We made it to Florida! The flight wasn’t too bad. I tossed and turned a bit, but probably got about 3.2 hours of sleep <- that’s good for plane sleep.
My Survive a Red Eye Flight tricks:
1. Take a melatonin or have a glass of wine at the airport. Check.
2. Wear ear plugs and an eye mask.
I forgot my eye mask in Florida when we flew out or Christmas so I had to improvise with this running head band I got from Stephanie in Vegas!
3. Bring a pillow to get comfy.
4. Bring a sweatshirt and socks to stay warm. <- This wasn’t enough though and Ben was freezing. We couldn’t even buy a blanket because they ran out 
As we get to Florida the Republican National Convention is leaving… so I don’t get to see Toby McGuire in person. I mean, the VP nominee. 
Ben’s parents picked us up as the sun rose. 
And we made the usual stop to Cracker Barrel– this is part of our routine now.
Even though we’re 3 hours behind I was HUNGRY. I ordered egg beaters and toast and stole 1/4 of my mother-in-laws massive pancake.
They already have the Halloween candy and decorations out! I have to admit I’m excited for Fall. It’s been hot in SoCal and I have a pumpkin growing (<- not in my belly).
When we got to the house we were greeted by the turtle that won’t leave. It seems like he wants to cross the creek, but keeps getting stuck by the fence. They keep trying to help him, but he keeps going to the dead end.
After a quick 20 minute nap (not nearly enough!) I worked. Even though I’m out here I’m still working today. That’s the bad thing about working from home – you can work on vacation.
Lunch break! Ben’s mom makes the most amazing chicken salad with mayo, grapes, cashews and cranberries. It’s to die for. I enjoyed some on top of a salad with a side of PB&J toast. I’m still pretty hungry today and breakfast was light (for me anyways)!
Enjoyed with the boys…
Since Florida is seriously lacking in Trader Joe’s we brought a bunch of TJ’s goodies – Mint Espresso Beans, Dark Chocolate Pistachio Toffee <- the best!, Dark Chocolate covered espresso beans, sesame almonds and more. I had a piece of the toffee. Amazing.
And I finally met the new baby!!! She’s 4 months old now and I missed her when I had to skip our annual Florida trip in June. 
Today is National Trail Mix Day!!!
Since I love Trail Mix and I love talking about Austin Powers’ Mojo,
CLIF is giving 5 RER readers 5 of their CLIF MOJO bars.
To Enter: Leave a Comment, any comment.
Open to residents of the US. Closes Sept 3rd 10am PST. Winner’s announced Monday Sept 3rd.
{ 296 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you and SR should have your own YouTube show.
Ha! I think the audience would laugh at us, not with us…
agree!!!
Yes! definitely would be a hit…I think you are on to something Lanie:)
Are those the same sandals I have? Love Target!
Yes, I bought a pair and then went back and they were on Clearance so now I have 3 pairs
Have fun on your trip!!
I saw these at the store they other day and they looked so good. Please please please pick me!
The Kidless Kronicles
Cute baby!
Hope you enjoy your time in FL
I could live off of trail mix alone!
Yum…all of that TJ’s candy looks so good!
Oh come onnnn have a little itty bitty pumpkin would ya!;) jk …im sure that’s the last thing you need to hear. Not that peer pressure from a total internet stranger is going to do anything
You went to Cracker Barrel and didn’t eat hashbrown casserole or fried apples? Good eating or not, that’s sacrelig. (I used to work there back in the day
)
This is a comment.
Wish I had something more clever to comment. Alas, I’m sitting at my car dealership trying not to flip the eff out because my extended warranty expired TWO weeks ago and they would like me to bend over & pull $300+ of magic money out my butt. Yeah, that’s all I got. Mojo Bars are yummy, and apparently I won’t be able to afford anything else, so hope I get picked. Happy Friday!
I really hope the turtle makes across the creek!
Hope you guys enjoy your vacation!
Have a super vacation!
I LOVE Mojo bars. Like LOVE. Seriously LOVE.
I go to Trader Joe’s when I visit my sister. 3 hours to her house, and another hour or so to TJ’s. I feel like I buy the store out every time, but it’s still like 50-60% of what I would spend in VT for food! I love that place. I think I might marry it.
I love mojo bars!
Enjoy Florida!!! …. and I would love to try those bars!!!!
seeing all of those TJs goodies made me want to go make a TJs run now! luckily i live really close to one, and in a month when i move down to SoCal for college i’ll be really close to one then, too. good for me, bad for my wallet. haha
& i love clif mojo bars! the peanut butter pretzel one is my favorite.
Yay for sleeping (kind of) and Clif bars!
Mm that chicken salad looks amazing!
Trail Mix, yum!
I love Mojo Bars! Enjoy your vacation!
Have a great holiday weekend!
I’ve never been to Trajer Joe’s. We have one nearby but I’m afraid that once I step inside, my wallet is doomed…
Have you ever tried the dark chocolate almonds with sea salt and turbinado sugar from Trader Joes? They are amazing! Have fun on your trip.
Mojo Bars. Nom, nom, nom..
Ooo chicken salad with cashews? I’m gonna have to try that! Yum.
Have a fun trip- I’m excited for fall too
love mojo bars, pick me!
I’m obessed with the peanut butter clif bar but I’ve never had the mojo ones before.
That candy looks fantastic! Yum!
Full moon tonight. A real “Blue” moon. Happens once every 3 years or so…
Mojo bars are a favorite of mine – the sweet/salty combo is awesome
I am SUPER excited for fall! I love fall/winter it is my favorite time of year!
Comment!
Okay, I absolutely will be getting some of thsoe espresso beans this weekend at TJs!
look at all those yummy treats!! btw…i cant wait/need to stay away from halloween candy. my sweet tooth is already out of control and every year i buy too much candy and we get 1 or zero trick or treaters..its sad haha. oh and ive also been planning out baby’s halloween costume…shes not even born yet
Yum! I like the mountain mix bar!
Trader Joe’s is finally going to open a location in SA in October, I can’t wait!(I actually marked the date in my calendar, no shame here) No more needing to leave half my suitcase empty for TJ’s goodies when I visit my family in NYC.
Love reading your blog! Makes my day!
I love mojo bars! Have fun in Florida!!
Happy vacation !
Whoop whoop! I love trail mix, especially in bar form! I was at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago, and they had all their pumpkin stuff out then too. I picked up a pack of pumpkin spiced almonds, and they were AMAZING!
I like CLIF but never tried their MOJO bars. Would love to win this giveaway!
I LOVE Mojo Bars!!
I love my cat, Mojo, too.
Hope you continue to have a fun vacation and catch up on your sleep! I’ve never tried Mojo bars!
Hope you have a great time with your family!
Happy Friday!
Have a wonderful trip!
Have been enjoying your NYC Marathon updates! Have a great time in FL!
What a beautiful little girl! Have fun on your vacation and try not to work the whole time.
Have a wonderful time in Florida!
I teach 7th grade. I need a Mojo Bar. I really, really need a Mojo Bar.
I want some MOJO! And thank you for a fun blog to check in on each day!
peanut butter pretzel?! omgggg
I just tried a sample one recently; tasty! I think I got them at a race.
Have a great trip. Looks way fun and hope it’s not 9,000 degrees of YUCK like it is in So Cal!
Have a great vacation!!
I love mojo bars!Have a good trip!
I’ve never had one…but I’m hungry.
Love Mojo bars! Have fun in FL.
I want some!!
Mojo in my mouph monday!!!Please.
My kid loves the Mountain Mix bars like WHOA. She’d love this giveaway!
Love Florida. I have some great memories of the state. Hope I win.
Have fun in Florida!
Dude we just moved from Tampa. Are you planning on running along Bayshore any? I recommend in the manana! Sometimes the dolphins will be swimming along there. It’s amazing! I miss it! If you want to run with a group while there- Fit2Run at International Mall has a running group.
Have FUN!! Enjoy Tampa for me too! I miss it!
The mojo bars all look super yummy!
I love the shoes you were wearing on the plane, minus the socks of course! Have fun on your vacation and don’t work too hard!
Yum! I don’t think I’ve tried any of the Mojo bars although I’m a fan of Clif and Luna bars. Have you had their new Organic bars? They are really good!
Pretty sure I went to that Cracker Barrell when I was in Tampa 2 wks ago visiting family. Hook me up w/some Mojo bars!
So jealous of all those Trader Joe’s goodies! I’m in grad school in Binghamton, NY and there are no TJ’s anywhere close to here, we do however have Cracker Barrel, mmm!
Looks like your having a great time in Florida! Have fun! Great giveaway – I love Clif bars!
Love Cliff bars! Although my sister always eats mine when I buy them!
Haha, I have each and every one of the things that you got from TJs in my pantry…
and I LOVE MOJO BARS
I never win anything! Have fun
I can’t believe you are in Florida the weekend of the Disney Half Marathon!
We will miss you in a fairy costume!
I know, I’m bummed
All those TJ’s treats look yummy!
I ALWAYS get cold on airplanes. Hope you have a good vacation!
Not to rain on your parade, but what is the big deal with Trader Joe’s? I’ve been in a couple of them and seriously don’t get it.
Ha! I know, now it’s just super super close to me so I go fairly often. I don’t get the hype anymore though.
So jealous you’re on vaca! Hope you have a fabulous time!
The peanut butter pretzel Clif bar sounds delicious!
I tried a mojo bar recently. It was pretty good.
Gotta love “the barrel”. I eat there on the road alot and usually get egg beaters….and then do the whole pancake robbery thing…muhah. Those bars look delish!
My bf loves Clif Mojo bars! Pretty please!
what a shy turtle!
Would like to get those Cliff bars
Entering the Mojo contest! Glad you got stocked up on some Trader Joe’s goodies
Playing with a turtle/baby (but not turtle-baby, because that would be weird) looks fun!
That turtle is huge! Is that usual size for turtles in that area?
Those Mojo bars are yummy! I had a few on my road trip a few weeks ago.
Sign me up!
I love giveaways. And Clif bars. I haven’t had MoJo bars yet, though. I usually get the regular Clif bars, and sometimes the Builders bar if I’m going to miss a meal after a gym session.
Candy corn is basically the best part of autumn
Ooh I saw those in the store last week and wondered if they were any good! (Mojo bars)
Clif bars are my fav!
I love Clif bars and have been really wanting to try the Mojo bars!! I hope I win this one!
Have fun on your trip to Flordia
Maybe I could get my running mojo back with some of Clif’s Mojo! That would be down right randaaay, baby!
I love trail mix!! It’s my dinner the night before a major marathon/adventure race.
Love mojo bars, Austin Powers and your awesome blog. Thanks for being so real.
I love mojo bars! Once when my bf and I were grocery shopping, he snuck some in to my basket to make sure i’d have some at my apartment when he visited…
Comment
Red eye flights are brutal. I just can’t handle them.
Enjoy Florida!
Hoping my any comments wins me one..they look y-u-m!
I LOVE CRACKER BARREL! The shopping in the store is the best part!!!
I agree with the person that said that you and SR should have a show…..it would be the best thing ever!!!
i love clif mojo bars! i hope you enjoy your time in florida =)
Enjoy your time in Florida! Sesame covered almonds are a staple in my diet
I’d love to try the Mojo bars!
I looooove mojo bars!!
Enjoy your trip!
Any comment.
I would love some Mojo bars to stash in my snack drawer at work (yes, I have an entire desk drawer devoted to snacks).
Hope I win! I have been wanting to try these Mojo bars for awhile!
never tried a cliff bar but sure would love to!
I live in Tampa enjoy your weekend here! And I love Mojo bars:-)
I LOVE Mojo Bars! Anything I can eat with one hand is appealing right now with a newborn
Enjoy your shorty vaca!
Have a wonderful trip and a safe return home!
Trail Mix in any form is delicious…aka dangerous! But I suppose there are worse things you could eat all day.
I have never tried a MoJo bar and would love to…
I have never been to Trader Joe’s but need to ….
I have never done a Red Eye but want to…
I don’t have a job where I get to work while on vacation which means NOT having to take a vacation day and I want one…..need an apprentice?
Haven’t tried those! Yum! Have a good weekend!!!
i love clif bars.
Looks like something worth trying!
All those TJ snacks sound so good! Mint+chocolate+espresso?!
What a great way to celebrate National Trail Mix Day!
Thanks.
Im always starving when I travel, time change or not! Wonder why that is.
I have this problem, too. Mystery body! It doesn’t help that I see other people eating on the plane and then it makes me want to eat, too…
love to win some mojo, as I have seem to have lost mind!
Peanut butter and Jelly dipped? Yeah? YEAH! WANT!
Trying to get my mojo on today!
I always bring a scarf when I travel on airplanes. I’m always cold so I use it as a blanket. Also I love mojo bars. They are awesome for traveling!
Why are planes always so cold???
mojo bars? not going to lie, never heard of them. sound pretty rad. wonder if it will give me serious mojo capabilities if you eat them… like austin power mojo serious. ha ha.
Trail mix-type things and me are a dangerous combination. And a delicious combination, which is why I’d love to win this!
The pretzel salty mojo’s are great. My best investment for flying is noise cancelling ear buds. I try to sneak leaving them on when we depart and you miss all the lame announcements too. Then you bust out your peanut m&m’s and everyone goes crazy. What some kid has a severe peanut allergy? What?
Ha! My husband loves Cracker Barrel, too. We even went to one on our honeymoon. Your post reminds me I need to go on a TJ’s run ASAP!
That toffee looks delightful! I heart Trader Joe’s!!
Love these!
yumm, love trail mix…as long as it’s portioned out for me! haha. otherwise, there may be trouble.
We’re heading to Florida next month! Hope you have a great time! Trail mix is a staple around our home for sure!
I love me some Cliff Mojo bars, specifically the Dipped variety. Awesome Giveaway!
At least your trip wasn’t messed up by Isaac!
Have a great trip!
I loveeeeee Clif Mojo Bars!
Love these mojo bars! The peanutbutter pretzel is my fav!
Love Mojo bars!
Mmmm I love choco covered coffee beans..I could use some right now in fact…..
Trail mix bars are awesome!
I just want to sit outside with a watermelon and a spoon!
We have pumpkins growing in our yard from where the kids threw their seeds when they carved their jack-o-lanterns.
I’ve never had a Mojo Bar! I’d love to try some!
The peanut butter pretzel Mojo’s are the best!
MOJO BARS ARE CRACK. Addicted.
I love clif bars and would love to try these flavors!
Love clif bars!
Looks yummy!!
Hope you have a nice vacation! Even if it’s a working vacation….
I <3 mojo bars!!
im so excited for fall too!
Happy Vacation!
Love your blog. Found you courtesy of SR. Have a great trip!
I have never been to Florida!
Never had a problem being cold on an airplane ride ~ the opposite, way too warm/hot. Those dark chocolate espresso beans are on my grocery list, they look delicious:)
New reader. I’m really liking your blog.
Have fun in Florida! Is it bad that I’ve already bought (and consumed) a bag of those pumpkin mallocremes?!
I love the texture of those bars!
I would love some MOJO bars.
Have a great trip!!!!
Love mojo bars…waaayyyy better than the Luna and normal cliff bars! Just bought some today to eat after my RandR relay this weekend in VA Bch….humid and hot….check check! Bye Bye summer!
Mojo bars are a GREAT improvement over the traditional Cliff bars, which is like eating a cereal brick.
Love Clif bars! I wish there were a Trader Joes near me, the closest one is 2hrs away
I love that you brought TJ goodies to FL!! I also LOVE Mojo Bars… the Mountain Mix is aaaamazing!
Don’t work too hard on your vacation!
I LOVE clif bars! Please get them in my belly
Happy Trail mix day
I second the glass of wine at the airport trick.
I need some mojo big time!
Welcome to Florida, we saved some humidity for you!!
I really would like to try the mojo bars! Hope I win!
I need a Mojo Bar! My Mojo for running is seriously lacking! Hope you have lots of fun in Florida!
Flying can be stressful for sure! But those mojo bars look delicious!
Enjoy your trip! Thanks for the chance to win, I love your blog…it’s awesome!
I’m surprised they didnt have candy canes out yet
seriously, though, cant believe tomorrow is September!!
Mmmmm, Mojo bars…sweet, salty, crunchy and yummy!
Have a great trip. I graduated from Physical Therapy school at University of South Florida in Tampa! Love it there!!
Imagine a red-eye with a baby in tow. (sorry — I’ve done it, I had to bring it up!). Have fun in FLA. I’ll be there at Christmas. I actually love to run there. It’s SO FLAT!
I know! It’s super flat – love it. I’ll be back during Christmas too
love the mojo bars, and cracker barrell! YUMMERS.
It wont be a red eye but I’ll take your advice when I fly to Maui in 2 weeks! (My first trip to Hawaii and my first time flying out of LAX.)
My mom always talks about Cracker Barrel when she goes to Chicago or Florida, jeez I need to make it to the east coast one of these days.
Mmm, those bars look good!
I saw a Mojo van at Hood to Coast! 3.2 hours is a ton on a plane! Nice work!
Did you have a blast at H2C?! Very cool!
Yes! It was my first time and I absolutely loved it!
Dark chocolate mint espresso beans? Those sound amazing. I will have to go to TJ’s and get some. The Mojo bars sound awesome too!
Mojo bars are awesome! I love how salty they are. I also love fall. Yay!
Yum!
Mojo bars are one of my all time favorite snacks!
yum – i love those salty sweet mojo bars!! and i sooooo wish we had trader joes in tampa!! i want some of that toffee!
Yum!
I teach first grade, I’m pregnant and I live in Phoenix, where we are still dealing with 107 degree weather in September :-/. I could use a melatonin and glass of wine, but would settle for some MOJO!! Pick me!
I miss the east coast and cracker barrel! Have a fun trip!
I want some of those clif mojo bars!
Hope you have a great time in FL and enjoy a break too
I could eat trail mix at any time, any place, after any meal, or with any meal. Probably because it covers my 3 main food categories: delicious salty nuts (LOVE CASHEWS), sweet dried fruit, and creamy chocolate
I have never tried CLIF MOJO but i love the original and kid bars!
I am a FAN of florida… and Mojo bars. And trader joe’s.
i LOVE mojo bars!!
You made it! And the red eye didn’t seem that bad. Have a wonderful time in Florida!
I love trail mix!
Mojo bars are my favorite, I love the chocolate coconut flavor!
Mojo bars are craaack.
Clif Mojo bars are tasty. Get in my belly!
I’ve never tried this kind of bar, I could use some mojo
Have fun in Florida! I love the Mojo bars!
Your breakfast was light for me, too! Enjoy your vacation!
I went to TJ’s today, but I have never bought any of those! I need to search next time!
Ah, I see you’ve found my Mojo…I thought I’d lost it…yep, I said it…
LOVE MOJO! Especially the Almond Chocolate Coconut flavor. It would be awesome to win
Thanks Monica for the giveaway!
Nice job on the TJ goodies–way to be a forward thinker
Dark chocolate covered anything from Trader Joe’s can get extremely dangerous for me though…and Happy Trail Mix day to you too!
I still haven’t tried these bars – I think it’s about time! Hope you have a great vacation!
I wish we had a Trader Joe’s here!
Have a great trip! I love those bars!
I could not be more ready for the fall! I am dying for some hot chocolate, chili, and pants.
Ohmygosh! She is the cutest little baby I have ever seen! Congratulations to your family
These bars are so good!
Woohoo – isn’t sunny Florida grand? Enjoy the humidity!
I am so excited for fall too! Happy September!
I just made a pumpkin bundt cake that was oh so yummy. That is cool on your pumpkin.
I love Mojo bars!!!
Yay for FL vacations! I live there.
I lost my job today
I need some bars. Maybe more than one kind…
Oh no
I’m really sorry Floey. Hang in there.
I am so excited for Halloween candy (especially candy corn pumpkins!) but not for summer to be over! enjoy your vacation!
oooooh this made my day
Would love to win some Mojo bars! Hope your having fun in FL!
Mmm trail mix.
I need to find my mojo
You rock
Have fun in FL!
Have fun in Florida! I saw your Instagram with your 13-miler this morning…go you!
I’ve never tried a Mojo bar before…maybe now is the time! Have fun on your trip!
I need some mojo!
I have pumpkins growing too. They’re so much fun to watch. And I want to win mojo bars.
I LOVE Clif Bars!! . . . sadly, I haven’t been able to try the MOJO bars yet. whomp whomp.
But . . . I hope I win the giveaway!! 
13 miles in the Florida heat? You are beyond amazing, great job!
I adore trail mix. I don’t think I have ever met a trail mix that I did not like.
I’ve been wanting to try these bars! I love Clif bars…they are my go-to pre-run fuel, but I’ve never tried the mojo bars!
Thanks for the flight tips. Flying nonstop from DC to Hawaii this month (10 hours!), and we are going to try to sleep so we can get on Hawaii time. If you have time, check out Ybor City. The Columbia restaurant is amazing! Great Spanish food!
P.S. Love trail mix
I love Halloween candy and I love those MOJO bars! Please pick me to win!!! lol
Yummy yummy yummy I got food in my tummy
I love these bars!
Sounds good! I’d love to win. Enjoy your trip
I have not tried these bars, do you like them? I would totally watch if you and SR had a you tube show!
Mojo bars yummy
I’m always freezing as well
I love Mojo bars!!!!
Nom nom nom……
trail mix is possibly one of the best snacks…I never knew it had its own holiday though
When I dip, you dip, we dip.
We have a Trader Joe’s opening near me. I’ve never been to one. I think I might be overwhelmed. I need advice. Where should I start when I get in?
We are getting a TJ’s in boulder, co…i’m sooo excited!!! Love those mojo bars too!
Airplanes are always so cold! I hate traveling in the summer because I always under dress and end up freezing (and my jacket always finds a way to stay behind in my car)
I can’t imagine running in all that humidity- awesome job!!
I WANT!!!!
My husband did several years of his training in Florida and Cracker Barrel and Publix subs were also on our routine. Cracker Barrel actually has lots of healthy options!
Your TJ snack picture has all my favorite things!!!! Also would love to try those Mojo bars!
I’ve never had a mojo bar….maybe I’ll win!
trail mix is ALWAYS my go to snack!
in bar form?! BONER!
I love Cracker Barrel! It seems like a good treat after a red-eye.
I love trail mix….Have a lovely day!!!
I’ve been wanting to try the Clif bars! I’m going to be running my first half marathon in February, so I need to start experimenting with nutrition. I enjoyed my visit your blog, Monica. You are very inspiring!
I love clif bars!
Love the pumpkin baby joke!
Your snacks look great! We are getting our first Trader Joes in April and I am so excited
i love those mint espresso beans
Those bars are great! Obsessed with TJs.
The closest Cracker Barrel(my favorite place to eat) or Trader Joe’s is close to 2 hrs away so please feel sorry for me and pick me to win the MoJo bars. I’ve never had one before!
That baby is so stinkin’ cute! Enjoy your trip!
I’ve been wanting to try those Clif Mojo bars!!… Hope your enjoying your time in FL!
Gotta love a bald baby.
Would LOVE to try those MoJo bars! Yum… Hope the trip continues to be a blast!
Glass of wine is always the way to go. Love being knocked out while on the plane!
I would love to win the bars!
I didn’t notice it until you said it, but Paul Ryan totally looks like Toby Maguire! Also, love me some mojo bars
I’d love some Mojo bars and the Toby comment cracked me up.
Hope you are having a great trip!
“Well throw me a freakin’ bone here, Scott.”
“Ow! You shot me, you A-Hole.”
“Mini-Me, you complete me.”
Love Austin Powers! I need me some MOJO BARS!!
I would Love to try these!
I love your blog. thanks for the opportunity to win!
Haven’t tried the Mojos yet!
Trader Joe’s is my all-time favorite!
Woohoo mojo bars! I love those!
That baby is seriously cute
Mojo bars – my kids’ favorite – great for pre-sports fuel.
Yum….I love Clif Mojo bars!! Enjoy your time in Florida!!!
Wow, flavors I haven’t seen around here. That baby is adorable!