Road trip essentials

With 2 road trips in 2 weeks I've had to consider what to bring, obviously. I'm a list maker and when it comes to packing I tend to get a little carried away. I'm trying to not over pack this time and to get everything in 1 bag. 

I'm going to share my list of road trip essentials. Those things that I need to get through a long or extra long drive, the first trip is 8 hours each way and the second is 3. 

Here it is. 

I like to sleep in the car, partially because I'm bored and partially because it keeps me from getting car sick. A pillow and blanket are very important, though they don't have to take the shape of an actual pillow and blanket. I usually cover myself with a large scarf and a rolled up sweater works great as a pillow and doesn't take up any extra space. 

I also like to have snacks and drinks in the car. A small bottle of water is best. Small to keep the bathroom breaks limited. As for snacks, chips and candy are easiest, but in an effort to be healthier I've brought some better choices. Pre-washed and cut fruit and veggies, individual hummus cups and nuts. Easy to eat, good for me and yummy!

Since I'm eating, it's always a good idea to have wipes on hand. No one likes sticky fingers. 

Comfy clothes. So essential. I know a lot of people feel like they have to be totally put together and made up anytime they leave home, but if I'm sitting in a car seat for hours then my #1 is being comfortable. A light comfy top, lululemon pants and a cozy sweater if needed. Socks are good too. 

 

My favourites are the Skinny Will pant. 

Sunglasses. That might seem obvious, but who wants to spend the day in the car squinting? A hat works well too. If it's that bright and sunny, SPF wouldn't hurt either. No one likes have one awkwardly tanned arm and a white everything else. 

Electronics. Not everyone has the same taste in music. If you need to escape, an iPod and headphones will be perfect. Some of us bore easier that others. Movies and games on an iPhone/iPad/tablet can be a lifesaver. Not to mention I am writing THIS blog on my iPad. I have a Kobo ereader as well, though a good old fashioned paper book would work just as well. I'm happy to put my cellphone away generally, but when you are trapped in a car for hours at a time it is another great escape. 

The last bit of electronics is a camera. You never know what you will see. I love to have my camera with me all the time anyways, I'm a bit snap happy. 

And lastly, lip balm. I don't know why, but it always need it in the car and it makes me crazy if I don't have it. 

And that's about all. 

Happy travels!

xoxo

Boxing

I've been going to boxing for about a month and a half now and I really don't have a single bad thing to say about it. It's been a long time since something brand new made me so happy and excited. 

The gym I'm going to, 30 Minute Hit, is an all woman's boxing circuit. There are 15 stations and a stretching area. If you can commit to at least 3 sessions per week the the price is around only $5/class... That's pretty decent in my books. 

The whole thing lasts, as the name would suggest, about 30 minutes + a few minutes for stretching. Every station last 2 minutes. 15 seconds regular time, 15 seconds double time and back and for through the 2 minutes, then on to the next station. It starts with jump rope. I have to admit that the jump rope has somehow gotten harder as I've gotten older, I used to love it! Next up, punching then kicking, abs, punching, kicking, abs, punching, knees, abs, kicking, punch/kick combo and for the last boxing station we are free to do any combination of whatever we want, stretching is the final spot. Now, I realize that's only 14 and I've spent a good long while trying to figure out what I'm missing, the answer is, nothing. I guess it's not actually 30 minutes?

I would also like to point out that I'm not just "punching" or "kicking." I'm doing something specific, roundhouse kick, hooks, turtle kicks, etc..

Because I'm so in love with boxing, I got a punching bag for home. Well, to be fair, Chad actually got it for me. It's inflatable and water weighted so it just pops back up after being hit. It should pop back up anyway.. I didn't add enough water though so it doesn't come back on its own unless it is hit against something. I usually set it up in front of our arm chair and it just bounces off the side so I can hit it again. I don't mind. 

Now all that's left is to get in a ring... 

Ok, ok, Mother. I won't...

xoxo

Coconut banana pancakes

Even though I don't really eat Paleo anymore, I still enjoy the recipes and try to keep some of them around. 

I woke up with a huge waffle craving the other day, but since I don't have a waffle maker and wasn't really in any shape to head out I decide pancakes would have to do. Honestly, the didn't satisfy the craving, but they were good enough anyway. 

To recreate you would need:

1 very ripe banana

1 egg

Cinnamon to taste

1 tbsp coconut milk

2 tbsp coconut flour

1tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp coconut manna

                                      

Mix everything together and pour (amount based on desired size) onto a hot pan greased with ghee or coconut oil. Cook at a medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side. 

                                       

I served mine up with some fruit and crispy bacon! The pancakes are topped with honey and banana chips. 

                                  

                                               

Enjoy!

xoxo

Dear me : 15

Oh, to be fifteen again. It was such a great year.

Grade 10, high school. 

You've pretty much been boy crazy forever, but this year you get to be in love. Maybe for other people it's silly or not real, you are only 15 after all. But don't listen to them. It's love. He will help make you who you are, give you confidence and never judge you for being you. Be as happy as you can anytime you can. Unfortunately for your young fragile heart, he isn't going to work out. You will cry and feel sorry for yourself and let your time slip away while you do it. There is no shame in being upset but don't drag it out. I sincerely promise that it will get better and there will be someone else. 

On this same train, the way to feel better is to be with your girlfriends having fun, enjoying the company, doing better in your classes. Being on a constant search for the next boy won't help. Be patient. (Chad) will be there soon enough.  

There are a few classes that you like and a few that you aren't taking that might be good. Firstly, pay close attention in photography, continue doing fashions and food, pay attention and keep going with biology and take up chemistry. Maybe math too? It's never been our strong subject (and never will be I'm sorry to say) but maybe try a touch harder... 

Consider all your options, consider what you really want to do with your life. Don't look at how long a course will take or how much it will cost, it will be worth it if it's the career you want. Plus, I'll tell you a secret. When high school is over and you are taking a course because you want to, it's not only easier, but also enjoyable!

It certainly wouldn't hurt to take up more extracurriculars too. You have plenty of wasted time after school, you might as well use it. Having a job already is great though. Even though dishes suck, it's money in your pocket. Suck it up. 

And now for the best part, the embarrassing photos.

xoxo