I have a love/hate relationship with being so connected all the time. In some ways, I use the excuse that it’s part of my job to know what’s happening. But I also find that I can’t fully decompress from work unless I let myself just be and be present in the moment. One thing I learned more so after having kids is to appreciate the joys of simple things.
An outing doesn’t have to be so far away or fantastical to be special, but there are so many little places in our immediate vicinity to go and do and explore and play in. As long as we're prepared with our first aid kit, we're ready for whatever happens during any outing.
Here’s a little video we made with one of our long term partners, Johnson and Johnson, that shows how we explore one of our favorite places near our house. By coming up with games to engage your kids in at any location (near or far), we can make an adventure out of anything.
No matter whether you have kids or not, I encourage you to take the challenge, put away your phones for a day (or at least an afternoon), and get out there to #UnplugandPlay, too!
P.S. Visit Healthy Essentials to learn how you can build your own first aid kit.
// Credits //
Brought to you by: Oh Joy + Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
Creative Direction: Joy Cho
Video: Jenner Brown
Music: "Your Favorite Song" by Katrina Stone
I’ve been writing a post about a similar subject last week and was waiting to actually go out and about to publish it. Coincidence! We finally were able to go out this past weekend (#elniño2015 wouldn’t let us). I completely agree with you, a simple stroll can help so much to change one’s mood for the better.
Loved the video!
Hard isn’t it? I am always connected and it is nice to be out of WiFi range sometimes to force me to switch off! Lovely video!
I usually leave my phone at home, when I take my toddler to the park. This week we ran through the sprinklers and it’s great to be disconnected!
Beautiful video, what a fun day to enjoy.
Where’s this garden?
Nice video. What is the garden’s name?
Such a cute video! What a gorgeous botanical garden you live close to – wow!
Hey Claudia,
It’s Huntington Botanical Garden in Pasadena!
Joy
My phone actually broke last week and we aren’t elligible for upgrades until next month, so I’ve been unplugged the last few days with my kids, and it’s been so refreshing and amazing, I almost don’t want a new phone!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Beautiful garden! I love your backpack. Where is it from?
Thanks Michelle!
My backpack is from Clare Vivier:
http://www.clarev.com/products/matilde#Grey-Perf-Grey-Vachetta-Matilde-Backpack
Best!
Joy
Hey Chris,
It’s Huntington Botanical Garden in Pasadena 😉
Joy
hi cuties!
Hi Auntie Viv!
Ruby
It’s actually in San Marino. We are members and go weekly. My daughter and I adore this magical place <3
Oh yes! San Marino! Thanks Paula 😉
Joy
I was just about to ask the same question ! Nice bag ! I just experienced being not connected at all during vacations because we had poor reception and no internet and it felt good ! But I’m not sure it helped me being less connected everyday…
Beautiful, i need to make this a regular thing with my little one too.
Super important to unplug! It’s so hard to do at times, but well worth it when you do!
Beth.
http://www.modernmotherblog.com
Love this! It can definitely be hard to come up with ideas for little ones, but I love that you used a local spot to make it easier! The botanical gardens are so beautiful, and it’s nice to unplug and get outside every once in a while!