Two new things to add to your list of essentials (because you need more shit, right? It's okay...these two things are small and like I said, essential. Well, unless you feel otherwise.) I'd love to take credit but alas, I spied these ideas from two other moms.
Key clip: I hate hauling a bag or purse for a quick trip to the park. If I happen to drive, I usually leave my wallet in the car and bring my keys with me. I was never really hip on leaving my keys in a stroller but they're a pain to hold. Too bulky for my jean pocket, since pockets in women's jeans have about thismuchroom. And too much of a pain to weave through shoelaces -- on the rare occasion I'm wearing shoes with laces. One day I spied a mom at the park who had her keys hooked to her belt loop with a Carbiner clip (otherwise known as "those things that mountain climbers use.") Hallelujah! I went to my closest sport shop and picked up the smallest Carbiner clip I could find. My husband says I look like a butch park ranger when I have my keys attached to my jeans. I quickly correct him by asking, "You meant a bootylicious park ranger, right?" I digress. I only commit this lifesaving fashion faux pax at the park. And it's worth it when your hands are free to catch a toddler as he prepares to hurdle himself off a playground structure.
Second tip...
I always have a Sharpie pen in my bag. I use it at the park or whenever I need to mark sand toys, sippy cups, clothing labels, blank walls with my mamasita gang tag - you name it. On those days when I leave my purse in the car or at home (see above), I don't have the pen on me. But feast your eyes on this my friends, spied on the keychain of my good friend, Kikirikee.
The Sharpie Keychain:
Never again will I be unable to tag to my heart's content, leaving a proprietary mark on all of my son's belongings.
Is this just me or do other moms or dads do this? Please say you do. Even just to appease me. And rest assured, I am not the mom at the park who yells, "SEE! It's HIS TOY (flipping toy over to show initials). IT HAS HIS NAME ON IT (eye roll)." But dude, it has happened to me.
