How To (Absolutely, Positively, Completely) Rock Your Road Trip

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Every mile is a memory.

My first road trip was at 17.

I packed up the back of my very first car with 'all' of my worldly belongings and my best friend and I squeezed ourselves into the front for a 2,986 mile cross-country drive spanning a total of 50+ driving hours. We made it to our destination, my new home at the time, in just 3 days alternating driving shifts and stopping only for one night at a hotel. Some may argue that's not much of a road trip. Sure, we got the driving part down but we didn't truly have a chance to do more than stop at rest stops and highway signs for a quick photo-op here and there. At the time all my teenage, star-crossed, romantic heart could think about was getting to my high school sweetie for the Summer.

It's not my fault, really- nobody ever taught me how to road trip.

I'm sure my parents traveled here and there, up to the Redwoods, or Cannery Row, when I was an infant- but my mother's battle with cancer back in 1990 put an end to most of that. From there on out we became a flying family. And by flying I mean I flew back East with my pop twice a year while Momma stayed behind and 'held down the fort.'

So, while my first real road trip wasn't exactly an epic one, the freedom of an open road and the roar of a purring engine is something I've since courted many times since. In fact, ironically, I will always drive to a destination unless it is entirely impractical. Just ask Momma, who had to literally buy me plane tickets to convince me not to navigate the ice filled passes of Oregon last fall. There is a freedom about traveling in a car, a plethora of options presented by the prospect of charting your own way, and a world of discoveries which accompanies a road trip.

So I might not have always been the 'road trip expert' I am today- but, as someone who road tripped over 3,500 miles last year, I have learned a thing or two about rocking the road trip. Let me share with you some of my best advice to maximizing every mile and memory on your next road trip!

Let's start with ensuring your wheels of choice are in optimal condition for the journey. Few things ruin a road trip like being unprepared for a roadside incident, or an unexpected mechanical issue. While the destination and routes traveled will play a big part in some of these preparations there are a few things you should always mark off the checklist prior to departing:

• Check that your vehicle is stocked with an emergency roadside kit, including a jug of water.
• Inspect all tired for missing valve stem caps, low tire pressure/leaks, unusual wear and ensure that your vehicle is equipped with a viable spare.
• Inspect your headlights- Do they appear fogged over from age? You may want to spend 30 minutes to refurbish them. Fogged headlights are not just an eyesight, they are a safe driving hazard and significantly minimize visibility in night driving.
• Check that your windshield wipers do not streak and that the rubber is free of cracks, nicks, or dried out sections. While you may not be driving somewhere where rain is anticipated your windows may require cleaning while on the road and streaks or poor functioning wipers can cause issues with road visibility.

If your car is near due for an oil change, or will be due (according to mileage) by the time your return from your journey take your car in for an oil change prior to heading out on the road. Having your oil changed at a Walmart Automotive Care Center is not only convenient and affordable but helps provide a peace of mind towards ensuring your car is at it's best before piling on those road trip miles. Bring your car in for a Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® or Pennzoil Platinum®: Full Synthetic Motor Oil with PurePlus™ Technology vehicle motor oil change at the Walmart Automotive Care Center and ask to have your vehicle's other fluid's checked and topped off, as well as your tire pressure checked for free!

I've been bringing our cars to Walmart for our oil change needs for the past several years for 2 reasons- 1.) I love to shop and stock up for my road trips while my car is being services and 2.) I can always get a great deal on a quality Pennzoil motor oil change no matter the car I bring in. Every car has it's own unique motor oil needs, and my car will be dinging 75k miles at the end of our Summer Road Trips. It'll be just about time for another oil change and just in time for the high mileage motor oil change service rollback  at Walmart! ($39.88 on Rollback to $35.88 June 15 - September 28, 2016)

Once you've ensured all the moving parts are ready to hit the road you'll want to make sure the inside of your car is road trip ready too. Road tripping can often lead to a myriad of messes, odors, and just plain funk inside your car as you trek new terrains in and out, eat fast food curbside, and even live out of your car! A contained trash disposal system is a must and my 'Gift Bag Trash Bin' Car Hack is a genius way to not only stash your trash in style, but organize those cigarette lighter charging cords too! The best part- a small gift bag is an affordable item you can replace anytime your 'trash' bin gets a little too grungy!

If you're taking littles along for the journey you'll need to keep them entertained. When packing car travel activities for children keep in mind the motion tolerance of the passengers. Some kids do best focusing on something static directly in front of them, while others need to feel as though they are in an open space with lots of movement. Nobody wants to pull off the side of the road so someone can toss their cookies! For a fun, cheap, and endless backseat activity check out our D.I.Y Mobile I Spy game!

Drive connected, but safe. Technology is a blessing for the modern road tripper. Nearly any corner of the country mapped by a highway will yield a cell signal- but sometimes drivers become a little too reliant. Make sure to bring an extra charging cable, spare smartphone battery, hands free communication device, and smartphone mount on your journey. You'll likely be referring to your phone for navigation from time to time, if not the whole journey. Keep in mind, as amazing as GPS maps are, they're not always entirely accurate. Most importantly, if you feel you are lost or have missed a turn don't panic! Pull off the highway, at a public place when possible, and gather your bearings before heading back out on the road.

One of the quickest way to add awesome to your road trip is by starting a tradition. You likely already have some if you've been on a road trip before. One very common tradition is to stop at 'state border signs' and snap a pic. You likely won't be the only one, and, if you're lucky, the other travelers will offer to snap a photo for you! Traditions not only build memories, but help break up the sometimes long and tedious drive between destinations with something to plan and look forward to. Other traditions might include collection a specific type of souvenir from gift shops, finding a specific type of restaurant to dine at each stop, create a road trip playlist and sing along, or to hold your breath at state and county borders (a good luck tradition.)

Last Fall Sabrina and I drove the Pacific Coast Highway up to Portland, Oregon. We stopped for every sunset, looking for a quiet, yet scenic place to grab a soda (or water in my case) and soak in the locale before checking into our accommodations for the night. Since I was the driver it was her job to keep an eye out for something she wanted to explore or take in- on one particular night a beautiful bridge caught her eye and we pulled off at a bed and breakfast that was closed for the season. That's where we met and befriended a gorgeous feral cat we nicknamed and still reference to this day!

Hotels are great when traveling to a destination and staying for an extended period of time- but, on a road trip, the point should be to maximize experiences collected with something new and unexpected. Consider booking a campsite, bnb, timeshare, or beach house rental for an evening when seeking respite on the road. Most often people road trip on a budget and end up booking value hotels. While you can sometimes find a gem at a great price, you're not truly expanding your world by staying in a cookie cutter chain hotel while on the road. Yes, for road trips, seek out unique and alternate accommodations to add to your journey's story.

Bring soap. Bring baby wipes, wet naps, soap bars, hand sanitizer, and pretty much any other convenient portable cleanser you can pack. When I go on a road trip, or travel anywhere really, I always bring a new bottle of hand soap. If you're planning on staying in a hotel- does anyone REALLY like those mini itty bitty complimentary bars that slide all over the sink and stick to the porcelain? And, if you're traveling on the road- is soap always available at every restroom and rest stop? Having your own personal soap and cleansers on hand help keep you feeling clean while traveling, and feeling clean means you feel more alert and ready to enjoy your trip.

Don't over pack. Whether there's 1 person or 4, whether you're in a compact car or an SUV, the endless clutter seems to pile up the further down the road you go. Pack smart and pack only what you'll need. If you're on the fence about something you probably don't need to pack it. If it turns out you did, you can always stop at a store along the route and pick it up. The exception being, of course, those planning on traveling extremely rural routes.

While this may seem contrary to the above tip, always pack a swimsuit. Unless you are the sort who simply never ever wears a swimsuit or touches any body of recreational water, no matter what, this rule is important. Think about it. How many times have you gone away for the weekend, visited family, taken a road trip, or planned a business vacation thinking 'I'll be nowhere near a pool' then BAM everyone's heading to a pool and you don't have a swimsuit on hand? Whether you decide to take a dip in the lake at an impromptu stop, or wind up crashing at a bnb with a pool, you'll be thankful you had the option to toss one on.

So there you have it. My best tips for maximizing your road trip and getting the most out of every mile. With road trips the vacation is in the 'getting there,' as they say. If you're hopping in the car dreading every mile and just waiting to reach your destination then consider taking a plane. Road Tripping isn't for the weary of heart, but the rewards of an open mind and open road are bountiful. Just make sure you pack smart, drive safe, and get your car road ready with a Pennzoil vehicle motor oil change from a Walmart Auto Care Center near you. Now, tell me, where were you headed on your last road trip, or where are you headed next?

What Daughter Says: Road trips are all about the journey- make memories and plan a road trip for your next vacation!

How To Get The #ConfidenceUDeserve To Survive Shark Week (Hot Deal Inside!)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ConfidenceUDeserve #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: This happens EVERY month.

I do believe the phrase is "I am woman, hear me ROAR!," right?

Woman have a great reputation for kicking butt and taking names all while handling everything life throws at them with sophistication and grace. They don't call them 'big girl panties,' for nothing- you've earned your title, and every day, even 'those' days are a reason to celebrate bring a woman!

Of course, we have a bad wrap for tackling that 'time of the month,' ladies- don't let Aunt Flow trample over your fabulous diamond encrusted kitten parade. We're tough, one of a kind, problem solving, act now ask questions later, human growing, sisterhood sharing, Charlie's Angels, aced that entrance exam, landed that new promotion, one-of-a-kind unique WOMEN! Don't let Aunt Flow trample all over your parade, take charge and party louder, longer, and harder with 5 simple tips to survive Shark Week!

Tip #1: Bake It Off- Everyone knows that chocolate and ice cream are favorite indulgences, but have you ever baked to entertain Aunt Flow? Not only can you have a say into just how many chocolate chips go into those cookies, or decide that 'Triple Chocolate' is one chocolate too few on your road to 'Quadruple Chocolate Chunk Brownies,' but the act of baking will help give you an immediate focus, with imminent reward that that will generate extra happy endorphins! Snack on your treats all week and continue to feel the accomplishment high! Not a baker? Try taking on a similar hobby style project and enjoy similar results.

Tip #2: Dance Off Pants Off- While you may feel like doing anything BUT exercising, studies show that physical activity can not only ease discomfort from cramps, but can also create those mood boosting endorphins. My favorite way to get up and get moving? A dance party? It's okay, you can dance in your sweats, a sun dress, or even your underwear- this party's at home, and it's all for you! Bonus points if you happen to have one of those fancy dancing video games to practice those smooth moves with! And, remember, we're fierce women who let nothing get in our way- U By Kotex has everything to keep you covered and Cha-Ch-Cha-ing straight through the week!

Tip #3: Lean On Me- We're not longer in high school. The days of whispers and giggles of your period are long gone. Today's women are modern, informed, and empowered. If you're having a rough day at work, feel a little off your game, or simply need someone to recite all of Noah's lines in your impromptu rendition of The Notebook, tap into your powerful network of fiercely real women! Men may have their 'bromances' but nothing beats the bond between strong women- only a woman knows what it's like to try and curl their hair while applying makeup, just how much of a miracle (it is that you didn't strangle your husband while giving) birth is, and what it's like to squat in a public bathroom while keeping your COACH fro touching the floor. Don't forget to utilize your sisters this week!

Tip #4: The Flow Never Bothered Me Anyway- If you're a period pro then you've already got Shark Week in the bag, but every woman knows that every period is different. Be prepared for those unexpected weeks with a simple survival kit. Nothing interrupts an awesome day of transforming and rocking the world quite like an unexpected slap from mother nature. Never be caught out of stock when it comes to your necessary supplies- who wants to send the troops on an incognito run to a co-worker's purse or that bathroom quarter machine? My period products are colorful, and awesome- I use U By Kotex, and their selection of pads, tampons, and even feminine wipes are always on hand for unexpected visits. Right now you can even stock up on U By Kotex products with a special deal at CVS!

Tip #5:  Fun. Funky. Fresh- Period are not a punishment. Periods are a badge of honor. A mark of a beautiful, strong, woman. Your period supplies should be just as strong, and vibrant, as you.  Rock Shark Week with powerful period protection contained in stylish, colorful, wrappers from the U By Kotex collection. Even better, save $2.00 right now on U By Kotex products when you stock up at CVS- so you're never caught off guard when Aunt Flow comes to town! Now, let's share a laugh- in the comments section share some of the funny ways you're heard that 'time of the month' referred too as (nicknames/phrases.)

What Daughter Says: Rock every day with the confidence and tenacity that is womanhood. You own it, girlfriend!

Having a period each month is one more obstacle we all must deal with. Right, ladies?

How do you balance a busy schedule with the mental, emotional and physical challenges your time of the month brings on? Personally, I figure why not start off by being confident and comfortable with U by Kotex products from CVS. Specifically designed for easy use. Giving you the #ConfidenceUDeserve.

When I'm at my local CVS, I can pick up extra items I need to get me through my period like pain relief medication, makeup, or my favorite; chocolate! The best part is that you can now save $2.00 on U by Kotex products at your local CVS store!

10 Safety Tips For Dog Toys with GoDog ChewGuard Toys

We received product samples from Go Dog for use in our home. The following advice should not be taken as professional or veterinarian advice- always follow the label and care instructions on your pet's toys. All photos copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: These are NOT your toys!

If you ever were scolded for getting into your mother's makeup, or giving your father's best suit a new, arguably more fashionable, design a-la-Crayola, you likely didn't understand why your parents were being so mean at the time. After all, why do all the adults get to have all the fun? Being a pet parent is very much like being a human parent, only fur-children seldom ever grow up, never move out, and will always require you to clean up their poop. Fur children come in all shapes and sizes, but all require their own defined selection of toys. Not just for the safety of your Italian loafers, but for their safety as well.

Our morkie (maltese+yorkie) Nora recently turned 3. We have high hopes she will one day go off to doggie college, earn an exceptional income, and care for us in our old age. Until then we've done our very best to provide her with the best in home training. Much like one would couch their daughter on proper handwriting, I've raised her around cameras and people, with exceptional control and obedience.

She is 'spot trained,' which means she understands surface boundaries and will not leave a dog bed/rug/chair/blanket's surface if set directly down on it. She also knows not to chew on anything with a tag. Yes, even dog toys. Something I find especially important for her safety, as tags, and their attaching devices, can be a serious choking hazard for small dogs. In exchange, she is provided hours of attention each day, walks on the beach, her own personal cat (every dog needs an arch nemesis) and countless accessories and toys.

But today I'd like to discuss some basic tips for choosing the right toys for your canine children, and basic care and upkeep for ensuring those toys are always at their safest. After all, dog toys are designed to be torn up and chewed, of course, which means you should always be aware of their condition and materials, even long after introducing them to your dog!

Tip #1: Remove all tags before giving a toy to your dog. This includes 't-shirt' style tags that are generally made of nylon or cloth and loop out from a toy's base. Paper tags, in particular are often attached with small plastic tabs that pose a serious choking hazard if lodged in a small animal's windpipe. Because Nora has been involved in pet photography since she was a puppy, we also trained her to 'leave it' if she comes across a dog toy with a tag still on. This is the same basic training concept as requiring a dog to ignore their food until given verbal or visual permission.

Sometimes fluffy toys, like the GoDog ChewGuard critters featured here, will have a small plastic hanging tab that is used to display products in store. Thoroughly inspect all toys for additional packaging before giving them to your pup.

Tip #2: Avoid toys that resemble people items. As cute as it may be to give your dog a toy designed to look like a human slipper, it's not cute to find your favorite pair of bath slippers torn up upon arriving home. Teaching pets to chew on objects that look like 'no-no' objects is a bad idea all around, and poses a serious safety threat to your dog.

Tip #3: Inspect toys for small parts. Don't assume, just because something is marketed as a dog toy, your dog's toys are safe for them to play with. Toys are often given to dogs with the intention of being chewed up. You know your dog's strength and play style more than anyone, exercise judgement when picking out the right toys for your pet.

Tip #4: Consider your dog's size when selecting the right toy. While a 150lb German shepherd might play with a toy designed for a 5lb yorkie, it should not be considered safe. Dog toys are designed for breeds and weights for a reason- read labels for suggested weight and size limits before giving your dog any toys.

Tip #5:  Limit available toys when you are not around to physically watch your dog. In general, pick up all toys with squeakers, fabric, or dangling parts, and store them when you leave the house. Even consumable bones can pose a risk as a chewing toy, and turn into a choking hazard, when you are not there to keep an eye on your dog. Never leave your dog home alone without toys, as that could turn into an unfortunate incident with human toys, or furniture- but do choose the safest, sturdiest, toys for alone playtime.

Tip #6: If the stuffing of a toy becomes exposed, remove the toy from the dog's playthings immediately. While sewing a toy up may be a fine temporary fix, even the best seam repairs will end up ripping again. Don't be fooled, even a tiny amount of batting or stuffing can cause slow blockages inside your dog. A torn toy, without stuffing, can be just as enjoyable as one with stuffing. And always remember to remove the squeaker as soon as a toy is torn.

Tip #7: Clean your dog's toys. While it sounds like common sense, many pet owners do not launder their dog's toys. Since toys spend the majority of time in your dog's mouth, then all over your home, it's suggested that you clean your pet's toys at least once a week. For a natural cleaning solution use 1 part water to 1 part vinegar. Toys can be placed in a gallon sized bag and soaked in this solution, then rinsed and air or machine dried.

Tip #8: Check child safety warnings. You may not know but most pet toys contain safety warnings for children. If a dog's plush toy doesn't say it's safe for children under 3 years, it probably poses a larger risk for your pet. At the same time, you should always observe the above safety practices with dog toys, regardless of child safety advisories.

Tip #9: Consider hard rubber toys, such as Kong or JJ Pet brands, instead of raw hide chews. Not only do rawhide based toys and chews pose a choking hazard, they can also have extended long term effects on your pet. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog rawhide chews.

 Tip #10: Play WITH your dog. The best way to ensure your pets are safe is to spend time playing with them. This naturally allows you to familiarize yourself with your dog's play habits, and the toys they prefer most. It also keeps you aware of the status of your pet's toys, and any condition or safety issues that may be developing through extended use. Not that you needed an excuse to play with your pup!

Naturally, most of these tips are good to follow for human children as well; you can never be too safe when handing things over to loved ones for play. For intelligently designed plush, and flat, toys designed for tough play we recommend GoDog products. Our Checkers rooster has become one of Nora's favorite snuggle and chew toys with it's playful long legs (perfect for tug-o-war) and made with the brand's exclusive ChewGuard technology. What's one of your dog's favorite toys?

What Daughter Says: Just like human kids, fur kids need defined toys for their own safety, and your piece of mind. Always be aware of what you give your pet to play with.

5 Common Fast Food (Service) Mistakes: And How To Avoid + Handle Them!

Momma Told Me: You get what you pay for.

When I was growing up, visiting a fast food drive through, or sit down, was a treat. Momma was a stay-at-home mother and most often preferred to prepare our meals with her own hands than rely on those operating a fryer. However, more and more modern fast food chains are beginning to take cues from consumers who demand healthier options and modifications to traditional fast food offerings. With the emergence of whole chicken breast 'burger' substitutions, and widely popular side salad 'combo' options, more and more consumers are turning to fast food when they feel strapped for time. Whether you're a fast food junkie, or only stop in to indulge a craving now and then, there are a few things about fast food that seemed to have never changed; the service.

Let's run down a few common issues with fast food service; how to avoid them, and how to handle them:

Portion Size: In the early 2000s a shocking documentary was released bringing consumer attention to portion size and the fast food industry's enabling impact on modern obesity epidemics. As a result, 'extra' size upgrades that once cost a mere couple of coins left major chain menus, and greasy or fried side favorites actually increased in average price per serving. Since then consumers have become more discerning about the consistency of portioning in packages and presentation. Have you ever pulled out your fries, in two different sizes, and noted the portions looked almost identical (like the photo above?)

Many fried sides, such as french fries are often placed in open containers, and literally tossed into the bags or boxes the order is presented in. You may find half your french fries are actually residing on the bottom of the bag, rather than in the box. If you don't have a side by side comparison of portion sizes, it can be hard to present a case for under-portioning. Most employees are taught to tell consumers that the 'contents settle' or the packages 'expand' and portion appearance may vary from time to time. However, as the customer you have the right to satisfaction; simply hand the employee the offending side and ask them to scoop you a fresh one; more often than not they will deliberately overfill the container simply to see you satisfied.

Incorrect Orders: Even at the locations where I find I receive best service, I still have trouble with incorrect orders from time to time. As a consumer, unless you have worked the industry recently, it is easy to forget that there are many people working to get your order to you, quickly. The more people processing an order, naturally, the more opportunities for errors. To help avoid simple order mistakes always, ask the order taker to repeat your order back to you, double check your order immediately upon receipt, take note of repeated mistakes and emphasize your specific concerns at the time of ordering.

Drive-Thru Communication: This brings us directly to one of the number one frustrations with modern fast food convenience; the drive thru. An estimated 30% more errors occur on drive-thru orders, over in store counter orders. Naturally, the inconvenience feels all the more exaggerated when you were visiting a drive-thru for the 'convenience' of time and speed, in the first place. Communicating through the 'speaker box' system can contribute to many misheard order specifications; if there is no working digital screen displaying your current order request to place your order directly at the fist window manned by an employee.

Do not worry about the precious seconds of time building on the car waiting before you; when you receive your food take the extra moment to double check your order for all it's components, and any condiments, or even straws/napkins you may need. Many national chains are being instructed not to provide, or offer, even ketchup to a customer without prompt, and one of the most common left out fast food aids is the napkin!

General Service Complaints: A fast food restaurant generally does not have the motivation for good service a sit-down, or gratuity base establishment would. However, most major national chains do have internal rewards programs for good service and general performance targets (low waste, feedback card responses, average order time.) Many fast food issues are often a result of a single instance of poor team communication or a bad shift. As frustrating as an incorrect order can be, it often shouldn't call for you to speak with a manager or contact corporate.

In the instance that you experience poor service or accuracy/food quality on multiple visits, however, it is valuable to bring this to the attention to the management on staff directly. Try to remember that it is not a single individual's fault, but a myriad of mistakes resulting from several employees. Instead of listing specific instances point out key themes like 'my portions are often inconsistent,' 'my special orders usually come out wrong,' or 'I often wait longer than 5 minutes to receive my food.'

If the instances continue to happen after speaking with management, communicate with the chain directly online. If you are clear that the instance has occurred on multiple occasions they will often send a regional or district manager in within 24 hours to assist with re-training and coaching to correct the mentioned problems. In some cases the general moral of an establishment may be down due to improper management, overly-critical or a lack of discipline, or even long hours and unsafe working conditions leading to lack of employee wellness in general. Whether the business is a national chain, or more local set-up, keep in mind how a business values their employees, through the offering of proper breaks, an abundance of healthy snack and meal-time options, or sufficient work moral directly impacts the way the employees interact with the customers!

Product Presentation: Lastly, many consumers feel that fast food is improperly portrayed in menu board photos and advertisements. Seeing a beautifully handcrafted, stacked, burger and receiving the  grease stained, smashed, wrapper is never ideal; but the reality of the nature of the business. If you are eating fast food, you should either assume the presentation will be haphazard, but compositionaly accurate to the product's description, or frequent establishments that spend the extra time in packaging to help preserve product continuity. In most cases this means ordering premium items that are served in more sturdy boxes.

What Daughter Says: Though the nature of 'fast food' is to be quick and frugal; it is still a business, and should be expected to run like one.