I am one of those mummies who finds it hard to just decide to go out for a picnic, pack up a bag and go. I am working on it.. but its not easy if you are just made that way:) So, today I have prepared a checklist which can be used to minimize prep time and enjoy days out in the sun.
I have prepared a bag and left it in our laundry room so whenever we are in a mood for a picnic, the bag is all packed up and makes leaving the house so much easier. On return, the items are washed and the bag is restocked for our next adventure :)
The checklist
Mama's bag
* large blanket
* suntan lotion
* garbage bags
* towels
* some books and/ or activity books together with some crayons if children want to chill out a bit
* a small container for any 'treasures' you might find outdoors
* beach toys (in a separate bag)
It's a good idea to have a first-aid kit in your car available at all times for when you are out.
My children have both started to prepare their own bags before we head out to the beach or to a picnic. To make it easier and to encourage more independent skills, I have prepared a little checklist which they keep in their room and can refer to it to ensure that they have brought all that they need.
Children's bag
* change of clothes (including underwear)
* a packet of tissues and/or wipes
* a hat
* bottle of water
* a small toy
With regards to crockery and cutlery, my sister gifted us with a lovely fully-stocked picnic basket so all we need to serve food and drinks in is ready to go also.
Food
What about food? If you do not feel like preparing anything or you do not have the time, pop over to your nearest cafeteria or bakery which sells sandwiches or baguettes. You can also order a take away and have it delivered to your destination. If on the other hand, you would like to take some snacks and home cooked food, here is a list of items you can have stocked at home where you can just grab and go.
* dips
* crackers/ breadsticks/ rice cakes
* carrots , cucumbers, sweet peppers which can be quickly sliced into long strips and used to accompany dips
* fruit (you don't need to chop it up at home, you can do so once you are out)
* dried fruits and nuts/ roasted seeds
* wraps and bread ( if you are pressed for them just grab the vegetables and dip and make some fresh sandwiches and wraps when you are on site:)
* Other packaged snacks and sweets
It would also be a good idea to batch cook some snacks which you can freeze. These can be quickly defrosted for your spur of the moment outings.
Ideas include
* mini pies
* muffins
* fritters
* baked pasta/ rice
You can also freeze portions of your favourite pesto or ensure that you have some store-bought jars in your pantry so all you need to do is boil some pasta and you have a quick lunch ready in no time!
And don't forget your sweet tooth! Cupcakes and bliss balls can also easily be frozen.
Go and prepare that bag today! Let's make it more efficient to go out on those spur-of-the moment
Until next time,
Christina :)
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