The big east coast Frankenstorm~what you really need to prepare (with printable checklist)

I’m a wine gal myself, but some prefer beer.

And if you don’t have birth control on hand, go get some. Seriously. Didn’t you know that many big storms are followed by a mini baby boom about 40 weeks later? True story.

Yes, this really is what people are doing when they are stuck inside together.

I also like to have lots of comfort food in the house. I make big breakfasts, I bake cookies and cakes.

Because baking cookies with your kids is fun. Really.

And because any good Pennsylvanian will tell you, as soon as you hear the word “storm” you feel the urge to buy:

Why is this a storm staple?

Whatever your vice is, coffee, tea, soda … make sure you have plenty of it.

Because I can’t think of much that is more painful that being stuck in the house with two active boys … and I’m out of caffeine!

If you don’t have Netflix or something like that–

Get one or two for yourself and for the kids.

Why am I showing this? If you can get to a dollar store, go. Get a few toys for each kid and hide them. Use them as bribes as necessary.

Also if you have time, swing by the library and get yourself a good book or two or more. And pick up movies if you want, usually cheaper than Redbox.

It’s sort of the same as comfort food, but I like to have the house stocked with plenty of junk food, for all the movie watching.

Too much junk food? Not possible!

You probably won’t need to buy these, you probably already have some on hand. But now here’s your chance to do family game night.

Trashy magazines are an indulgence of mine.

And because…you can only be a lump on a couch reading trashy magazines and eating junk food for so long…before you will get the urge to accomplish something, right? So think about what project you’ve been wanting to do, and take this down time as an opportunity to do it. Get your Christmas cards addressed, get your entire holiday season planned out as far as budget and spending, clean out a closet or two, finish a cross stitch project…there’s lots to be done, right? n

On a serious note–yes, you should have bottled water, batteries, candles, medications, firewood, flashlights, radios, a full tank of gas, dry goods and a working can opener. Check on elderly family, neighbors and shut-ins to make sure they are taken care of. I know that I also need to make sure that our gutters are clear and that our shopvac and sump pump are in good working condition, as I expect water in the basement. :( Hunker down, relax and stay safe everyone! And here’s a checklist for you: