What's In My Sports Mama Bag? Basketball Edition!

As a sports mom, being prepared is key. It doesn't matter the sport, you want to be prepared for whatever the day may bring (especially when there is travel involved).


In this first edition of "What's In My Sports Mama Bag?", I will tell you what I pack for a day of basketball.

Let's begin with the type of bag I use. Of course you can use whatever type of bag you'd like, however, my bag of choice is a tote bag. Nothing wrong with backpacks, they just aren't my style. I ordered mine from Etsy. It is 100% cotton canvas, has two front pockets, and tons of room inside. Best of all, it was totally customizable! I was able to choose the quote and color scheme. Click HERE if you'd like to order your own.

With all three boys playing basketball now, two in rec and the other in travel, we can easily have three games in a single day. Sometimes even more if No. 1 has a tournament.


Here's what I am always sure to have with me:

• My planner. Let's face it. If mama doesn't know what is going on, no one knows what is going on. My planner keeps track of all practices, games, times, and locations. I've started color coding it all (No. 1 is blue, No. 2 is green, and No. 3 is purple) which is making it so much easier to keep up with.
• Stadium seat. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt!
• Hand sanitizer. Because boys... self explanatory.
• My phone. For all the usual reasons. Iphones also take some pretty good pictures and videos!
• Pens. In case I need to jot something down in my planner. Or if hubby is asked to keep stats.
• Water bottle. Although whoever is playing takes their own, I always bring an extra. I get thirsty. And the minute I take a sip, whichever of my kid(s) is not playing gets thirsty as well... of course!
• Snacks! This is a must. Kids are always hungry...especially when they see a concession stand or vending machines. Bringing your own stash will help save you money.
• Cash. In case I have to pay to get into the game(s) or my kids win the battle of the concession stand.
• Chapstick/Lipstick. For mama touch-ups.
• First-aid kid.  Just in case. Click here to see what goes inside. 

What do you carry in your basketball mama bag that I don't? I'd love to hear about it!

***Have a soccer player? Click HERE to read what I carry in my soccer mama bag and HERE to read what I carry in my football mama bag!  !***

Easy, Affordable Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers

It takes a big heart to teach little minds. This saying could not be anymore true.


My boys' teachers are always included on my Christmas shopping list, right alongside family and friends. I honestly believe that teachers are God sent. I know I couldn't do their job!


Some years, I'm feeling artsy fartsy. Other years, not so much. This was one of those "not so much" years. So, here's what I came up with.

A festive mug, tan crinkle paper aka coffee, and a Starbucks gift card. All for under $10! Score! (Gingerbread house not included...unless you wanted to gift it, of course).


What are some of your favorite easy, affordable gift ideas?

Sports Mama Tip: Save Money on Sports Drinks

Athletes love sports drinks, right? I know mine do! Save money (and time!) by using the powdered mix. We've been using the Gatorade brand for about a month now, and the boys love it. So much so that they're even taking it in their lunches.


I'm purchasing the big 3lb. tub (not the single serve packs) for about $8 at Target. It's enough to make 6 gallons. Or in sports mama terms, it's enough to fill 24 Gatorade bottles! Imagine going to your local convenient store and purchasing 24-32oz. bottles of the ready-to-drink kind. You would easily spend at least three times as much as you would paying for the powder. We've only tried two flavors thus far; Glacier Freeze and Lemon Lime- all three boys prefer the Glacier Freeze. Those are the only two that I've seen.


I definitely love saving money. I also love not having to make an extra pit stop on the way to the boys' games for drinks. Especially when their games are before 9am!

I hope this tip was helpful. Make sure to check back frequently for more sports mama tips!






*** Update: We've also tried the Orange flavor, but Glacier Freeze still continues to be their favorite!