Board and Brush Portsmouth NH

Board & Brush

Portsmouth, NH

Situated in the heart of this historic New England town, Board & Brush offers a unique escape for both locals and visitors alike. Step into this inviting studio space and unleash your inner artist as you craft one-of-a-kind wooden signs under the guidance of expert instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, Board & Brush provides the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and leave with a personalized masterpiece that captures the essence of your time in picturesque Portsmouth.

What did I create?

I created a 20×24 Vintage Family Frame

Take a peek at how I created my board

We started off our project by getting 2 minutes to distress our boards. It was so fun using hammers and mallets to bang up our boards to give it a more rustic look.

Next, we sanded the edges so we didn’t have any sharp spots.

After that we were able to choose from a variety of different stains.

I love that we were able to see several completed projects that used each stain. It was hard to choose because I liked several, but in the end, I chose dark walnut.

Staining changes the whole look of the wood. My dark stain really brought out the grain and knots in the wood.

April 24, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

Sea Love Candle Bar

Sea Love

Portsmouth, NH

Looking for a fun, unique experience while visiting the picturesque coastal town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire? Sea Love Candle Bar has the perfect solution. Nestled within the heart of Portsmouth’s vibrant downtown district, Sea Love Candle Bar offers a creative and immersive experience where guests can craft their own custom-scented candles while soaking in the the seaside. With its welcoming ambiance, personalized approach, and an array of enticing fragrance options, Sea Love Candle Bar is not only a destination for candle enthusiasts but also a haven for those seeking a moment of relaxation and creativity by the sea.

Take a peek at my experience!

First step is figuring out what types of scents you like. They provide over 100 scents that you can smell and while doing so you can start thinking of which will go well together.

You can blend up to 3 scents.

There are so many scents to choose from.

Need inspiration? They give you a great list of scent blend suggestions.

Grab your bottles of oil and get ready to blend.

The scents I chose were

Cheesecake

Blueberry Muffin

Graham Crackers

Combine the oils and decide which one you want to stand out and which will be in the background. As you create your oil, take time to stop and smell it to make sure it is coming along the way you want.

Once you have your oil ready it is time to start assembling everything.

Before you start, it’s time to create your own label. (Or leave your bottle plain if you’d like.)

I named my candle Blueberry Cheesecake.

Ok…time to add the wax

And give it a good stir for about 2 minutes.

Using some chopsticks, center your wick and you are done creating your custom candle!

How long is the experience?

Your custom candle experience takes about 30-45 minutes.

Candles take 2 – 2.5 hours to cool before they are ready to take home or can be shipped for $12/ea. If you wish to pour a candle and pick it up the same day, be sure to reserve a time at least 3 hours before close to ensure your candle has time to cool.

When can you visit?

Monday 12-6

Tues & Wed Closed

Thursday 12-7

Fri & Sat 11-7

Sunday 11-5

How much does it cost?

Your custom candle can cost between $38- $52 depending on the vessel you choose.

When can you get your finished candle?

Candles take about 3 hours to cool before they are ready to take home. If you are unable to pick up your candles the same day, you are welcome to pick them up anytime in the two weeks following your visit. If you can’t pick it up within that time frame, they can be shipped for $12 each.

Ready to see my candle?

Look how pretty it turned out! I wish you could smell the amazing aroma this candle lets off when it’s lit. It fills up the room with the delicious scent of blueberry cheesecake. I’m so happy with it and I can’t wait to get a bunch of friends together to make more.

Leave some time to shop.

Sea Love has so many adorable coastal gifts around the store. Many are from local, women-owned businesses.

They also have their own signature reeds and candles.

I love this one that’s called Portsmouth. It transports you right to the seacoast.

There are so many great coastal gifts for everyone on your list.

Tips for a Great Day

Reservations? You do not need to make a reservation, but there may be a wait. It is strongly recommended to make a reservation.

New Location! Sea Love is getting a new home. They will be opening in a new location on April 25. I can’t wait to check out their new spot!

Give them a follow

Click HERE to get to their website.

Instagram

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Sea Love

33 Deer Street

Portsmouth, NH

603-427-8040

A warm thank you to Sea Love for having me as your guest. It was a fun way to spend the morning in Portsmouth. It was a unique and creative experience. I can’t wait to return with friends. As always, all opinions are 100% of MyTravelingKids.com.

April 22, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

WNDR Museum Boston

WNDR Museum

Boston, MA

Looking for a place in Boston where art, technology, and imagination collides? The WNDR Museum Boston, nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, is not your typical museum experience. From interactive installations to mind-bending optical illusions, every corner of this museum is designed to spark curiosity and inspire wonder. Let me show you around.

Check out a few of our favorite rooms:

My favorite room was one where they scan your eye and then project your eyeball to a large screen. Look how cool my daughter’s eyeball is!

And here’s a peek at mine!

In Yayoi Kusama’s room exhibit called Let’s Survive Forever, you get exactly 1 minute to explore the room.

It is filled with mirrors and shiny balls.

April 18, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

Creating Our Own Candle at Sky Candle Co

Creating Our Own Candle at Sky Candles Company

Boston, MA

At Sky Candle Co custom candle bar, you are able to create one of a kind candles and diffusers from over 50 fragrance choices! It is such a fun, unique experience that would be perfect for date night, a girls’ night, solo day, and more. Since there was no school that day, we turned it into a mother/daughter day in Boston. Creating our own candle at Sky Candle Co was a great experience to do with a teenager!

Let me show you how much fun we had!

First step was to smell all the scents they have on display and choose a few that you love. The choices were endless!

You can decide which scents (up to 3) you would like to have blended. After your scent is created, they give you a sample. If you think it’s perfect then you can move on but if it’s not quite right you can play around with it some more. The staff is super helpful at giving suggestions and helping you find an amazing blend. We ended up choosing Frosé, Currant, and Grapefruit Zest.

You can then create a label for your candle. My youngest daughter chose our name…lol.

Next, you get to choose your jar.

April 16, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

Museum of Broadway NYC

Museum of Broadway

New York City

Take a journey into the heart of Broadway without even needing a ticket to a show. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of the Big Apple, the Museum of Broadway stands as a tribute to the glitz, glamour, and sheer magic of the iconic Broadway scene. Whether you have a love of theater or are just looking to dive into the rich history of one of the world’s most celebrated stages, this place has something for everyone.

From the dazzling costumes to the elaborate set designs, every corner oozes with the essence of Broadway. One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of memorabilia spanning decades of Broadway history. Get up close and personal with original scripts, playbills, and even props from some of the most iconic productions to ever grace the stage.

Take a walk with us to see some of our favorite exhibits.

Showboat

Mamma Mia

Les Misérables

April 8, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

Review of Archer Hotel NYC

Archer Hotel

New York City

Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Midtown Manhattan, The Archer Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking comfort, style, and convenience. As a home base for both leisure and business travelers, this boutique hotel blends modern sophistication with timeless elegance, providing guests with a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Enjoy our full review of Archer Hotel NYC.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY.

April 1, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

March Product Roundup

I don’t know about you, but once March rolls around I start getting excited that spring is here and my mind begins to wander to where I can travel in the coming months. This month’s product roundup is all about books that will make you want to pack your suitcase and jump on a fight. Hope you get some inspiration to explore. I’ve also included some books I’ve loved reading. Enjoy our March Product Roundup!

Corona City:

Voices from an Epicenter

By: Lorraine Ash

Corona City chronicles life in New York and New Jersey, the nation’s first COVID-19 epicenter, during the four terrifying months of March through June 2020. Photographs capture the surreal landscapes and scenes in this usually thriving metropolis. Short writings lay bare the challenges, fears, losses, and triumphs of real people in their own words. Readers will meet COVID-19 survivors, frontline workers, business owners, journalists, mask makers, quarantined people, and many others. Emerging from this mosaic of voices is a grassroots history of an unprecedented time.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

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Italy by Ingredient

By: Viola Buitoni

From glossy drops of balsamic vinegar to flakes of parmigiano reggiano and spoonfuls of fresh ricotta to creamy grains of risotto—the ingredients of Italian cuisine are beloved staples known the world over, available in specialty stores and served in restaurants across the globe. As a native Roman raised in the Umbrian countryside, Viola Buitoni grew up with these artisanal foods, learning about how they developed from centuries-old wisdom, tight-knit communities, and sustainable production. Now a US-based cooking instructor, Buitoni’s passion is sharing the beloved flavors of her homeland with home cooks.

In this debut cookbook, she presents the history and geography of Italy’s most iconic ingredients, showing modern home chefs how to incorporate robust flavors and techniques into their kitchens. With recipes organized according to a single ingredient, each chapter bursts with taste: learn how to make a traditional ragù sauce with conserved tomatoes; layer a plate of prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella; or bake a polenta custard tart. Practical guidelines for seasonal eating, easy substitutes for hard-to-find items, and valuable shopping tips complement the approachable recipes.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

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America’s National Historic Trails:

Walking the Trails of History

By: Karen Berger

From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the trails blazed by the pioneers, lands explored by Lewis and Clark and covered by the Pony Express, to the civil-rights marches of Selma and Montgomery, this is the official book of the country’s 19 National Historic Trails. These trails range from 54 miles to more than 5,000 and feature historic and interpretive sites to be explored on foot and sometimes by paddle, sail, bicycle, horse, or by car on backcountry roads. Totaling 37,000 miles through 41 states, our entire national experience comes to life on these trails–from Native American history to the settlement of the colonies, westward expansion, and civil rights–and they are beautifully depicted in this large-format volume.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

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The Family Bucket List:

1,000 Trips to Take and Memories to Make Around the World

March 29, 2024 mytravelingkids.com Leave a comment

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC

Magnolia Plantation

Charleston, SC

Steeped in Southern charm and spanning centuries of heritage, Magnolia Plantation invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in its lush gardens and historic grounds. Magnolia Plantation is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time, where history, nature, and Southern hospitality meet to create an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Our afternoon

We started our afternoon on the Hop-On Hop-Off Nature Train. The guide was very knowledgeable of the plantation and its history. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is nestled along the tranquil banks of the Ashley River in Charleston, South Carolina. The plantation’s former rice impoundments are now a wildlife refuge, where native plants and animals thrive.

Visitors can expect to see alligators, turtles, herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. You might even encounter otters, rabbits, possums, snakes, bobcats, hawks, owls, and eagles.

We loved seeing this beautiful hawk perched on a birdhouse.

And a lovely egret.

March 26, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston, South Carolina

Nestled along the picturesque Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium stands as a beacon of marine conservation, education, and awe-inspiring exploration. With its diverse array of habitats and captivating exhibits, the aquarium offers visitors a unique opportunity to understand the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. From the vibrant colors of tropical reefs to the serene beauty of coastal marshes, each step within the aquarium’s walls invites an appreciation for the world beneath the waves.

Come explore the South Carolina Aquarium with us

Your first stop is to get close to these adorable stingrays. At this tank you can gently pet these beautiful creatures.

Bald Eagle

Otters (Look at that face!)

Gar

March 25, 2024 mytravelingkids.com

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach

SkyWheel

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking for the perfect place to see unforgettable views of Myrtle Beach, head over to the SkyWheel. Watch the glistening Atlantic Ocean stretching out before you as you journey high above the bustling boardwalk. SkyWheel Myrtle Beach isn’t just an observation wheel, it’s the best spot to see awe-inspiring vistas and create some lasting moments.