Counting Down to Spring Break

After the winter the country has had, we all deserve a spring break. Even if you aren’t going somewhere warm and tropical, we deserve a break from this winter. Maybe you are planning on going skiing, or taking in a fun city (like Chicago), or having a Staycation with the family…whatever you choose to do, it’s nice to know that Spring Break is but weeks away, and even less for some! Until my senior year in college, I never went away for spring break. My how things have changed. 🙂

Some of my very favorite memories…and moments, are from spring break! 🙂

Should You Pack It?

This is a good refresher, even for those who consider themselves “savvy packers”.

If you are going on a Beachy Spring Break

I always bring 2 pair of sunglasses, just in case. And this year I will for the very first time, will be sporting a floppy beach hat! Pic to follow.

Packing List – Fun in the Sun – always good to have options. I am providing Several for a Beachy Break.

One of my favorite beach tips, is using baby powder to get rid of the sand from your skin. While I love the beach, I don’t like being sandy (yes, doesn’t make sense, but it is what it is). Hence, I would throw in a small travel-sized container of baby powder to quickly remove excess sand.

This is so, so clever!

The above 2 infographics are really just for my own amusement. Do not try this at home. Or on the beach. Or on the slopes. And especially Not if you are not of legal drinking age.

Cover bottles with plastic wrap to keep from leaking

This clever trick can be used for more than just spring break!

Going on a City Break?

Snow Break

Cruising!

Round the World

Carry On Bag – I like to use my beach tote as my carry on. #Savvy

Things I’m Bringing Along

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect and Silk Hydration – Sun Screen and after sun shimmer lotion. Can layer with my Bobbi Brown Beach Oil.

Surf Spray for my Beachy Hair

Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance – body oil – I mix this with the lotion and it really moisturizes my skin.

Packable beach hat and cover up

Staycation Ideas

The point of a Staycation is to make it feel as much like a real family getaway as possible, without leaving the comfort of your own home. Thus, to make sure the whole family is on the same page, it is good to start with some ground rules that everyone can agree on. Start with deciding exactly when your vacation at home starts and ends, and then set a few guidelines for what your family may and may not do during this time. These could include all or some of the following:

No smart phone
No email
No computer or video games
No television
No working from home
No worrying
No fighting
Family time only—no independent activities or outside plans
No cooking
No cleaning
No laundry

Take a Virtual Museum Tour-Several amazing museums throughout the country and the world offer “virtual” tours. You can choose from the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Miami Children’s Museum, or even visit the Louvre in Paris or even the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome. Pretty cool!

Try Paintballing or Laser Tag-Invite a few other families to join yours and battle it out for the title of Most Awesome Family. There are paintball or laser tag facilities almost everywhere—use Google to find one nearby.

Visit a Nearby National Park-National parks truly are one of our country’s greatest treasures, and most NPs have a variety of awesome family friendly activities to choose from. After finding a park in your area, first visit the Ranger Station to pick up a Junior Ranger kit, then complete the required number of activities to receive a badge. You can also purchase a Passport to National Parks at any NP gift shop, then collect passport stamps at every park you visit. Most park fees are nominal, but you can also check out this page to find free entrance days.

Enjoy Your Local Theater-Check the local newspaper or theater website to see what plays, musicals, concerts, or family-friendly comedy shows will be playing during your planned Staycation time, then book tickets and plan for an evening at the theater.

Visit a Nearby Amusement Park-While Disney World may not be in the cards this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a blast at a nearby theme park. Check out this list to find an amusement park in your own state or town.

Visit a Local Children’s Museum-If you’ve got younger kids it can sometimes be hard to find activities that the whole family can enjoy, but a great Children’s Museum can definitely fit the bill! Most have a variety of fun and interactive activities that can keep you busy the whole day. Check out the Association of Children’s Museums website to find one in your area, and consider purchasing a Family pass—you can usually get your money back in just two visits.

Visit the Zoo or Aquarium-Who doesn’t love seeing animals? Check out the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to find an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium in your area, then be sure to also check what special programs your zoo has available. Some offer Junior zookeeper programs or opportunities to feed the animals, while some others even allow you to spend the night in the zoo! Be sure to pack a lunch to save on pricey zoo fare!

Check out the Local Library-Most libraries have family-friendly events and activities happening every weekend, and sometimes even daily during spring break and summer vacations. Check your local library website for details.

Major or Minor League Sporting Event-While major league events are a lot of fun, they can get pricey quickly, especially for a family. Luckily almost every city has a minor league team these days, which can give you (almost) the same experience for a fraction of the price! Be sure to check out which days include special events, such as free caps or fireworks for added fun!

Host a Family Board Game Tournament-Invest in a few new board games, then set up snacks and drinks for a marathon board game tournament! For game ideas, check out my family’s favorite board games here, or else just look at Amazon’s current bestsellers.

Go Bowling-If your kids are small, try bumper bowling; for older kids go at night during “glow bowling” times! Many bowling alleys around the country even participate in a free bowling program that allows kids to bowl free and parents to join them for just a few dollars more.

Camp in Your Own Backyard-Why not enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard? Set up a tent and sleeping bags, build a fire (or use the grill) to cook s’mores, and take turns telling ghost stories. Then download the Night Sky app (make sure your device is GPS-enabled first!) to identify stars, planets, and even satellites in the sky.

Tour a Local Factory or Brewery-Is there a large manufacturing facility near your town or city? Most offer tours and even samples of their goods. Check the company website for details!

Visit a Nearby Tourist Spot-Is there an area nearby that always draws the crowds? Even if you normally avoid the tourist traps, every once in a while it is fun to become a tourist in your own town. Make all the cheesy stops and take pictures along the way!

Theme Restaurant or Dinner Theater-Make dining an event! Depending on where you live there may be theme restaurants, dinner theater, or even a murder-mystery dinner train or cruise

Go Paddleboarding or Canoeing-If there is a river, lake, or ocean nearby, chances are pretty good there is also a paddleboard or canoe rental facility nearby as well. Both are a fun way to enjoy the water and test your skills!

Create Your Own Art-Spend an afternoon getting creative at a nearby paint-your-own pottery facility. Not only is it fun, you’ll have your own gorgeous dishes to take home when you’re done.

Get Wet-Spend the day at a local pool or waterpark, or just head to the beach! If that sounds like too much effort, simply set up a slip & slide in the backyard and have a family water day at home.

Tackle a family project-Have the kids been begging for a tree house or wanting to redecorate their rooms? Consider spending your week together working on something to improve your home. You’ll not only bond while painting and building together, but at the end of the week have something concrete to show for your time!

Host Your Own Film Festival-Pick a theme, allow each family member to pick a movie, then get comfortable for a day of movies. Be sure to provide plenty of snacks, and take breaks to discuss and rate each film.

Give Yourselves a Makeover-Do hair and makeup at home, or take a day to go to the local spa or beauty parlor. Complete the new look with a new outfit!

Find a Local Festival-Check your local newspaper or chamber of commerce website to find out what is happening in your town or towns nearby the week of your Staycation. Depending where you live there are often events happening almost every weekend!

Go Golfing-If dad is into real golf, consider spending an afternoon doing a family golf lesson; otherwise, stick to mini golf at a local novelty course!

Play Outside-Go fly a kite, take a walk, go for a bike ride, or take a hike–most state and national parks have at least a few walking, hiking, or biking trails to choose from. Do a little research to find one that fits your family’s athletic ability, then head out to enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t forget to pack snacks and water for your trek!

Source: Living Well Spending Less

What to Wear!

Have jean jacket. Will travel. Seriously, a jean jacket can be paired with everything!

The key here is no Uggs. I think I have seen just about enough of my Uggs. Even if I were going skiing this break, I’d leave my Uggs at home.

Song of the Day: Just a Little Respect by Erasure

I’m so in love with you
I’ll be forever blue
What religion or reason
Could drive a man to forsake his love

I start out writing a short, snappy blog…and next thing I know, I’m at 1700 words and counting! Yikes.

Have a happy weekend! Next week is St. Patrick’s Day and there will be a blog to celebrate it! And what better way to end the blog than a Maxie Moment of the Week! Her favorite color is also Pink!