Sports Mama Review: ShoeStix

It's inevitable. If your kids play sports, they are going to stink. It doesn't matter if it's football, soccer, basketball, or lacrosse. Their equipment will stink, your car will stink, their rooms will stink, they will stink. I promise you.


And you know what just may smell the absolute worst? Their FEET! And where there's stinky, sweaty feet, there's sure to be stinky, sweaty sneakers and cleats!


I've tried sneaker balls, powders, dryer sheets, you name it. These simply masked the odor, they didn't get rid of it.


I was recently given the opportunity to try ShoeStix.

ShoeStix was created by a Sports Mama of three who in her own words "spent years dealing with the most disgusting smells coming from my sons' LAX bags".  ShoeStix claims to absorb moisture and inhibit 99.9% of bacteria growth, thus eliminating odors in as little as 24 hours. Say what??? This was a claim I just had to try out for myself!


For $29.99, you get 2 ShoeStix sticks, 2 deodorizing insert bags, a removable handle, and replacement caps. The inserts last for three to six months and only cost $7.95 to replace.

I chose the smelliest pair of shoes I could find (No. 1's basketball sneakers). On a scale of one to ten (ten being the stinkiest!), I'd give them an eleven!


The first thing I noticed is that there was no overpowering scent. The Stix use a hospital grade silver ion technology and are non toxic and chemical free.


The directions were simple and easy to follow.


And then we waited...

After exactly 24 hours, I went in for a whiff! Unfortunately (for my nose), they still smelled. Definitely not as bad as the day before, but still off putting. I'd say they were a 7 on my Sports Mama stink-o-meter.

So we put the Stix back in, and waited some more.



After 48 hours, they were a 4 on my stink-o-meter. We kept them in for another 24 hours and ALAS! About 90% of the funk was gone! While there was still a tiny bit of a smell, they weren't at all offensive. I was actually able to stick my entire nose in the shoes. Gasp!


Although they didn't completely remove the smell, I'd still recommend them. (And to be quite honest, the Primeknit feature on the top of the shoes may be to blame.) ShoeStix are by far more effective than anything else we've ever tried. My boy can now take his shoes off in public without embarrassing himself (or his mama!)


ShoeStix can also be used in boots, skates, arms pads and knee pads. They are also the makers of GloveStix. Stinky athletic gloves, no problem! It's no wonder people all over the internet are raving over them!


Stix in...Stink out!








*** Disclaimer: ShoeStix was kind enough to send me their product, however, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own.***

Sports Mama Tip: What's In My First-Aid Kit?

Cuts, bumps, scrapes, and bruises... they're bound to happen. Especially in youth athletes. And nothing is worse than being unprepared when they do!


So, what should you have in your Sports Mama First-Aid Kit?


Here's a look at mine:

As you can see I don't have your typical "box". In fact, I don't have a box at all. I use a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and a few sandwich-sized bags to group similar items together. I like it because it's see-through (which comes in super handy, especially if someone other than myself else needs to find it), easily portable, and it doesn't take up too much space (yet still holds a lot) in my Sports Mama Bag!


And here's what's inside:

• Band-aids (all sizes)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic wipes
• Burn cream
• Eye wash
• Gauze pads
• Instant cold packs
• Adhesive tape
• Ibuprofen
• Antibacterial wet wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Disposable gloves
• Extra Ziploc bags (to add ice to, if needed)

Most youth coaches carry a majority of these items with them. However, my boys have been on a couple of teams where the coach didn't even have an ice pack.


The moral of this story is that it is better to be over prepared than underprepared. They say "to be prepared is half the victory". And as a Sports Mama, any quote with the word victory in it speaks to my soul!






Do you keep something in your first-aid kit that I don't? Let me know in the comment section below!




*** Is your athlete dealing with sore muscles? Click HERE for my tips on helping ease the pain!

Sports Mama Tip: Youth Soccer Player Essentials

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring AND the first day of soccer practice for No. 2! I'm one happy Sports Mama. I can't wait to be at the field again, sitting in my favorite chair, wearing my favorite flip flops and my favorite shades, and of course, watching (one of) my favorite boys play!


Here is what he I am sure he has with him at all times:

• Cleats. Although they aren't technically required, they without a doubt are recommended! They help with footing and ball control. No. 2's new cleats come with a built-in sockliner which is suppose to offer lightweight cushioning and comfort.
• Shin guards. These are a requirement. They are used to protect your athlete's shins from injury. My boys prefer the slip in ones. They are easy to put on and can even be thrown in the washing machine!
• Soccer ball. Most coaches ask that each player bring a ball with them to practice. In addition to practicing as a team, they also will typically work on individual drills such as dribbling. No. 2 will be playing 13U this season and will be using a size 5 ball. (Click here to find the correct ball size for your child.)
• Water bottle. Because your athlete will get thirsty. For those super hot days, be sure to pack a few extras. You can also ensure they stay cold by sticking them in the freezer the night before!
• Sunscreen. There is usually little to no shade at soccer fields. Ain't nobody got time for sunburn! I always look for ones that say "sport" on the bottle as they have the best staying power for sweaty athletes. I also make sure that it has a SPF of at least 50, and prefer sprays over lotions as they make the application process a cinch!
• Extra jersey. We have both blue and white jerseys, for home and away games. Even though I write every game (along with all pertinent details!) in my planner, things happen. Like my kid wearing his blue jersey when the rest of his team is wearing white... true story! So now, we take both with us. Just in case!
• Drawstring bag. To store ALL the things. Makes transport super easy as well! They can even throw in their preferred accessories, such as hand sanitizer, keys, and cellphone.

Here are a few other items which are not essentials, but seem to be quite popular amongst youth players these days:

• Slides. For comfort on the way to and from the field.
• Headband. To keep their hair out of their face. Or simply for looks.
• Compression shirts and pants. Helps keep them cool and dry. They come in a variety of colors, so finding some to match your athlete's uniform should be a breeze.

Let the season begin!




Have an essential not mentioned above? Feel free to share it in the comment section below!






*** Click HERE to see what I carry in my Sports Mama soccer bag!

FIVE March Madness Snack Ideas!

If anyone is looking for Coach Hubby between now and April the 2nd, don't worry, he isn't missing! He's sitting (sometimes jumping up and down!) on our couch, in front of the TV watching March Madness. I'm sure many of you Sports Mamas can relate, am I right?!


Today I'm sharing FIVE easy, basketball themed snack ideas (with links to the instructions) to make your March Madness a little sweeter!

1. Basketball Cupcakes

2. Basketball Brownies

3. Basketball Fruit & Donut Kabobs

4. Basketball Cuties

5. Basketball Sports Drinks

Who are you picking to go all the way?


Our family is going with UVA. Go 'Hoos!

Weekend Snapshots: Goodbye Winter Basketball, Hello Spring Sports!

Winter basketball came to an end for both No. 2 and No. 3 this past weekend. No. 1's season ended a couple of weeks ago. 


No. 3's basketball team ended with a big 32-19 win and a final overall record of 7-4! This was the first year that the games actually counted. Way to go, Swish!

He scored his fair share of buckets, had a couple of steals, and really seemed to enjoy the season and all of his teammates.


No. 2's basketball team was in the Championship on Saturday! They went 7-2 on the season, winning both of their playoff games to get there!


We finished as the second seed and played the first place team who had only lost one game all season long... to us! Even though we had previously beaten them, we knew it wasn't going to be a cake walk. They without a doubt have one of the best players in the entire league.

We got off to a quick, large lead and held it all the way up until the third quarter. The other team ended up cutting it to just four points and had everyone on the edge of their seats.


But luckily, our boys kept cool, kept playing hard and WE WON!!!

We celebrated with post-game pizza and awards.

And you know I couldn't let a Championship game go by without making cupcakes!

I used liners and sprinkles in our team colors to make them look a little more festive.


And the boys weren't the only ones who received goodies. No. 2's coach gave each player a single, red rose to give to their mamas!

SO sweet! Such a fun ending to a great season. Way to go, No. 2 and Team Fire!


What's next for this Sports Mama and her athletes? No. 1 is playing AAU basketball, playing on his high school's rising Freshman team, and also weight training three days a week for Freshman (I still can't believe I'm typing that!) football. No. 2 will be playing soccer and No. 3 will be playing flag football. I can't wait!


Have a great week, Mamas!

Team Mama Idea: 10 Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work!

Fundraising and youth sports go together like peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies, Bert and Ernie. With most leagues being 100% volunteer ran, they rely heavily on fundraising to help cover costs such as uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, and end of season parties.


While fundraising may not make the list of your top ten favorite things to do, there is simply no getting around it. So today I'm sharing TEN fundraiser ideas with you that are tried, tested, and not too stressful (i.e. no knocking on your neighbors doors!).


Ready? Here we go!

1. 50/50 Raffle- This is one of the easiest, less time consuming, yet most popular ones. All you need are raffle tickets and two containers (one to hold the tickets and the other to collect the money in). These raffles are perfect for game day! Players, families, and other spectators buy one (or more!) ticket(s). They keep one half and you stick the other half in the container . At the end of the event someone picks a random ticket out of the container. The person with the matching raffle ticket wins half of the money collected and the league keeps the other half. That's it!
2. Car Wash- "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." That old saying holds true to this one. Begin by finding a place to hold it (usually a local gas station or school). Make signs, spread the word, gather up your team and supplies including a bucket for the money, and get to washing! I've found that car washes work best when they are done on a donation basis, in other words there is no set fee. People can give what they'd like.
3. Bake Sale- It's exactly what it sounds like. (Seriously, who doesn't like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes?!) Choose a date (game days are perfect!), spread the word, round up volunteers to help bake, set up, and sell those goodies!
4. Touchdown Jar- This is by far one of my favorite ways to raise money! So much so, that I've written an entire blog post on it. Click HERE to learn all about it. I know it says touchdown jar, but you could totally tailor it to fit your sport (think Goal Jar for soccer, 3-Point Jar for basketball, Home Run Jar for baseball- you get the gist). Why am I so passionate about this one? Easy. Because it works, that's why!
5. Team Picture Day- Work with a local photography company that specializes in youth sports photos. Be sure that the company has a built-in fundraiser feature- you can usually add an additional $1-$5 to the price of each picture package, all which will come back to the club. Be sure that your coaches know that it is not only picture day, but a fundraiser as well!
6. Spirit Wear Sale- What Sports Mama doesn't jump at the opportunity to rock her athlete's team colors?? Very similar to the team picture day idea, spirit wear companies also have the built-in fundraiser feature. Before starting, be sure to have an idea of what items will sell best (i.e. do people really want to spend their money on stadium blankets in the middle of the Summer?).
7. Concession Stand- Another oldie, but goodie. People just can't resist the smell of hot dogs cooking on the grill... or a warm cup of hot chocolate when it's 30 degrees out!  Buy your items in bulk and set up shop at home games. Be sure to keep your prices reasonable, especially when there are stores selling the same items within a short distance. Remember, you want people to buy from YOU, not them! (Click HERE for tips on running a successful concession stand as well as a list of the ten best sellers!).
8. Restaurant Nights- These are always well attended. Just be sure to do your research beforehand. Some restaurants will give you 50% of ALL sales made during the agreed upon fundraiser hours, while others give a much smaller percentage and require that each customer make them aware that they are there for the fundraiser to receive the money. Trust me. I've learned the hard way before! Location and timing are everything- schedule it for a day that practices are held and choose a restaurant that is as close to your practice facility as possible. This is KEY!
9. No Frills Fundraiser- This is one our previous football club did, and as a Board member, I can promise you that it really works! You simply come up with a generic letter that introduces the club, your mission and asks for monetary donations. You then distribute the letters to each athlete, have the athlete personally address each one to the friends/family members of their choice, mail them out, and wait for the donations to pour in. It's that simple!
10. Donations- Just like the no frills fundraiser, but without the paperwork. Spend a couple of hours standing alongside your athlete(s) outside of a local grocery store, having them in uniform will help them to stand out amongst the crowd. Let people know who you all are and what exactly you're raising money for. Take a bucket (or helmet if it's football season!) with you to collect the donations in. People like to help the youth and their communities, that's a given!

I hope these ideas help you to have your most successful season yet!


Happy fundraising!




Have an idea that wasn't mentioned above? Please share it with us in the comment section below or in our private, members only Facebook Group!

*** Click HERE for 5 COVID safe fundraising ideas!