Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Make Your Own Chip-Zel-Pop
Last Christmas my best friend gave me the best gift ever-a canister of Chip-Zel-Pop. What's Chip-Zel-Pop, you ask? It's only the most delicious snack ever. If you love sweet and salty you'll love Chip-Zel-Pop. There are a few downsides. The canister is $21. (If you can find it at Home Goods or a similar store you can pick it up for about $12.99.) And the 20 servings they claim on the website is just not true. Chip-Zel-Pop is just the kind of snack where you can easily sit down and eat half of the canister without even noticing.
I found myself talking about Chip-Zel-Pop on Twitter a few nights ago and it was stuck in my head ever since. I was planning a trip to the grocery store and the idea that maybe I could make my own got stuck in my head. I had to try.
I spread out rippled chips, pretzels and popcorn on a tray lined with waxed paper. I then melted chocolate and caramels in the microwave at half power. (I added a little milk to the caramels to help them melt.)
I drizzled the melted chocolate and caramel over everything and popped it in the freezer for a few minutes. Once everything had a chance to set up I flipped it all over and drizzled again on the other side to make sure everything got a good coating. I found a little white chocolate in the pantry and decided to add that, too. It all went back into the freezer for a few more minutes. Once everything was set I put it all in a plastic zipper bag. I dropped the bag on the floor a few times to break everything up a bit.
This is so close to Chip-Zel-Pop! I bought everything I needed to make it for about the cost of one canister at Home Goods and I still have enough supplies left over to make it again two more times. (This was also spontaneous, so no coupons or hunting down the best deals like I would normally do.) I used popcorn from my hot air popper, but I actually think if I did this again I would use a bag of microwave popcorn or at least add a little butter and salt. The popcorn tasted like it was missing something. This is just as easy as Moose Much, but I think I like it even better!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
#BakingFail
I had a family reunion this weekend. According to my best friend I have one a month. Not true...we only have two a year, one in the winter, one in the summer. Adults are expected to bring a little something to the reunion, so for me this means baking.
At our mother's day get together I made cake pops and those were a big hit. I also wanted to make some chocolate chip whoopie pies. Seemed easy enough, both things I had made before. Sadly, my baking chi was off and nothing went quite right.
Have you ever had chocolate seize on you? There's no turning back from that. I had a bowl of lumpy thick mess and no way to get a properly coated cake pop.
My experiences in the kitchen Friday night are why I spent the rest of the weekend getting take out...
At our mother's day get together I made cake pops and those were a big hit. I also wanted to make some chocolate chip whoopie pies. Seemed easy enough, both things I had made before. Sadly, my baking chi was off and nothing went quite right.
Have you ever had chocolate seize on you? There's no turning back from that. I had a bowl of lumpy thick mess and no way to get a properly coated cake pop.
I had over 40 cake pops ready to dip and no way to get them coated. I gave it a good try, but there wasn't going to be a way to make them presentable.
To add insult to injury this happened at about 10:30pm. I couldn't even run to the store and pick up more. I had about half a bag of green chocolate in the pantry so I was able to get about a dozen cake pops done in green. The rest went into the freezer to save for another day.
The whoopie pies should be easier, I thought, and color me surprised when even they proved difficult. I had to bake the cookies in two batches. Surprise, surprise...one batch came out under done, one was over done. I decided to put one of each no each whoopie pie. My cousin Melissa tried one at the reunion and swore that the two differently cooked cookies balanced each other out and they were delicious. I'm still not sure she wasn't just trying to make me feel better.My experiences in the kitchen Friday night are why I spent the rest of the weekend getting take out...
Thursday, June 23, 2011
New Ways to Connect
You can now follow As The Bunny Hops on Facebook. Click here to like my page.
You can also follow me via Networked Blogs, Twitter and Google Friend Connect.
Thank you so much for visiting As The Bunny Hops!
You can also follow me via Networked Blogs, Twitter and Google Friend Connect.
Thank you so much for visiting As The Bunny Hops!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Can You Spare A Minute?
I once had a coworker look at me and say, "You know Amy, you don't work harder. You work smarter." I must have given her a puzzled look because this was immediately followed by, "It's a compliment, I promise!" And you know what, she was right. (Well, sort of. I do work hard!) But I am always looking for the easier way to do something. No long and winding roads for me. I'm more of a straight line kind of girl. Here are a few of my favorite tips to save time. Hopefully one or two of them can save you a few minutes in your busy day!
Make a list. (And check twice if necessary.)
I am really into list. I have little pads of paper in my purse, on my fridge, at my desk. I even keep digital post on my laptop. Making lists is my first line of defense in staying organized. And isn't staying organized the key to finding more time for yourself? When you don't have to remember what you needed to pick up at the grocery store because you have it written down you can zip in and out. This is instead of staring aimlessly at the aisles trying to remember the one thing you came in the store for in the first place while standing over your already full cart!
Let someone else do it.
Let's face it, we are all interesting and fascinating and totally unique creatures. And yet there's nothing we haven't encountered that someone hasn't encountered before us. The internet is your friend. Need a packing list for your next vacation? Trying to prefect your chocolate cake recipe? Just do a quick search. There is going to be a post somewhere from someone else who just packed for the same trip who can let you know what you need. There are only a few billion chocolate cake recipes. Check out a few. (And report back.) You're sure to find what you need without starting from scratch and you'll also save a little time in the process.
Clean up your act!
I can credit and old roommate for this habit of mine. I used to get well meaning lectures every time I coooked about cleaning as I would go. "Why are you stacking the dishes in the sink? It would take the same amount of time to put them in the dishwasher." And of course she was right. I started doing it just to avoid the lectures. Now I continue to do it because it really does save time. Mom was right-cleaning up as you make a mess is the right thing to do!
So you gotta have friends, right?
I don't know how many times I've come across one of my friends slaving away on a project all by themselves without asking for help. Unless we're talking about something you just love to do, don't be afraid to ask for help. I will happily help any of my girlfriends plant some flowers, cook dinner for a sick friend, pick up their kids from school. But I don't know if you need the help unless you ask. So ask away-there could be someone out there who's happy to help and free up some of your precious time. Just don't ask too often. And please note, if you need help moving I'm busy. ☺
You deserve a break today-and every day.
Lots of people think the way to get things done is to push through until it's all finished. But if you're so tired you are just dragging you're no good to anyone. Taking a break for a cup of coffee, a cat nap or even a quick run to the store can help you refresh and re-energize. You'll be more productive and save time in the long run. So enjoy that cup of Starbucks guilt free, knowing you're going to do better work after your break.
Plan for the future, today!
I have a friend who constantly teases me about how far ahead I think about food. But really, isn't cooking one of everyone's biggest time gobblers? (Pun totally intended.) Planning meals ahead of time, doing doubles of things that will freeze nicely, and having a stocked pantry will all save tons of time down the road. (Also, please feel free to invite me over for dinner on lasagna night.)
Kids don't always know it's work, bless their hearts.
I remember when I was young and naive and thought things like scrubbing toilets were fun. Ah, youth... Well, take advantage of that. Kids are taught that chores are to be dreaded and avoided. Try to get in as much help as possible while they don't know any butter. Hand that child a duster and tell them to enjoy themselves. OK, so they don't always do the best job, but they're great for in-between cleanings and really can be a big help. So put those kids to work!
Make your smart phone a genius phone.
Are you an appaholic or are there things you don't even know your phone can do? Spend some time checking out the features of your phone and learn what special tricks it can perform. After all, a phone as only as smart as you make it. There are tons of time saving apps available, just search around. Better yet, ask your friends for their favorites!
No is a complete sentence.
I know plenty of moms who say yes to everything. They'll say yes to making cupcakes for the party. Sure, they'll pick up everyone after dance class. And make all of the gifts for the teacher appreciation celebration? Why not? OK, for the record-yes is a good word. Some people really do need to say Yes more often. But if all you ever say if yes you will get more and more requests and eventually have no time for yourself. So remind yourself that you can say no when you need to say no. And that it's perfectly ok to not do it all!
Make your priorities a priority!
Everything has differing levels of importance. Some things you need to get to right away. Some things can wait. Prioritizing things can really help you get a handle on what you have to do, what you want to do and what you need to do. I've found sometimes that by the time I get to whatever is the lowest priority on my list it's not really something that needed to be done in the first place.
What are your tips for savings times and getting the most out of every day?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Make a list. (And check twice if necessary.)
I am really into list. I have little pads of paper in my purse, on my fridge, at my desk. I even keep digital post on my laptop. Making lists is my first line of defense in staying organized. And isn't staying organized the key to finding more time for yourself? When you don't have to remember what you needed to pick up at the grocery store because you have it written down you can zip in and out. This is instead of staring aimlessly at the aisles trying to remember the one thing you came in the store for in the first place while standing over your already full cart!
Let someone else do it.
Let's face it, we are all interesting and fascinating and totally unique creatures. And yet there's nothing we haven't encountered that someone hasn't encountered before us. The internet is your friend. Need a packing list for your next vacation? Trying to prefect your chocolate cake recipe? Just do a quick search. There is going to be a post somewhere from someone else who just packed for the same trip who can let you know what you need. There are only a few billion chocolate cake recipes. Check out a few. (And report back.) You're sure to find what you need without starting from scratch and you'll also save a little time in the process.
Clean up your act!
I can credit and old roommate for this habit of mine. I used to get well meaning lectures every time I coooked about cleaning as I would go. "Why are you stacking the dishes in the sink? It would take the same amount of time to put them in the dishwasher." And of course she was right. I started doing it just to avoid the lectures. Now I continue to do it because it really does save time. Mom was right-cleaning up as you make a mess is the right thing to do!
So you gotta have friends, right?
I don't know how many times I've come across one of my friends slaving away on a project all by themselves without asking for help. Unless we're talking about something you just love to do, don't be afraid to ask for help. I will happily help any of my girlfriends plant some flowers, cook dinner for a sick friend, pick up their kids from school. But I don't know if you need the help unless you ask. So ask away-there could be someone out there who's happy to help and free up some of your precious time. Just don't ask too often. And please note, if you need help moving I'm busy. ☺
You deserve a break today-and every day.
Lots of people think the way to get things done is to push through until it's all finished. But if you're so tired you are just dragging you're no good to anyone. Taking a break for a cup of coffee, a cat nap or even a quick run to the store can help you refresh and re-energize. You'll be more productive and save time in the long run. So enjoy that cup of Starbucks guilt free, knowing you're going to do better work after your break.
Plan for the future, today!
I have a friend who constantly teases me about how far ahead I think about food. But really, isn't cooking one of everyone's biggest time gobblers? (Pun totally intended.) Planning meals ahead of time, doing doubles of things that will freeze nicely, and having a stocked pantry will all save tons of time down the road. (Also, please feel free to invite me over for dinner on lasagna night.)
Kids don't always know it's work, bless their hearts.
I remember when I was young and naive and thought things like scrubbing toilets were fun. Ah, youth... Well, take advantage of that. Kids are taught that chores are to be dreaded and avoided. Try to get in as much help as possible while they don't know any butter. Hand that child a duster and tell them to enjoy themselves. OK, so they don't always do the best job, but they're great for in-between cleanings and really can be a big help. So put those kids to work!
Make your smart phone a genius phone.
Are you an appaholic or are there things you don't even know your phone can do? Spend some time checking out the features of your phone and learn what special tricks it can perform. After all, a phone as only as smart as you make it. There are tons of time saving apps available, just search around. Better yet, ask your friends for their favorites!
No is a complete sentence.
I know plenty of moms who say yes to everything. They'll say yes to making cupcakes for the party. Sure, they'll pick up everyone after dance class. And make all of the gifts for the teacher appreciation celebration? Why not? OK, for the record-yes is a good word. Some people really do need to say Yes more often. But if all you ever say if yes you will get more and more requests and eventually have no time for yourself. So remind yourself that you can say no when you need to say no. And that it's perfectly ok to not do it all!
Make your priorities a priority!
Everything has differing levels of importance. Some things you need to get to right away. Some things can wait. Prioritizing things can really help you get a handle on what you have to do, what you want to do and what you need to do. I've found sometimes that by the time I get to whatever is the lowest priority on my list it's not really something that needed to be done in the first place.
What are your tips for savings times and getting the most out of every day?
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Green Kitchen Ideas
My house is only 5 years old, but I already want to make some changes. There are some things I love like my cabinets and my appliances. I chose energy efficient appliances and some great cabinets. (I actually want to add more cabinets as soon as possible!) I also hope to change out the countertops to a solid surface and switch the floor from tile to bamboo.
Clorox Green Works has a series of videos hosted by Carter Oosterhouse including a segment on kitchens. I was excited to hear about countertops made from recycled materials. I will definitely be checking those out. I also hope to set up a better system from my recyling and perhaps start composting as well. (We shall see on that last one!)
Check out the videos for yourself! And let me know what your favorite tips and tricks are for creating a greener home.
This post was written for a chance to win a Green Works prize from Mom Bloggers Club.
Clorox Green Works has a series of videos hosted by Carter Oosterhouse including a segment on kitchens. I was excited to hear about countertops made from recycled materials. I will definitely be checking those out. I also hope to set up a better system from my recyling and perhaps start composting as well. (We shall see on that last one!)
Check out the videos for yourself! And let me know what your favorite tips and tricks are for creating a greener home.
This post was written for a chance to win a Green Works prize from Mom Bloggers Club.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Soap and Science
I am a huge Steve Spangler fan. How can you not love someone who makes science cool and fun? (I grew up watching Mr. Wizzard.) I also love his book Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes.
One of my favorite experiments in the book involves Ivory Soap. Ivory soap floats because it's whipped and has tiny pockets of air inside. The book recommends multiple experiments with Ivory including checking Ivory's claim. (Yes, it does indeed float!)
The really fun part requires a plate, a bar of Ivory and your microwave. Cut the bar into fourths and place one forth of the bar on a microwave safe plate. Microwave for about one minute, watching the whole time.
And this is what you get! How cool is that? Keep in mind that is just one forth of a small bar of Ivory soap. The texture is now flaky and makes great bath confetti.
What are some of your favorite "around the house" science experiments?
Friday, June 17, 2011
{Closed} Custom Tutu Giveaway
To celebrate my new home at http://www.asthebunnyhops.com I'm sponsoring my first giveaway! You have a chance to win a custom tutu from my Etsy home, Lilac Bunny Shop.
You can win an Angel Tutu, which is white tulle with your choice of accent ribbon. If you are the winner you get to pick the size from infant to age five and pick your choice of ribbon.
Mandatory Entry
Additional Entries
Please leave a comment (or comments) for each additional entry you complete. For twitter entries please leave a link to your tweet. (You can get the direct link by clicking on the time of your tweet.) This giveaway will end on July 1, 2011. Make sure your entry includes a way for me to contact you!
To thank you for being a friend of As The Bunny Hops, enjoy 10% off any purchase at Lilac Bunny Shop with code BUNNY.
Giveaway open to everyone. Winners outside of the US will be given a $5 credit for shipping.
You can win an Angel Tutu, which is white tulle with your choice of accent ribbon. If you are the winner you get to pick the size from infant to age five and pick your choice of ribbon.
Mandatory Entry
Become a public follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect and leave a comment below telling me what tutu is your favorite from Lilac Bunny Shop. (Or what colors you'd like to see added!)
- Tweet about this giveaway: 1 entry (No more than 1 tweet per hour) Tweet
- Follow me on Twitter @lilac_the_bunny: 1 entry
- Share this giveaway on Facebook: 1 entry (1 time per day)
- Add my shop to your Etsy Circle: 1 entry
- Add my button to your blog: 10 entries
- Blog about this giveaway: 10 entries
NEW
- Like my Facebook page: 5 entries
To thank you for being a friend of As The Bunny Hops, enjoy 10% off any purchase at Lilac Bunny Shop with code BUNNY.
Giveaway open to everyone. Winners outside of the US will be given a $5 credit for shipping.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Things I Love-June Edition
I am so excited about my new SodaStream! I was planning to ask for this as a Christmas gift, but impatience and a good deal won the day. I just love this machine. So far my only complaint is the Diet Pink Grapefruit flavor taste too much like pink grapefruit. (I was thinking Fresca, which really doesn't tastes like grapefruit at all.) The Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime and Diet Cola flavors have all been delicious. And it's just plain fun to use. This has the potential to be one of my go-to gifts during the holidays.
My rhinestone fish ring makes me smile. If you had asked me if I would wear a rhinestone fish ring I think my answer would have been no. But that's before I saw it and fell in love. How can you not laugh when you have a rainbow fish on your finger?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Make Your Own Moose Munch
This is so insanely good and insanely easy you're going to hate me when you try this. ;)
I start out with Crunch & Munch Caramel. You could make your own caramel popcorn*, but I'm trying to do something really easy. Not to mention Crunch & Munch is pretty inexpensive and there are plenty of coupons available.
Just spread the Crunch & Munch out on a tray lined with wax paper.
Melt chocolate or dark chocolate flavored candy melts in a double boiler or the microwave. (Microwave is my choice-just make sure you melt at half power.)
Drizzle the Crunch & Munch with the melted candy melts and pop into the freezer for just a few minutes.
After the candy melts have hardened you'll have a snack that is a really close replica of Moose Munch, but for a fraction of the price. Enjoy!
*If you really want to make your own caramel corn to use as the base, a really easy way to do this is to cook a package of caramels, 1 Tbsp of water, 3 Tbsp of butter until melted, add peanuts and air popped popcorn, coating well, and bake the whole thing spread on a cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 300 degrees.
I start out with Crunch & Munch Caramel. You could make your own caramel popcorn*, but I'm trying to do something really easy. Not to mention Crunch & Munch is pretty inexpensive and there are plenty of coupons available.
Just spread the Crunch & Munch out on a tray lined with wax paper.
Melt chocolate or dark chocolate flavored candy melts in a double boiler or the microwave. (Microwave is my choice-just make sure you melt at half power.)
Drizzle the Crunch & Munch with the melted candy melts and pop into the freezer for just a few minutes.
After the candy melts have hardened you'll have a snack that is a really close replica of Moose Munch, but for a fraction of the price. Enjoy!
*If you really want to make your own caramel corn to use as the base, a really easy way to do this is to cook a package of caramels, 1 Tbsp of water, 3 Tbsp of butter until melted, add peanuts and air popped popcorn, coating well, and bake the whole thing spread on a cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 300 degrees.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Why My Legs Are Killing Me
Last month I was lucky enough to win an EA Sports Active 2 for my Wii during a Twitter Party sponsored by Subway and hosted by Bookieboo. I was thrilled! This game has been something I wanted to try and I am always in need of some motivation. I thought this game would be perfect!
Now that I've had it for about two weeks, calling it a "game" seems silly. This thing is kicking my butt! When I set up my profile I decided to do the 9 week program on the "Easy" setting. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had chosen anything harder.
The EA Sports Active 2 has introduced me to things I've never done such as planking and taught me that I love things like step. It's pushed me harder than I ever would have pushed myself.
I'm scheduled to work out four days a week, but I confess to having already missed two days. One day I've already made up by doing the workout on a scheduled rest day, plus I did two self-created workouts on some of my other rest days, so I'm feeling pretty good about my dedication to the program.
Is it working? Well, it's too soon to tell. All I know so far is that I've woken up multiple morning with newly sore body parts. (The pain tells me it's working...) I have to say, pushing though on nights that I just don't feel like doing it all makes me feel pretty darn proud. Getting to the cool down can make me want to cry tears of joy. But I'm doing it. And I plan to stick with it. And I plan to complain about my sore legs to anyone who will listen.
Now that I've had it for about two weeks, calling it a "game" seems silly. This thing is kicking my butt! When I set up my profile I decided to do the 9 week program on the "Easy" setting. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had chosen anything harder.
The EA Sports Active 2 has introduced me to things I've never done such as planking and taught me that I love things like step. It's pushed me harder than I ever would have pushed myself.
I'm scheduled to work out four days a week, but I confess to having already missed two days. One day I've already made up by doing the workout on a scheduled rest day, plus I did two self-created workouts on some of my other rest days, so I'm feeling pretty good about my dedication to the program.
Is it working? Well, it's too soon to tell. All I know so far is that I've woken up multiple morning with newly sore body parts. (The pain tells me it's working...) I have to say, pushing though on nights that I just don't feel like doing it all makes me feel pretty darn proud. Getting to the cool down can make me want to cry tears of joy. But I'm doing it. And I plan to stick with it. And I plan to complain about my sore legs to anyone who will listen.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Have a Safer Road Trip
It's the season of the Road Trip. School's almost out and summer vacation is upon us. For lots of us that means packing up the car to head with the family to destinations near and far. Anytime you are going to be on the road it's a great time to think about safety, too. Here are 10 tips to help you get there safely!
1. Change your oil and check your fluids. It's best not to stress your car by going on a long trip without your car in it's best condition. You can't change your oil too early, but you can wait too long, so make sure your car is ready to go with an oil change before your trip!
2. Check your tires. Nothing is a bigger pain than getting a flat-and so many flats are preventable with a patch. Not to mention properly inflated tires are important to good gas mileage. So check the levels in your tires and get any repairs you might need before you head out.
3. Make sure you have a safe windshield! A little crack can quickly become a big one. Scheduling a windshield chip repair is easy! Companies like Safelite AutoGlass provide mobile service – wherever your car is – often within 24 hours of your initial call. The repair often takes just 30 minutes, and the result is barely visible and the windshield is strong again.
4. Unplug if you're the driver. Studies have shown that using your phone, even with a hands free device, limits your attention while driving. It's best to leave the phone calls to whoever is in the passenger seat or while you're taking a break.
5. Check your insurance-will you be renting a car? Find out what your insurance covers if you're in a car that's not your own. Also look into possible coverage from your credit card company.
6. Plan ahead! Do you have your trip mapped out or programed into your GPS? It's not a bad idea to have multiple routes available just in case something comes up. It's always safer to have a backup plan and not need it!
7. Pack safety essentials. Do you have water, a first aid kit, jumper cables and flares in your car? Just like I mentioned in tip #6, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! So pack up your emergency kit and hope it's not used!
8. Provide distractions for the kids. Road trips don't have to be painful. Make sure there are lots of fun things for the kids to do or watch or play with on the way to your destination. If they're happy they're much less likely to be a distraction to the driver!
9. Buckle up! Don't forget to always wear your seat belt. Not only to keep yourself safe but to set a good example for the little ones. And speaking of little ones, make sure they are in safe car seats that have been installed correctly. If you're not sure, ask. Most fire and police stations will have someone on duty who can help you make sure your seat is installed correctly.
10. Have fun! The best part of a road trip is the memories you'll make both when you get there and along the way. So have a great time and don't forget to take some pictures!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
1. Change your oil and check your fluids. It's best not to stress your car by going on a long trip without your car in it's best condition. You can't change your oil too early, but you can wait too long, so make sure your car is ready to go with an oil change before your trip!
2. Check your tires. Nothing is a bigger pain than getting a flat-and so many flats are preventable with a patch. Not to mention properly inflated tires are important to good gas mileage. So check the levels in your tires and get any repairs you might need before you head out.
3. Make sure you have a safe windshield! A little crack can quickly become a big one. Scheduling a windshield chip repair is easy! Companies like Safelite AutoGlass provide mobile service – wherever your car is – often within 24 hours of your initial call. The repair often takes just 30 minutes, and the result is barely visible and the windshield is strong again.
4. Unplug if you're the driver. Studies have shown that using your phone, even with a hands free device, limits your attention while driving. It's best to leave the phone calls to whoever is in the passenger seat or while you're taking a break.
5. Check your insurance-will you be renting a car? Find out what your insurance covers if you're in a car that's not your own. Also look into possible coverage from your credit card company.
6. Plan ahead! Do you have your trip mapped out or programed into your GPS? It's not a bad idea to have multiple routes available just in case something comes up. It's always safer to have a backup plan and not need it!
7. Pack safety essentials. Do you have water, a first aid kit, jumper cables and flares in your car? Just like I mentioned in tip #6, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! So pack up your emergency kit and hope it's not used!
8. Provide distractions for the kids. Road trips don't have to be painful. Make sure there are lots of fun things for the kids to do or watch or play with on the way to your destination. If they're happy they're much less likely to be a distraction to the driver!
9. Buckle up! Don't forget to always wear your seat belt. Not only to keep yourself safe but to set a good example for the little ones. And speaking of little ones, make sure they are in safe car seats that have been installed correctly. If you're not sure, ask. Most fire and police stations will have someone on duty who can help you make sure your seat is installed correctly.
10. Have fun! The best part of a road trip is the memories you'll make both when you get there and along the way. So have a great time and don't forget to take some pictures!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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