Traveling with Baby: 8 Essentials

Traveling with Baby: 8 Essentials by nonchalant-style on Polyvore

Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Changing Pads 10pk / WubbaNub Elephant / Funny Baby Onesie I'd Flex but I Like This Onsie Onsy Crossfit... / Skip Hop 'Wise Owl' Stroller Toy / Arm Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser Bags

My husband and I were born and raised in Minnesota. It's where our families still live and we visit frequently, driving the 9-10 hours from Eastern Montana. The trip used to be a breeze. Just pack a few outfits for the week and buzz on East to Minnesota. But, with the new baby it has gotten a little more complicated. Here are 8 things we never leave home without:

Arm & Hammer Dirty Diaper Bags: Sometimes you have no choice on a long road trip but to stop and change a diaper in the car. Make sure you have some of these diaper bags on hand so you're vehicle doesn't smell like poo for the rest of the trip! These bags really do block all of the most disgusting odors. Trust me. I've been there...

Wubbanub Pacifier: Once again, this useful little invention does double duty. We use it for nap time and play time in the car and don't have to worry about a extra toy.

Hanging Toy: We always have a hanging toy on the car seat handle for long trips. The toys move with the motion of the vehicle so it gives them something interesting to watch. We have an owl sort of like this one from Diapers.com - Wise Old Owl

Car Seat Strap Covers: I realize that some car seats come with little strap covers, but we really love these ultra soft ones from Eddie Bauer. Plus, some have animal heads that stick out and our little one loves to squish them when he's napping.

Changing Pads: You'll also want to make sure you have some type of changing pad along. These are disposable ones, but you can also find reusable ones with pockets for wipes and diapers. Or, if you're crafty, make your own! My sister-in-law made us one that I love!

Extra Clothes: Babies leak. It's inevitable. If it's not a messy diaper, then it's spit-up or drool. Either way, make sure you have a couple extra outfits for them (like this adorable onesie), and an extra shirt for you!

Wet Bags: Traditionally for cloth diapers, these bags are completely leak proof! You can throw dirty clothes in there, swimsuits, or use it for your extra clothes bag. They are awesome! I would recommend going with the medium or large bags as the small can only fit one or two cloth diapers.

Burp Cloths: Don't leave home without at least one burp rag! You'll need it. I promise.

*Do some good by getting your burp rags from this woman who's trying to raise money for IVF: J Baby Rags

Traveling with Baby: 8 Essentials by nonchalant-style on Polyvore

Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Changing Pads 10pk / WubbaNub Elephant / Funny Baby Onesie I'd Flex but I Like This Onsie Onsy Crossfit... / Skip Hop 'Wise Owl' Stroller Toy / Arm Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser Bags

My husband and I were born and raised in Minnesota. It's where our families still live and we visit frequently, driving the 9-10 hours from Eastern Montana. The trip used to be a breeze. Just pack a few outfits for the week and buzz on East to Minnesota. But, with the new baby it has gotten a little more complicated. Here are 8 things we never leave home without:

Arm & Hammer Dirty Diaper Bags: Sometimes you have no choice on a long road trip but to stop and change a diaper in the car. Make sure you have some of these diaper bags on hand so you're vehicle doesn't smell like poo for the rest of the trip! These bags really do block all of the most disgusting odors. Trust me. I've been there...

Wubbanub Pacifier: Once again, this useful little invention does double duty. We use it for nap time and play time in the car and don't have to worry about a extra toy.

Hanging Toy: We always have a hanging toy on the car seat handle for long trips. The toys move with the motion of the vehicle so it gives them something interesting to watch. We have an owl sort of like this one from Diapers.com - Wise Old Owl

Car Seat Strap Covers: I realize that some car seats come with little strap covers, but we really love these ultra soft ones from Eddie Bauer. Plus, some have animal heads that stick out and our little one loves to squish them when he's napping.

Changing Pads: You'll also want to make sure you have some type of changing pad along. These are disposable ones, but you can also find reusable ones with pockets for wipes and diapers. Or, if you're crafty, make your own! My sister-in-law made us one that I love!

Extra Clothes: Babies leak. It's inevitable. If it's not a messy diaper, then it's spit-up or drool. Either way, make sure you have a couple extra outfits for them (like this adorable onesie), and an extra shirt for you!

Wet Bags: Traditionally for cloth diapers, these bags are completely leak proof! You can throw dirty clothes in there, swimsuits, or use it for your extra clothes bag. They are awesome! I would recommend going with the medium or large bags as the small can only fit one or two cloth diapers.

Burp Cloths: Don't leave home without at least one burp rag! You'll need it. I promise.

*Do some good by getting your burp rags from this woman who's trying to raise money for IVF: J Baby Rags

It Is Officially Baby Week!

Today is the day! 

It's time to GET EXCITED!

Here is the line up for the week:

• March 3: (Today!) Where to Find Affordable Maternity Clothes
• March 4: 10 Must-Have Items for New Parents
• March 5: Traveling With Baby: 8 Essentials
• March 6: Colicky Babies
• March 7: Gender Neutral Baby Clothes that are Anything but Boring!
• March 8: 8 Things Your Baby Registry Can Do Without
• March 9: Some Out-of-the-Ordinary Baby Shower Gifts

Today is the day! 

It's time to GET EXCITED!

Here is the line up for the week:

• March 3: (Today!) Where to Find Affordable Maternity Clothes
• March 4: 10 Must-Have Items for New Parents
• March 5: Traveling With Baby: 8 Essentials
• March 6: Colicky Babies
• March 7: Gender Neutral Baby Clothes that are Anything but Boring!
• March 8: 8 Things Your Baby Registry Can Do Without
• March 9: Some Out-of-the-Ordinary Baby Shower Gifts

Baby Week is 4 Days away! :)

Are you ready!?

http://nonchalant-living.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-week.html

Are you ready!?

http://nonchalant-living.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-week.html

My Road to Better Nutrition & An Active Life

Remember that phrase, "You are what you eat"?

What does that really mean, right? I'm obviously not going to turn into a carrot or a watermelon if I eat too much of either, so how much truth is there to this long-standing saying?

There is oh-so-much truth to it! When you eat crap, you feel like crap. No energy, no glow to your skin, no brightness in your eyes.

Over the last two years I have overhauled my diet to contain principles that I have learned from a few different nutrition sources. After losing weight, having TONS of energy, and a new zest for life, my diet encouraged me to start my own path toward a career in nutrition and wellness. As a Certified Personal Trainer, I have learned even more on how to live a life full of good nutrition and lots of FUN activity! I am no expert (yet!), but I have learned so much to help both myself and my husband achieve better levels of health and, in turn, energy and happiness!

The best thing that I've learned? Exercise doesn't just happen in the gym!

My husband and I love doing new activities together!

Canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

On a family ski trip in Big Sky, Montana.

 Hiking in Yellowstone.

So don't worry so much if you didn't make it to the gym today, just get out there and be active!

Remember that phrase, "You are what you eat"?

What does that really mean, right? I'm obviously not going to turn into a carrot or a watermelon if I eat too much of either, so how much truth is there to this long-standing saying?

There is oh-so-much truth to it! When you eat crap, you feel like crap. No energy, no glow to your skin, no brightness in your eyes.

Over the last two years I have overhauled my diet to contain principles that I have learned from a few different nutrition sources. After losing weight, having TONS of energy, and a new zest for life, my diet encouraged me to start my own path toward a career in nutrition and wellness. As a Certified Personal Trainer, I have learned even more on how to live a life full of good nutrition and lots of FUN activity! I am no expert (yet!), but I have learned so much to help both myself and my husband achieve better levels of health and, in turn, energy and happiness!

The best thing that I've learned? Exercise doesn't just happen in the gym!

My husband and I love doing new activities together!

Canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.

On a family ski trip in Big Sky, Montana.

 Hiking in Yellowstone.

So don't worry so much if you didn't make it to the gym today, just get out there and be active!

Happy President's Day!

Hope everyone is having a great day remembering our founding fathers! 

I am hard at work writing new posts for the upcoming weeks! A little preview of what's to come:

Baby Week! : A week devoted to all things baby. How to deal with a COLICKY babe, things new parents DO and DON'T need. a couple of tips on how to SLEEP TRAIN, and MORE! Including some newborn photos of my own little one. 

Cleaning out the Cupboards : A guide to cleaning out and streamlining the items your kitchen.

Hot Non-Dairy Drinks for the Winter Blues : Re-Vamped Hot Cocoa and other yummy treats!

In the meantime, check out my updated About Me and Travel pages!

Hope everyone is having a great day remembering our founding fathers! 

I am hard at work writing new posts for the upcoming weeks! A little preview of what's to come:

Baby Week! : A week devoted to all things baby. How to deal with a COLICKY babe, things new parents DO and DON'T need. a couple of tips on how to SLEEP TRAIN, and MORE! Including some newborn photos of my own little one. 

Cleaning out the Cupboards : A guide to cleaning out and streamlining the items your kitchen.

Hot Non-Dairy Drinks for the Winter Blues : Re-Vamped Hot Cocoa and other yummy treats!

In the meantime, check out my updated About Me and Travel pages!

Travel Clothes for a Pregnant Lady

My husband and I are going on an 18 day road trip soon. Eighteen days! YAY!!! The rough part is we don't have much room for clothing and the temps are going to range from 60 - 85 degrees! That means I had to get creative...

I picked out a few tops that go with 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of skinny jeans, and a maxi dress. They all use the same color scheme so it is easy to pair shoes and accessories. Let me show you how I mixed the tops and bottoms to make more than enough outfits for the trip!

I chose just 1 t-shirt that was long enough to cover my belly(!), 

that paired well with the shorts I'm bringing, 

My husband and I are going on an 18 day road trip soon. Eighteen days! YAY!!! The rough part is we don't have much room for clothing and the temps are going to range from 60 - 85 degrees! That means I had to get creative...

I picked out a few tops that go with 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of skinny jeans, and a maxi dress. They all use the same color scheme so it is easy to pair shoes and accessories. Let me show you how I mixed the tops and bottoms to make more than enough outfits for the trip!

I chose just 1 t-shirt that was long enough to cover my belly(!), 

that paired well with the shorts I'm bringing, 

Road Trip to Cali & Washington State!

I am SO excited to tell you all that I will be updating my Travel page very shortly with the 4 NEW states (plus MAYBE Canada!) that I will be visiting in the next couple of weeks! YAY!



A rock ledge in Yellowstone National Park

This is a trip my husband and I have been planning for quite a while. It did not work out for us to venture across the nation last summer, so we were very determined to fit it in before the baby comes.



This trip will increase my Visited States count to 15. It may not sound that impressive, but that is up from 11!

We don't plan on stopping in most of the popular cities, but have instead purchased a National Parks Pass that will allow us to bypass all of the entrance fees. We are hoping to get to 6 different parks on our trip: Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks in Wyoming, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, and the Redwood and Yosemite national parks in California. If we have enough time, we may check out the North Cascades National Park in Washington and the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, which borders Glacier in Montana.



Mammoth Hot Springs area, Yellowstone National Park

If we DO get to visit all 8 parks, this would take our total number up to 9 American National Parks and 1 Canadian or International National Park. We have also visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.



Badlands National Park, South Dakota


I am so excited to share our travels and pictures when we get back!

Maybe I will do a post about each state! :)




Crazy Mountains by Big Timber, Montana


Until then, get out and do some traveling of your own!

I am SO excited to tell you all that I will be updating my Travel page very shortly with the 4 NEW states (plus MAYBE Canada!) that I will be visiting in the next couple of weeks! YAY!



A rock ledge in Yellowstone National Park

This is a trip my husband and I have been planning for quite a while. It did not work out for us to venture across the nation last summer, so we were very determined to fit it in before the baby comes.



This trip will increase my Visited States count to 15. It may not sound that impressive, but that is up from 11!

We don't plan on stopping in most of the popular cities, but have instead purchased a National Parks Pass that will allow us to bypass all of the entrance fees. We are hoping to get to 6 different parks on our trip: Glacier National Park in Montana, Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks in Wyoming, Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, and the Redwood and Yosemite national parks in California. If we have enough time, we may check out the North Cascades National Park in Washington and the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, which borders Glacier in Montana.



Mammoth Hot Springs area, Yellowstone National Park

If we DO get to visit all 8 parks, this would take our total number up to 9 American National Parks and 1 Canadian or International National Park. We have also visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.



Badlands National Park, South Dakota


I am so excited to share our travels and pictures when we get back!

Maybe I will do a post about each state! :)




Crazy Mountains by Big Timber, Montana


Until then, get out and do some traveling of your own!