We are all out there trying to be the best version of ourselves each day. It's a (tough) commitment that I've made to myself over the last few years. This mentality doesn't stop when I leave the house! You can maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. It's possible there is a balance to it all. Here are 5 tips I use on a consistent basis to keep my mental & physical health in check while on the go.1. Plan a daily walk, even on travel days.![]()
I don't always feel like exercising or have time when on a family vacation. I know that movement is key to keeping my body active & functioning correctly. So, I always plan to walk each day. Nothing crazy fast or strenuous, just 30 minutes. This could mean exploring an outdoor shopping area, nature trail or nearby neighborhood. At the airport, my husband and I like to walk the kids back and forth through the terminals (no sitting down until closer to flight). This is good for all of us! *Tip* - wear your walking shoes on your travel day....saves space in your bag & encourages you to move!
Road trips are a bit different. . . simply plan to explore a bit once you get there (aka walk outdoors or around a shopping area) OR take a walk (or workout) before you get in the car. I always try to fit in a workout the morning of travel if possible, it makes me more relaxed! If I'm feeling extra motivated. . . Lately, I've been packing a fabric "booty band" with me on trips. It's super light and easy to cram into a full bag. I don't always use it but it gives me the option of fitting in a leg/booty sequence if I want to. YouTube is a great source for quick resistance band workouts or simply use bodyweight! The fabric booty bands I love {does NOT slip or smell like rubber lol}: single // set of 3 A more traditional rubber resistance band set: set of 3 2. eat outside as much as possible.
My husband often makes fun of me due to my love for outdoor dining. This might seem like a funny tip but trust me it's a huge benefit for your mental health. Which we all know is key to our overall health. The fresh air, sunshine & outdoor noises always make me feel lighter. They help me enjoy my location in a deeper way. Plus the vibe outdoors feels less rushed vs inside a restaurant. If you have kids, the scenery is built in entertainment! Bonus they learn the important life lesson of how to shield food from bugs!
3. Plan Snacks & Breakfast food.
![]() 4. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate!
Staying hydrated (& fed) are my top concerns when it comes to our wellbeing on vacation. I'm very easy to get along with if these two requirements are met!! If possible I bring a reusable water bottle to use on trips. I will fill it up throughout the trip & carry it everywhere. We purchase large jugs of water once we reach our destination for easy refills. Obviously, there are some instances that a reusable bottle is just not the move....for me the beach is a no-go. Sand everywhere no thank you.
See my favorite reusable bottles for adults & kids linked below! Other hydrating drinks: Sparkling water: any & all yes please Coconut water "Spa water": aka water with fruit, yum I also like to bring Nectar hydration packs for a little something different. These electrolyte packs travel so easy! I like these specifically because they have no added sugar, only slightly sweetened with stevia. The sunset orange reminds me of drinking orange Gatorade as a kid. They make the perfect afternoon fruity drink that hydrates & provides essential minerals! Linked HERE.
- ADULT HYDRATION -
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- KID HYDRATION -
![]() 5. Research healthy restuarants & grocery stores prior to traveling.
Take time to look at your destination on Google Maps before you head out. See what restaurants or food stores are nearby or available at the hotel. READ THE REVIEWS! Check out their Instagram or website. You can learn a lot about restaurants with some quick sleuthing.
My husband and I are gluten free so this is essential when traveling! We have to know what places can accommodate our diet. This goes for choosing healthier dining options as well. I highly recommend looking the menu online before you visit a restaurant. Look through it & pick out what you want to order ahead of time. Not when you're hangry & sitting down. This always helps me make better choices when it comes to food because I have more time to think it over. "Are you ready to order yet?" - The worst feeling when you can't decide!! thanks for stopping in. Catch up with me on Instagram or leave a comment below with your tips!
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With everything going on lately, I am constantly wondering what I can do in my world to help, spread positivity, or simply share understanding . It is so difficult to see our world in such pain & feel helpless or confused in the process. BUT, I do have this platform and a small group of individuals that will listen to me! THANK YOU!!
I am committed to sharing & growing
in this together. My first attempts at
change will begin within our home.
Everyone has their own sphere of
influence which typically begins within
the home. My husband & children are
my immediate group. Beyond them,
the family outside my home &
friends. Then you! If each of us
simply strives to begin in small ways in our own homes & within our
sphere of influence real change can occur over time.
I am committed to sharing & growing
in this together. My first attempts at
change will begin within our home.
Everyone has their own sphere of
influence which typically begins within
the home. My husband & children are
my immediate group. Beyond them,
the family outside my home &
friends. Then you! If each of us
simply strives to begin in small ways in our own homes & within our
sphere of influence real change can occur over time.
One way I can promote acceptance is continuing to incorporate books that teach diversity in our home. Books are truly a way of speaking into someone's mind & transforming their thoughts. Picture books can be extremely powerful for young children. Within a story they are exposed to different worlds, people, & ways of thinking.
Below are some of my favorites from my days of teaching and some new titles that I have recently added to our shelves at home. All books are appropriate for children preschool - grade school age. The books present varying degrees of complexity, children of all ages will be able to pull their own understanding from them regardless of this.
1. Because I'm You're Dad- Explores the relationship between son & father. This monster is one cool dad! Sweet bedtime story or Father's Day gift. Promotes different family structures, traditions, & lifestyles.
2. The Umbrella- A spin off of Jan Brett's story "The Mitten." The story follows a boy through the Costa Rican cloud forest as he searches for animals among the lush forest. Readers are introduced to various animals native to the cloud forest & are exposed to Spanish throughout the story.
3. Kalamata's Kitchen- An adventure in food that is playful & imaginative. Kalamata learns the traditions of her family while trying new things. Children will learn to become adventurous eaters & notice variations in food across cultures.
4. Marisole McDonald Doesn't Match- A story about what it means to come from a mixed ethnic background. Marisol is like any other kid but her family makeup makes her extra unique. She learns to embrace her uniqueness in the end with the help from her teacher!
5. A Tiger Tail- What if you woke up with a tiger tail on the first day of school? This cute story follows Anya as she begins school. She is seemingly different looking than the other students in her class. Readers can understand the importance of embracing differences among one another.
6. The Doorbell Rang- A classic story of a family that loves to share their cookies with the whole neighborhood. Children love the suspense of the dwindling cookies each time the doorbell rings. The illustrations promote a diverse community.
7. Strictly No Elephants- Have you ever felt unwanted somewhere? This story follows a young boy & his pet elephant. They can never seem to fit in among a certain group of friends. They find a new friend & set out to create a place that welcomes all children and their unusual pets. This creates a great conversation about inclusion in any sense.
8. The Snowy Day - A fun story about a boy named Peter and how he spends his snowy day. This classic includes varied family structure, home, & time period. Children love this simple story because they can easily relate to it!
2. The Umbrella- A spin off of Jan Brett's story "The Mitten." The story follows a boy through the Costa Rican cloud forest as he searches for animals among the lush forest. Readers are introduced to various animals native to the cloud forest & are exposed to Spanish throughout the story.
3. Kalamata's Kitchen- An adventure in food that is playful & imaginative. Kalamata learns the traditions of her family while trying new things. Children will learn to become adventurous eaters & notice variations in food across cultures.
4. Marisole McDonald Doesn't Match- A story about what it means to come from a mixed ethnic background. Marisol is like any other kid but her family makeup makes her extra unique. She learns to embrace her uniqueness in the end with the help from her teacher!
5. A Tiger Tail- What if you woke up with a tiger tail on the first day of school? This cute story follows Anya as she begins school. She is seemingly different looking than the other students in her class. Readers can understand the importance of embracing differences among one another.
6. The Doorbell Rang- A classic story of a family that loves to share their cookies with the whole neighborhood. Children love the suspense of the dwindling cookies each time the doorbell rings. The illustrations promote a diverse community.
7. Strictly No Elephants- Have you ever felt unwanted somewhere? This story follows a young boy & his pet elephant. They can never seem to fit in among a certain group of friends. They find a new friend & set out to create a place that welcomes all children and their unusual pets. This creates a great conversation about inclusion in any sense.
8. The Snowy Day - A fun story about a boy named Peter and how he spends his snowy day. This classic includes varied family structure, home, & time period. Children love this simple story because they can easily relate to it!
One Love - A simple book based on the Bob Marley song. Comes in board book format perfect for little hands.
The Name Jar- Why do some people have different names? Explores the cultural importance of names.
Just Ask- Why are some kids different? Focuses on the differences among children with disabilities.
Fry Bread- A Native American (poem style) story about a favorite staple... fry bread. Recipe in the back! Beautiful watercolor & pencil illustrations.
Think Big, Little One- A collection of famous women around the world known for their achievements. Visually stunning!
Hair Love- What happens when daddy is in charge of styling princess like hair?
If you have any other favorites you want to share comment on my latest Instagram post. I am always adding new books to our growing shelves! I will be sure to share them with others. @JenkinsHouseOnTheHill
The Name Jar- Why do some people have different names? Explores the cultural importance of names.
Just Ask- Why are some kids different? Focuses on the differences among children with disabilities.
Fry Bread- A Native American (poem style) story about a favorite staple... fry bread. Recipe in the back! Beautiful watercolor & pencil illustrations.
Think Big, Little One- A collection of famous women around the world known for their achievements. Visually stunning!
Hair Love- What happens when daddy is in charge of styling princess like hair?
If you have any other favorites you want to share comment on my latest Instagram post. I am always adding new books to our growing shelves! I will be sure to share them with others. @JenkinsHouseOnTheHill
Hi I'm Kelsey.
I help busy women embrace cooking at home with my fuss-free family recipes!
I help busy women embrace cooking at home with my fuss-free family recipes!
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