Sports Mama Tip: Travel Basketball Backpack Essentials

I've already written a What's In My Basketball Mama Bag post, but what should your travel basketball player pack in THEIR bag???


No. 1 is currently using the Nike Hoops Elite Backpack. They were ordered as a team. It's water resistant, has a mesh sleeve that can fit up to a size 15 (15!) pair of sneakers, a vented wet/dry compartment which allows him to store any dirty clothes, and not to mention pretty cool looking!

Here's what goes inside:

• Basketball sneakers. Most travel players wear slides aka sandals or non-basketball sneakers to and from the games. Comfort is key.
• Shooting shirt. Gym temperatures are so unpredictable. It may be a little too cool to walk around in just a jersey while waiting for the game to begin. If it's really cold out, you can throw in a sweatshirt.
• Knee Pads. They're used to protect their knees should they go down, but I'm pretty sure most kids these days mainly wear them for looks.
• Mouthpiece. Chipped teeth can happen in basketball too!
• Headband. To keep the sweat out of their eyes and/or the hair out of their face.
• Water Bottle. Self explanatory. Hydration is crucial! I usually add some powdered Gatorade mix to it. Much cheaper than buying bottled Gatorades!
• Hand sanitizer. This is definitely me being a mama bear. My *hope* is that he'll use it when snacking in between games.
• Cellphone. Because he's a teenager. And because sometimes I can't make it due to scheduling conflicts with No. 2 and No. 3. This allows me to reach him for game updates, should I need to.
• Snacks. Tournaments can be LONG. They will get hungry, it's a given. I make sure he has a mixture of fruit, granola bars, and something sweet.
• Cash. Sometimes they need more than snacks. Especially when there are hours in between games. I like to be sure he has a little money should he need to buy a hotdog or something more filling from the concession stand.

I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Go Stars!!!






*** Click HERE to read my AAU Tournament Survival Tips!

Soccer Mama Survival Tips

Ah, soccer season! Time to soak up the sun and have some FUN! I only have one child playing soccer this Spring, but I have spent more years of my "mom life" as a soccer mama than any other type of sports mama.


Here are some of my favorite, tried and tested tips for making the best of the season:

• Buy an outdoor chair. When you're not jumping up and down cheering, you'll be doing quite a bit of sitting. Be sure to find one that's comfortable and easily transportable. Mine has a built-in cup holder, perfect for my morning cup of Joe! You can go all out if you'd like and find one with a canopy or even one that reclines! Don't be afraid to invest in good quality, I've had mine for years and years now!
• Dress for the weather. You're going to be outside, most likely without a single bit of shade. Be sure you are prepared. If it's cold, layer up. If it's raining, take an umbrella. If it's sunny, grab your favorite pair of shades and some sunscreen. You don't want to be looking like Larry the Lobster the next day!
• Pack a soccer mama bag. Click HERE to read what I'm sure to carry with me to each and every game. You name it, I probably have it in my bag. It's better to be over prepared than under prepared!
• Invest in a good camera lens. If you plan on taking action shots, this is a must. Soccer fields are HUGE. There's just no way your standard 18-55mm lens will get the job done. I purchased mine second hand from Craigslist and I absolutely love it. Not a single scratch in site. Just be sure to do your research first.
• Pack extra water. This is crucial! My boys have been known to run out of water before the end of the game...especially when it's 80+ degrees out. You want to be sure that they stay well hydrated. When it's going to be really hot out, you can freeze the water the night before. We'll sometimes even pack a small cooler to take with us.
• Re-up on your Febreze! Y'all already know that Febreze is my BFF. There is a whole lotta sweating that goes on in soccer. Have you ever smelled post-game shin guards or goalie gloves? Or better yet, your post-game kid?! YUCK! Spray away, mama. Spray away!
• Have fun! One day you'll wake up and no longer have anyone to drive to practice (or games!). So cheer loud, take pictures, share them with friends and family, and most importantly be their number one fan! Win or lose! The world is already full of enough critics.

Good luck this season!




*** Do your kids play other sports? If so, click HERE to read my Football Mama Survival Tips or HERE to read my Basketball Mama Survival Tips.

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

It's soccer season!!! Time to dust off that outdoor chair and grab your favorite pair of shades!

Here's a look inside of my soccer mama bag:

• Planner. I don't go anywhere without it. One of the attorney's I work for won't even place anything on top of it, ha! He calls it "the holy grail". And that's exactly what it is; if mama doesn't know what's going on, no one does.
• Sunscreen. Simple. Ain't nobody got time for sunburn!
• Bug spray. Or bug bites! No. 2 plays on natural grass, so there's bound to be something flying around.
• Sunglasses. Who doesn't want to keep the sun out of their eyes...AND look cute while doing it?!?
• Mini first-aid kit. You just never know. Better to be over prepared than under prepared.
• Icepack. Coaches usually have them, but I like to pack an extra one just in case.
• Chapstick. My lips are still chapped from the Winter. I like to apply chapstick pretty frequently, especially when I'm outdoors. My current favorite is the Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in the color Hibiscus. It's the perfect "your lips but better" color.
• Water bottle. Soccer players aren't the only ones that get thirsty! Their mamas do too. (As do their fathers and siblings who forget to bring their own!)
• Snacks. Someone always swears they're starving...even if we just left home 15 minutes ago.
• Cell phone. Because what are we without them? Not to mention that they take some pretty decent videos if you forget your camcorder.
• Hand sanitizer. I'm a germaphobe. I confess. A pretty big one at that. That's why!

If you carry something in your bag that I don't, I'd love for you to share it with me!


Good luck to your soccer stars this season!




*** Click HERE to see inside of my basketball mama bag (as well as where I purchased my custom tote bag from!) and HERE to see inside of my football mama bag.***