Sports Mama Tip: Cold Weather Essentials

Baby, it's COLD outside! In fact, we're expecting 2-4 inches of snow here in Northern Virginia. Lucky for me, all three of my boys play basketball during the Winter so I can't complain too much. BUT, that doesn't mean that I'm not outside freezing my sports mama butt off during the end of football season and the beginning of Spring soccer!


I'd like to think that I've learned a thing or two over the last decade as a great portion of that time has been spent sitting on the sidelines of a field. And staying warm is definitely one of them!


Here is my list of cold weather essentials to help keep you warm and toasty all season long:

• Coat. A real coat; not a sweatshirt, fleece, or windbreaker. You need an insulated coat with a hood. Columbia and North Face make some super warm (and cute!) ones.
• Beanie. Even if your coat has a hood, you still want to wear one underneath. Being that it is fitted, it will do a much better job at keeping your head (and ears) warm!
• Gloves. I don't know about you? But, my hands are always the first thing to get cold! And cold hands are painful; and lead to dry, cracked hands of course. Click HERE to learn how to make your own spirit finger gloves!
• Wool socks. And after my hands, it's my toes!
• Layers. You can always take them off if you get too warm. This is probably my number one cold weather essential. I like the 32° brand Heat Base Layers. They're very similar to long underwear, but more lightweight. No more looking like you're wearing a diaper. Ha!
• Uggs. They are the absolute warmest boots in my opinion! I have a few different types, but the classic tall ones are my go-to when I know I'll be out in the cold. 
• Hand warmers. With just a quick shake, they help keep your hands warm for up to 10 hours. I simply tuck them inside of my gloves (or Uggs!) and I'm good to go!
• Blanket(s). I use a packable, down throw blanket that I received from one of my favorite football mama's a couple of years back. I love it because it's lightweight, yet very warm. And my favorite part about it is that it comes with a carrying bag that fits perfectly in my Sports Mama Bag!
• Stadium seat. If your field has bleachers, of course. There's nothing worse than not having to sit on cold bleachers. They even make heated ones! If you don't have one, a thick blanket will do!
• Hot chocolate. Because your insides deserve to be warm too! You can buy some at the concession stand or make your own at home and carry it in your favorite stainless-steel thermos.
• Portable heater. Perfect for keeping toasty while tailgating!

Stay warm, mamas!






Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comment section below!






*** Warm in your neck of the woods? No worries. I got you covered, Mama! Click HERE to read my Warm Weather Essentials. ***

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.

Basketball Mama Survival Tips

All three of my boys play basketball. In other words, I basically live at the court during basketball season. So, I'd like to think that I've learned a little something over the years.


Here are some of my true,  tried and tested tips for surviving those long days at the gym:

• Get yourself a stadium seat. You know those ones that fasten onto the bleachers and allow you to lean back. They provide much needed back (and butt!) support. If the gym your child is playing in doesn't have bleachers, take a chair. Basketball games can get long, especially if we're talking tournaments.
• Pack snacks. ALL the snacks! Your player will get hungry, siblings will get hungry, and you will get hungry. Why spend $2 for a single bag of chips from the concession stand when you can spend $10 at Costco for a big box of 30?
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You never know when a game will be running behind, go into OT, or result in another game. My go-to basketball mama outfit is usually comfortable pants (yoga pants, leggings, sweats), a tee, a zip-up (in case you get too cool or too warm), and sneakers.
• Research your location BEFORE the game. This is geared more toward travel basketball. Figure out where you're going and how long it will take to arrive. It's always better to be early than late. Also, look into what restaurants are close by should you need to eat in between games.
• Take time to get to know the team. Don't be that parent that only cheers when their "little Joey" makes a bucket because you don't know anyone else on the team's name. Basketball is a team sport. Cheer them all on!
• Febreze! This my #1 survival tip for ALL sports. Their sneakers will stink, your car will stink, their uniform will stink, it will all stink. Do your nose a favor and spray everything! Now!
• Encourage and ENJOY. They're just children after all. YOUR children. Cheer them on after a big win and build them up after a tough loss. Take pictures, record videos, invite family and friends to watch them, buy some spirit wear. They won't play forever.

Good luck to your baller(s)!




Do you have any additional tips that you'd like to share? If so, leave them in the comment section below!




*** Click HERE to read my Football Mama Survival Tips and HERE to read my Soccer Mama Survival Tips***

Football Mama Survival Tips

There's no turning back now...football season is upon us! In less than two weeks, I will be spending five days a week, two hours a day on the football field. Well, not literally. I'll be spending five days a week, two hours a day in my favorite chair on the sideline.


Here are my most helpful tips for surviving the season:

• Find a comfy chair. You're going to be doing a WHOLE lotta sitting. Ain't nobody got time for bleacher butt. You can find all types of chairs these days; chairs with canopies, chairs that recline, chairs with cup holders. It's totally up to you. Just be sure to get one. Your back (and butt!) will thank you later.
• Dust off your crockpot. If you're like me, it's been collecting dust all summer long. I tend to get the most use out of mine in the colder months...mmm, chili! But, trust me, your crockpot will become your bestest friend during football season. Prep your dinner the night before and drop it in the morning of. You'll come home to a heavenly aroma AND dinner that is ready to be served! #WINNING
• Find a football mama bestie. Let's face it, there will be days that you will be unable to get your child to and/or from practices or games. What better than having a backup plan aka mama. Just be sure that you are willing to return the favor!
• Stock up on Febreze. NOW! Once equipment is distributed, everything will smell. Everything! Your car, your house, your kid. Not everything can be thrown in the washer...but (almost) everything can be sprayed down!
• Get a planner. Paper, electronic...whatever your little heart desires. Especially if you have more than one child. You're going to need it. Unless you can magically store all the practice, scrimmage, and game dates/times/locations in your brain. Yeah...I didn't think so.
• Pack a practice/game "just in case" bag. Snacks just in case younger siblings (or yourself) get hungry. A book or magazine just in case you get bored. Sunblock and sunglasses just in case it's sunny out. An umbrella just in case it rains. Handwarmers just in case it's freezing. Now, obviously you do not need to pack all of these at the same time, but you get the point. Better to be overly prepared, than under prepared.
• Enjoy every moment. Football season can be draining, but before you know it your little quarterback won't be so little anymore. They'll be catching the bus with their teammates to their high school games. They'll be able to drive themselves to and from practices. So, take it all in mama. Take hundreds of pictures, share them to Facebook, wear their team colors, ring your cowbell loud and proud, cheer at the top of your lungs. This won't last forever!

Good luck this season!




Did I miss anything? I'd love for you to share YOUR tips in the comment section below!




*** Click HERE to read my Basketball Mama Survival Tips and HERE to read my Soccer Mama Survival Tips***