Tag: travel

The Ultimate Beach Day Must-Haves for Families (From a Mom of 3 Who’s Learned the Hard Way)

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Let me paint a picture for you: snacks flying, sand in places it shouldn’t be, and someone (usually hubby) dragging a wagon like it’s an Olympic event. Ah, the beach with kids—equal parts magical and exhausting.

After moving to sunny Southwest Florida and wrangling three kids at the beach more times than I can count, I’ve finally nailed down our go-to beach essentials that make the chaos a little calmer and a lot more fun.

So here it is, mama: your family-friendly beach survival kit—no fluff, just stuff that actually helps.

1. A Beach Wagon That Can Handle the Sand
Forget the cute fold-up ones from the grocery store. You need one with big, chunky wheels. Bonus points if it has cup holders and a place to stash your iced coffee.

WAGON

2. XL Sand-Free Beach Blanket
Because someone’s always crying about sand (usually not the baby). These oversized, quick-dry blankets make setup simple—and cleanup even easier.

BEACH BLANKET

3. Shade Tent
Florida sun does not play. A quick-set tent gives the littles a place to nap, snack, or escape the heat.

TENT

4. Mesh Bags for Toys + Wet Stuff
I used to toss sandy toys in a tote and instantly regret it. Now we use mesh bags that let the sand fall out before we hit the car. Game changer.

MESH BAGS

5. Snack Containers + an Insulated Cooler Bag
Beach hunger hits hard. Keep fruit, cheese sticks, and juice boxes cool and sand-free. Pro tip: bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. Like, double.

SNACK BOXES

COOLER

6. Sand Remover Sponge (Yes, It Really Works)
Move over baby powder—this little sponge is the new MVP. Just a few swipes and sand brushes right off skin without the mess or chemicals. Great for tiny feet, sandy butts, and even your own ankles before hopping in the car.

SAND REMOVER

7. Oversized Beach Tote That Holds Everything
Because let’s be honest—you’ll end up carrying everyone’s stuff anyway. Look for one that’s waterproof, sand-resistant, and has lots of pockets. Bonus points if it stands up on its own and doesn’t collapse into a black hole of Goldfish crumbs.

TOTE

8. Roll-On Sponge Sunscreen (No More Greasy Hands)
This is hands-down (pun intended) the easiest way to get sunscreen on squirmy kids. No mess, no whining about cold sprays—just roll and go. The built-in sponge makes application quick and even, especially on little faces and wiggly limbs.

SUNSCREEN

9. Portable Fan (USB-Chargeable)
Yes, this sounds extra—but when you’re breastfeeding or trying to soothe a hot toddler, this little fan is your BFF.

FAN

10. Swim Diapers (Because You Will Get in the Water)
If you’ve got a baby or toddler, these are non-negotiable. Regular diapers swell up like balloons in water, but swim diapers keep the mess contained without soaking up the ocean. Grab a few reusable ones to save money—or stash extras if you’re going disposable.

SWIM DIAPERS

You can have a fun, (mostly) stress-free beach day with kids—it just takes a little prep and the right gear. And if all else fails, remember: you’re making core memories…even if half of them involve chasing a toddler into the ocean.

Got a favorite beach item that saves your sanity? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking to upgrade our chaos kit.

Moving with Young Kids (Twice!): Our Journey from NJ to Our Forever Home in Florida

On By Brittany PinterIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Moving is always a big deal — but moving with little ones in tow? That’s a whole different kind of chaos. In the span of just over a year, our family made two major moves: first from New Jersey to Southwest Florida with our three young kids (then 5, 3, and 15 months), and then again from our rental into what we now call our forever home — all while I was pregnant with baby number four.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

The Big Move: NJ to Florida

When we decided to leave New Jersey, we were craving sunshine, space, and a slower pace of life. But leaving everything familiar — our family, community, and routines — felt overwhelming. We packed up our lives, squeezed what we could into a moving truck, and flew down with our three littles. At the time, our kids were 5, 3, and just 15 months old. Still in diapers, still waking in the night, and very much still needing their routines.

We chose to rent for a year while we got to know the area. Honestly? That was the best decision we made. It gave us time to figure out neighborhoods, adjust to the Florida heat (hello, humidity), and let our kids settle into their new schools and rhythms without the pressure of rushing into a permanent decision.

Pregnant and Moving… Again

Just when we found our groove, we found out we were expecting baby #4. And with that came the desire (and need) to find our forever home. So, with three busy kiddos and a belly that was growing by the day, we packed up again and moved into our new house.

This time, the move was local — but with toddlers and pregnancy hormones in the mix, it still felt like a marathon.

What Helped Us Survive (and Sometimes Even Thrive)

Here are a few things that got us through all the transitions:

  • Lowering expectations: Not everything had to be perfect. Our meals were simple, boxes stayed unpacked longer than I’d like, and screen time? Yep, it happened.
  • Maintaining some routines: Bedtime stories and cuddles stayed consistent. Familiar rhythms helped the kids feel safe amidst the chaos.
  • Letting them feel: Our kids had big feelings about leaving friends, changing homes, and adjusting to new spaces. We made space for those feelings and gave extra grace.
  • Creating “home” quickly: We prioritized setting up the kids’ rooms first — even if the rest of the house looked like a disaster zone, they had a familiar space to play and sleep.
  • Letting people help: Whether it was a friend bringing dinner or a neighbor watching the kids for an hour, accepting help made a world of difference.

Now, We Breathe

Now that we’re settled in our forever home, there’s a peace that’s starting to settle in too. The kids are adjusting beautifully, the baby is growing strong, and we’re slowly turning this house into a home filled with memories, noise, and love.

If you’re facing a big move with little ones — I see you. It’s exhausting and emotional and messy… but it can also be a beautiful, fresh start.