Here are some tips.

Don’t Make Them Hunt For You

While you may want to maintain your privacy by not putting an email address on your blog/site – you are actually hurting your chances of PR contact. If a PR rep has to search your site for a means to contact you then they might just click away. While Contact forms are great, they do have limitations – no images, length restrictions, don’t allow links, etc. So you really need to have your email address easily accessible on your site. It’s a good idea to create a separate email address for your blog business – that way you aren’t putting your personal address out there.

Really Use Social Media

Don’t just grow your social media fan-base, but actually use the outlets. PR firms don’t just look at your reach (number of followers) but also what you post in the various venues. They want to see your interaction and engagement. Do people respond to what you are posting, and more importantly are you posting things that they can respond to? You also want to make sure that your blog/site related social media outlets are not consumed by your personal life – this needs to be separate unless it directly relates to your blog.

Be Consistent

You have heard this many, many times, but it still holds true. PR firms want to see that you post regularly – not three times one week, nothing for the next two weeks, two things on one day and nothing for a month. This is too sporadic to keep your readers engaged, which means your followers are not seeking you out to see what you have to say. And that’s what PR firms want to see. One of the easiest ways to ensure you are consistent, even when your life gets busy, is to have weekly themed posts. Maybe you post a parenting tip every Monday or you post a shopping tip on Wednesdays, whatever is applicable to your audience.

Have Some Integrity

While I am not questioning anyone’s personal character, you might want to consider what conflicting posts might lead people to believe about you. For example, while it’s not a big deal to talk about two different clothing companies (because very few people in this world only wear one brand of clothing), you might not want to support two different brands of soda – that are in direct competition with each other (like Pepsi and Coke). This leads people to the conclusion that you will say anything if you are paid or given something for free, and the makes your word less valuable.

Handle Things With Social Grace

While every review you post doesn’t have to be totally positive, you should never ever completely demoralize a company without good cause. There are ways to say that you didn’t care for a product or some aspect of a product without being nasty. PR firms will usually seek out and read at least one of your previous reviews to see your style, so be thoughtful, truthful and real.

Be Professional

While you might not see yourself as a “business contact” you are contacting a business and thus should act accordingly. Use proper greetings, always do a spell and grammar check, and be courteous. Remember that when you are contacting a company in hopes of them sending you a product, or providing some sort of sponsorship, you are asking them to let YOU represent their company. Make sure the image you put forth is one that they would want to be associated with.

SIDE NOTE: While you might establish a working relationship with a company or PR firm, it’s important to maintain your professional demeanor at all times, the rep is not your friend and, in general, doesn’t have time to read through your life story to get to the point.

Alicia is among the growing numbers of children victimized by identity theft, which is on the rise among children and has actually doubled in the past year for those under the age of five, according to a recent child identity theft report.

For would-be identity thieves, children are ideal victims. They are a blank slate without credit cards, financial obligations or loans. And since a five-year old like Alicia is a least a decade away from having her own financial history, it’s unlikely that her family will know she’s been a victim until years later when she is unable to open a checking account, secure a college loan or is inexplicably denied unemployment.

There are important steps you can take to protect the identities of your children—regardless of their age. Here are a few ways to get started:

Get smart about Social Security numbers: Don’t carry your child’s Social Security card in your wallet and only share the number with trusted parties who have privacy safeguards in place (you can always ask them to use another identifier for your child). Shred all documents that contain this number before recycling or throwing them away.

Know what information your school shares. Be sure to understand what sort of information your school discloses about your child, and get up to speed on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which gives you the right to opt out of directories with personally identifiable information (ask your school how you can opt out).

Take technology precautions. Make sure your home computer has updated antivirus and firewall protection, and don’t send out personal or financial information via an unsecured wireless connection. You should also take care to limit what you share on the Internet, including seemingly innocuous “birth announcements” on Twitter or Facebook.

Talk to kids about online privacy. It’s critical that you have a talk with older children about online privacy—things like password safety, the risks of file-sharing software like Dropbox, phishing scams and unfamiliar “friends” on social media sites.

Monitor your child’s identity. To monitor whether there’s been any activity, you can ask for a credit report from each of the three national credit reporting companies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Check as often as the law allows you to do it for free (typically once a year). Or contact credit card bureaus and request a manual Social Security match, which will help you discover whether your child has a credit history—a red flag for identity theft.

These simple steps can go a long way in preventing you and your children from a grueling identity theft restoration process. To be sure, safeguarding personal information is no less important than all the other things you do to protect the safety and well-being of your kids.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

Photo by VisualPanic

Assign Lifeguarding Duties

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you “actively” watch children at all times, which means being free from distractions like talking on the phone, socializing, or doing chores. If you’re vacationing with your spouse, take turns being the watcher to prevent an “I thought you were watching them” scenario. Taking shifts ensures everyone gets some down time.

Keep in Touch with Infants and Toddlers

Always be in the water and within arm’s reach to provide “touch supervision.”

Don’t Use Swimming Aids

Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children and parents a false sense of security.

Consider Swimming Lessons

Children ages one to four may be at a lower risk of drowning if they’ve had some formal swimming instruction. However, there is no evidence that swimming lessons or water survival skills courses can prevent drowning in infants under the age of one. Of course, swimming pool safety for kids must be a year-round priority.

If you own a pool, here are four more valuable tips:

Install a Self-Latching Fence

Children are attracted to water. Put a climb-resistant fence (not chain link) on all sides of your pool. The USCPSC recommends the fences be at least four feet high with fence slats that are less than four inches apart (to prevent children from squeezing between them). Your self-latching gate should open away from the pool with the latch positioned higher than a young child can reach.

Check and Maintain the Equipment

Start with the pool’s drain and suction covers, which can entrap kids and lead to drowning. If they are missing or broken, repair them immediately and keep everyone out of the pool. For added protection, invest in a sturdy pool cover.

Set Rules for Your Kids and Yourself

For aboveground pools, always lock or remove steps or ladders to prevent access by children when the pool is not in use. Keep toys, tricycles, and electric appliances away from the pool. No diving allowed in shallow areas and no running on the pool deck. When no one is using the pool, take out all the toys and floatation devices so that curious children don’t try to reach for them.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

Have a phone close by at all times, and familiarize yourself with CPR and basic rescue procedures. If a child is missing, always look for them first in the pool or spa.

One more thing you should know if you own a pool? How it affects the liability coverage on your insurance policy. Review your policy and consider increasing your liability coverage as a safeguard against potential medical expenses or damages from a lawsuit.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

If you’re like most people, the answer is no. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 48 percent of consumers do not have an inventory of their possessions. And for those who do, 32 percent don’t have photos, and 58 percent lack receipts.

These records are the key to helping you recoup your expenses if your personal property is stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire, flooding or other causes. But, for most people, the thought of spending countless hours going from room to room to make and edit lists is overwhelming.

Relax. Here are some tools (including a few handy mobile apps) that make the task of documenting and protecting your belongings a lot easier than you think.

Get a Quick Appraisal

What’s Your Stuff Worth? is an interactive tool that helps you assess the value of your possessions and make real-world comparisons of costs to cover your things. If you’re renting your place, consider this: For less than the cost of two lattes per month (about $8), you could insure everything you own.

Smart Phone Your Home

There’s an app for everything, including home inventories. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you can get a free downloadable digital locker that lets you quickly photograph and capture descriptions of your possessions. The app electronically stores all your information, which also keeps the information safe from the hazards that might invite a claim.

Use Checklists

Not comfortable using a smart phone? A little advance preparation can still streamline this task. For example, inventory guide checklists can walk you through the process of cataloguing the purchase price, date of purchase and serial numbers for all your belongings (be sure to take pictures or videos of each item).

Check Your Coverage

Once you’ve gone through and catalogued your valuables, you’ll want to assess your current coverage. Homeowners insurance typically offers two types of personal property coverage – Actual Cash Value, which covers replacement costs minus depreciation (the decrease in an item’s value due to age, condition, or other factors), or a Reimbursement Provision, which covers the actual amount it would take to replace your belongings at the time of the claim.

To review which type you have, look at your policy declarations under “personal property.” You also might want to talk to an agent or financial adviser to make sure you’re properly protected.

Keep Your Records Safe and Up to Date

Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to store your home inventory and related documents (e.g., sales receipts, appraisals, etc.) in a safe, easily accessible place – whether it’s online, on your computer or in a fireproof or safe-deposit box. Consider sharing a copy with friends, relatives and your insurance provider. And be sure to review and update your inventory annually, or whenever you make a significant purchase.

By taking advantage of all the tools that can streamline a home inventory, you will know exactly what you own, what it is worth and – even if misfortune strikes – you’ll have quick access to critical information that can take the edge off recovering all your stuff.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

But what about your car? It too needs attention before it’s ready for the cold weather and slippery roads. Here are some things you can do to prepare your vehicle for safe driving during the winter.

Check the Tires and Battery

Your vehicle’s tires are all that protect you and your family from the dangers of slick and icy roads. Make sure they have the right air pressure (your spare tire, too), since improperly inflated tires are more susceptible to skidding. Ensure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

Use the Right Oil

Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t be as effective in keeping your engine lubricated. Your owner’s manual can tell you which oil is best for your climate in the winter months.

Keep an Emergency Kit on Hand

This is even more important if you’ll be travelling through areas where it might snow. Your emergency winter kit can include blankets; warm clothing; sand, cat litter or traction mats; a small shovel; a flashlight with fresh batteries; warning flares or triangles; drinking water; and anything else you might need in case you get stranded.

Go 50-50 on the Antifreeze

According to Edmunds.com, a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator will help prevent freezing, even at extremely cold temperatures. If your mixture is off, your cooling system should be drained and refilled or flushed.

Keep Your Tank Full

When the tank is nearly empty, a temperature shift can cause condensation on its walls. If this water drips into the gas and eventually the fuel lines, it can freeze up and block the flow of gas to the engine.

Warm up the Engine

In cold weather, start your car two to three minutes before you plan to drive it, since racing a cold engine can cause damage. When starting a car on wet, icy or snow-covered pavement, use a light but steady touch on the gas pedal and ease off if your wheels start to spin.

One last thing before you go: Monitor weather forecasts (on the Web, radio, TV or newspapers) and avoid driving in storms or other hazardous conditions. No matter how well you winterize your car, sometimes it’s best for you and your family to stay safe and warm in your own home.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

While adding a teen driver to your policy may increase your auto insurance rates, there are several things you can do to affordably insure your teen drivers. Consider these potential cost-saving options when you get ready to let your teenager drive.

Think Safety When Buying a Car

If you’re planning on buying a car for your teenager, you may qualify for discounts if the car has a good safety rating, as well as airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and automatic seat belts. These safety features can reduce your insurance rates and also give you the comfort of knowing your teen is driving a safe vehicle. 

Use Safe Driving Bonuses as Incentives

Some safe driving programs offer up to five percent off your six-month renewal bill as long as the driver’s record remains clean. Consider sharing the savings with your teen as a reward—and a positive reminder—to slow down, stay off the phone and remain focused on driving only.

Take Advantage of Good Grades

Want another “carrot” to dangle in front of your teen driver as incentive to get good grades? Tell him or her that maintaining a B average or better may qualify them for premium discounts that can range from 10 to 25 percent. Like the incentive for having a clean driving record, sharing the savings in some way with your teen can be a powerful incentive to keep those grades above average.

Slowing Down Could Save Money

Speeding tickets may increase your rates—perhaps substantially. If your teen gets a speeding ticket and your state has a ticket forgiveness program, make sure he or she attends the traffic school. It may spare you a rate increase, and more importantly, can make your teen an even safer driver.

Explore Options with Your Agent

There may be no better way to maximize premium savings for your teen driver than sitting down with your insurance agent to discuss options. Would it be less expensive to buy a car (and a separate policy) or add him or her to the policy of a car you already own? If you own two vehicles and don’t plan to buy a separate car for your teen to drive, would it be more affordable to add him or her to one car only? If so, which one? Your agent can help navigate these types of questions to make sure you get the lowest rate possible while still protecting your family with the insurance coverage that best suits your needs. Consider including your teen driver in the meeting with your agent—hearing firsthand from an expert in the field may help reinforce how their driving can impact what the family pays for auto insurance.

Watching your teen take that big step toward adulthood as a new driver can be a milestone in both of your lives. With some planning with your insurance agent, it should be a time you’ll remember fondly—and one that didn’t take too big of a bite out of your budget!

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.

But leasing isn’t for everyone. Studies show that leasing is more expensive for most drivers than buying a car over a 10-year period.

So should you lease or buy? What’s the right choice? Before deciding, you should know that leasing is like renting. When the lease expires, you give the car back. If it’s in good condition and you’ve complied with the lease terms, you usually owe nothing. But you also own nothing, so you will have to buy or lease another car. In some cases, you have the option to buy the car at the lease-end price.

Leases can be tricky, especially with new options such as shorter lease periods and low monthly payments. But, if you 1) typically trade in your car every few years, 2) don’t pile up too many miles and 3) like having the latest and greatest tech features, then leasing might be for you.

Start by finding a reputable dealer you’re comfortable working with. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. For example, be aware that advertised lease rates do not include sales taxes and other charges such as your down payment (called the drive-off fee). Interest rates and your car’s mileage also will affect your total costs.

Here are the key questions to ask when negotiating your leasing contract.

What is the lease term? Make sure your lease term does not exceed your bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage.

What is the maximum mileage you can drive during the lease term without having to pay extra? A typical lease will allow you 36,000 miles for three years and charge you 15 cents per mile after that. That can really add up if you’re a road warrior.

Does your contract include gap insurance? Gap insurance covers the difference between what your car is worth and what insurance companies will pay if your car is totaled.

Does the lease require a large down payment? If the low monthly payment seems too good to be true, it’s probably because your drive-off fees are high.

Once you’ve covered the basics, use this helpful calculator to get a better idea of your actual leasing costs. If the numbers add up and you like the idea of having a new vehicle every two or three years with no major repair risks, leasing can work for you.

Disclaimer: The author is affiliated with Allstate Car Insurance. SocialMoms was not compensated in any way for this article. This article was edited by SocialMoms staff to meet our editorial and quality guidelines.