Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Car Trip Organization Tips

Car Trip Organization Tips (with kids)


Going on a road trip? Me too! We are always traveling to, and from, with long hour car rides in between. I was tired of being crammed into the car with no foot space left by the time we got everything in. Just when we think we have enough stuff crammed in Christmas gifts, and other random buys happen. So I have taken into careful consideration for all these things. We drive a Honda Accord, and with 4 people in the car for 9-12 hours you want to avoid hearing the "are we there yet" from the back seat. Traveling with kids can be a hassle, so lets make it easy on them, and on you!


1. Console Garbage Can

You might not have this as your #1, but for us it is a big yes! As the passenger in the front seat I usually end up keeping a plastic bag at my toes, and a collection of things makes its way around the floor until we arrive at our destination, and can toss it all out. You want to avoid the struggle that comes with it by keeping it all neat and tidy. The console garbage can attaches securely, and goes into the designated location of the car making it effortless. All you have left to do is dump it out at your fill-up stops. It is no longer bugging you, or restricting your leg space.

You can find these on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01NBYS5U9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1










2. Seat-belt Pillows


I have tried many forms getting comfortable in a car, and on a plane. For me it never works, so I have focused on solution. Not only are plane pillows awkward to carry, but I find they hurt my neck. Maybe that's just me, but in that event I suggest these small pillows that attach to the seat belt. It is one less thing bulking up the back seat providing you with extra room! They are small enough, but big enough to make a difference in your comfort. I would prefer to bring this on a plan and rest it on my tray table. It will take up less room on your carry on.

You can find these on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B079BBT82T/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3. Travel Tray


That brings me to my next point, travel trays. If you kids love to color in the back seat, this is a great thing to have. My daughter was young and colored on the seats of the car, it was irritating. She is much older now, but still loves to color, and we highly encourage it! just not on the seats. Use these trays for their coloring needs, and can also be great for eating their snacks and having a place to put it all down. Some are equipped with a drink holder. The side pockets are also excellent to place your kids crayons! The great part is they are so small you can store them under the seat when not in use.

You can find these on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B074QWKPBH/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A4VEPOKQC4SVA&psc=1


4. Back Seat organizer


Having back seat organizers can massively make a difference. Storing things vertical is the way to go! I use this technique all over my house, why not do it in the car to? You can find organizers to suit your families needs. For my family I went with this option because it gave me a bit of everything we need. It holds the kids tablet so they can watch movies as if its a mounted tv. It has a pocket for their Nintendo Ds to switch up what they are doing to pass the time. The larger pocket provides a great place for coloring books. You can fit some pencils in it, note pads, a book, and snacks to keep them well fed, and toys. The style I got also has a carabiner to hang an umbrella from. This is all the objects that clutter up that middle seat, leaving you with more free space.


You can find these on Amazon at: at:https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0180PTWIC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


5. Storage cargo net

I bought one of these with 3 pockets, and loved it so much I bought a second. I have one facing the front of the car, and the second facing the rear. This gives me a total of 6 pockets to store whatever things I need. These use the space above your console, and go virtually unnoticed in that empty space. They are a great location for things like baby wipes, snacks, drinks, sun screen, and bug spray.

You can find these on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073YD7GQG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

6. Hydration Bladder


In our car there is a pocket on the seat behind the organizers, and I fit the water bladders in the pockets. The straw is long enough to reach the front seat, as well as the back. You don't need to carry multiple water bottles and use up all your drink holders. This is like having a fountain in the car, and you can drink it as needed. Fill it with Ice and it should last a long time. the one I am using is 2L of water. Another option is to store it under the seat.

You can find these on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N7HOA6S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

7. Back Massager

If you have a bad back like me, you know the struggle of sitting in one place for an extended amount of time. in order to make the ride more manageable, this does the trick. They knead your back to loosen up the tightness that has built up from sitting down. I did research on them, and the one I found was highly recommended out of the options. So I gave it a try and love it! 

You can find these on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06XCNTNKL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1




That is all I have for today, I hope these tips were helpful. If you liked this blog please let me know, and I will make more to share my advice with you!










Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Versatile Living/ Packing Tips

Versatile Living/ Travel Packing

A good chunk of us struggle with wardrobes, from organization, to finding the right thing to wear. I am going to help by sharing some of the tips I have learned on making a versatile wardrobe that is great for traveling light on long vacations, to everyday living. I took the time to do intense research on my solutions because I want the best for myself, and for you!

Key Pieces

1. A Versatile Dress

It can be worn 10+ different ways. Your style can go from day, to evening with just one dress. The dress transforms for your custom style, and the occasion you need it for. Whether it be a night out on a hot date, a family event, a casual walk in the park. The dress will have you covered. These dress can be bought in multiple colors, but they can run pricey. I suggest doing your research before making any commitments, and taking size charts into consideration in order to get a great experience. The dress I went with was found on Amazon, and I ordered it in 2 different colors to have a variety.
You can also find the Revolving dress, that can be worn as a shirt as well!


Transforming dress:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075R4TMYR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Revolving dress/ Shirt:
https://www.encircled.ca/pages/how-to-wear-the-revolve-dress


2. Versatile Earrings (Jackets)


Looking for a way to minimize the mess of jewelry you have cluttering up your night stand, or dresser top? Try getting a pair of simple stud earrings, and using "Earring Jackets" They slip onto the backs of earrings, and give you two styles with one earring. You can change it up quick and easy, and keep the style you want fresh.

Check out this youtube video on Earring Jackets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP7ET-eynSE


3. Versatile Shoes/ Purses


Do you end up bringing multiple pairs of shoes on your vacations, cramming up suitcases, and does your boyfriend complain your closet is full of shoes? Do you have trouble finding ways to store them? Well I have a solution for you! Ditch all the built up unnecessary collection! By now you are probably looking at me like I am a dragon with 3 heads, but I will assure you I have a plan so stick with me!

Get yourself a pair of plain beige flats, and a pair of black plain flats. Then... You can add "shoe clips" also known as "shoe bling" They can be hard to find, but easy to make. Take your favorite set of gem earrings, and put a shoe clip backing on them. You will have beautiful fashion filled shoes, and can change the style as many times as you want, freeing up your wardrobe space, and making you feel like you have a celebrities wardrobe, but at a way better price! This will also work with heels, boots, and you could even use the clips on purses!

You can find a good variety of these at: https://www.etsy.com/ca/search?q=shoe%20clips



4. Versatile Skirt

If you are one of those people who spend their time in the office, but by night find yourself out with friends for a fun night, you need to be able to change it up quick. A versatile skirt is a staple in your wardrobe if you wear skirts often.

5. Versatile Pants

A good pair of black leggings will go with just about anything from casual to a night out. It steers away from crazy colors, which makes things hard to match. You want to find a pair that looks classy, but comforting.

Another good piece to have is a pair of black skinny jeans nicely fitted. When you are not going for the loose fitted look it is a perfect way to change it up.

6. Versatile Scarf

A scarf can be worn multiple ways. You can wear it as a vest , or with the right length, you could wear it as a skirt! Match it up with your favorite belts, and with a basic color you can leave the accents to do the work.












7. Packing cubes

When going on vacation, sort your things into packing cubes, it will be a life saver, and a space saver! I love packing cubes. I bought mine from Amazon, and I couldn't believe the difference it made in my suitcase. You will be shocked at what a change it makes.







Thats all I have for today, I hope these tips were helpful. If you liked this blog please let me know and I will make more to share my tips and advice with you!