It’s October, which means if you live anywhere with real seasons, we’re entering that confusing two-week stretch where your kid insists on wearing shorts but then also runs around with blue lips while insisting "Not cold!" Mhmm, if you say so kid.
I know for a fact if we pull the gear bin down this weekend, we would discover three single mittens, an unraveling beanie, and last year’s dinosaur snowsuit that somehow shrunk two sizes in the closet, so here’s some ideas on how to prep before the frost hits. (*takes notes*)
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⚡ Gear Check, But Make It Sanity-Saving
👉 Before the first snowflake, dump all coats, boots, hats, and gloves into one pile. Then make three new piles: Fits, Doesn’t, and Mystery Sock Graveyard. Now check: what’s left?
Fill the gaps early — check out Buy Nothing groups, Mercari, or FB Marketplace now while other families are purging. (We just hit up our local thrift store and they had a huge selection of jackets and Halloween costumes including a sweet purple dinosaur outfit we scored for my niece.)
Bonus hack: double up on the critical stuff (mittens, snow boots) if you can swing it, so you’re not panic-drying wet gear at 6am.
🧩 The Rave Bath, Winter Edition
👉 When outdoor play dies and cabin fever spikes, steal this Reddit gem: rave baths. (There’s a reason these get recommended and we can confirm, it was a hit.)
We're talking glow sticks in the tub, Bluetooth speaker blasting “Sandstorm” or your own favorite club banger from your youth, and maybe a dollar-store disco light if you’re really desperate. No need to wait until evening. Kids think it’s magic; you get a trip down memory lane and a nostalgic jam session (cries in millennial).
📌 Solves for: stir-crazy toddlers, toy tornado afternoons, and “it’s too cold outside” excuses.
Did you know? 🧃 JuiceBox is built by a tiny team of working parents just like you. We curate and write this stuff so you don’t have to but we’d LOVE for you to get in on the action.
💬 Got a time-saving tip or a chaos-fighting hack of your own? Hit reply and share it—we all need a village, and we’d love to hear from you.
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🍽 Thermos = Hero Lunch Box
👉 Cold sandwiches should be banned after October, imho. Throw it back with a Thermos (although there are SO many cute options these days), which can house:
Leftover mac & cheese (no shame).
“Lazy soup” = broth/bouillon + microwave rice + shredded rotisserie chicken + frozen veggies.
Oatmeal + apple chunks + cinnamon = tasty lunch in minutes.
It all stays warm till noon, and makes you - or your kids - feel all cozy inside.
K that’s all. You’re the best and we love you.
-CK “Never Enough Fluffy Socks” Fuller (Editor) & the JB Crew 🫡
P.S. Next week we’re talking Q4 work, Q4 holidays, Q4 germs. Aka survival strategies to keep you functional-ish.