Favorite Road Trip Essentials

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

The past few days I've been out of town celebrating my mom's birthday.
I had quite a bit I needed to bring and instead of flying I decided to road trip.
So since I just went on a road trip, I thought it'd be perfect to share
FIVE ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS!!!

COMFY CLOTHES
If I'm going to be sitting in the car for hours,
comfy clothes and shoes are 100% necessary.
I aim to be in pants with a stretchy waist,
a loose fitting top and shoes I'll be comfortable in.
I like to keep a light jacket handy too if it gets chilly.

Pants: Old Navy Compression Capris,
American Apparel Shiny Leggings and BP Essential Leggings
 Tops: Mossimo Loose Racerback Tank and Mossimo Long and Lean Tank
Shoes: Chuck Taylor Sneakers and Old Navy Classic Flip Flops

SNACKS/DRINKS
On road trips, I hate stopping unless I have to.
Instead I try to bring as much with me as I can.
It's easier, cheaper and most likely healthier too!
If I bring enough healthy snacks with me,
it most likely prevents a fast food stop!

Fresh fruit or veggies that are easy to eat like apples, grapes and baby carrots.

And to treat yourself throw in granola bars, pretzels and some gummy bears too.

Regular or Iced Coffee is an absolute MUST for me!

And it's not pictured but LOTS and LOTS of water too.

You've gotta keep your body hydrated while driving folks!

If coffee and water isn't enough for you,

bring along a yummy green juice or grab a smoothie!

GPS/DIRECTIONS
Getting lost on a road trip is never fun.
If you have a phone with GPS - use it!
If your phone doesn't have GPS,
look up directions before departing
and keep a map with you for the drive!

Waze and Google Maps

GOOD MUSIC
Listening to music makes any drive faster for me.
Long or short drive, it doesn't mater.
And I love a good mixed CD for a long road trip too.
There's just something about jamming out in the car
that makes a long boring drive much better!

Some of my favorites at the moment are....
Alabama Shakes Always Alright 
Andy Grammer Honey I'm Good 
Carly Rae Jepson I Really Like You 
George Ezra Budapest 
Jason Derulo Want To Want Me 
Little Big Town Girl Crush
Maroon 5 Sugar 
Meghan Trainor Dear Future Husband 
Sheppard Geronimo
Walk The Moon Shut Up and Dance 

THING TO PASS TIME
Make sure to plan ahead to have things to pass the time!
If you're traveling alone listen to a podcast, books on CD
or even safely (read: using bluetooth) call a friend!
If you have a travel buddy - play a fun game,
like the License Plate Game or even Mad Libs!

License Plate Game and Mad Libs

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April's blog from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Favorite Picnic Recipes!!!

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!

And again, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.

Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Now that it's Spring and the weather is getting warmer,
I bet a lot of you will be spending much more time outside.
So today I though it'd be a great time to share
FIVE FAVORITE PICNIC RECIPES!!!

I have made every recipe below at least once.
They can be enjoyed both in the comfort of your own home,
but also on a fun outdoor picnic with family or friends!

1. Quinoa Broccoli Cheddar Bites

These are great either hot or cold.

And can even be made a few days in advance!

2. Chopped Italian Salad

If you won't be eating this right away,

I'd suggest keeping the dressing and salad separate,

and tossing right before you're ready to dig in!

3. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken - 3 Ways!

Another recipe that can be eaten hot or cold!!

I'll be honest and I actually prefer the chicken cold.

And with three different options - you can please multiple palates.

4. Quinoa Apple Salad

This is just one of the many quinoa salads I make on a regular basis.

They're so easy to make, super filling and incredibly tasty!!

You can see a few more here, here and here.

5. Homemade Hummus and Pita Chips

While store bought hummus and pita chips are good,

there's just something about homemade that makes them better!!!

And as a bonus, I'm giving you a SIXTH recipe,
which is a mighty tasty and fun little dessert!

6. Strawberry Shortcake Push-Up Pops

Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April and Christina's blogs from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!

Kansas City FUN with Auntie Mommy!

I've been meaning to post about this for awhile,

but I was pretty busy the last few weeks

 and LIFE kinda just got in the way.

About a month ago, I had the pleasure and privilege

to watch my two adorable nephews for about a week.

My brother, his wife and my niece were headed out of town

and they needed someone to watch the boys.

When they asked me I instantly said "YES!",

and pretty much started planning immediately!

Keep reading so you can hear all about my AMAZING trip to Kansas City!!!

It's me - the person who blogs about a lot of the food she makes,

so you better believe I made some yummy food while I was there!

I took some recipes I have made numerous times, 

but made them a little more "kid friendly" for the boys.

A few of the things we ate were: Baked Mac 'n Cheese and broccoli, 

Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt, Pulled Pork Sliders with Waffle Fries 

and finally Pancakes, Bacon and Fruit for our Breakfast Party!

Now that I've showed you the yummy food, 

let me show you some of the fun we had!!!

First off - look at this guy!

I can't believe he's a Kindergartner now!

A little Auntie Robyn and Logan selfie fun!

I mean - look at that smile!

Gavin getting off the bus.

Such a little man now!!

Bike riding fun after school.

And look at his awesome helmet!!

Being silly before school.

Dancing and singing in the car on the way to the airport.

He got PINK at school!!!

Pink is the highest color on his behavior chart,

so I was a proud aunt that day!

Gavin did homework and Logan colored.

And then....

They became SUPERHEROES!!!

Can't get enough of that pose OR the baby feet!

There's not much cuter than this!

Logan and I went on a playdate with a gal I met in Kansas City last year.

We went to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in nearby Overland Park,

and then hit up Pig & Finch where the kids won over the chef with their cuteness!

With it being Fall, the leaves were just starting to change.

And Logan LOVED to collect them when walking to the bus.

At Gavin's request, we did Make Your Own Pizza one night for dinner!

And of course one must wear their superhero cape while cooking. 

Be still my heart.

Loved this view so much!

Almost as soon as I was asked to come watch the boys,

I knew I wanted to make a Welcome Home banner with them.

One day when Gavin was at school, Logan and I made a trip to Hobby Lobby.

A few hours later, during Logan's nap, I put the banner all together

and had the boys add their own special touch!

Both boys loved eating their Fruit Kabobs!

After refueling on fruit, we went outside to play with some friends.

Bike riding, sidewalk chalk drawing and then this happened...

A selfie series in front of the garage!!!

And you can't forget the fun we had making foam figures!

Gavin is such a great big brother and was super helpful 

because this project was a little advanced for Logan.

We already had lots of fun, 

but it didn't stop there...

I wanted to do something extra special one day, 

so I decided I'd throw a little Breakfast Party on Saturday.

I stayed up late on Friday to decorate the kitchen

and set out special place settings for both boys.

They didn't know what to think when they woke up,

but soon dug into their little craft packs while I whipped up

a little feast with bacon, pancakes, fruit and orange juice.

Oh and lots of coffee for me!!!

After we got cleaned up from breakfast,

I gave them both a little present from my parents.

Then we kept busy playing with a race track I drew using leftover banner paper.

And yes, Gavin is wearing a Storm Troopers costume! 

When we got up from naps and quiet time,

it was time for more fun so we went outside

and blew bubbles with a giant bubble wand!

They were being extra adorable on the stairs one morning,

so of course I had to document their cuteness.

And man, Logan's got some serious moves!!

Last but not certainly not least, 

Ninja Turtle Gavin out front with the rope swing.

Now that you've read all about the adventures I had with Gavin and Logan

you're probably confused and wondering about the title of this post.

Well - let me tell you!

A few days into me watching them, I woke Logan up from his nap

and instead of calling me Auntie Wobyn like he had been,

he called me Auntie Mommy and gave me the biggest hug!

I thought it was the cutest thing and it melted my heart.

I love those boys more than I can describe

and was honored to have been able to take care of them.

Hope you enjoyed the little glimpse into the fun I had in the Midwest.

Organic VS. Not!

A few months back, one of my friends mentioned on Facebook
that she was going to start buying more organic goods.

Before reading her post, I was already buying organic.
Especially when it came to produce, dairy and meat (when possible).
When shopping, I pay close attention to the Dirty Dozen,
but even if it isn't on the list and I can get organic, I tend to.

After reading her post, I got inspired for this post!
I decided it'd be fun to track what I buy on a weekly basis,
and see how much is organic vs. how much is not!

So without further rambling from myself, take a look below
at a few examples of my weekly grocery trips over the last weeks!

10 Organic VS. 5 Not

14 Organic VS. 11 Not

13 Organic VS. 17 Not

13 Organic VS. 12 Not

12 Organic VS. 9 Not

So as you can see from those above examples, 

I almost always buy more organic than not.

I know it costs a little bit more, 

but I feel better about consuming organic foods vs. not.

Why you may ask?

Simple - GMO's, pesticides, antibiotics, etc. 

If you want to know more,

I found this site is very helpful and informative!