10. The i-pad is our friend. With everything from e-books and preschool apps for Liam to games that keep the teenager happy, to kindle reads for me and some fun and helpful location apps, the ipad has become one of the most important things to have around. We even used it to go online and book our hotel room on the way down here, because we didn't know in advance how far we'd get.
9. Overpack for the littlest one... the diaper bag is your friend - if you think you'll need 4 diapers for your excursion, pack 8... one bottle will do, pack two - especially when traveling by air the hardest things to get your hands on are baby items!
8. Get organized - I found a great wallet that was big enough for all of the passports and such - so all of the travel documents stay together and were easily accessible at the border - they'll also be easy to manage on our way home.
Even if you're not traveling far from home, these tips can help...
7. When heading out for the day, fill your reusable water bottle with ice cubes and then add water around it - your water will stay cool and fresh longer and you'll maximize how cool you can keep it.
6. Prep the night before for early mornings... you don't want to feel rushed and anxious - that's when you forget something - so take the time to get ready before you head to bed and you'll sleep better knowing you're prepared!
5. Stock your fridge with other great beverages for on the go - like Seattle's Best Coffee iced latte - you'll be prepared and save money at the same time if you buy in multiples - and even better, right now you can click to save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!
(I love to take these wonderful liquid treats with me when I'm heading out to the park with the kids... a great way to do something for myself while making sure the kids have a fun and exciting day! I just wish I didn't have to wait until next week to be back home in Charleston to have one...)
4. Plan your route... especially important while trying to get maximum errands run with minimum fuss and three kids ... and take the time to stop and check out a park or play area to keep both you and the kids from burning out... I try to combine errands in the same part of town with an activity that the kids love to do so that it's a win-win for all of us.
3. Have a back up ... I have had the occasion to leave my diaper bag in a restaurant ... not my finest hour, but I didn't have to worry because I always keep a small bag with diapers, wipes and a change of clothes for the boys in the trunk of my car for just such an emergency... the only caution with this one is to make sure you keep it up to date ... too small diapers and outfits won't help you.
2. Keep some fun surprises for the kids... I have a few little treats in my glove box - a new matchbox car for Liam, a teething toy for Erik and some puzzles for Robyn that if we're really stuck somewhere I can break out...
1. Go with the flow... Murphy's Law regularly puts a kink in my plans, and I'm sure yours too, so just roll with it and remember that it's not the destination it's the journey! And everything's better with an iced latte right?
It’s low calorie: Just 130 calories per can.
It’s affordable: A premium latte for just $1.49? And a 4-pack is an even better deal, at just $4.99.
It’s everywhere: Available in major grocery, convenience and other retail stores.
More info on Seattle’s Best Coffee: http://www.seattlesbest.com
Seattle’s Best Coffee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee
Follow @SeattlesBest on Twitter
Disclaimer: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
