Problem: Article: Fill a bag with a variety of toys, games, crayons, stickers, snacks, and other items that your toddler will enjoy. Then, give your toddler the bag on the plane and let them unpack it! They will have fun taking all of the new items out of the bag and they can choose what they like to keep them occupied. Some items you could place in the bag include:  A coloring book and crayons A board book Stickers A few of their favorite snacks A small plush toy Toy cars A plastic container with a hole cut in the lid and pom poms to stuff into the hole Pick up several little items that you think your toddler might like and wrap them individually. These can be new items or items from home that your toddler enjoys playing with. Wrap each of the items and then plan to give your toddler 1 present every half hour or so during the flight. Try telling your toddler that the present is a reward for good behavior and that they will get another if they continue to be good. Bring a tablet of construction paper and some markers. Then, ask your toddler what they want you to draw. You can offer them several options, such as a house, a race track, a tree, or a boat. Then, give your toddler the finished drawing and let them decorate it with stickers. Try getting some stickers that will match up with different scenes, such as animal, flower, and weather stickers.
Summary: Create a goody bag for your toddler to open on the plane. Wrap small presents and give them to your toddler during the flight. Draw scenes and have your toddler decorate them with stickers.

Problem: Article: Since availability changes so rapidly, you'll want to have a concrete date in mind for when you intend to move. Planning ahead will give you ample time to start looking seriously. Keep in mind that more units tend to open up at the beginning and end of each month as tenants move out.  Give yourself at least four or six weeks to view multiple listings and get your finances in order. It never hurts to have a backup plan in case you're unable to find a place to live by your projected timeframe. Sit down and calculate how much you'd be willing and able to spend for your new lodgings. With an estimated budget in place, you'll be able to narrow down your options to include only the listings that you can realistically afford. For the sake of financial security, try not to spend more than about 30 percent of your total income on rent.  Don't forget to factor in other expenses that you'll be shelling out for, like utilities, food, transportation and other basic necessities. Most landlords will only accept renters who make more than 40 times the cost of rent annually. Before you're handed the keys, you'll be asked to supply a valid photo ID, recent bank statements, and a check for at least the first month's rent, along with a security deposit. Get these items together at a moment's notice in order to beat out the competition. Don't wait until you've agreed on an offer to start printing off copies.  In addition to the usual documents, you might be asked to provide things like recent pay stubs, tax returns, your criminal record or even a letter of referral from an employer or previous landlord.  One smart strategy is to scan the paperwork you need and email it to yourself. When the time comes, all you'll have to do is forward the attachments to the leasing agent. Be ready to make a move as soon as you decide that a place meets your criteria. When it comes to locking down a good living space in New York, time is not on your side—too often renters will sleep on their decision, only to find that someone else has come along and signed a lease in a matter of hours. If possible, set up a walkthrough or interview for the same day. This will show that you're serious about the property and minimize the chances of someone else snatching it out from under you.
Summary: Set a move-in date. Come up with a budget. Have the necessary paperwork in order. Act fast.

Problem: Article: A small amount of linseed oil will create a dark shine on the stone without causing damage. However, oil attracts dirt and makes the slate harder to clean. For this reason, oil is not recommended for floors or outdoor surfaces. Stone sealer can create as glossy a surface as you like, but can make it very slippery, especially when wet. If the slate is outdoors or in an unheated room, water can seep under the sealer and crack off the sealer when it freezes and thaws. Slate can be honed (smooth) or rough (with small jagged edges). Sealer is more effective on honed slate. If you do decide to apply a sealer, find one specifically designed for slate or at least natural stone, preferably a penetrating sealer for long-lasting protection. Apply a thin layer with a paintbrush, following the grain of the slate. Let dry for two hours (or as the label recommends), and reapply as necessary. Test the sealer on a corner to ensure it results in the desired gloss/matte, slip resistance, and color. Wait for at least 24 hours before walking over the fresh sealer.
Summary:
Consider linseed oil. Learn the pros and cons of sealer. Apply the sealer. Let the sealer dry.