapes and gluing. Older kids can sew and even use hot glue guns (under adult supervision, of course). Children take pride in their own creations, even if one sleeve ends up shorter than the other, or if their idea of "ghost" looks more like "marshmallow" to you. Keep moderation in mind when keeping up with the Joneses. Okay, so your kids aren't into crafts and they won't stop whining about the name-brand Hannah Montana or Spiderman costumes they see everywhere from the local grocery store to the home improvement center (seriously, can't a woman get a break?) They also want the plastic pumpkin buckets, the light-up laser swords, the oversized spiders with eyes that glow in the dark and everything else they lay their eyes on. Because of course, "Emily's parents bought her one!" You don't necessarily have to subject your kids to a lecture about saving for that good ol' college fund, but it is a good idea to start some gentle discussions about budgeting, if you haven't already. Explain how the amount of money you have to spend on "holiday" things is finite. Spending more on Halloween now will mean spending less on Christmas. Metaphors with candy work really well here. Look to tradition. Another way to help kids enjoy the holiday without breaking the bank is by looking back to older, more wallet-friendly times. I love watching movies such as The Worst Witch (can you believe this is considered old now?!) They're full of spooky goodness without all of the expensive, glitzy slickness of modern productions. My twins love it, too; so much so that they want to dress up like Flora and Fauna Amor (the Siamese twins from The Addams Family) this year. If you haven't already established inexpensive, simple traditions, such as picking and carving your own pumpkins or serving a special, homemade Halloween meal complete with pumpkin muffins, pumpkin stew, and "worms in mud" for dessert, do so ASAP. Choose your commitments wisely. Choosing to commit to a holiday project is very much like choosing to commit to a husband: you're taking on responsibility for a relationship with a living someone/something that will grow and change in ways you could never imagine over time. Now, I love my husband dearly, but I am very glad that I only have to deal with one. Halloween has become such a big deal (you know because Martha Stewart has gotten herself involved) that people can't help but get perfectionist about it. That's fine if you truly love whatever projects you get yourself into, but if you're just doing them to be "the perfect mom" and it's stressing you out, you need to let something go. Your kids won't remember with misery the fact that you didn't finish stitching the cape onto your dog's Superman costume, or that you didn't hand-carve individual pumpkins for every step of your outside staircase. Trust me. The terrors of rationing candy. Many of my friends look with fear on this holiday, not because of the goblins and ghouls, but because of the thought of having to wrest the hard-earned, sugary bounty out of their children's chocolaty paws. Some parents prevent the problem altogether by not allowing trick-or-treating; others try and use the trick of "eat all you can tonight, then it goes away" to teach their kids about candy making you sick. I'll admit I'm really not a big fan of giving my kids straight sugar and I try to limit their intake of candy bars to once a week. But I still remember my own trick-or-treating with fondness, so for this one time a year, I let them make their own sugar-intake decisions. One last thing to mention: if you have pets, be very careful about letting kids store candy in their rooms. Ending the Halloween season with a dog in the emergency room is not at all fun.
Have your own tips for keeping Halloween in perspective? Share them with us in the comments below!
]]> Jack-O-Lanterns

Although Christmas will always hold a unique place in kids' hearts, Halloween isn't far behind in popularity (and, of course, spending!) If you want to have some money left over after the holiday season to put in the kids' college funds, and if you want to make it through to Thanksgiving with your sanity intact, follow these tips for keeping this spookiest of days in perspective.
Teach your kids three simple letters: D.I.Y. Now is the perfect time for getting your kids involved with doing things for themselves, and along the way, showing them that Mom isn't always going to be there to wipe their...noses. Even a very young child can help with picking out items for a homemade costume, cutting simple shapes and gluing. Older kids can sew and even use hot glue guns (under adult supervision, of course). Children take pride in their own creations, even if one sleeve ends up shorter than the other, or if their idea of "ghost" looks more like "marshmallow" to you. Keep moderation in mind when keeping up with the Joneses. Okay, so your kids aren't into crafts and they won't stop whining about the name-brand Hannah Montana or Spiderman costumes they see everywhere from the local grocery store to the home improvement center (seriously, can't a woman get a break?) They also want the plastic pumpkin buckets, the light-up laser swords, the oversized spiders with eyes that glow in the dark and everything else they lay their eyes on. Because of course, "Emily's parents bought her one!" You don't necessarily have to subject your kids to a lecture about saving for that good ol' college fund, but it is a good idea to start some gentle discussions about budgeting, if you haven't already. Explain how the amount of money you have to spend on "holiday" things is finite. Spending more on Halloween now will mean spending less on Christmas. Metaphors with candy work really well here. Look to tradition. Another way to help kids enjoy the holiday without breaking the bank is by looking back to older, more wallet-friendly times. I love watching movies such as The Worst Witch (can you believe this is considered old now?!) They're full of spooky goodness without all of the expensive, glitzy slickness of modern productions. My twins love it, too; so much so that they want to dress up like Flora and Fauna Amor (the Siamese twins from The Addams Family) this year. If you haven't already established inexpensive, simple traditions, such as picking and carving your own pumpkins or serving a special, homemade Halloween meal complete with pumpkin muffins, pumpkin stew, and "worms in mud" for dessert, do so ASAP. Choose your commitments wisely. Choosing to commit to a holiday project is very much like choosing to commit to a husband: you're taking on responsibility for a relationship with a living someone/something that will grow and change in ways you could never imagine over time. Now, I love my husband dearly, but I am very glad that I only have to deal with one. Halloween has become such a big deal (you know because Martha Stewart has gotten herself involved) that people can't help but get perfectionist about it. That's fine if you truly love whatever projects you get yourself into, but if you're just doing them to be "the perfect mom" and it's stressing you out, you need to let something go. Your kids won't remember with misery the fact that you didn't finish stitching the cape onto your dog's Superman costume, or that you didn't hand-carve individual pumpkins for every step of your outside staircase. Trust me. The terrors of rationing candy. Many of my friends look with fear on this holiday, not because of the goblins and ghouls, but because of the thought of having to wrest the hard-earned, sugary bounty out of their children's chocolaty paws. Some parents prevent the problem altogether by not allowing trick-or-treating; others try and use the trick of "eat all you can tonight, then it goes away" to teach their kids about candy making you sick. I'll admit I'm really not a big fan of giving my kids straight sugar and I try to limit their intake of candy bars to once a week. But I still remember my own trick-or-treating with fondness, so for this one time a year, I let them make their own sugar-intake decisions. One last thing to mention: if you have pets, be very careful about letting kids store candy in their rooms. Ending the Halloween season with a dog in the emergency room is not at all fun.
Have your own tips for keeping Halloween in perspective? Share them with us in the comments below!
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