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Friday, August 6, 2010

Pack a Quick Picnic


Pack a Quick Picnic!  I dare you to say that fast 3 times!  We usually have about 3 picnics a week during the summer.  I used to fret and stress about packing a picnic every time we ventured outside.  Lately,  I have come up with some tips to make those outside trips easy and nutritious!  Join us!




1. Find the right carrier.  There are a thousand picnic bags out there.  For day trips to the lake, park or zoo I bring my collapsible picnic basket.  It is light and keeps everything  nice and cool.  I have seen many versions.  I got mine for $10.00 at the local drug store. 




It is all about options.


2. Include the right ingredients.   Every Sunday night I take 15 minutes to chop up all the fruits and vegetables.  I try to prepare as much as possible to last 3 days.   I don't want my kids constantly eating unhealthy food.  I have learned that if I offer them a variety then they will eat more healthy food.  My staples include, grape tomatoes, celery, cucumber wedges, mini carrots, cauliflower and broccoli.  With some ranch dip these are difficult to resist.  I also include some pepperoni sticks.  Don't forget the crackers and bread.  I usually include a variety of these in small portions.  

I use containers with removable sections.  I use the sections as bowls for the kids.
3. No ice packs please.  I use our water bottles instead.  Their bottles are filled with ice cubes and put inside of the picnic basket to keep everything nice and cold.  I also bring along a portable jug with water.  This saves some space in the cooler.  Sometimes I pack a bunch of frozen juice boxes that turn into slushies.  It is a cool welcomed treat!



With these simple picnic tips you are sure to picnic more and panic less.  

What is your quick picnic tip?

6 comments:

Cheryl said...

Hi Myrtle! Following you from over at BlogFrog, and looking forward to visiting here! Great ideas on packing a picnic...I need to do that more often! Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Thanks for the compliment. We are going on a picnic right now- to the farm. Hope you have a great weekend too!

Mandy said...

I love these ideas! I hate to admit, but I have never really packed a picnic basket and taken my kids somewhere neat! I really want to go hunt down some of these things now!

Thank for your comment about the foster/adoption stuff!! You're right - I'm not feeling so alone now! :)

Dorian said...

I make everyone quick sandwiches and wraps. Baby carrots save time. Hummus and flat bread. Pickles (baby dill, easier to pack) pepperettes, a salad with crab meat or tuna for moi. Cut fruit, yogurts and cookies. Juice and water.
My picnic basket is actually a messenger like bag that brings 4 plates, bowls, cups, mug, forks, spoons, knives, salt and pepper shaker, thermos, clothe napkins and blanket...even a chopping board. They are all nicely packed in a separate compartment and reusable. BPA free too. It's my go-to bag...love it!
Got it for $40 at Sam's 4 years ago. It's so easy and convinient. The liner even pulls out for quick cleaning!
Great entry...love picnics!!!!

Unknown said...

Wow Dorian that sounds like 5 star picnicing!