Easy, DIY Father's Day Gift Idea

With Father's Day being just a few days away, I wanted to share this easy and inexpensive, DIY gift idea with you all.


All dads like beer, right? I mean, let's be honest. Kids will drive you to drinking sometimes! It's inevitable. So, why not give them a gift they're sure to drink love...BEER, made extra special with personalized Father's Day labels!

Here's all you need:

• 6 pack of dad's favorite beer
• White, printer labels (I used Avery no. 6878)

You can be as creative as you'd like when designing your labels. You could even have your child make them by hand, for even more of a personalized touch. Or, if you'd like to use mine, click HERE.

No need to waste time attempting to remove the original labels. I simply stuck mine right on top. They are the perfect fit!

That's it! An easy, thoughtful, inexpensive Father's Day gift that dad is sure to think is absolutely brewtiful!

After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere right?


Happy (early) Father's Day!

Sports Mama Tip: My Go-To Sites & Apps

I rely on several websites and iPhone apps to help me make it through the season, especially when I'm Team Mama. Here are a list of the ones that I just cannot live without:

• TEAMSNAP- This has been my go-to website for managing teams for the past several years. There are paid upgrades, as well as a standard free version. Basically, it's your own personal webpage for your team. With this one site only, I am able to add our roster (including contact info for players, coaches, and parents), our practice and game schedules, track a player's availability, upload videos and photos, create a snack sign-up list, send messages (emails, texts, and IMs), track our win/loss record, and much more. There also have an app that you can download onto your smart phone.
• SIGNUPGENIUS- It's name speaks for itself. It's a free website that allows you to "say goodbye to reply-all emails and paper sign-up sheets". I use it to create all different types of sign-ups including for snacks, team tailgates, and end of season celebrations. It's quick, easy, and effective.
• FACEBOOK- You know what it is, I know what it is. We all know what it is! I like to use the "page" feature to set up a team page. It allows me to share info including photos and videos to help extended family and friends stay up to day with our team. Just remember not to post any information you wouldn't want to potentially be shared with strangers.
• MAPQUEST- Because I simply have no sense of direction. Embarrassing, but true. I use this app to get to just about every game...except for home games, of course. Ha!
• PINTEREST- Pinterest is my favorite site/app ever! Not only for sports related ideas, but for any other possible idea you could think of. Tired of the same old boring post-game snacks? Go to Pinterest! No clue what to give your child's coach at the end of the season? Go to Pinterest! Need some team spirit ideas? Go to Pinterest! I promise you will not be disappointed!
• ETSY- I like to think that I'm a DIYer, but let's face it. Sometimes a sports mama needs a little help! Etsy describes itself as a "world of vintage and handmade goods".  One of my favorite things to use it for is to purchase unique items including coaches gifts and spirit wear.

Have any go-to sites that you simply can't live without? Please feel free to share them below!

*** Update 7/6/18- It's been a little over a year since I originally wrote this blog post, and I have a couple of new go-to sites/apps that I just have to share with your all!

• Tourney Machine- The one stop shop site/app for keeping up with all things AAU Basketball. It allows me to view schedules, standings, brackets, AND results. The results are entered almost instantly, which is perfect for those games that I can't make it to because it's impossible for me to be in two places at once. And best of all, it's free!
• Waze- I know, I know. I'm late to the party. Coach Hubby has raved about Waze for sometime now, but I'm just now getting on board. I still use my MapQuest, but I do really enjoy the "non-directions" portion that they offer (i.e. real-time alerts regarding accidents, road hazards, and of course, police!). So helpful! And again, it's free!

In the words of one of my Sports Mama friends, Beth, "Sports Mamas gotta stick together and share the resources." Are you using and loving any apps that I missed? Comment down below or share them in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group!

Weekend Snapshots + A Bonus Sports Mama Tip!

Hey mamas! Just wanted to share a few snapshots from this past weekend. No. 2 had a soccer game, No. 1 had a basketball game, and No. 3 had a flag football game. And guess what?? I got to see ALL THREE! None of them conflicted with the others...winning!

Saturday began with a soccer game. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather!

Yep, that's my kid with the two different color socks on. Nope, it's not a new style. He has no clue where his other white one is. Ha!



The game ended in a tie, 2-2.

After soccer, we rushed to No. 1's basketball game. We had little to no time to get from Northern Virginia to DC. Gotta love travel sports!

They lost in OT. Such a heartbreaker!

No. 3's flag game was on Sunday.

And they WON!!! They won so big that the game was ended on a mercy rule, 28-0! Best of all, both his big brothers were there to cheer him on. Go Bills!

After the game, they celebrated with Bills themed cupcakes.

*** Sports mama tip: Next time you bring cupcakes to a game, try placing them in individual clear cups (pictured above). They are WAY easier to pass out this way (think no more icing on your hands!) AND you can even squeeze in a napkin. Your fellow sports mamas will definitely thank you for that. Trust me! I know I will be using this tip in the (near) future.

What do you do to cut down on messes when transporting goodies to and from the field? Feel free to share in the comment section below. I'm always on the hunt for new ideas!







Teacher Appreciation Week: Starbucks Gift Card Idea

It's Teacher Appreciation Week! The boys' schools are doing a variety of things to show them just how much they are appreciated such as serving breakfast, catering lunch, and having the students write thank you notes on post-its to stick on their doors. No. 1's school is even treating their teachers to a car wash! Here's how it works: parents volunteer for different time slots throughout the school day tomorrow, and at the end of the day each teacher will leave with a squeaky, clean car! How awesome is that? Such a great idea!


I always like to send my boys with a little something extra as well. I can't think of a teacher who doesn't like coffee or tea (or need it after dealing with our children!), so I'm back with another DIY Starbucks gift idea. Of course, you could do this with Dunkin Donuts or any other favorite coffee shop as well.



Here's what you'll need:

• Clear cup, lid, straw
• Brown crinkly paper
• Gift card
• Black sharpie

Begin by filling your cup up with the brown crinkly paper aka coffee. Next, drop in the gift card. I found super cute ones with a picture of an apple on them that say "Thank You Teacher", so I made sure that they were facing outwards so they'd be the star of the show. Finally, have your child write their teacher's name and/or a sweet message with the sharpie on the outside of the cup- just like the baristas do. That's it!

Caffeine. Teach. Repeat!


It definitely takes a big heart to teach little minds. And I am forever grateful for our teachers!

*** Click HERE for my DIY frappucino gift card holder idea***

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.***