Nicole Alexandra

Motherhood+Lifestyle

11 Must-Have Kids Travel Accessories For A Smooth Trip

From flights to road trips, these kids’ travel accessories are all items that will make any trip a whole lot easier!

kids travel accessories

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Anyone that’s traveled with kids knows it can be a bit daunting but also exciting! Sure there will absolutely be more planning, packing, and stuff. But I love traveling with my son. Seeing it all through his young and innocent eyes is just everything to me. It really is so much fun!

These kids’ travel accessories will make your trip much more smooth sailing. But first I want to share 2 extra must-have tips when traveling with kids.

2 Tips When Traveling With Kids:

1. Always pack a change of clothes that’s accessible in a ziplock bag

Whether your car is packed to the brim or you’re on a flight, have a change of clothes for your preschooler and yourself just in case they spill or have an accident. Keeping the clothes within reach and in a ziplock bag, also lets you store the potentially soiled clothes in a sealed container.

2. Keep travel toys for travel only

My advice is to not let your little one see or play with the toys, books, snacks, etc. until you’re actually traveling; like in the air or on the road. This makes these things much more exciting for them and lets them stay busy for a lot longer.

Must-Have Kids Travel Accessories:

1. Snacks

Always. Have. Snacks. If you have a child, I’m sure you already know this but here’s your reminder. I like to pack granola bars, nuts, apple slices, string cheese, crackers, and sometimes chips. My child is always down for a snack and if his blood sugar dips, he gets very whiney as he should, so I always keep lots of snacks on hand. If we are having a long travel day or traveling during lunch, I will also pack a pb&j on sprouted bread.

2. Water Bottle

Also, pretty self-explanatory but having your child’s water bottle makes it easy and familiar for them to stay hydrated. And with all the snacks they will be eating, they will obliviously get thirsty too. Water is the best as it won’t be sticky or smelly if it spills and then you can reuse the water bottle when you get to your destination.

3. Head Phones

This is more if you’re flying, but if your child also has an iPad, headphones are great so they can listen but you don’t have to.

4. Books

Children love books, and they’re great entertainment when traveling. I usually opt to bring the lightest of my son’s books for packing reasons. It’s also a bonus for their bedtime routine you they reach your destination.

5. Water Wow

These are little color with water- coloring books. I keep one in my car at all times and even bring it to restaurants sometimes. It’s great because it’s reusable and you just fill the little pen with water. These have been a hit with my son for years.

6. Cars/Figurines/Little Toys

Having a few little toys like matchbox cars can be great entertainment when your kiddo is stuck in their seat for a while. They are small and therefore easy to pack and play with on vacation.

7. Suckers

These aren’t necessary but I do like them for plane rides with my son. He also loves them lol but studies have shown that the sucking action helps keep little ones’ ears clear when the pressure changes during a flight.

8. Paper + Crayons

Simple and classic, I have a small dollar store notebook and a Tupperware of crayons for my son. He loves to color and practice his letters. This also fits well in my purse to take to restaurants or anywhere else for quick entertainment.

9. Sweatshirt

Just as I dress myself in layers, it’s certainly helpful to dress your kid in layers too. That way if they get too hot or cold or back and forth, you have it covered. Keeping them comfortable is essential to happy traveling.

I also suggest bringing a small blanket. I always keep one in my car for my son since it’s not safe for him to wear a jacket in his car seat.

10. Tylenol + Benedryl

I travel with Tylenol and Benedryl in my personal bag. I feel much more comfortable knowing I have both of these just in case an emergency or sickness suddenly hits.

11. The Essentials

One thing I’ve learned as a mama, whether my son is one-year-old or four, I need to have wipes, napkins, and hand sanitizer at all times. Great for messes, sticky hands, disinfecting, blowing their nose, etc.

I hope this list helps make your vacation with your kids less stressful so you can enjoy all the beautiful family memories you’re creating.

Happy Travels!

kids travel pillow

This post was all about the 10 essential travel accessories for kids.

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5 Tips: How To Get Your Kids To Eat A Variety And Try New Foods

With these 5 tips, you can encourage your child to try new foods and eat a variety of foods so they’re eating a balanced diet and you’re only making one dinner.

try new food

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As a Mama, feeding my son a variety of foods has always been a focus for me but to be honest, it also stressed me out. After talking with my friend, she was struggling with the same issues around food; are they getting enough protein? veggies? fruits? variety? etc.

Before I even got pregnant with my son, I knew one of my goals as a parent was to have my children eat healthy and eat a variety of foods. I also did not want to make a separate meal for my child every night for dinner. So here are my five tips for getting your kids to eat what you eat.

1. Start them early

Once my son was able to start eating pureed foods, I gave him a large variety and tried blending any and all the whole foods I was eating. Some of my favorites were avocado, banana, sweet potato, carrots, and really any fruit or veg and I would often mix a few together. I even blended cooked chicken breast at one point and it worked!

The point is, the sooner I introduced him to a variety of foods the better. The more he was exposed to, the more he liked. Now if your child is a bit older, don’t stress, I have some tips below for you.

2. Gradually introduce a new food often

I put the new, unfamiliar food on my son’s plate along with foods I know he loves and will eat. I tell him he doesn’t have to try it if he doesn’t want to but I wanted to include him in what the family is having for dinner.

For example, my son is not big on soup yet so if I’m making soup I will make him a quesadilla, but I will also include a small bowl of soup for him too. At first, he wouldn’t try it. Then he would try a bite and spit it out. Now he eats the noodles but not the veggies or broth.

Sometimes he will celebrate when he tries a new food, “Mama, I ate some noodles, I like the soup!” The point is, we’re making progress without pressure so he feels in control and not like he’s a bad kid for not liking or trying a food.

3. Get them in the kitchen

My three-year-old is my designated sous chef! Most toddlers want to help you out while also exercising their independence, at least that’s what I have found with my son. I set Isaiah up with a stool, and cutting board, and most recently these kid-safe knives. But a butter knife will work too and it’ what we started out with.

We chop our veggies for dinner next to each other. Zucchini and mushrooms are great veggies that are soft enough for him to chop. Banana is another easy food to chop up. He feels proud and independent. Plus it gives him something to do when I’m cooking dinner and he’s more inclined to try the food because he helped prepare it.

4. Don’t give up

My advice is, don’t throw in the towel after a few attempts but don’t put pressure on yourself either. I continue to offer the food I know Isaiah doesn’t like yet, but I encourage him without pressure, to touch the food, smell it, taste it, etc.

For example, I offered Isaiah salmon probably once a month for over a year, and guess what?! One day he ate it, liked it, and now he eats salmon! We celebrated lol! But really, he refused it on his plate the first few times but I never pressured him, instead I modeled for him. I ate the salmon because I liked it and eventually he wanted to try it too.

I have found, the less I make a big deal about things, the more likely he is to try them. My goal is for him to follow his intuition and do what is best for him when he’s ready. That’s why I also don’t make him finish the food on his plate, he knows when he has had enough and is full.

5. Give yourself a break

As my son has gotten older, I’ve gotten more comfortable with my role as his Mama and I’ve stopped stressing so much about nutrition. I still aim to feed him fruits or veggies with each meal but I don’t beat myself up anymore if I don’t accomplish that goal.

My son definitely eats more fruits than veggies and shoot, I need to up my veggie intake too. Here’s a fact I found helpful, most fruits have the same vitamins and nutrients as veggies so if your kid eats a lot of fruit like mine does, just know they are still getting a great healthy boost of vitamins and nutrients.

As mamas, we are trying our best and some days are easier than others. I’m a firm believer that the biggest and best strategy for all ages is to keep trying.

This post was all about tips for getting your kids to try new foods.

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7 Ways To Have A Special Valentine’s Day At Home

Here are seven special ways to have the best Valentine’s Day at home. No fancy expensive dinners or high expectations. Just low-key ways to make yourself, your significant other, and your kids feel the love on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine's day at home

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

I think Valentine’s Day comes at the perfect time of year! The holidays have passed and we’re a little over a month into our new year resolutions and goals. The cold of winter weather is still upon us and the nights are long.

Just when it feels as if there’s not much to look forward to, Valentine’s Day is here! People are filled with love and happiness, there are red and pink hearts everywhere and it can be a day that’s filled with love.

But I’ll admit not every Valentine’s Day has been something to celebrate for me, and in fact kind of a day I dreaded whether I had an S.O. or not. 

single girl valentines day

It wasn’t until last year after doing a lot of inner work, healing, and self-development that I decided to view Valentine’s Day differently.

I used to have expectations from my S.O. and if they didn’t meet them, I was disappointed on Valentine’s Day. As if this day marked their love for me and all the other 364 days of the year didn’t count. The pressure society puts on us, women especially, for what we should be expecting on Valentine’s Day, needs to change. 

So I decided last year that I would use that day to celebrate myself as well as the ones I love. And honesty it has been a game changer for me and this holiday that I know so many of us have mixed feelings about.

Valentine’s Day can also be about celebrating our kids. In fact, when I was growing up, my mom made it a point to celebrate my brother and me every Valentine’s Day. She really made us feel like a million bucks. It was her simple gestures and thoughtful planning that always made me feel special.

valentines day traditions
valentine's day for children

And ever since I had my son, I have made it a point to continue my mom’s tradition and make him feel special on Valentine’s Day too.

Below I share some simple ways to celebrate not only your S.O. but your kids and most importantly, yourself this Valentine’s Day.

This post is all about 7 special ways to have the best Valentine’s Day at home.

Special Ways to Have the Best Valentine’s Day at Home:

1. Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

I know this seems so simple and straight forward but don’t wait to see if you get flowers this Valentine’s Day. Instead, buy yourself flowers. I can confirm it really takes the pressure off if you’re “expecting” them from someone else.

valentines day activities for adults

Bonus tip I started years ago; buy yourself weekly flowers when you grocery shop. You can get fairly inexpensive ones and you’re worth it. I love having fresh flowers on my kitchen island at all times, it makes me happy and it feels good to do something special for myself on a regular basis.

2. Heart-Shaped Pancakes

This idea can be for you, your kids, or the whole family! Most everyone loves pancakes and it’s quite easy to make them into hearts.

Valentine's day at home

I first made these when my husband and I were newlyweds and while I think he could care less, I loved them! They are so cute and festive! Of course, I now make them for my son and he gets so excited and appreciative! You can get the best pancake recipe here.

3. Everyday Smoothie

This is a super easy idea! Turn your daily smoothie into a festive smoothie with simple heart-shaped sprinkles! Simply make your usual smoothie recipe and add red, pink, and white sprinkles on top! Bonus if the sprinkles are heart-shaped.

unique valentines day ideas

4. Homemade Valentine’s Cards

Classic yet so thoughtful, a homemade Valentine’s card goes a long way. My son and I love doing arts and crafts together. As a kid, I specifically remember making homemade Valentine’s cards. There’s something about the colors and hearts that gets me in a good mood

Valentine's ideas for her

I also enjoy coming up with cute and sweet poems to give to my husband and son. A simple, “roses are red, violets are blue” but with your own twist is so very heartfelt.

5. Make and Decorate Muffins or Cookies Together

My son and I love to bake together and he loves decorating with frosting and sprinkles even more. There is something about mixing all the ingredients and helping that kids seem to really enjoy. Let them do most of the work frosting the cookies or muffins with red and pink frosting and decorating them with a ridiculous amount of sprinkles. Or make this easy and delicious chocolate chip blondie recipe to decorate!

valentines ideas for couples

It’s a fun bonding experience and a yearly tradition to do together. My son gets so excited and proud when he points out which muffins and cookies he created. It will be messy but it’s so worth it!

6. Dollar Store Decor and Gifts for Kids

I hit up the dollar store for every holiday. They have great inexpensive holiday crafts and decorations that won’t break the bank. They also have darling small holiday gifts for kids. The gifts don’t have to be anything expensive or extravagant, it’s the thought that counts.

valentines ideas for school
kids valentines day

My mom would set out an adorable heart-shaped box and inside would be a couple small gifts, like a bracelet and stickers. It was the surprise of the gift that made me feel special, not the gift itself. For my son, I do something similar, like a book, matchbox car, ball, or stuffed animal.

7. Date Night In

My husband and I are pros at doing date nights in. We are trying to be better about having a date outside the house every now and again but don’t underestimate staying at home for date night.

There are so many ways you can make Valentine’s day at home special. Simply a movie and take-out may be right up your alley. Or you could make it more romantic by dressing up, lighting candles, and turning on some music.

Whatever you and your S.O. are into, it’s the quiet, quality time spent between the two of you, that shows your commitment and appreciation for your relationship.

Happy Valentine’s Day Friends!

This post was all about the special ways you can have the best Valentine’s Day at home.

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4 Healthy Habits To Start Today

Here are some healthy habits to start so you can feel less depleted and instead, look forward to doing something for you each day.

healthy habits to start

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Healthy habits are a simple yet effective way to build consistency when it comes to your health. As a mom sometimes I can feel overwhelmed and guilty or there’s no time for me. Do you ever feel like that too? I hold myself to high standards as a mom and I strive to be the best mom I can be to my son giving him 100% of me every day. In doing that though, some days I don’t make any time for myself and this can have me feel like my tank is empty.

Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By focusing on small simple habits that you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to maintain the for the long term. n

Today I’m going to share with you a routine so that you don’t get drained. These healthy habits to start today, will give you something to look forward to each day that’s just for you so you don’t have these major burnout moments.

This post is all about healthy habits to start today.

4 Healthy Habits:

1. Wake Up Early

Being the first one up in the morning is life-changing. Some days I need to sleep until my son wakes me up so I do but for the most part, I try to force myself out of bed and up before my family in the mornings. The big “why” for me is that I will get to have some time to myself. It’s a really nice and relaxing way to start my day. I drink my coffee, write in my journal, meditate, and read a few pages from my book, creating a peaceful environment all before my family wakes up.

2. Move Your Body

My son and I take our dog for a walk every day, most days we get in two walks. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but walking out in nature is very beneficial. It clears my head, gives me those feel-good endorphins, and gets my body moving. Plus my son and dog are both getting exercise and stimulation too.

I try to fit in a workout a few days a week as well. Either pilates, yoga, or strength training. I used to operate with the all-or-nothing approach when it came to fitness but at this time in my life where being a mom is the top priority, I work out when I can fit it in. My walks however are non-negotiable.

3. Create A Weekly Meal Plan

Weekly Meal Plan Pic Final

I’ve talked about weekly meal plans before and it’s seriously so helpful for many reasons. Planning out what we’re going to eat for the week helps me stay on a healthy path and it’s one less thing to think about. I know what I’m getting at the grocery store and I know my options for meals throughout the week. This way I’m able to make healthy choices so that I’m eating well and nourishing my body. This makes me feel good and powers me through the day.

Because let’s be real, I know most moms can relate to eating their kid’s leftovers and that ends up being your meal. Or eating junk and then not feeling well or having the energy to tackle the day. Maybe some of you can also agree, but when I don’t get enough protein I’m constantly wanting to snack. That’s why meal planning is a must-do habit for me.

4. Aim For Protein At Every Meal

healthy habits to do everyday

I know it’s important to get protein at each meal but it’s a struggle for me sometimes but I’m putting in the effort. On the days I do get protein at each meal I feel energized all day instead of sluggish and tired. I also feel more satisfied with my meals therefore I’m not snacking which then gives me more time for other things.

There are many sources of protein but my husband and I love eating sauteed chickpeas with onion, and they taste great by themselves or in a salad. I like adding nuts or seeds to my meals to increase my protein intake plus I like the added crunch. As well as high-protein snacks and protein powder in smoothies.

healthy habits

This post was all about healthy habits to start today to feel taken care of and avoid burnout.

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6 Inexpensive At Home Christmas Activities For Kids

If you’re looking for some easy and inexpensive at home Christmas activities to do with your kids then check out my list below!

at home Christmas activities

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Holidays are the best time of year when family traditions make their appearance and moms get to be a bit more crafty lol. My son absolutely loves creating, just like his mama and I want to encourage his creative side. I find creating together is also a really special and exciting way to bond.

With each new season and holiday, I’m trying to find some simple, cute, and fun activities to do with my son. Sometimes it’s difficult to find holiday activities for kids that are more for my son and not something that I end up having to mostly do.

That’s why I love these activities and I have made most of them a tradition each holiday season. Obviously, the older my son gets the better he is at Christmas activities but some of these he’s been doing since he was one year old.

The criteria for me when it comes to Christmas crafts is it needs to be just crafty enough. What I mean by that is something with some steps, but not an activity where I need to buy a ton of supplies. I want to be able to use mostly what I have on hand, or purchase minimal things that I can use for other activities too.

The activity also can’t be too difficult because I want my 4-year-old to have fun and not feel frustrated. I love seeing the proud look on his cute little face when he makes something spectacular!

This post is all about simple and inexpensive at home Christmas activities for kids | Christmas traditions.

Inexpensive At Home Christmas Activities For Kids:

1. Snowman Pancakes

at home Christmas activities

This idea checks off a mom’s must-do; breakfast. When you’re making your pancakes, simply make different sizes, then put small, medium, and large pancakes to form a snowman. Give your child some mini m&m’s and sprinkles and let them build their snowman.

After you snap a few cute pictures, let them eat their snowman pancakes while you relax and enjoy your coffee. A win for everyone!

Get These Christmas Sprinkles Here:

2. Gingerbread House Kit

Decorating gingerbread houses are what Christmas traditions are made of! We love this simple and creative craft. I usually find my gingerbread house (and a haunted house for Halloween) at the dollar store. The kit is inexpensive and comes with everything you need. But this adorable gingerbread Christmas village would be great if you have multiple kids or want to invite a couple friends over.

The parent or older child needs to put the house together with the icing included, wait 30min and then it’s ready to decorate!

My son looks forward to this craft every year! Not necessary but you can add extra colorful icing, sprinkles, or candy if you have it on hand.

Get The Gingerbread Christmas Village Kit Here:

3. Decorate A Mini Kid’s Christmas Tree

Christmas activities for families

For my husband’s and my first Christmas together, I purchased this inexpensive mini 3-foot Christmas tree for his apartment. Now I let my son put it in his room each year. He totally loves to decorate it and he feels so special to have his own tree.

Santa even came last year and left two small gifts under it. He still can’t believe how Santa was able to sneak into his room without him knowing hehe.

Get This Adorable Mini Christmas Tree:

4. Hot Cocoa With Mini Marshmallows

Christmas activities for kids

When the weather starts getting colder one of my son’s favorite activities is to have hot cocoa in his tea set. He’s developing his fine motor skills by pouring the cocoa himself and he’s learning math concepts with less and more liquid. I give him these mini marshmallows too and he can scoop them into each tea cup.

I really like this particular tea set because it’s stainless steel so it will last a long time. It’s also super convenient that it’s dishwasher safe for easy clean up since he uses it every day.

Get The Pretend Play Tea Set Here:

5. Felt Christmas Tree

Christmas crafts for kids

I bought this cute felt Christmas tree last year after eyeing it the year before and I’m glad I did. It’s inexpensive but something my son plays with often when it comes out for the holiday season.

The felt ornaments stick with velcro and my son enjoys changing up the decorations. It comes with string lights too. I hang it on a wall near my kitchen and it keeps him entertained while I cook.

Get The Felt Christmas Tree Here:

6. Make and Decorate Christmas Cookies

toddler Christmas activities

Nothing says Christmas time like baking and decorating holiday cookies. If you don’t want to make a homemade batch just buy the premade mix, roll it out, and use your cookie cutters to make cute shapes.

After baking, cooling, and frosting the cookies, put a few on a baking sheet or paper plate and let your child go to town decorating. Sprinkles and cookie icing are our favorite decorations for Christmas cookies!

Get Christmas Cookie Cutters Here:

Let me know if you try any of these fun activies with your kids and please share some of your favorite Christmas activities that you do with your family. Happy Holidays!

This post was about inexpensive Christmas activies for kids.

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