Trip Must Haves
We road trip and day trip a lot this time of year! So, I’ve put together a few things that are super helpful when we travel. These are good for kids of all ages!
I pack food. Duh. More importantly, I pack fun food that we don’t normally have. It makes great entertainment and fun, and even works when you need a little bribe. So helpful on a trip. Pre-packaged stuff is handy too!
I pack mess free coloring. So simple, but so handy. And I don’t have to worry about clothes and car being destroyed or crayons melting. They make some awesome mess free goodies now, all are clear to begin and make color on the special pages. Viola!
Pack a bag within a bag. I take a fold up beach bag like this one. We stop to put our feet in the water at the beach? We can throw things we might need in here instead of taking a bigger, bulkier bag out. Anything sandy can be contained here too!
I pack a wet bag! Same idea, but wet suits or shoes won’t make a mess when contained in here!
I pack a few new or not-used-in-a-while toys. Dollar Tree is great for finding inexpensive and fun surprises to pack. This popper toy has been a road trip favorite this year (from Target).
I pack Tubby Todd Baby Fresh Spray. Mom of boys here. They can get real sweaty and stinky. What if we want to stop for dinner? Spray ’em down. Fresh boys! 😉 (you can use this link for 10% off too!)
I pack a portable fan. I’ve got one that clips to the stroller and this one that mists too in the diaper bag. Easy entertainment and so refreshing when we all need it!
I pack this multi travel bottle.
It holds 4 bottles inside. Perfect for sanitizer, soap, lotion, etc, but keeps them small and contained.
I pack our weighted blankets. Our favorites are from Moxie. These make car naps so easy and enjoyable. Aah, some peace and quiet! (You can also use code Jess15 for 15% off here!)
Hope these are helpful! Happy road tripping!
Also, if you want my bigger list of toddler travel must haves, see the post here!
XX,
Jess
The Best Chex Mix
I have it. The Best. Chex. Mix. Recipe.
I promise.
This recipe has been a family tradition since we were kids, and still is today for my kiddos. Its super easy and EVERYONE is a fan. We freeze a couple bags and it serves family, friends, guests, and gift recipients all season long. And is always welcomed.
I hope you all enjoy like we do!
1/2 c. Butter or Margarine
1 1/2 tsp. Seasoned Salt
4 1/2 tsp. Worchestershire Sauce
Sprinkle of Garlic Powder to taste
2 c. Corn Chex
2 c. Rice Chex
2 c. Wheat Chex
1 c. Cheerios
1 c. Pretzel Sticks
1 c. Mixed Nuts
1 c. Mix Cereal
Heat margarine at 250° in shallow roasting pan until melted. Remove and stir in seasoned salt and worchestershire sauce. Add cereal and nuts. Mix until all pieces are coated. Heat in oven 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. Spread to cool.
Best part is, it doubles well! Make a double batch and use a large pan. Easy!
Let me know what you think!
Jess,
XX
Easter!
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend! We sure did here. We had a small family dinner at our house and then did some yard work. Very festive, I know. I thought I would share with you our Easter table!
Notice anything different? How about that table? Yes, I finally tried the Restore on it! It worked so well, I think I’m in love! It did not removed the weird patterned spot, so the table is still not perfect, and probably never will be. But, it is so much better! The Restore really does a great job on scratches and scuffs. Anyways, how about the Easter setting? Jeremy even helped to decorate some eggs! I blew out real eggs so that we can save them for next year!
Here is one of Jeremy and I:
Here are the three generations of women in our family who came:
What did you all do for the holiday? 🙂
Meet Gilligan
Last night Tony came home after a farewell party for our friends, to wake me up in a very odd way. “I found a creature and he needs us to take care of him. Can we keep him?” Yes, its like having a little kid in the house. I, half asleep, was a little concerned. “Here,” Tony said, “stay there and I will bring him to you.” Before I could say a word he was bringing a box into the bedroom to show me his new friend. This got me up and out of bed quickly. He’s so lucky I’m an animal lover. I peered into the Busch Light box (nice, eh?) and saw a fairly large salamander! I was a bit surprised, but after some convincing I helped to set up a temporary home for the little guy. A rubber tote, some dirt and a water bowl. Back to bed.
Meet Gilligan:
Tony is on his way to the pet store today to find out if we can keep him, and how we would go about doing that. I think he really wants to be able to keep the little guy (just like a kid, huh? 🙂
A Stumper
We have a question for any of you creative minds out there. Our dog bowl and food situation is currently in need of fixing. I am one of those hiders. Everything should have a place and be kept out of site. So, this is, of course, driving me nuts.Â
Currently, there is a gap between our refrigerator and our stove. The landlord would like to someday add another cupboard in between, which I can’t argue with because it would also give us more counter space (always good). But, for the time being, we are using the gap as a space for a mat and the dog’s food and water bowls. This I don’t mind too much; the bowls are out of the way and accessible. The real problem is what to do with the food bag. We have a little drawer specifically for the dog, which holds his bones, treats, and brushes, etc. We were buying small bags of food that would fit in the drawer, but they are a waste of money. Now that we have upgraded to the large bag, we do not know where to keep it.Â
Not so funny story: I thought I would smartly store it behind the door to the basement steps. Then last night it came crashing down, and what sounded like loud rain was the entire giant bag of dog food pouring down the stairs!
Here is the current situation:
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Does anyone out there have a better looking solution? I can’t wait to get the ugliness hidden! 🙂
Romeo says hi and thanks for any help!
Make Mine Eclectic 