road trips

There's nothing like a long car ride home from holiday festivities to tire out your mini me. Tuck your child into his car seat for a restful journey back to your abode. Here are some tips on putting tots and babes to bed while you drive.

1. Have warmed bottles or cold sippy cups full of milk in a hot or chilled bag. For older children a supply of bottled water or canteens on hand.
2. Keep a stash of ziplocked snacks to fill rumbling tummies — string cheese, granola bars, sliced apples, cracker packs and yogurt tubes.
3. Change your lil guy's diaper just prior to hitting the road.
4. Dress your tot in warm, comfortable pajamas (footed jammies keep their toes wrapped as well).

To read the rest of these helpful traveling tips, read more

Road trips are a quintessential rite of passage when the Spring and Summer months are within reach. As much fun as road-tripping it to an unknown destination can be, if your pet is riding along, her safety can easily be overlooked when the rubber hits the road. I can never stress enough how important a car seat is for your pet while riding in the car (since I've drilled it into your brains about a million times)! Even a travel crate or the super soft (yet totally travel friendly) Sleepypod strapped in with the seat belt is way safer than having your pet roaming around the cab which can not only be hazardous to your driving, but your fave pooch or cat can potentially go flying if you happen to slam on the brakes. And that's never a good thing!

I've rounded up some more food for thought about what to bring with you, safety checks, and what to think about before you hit the highway on your next road trip when your furry co-pilot is tagging along for the ride.

Before you go:

• If you know your destination, research vet hospitals before hand, so you'll know where to head in an emergency.
• Pack up your pet first aid kit, along with plenty of food, collapsible water bowls, medicines, and toys they might need in an easily accessible tote or travel bag.
• Make sure your pet's i.d. tags are up to date with current phone numbers.
• Maximize your time by scouting out your destination's pet-friendly hotels, parks, and beaches, so you're not roaming around looking for them.
• Consider prepping a travel litter box, since kitties are fussy travelers. Stress can do numbers on their digestive systems.

Check out the rest of my tips when you read more

It is not uncommon to be driving to your destination this holiday season, which means more time sitting in the car and less time walking or exercising.

One thing that I always make sure to have in my trunk for long car rides is a jump rope. My family tends to stop frequently while on road trips, so at each rest stop I like to do a mini jump-rope session (five minutes or so). Now that I have kids, I bring jump ropes for the girls too, so that they can burn some energy while mommy is burning calories. Plus, then I won't feel so bad indulging in a piece of pie (or two) once I get to my destination.

Fit's Tip: Jessica Simpson got great results from jumping rope, so it's worth a shot!

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