Even though Summer is almost over, we still need some help. With all the running around we’ve been doing…Summer School, T-Ball, Swim lessons…I’ve been trying to make things simpler for myself and for the kids. Not only will these things save you time, but some will save you money and some will save your sanity…or maybe all three. No one has sponsored this post. These are just a few of the things I’ve found as Summer Savers.
This post will contain a few affiliate links. If you would like to purchase the product, just click on the picture, and you’ll be taken directly to it. With no additional cost to you, it will put a few cents (literally) in my back to school fund.
Easy Breakfast
Before we get dressed and packed up in the morning, everyone needs to eat. I’ve found the best/easiest tool to make a healthy, quick breakfast. It’s made by Nordic Ware, and it’s an egg cooker. It is BPA Free, made in the USA, and works like a charm. Simply crack an egg in (or use liquid egg whites, as I’ve been doing,) and pop in the microwave for 1 minute. Out comes an egg patty, so you can make your own Egg muffin sandwich. The egg slides right out, so clean up is easy too. I seriously LOVE this thing and use it every day.
Drinks on the Go
As you may remember from previous posts, I absolutely hate Sippy cups. They leak, they spill, and they just cause more trouble than they’re worth. I’ve found a solution. These Zak Designs Liquid Lock Tumblers are awesome! They have a little sliding piece in the back which opens and closes the spout. My 5-year-old can work it, but the twins have a little trouble. This is actually perfect because they have to ask me every time they want a drink, instead of wandering and spilling as they go.
Whether we’re cheering on my oldest at T-ball or having a picnic at the park, this is my favorite thing to have. It’s a waterproof/mess proof blanket by JJ Cole. It folds up nicely and stays in my car at all times. This way, we don’t have to haul 5 camping chairs with us. It’s got a little bit of a cushion to it, and wipes clean. You can also use it as a table-cloth, if those park picnic benches don’t look so clean. This is the exact pattern that we have too.
Can You Carry Me?
Um. No. My back is really bad, and you’re heavy. Just hop in the wagon.
This is seriously the best wagon. I think I’ve even shared it with you before, but I can not say enough good things about it. Not only are there real wheels (not plastic) so the ride smooth, but it folds up, and will fit in any car trunk. There are two cup holders in front where you can store your new Zak Designs tumbler. Plus, my kids like it better than a stroller, and will actually stay in it. I guess when you give them Freedom, it’s not so fun anymore.
I want to do it MYSELF
Even though we are taking swim lessons right now, my kids still don’t know how to swim. That’s why I like these Puddle Jumpers Life Jackets. Obviously, you still CAN’T leave your children unattended, but it does keep them floating pretty good.
It allows my 5-year-old to jump off the side of the pool without worry, and makes my twins think they really can float (this was quickly shot down in swim class.)
It gives me a little piece of mind, and it also makes it harder for them to run in opposite directions when they are on dry land.
If you have more than one child (or even if you have one child,) and it’s hard to keep track of them, Skip Hop makes these adorable little “Back Packs.”
Now, some people may think they look like leashes, but I’m sticking with back packs. Skip Hop actually calls them safety harnesses, which is completely accurate. You’re keeping your child safely within your eyesight out of harms way.
Also, you can keep snacks and little toys in them. Plus they feel just like their big brother going off to school.
Yanique Chambers says
That mat is genius! My kids are always looking for places to sit (usually my lap) when we are at games and outings. That travel mat would sure make my life easier!
Shann says
It is so nice, and we’ve had it for 5 years. Still in great shape!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
That wagon looks really cool! I would have loved that when my kids were little.
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
I have one of the egg cookers and have never used it! I may have to dig it out!
Shann says
You should .I seriously use it every day.
Kristin C says
Those backpacks are too cute! I also really like the wagon!
Alanna and Co says
I need to get a waterproof blanket. I have a huge throw I keep in the trunk of my car, but it isn’t waterproof and that is a huge lifesaver!
Acadiana'sThriftyMom (@acadianathrifty) says
When school’s out, it can be so expensive! Thanks so much for these great tips 🙂
goodenufmommy says
I absolutely love my waterproof/messproof blanket! It’s such a lifesaver in the summer! Great ideas!
Shann says
Thank you!
cleaneatingveggiegirl says
Aww, those backpacks are SO cute! I am an adult but I totally love them 😉
Emily says
Great roundup of summer savers! I don’t have kids myself but I have little cousins and sometimes taking them out in the summer is painful. The amount of stuff they want me to bring.. haha That wagon would be PERFECT!
Shann says
Yes, it’s awesome .
Julie says
I did not have that same wagon, but wagons are pretty much the best invention ever for young moms. Now that my three kids are older, we finally just sold our Red Rider in a garage sale. I have so many memories not only of pulling them around, but using up on big day trips to carry other things. They’re great for amusement parks too. Cheers
Shann says
Yes! Thanks.
Julie says
We didn’t have that kind of lagging, but wagons are essential for moms with multiple kids. Now that my three are older, we just sold ours in a garage sale. I have so many memories not just a pulling them around in it, but also using it on the larger day trips. They are fantastic for amusement parks too. Cheers!
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
I don’t know why but I always feel like I end up spending more money during the summer! I do get very busy with extra hours at work so I think we tend to eat out more. Great tips!
Shann says
Thank you.
Megan VW says
Great ideas to help make life a bit easier for busy moms!
Shann says
Thank you!
toughlove100 says
I love the egg cooker. I don’t have any kids but sometimes it is a chore to get myself ready and off to work…lol. This would help out a lot.
Shann says
I remember those days too .This egg cooker is seriously the best.
shelahmoss says
You have some awesome “summer savers” here. I really like that puddle jumper pool vest. Thanks for sharing these great tips!
Shann says
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
Sara Strand says
I so want this wagon!! 🙂
Shann says
It is the best!
Ros Emely@stressfreemommies says
Thanks for these great ideas! The wagon looks fun and my twins will definitely enjoy it. Also the sippie cups are a must and the blanket sounds awesome! I need to get it.
Claudette says
Great tips!
What Mama Wants (@whatmamawants) says
Great tips and products!
serenemomblog says
This is the best post! Most of these things are new to me, and I think the wagon and the waterproof blanket are absolutely genius! I’m gonna have to look into that wagon too. My kids don’t like to stay put at all.
Shann says
Yay! Thank you!
Emily Vanderhoof says
We have a water proof blanket! I love love love it! You’ll never have a wet but again from damp grass! That wagon you posted looks awesome! We’ve transported our heavy clunky one a few times but that looks so muh easier! Thanks for the ideas!
SimpLeigh Organized says
I am definitely getting the blanket and the egg cooker! The blanket in my car is not waterproof and I have to keep washing it and the egg cooker will be a time-saver to the way I cook them now. Thanks for sharing these!
Shann says
Awesome! You will love both! Thanks for reading 🙂
Clare Speer says
So cute!!!! Love all these stuff but most of all pics of your adorable kids!
Jaclyn Kent says
Omgsh that portable wagon thing is amazing! My son loves to ride in wagons, so I bet he’d love that!
Shann says
Yes, it is one of the best purchases we’ve made. Comfy and folds up! Plus, it’s a smooth ride.
thequietgrove says
Great post. I love all the ideas. I will have to try out those Zak Designs Liquid Lock Tumblers since I too am tired of leaking sippy cups. You have such cute kids!
Shann says
Thank you! And yes, love the cups!
Stefanie (@LexieLooDylan2) says
We LOVE that egg cooker! I have that blanket in my cart. I keep waiting for the price to go down!
Shann says
It’s so worth it! We’ve had it for 5 years, and it looks the same as the day we bought it.
Shannon says
I love those waterproof blankets! We have one that we always take to soccer games and it is a lifesaver whether you’re sitting on top of it or using it to keep warm in the rain!
Curtis Joseph says
Always love having drinks on the go! The egg cooker is really cool too.
ronleyba (@ronley_ph) says
Cute backpacks! That wagon is indeed awesome. Love them all.
Shann says
Thanks!
Sarah Noel says
These are awesome. Thanks for sharing! I have that travel wagon too; it is a life saver.
Shann says
Yes, we love it too. 🙂
Elizabeth O. says
I love the backpacks and the egg cooker. You have some cute items here.
Shann says
Thank you!
Ourfamilyworld says
The backpacks will be perfect for my girls. I’d love to have an egg cooker. Thanks for sharing all these.
Shann says
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
The Trophy WifeStyle says
Puddle jumpers are seriously the best thing ever created!!!! We just got a pool this year and the thing makes having a pool with a toddler that is obsessed with water so much easier.
Shann says
Agreed!
Debbie Denny says
Great list. I like that wagon. Perfect for me and my great grandson
workingmommagic says
I have seen those wagons before and it would come in so handy!! We love the puddle jumpers too! 🙂
Lena Blair says
My kids would have loved all those things when they were younger!! Heck, I would have loved all of them when they were younger too!!
Liz Mays says
I like how easy that egg cooker is to clean. I’d try that! The blanket for picnics is really great too!
Lisa Nolan says
Oh, the joys of toddler and children’s accessories! It can be quiet fun, I love the products you highlighted! Great job!
Shann says
Thank you Lisa!
Lauren White says
That wagon! And blanket! I need both! 🙂 These are some amazing products mama!
Shann says
Thank you!
Nicky says
These are great products. Those backpacks are adorable.
sicorra says
Very cool products. I specifically love the blanket, and would like to find one like that.
Shann says
It’s awesome!
Wendy says
I have seen the egg cooker. Thanks for letting me know it works well. I’ll have to get one.
Rosey says
Headed over to skip hop to see the backpacks. My granddaughter needs one.
Ann BAcciaglia says
My kids are older but I would have loved a wagon like that when they were younger. What a fantastic idea!
Shann says
Thank you!
When the Skies Are Gray says
Cute products, thanks for sharing!
patranila (@patranila) says
That mat is a great idea and not just for kids! LOL
Shann says
Yes!
Sahana says
Awesome finds for summer Shann. There are couple of things that will help my friend’s son like the puddle jumpers and wagon. Will share it with her. From #HomeMattersParty co-hosting with you – Sahana.
Shann says
Thank you so much! Great to be co-hosting with you too.
Life With Lorelai says
We used to get a lot of use out of the picnic blanket when the kids were young. Thanks for sharing and being a wonderful co-host of the #HomeMattersParty – we love having you on the team! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Jane @SustainMyCraftHabit says
A buggy like the one you’ve listed is a key possession for us. So handy. The baby, even though she can’t walk yet, likes to stand up and down in it. I watch her closely so she doesn’t tumble out!
We are enjoying our time at the #HomeMattersParty with you!
Shann says
Awesome. Thank you! Enjoying co-hosting with you guys too!