Monday, July 6, 2009

Basket To Go

When my children were younger I would keep a packed picnic basket in my car during the summer months. It came in handy. With a basket packed at all times, I only needed to worry about fixing sandwiches and grabbing drinks and we were ready to have a picnic. Or we would pick up some food at the drive-thru and then stop at a near by park to make eating out a real occasion. Somewhere between the changing of cars, and the growing of children I got out of the habit. This summer I decided to get back into it.I pulled out a pretty little basket from my basket stash (doesn't everyone have a stash of baskets?).I filled it with the usual supplies: plates, bowls, cups, utensils, pretty napkins, and a tablecloth, all from the dollar store. I also threw in some baby wipes for cleaning hands, spills, etc. Even though my family is now older and a bit smaller in size, I still want to make some impromptu family picnic memories.
I've added a few more supplies to the basket. My hubby and I enjoy going on a weekly date, but with the economy we've had to cut back. We have found date nights to be really beneficial for our marriage.
I highly recommend it! Spending scheduled time alone together has strengthened our relationship. Our date nights have become a priority, even our kids expect us to go out every Friday. So we're not cutting back on our dates, just the amount of money we spend. Date nights don't have to cost a lot, they can be as simple as a dinner in the backyard while the kids are inside watching a movie. Now with the addition of candles, and a lighter in the basket, we can grab a chilled bottle of sparkling grape juice and we're ready to turn a five dollar sub into a romantic dinner for two.

27 comments:

Patricia said...

What a great idea

My hubby and I would go on picnics all the time when we were dating and now, I can't think of the last time we were on one
Thanks for the reminder

Lincoln and Alisia said...

Love the new header! Good to hear you are still going on dates dispite the cut backs!

Joanna said...

What a wonderful idea. I love the idea of having picnics once a week...and what better way to already be prepared!

A date night is very beneficial to the marriage. I can tell when hubby and I haven't been out in a while...the stresses between us start building.

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

I love this idea! Would you mind if I shared this on my post? .....and I agree about date nights. Very important.:-)

Our Paper Plates said...

Picnics are so fun! I remember having one all the time when we lived in CA. We have indoor picnics now (here in AZ) since the evenings are still over 100 degrees outside. Love your new look :)

Gwynie Pie said...

Sweeeet! You've given me yet another great idea. I love picnics, just don't go very often. Your do ahead of time idea makes it much more do-able.

Gwyn Rosser
The Pink Tractor

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

That is a great idea!!! And I really like the romantic picnic for two idea.

Christine said...

We are going to do this tonight!
Great inspiration for us all.
I'm off to pack my picnic basket.

Aunt Jo said...

Wonderful idea. We have date night too!

Heather at Happy Chippy Junk said...

Oh I love your new header!!! Did you do that or have it done?

crazigirl80 said...

great idea! We have a two year old and try to date nights weekly...my parents watch the baby. The picnic basket is a must do!!!

Victoria said...

What a great idea. I have a picnic basket someone gave me as a wedding present that has only been used to store linens. :( I will pull it out this afternoon and pack it.

I keep hearing people talk about date nights and I always think I should plan them. Thanks for the encouragement...maybe I'll actually get it done this time. :)

Unknown said...

WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I have often thought of keeping a blanket sun block and the kids beach towels in the car for wet pad water parks. Where all they need to leave the house with is their bathing suits. The picnic basket is such a cute and great idea. I will have to get on top of it.

Home as Hobby said...

What a great idea! I am off to pack my very own up. Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Love the idea!

Darlene said...

What a GREAT idea!! Lexi would LOVE doing something like that so I'll pack a picnic basket today!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Such a good idea. I used to have a basket in the car...but it was filled with kid games and extra clothes....I like your idea way better!

Sara said...

What a great idea! Love the new header!

Janalee Hubbard said...

What a fabulous idea! I am SO going to do that!

Nancy Hood said...

What a neat, neat idea!!! Sending this post on to my daughters!

sam and kyrsten said...

such a wonderful idea! you sound like such a fun mom!

Nicole A. said...

What a great idea, I need to do this!

Love your blog! Stop by mine, I have a blog award for you!

Andrea said...

I love that idea!! I'll be adding a basket to our jeep! Thanks for sharing :)

Unknown said...

Such a clever, practical tip! As a young mom of three girls 5 years old and younger, this will enable me to say "Yes!" more often to the frequent requests for trips to the park. Thanks for sharing this idea with us :)

Morgan said...

oops, that comment above was me, I didn't sign in correctly ;)

Anonymous said...

Joy,

What a great idea to have the basket all ready to go. I'm stealing that idea for sure.

Gretchen

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage said...

I so agree about the date nights. We've had to cut back, too. I now have an idea for next Friday evening.

Thanks,
Laura

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