Woah. Where did the time go? Apparently, in order to blog regularly, you have to actually be home. Sorry about that. It seems a little late now, but I told you I would post about the basket we brought to the fireworks on the 4th. (I had a house full of people and my kids just had a pillow fight—the house is a mess.)
Regardless of the occasion, I think something like this would work anytime you’re at an outside activity, and you want to keep your kids occupied.
Start out with some important treats. Patriotic Tootsie Rolls were fitting for our outing, but I also find that peanuts in the shells work. It keeps the kids busy while they peel and unwrap!
I also included some sparklers and glow sticks from the dollar store. The glow sticks kept the kids busy for a loooong time once it got dark. They were having a blast attaching them and spinning them around.
Of course, drinks are a must. Juice boxes for the kids, water and pop for the adults. Oh yeah…if you have a wonderful little shop in town that sells homemade fudge, you might want to pack some of that.
Don’t forget the mosquito spray and a baggie for trash. I must admit, this was a pretty fool proof way to be prepared for the fireworks. It keeps kids busy, and it’s a great excuse to buy a cute little basket at TJMaxx!
P.S. When we got to the fireworks, my husband looked into the basket and said, “You didn’t bring the gummy bears?” Let’s just say, he got “the look” from me. Moms—we never do enough, do we? 🙂
Lise says
Love that idea, thanks!
kimert says
Great idea!!
Kelli says
That is a great basket…I love the tip about a bag for trash. I had to figure that out the hard way. Ahhh husbands.
TRICIA @boutellefamilyzoo says
What a great idea! It pays to be organized. 😉
*Tricia
Sara says
I have a basket like that from Marshalls. I also monogrammed it. They had them at Target in the "summer" section too recently.
Emily Anne Leyland ( Art-n-Sewl) says
I love that!!
Stephanie says
I just found your site a few days ago and love it! Great ideas for your basket, but I have to say, my favorite part was that your husband, the MMA fighter, was bummed that there were no gummy bears!
Leen says
Oh if only you could come here and help me prepare for well, everything. You rock!!
writing4612 says
Cute idea!
Carmen says
I need to file this in my mental file so I remember to do this next time we go on an outing. 🙂
Linda at Lime in the Coconut! says
Adorable. And now, somehow, I feel like a louse of a mom.
Thanks, Girl.
~Mommy+Me~ says
Very Cute. I brought snacks to the fireworks too, but they didn't look nearly as cute. I have that same basket in Magenta. I got it last year on clearence @ JCPenney's and have yet to use it. Now I have an idea for it. 😉
JennyMac says
That looks great and I love the idea…sorry you missed the gummi bears. haha.
Jo says
I love the basket, someone mentioned target – I think I might head over there to take a peek 🙂
Thanks for the tips of packing it!
Sarah Elizabeth says
I love that basket!
Lil' Woman says
Great basket, so prepared! : )
Jenglamgirl says
Love love love it all! Love the basket aNd the flag tootsie rolls! fudge is a must, and I am a diet coke girl all the way! P.S. the dollar STORE ROCKS!
RootsAndWingsCo says
I always over pack and over prepare…and still always get the response that you got. "You don't have_______?" Too funny! 😉 I love being the one who brought the extra towels, just in case (and they were really needed), or the food, drinks, bandaids, etc! Your basket looked perfect for the fireworks!
Rebecca
Blessed Momma from Blessed At Home says
I make a basket similar to this for our park days with our park group. Of course my basket isn't near as cute as yours but it gets the job done. Inside I put drinks, snacks, a tiny first aid kit, trashbag, travel size wet wipes, magnifying glass for exploring and observing, bubbles, sidewalk chaulk, camera, sunscreen, bug spray…….
The Hat Chick says
What rock have I been under? Flag Tootsie Rolls?! Awesome!
Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful says
I MUST have one of those fab baskets. Hope our TJ Maxx has them! Oh, and the comment your husband made…sounds like something mine would say…verbatim! Gotta love them.
~Amanda
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
Love the basket – we've brought glow sticks to the fourth for years – totally worth every penny it costs. You can buy them on ebay for super cheap!!
dotti white says
Great planning! I love your basket filling! Have a great day!
BrnEyedGal says
That is fantastic…thanks for the great idea, Im doing the same thing for our park outing tomorrow…. 🙂
Now off to find a bag, LOL
RootsAndWingsCo says
Oh this is just too fun! I love it! You are a good mom & wife to have it all together like this. I need to think more along these lines more often.
Great post!
Anjeanette of the R&W girls
Anonymous says
I really need the name of the PAINT COLORS in your home! My honey colored trim/doors/fireplace are about to get the best of me. All of that is going to white, but I need your WALL colors. Please HELP!! Thx!! You're the best…signed, 'just a girl' addict!
Lisa in Indiana
Beth says
I just bought myself a cute basket and hubby wondered why. I wasn't sure what to say. Now, I'll put it to use as a post-4th-of-July-watch-the-stars? basket ;). Such a cute idea. I'll keep it in mind for next year!
Mandi says
Sweet basket! I just ordered one very similar for myself from a little store downtown. Oh, and my hubby would have so got "the look" for that too. Amazing the skill set you acquire as a mom.
Girl with the Curlz says
Love the basket. Great idea.
Chris says
Lisa in Indiana– Hi there! I hope you see this. I imagine you mean the living room walls? Do you want ALL the colors? 🙂 How 'bout I give you a couple to start? My outside walls in the living room (and in the mudroom) are Grant Beige by Benjamin Moore. The fireplace wall is Berkshire Beige (also by B.M.). A lot of people ask about the dining room, too. It's called Willow by Martha Stewart, but she has since discontinued the color under that name. Bummer… I hope this helps, and I'd love to see what colors you choose! Drop me an e-mail sometime!!
Dream Mom says
Great idea! You always make things nice. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
UPrinting says
Oh, what a pretty basket! And a wonderful selection of food there, yum!
Don't worry, I appreciate what moms do. Forget the gummy bears, let him get it himself. LOL. Just kidding.
Happy fourth of July! 🙂