With Fall in full swing, I thought I would share some of our family favorite Fall treats! 

Apple Hill Donuts – This is our families all-time favorite fall treat, a trip up to Apple Hill has become a family Fall tradition.  If you haven’t tried Apple Cider Donuts from Apple Hill they are definitely worth the drive.  We also love taking in all the Fall foliage and beautiful views on the drive up.
We usually visit High Hill Ranch for donuts, feeding the ducks and we usually have an apple cider slush found in the chocolate Fudge Factory, and an apple cider shake.
We also love to stop at Boa Vista Orchards and visit the pumpkin patch as well as enjoy their apple donut ice cream sandwich.
Fall Sugar Cookies – I found this great Sugar Cookie Recipe on AllRecipes.com I have made a few adjustments thanks to the comments by others and this is my go-to recipe for Sugar Cookies.  My mom and mother-in-law make delicious sugar cookie cutouts.  My mother-in-law is famous for her sugar cookies and they have kindly shared their recipes with me, but every time I try their recipe, they don’t come out like theirs do.  So I have tried many recipes to find the perfect one that my family loves.  With this recipe, the sugar cookies come out soft and keep their shape I love them frosted and un-frosted. 
Here is the original recipe: http://armagazine.com/2g4jEcj 

The changes I make: Use butter instead of margarine, I only use 3 ¼ cups of flour and when I roll them out I use powdered sugar on the flat surface instead of flour.  Tip, keep the dough nice and thick when you cut out your shapes, this helps give a soft sugar cookie if your cut-outs are too thin they will be crisp, still good but not as good in my opinion.
I find with my oven I bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 
Pumpkin Smoothie – I love all things pumpkin the PSL from Starbucks and the Pumpkin Smash from Jamba Juice.  Here is my DIY Recipe for a yummy homemade pumpkin smoothie.  http://bit.ly/2hoDb8T.
Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits – I was inspired by ButterBeReady.com for this recipe.  I love the beautiful pictures she posts on her Instagram.  My boys loved making these with me and they love fruit so I am grateful for this healthy ‘Candy Corn’, they get enough candy and candy corn I appreciate the fruit aspect of this recipe.  For the ‘orange’ part of the Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits I have used whatever I have on hand, the recipe calls for cantaloupe, but I have used canned peaches, my boys favorite and I have used mandarins and orange segments.   They come out very festive, delicious and healthy.  You can find the recipe on ButterBeReady.com here is the link: http://bit.ly/2yYVBVd.
Cookie & Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats
These cute pilgrim hats are easy to make and I have made these with my boys as Thanksgiving approaches.  I came across this recipe on an e-mail from Kellogg’s you can find the recipe here: http://bit.ly/2A0ZPff.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Family Favorite Fall Treats
With Fall in full swing, I thought I would share some of our family favorite Fall treats! 

Apple Hill Donuts – This is our families all-time favorite fall treat, a trip up to Apple Hill has become a family Fall tradition.  If you haven’t tried Apple Cider Donuts from Apple Hill they are definitely worth the drive.  We also love taking in all the Fall foliage and beautiful views on the drive up.
We usually visit High Hill Ranch for donuts, feeding the ducks and we usually have an apple cider slush found in the chocolate Fudge Factory, and an apple cider shake.
We also love to stop at Boa Vista Orchards and visit the pumpkin patch as well as enjoy their apple donut ice cream sandwich.
Fall Sugar Cookies – I found this great Sugar Cookie Recipe on AllRecipes.com I have made a few adjustments thanks to the comments by others and this is my go-to recipe for Sugar Cookies.  My mom and mother-in-law make delicious sugar cookie cutouts.  My mother-in-law is famous for her sugar cookies and they have kindly shared their recipes with me, but every time I try their recipe, they don’t come out like theirs do.  So I have tried many recipes to find the perfect one that my family loves.  With this recipe, the sugar cookies come out soft and keep their shape I love them frosted and un-frosted. 
Here is the original recipe: http://armagazine.com/2g4jEcj 

The changes I make: Use butter instead of margarine, I only use 3 ¼ cups of flour and when I roll them out I use powdered sugar on the flat surface instead of flour.  Tip, keep the dough nice and thick when you cut out your shapes, this helps give a soft sugar cookie if your cut-outs are too thin they will be crisp, still good but not as good in my opinion.
I find with my oven I bake them at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. 
Pumpkin Smoothie – I love all things pumpkin the PSL from Starbucks and the Pumpkin Smash from Jamba Juice.  Here is my DIY Recipe for a yummy homemade pumpkin smoothie.  http://bit.ly/2hoDb8T.
Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits – I was inspired by ButterBeReady.com for this recipe.  I love the beautiful pictures she posts on her Instagram.  My boys loved making these with me and they love fruit so I am grateful for this healthy ‘Candy Corn’, they get enough candy and candy corn I appreciate the fruit aspect of this recipe.  For the ‘orange’ part of the Candy Corn Fruit Parfaits I have used whatever I have on hand, the recipe calls for cantaloupe, but I have used canned peaches, my boys favorite and I have used mandarins and orange segments.   They come out very festive, delicious and healthy.  You can find the recipe on ButterBeReady.com here is the link: http://bit.ly/2yYVBVd.
Cookie & Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats
These cute pilgrim hats are easy to make and I have made these with my boys as Thanksgiving approaches.  I came across this recipe on an e-mail from Kellogg’s you can find the recipe here: http://bit.ly/2A0ZPff.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Read more »
I was on Fox 40 News in the Morning today talking about Trunk or Treat and the Teal Pumpkin Project.  If you are in the Sacramento area you can watch on channel 40 around 8:50 AM.  You can also watch live on their website Fox40.com.
Fox 40's Chroma Kitty checking out my Trunk or Treat




Here is the local Trunk or Treat I will be participating in this Halloween.  I invite you to bring your family out.  There will be lots of fun; decorated trunks, a hayride, s'more bar and more!
For more information on Trunk or Treat and Theme Ideas for your trunk check out my blog post on Trunk or Treat by clicking on the image below.
For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project check out my blog post by clicking on the image below.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Two of my boys helping me set up.

Fox 40 News in the Morning | Sacramento
I was on Fox 40 News in the Morning today talking about Trunk or Treat and the Teal Pumpkin Project.  If you are in the Sacramento area you can watch on channel 40 around 8:50 AM.  You can also watch live on their website Fox40.com.
Fox 40's Chroma Kitty checking out my Trunk or Treat




Here is the local Trunk or Treat I will be participating in this Halloween.  I invite you to bring your family out.  There will be lots of fun; decorated trunks, a hayride, s'more bar and more!
For more information on Trunk or Treat and Theme Ideas for your trunk check out my blog post on Trunk or Treat by clicking on the image below.
For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project check out my blog post by clicking on the image below.
Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Two of my boys helping me set up.
Read more »

Disney Princesses Create Their Own Happily Ever After When

DISNEY ON ICE presents DREAM BIG

Skates Into Sacramento, November 2–5, 2017

 

(Sacramento) – Purchase your tickets now! Believing is just the beginning when dreamers throughout Sacramento witness the empowering tales of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.  Audiences are invited to join eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true.  In addition, experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage.  Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is playing the Golden 1 Center from November 2nd – 5th.

Audiences will be transported to a world where imaginations soar and anything can happen. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes audiences on a journey of beloved Disney tales.  Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves.  Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic.  Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you that strength and kindness go hand-in-hand. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget!
WHEN:                        Thursday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5
o   Thursday, Nov. 2 @ 7:00 PM
o   Friday, Nov. 3 @ 7:00 PM
o   Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
o    Sunday, Nov. 5 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:          Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814
TICKETS:          Tickets start at $20 each!
                        50% Off Discount Opening Night tickets available on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000
or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com 
or follow us on these social media platforms:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #WorldsOfEnchantment
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross and AMSOIL Arenacross, More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.




Disney on Ice Presents Dream Big | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento

Disney Princesses Create Their Own Happily Ever After When

DISNEY ON ICE presents DREAM BIG

Skates Into Sacramento, November 2–5, 2017

 

(Sacramento) – Purchase your tickets now! Believing is just the beginning when dreamers throughout Sacramento witness the empowering tales of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big.  Audiences are invited to join eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true.  In addition, experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage.  Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is playing the Golden 1 Center from November 2nd – 5th.

Audiences will be transported to a world where imaginations soar and anything can happen. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes audiences on a journey of beloved Disney tales.  Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves.  Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic.  Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you that strength and kindness go hand-in-hand. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget!
WHEN:                        Thursday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5
o   Thursday, Nov. 2 @ 7:00 PM
o   Friday, Nov. 3 @ 7:00 PM
o   Saturday, Nov. 4 @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
o    Sunday, Nov. 5 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:          Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814
TICKETS:          Tickets start at $20 each!
                        50% Off Discount Opening Night tickets available on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000
or in-person at the venue Box Office. *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com 
or follow us on these social media platforms:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #WorldsOfEnchantment
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross and AMSOIL Arenacross, More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.




Read more »
Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?  It is a worldwide movement to create a safer Halloween experience for all kids.  It is about raising awareness of food allergies and promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.

 My boys do not have food allergies, and like any other kids they love getting candy but they also enjoy candy alternatives just as much.  As a parent, I am always happy when they receive a non-candy item it is better for their teeth and my kids get enough candy.  

 Although my kids do not have allergies I like the idea of having both candy and alternatives for other kids who may not be able to eat candy.  

 Participating is easy, simply place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep.  I have seen Teal Pumpkins at my local craft store for $10.  You could also paint a real pumpkin Teal, or paint an artificial pumpkin you already own Teal.  This is a sign that you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.

 You can still pass out candy even while placing a Teal Pumpkin on your doorstep.  Simply have the option for your trick or treaters and ask if they would like a candy or prize. 

 Here are some ideas for Non-Food Treats.  You can find many of these items at the Dollar Store and party supply store.  
Glow Sticks, Small Toys, Small Games, Stickers, Pencils, Necklaces, Rings, Trading Cards, Mini Notepads, Bookmarks, Bubbles, Pens, Crayons, any type of treasure box toys.

 The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).  You can find out more information including FREE Resources such as printable flyers and signs on their website.  
https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

 Please visit the FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Website and use the many resources they have for you to participate and help spread the word.  Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com

Teal Pumpkin Project
Have you heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?  It is a worldwide movement to create a safer Halloween experience for all kids.  It is about raising awareness of food allergies and promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season.

 My boys do not have food allergies, and like any other kids they love getting candy but they also enjoy candy alternatives just as much.  As a parent, I am always happy when they receive a non-candy item it is better for their teeth and my kids get enough candy.  

 Although my kids do not have allergies I like the idea of having both candy and alternatives for other kids who may not be able to eat candy.  

 Participating is easy, simply place a teal pumpkin on your doorstep.  I have seen Teal Pumpkins at my local craft store for $10.  You could also paint a real pumpkin Teal, or paint an artificial pumpkin you already own Teal.  This is a sign that you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. This simple act promotes inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.

 You can still pass out candy even while placing a Teal Pumpkin on your doorstep.  Simply have the option for your trick or treaters and ask if they would like a candy or prize. 

 Here are some ideas for Non-Food Treats.  You can find many of these items at the Dollar Store and party supply store.  
Glow Sticks, Small Toys, Small Games, Stickers, Pencils, Necklaces, Rings, Trading Cards, Mini Notepads, Bookmarks, Bubbles, Pens, Crayons, any type of treasure box toys.

 The TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT and the Teal Pumpkin Image are trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).  You can find out more information including FREE Resources such as printable flyers and signs on their website.  
https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

 Please visit the FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Website and use the many resources they have for you to participate and help spread the word.  Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com
Read more »
Have you heard of Trunk or Treat?  It is an alternative to Trick or Treating.  A group of people gather typically in a parking lot, they decorate the trunks of their vehicles and instead of going door to door for candy and treats the kids go trunk to trunk.  I like to explain it as Halloween Tailgating.   

As a host of a trunk you can pass out candy, prizes, have games like bobbing for apples, fishing for small toys, bean bag toss, ring toss, etc.

Trunk or Treat’s have become popular with many churches.  This is a great idea for even a school to host, or if you live in a close-knit neighborhood it would be so much fun to get your neighbors outdoors and involved.  You would definitely surprise the kids coming down your street with this unexpected surprise. 

When it comes to decorating your vehicle you have the obvious pumpkins, spiders, and Halloween decorations.  Many churches will ask you to be more family friendly in your decorating instead of going the scary route.  Find out from your event organizer what is allowed and if they have a list of trunks, so you do not have the same theme as someone else.
When planning to participate in a Trunk or Treat begin with picking a theme.  Then plan your decorations and treats you plan to give out with your theme in mind.  You can do a game with your theme as well.  Remember to plan your costume to go along with your decorated trunk.

Here are some Theme Ideas to help you:
  • Bible Theme (Jonah & the Whale, Noah’s Ark, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Egyptians, Nativity Scene)
  • Movie Theme (Movie Theater Style, or any Family Friendly Movie)
  • Video Game Theme (Pac Man, Angry Birds, Frogger, etc.)
  • Board Game Theme (Candy Land, Monopoly, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.)
  • Sports Theme–Pick a Team or a select sport and decorate accordingly
  • Disney Theme–There is a large variety of Favorite Disney Characters to choose from.
  • Camping Theme
  • Beach Theme
  • Western Theme
  • Pirate Theme
  • Luau Theme
  • Animal Theme (Zoo, Petting Zoo, Aquarium, Pet Store, Jungle Animals, etc.)
  • Era Theme (70’s, 80’s, 90’s, etc.)
  • Christmas or other Holiday Theme
  • Popular Toddler Themes (Paw Patrol, Veggie Tales, Sesame Street, Backyardigan’s, Nursery Rhymes, Dr. Seuss) 
If you are hosting a Trunk or Treat as an organization (church, school, businesses) it’s a good idea to have other things available for not only guest but for the trunker’s such as a Snack Bar (You can sell food, or keep it simple to Apple Cider, Donuts and Hot Cocoa), Jump House, Hay Ride, Games/Activity Station, Puppet Show, etc.)

If your church is considering a Trunk or Treat as an outreach event, plan ahead to promote upcoming events, for example, a Christmas Trunk can pass out candy as well as invitations to your church Christmas Play, or if your church participates in Operation Christmas Child, you can promote participation for OCC.

If you are reading this post and do not have young children any longer this is a great way for you to get involved and give back.  Do not count yourself out just because you don’t have kids, on the contrary, you are a huge blessing to your local church or group hosting.  Many times families with young children need to be with their trunk and also make time to take their children around to the trunks.  So single parents, grandparents, and young marrieds get involved, be a blessing to your community and get trunking!  

Events like this are a fun and safe environment for kids, in this day and age we live in, it’s nice to be able to participate in these alternative events and provide great memories for families.

My local church (Family Community Church) is hosting a Trunk or Treat and we welcome you to join us October 31, 2017.  You can host a trunk or volunteer in the many different areas we have planned S’more Bar, Hay Ride, Games and more.  You can contact my church for more information at (916) 334-7700.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com



 





Trunk or Treat
Have you heard of Trunk or Treat?  It is an alternative to Trick or Treating.  A group of people gather typically in a parking lot, they decorate the trunks of their vehicles and instead of going door to door for candy and treats the kids go trunk to trunk.  I like to explain it as Halloween Tailgating.   

As a host of a trunk you can pass out candy, prizes, have games like bobbing for apples, fishing for small toys, bean bag toss, ring toss, etc.

Trunk or Treat’s have become popular with many churches.  This is a great idea for even a school to host, or if you live in a close-knit neighborhood it would be so much fun to get your neighbors outdoors and involved.  You would definitely surprise the kids coming down your street with this unexpected surprise. 

When it comes to decorating your vehicle you have the obvious pumpkins, spiders, and Halloween decorations.  Many churches will ask you to be more family friendly in your decorating instead of going the scary route.  Find out from your event organizer what is allowed and if they have a list of trunks, so you do not have the same theme as someone else.
When planning to participate in a Trunk or Treat begin with picking a theme.  Then plan your decorations and treats you plan to give out with your theme in mind.  You can do a game with your theme as well.  Remember to plan your costume to go along with your decorated trunk.

Here are some Theme Ideas to help you:
  • Bible Theme (Jonah & the Whale, Noah’s Ark, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Egyptians, Nativity Scene)
  • Movie Theme (Movie Theater Style, or any Family Friendly Movie)
  • Video Game Theme (Pac Man, Angry Birds, Frogger, etc.)
  • Board Game Theme (Candy Land, Monopoly, Sorry, Connect Four, etc.)
  • Sports Theme–Pick a Team or a select sport and decorate accordingly
  • Disney Theme–There is a large variety of Favorite Disney Characters to choose from.
  • Camping Theme
  • Beach Theme
  • Western Theme
  • Pirate Theme
  • Luau Theme
  • Animal Theme (Zoo, Petting Zoo, Aquarium, Pet Store, Jungle Animals, etc.)
  • Era Theme (70’s, 80’s, 90’s, etc.)
  • Christmas or other Holiday Theme
  • Popular Toddler Themes (Paw Patrol, Veggie Tales, Sesame Street, Backyardigan’s, Nursery Rhymes, Dr. Seuss) 
If you are hosting a Trunk or Treat as an organization (church, school, businesses) it’s a good idea to have other things available for not only guest but for the trunker’s such as a Snack Bar (You can sell food, or keep it simple to Apple Cider, Donuts and Hot Cocoa), Jump House, Hay Ride, Games/Activity Station, Puppet Show, etc.)

If your church is considering a Trunk or Treat as an outreach event, plan ahead to promote upcoming events, for example, a Christmas Trunk can pass out candy as well as invitations to your church Christmas Play, or if your church participates in Operation Christmas Child, you can promote participation for OCC.

If you are reading this post and do not have young children any longer this is a great way for you to get involved and give back.  Do not count yourself out just because you don’t have kids, on the contrary, you are a huge blessing to your local church or group hosting.  Many times families with young children need to be with their trunk and also make time to take their children around to the trunks.  So single parents, grandparents, and young marrieds get involved, be a blessing to your community and get trunking!  

Events like this are a fun and safe environment for kids, in this day and age we live in, it’s nice to be able to participate in these alternative events and provide great memories for families.

My local church (Family Community Church) is hosting a Trunk or Treat and we welcome you to join us October 31, 2017.  You can host a trunk or volunteer in the many different areas we have planned S’more Bar, Hay Ride, Games and more.  You can contact my church for more information at (916) 334-7700.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.  www.BlogAboutItAll.com



 





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Fall is here!!!  During September you start seeing all the Fall decorations go up for sale in the stores. I am a summer girl it usually takes me until the middle or end of September to get in the mood for Autumn.  The weather start’s getting cooler, it starts getting darker earlier and then I am ready to embrace all things pumpkin spice and put up my Fall decorations. 

 You can watch me share about 'DIY Fall Decor' on Studio 40 Live here: http://bit.ly/2fA0MFE

When you see all the cute decorations for sale at the stores it is easy to forget about your budget and want to buy everything.  There are a lot of ways to stretch your dollar and use many of the DIY projects on Pinterest to help you decorate without spending a lot of money.

These are some of my favorite ways to easily decorate for Fall on a budget.

Visit your store bulk section.
You can use popcorn kernels, green lentils, red beans and candy corn to add the colors of Fall to vases and other table centerpieces.  This is a very easy inexpensive way to decorate.    You could also use corn husks and other non-perishable Fall inspired food items you find to decorate.  You will spend less in the bulk foods section than buying the pre-packaged items.

Make your own Fall Banner.
What you need: Twine Rope, Burlap, and a sharpie.  Optional: Hot glue gun, Fall-inspired scrapbook paper, fabric paint, and faux fall leaves.

You probably have most of these items lying around somewhere especially if you have school-age children or do crafts.  If you don’t these items are very inexpensive and you can re-purpose.

Cut the burlap to your desired size square, you can shape them as triangles if you like, an easy way to have pretty font is to print out the letters you need on paper.  Place the paper under the burlap and use the sharpie marker to print your letters.  I used “Fall” on my banner but you could do a whatever you like “Give Thanks”, “Autumn”, “Welcome Fall”, etc.              

Using a Sharpie marker is an easy way to create your banner, but you could use fabric paint, stencils or a Cricut cutting machine if you have it.

Go outdoors.
Bring the outdoors in with pinecones, acorns and small branches and twigs.  You can take it up a notch by painting them.  This is a FREE way to decorate.  I’ve used smaller pinecones and acorns in vases, you can use larger pinecones hot glued to ribbon as a door hanging decoration and save those pinecones you can re-purpose them for Christmas decorations.

You could use branches in a vase to make a “Thankful Tree”, this is a fun activity to do all month long with the family and use as a beautiful centerpiece or mantle decoration. 

I traced and cut out leaves on Fall colored cardstock, punched a hole in the leaves, you then write what you are thankful for on each leaf and use twine rope, yarn, raffia, ribbon or whatever you have to hang them on the tree.

Visit the Dollar Store.
There are many vases, wreath starters, ribbon, and ready to go Fall decorations at the Dollar Store.  You can also spruce up a decoration that maybe isn’t exactly what you had in mind.  The Dollar Store is a great resource to stay on budget. 

Use what you have.
Look around your home and see what you already have that you can use, add some Fall foliage and turn it into a beautiful Autumn decoration.  Think outside the box and use things like a tin can from a canned food item you have used, clean and use hot glue sticks to glue twigs/branches to the outside of the can and it makes a great Fall candle decoration.  You can reuse glass items, mason jars, coffee drink jars, and so much more.  Remove the labels, clean, and decorate.

I spent $10 at the Dollar Store and $10 at my local craft store and I was able to create:
2 Fall inspired banners
A vase “Thankful Tree”
2 Twig/Branch candle holders using a recycled tin can.
2 tabletop candle decorations’
4 other vase decorations
2 mason jar Mod Podge leaf candlelight’s, and a wreath for my front door.  

If I spent $20 on already made decorations, I could have only purchased 2 decorations. With that same $20 I was able to make 14 Fall-inspired decorations. 

I still have a ton of burlap, Mod Podge, Twine Rope, and misc. items left over to repurpose and use with other craft projects.  I looked at my local Ross store and one small vase with pinecones and acorns was $9.99.  Wreath’s varied in price from $24.99-$50 and higher.  A similar twig themed candle holder was $9.99, I used a left-over tin can from my cupboard, twigs from outside and my hot glue gun to make an inexpensive DIY inspired one.

I hope you are inspired to try your hand at some DIY Fall Decorations.  It really is fun and gratifying to see something you “made” rather than something purchased.  It is also very therapeutic, to listen to your favorite music and craft.  It would be fun to have a girl’s night and craft together.  Get your kids involved, my boys loved helping me find the perfect twig, branch, and pinecone I was searching for. 


Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com






Here is the Studio 40 Live Segment.

Fall Decorating on a Budget
Fall is here!!!  During September you start seeing all the Fall decorations go up for sale in the stores. I am a summer girl it usually takes me until the middle or end of September to get in the mood for Autumn.  The weather start’s getting cooler, it starts getting darker earlier and then I am ready to embrace all things pumpkin spice and put up my Fall decorations. 

 You can watch me share about 'DIY Fall Decor' on Studio 40 Live here: http://bit.ly/2fA0MFE

When you see all the cute decorations for sale at the stores it is easy to forget about your budget and want to buy everything.  There are a lot of ways to stretch your dollar and use many of the DIY projects on Pinterest to help you decorate without spending a lot of money.

These are some of my favorite ways to easily decorate for Fall on a budget.

Visit your store bulk section.
You can use popcorn kernels, green lentils, red beans and candy corn to add the colors of Fall to vases and other table centerpieces.  This is a very easy inexpensive way to decorate.    You could also use corn husks and other non-perishable Fall inspired food items you find to decorate.  You will spend less in the bulk foods section than buying the pre-packaged items.

Make your own Fall Banner.
What you need: Twine Rope, Burlap, and a sharpie.  Optional: Hot glue gun, Fall-inspired scrapbook paper, fabric paint, and faux fall leaves.

You probably have most of these items lying around somewhere especially if you have school-age children or do crafts.  If you don’t these items are very inexpensive and you can re-purpose.

Cut the burlap to your desired size square, you can shape them as triangles if you like, an easy way to have pretty font is to print out the letters you need on paper.  Place the paper under the burlap and use the sharpie marker to print your letters.  I used “Fall” on my banner but you could do a whatever you like “Give Thanks”, “Autumn”, “Welcome Fall”, etc.              

Using a Sharpie marker is an easy way to create your banner, but you could use fabric paint, stencils or a Cricut cutting machine if you have it.

Go outdoors.
Bring the outdoors in with pinecones, acorns and small branches and twigs.  You can take it up a notch by painting them.  This is a FREE way to decorate.  I’ve used smaller pinecones and acorns in vases, you can use larger pinecones hot glued to ribbon as a door hanging decoration and save those pinecones you can re-purpose them for Christmas decorations.

You could use branches in a vase to make a “Thankful Tree”, this is a fun activity to do all month long with the family and use as a beautiful centerpiece or mantle decoration. 

I traced and cut out leaves on Fall colored cardstock, punched a hole in the leaves, you then write what you are thankful for on each leaf and use twine rope, yarn, raffia, ribbon or whatever you have to hang them on the tree.

Visit the Dollar Store.
There are many vases, wreath starters, ribbon, and ready to go Fall decorations at the Dollar Store.  You can also spruce up a decoration that maybe isn’t exactly what you had in mind.  The Dollar Store is a great resource to stay on budget. 

Use what you have.
Look around your home and see what you already have that you can use, add some Fall foliage and turn it into a beautiful Autumn decoration.  Think outside the box and use things like a tin can from a canned food item you have used, clean and use hot glue sticks to glue twigs/branches to the outside of the can and it makes a great Fall candle decoration.  You can reuse glass items, mason jars, coffee drink jars, and so much more.  Remove the labels, clean, and decorate.

I spent $10 at the Dollar Store and $10 at my local craft store and I was able to create:
2 Fall inspired banners
A vase “Thankful Tree”
2 Twig/Branch candle holders using a recycled tin can.
2 tabletop candle decorations’
4 other vase decorations
2 mason jar Mod Podge leaf candlelight’s, and a wreath for my front door.  

If I spent $20 on already made decorations, I could have only purchased 2 decorations. With that same $20 I was able to make 14 Fall-inspired decorations. 

I still have a ton of burlap, Mod Podge, Twine Rope, and misc. items left over to repurpose and use with other craft projects.  I looked at my local Ross store and one small vase with pinecones and acorns was $9.99.  Wreath’s varied in price from $24.99-$50 and higher.  A similar twig themed candle holder was $9.99, I used a left-over tin can from my cupboard, twigs from outside and my hot glue gun to make an inexpensive DIY inspired one.

I hope you are inspired to try your hand at some DIY Fall Decorations.  It really is fun and gratifying to see something you “made” rather than something purchased.  It is also very therapeutic, to listen to your favorite music and craft.  It would be fun to have a girl’s night and craft together.  Get your kids involved, my boys loved helping me find the perfect twig, branch, and pinecone I was searching for. 


Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com






Here is the Studio 40 Live Segment.

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Check out these awesome kids at Barrett Ranch Elementary in Antelope, they have raised over $1,000 for hurricane victims in Texas and Florida affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

My niece Allie and one of the boys on my son's soccer team are part of this group that spearheaded this fundraiser. They started a "quarter a day" campaign and it has exploded! They are so close to reaching their new $2,000 goal that I am asking for your help!  

You can donate by dropping off your quarters or more at Barrett Ranch Elementary located at 7720 Ocean Park Drive, Antelope, CA 95843.  You can call the school office at (916) 770-8839 or you can use PayPal, I am happy to deliver the money for you, I will post pictures and do a live video via social media if you want to use that option as I make the donation on your behalf.  

Thank you for your support, every donation makes a difference not only in the lives of the Hurricane victims but also in the lives of these students.  When you donate you encourage these 5th graders in their act of kindness, letting them know they CAN make a difference.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com


Local Elementary School Students help Hurricane Victims!

Check out these awesome kids at Barrett Ranch Elementary in Antelope, they have raised over $1,000 for hurricane victims in Texas and Florida affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

My niece Allie and one of the boys on my son's soccer team are part of this group that spearheaded this fundraiser. They started a "quarter a day" campaign and it has exploded! They are so close to reaching their new $2,000 goal that I am asking for your help!  

You can donate by dropping off your quarters or more at Barrett Ranch Elementary located at 7720 Ocean Park Drive, Antelope, CA 95843.  You can call the school office at (916) 770-8839 or you can use PayPal, I am happy to deliver the money for you, I will post pictures and do a live video via social media if you want to use that option as I make the donation on your behalf.  

Thank you for your support, every donation makes a difference not only in the lives of the Hurricane victims but also in the lives of these students.  When you donate you encourage these 5th graders in their act of kindness, letting them know they CAN make a difference.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com


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Sacramento Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series 
Tickets On-Sale Now
 The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world 
races into Golden 1 Center on January 19-21, 2018.

Hey Sacramento peeps, January is four months away which will be here before we know it.  Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live family entertainment, announced today that tickets for Monster Jam® are on sale now for Sacramento and cities across the U.S. and Canada.  My boys love Monster Jam® and have already asked when is the next show, get your tickets today!

The new season will bring motorsport fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family. Monster Jam® returns to the Golden 1 Center for the second time with a brand new truck lineup!

Featuring the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Sacramento fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs, and the famous Monster Jam trucks. 
These world-class athletes vying to be the Sacramento champion are:
Grave Digger® is driven by Krysten Anderson
El Toro Loco® is driven by Armando Castro
Monster Mutt® Dalmatian is driven by Cynthia Gauthier
Alien Invasion is driven by Bernard Lyght
EarthShaker is driven by Tristan England
Pirate’s Curse driven by Camden Murphy
Zombie™ is driven by Tyler Groth
Megalodon is driven by Travis Groth

Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam takes center stage in the world’s most iconic venues like Golden 1 Center, sporting meticulously manicured dirt tracks created with the sole purpose of pushing these perfectly engineered, larger-than-life trucks to the limit.

Monster Jam is one of the only sports where male and female world-class drivers, some generational rivals, are equals competing for the same championship on the same track. Following racing, new in 2018 across all Monster Jam events, fans in every city will have the chance to vote for the truck winner in the donut, wheelie and freestyle competitions by real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series will be returning to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for three action-packed events on:
Friday, January 19, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
(Sat. 7PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)
Sunday, January 21, 2018, Event Time:  1:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
(Sun. 1PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)

Tickets available at http://bit.ly/2xc59hd.

For more information on a Monster Jam near you, please log onto MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. 

Monster Jam - January 2018 | Sacramento, Golden 1 Center

Sacramento Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series 
Tickets On-Sale Now
 The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world 
races into Golden 1 Center on January 19-21, 2018.

Hey Sacramento peeps, January is four months away which will be here before we know it.  Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live family entertainment, announced today that tickets for Monster Jam® are on sale now for Sacramento and cities across the U.S. and Canada.  My boys love Monster Jam® and have already asked when is the next show, get your tickets today!

The new season will bring motorsport fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family. Monster Jam® returns to the Golden 1 Center for the second time with a brand new truck lineup!

Featuring the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Sacramento fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship with each competitor using customized high-powered vehicles: Monster Jam Speedsters, Monster Jam ATVs, and the famous Monster Jam trucks. 
These world-class athletes vying to be the Sacramento champion are:
Grave Digger® is driven by Krysten Anderson
El Toro Loco® is driven by Armando Castro
Monster Mutt® Dalmatian is driven by Cynthia Gauthier
Alien Invasion is driven by Bernard Lyght
EarthShaker is driven by Tristan England
Pirate’s Curse driven by Camden Murphy
Zombie™ is driven by Tyler Groth
Megalodon is driven by Travis Groth

Unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable, Monster Jam takes center stage in the world’s most iconic venues like Golden 1 Center, sporting meticulously manicured dirt tracks created with the sole purpose of pushing these perfectly engineered, larger-than-life trucks to the limit.

Monster Jam is one of the only sports where male and female world-class drivers, some generational rivals, are equals competing for the same championship on the same track. Following racing, new in 2018 across all Monster Jam events, fans in every city will have the chance to vote for the truck winner in the donut, wheelie and freestyle competitions by real-time, in-arena fan voting on their smartphones.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series will be returning to the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for three action-packed events on:
Friday, January 19, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM
Saturday, January 20, 2018, Event Time:  7:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
(Sat. 7PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)
Sunday, January 21, 2018, Event Time:  1:00 PM 
Pit Party open from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
(Sun. 1PM ticket & Pit Pass required for entry; Pit Passes available to purchase for $10 each)

Tickets available at http://bit.ly/2xc59hd.

For more information on a Monster Jam near you, please log onto MonsterJam.com or follow us via our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends. 

Read more »
Our family took our first camping trip with our four boys this past August, we had a great time.  I thought I would share some things I found helpful, my camping checklist and the two things I wish I would have taken. 

Growing up we went camping often, and I have so many great memories of our camping adventures.  I am not what you would call the outdoors type but camping and being outside in nature resonates with me.  I love being away from the city, unplugged from e-mail and social media and just taking in the beauty of nature.  I love the quiet nights listening to the sounds of the great outdoors.  I love enjoying the day’s and evenings exploring, swimming, eating around the campfire with no ‘to do list’ and without the chores we have at home calling me. 

My boy's ages 10, 8, 6 and 2 have camped in our backyard and have camped in grandma and grandpa's backyard but we had not taken them on a real camping experience.  When we told our boys they wouldn’t have any electronics for three whole days they were not too excited about that.  Especially we were in the middle of summer where they had probably had too much electronic time.  I loved watching them on our trip recognize they didn’t even need their electronics, they were chasing lizards, spotting deer, swimming, skipping rocks, hiking, climbing trees, playing, making s’mores and just hanging out.  Kids love being outdoors.  Seeing how much my kids enjoyed camping it gives me the desire to nurture their love of the great outdoors. 
My parents went with us and I am so glad they did, they were a great help with the boys and my mom came with a ton of snacks you know how grandmas are.  Our suburban was packed to the brim; it was nice to have my dad’s truck to help with bikes.  I enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night talking with my parents and it was nice playing Uno during the day and swimming in the lake.
One of my favorite memories of this trip is we were sitting around the campfire and one of my sons said: “Mom, I am going to tell my kids about my first camping trip and how much fun I had.” We lived in our swimsuits.  That is the one thing I over packed was clothes, other than pajamas they changed into at night, the only other thing they wore was their swimming trunks.
Here are the things I found most helpful.  We booked our campsite six months before we had planned to go which I am glad we did, many sites are booked well in advance, so definitely plan ahead. 

I kept a running list on my phone of what I thought we would need to take.  It was nice to have my list handy to keep adding whenever I thought of something else we should take.

I loved taking a three drawer storage container.  I kept our paper plates, utensils, paper towels in one drawer, I had a drawer for ‘kitchen’ needs, for example, a lighter, sponge, small dish soap, dish towel, spatulas, foil, skewers for s’mores, things like that.  The top drawer I kept miscellaneous items, like our first aid kit, flashlights, rope for a clothesline.  It was nice to have those items in drawers and not thrown in a bag that I would have to dig through every time I needed an item.
I took a bag of things for the kids to do, bubbles, coloring books and crayons, card games, some board books for my toddler and a few toys for him to play with. 

I am grateful I took a small first aid kit.  We used a few Band-Aids and I am so glad I took tweezers we used them daily for removing splinters.

The two things I wish I would have taken was a large thin carpet or mat I could put near our picnic table/kitchen area, there was so much dirt there was dust everywhere.  Having an inexpensive carpet or foam mat around would have helped.  The second thing I wish I would have taken is some traps for yellow jackets.  They were only a problem when we cooked and ate, we learned to eat quickly and put the food away.  Depending on where you camp this might not be a problem, but maybe you would need fly traps. We took candles to help with mosquitoes and insect repellant which really does make a difference.

We planned our menu ahead of time and decided to keep it simple.  We had bacon pre-cooked at home; we had diced potatoes pre-cooked so we just had to heat them up for breakfast.  I cracked and whisked all our eggs and put them into empty water bottles, this makes them easy to travel with and ready to scramble in the morning.  I pre-mixed pancake batter and put into empty water bottles as well.  

For three days this was our menu:
Thursday night dinner: Chicken Patties, Hot Dogs, beans, and chips.
Friday morning: Breakfast burritos for the adults and pancakes for the kids.
Friday lunch: Deli Sandwiches, macaroni salad, hummus, and pretzels.
Friday dinner: Cheeseburgers, macaroni salad, and chips.
Saturday breakfast: Breakfast burritos and pancakes.
Saturday lunch: Deli Sandwiches, macaroni salad, hummus, and pretzels.
Saturday late afternoon we drove home and had dinner on the road.

Snacks we took: Popcorn, cookies, muffins, candy, s’more fixings, apples, and bananas.

This was my checklist of items to take:

Camping Gear:
Tent, tarp, sleeping bags, pillows, lanterns, flashlights, cooking stove, propane, air pump, and air mattress.

Kitchen Needs:
2 Skillets, a pot, cutting board, knife, a sponge, dish towels, lighter fluid, charcoal, fire starter log, disposable tablecloths, foil, disposable aluminum containers, paper plates, plastic spoons, forks, non-stick cooking spray, spatulas, tongs, skewers, and trash bags.

Kid stuff:
Sand toys, football, glow sticks, bubbles, and swimming stuff (life jackets, floating rafts, sunscreen)

Misc. Items:
First Aid kit, tweezers, duct tape, blue tooth speaker, small dustpan and brush, rope, clothespins toilet paper, hand soap, insect repellent, quarters for the showers, and toiletries.

Food Items:
Salt and pepper, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, salsa, cheese, tortillas, pancake batter, syrup, hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, ketchup, mustard, deli sandwich fixings, bread, lunch meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, macaroni salad, hummus, pretzels. Things to make S’mores graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate. Fruit (apples and bananas), muffins, cookies, popcorn, Pringles, chips, Red Vines, water bottles, soda, Caprisuns and Sunny D Bottles.

If you have not taken your family camping I hope you will plan a trip soon.  Camping is a great way to have quality time together.  I think everyone should at least camp once, I think you’ll find though once you have camped you’ll want to camp again.  It is good for the soul; I cannot put it into words. 

There are many different ways to camp from very rustic with no campground showers, there are campgrounds that have showers, bathrooms, some even have swimming pools, and then there is “glamping”.  Find a camping method that will work for you and try it, give that experience to your kids.

I hope you find this post helpful in planning your next camping trip, I hope you can use my camping list in preparing and packing for your next trip.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com













Our First Family Camping Trip
Our family took our first camping trip with our four boys this past August, we had a great time.  I thought I would share some things I found helpful, my camping checklist and the two things I wish I would have taken. 

Growing up we went camping often, and I have so many great memories of our camping adventures.  I am not what you would call the outdoors type but camping and being outside in nature resonates with me.  I love being away from the city, unplugged from e-mail and social media and just taking in the beauty of nature.  I love the quiet nights listening to the sounds of the great outdoors.  I love enjoying the day’s and evenings exploring, swimming, eating around the campfire with no ‘to do list’ and without the chores we have at home calling me. 

My boy's ages 10, 8, 6 and 2 have camped in our backyard and have camped in grandma and grandpa's backyard but we had not taken them on a real camping experience.  When we told our boys they wouldn’t have any electronics for three whole days they were not too excited about that.  Especially we were in the middle of summer where they had probably had too much electronic time.  I loved watching them on our trip recognize they didn’t even need their electronics, they were chasing lizards, spotting deer, swimming, skipping rocks, hiking, climbing trees, playing, making s’mores and just hanging out.  Kids love being outdoors.  Seeing how much my kids enjoyed camping it gives me the desire to nurture their love of the great outdoors. 
My parents went with us and I am so glad they did, they were a great help with the boys and my mom came with a ton of snacks you know how grandmas are.  Our suburban was packed to the brim; it was nice to have my dad’s truck to help with bikes.  I enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night talking with my parents and it was nice playing Uno during the day and swimming in the lake.
One of my favorite memories of this trip is we were sitting around the campfire and one of my sons said: “Mom, I am going to tell my kids about my first camping trip and how much fun I had.” We lived in our swimsuits.  That is the one thing I over packed was clothes, other than pajamas they changed into at night, the only other thing they wore was their swimming trunks.
Here are the things I found most helpful.  We booked our campsite six months before we had planned to go which I am glad we did, many sites are booked well in advance, so definitely plan ahead. 

I kept a running list on my phone of what I thought we would need to take.  It was nice to have my list handy to keep adding whenever I thought of something else we should take.

I loved taking a three drawer storage container.  I kept our paper plates, utensils, paper towels in one drawer, I had a drawer for ‘kitchen’ needs, for example, a lighter, sponge, small dish soap, dish towel, spatulas, foil, skewers for s’mores, things like that.  The top drawer I kept miscellaneous items, like our first aid kit, flashlights, rope for a clothesline.  It was nice to have those items in drawers and not thrown in a bag that I would have to dig through every time I needed an item.
I took a bag of things for the kids to do, bubbles, coloring books and crayons, card games, some board books for my toddler and a few toys for him to play with. 

I am grateful I took a small first aid kit.  We used a few Band-Aids and I am so glad I took tweezers we used them daily for removing splinters.

The two things I wish I would have taken was a large thin carpet or mat I could put near our picnic table/kitchen area, there was so much dirt there was dust everywhere.  Having an inexpensive carpet or foam mat around would have helped.  The second thing I wish I would have taken is some traps for yellow jackets.  They were only a problem when we cooked and ate, we learned to eat quickly and put the food away.  Depending on where you camp this might not be a problem, but maybe you would need fly traps. We took candles to help with mosquitoes and insect repellant which really does make a difference.

We planned our menu ahead of time and decided to keep it simple.  We had bacon pre-cooked at home; we had diced potatoes pre-cooked so we just had to heat them up for breakfast.  I cracked and whisked all our eggs and put them into empty water bottles, this makes them easy to travel with and ready to scramble in the morning.  I pre-mixed pancake batter and put into empty water bottles as well.  

For three days this was our menu:
Thursday night dinner: Chicken Patties, Hot Dogs, beans, and chips.
Friday morning: Breakfast burritos for the adults and pancakes for the kids.
Friday lunch: Deli Sandwiches, macaroni salad, hummus, and pretzels.
Friday dinner: Cheeseburgers, macaroni salad, and chips.
Saturday breakfast: Breakfast burritos and pancakes.
Saturday lunch: Deli Sandwiches, macaroni salad, hummus, and pretzels.
Saturday late afternoon we drove home and had dinner on the road.

Snacks we took: Popcorn, cookies, muffins, candy, s’more fixings, apples, and bananas.

This was my checklist of items to take:

Camping Gear:
Tent, tarp, sleeping bags, pillows, lanterns, flashlights, cooking stove, propane, air pump, and air mattress.

Kitchen Needs:
2 Skillets, a pot, cutting board, knife, a sponge, dish towels, lighter fluid, charcoal, fire starter log, disposable tablecloths, foil, disposable aluminum containers, paper plates, plastic spoons, forks, non-stick cooking spray, spatulas, tongs, skewers, and trash bags.

Kid stuff:
Sand toys, football, glow sticks, bubbles, and swimming stuff (life jackets, floating rafts, sunscreen)

Misc. Items:
First Aid kit, tweezers, duct tape, blue tooth speaker, small dustpan and brush, rope, clothespins toilet paper, hand soap, insect repellent, quarters for the showers, and toiletries.

Food Items:
Salt and pepper, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, salsa, cheese, tortillas, pancake batter, syrup, hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, ketchup, mustard, deli sandwich fixings, bread, lunch meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, macaroni salad, hummus, pretzels. Things to make S’mores graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate. Fruit (apples and bananas), muffins, cookies, popcorn, Pringles, chips, Red Vines, water bottles, soda, Caprisuns and Sunny D Bottles.

If you have not taken your family camping I hope you will plan a trip soon.  Camping is a great way to have quality time together.  I think everyone should at least camp once, I think you’ll find though once you have camped you’ll want to camp again.  It is good for the soul; I cannot put it into words. 

There are many different ways to camp from very rustic with no campground showers, there are campgrounds that have showers, bathrooms, some even have swimming pools, and then there is “glamping”.  Find a camping method that will work for you and try it, give that experience to your kids.

I hope you find this post helpful in planning your next camping trip, I hope you can use my camping list in preparing and packing for your next trip.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.
www.BlogAboutItAll.com













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