Who doesn’t love a bargain? Perfection would be living in a world where you could name your price for the artful innovations and creations you select to complete your space. Unfortunately, that utopian concept doesn’t yet exist. Design, particularly good design, is usually delivered at a premium, but a skilled designer knows when to splurge or save on specific design elements!
Chandeliers
Lighting can be an absolute game changer when it comes to the ambiance of a room. Whether it’s personality, warmth or grandeur you’re looking to showcase, chandeliers can create them all. BUT, it must be done correctly. The size, material, style and price of these fixtures are as varied as the people who seek them. Don’t dismiss these decorative lighting accessories merely as fancy floodlights, though. In addition to being utterly dazzling (literally and figuratively), they have the added benefit of drawing your eye upwards. Chandeliers often highlight tall ceilings and available space, and they cheat the eye into believing the expanse is greater than it actually is. Because of the numerous favorable qualities, they’re likely to grace the priorities of individuals finishing a room. So, should you splurge or save?
Save!
Now, I’ve debated in many design circles. But honestly, I’ve discovered stunning chandeliers that strongly resemble more costly ones. Plus, those same chandeliers stay in tune with exactly what those particular clients desired. If I can find a gorgeous fixture for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing an ounce of beauty or glamour, it means I get to transfer even more savings to the client. Win-win!
It goes without saying that moms are the world’s greatest multitaskers. Who else can wipe a runny nose, brine a chicken, carefully “lose” a game of hide-n-seek and check for monsters under the bed, all while nursing a newborn? NOBODY, that’s who! Let’s all admit it: moms are superheroes with magical powers hiding in plain sight! Even superheroes and heroines need a few tips on how to increase efficiency every now and then. This series will explore all the ways in which moms balance the realities of maternal bliss and madness!
On MOMMY FRIENDSHIPS
Most of us can agree that our friendships with other moms are priceless. I refer to motherhood as a sort of not-so-secret society of women, and that’s truly what it feels like. Once you become a mother, there are certain things that only other mothers can understand. Having your “mom sorority sisters” around to bond with is more valuable than words can express. This is why maintaining those friendships is so important.
Utilize the Playdate
One of the best tips for preserving friendships with your fellow moms is to take advantage of playdate opportunities. You have a kid, she’s got a kid; why not meet at the park with lattes or bubble tea and have a much-needed chat after a long week on a shaded park bench while the kids have at it? It’s a wonderful time to catch up and destress. The best part is that the kids get to socialize with kids other than their siblings, and that’s always a good thing.
Now, this only works if the kids get along and can play well together. Occasionally you might find that your kid’s temperament doesn’t quite mesh with your friend’s kid’s personality. That’s okay. Kids are people with quirks just like we are. Don’t throw away the friendship; instead, find time to hang out — even if it might be sans children. Remember, the two of you are still uniquely connected by the motherhood experience. There will always be valuable conversation, and the two of you can relate to one another, even if the children do not.
The Age Gap Dilemma
Moms often ask about how to maintain friendships with other moms when their kids are not close in age. Playdates aren’t easy when one kid is more of a “G-rated movie” kinda gal and the other is “PG-13.” This can be a tough one. Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with this one as much yet, as my friends and I all had children around the same time. I have, however, watched other friends maneuver through these situations gracefully. What I’ve noticed is that younger kids often really look up to the older kids and want to model the things they do. Empower the older kids as babysitters or helpers. Incentivize them with toys or a special privilege. If the kids are going to be spending long amounts of time together, consider allowing the older kid to bring along a friend so that they can watch and spend time with the younger kids together. It makes for a sort of double playdate, and everyone’s happy.
Overcoming Obstacles
Of course, getting together with your mommy friends isn’t always this easy. Our kids get sick and spread their germs to everyone. We have multiple doctor’s appointments and extracurricular activities that require careful scheduling. It’s a crazy life! Don’t fret; most moms are more than happy to let you off the hook if your little one wakes up with a case of the sniffles. You might even get an enthusiastic “thank you!” because who wants to deal with a sick toddler unnecessarily?
Hanging out without the kids can also be beneficial, but it can also be difficult. I’ve found that it’s all about finding a rhythm and learning everyone’s system. For instance, I have a friend who likes to turn in early, so we tend to hang out in the afternoon. This is great, because it means I always have a lunch buddy to galavant around with! Another friend and I work closely together, and on top of having fun on the job, we can usually squeeze in leisure activities before or after. I have another gal pal who is all about the pampering, so we try to plan mommy dates to get mani/pedi’s together regularly. Again, not always the simplest, but it’s doable…and worth it!
Friendships with other moms are unlike any other bond. Our changing bodies, tantrum solutions or ear infection remedy conversations couldn’t be appreciated by any one other than another mama. Don’t let a busy schedule interfere with the time you need to be around some of your dearest friends. Work around every hurdle in a smart way and preserve those relationships. You’ll be glad you did.
Every now and then something comes across my desk that restores my faith in humanity, and things feel bright and… possible, again. Today, that “thing” was something that company Fifth Third Bank has implemented that is making waves throughout the corporate atmosphere. It’s called Maternity Concierge.
Most of my readers are women who have children, so I’ll be in good company when I say that often times, making the choice to become a mother is much more complicated than it may appear on the surface. For many women, the journey to motherhood means having to decide whether they’re willing to give up their careers or not. This is because of several factors, ranging from the cost of childcare to the gender pay gap and the unfair biases that surround executives’ decisions regarding the promotion of women and mothers. It becomes this sort of mathematical equation or clever strategy that has to be devised when, in fact, it should only be as difficult as determining whether or not we are capable of doing our jobs well.
It will come as no surprise to most of us that when it comes to families, women do far more of the unpaid work than their male counterparts. Unpaid work is everything, from cooking to cleaning to caring for the baby. All of this, on top of the career tasks, requires women to work harder, longer hours and often for less pay. It’s exhausting.
Fifth Third Bank is quite the anomaly in the corporate world, as 60% of their employees are women. Perhaps that contributes to such a forward-thinking policy. They realized that many of their valued employees were mothers or soon-to-be moms, and decided to meet the unspoken demands. Maternity Concierge is a business that will take care of almost anything mothers need, with the exception of transporting children or pets. They will buy groceries and put them away for you. They will even help plan birthday parties! Their mission is to eliminate the activities that occupy time which would otherwise go towards other life and work activities. It sounds amazing!
A program and service like this is near and dear to my heart because many women like myself opted to continue working after we became mothers. While my path has been an entrepreneurial one, I’ve heard several stories from friends about the prejudices they’ve faced in the workforce simply because they were moms. I’ve watched women lie to bosses or on interviews about being pregnant because they know it would put them at a disadvantage in the eyes of a company. To see a company like Fifth Third Bank recognize that women are capable, intelligent beings who actually work harder because they are mothers, not in spite of the fact, brings such joy to my heart.
I say it all the time, and I mean it. Moms are the toughest humans I know. We work hard to keep things together in our homes, and then we show up with excellent work performance in our careers. I’d say that’s something every company should value and celebrate. Great job, Fifth Third!
Busy on-the-go moms are almost always in search of time saving tips. Moms rank pretty highly on the list of the “most selfless”; that should come as no surprise, seeing as how they devote so much of themselves to their children, families and those around them.
When you spend the bulk of your day looking after little ones, it can be difficult to devote dedicated time to yourself. Moms with newborns are sometimes lucky to even get a shower regularly! Imagine trying to put together whole outfits and be trendy while sleep deprived and chasing little feet around the house. Impossible!
Why caftans?
With two young children and a career that pulls me in multiple directions several days of the week, I’ve learned the best ways to make the most of every minute and beat the clock! Fashion has always been a love of mine, and I’ve perfected my own style that doesn’t always follow the trends. I didn’t want to have to sacrifice looking amazing for being an amazing mom. Caftans (or kaftans) were the answer to my conundrum!
Caftans are flowy garments, usually somewhere around ankle-length, with long sleeves though styles may vary). They come in all colors and different fabrics. Caftans are ingenious because they’re a one-piece outfit: no hassle about finding perfect pants, camis, blazers, etc. You just throw it on over your head, and you’re done! I can be in the middle of a hectic day, throw on a caftan and some oversized sunglasses, and look like a million bucks. They’re lifesavers for sure
Need versatility? Caftans deliver. They can also be quite dressy. Some of my favorites are adorned with beautiful jewel tones and gorgeous embellishments. I’ve worn them out and about to meet with clients, and I’ve even worn some of my more ornate and formal caftans to red carpet events.
If you find yourself struggling to keep that work-life balance without giving up a bit of yourself, stop fretting about what to wear each day. Caftans are short on time and long on style. That’s the kind of outfit I can get behind!
Most parents are familiar with the phrase “helicopter parenting”. For those that aren’t, it’s a slang term for overparenting. The phrase references how kids would explain their parent’s sometimes overbearing, “hovering” presence. Get it? Hovering like a helicopter?
Helicopter parenting is a real issue that many of us avoid talking about for any number of reasons, but several psychologists see families each year because of dilemmas thought to be associated with parenting styles and children’s responses to them. I’d say the topic is worth discussing. My children are still pretty young, so some of you will have much more to add to the conversation than I will. But every parent will have something to contribute.
The Complex Reality of Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parenting has several layers, but it is most notably (if not broadly) defined as a parent’s desire to be excessively involved in the life of their child, to shield them from painful experiences and to aid in their path to success. On the surface, none of that sounds all that bad, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to be an active participant in their child’s life? None of us want to see our kids hurt or struggling to get ahead, so this all seems and sounds reasonable enough. The last few sentences you just read are the exact reasons some parents use to justify their helicopter parenting style. This way of child raising doesn’t always yield the greatest results, though.
The first step is often to get right to the root of your own beliefs and where they originated. I took a look at my own parents’ child-rearing style and assessed the effect it had on me as I was growing up. My mom and dad varied greatly in their parenting styles. Dad was much more laid back, while Mom definitely over-parented. Some of my memories elicit a chuckle from me, while others make me cringe with 12-year-old embarrassment all over again.
My “Helicopter” Parents
I remember being a kid and wanting to walk to school along with all my friends, and having that request rejected time and time again. Mom never felt it was a safe enough option for me despite most kids my age doing it every day! She monitored my friendships to make sure she approved and liked who I was hanging out with. I wasn’t allowed to watch PG-13 movies until after the age of 13. Now, I know what you’re thinking: That’s what the rating means, Breegan. I get that, but I would attend slumber parties with girls my age and have to leave early because I was the only one who couldn’t watch the scheduled movie that evening. Other times, the room would groan in disappointment at the announcement that we would have to change the movie to something no one wanted to watch because of my mother’s rules.
At year 13, I was a freshman in high school. The impact of my parents’ helicopter parenting began to show up in my behavior. My life felt a bit like that of Baby in Dirty Dancing. I found myself in a friend group with the misfits. We’d get caught up in not-so-great situations, and I see now that I was so naive.
Looking back, I really wish I’d had more trust and respect from my parents, but I can also look at the situation from the perspective of a parent myself now. My mom parented me that way because her mom and dad parented her that way. I was so much of her world that maybe it was even a little unhealthy. As a parent, you develop this instinctual need to protect your kids, and some of it is indeed out of fear. It isn’t hard to understand how that could lead to overparenting.
My Parenting Style
I’ve given a lot of thought to the way I want to parent, and it might surprise you. Even before the boys were born I wanted to decide for myself how they would be raised. As with everything else, I researched it all. As I talked about in this blog, a few studies I read found that the more bonded and loved a child feels at a young age, the more independent he would grow up to be. Because of the future I wanted for my children, I made the very conscious decision to co-sleep and to wear my babies everywhere when they were young. I decided to reject the idea of any one of the modern conventional parenting styles, and instead to go back to the drawing board.
So, what does that mean, exactly? Simply put, it means remembering that my children need healthy independence, but also balancing that with boundaries. It’s a learning experience for both them and me. Both of my children love the water, so we spend an enormous amount of time at the pool. Kensi has discovered a love for leaping from the edge towards me, often without warning. Of course, my gentle admonishment follows, but he’s a toddler.
When he last decided to test mommy’s limits and dove head first into the pool, I was right there, but I intentionally let his head go completely underwater for three seconds before I caught him and pulled him up. Does that sound extreme? Maybe it is, but he needs to learn that if mommy isn’t there to catch him, unfortunate things could happen. He has to learn what his own fears are. That’s one of the ways kids establish their own boundaries and limits. We can’t shield them from everything and then expect them to know how to conquer the real world without us.
For All of Us Parents
Helicopter parenting for many is an impulse that is difficult to block. We want our kids to be safe and to flourish. While I’m not a proponent of neglectful and uninvolved parenting styles, I do believe in granting children just enough room to learn and grow. A great parent seeks to find the balance between the two and tailor it to their children in a way that specifically benefits them. Above all, remember that you’ll both be learning throughout the entire process, you and your child. As I’ve been told, that overparenting temptation never quite wears off, so take it easy on yourselves, moms!
What’s your parenting style? Did your parents raise you similarly? Discuss in the comments below!
I can think of few things more important to a young child than a healthy, positive self-image. In a world where campaigns are needed to counteract bullying, stereotypes and racial profiling are accepted as the norm, and even respected politicians exchange insults regularly before our eyes, a strong sense of identity can be a challenging concept to master. How do we teach our children the answer to the “who am I?” questions when the messaging in media is anything but constructive and favorable?
Like any mom with a heavy bias, I believe my kids are the cutest on the west coast. They have a richly diverse genetic background with ancestry that spans the globe. They also have beautiful brown skin, and being their mother has made me aware of the need for extra attention when it comes to the media they consume. I want them to see positive images of themselves — not just on television, but in books also!
It occurred to me while preparing this blog that in 2018, it isn’t solely about little black boys seeing these beautiful illustrations of themselves in books they read; it is equally as important that the personal libraries of all children include them! I’m proud to say that in our home, my children read books that have female, blond-haired heroines just as frequently as stories with broad-shouldered Polynesian warriors with tan skin who just happen to be male. Requests for bedtime reading have no particular preference; in fact, The Little Mermaid tends to be a favorite!
I am extremely deliberate in my choices to find books with characters that resemble my boys—with their brown curls and bronze skin—because it isn’t the norm. Walking into the average boutique or bookstore won’t result in numerous book covers with their faces displayed at every end cap. If we wish to change the negative perceptions that exist for certain groups in our world, we must be sure that our kids are receiving the correct communication regarding the subject. Little white girls and boys should have books with characters that look like their black friends and Asian friends and Cuban friends. We must be intentional with imaging for all children of ALL backgrounds. Let’s strive to normalize diversity; after all, once our kiddos step outside our doors, the world is colorful. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Here are a few great books featuring black boys and black characters to expand your personal library and begin the path to inclusion. I’d also like to know some of your favorite books! Share them in the comments below.
I love this book. At the heart of it lies the very important value of self-acceptance. The main character in the book is teased because he looks a little different from other kids in his world. His hair is curlier, and his skin is darker. He just wants to be like everyone else. His mother helps him discover how beautiful he really is. It’s a book about self-esteem and the unique things that make us all special. I think you’ll find that the theme of the book goes beyond the subject of race.
This book follows Joshua and his neighborhood friends as they experience adventure after adventure. Joshua’s mother talks to him about the stars and what it means to be brilliant: “you are like a star that lights everything in every way…” Joshua is determined to be amazing in all of his endeavors, and it shows with school, athletics, etc. His mother knows his future is bright and promising, and he enjoys exploring every ounce of his potential. It’s a book about reaching for the stars, and every little brilliant brown boy will love it!
This book reads like a warm hug. The title really says it all. The story is full of beautiful scenes of family showing love with tasty food and loving embraces. The special relationship between little Jay Jay and his grandmother is especially highlighted. Beautiful illustrations and comforting storyline that makes for an awesome bedtime (or anytime!) story.
These are just a few of the books in my boys’ library. Do you have any really great book recommendations that reflect the fun and bright futures of black kids and characters? I’d love to get your thoughts in the comment section below.
If you didn’t get a chance to see our live show on Awestruck TV yesterday, you missed a treat! We wanted to be open and honest (as we always are) about “Sex After Baby” because it’s a subject that is often hard to approach in public — or even with close family and friends! But it’s a healthy and necessary conversation to have, so we decided to have it!
We tried to debunk all the myths, from all angles. We even had a couple of guys come on the show and chime in with their thoughts! Hey — they go through and process the situation along with us moms, so we felt it important to get their voices and opinions. I’m so glad we did; we all had a blast and learned so much from each other.
We created Mom Life Yo to have heartfelt conversations like these that should be happening more, and with more moms and husbands involved. Someone had to start talking about it; why not us? That’s Mom Life, Yo!
So here’s your second chance to join in on the fun we had yesterday. Just click the link below and listen now!
Has anyone ever looked at all the people you’ve dated and told you that you have a “type”? If yes, you’ll understand what I’m about to share with you. By now, everyone knows that I’m a busy mama who always has her hands full with a couple (dozen) projects all at once. Because of that, I’ve learned to delegate responsibilities wisely, and that often means employing a team to help with professional endeavors.
In all the years of doing this, I never even considered that my hires all had a certain thing in common, until this person walked into my work life and the differences were… distinct.
(names have been changed to protect the innocent, lol)
He was a he. A male. A white, twenty-something man.
I know what you’re thinking. What’s the big deal, right? Greg was capable, enthusiastic; he was everything I needed in an employee. He simply didn’t match the descriptions of people I’d hired before. That’s when I realized I had a type. An employee type.
Up until this point, I’d always hired women. Black women, white women, mixed women… I never cared about their ethnic backgrounds. I only cared that I would be able to empower them in some way and hopefully teach and share with them what I knew. I didn’t discriminate.
Or did I?
Greg stepped off a plane straight from living in Thailand, and right away the aspects of my job that seemed unremarkable to me became suddenly extraordinarily prominent. He stood at the doorway as we reviewed my schedule for the day, and I applied my makeup. I was shocked at how immediately self aware I became. Is this weird? I wondered. I’m putting on makeup in front of a male assistant, and the kids are running in and out of the room. We continued on with business, and I shook the feeling off. Over the course of the next few months, Greg proved to be a wonderful assistant. He was energetic, efficient and a quick study. I had no complaints about his work performance, but uncomfortable situations continued to arise. I started second guessing myself more and more.
We were preparing for my son’s birthday party when I realized I’d forgotten to buy Kingsley a crown. Once I realized it, I picked up my phone to contact my assistant about going to pick it up. Just as I was about to start dialing, I paused. Is a guy going to feel strange shopping for a crown? Is it going to be odd when he drops it off at the party? And then it hit me: I would have never even thought twice had he been a woman! I would have seen a need, called her up to make the request and continued with the contractor. That was my wake up call. These thoughts and worries I’d been having weren’t useful. In any other situation, getting ready for the day with my makeup while simultaneously feeding one kid and wiping the other’s nose would simply be commonplace. Why was I treating him differently just because he was a man?
Days later, Greg and I were in the car on our way to the site of one of my design jobs when he struck up a conversation about his girlfriend. He told me that over dinner the previous evening she mentioned to him how unique and “huge” it was that he was working for me. When I inquired further, he told me that his girlfriend was a chef and had given him a little background on how difficult it is to be a woman in the restaurant industry. She was impressed that he was working for me, a female designer, and that we were opening a restaurant for a female chef. He told me that it all sort of hit him at once because he’d never considered that anything was exceptional about our working relationship.
I was blown away. The tables had turned. He was a white man with a successful black woman boss. In that moment, I realized that this was a small taste of what it was like to be in the reverse situation, the one with the much more common dynamic; yet, he hadn’t felt the least bit uneasy. He was simply doing his job, all of it — sending me iMessages of photos of gold birthday crowns, taking notes while I selected which shoes I would wear, handling materials shipments — it was all just a part of the job that any other assistant would do.
So many lessons resulted from my time working with Greg. The first was an introspective one. I didn’t need to put unnecessary layers of worry on working with someone based on gender. I use good judgment when hiring members on my team. That’s all that needed to matter. The other? It was that my little piece of this world could be and would be impactful. How wonderful is it that Greg would not go further in this world with the negative bias of men being “king” in the design or restaurant world. His only experience thus far could potentially normalize ideas about women and their roles in all areas of the workforce. A female CEO, chef or interior designer could become the expectation instead of the exception.
Greg had shifted my paradigm, and I, his. I’m hoping 2018 will bring about more of that. It’s a lofty goal, but it’s one I’m willing to take on. Here’s to changing the norm — and ourselves — across all industries.
Dear Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, Friends, Besties and anyone else who is thinking of a gift for me this holiday:
Recently a post came across my feed from Charity: water, a non-profit organization I have loved and followed for over 10 years now. I’ve continued to follow this particular organization because it holds a very special place in my heart.
I was first intrigued by the founder’s story. Scott Harrison was a regular guy whose band broke up as quickly as it started. He soon realized show promoters made much more money than the actual band members, which kindled his career as a promoter. He began making money hand over fist marketing New York’s top nightclubs and elite fashion events. But a lavish lifestyle, spacious midtown loft and full bank account didn’t satisfy the longing in his heart to do something that mattered, to live a more meaningful existence. Scott knew there was something more to life than making money.
With that, he signed up to volunteer as a ship photojournalist on a floating hospital. Scott’s work and travels allowed him to put faces to global poverty statistics. He spent time with lepers and in remote villages that had no electricity and running water. These experiences instilled in him a drive to help others and to be a conduit for charity that made an impact.
Something about Scott’s story felt relatable to me. I know that most of us cannot change our entire careers to start a fully non-profit organization. But we can all do what Scott did: something. He was an average guy, a very approachable person, who hadn’t lived a perfect life. But he wanted to use his life to make change. I’m sure it was probably challenging, and I’m most certain that it was inconvenient. But to use Scott’s words, it was practical. And necessary.
What I love about Charity: water is that the organization uses 100% of all donations for water projects, which doesn’t necessarily happen with all charities. Private donors fund office operations, so people who contribute can know that all of what they send is used solely to fund clean water projects. This has allowed Charity: water to create over 24,000 clean water projects in 24 countries, and help over 7 million people get access to have local, clean water supplies. That simply makes my heart smile.
So to my family and friends who have me on their holiday gift list: first, thank you for wanting to give me a gift this holiday. I love that I matter to you in that way. I would never want to take away your ability or desire to give to me. Whatever you thought of giving, be that some new gadget, a beautiful scarf or gift cards, it would bring me much more spiritual joy and happiness if you would consider giving that amount of money to Charity: Water. As much as I love a nice gift or gift card, I sincerely don’t need anything.
But there are so many people around the world who do.
My life is rich and full simply because you are in it, and I truly mean that. When things are good and when they’re bad, I’m blessed. I have clean, running water to use whenever I want. The fact that so many people on this planet don’t have that basic life essential is mind-boggling to me. But I have and will continue to do something about that.
During this holiday season when we are all reaching down into our pockets to show others how much we love them, I’d prefer any portion for me to go toward helping others who need it so much more.
I’m a busy mom (but aren’t we all?). I have two sons with energy for days and practically two speeds: stop and lightning. That lifestyle combination typically requires a great deal of quick thinking and quick moving. It also requires a lot of quick eating options that don’t involve a hefty amount of time, thinking or “stuff” to pack. If you keep up with my blog, you know I don’t do a lot of extra daily packing, especially when it comes to the boys. I pack the Eat-Poop-Sleep essentials, and that’s it. When it comes to having the boys with me while I’m out running errands or taking them out to enjoy family time, my out-the-door routine consists of simple, healthy options that are easy for me to pack and simple for the boys to consume. Here are a few things my boys enjoy that I don’t mind putting together for them.
Fruits and Veggies
One of the best by-products of not doing a lot of cooking in my home is having my boys grow up loving fresh fruits and vegetables, and that is very helpful when considering on-the-go snacks. I can easily pack an avocado and a small knife, slice and core it, and dice it into cubes for the boys to enjoy while out. Avocados are super nutritious; they’re rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (GREAT for the body), antioxidants, fiber and a host of vitamins. And my kids DEVOUR them!
Strawberries and bananas are also great for quick toddler snacking. I slice a few up, place them in a baggie, and let the kids have at them when they need a little yummy in the tummy. Bananas can get mushy if sliced; I recommend keeping them in the peel and handling them when it’s time to eat them. Grapes are also easy and delicious fruits, and it may be a good idea to slice them, also, to avoid any potential choking situations.
Nuts
Depending on your child’s age, various nuts can be a great snack en route. My boys love almonds, so I keep a bag with me when we’re out and about. Also high in unsaturated fats, nuts are a great source of protein, fiber and other essential minerals. If I don’t have any nuts on hand, I can substitute that with organic almond or peanut butter and a couple of spoons. It’s practically the same thing, and it’s still easy for my kids to snack on.
Packaged Snacks
As a mom, I’m not averse to packaged snacks, but I try to find alternatives to greasy, salty varieties. I tend to opt for things like trail mix, which, depending on the ingredients, can be very healthy and satisfying without added calories and sugars. I look for mixes that have energy-dense ingredients to keep my boys alert while we’re out. Those have the added bonus of keeping them moving until nap time!
My chip-alternatives center around Pirate’s Booty snacks. They’re like a healthier version of Cheetos, and they’re a household favorite. They’re tasty, light, airy and not fried. Rather, they are baked and have simple ingredients instead of a bunch of preservatives. That makes me feel good about what my boys are eating. Such is the same with fruit leathers, or dehydrated fruit, as many know them to be. They’re chewy and sweetened with natural sugars, not heaps of added sugars.
Drinks
Beverages can be tricky, especially in the possession of little fumbling hands. Smoothies are a regular item for us. When I know we will be out on the cargo bike, I’ll let the boys help me make them, and I give them the job of holding on to them while we ride. It’s cold, refreshing and they’re none the wiser that they’re actually drinking their fruits and veggies. Plus, smoothies are filling, so I know they won’t be starving or whining for lunch time if they split one with me. Along with natural fruit juices and filtered water, smoothies keep my boys and me hydrated and smiling.
Snack Hacks
On my quest to manage food and efficiency with my boys, I’ve learned a few hacks that may make planning your kid snacks a little easier.
If your child still drinks milk, don’t worry about packing it and trying to keep it cold (and DEFINITELY don’t let them drink it warm). Instead, pack the bottle or sippy cup and have it filled at a restaurant on the way. Most places won’t charge, but even if they do, you’ll pay a minimum price for the exact amount you need.
If you have two kids like me (or more), be sure to bring two of everything. The “me too” syndrome is REAL. My boys like different snacks, but as sure as I pack one for each, they’ll both want the same thing. Save yourself the hassle and pack more than one.
I try to use sugary snacks like fruit snacks or the occasional lollipop as incentive treats. I make sure my boys see me pack them, and I let them know that they can have it if they’re super well-behaved, or if they’re quiet while I’m on a call, etc. Works like a charm.
Don’t pack delicate fruits for the day. One unfortunate incident with raspberries taught me that sturdier fruit that can handle a little movement will always be better.
Save yourself the hassle of bagging things up by purchasing pre-packaged snacks from places like Sam’s, Costco or Smart & Final. They sell many snacks in bulk, so you’ll save money per snack and save time in the end.
Avoid the stickies and messes by arming yourself with baby wipes. Lots and lots of baby wipes. They’re good for cleaning virtually any mess, and they’re not just for kiddie bottoms. Trust me on this one.
Packing snacks for your kids doesn’t have to be a chore. Consider your kids’ taste buds and some of these suggestions, and make life simpler and more enjoyable for your family.
These are just a few of my tips. What are some of the things you do and snacks you pack for days out with your kids?
