Running out of ways to keep your kids busy while at home? Here are some tip and tricks for making a better fort.

When you think of building a fort, most likely you think of the good old fashion pillow and blanket forts using just about every blanket and pillow in the house. Today, we’ll take a look at some fort building options that will provide hours of entertainment with the same amount of imagination and creativity, but little to no mess! 

Take your family’s fort building to the next level by opting for pre-designed models. Here are a few of our faves under $50:

● Tote-A-Fort is a compact premade kit with Velcro edge blankets and anchor weights, so you can build a colorful fort anywhere (without raiding closets). And, it comes in a handy bag for easy transport and cleanup! (Around $40)

● Crazy forts (available at Kohl’s) are a unique creative building toy that you can use to build till your heart’s content. Build a cave one day, an Igloo, Pirate Ship, or Castle the next…put the pieces together in different configurations, cover with sheets and voila – instant fort! Crazy forts also come in a flexible option, a glow in the dark option and you can add fort lights made specifically for your crazy fort! ($49.95)

● Magic Cabins are another one-of-a-kind lightweight option for your imagination to run wild – you can visit castles in Ireland, or travel back in history for a trip to the medieval times, or pretend you just jumped into a real life game of Castle Crashers with the Magic Cabin Castle Fort($40). If you have a budding architect and artist in the family, the Chalkboard Fort can make your dreams come true. Easily connect the giant 22”x22” panels with Velcro links to create structures to play in. Each kit comes with an assortment of square panels, window panels and hinge connectors. You’ll love building and rebuilding and adding chalk illustrations to complete your family’s adventures. 

● Airforts are an inflatable option that is truly no fuss and easy to clean up! You just need a standard box fan to set them up. They’re perfect for theme night “outings” with the family – plan a trip to the circus or have a night under the stars. Bonus! The Night Sky option glows in the dark! ($49.95)

Fort building can lead to hours of imaginary play and traveling to unknown lands – start building and share your pics with us!

Nearly every parent out there is familiar with the phrase “Are we there yet?” Road trips can be a hassle for both kids and parents, but they don’t have to be! Keep your kids entertained in the car with these helpful road trip tips.

Most airlines are charging for a second bag, and you need to pack smart. Style Expert Jen Munoz stops by Real Milwaukee to show off some multi-purpose products that will help you pack lighter. Watch the video below and read tips written by Jen Munoz so you can beat that second bag charge.

With more and more airlines charging extra to check a second piece of luggage, packing light has become a necessity. Today’s travelers are in luck because many items we used to have to pack: alarm clock, DVD player, games to entertain ourselves or the kids are digital –all contained nicely in your phone or iPad, which leaves us with our clothes and toiletries to pack.

Limit Your Liquids

1. Shampoo, body wash combos are good space saving options – you only have to one product to do all the work. For the guys Nivea Active3 Shower, Hair and Shave $4 or Suave $2 and for the gals Burt’s Bee’s Shampoo and Body Wash or California Baby – both are gentle enough to even wash your face.
2. Bring a moisturizer made for your face that can also double as a body lotion – pick one with SPF so it can be used for to protect skin from the sun too. There are also a number of “stick” sunblock products (consistency is like chapstick) and since their not liquid leave them in your suitcase (Aveeno Natural Protection Mineral Block $9, Neutrogena Pure and Free, $9). Aquaphor is a great go-to for an “all-in-one” – helps sooth chapped lips or nose, dry elbows, heels or hands, or just dry skin in general – also dab on backs of your heels before you try to break in a new pair of shoes on vacation to prevent blisters.
3. 3.     Cleaning Cloths – Perfect for faces and hands – pack in your purse, wallet (singles) even for on the plane ride since there is no water – easy to get through security! (Brands like Oil of Olay, and Simple, $5, or Yes to Blueberries $3 – cleanses –and- moisturizes)
4. 4.     Paper Soap doesn’t contain any liquids so it’s safe to put in your carry on luggage with no hassle. Plus, it’s small and lightweight so you can carry it with you no matter where you’re going. Pier1, $1. Also available from other companies as shampoo, conditioner, body wash and laundry soap.
5. Schick Intuition Renewing Moisture Razor – Eliminate the need for packing shaving cream – and safeguard your legs from nicks and cuts with a blade embedded with a lathering solid. $10

Choose your Bag and Apparel Wisely

1. Choose your bag wisely – A travel bag for flight necessities that can double as a beach bag can be a big help once you get to your destination. This handy tote rolls up and tucks into the matching key ring mini-tote. Available in 4 multicolor designs. $4, Pier1.
2. Clothing items, like a pareo can double as a blanket or pillow in flight – for cool nights throw it over your shoulders to keep the breeze off, use it at the beach as a sarong for a swimsuit cover-up. If you’re extra crafty you can wear it as a dress – the possibilities are endless.
3. Tunics – another option to use as a swimsuit cover-up – can also doubles as a shirt.

Other space saving items to make your trip stress free:

1. 9.     Mini Travel Umbrella with Case – You can walk around angry at the weather forecasters or you can bring this chic umbrella in a matching, equally chic case. Use the case for sunglasses, the bag for jewelry – AND — you have an umbrella – in case it looks like rain. Pier1 $20,
2. Revlon Hair Dryer/Brush/Curling – use this all in one “hot air kit” and don’t worry about packing an extra brush, curling iron and blow dryer.

Note: If you just can’t stand it and you have to bring your hair dryer/flat iron and products at least travel in style – Pack Amika’s Giraffe Go Go Travel Kit, ($119, Hair & Gallery/Guys & Dolls in Germantown) and don’t forget your Metro Chic Pop Up Hair Brush – Flip it open, pop out the brush and use the mirror to ensure you have no more rogue fly-aways or use it to apply your make up on the go, $3.50, Pier1.

If you’re traveling with little ones, don’t forget to bring the gogo kidz Travelmate ($90)or the car seat luggage strap, ($20). Available on Amazon and Target.com (for a complete list of retailers visit www.gogobabyz.com).