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.
Wow, flavors I haven’t seen around here. That baby is adorable!
Yum….I love Clif Mojo bars!! Enjoy your time in Florida!!!
Mojo bars – my kids’ favorite – great for pre-sports fuel.
That baby is seriously cute 🙂
Woohoo mojo bars! I love those!
Trader Joe’s is my all-time favorite!
Haven’t tried the Mojos yet!
I love your blog. thanks for the opportunity to win!
I would Love to try these!
“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!!
Hope you are having a great trip! 🙂
I’d love some Mojo bars and the Toby comment cracked me up.
I didn’t notice it until you said it, but Paul Ryan totally looks like Toby Maguire! Also, love me some mojo bars 🙂
I would love to win the bars!
Glass of wine is always the way to go. Love being knocked out while on the plane!
Would LOVE to try those MoJo bars! Yum… Hope the trip continues to be a blast!
Gotta love a bald baby.
I’ve been wanting to try those Clif Mojo bars!!… Hope your enjoying your time in FL!
That baby is so stinkin’ cute! Enjoy your trip!
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! 🙂
Those bars are great! Obsessed with TJs.
i love those mint espresso beans 🙂
Your snacks look great! We are getting our first Trader Joes in April and I am so excited 🙂
Love the pumpkin baby joke!
I love clif bars!
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 trail mix….Have a lovely day!!!
I love Cracker Barrel! It seems like a good treat after a red-eye.
trail mix is ALWAYS my go to snack!
in bar form?! BONER!
I’ve never had a mojo bar….maybe I’ll win!
Your TJ snack picture has all my favorite things!!!! Also would love to try those Mojo bars!
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!
I WANT!!!!
I can’t imagine running in all that humidity- awesome job!!
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)
We are getting a TJ’s in boulder, co…i’m sooo excited!!! Love those mojo bars too!
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?
When I dip, you dip, we dip.
trail mix is possibly one of the best snacks…I never knew it had its own holiday though 🙂
Nom nom nom…… 🙂
I love Mojo bars!!!!
I’m always freezing as well
Mojo bars yummy 😀
I have not tried these bars, do you like them? I would totally watch if you and SR had a you tube show!
Sounds good! I’d love to win. Enjoy your trip
I love these bars!
Yummy yummy yummy I got food in my tummy
I love Halloween candy and I love those MOJO bars! Please pick me to win!!! lol
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’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!
I adore trail mix. I don’t think I have ever met a trail mix that I did not like. 🙂
13 miles in the Florida heat? You are beyond amazing, great job!
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!! 😀
I have pumpkins growing too. They’re so much fun to watch. And I want to win mojo bars.
I need some mojo!
I’ve never tried a Mojo bar before…maybe now is the time! Have fun on your trip!
Have fun in Florida! I saw your Instagram with your 13-miler this morning…go you!
You rock 🙂 Have fun in FL!
I need to find my mojo
Mmm trail mix.
Would love to win some Mojo bars! Hope your having fun in FL!
oooooh this made my day
I am so excited for Halloween candy (especially candy corn pumpkins!) but not for summer to be over! enjoy your vacation!
I lost my job today 🙁 I need some bars. Maybe more than one kind…
Oh no 🙁 I’m really sorry Floey. Hang in there.
Yay for FL vacations! I live there. 😉
I love Mojo bars!!!
I just made a pumpkin bundt cake that was oh so yummy. That is cool on your pumpkin.
I am so excited for fall too! Happy September!
Woohoo – isn’t sunny Florida grand? Enjoy the humidity!
These bars are so good!
Ohmygosh! She is the cutest little baby I have ever seen! Congratulations to your family 🙂
I could not be more ready for the fall! I am dying for some hot chocolate, chili, and pants.
Have a great trip! I love those bars!
I wish we had a Trader Joe’s here!
I still haven’t tried these bars – I think it’s about time! Hope you have a great vacation!
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!
LOVE MOJO! Especially the Almond Chocolate Coconut flavor. It would be awesome to win 🙂 Thanks Monica for the giveaway!
Ah, I see you’ve found my Mojo…I thought I’d lost it…yep, I said it…
I went to TJ’s today, but I have never bought any of those! I need to search next time!
Your breakfast was light for me, too! Enjoy your vacation!
Have fun in Florida! I love the Mojo bars!
I’ve never tried this kind of bar, I could use some mojo 🙂
Clif Mojo bars are tasty. Get in my belly!
Mojo bars are craaack.
Mojo bars are my favorite, I love the chocolate coconut flavor!
I love trail mix!
You made it! And the red eye didn’t seem that bad. Have a wonderful time in Florida!
i LOVE mojo bars!!
I am a FAN of florida… and Mojo bars. And trader joe’s.
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 want some of those clif mojo bars!
Hope you have a great time in FL and enjoy a break too 🙂
I miss the east coast and cracker barrel! Have a fun trip!
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! 🙂
Yum!
yum – i love those salty sweet mojo bars!! and i sooooo wish we had trader joes in tampa!! i want some of that toffee!
Mojo bars are one of my all time favorite snacks!
Yum!
Mojo bars are awesome! I love how salty they are. I also love fall. Yay!
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!
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!
Mmm, those bars look good!
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.
love the mojo bars, and cracker barrell! YUMMERS.
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 🙂
Have a great trip. I graduated from Physical Therapy school at University of South Florida in Tampa! Love it there!!
Mmmmm, Mojo bars…sweet, salty, crunchy and yummy!
I’m surprised they didnt have candy canes out yet 😛 seriously, though, cant believe tomorrow is September!!
Enjoy your trip! Thanks for the chance to win, I love your blog…it’s awesome!
Flying can be stressful for sure! But those mojo bars look delicious!
I need a Mojo Bar! My Mojo for running is seriously lacking! Hope you have lots of fun in Florida!
I really would like to try the mojo bars! Hope I win!
Welcome to Florida, we saved some humidity for you!!
I need some mojo big time! 🙂
I second the glass of wine at the airport trick. 🙂
Happy Trail mix day 🙂 🙂
I LOVE clif bars! Please get them in my belly 🙂
Don’t work too hard on your vacation! 🙂
I love that you brought TJ goodies to FL!! I also LOVE Mojo Bars… the Mountain Mix is aaaamazing!
Love Clif bars! I wish there were a Trader Joes near me, the closest one is 2hrs away
Mojo bars are a GREAT improvement over the traditional Cliff bars, which is like eating a cereal brick.
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!
I would love some MOJO bars.
Have a great trip!!!!
I love the texture of those bars!
Have fun in Florida! Is it bad that I’ve already bought (and consumed) a bag of those pumpkin mallocremes?!
New reader. I’m really liking your blog.
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:)
I have never been to Florida!
Love your blog. Found you courtesy of SR. Have a great trip!
Happy Vacation!
im so excited for fall too!
I <3 mojo bars!!
Hope you have a nice vacation! Even if it’s a working vacation….
Looks yummy!!
Love clif bars!
I love clif bars and would love to try these flavors!
MOJO BARS ARE CRACK. Addicted.
The peanut butter pretzel Mojo’s are the best!
I’ve never had a Mojo Bar! I’d love to try some!
We have pumpkins growing in our yard from where the kids threw their seeds when they carved their jack-o-lanterns.
I just want to sit outside with a watermelon and a spoon!
Trail mix bars are awesome!
Mmmm I love choco covered coffee beans..I could use some right now in fact…..
Love Mojo bars!
Love these mojo bars! The peanutbutter pretzel is my fav!
I loveeeeee Clif Mojo Bars! 🙂
Have a great trip!
At least your trip wasn’t messed up by Isaac!
I love me some Cliff Mojo bars, specifically the Dipped variety. Awesome Giveaway!
We’re heading to Florida next month! Hope you have a great time! Trail mix is a staple around our home for sure!
yumm, love trail mix…as long as it’s portioned out for me! haha. otherwise, there may be trouble.
Love these!
That toffee looks delightful! I heart Trader Joe’s!!
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!
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?
Trail mix-type things and me are a dangerous combination. And a delicious combination, which is why I’d love to win this!
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.
Why are planes always so cold???
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!
Trying to get my mojo on today!
Peanut butter and Jelly dipped? Yeah? YEAH! WANT!
love to win some mojo, as I have seem to have lost mind!
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…
What a great way to celebrate National Trail Mix Day!
Thanks.
All those TJ snacks sound so good! Mint+chocolate+espresso?!
Looks like something worth trying!
i love clif bars.
Haven’t tried those! Yum! Have a good weekend!!!
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? 😉
Trail Mix in any form is delicious…aka dangerous! But I suppose there are worse things you could eat all day.
Have a wonderful trip and a safe return home!
Enjoy your shorty vaca! 😉
I LOVE Mojo Bars! Anything I can eat with one hand is appealing right now with a newborn 😀
I live in Tampa enjoy your weekend here! And I love Mojo bars:-)
never tried a cliff bar but sure would love to!
Hope I win! I have been wanting to try these Mojo bars for awhile!
I would love some Mojo bars to stash in my snack drawer at work (yes, I have an entire desk drawer devoted to snacks).
Any comment.
Enjoy your trip!
I looooove mojo bars!!
Enjoy your time in Florida! Sesame covered almonds are a staple in my diet 🙂 I’d love to try the Mojo bars!
i love clif mojo bars! i hope you enjoy your time in florida =)
I agree with the person that said that you and SR should have a show…..it would be the best thing ever!!!
I LOVE CRACKER BARREL! The shopping in the store is the best part!!!
Hoping my any comments wins me one..they look y-u-m!
Red eye flights are brutal. I just can’t handle them.
Enjoy Florida!
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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… 😛
Love mojo bars, Austin Powers and your awesome blog. Thanks for being so real.
I love trail mix!! It’s my dinner the night before a major marathon/adventure race.
Maybe I could get my running mojo back with some of Clif’s Mojo! That would be down right randaaay, baby!
Have fun on your trip to Flordia
I love Clif bars and have been really wanting to try the Mojo bars!! I hope I win this one!
Clif bars are my fav!
Ooh I saw those in the store last week and wondered if they were any good! (Mojo bars)
Candy corn is basically the best part of autumn 😉
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.
Sign me up!
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.
Playing with a turtle/baby (but not turtle-baby, because that would be weird) looks fun!
Entering the Mojo contest! Glad you got stocked up on some Trader Joe’s goodies 🙂
Would like to get those Cliff bars
what a shy turtle!
My bf loves Clif Mojo bars! Pretty please!
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!
I tried a mojo bar recently. It was pretty good.
The peanut butter pretzel Clif bar sounds delicious!
So jealous you’re on vaca! Hope you have a fabulous time! 🙂
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.
I ALWAYS get cold on airplanes. Hope you have a good vacation!
All those TJ’s treats look yummy!
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 🙁
I never win anything! Have fun 🙂
Haha, I have each and every one of the things that you got from TJs in my pantry…
and I LOVE MOJO BARS
Love Cliff bars! Although my sister always eats mine when I buy them!
Looks like your having a great time in Florida! Have fun! Great giveaway – I love Clif 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!
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!
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!
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!
The mojo bars all look super yummy!
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!
Have fun in Florida!
Love Florida. I have some great memories of the state. Hope I win.
My kid loves the Mountain Mix bars like WHOA. She’d love this giveaway!
Mojo in my mouph monday!!!Please.
I want some!!
Love Mojo bars! Have fun in FL.
I’ve never had one…but I’m hungry.
I love mojo bars!Have a good trip!
Have a great vacation!!
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!
peanut butter pretzel?! omgggg
I want some MOJO! And thank you for a fun blog to check in on each day!
I teach 7th grade. I need a Mojo Bar. I really, really need a Mojo Bar.
Have a wonderful time in Florida!
What a beautiful little girl! Have fun on your vacation and try not to work the whole time.
Have been enjoying your NYC Marathon updates! Have a great time in FL!
Happy Friday!
Have a wonderful trip! 🙂
Hope you have a great time with your family!
Hope you continue to have a fun vacation and catch up on your sleep! I’ve never tried Mojo bars!
I LOVE Mojo Bars!!
I love my cat, Mojo, too. 🙂
I like CLIF but never tried their MOJO bars. Would love to win this giveaway!
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!
Happy vacation !
I love mojo bars! Have fun in Florida!!
Love reading your blog! Makes my day!
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.
Yum! I like the mountain mix bar!
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 🙂
Okay, I absolutely will be getting some of thsoe espresso beans this weekend at TJs!
Comment! 🙂
I am SUPER excited for fall! I love fall/winter it is my favorite time of year!
Mojo bars are a favorite of mine – the sweet/salty combo is awesome 🙂
Full moon tonight. A real “Blue” moon. Happens once every 3 years or so…
That candy looks fantastic! Yum!
I’m obessed with the peanut butter clif bar but I’ve never had the mojo ones before.
love mojo bars, pick me!
Have a fun trip- I’m excited for fall too 🙂
Ooo chicken salad with cashews? I’m gonna have to try that! Yum.
Mojo Bars. Nom, nom, nom..
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. 🙂
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 a great holiday weekend!
I love Mojo Bars! Enjoy your vacation!
Trail Mix, yum!
Mm that chicken salad looks amazing!
Yay for sleeping (kind of) and Clif 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.
Enjoy Florida!!! …. and I would love to try those bars!!!!
I love mojo bars!
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. Like LOVE. Seriously LOVE.
Have a super vacation!
Hope you guys enjoy your vacation!
I really hope the turtle makes across the creek!
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!
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 :))
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 😀
Yum…all of that TJ’s candy looks so good!
I could live off of trail mix alone!
Cute baby! 😀 Hope you enjoy your time in FL
I saw these at the store they other day and they looked so good. Please please please pick me!
The Kidless Kronicles
Have fun on your trip!!
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 🙂
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:)