Back to Contents

Add Spice to Your Winter Days

When the holiday decorations come down and the cold, grey winter begins, spring seems very far away. Try these ideas to make the winter go by faster.

Not Just For Kids

ü      Create a grocery store with empty cereal boxes and other appropriate containers. Be sure to remember the grocery bags.

ü      Pull together all your odds and ends, bits of ribbon, leftover pinecones, etc., and create collages on construction paper.

ü      Visit a second-hand store and find inexpensive “treasures” for playing dress-up.

ü      Bring home an empty refrigerator box and let the children decorate it and fill it with a blanket and toys for an indoor clubhouse.

ü      Provide a special play area where children can keep their toys and projects out.

For Families

ü      Hold a winter picnic complete with a blanket on the floor.

ü      Read a book with each family member playing a different part.

ü      Shake up dinner. Put everyone’s name in a hat. The person selected gets to decide where dinner will be eaten (on the parents’ bed, on the living room floor, in the formal dining room, etc.).

ü      Let’s make a deal. When you are watching television, agree that during commercials everyone has to get up and dance, do jumping jacks or some other activity.

For Everyone

ü      Take a class. Learn to dance or just explore a topic that interests you.

ü      Curl up with a good book and the hot beverage of your choice.

ü      Eat ice cream with your favourite toppings.

ü      Rent a movie based in a tropical locale.

ü      Check the newspaper for free activities. You can usually find a calendar of events on Friday.

ü      Continue exercising. Even if you have to walk up and down the stairs or just do stretches at home, keep moving. Maybe now is the time to buy that new yoga or Pilates video you’ve wanted to try.

ü      Phone a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

ü      Get pampered. Try a massage, a manicure or a pedicure.

Whatever you choose, remember that winter doesn’t last forever.

Keep Your Computer Virus-Free

A rash of computer viruses has appeared in the past year, many of them damaging and widespread enough to make the news. There are simple steps you can take to keep these bugs at bay.

• Keep the software installation CDs handy. Sometimes an anti-virus program will require you to reinstall the software after cleaning your hard drive.
• Regularly update your anti-virus software. Some programs offer the option of automatically scanning and updating your system for new viruses.
• For your home computer, set up a personal firewall. This is often included with anti-virus software. Firewalls are especially necessary if you have a laptop, are on the Internet frequently and have a cable or DSL modem.
• Turn off your computer between uses. An open DSL or cable modem line is inviting unwanted visitors.
• We have all heard the warning and it bears repeating: Don’t open an e-mail attachment you don’t recognize or aren’t expecting. Some viruses infiltrate a user’s contact list and send these e-mails to everyone on the list. Call the sender before opening it.
• Don’t use default passwords or obvious ones (birth date, name, etc.). A unique password is tougher to figure out.
• Be careful where you surf on the Internet. Sites that contain illegal material or offer expensive software for free are breeding grounds for hackers and viruses.
• Keep up with the latest news on virus-protection websites. Check your software manufacturer’s site for “patches” to block new viruses.
• Make friends with your local computer repair shop or professional. Should a virus attack, you’ll be on the priority list for repair.

—    Adapted from Bankrate.com