Hawthorne Hotel

Hawthorne Hotel

(Salem, Massachusetts)

As I was packing for my night away, my daughter came in to tell me she just watched a YouTube video and the Hawthorne Hotel was one of the most haunted hotels in America.  I told her, “As long as the ghost isn’t saying ‘Mom. Mom. Mom’ a hundred times a day they were more than welcome to stay with me!” Spoiler alert…I didn’t see any ghosts, but I did experience a relaxing, comfortable stay in this gorgeous historic hotel in Salem, Massachusetts.

When I pulled up to the Hawthorne, I was impressed by how grand it was.  The brick building has an impressive presence as it looms over the corner of the block. The navy blue awnings, golden eagle, and colorful mums welcome you in.

Click here to read all about my stay…


December 2021 Product Roundup

Product Roundup, a snowman made out of sand sitting on a beach chair at the ocean

Hello December! I wanted to share a few last-minute gifts…or some treats for yourself to celebrate getting through this crazy holiday season. Enjoy our December 2021 Product Roundup! Wishing your family a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! See you in 2022!

Eat 2 Explore

a subscription box filled with Ethiopian spices

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

I love that the creators of this box have the same beliefs as I do.  They feel mealtime should be an experience and cooking are life-skills everyone should have.  They also feel hands-on cooking and culture explorations is even more important in today’s world.  Creating new foods from different countries allows you to “travel” without leaving your home.  I had so much fun playing Ethiopian music while prepping the meal and learning all the new facts about the country while our food was cooking.

WHAT COMES IN EACH BOX

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12 Days of Christmas Gift Guides

Here’s a recap of the 2021

12 Days of Christmas Gift Guides:

Happy Shopping!!

Monday 11/22: November Product Roundup http://mytravelingkids.com/november-product-roundup-2021/
Tuesday 11/23: Best Skincare Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/best-skincare-companies-of-2021/
Wednesday 11/24: Best Coffee/Tea Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/best-candle-companies-of-2021/
Friday 11/26: Best Candle Companies of 2021 http://mytravelingkids.com/great-subscription-boxes-of-2021/
Tuesady11/30: Gifts for Women (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/25-perfect-gifts-for-women/
Wednesday 12/1: Gifts for Men (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/25-perfect-gifts-for-men/
Thursday 12/2: Gifts for Teen Girls (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/30-perfect-gifts-for-teen-girls/
Friday 12/3: 20 Amazing Books for 2021 (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/20-must-read-books-for-2021/
Saturday 12/4: Gifts for Wellness/Self-Care (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/30-perfect-self-care-gifts/
Monday 12/6: Gifts of Books that Promote Wellness (Amazon) http://mytravelingkids.com/20-amazing-books-about-wellness/
Tuesday 12/7: 50 Best Experiences to Give as  Gifts http://mytravelingkids.com/the-50-best-experiences-to-give-for-gifts/


20 Amazing Books About Wellness

These days, wellness should be a number one priority in everyone’s lives.  A little bit of self-care each day can make a huge difference.  So how can you help spread this awareness?  Give the gift of wellness through these books.  Give them alone, or paired with some accessories.  In fact, give some to yourself to prepare you for the new year.  Hello…New Year’s Resolutions are just around the corner! Here are 20 amazing books about wellness.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

By: Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass: In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, bestselling author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bitesized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, helping you to: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, Create a life you totally love. And create it NOW, Make some damn money already. The kind you’ve never made before.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

By: Elizabeth Gilbert

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear: Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

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25 Perfect Gifts for Men

man wrapping gift

Time to start shopping for those sweet men in your life.   Here are 25 Perfect Gifts for Men that he is sure to love!

Beef Jerky Slicer

Beef Jerky Slicer

Professional Beef Jerky Slicer: Making jerky doesn’t get any simpler. This meat slicer set comes with everything you need to make delicious jerky. It includes a premium meat jerky slicer, professional 10” chef’s knife, knife guide rails, safety finger guard, recipe book and instant pro seasoning.

Flight Glasses

Flight Glasses in a wooden crate

LEGACY – a Picnic Time Brand Craft Beer Four-Glass Flight Tasting Set: Features a two-tiered, gorgeous acacia wood tray and beer glasses suspended in top shelf. It includes a chalkboard panel across the base and soapstone pencil for beer labeling.  It has a hollowed areas below glasses hold beer caps. It also has handles carved into its sides for easy transport.

iPhone Cup Holder

iPhone Cup Holder

WeatherTech CupFone Cup Holder for Car Phone Mount: Designed using interchangeable base cups allowing you to customize the perfect snug fit. The adjustable phone holder fits virtually all known mobile phones, including those with normal sized protective cases. The base allows phone to rotate 360°, adjustable for viewing from any seat position.  Open access bottom lets you easily charge your mobile device while it is in place. Knob tightens easily and securely locks position

Pickleball Set

Pickleball Set net and rackets

FILA Accessories Pickleball Net Set: Their pickleball paddle set comes with a 10ft net, 4 regulation size outdoor pickleballs, 4-pack wood paddles, and a carry bag. The 10 ft wide mesh net included in this pickleball set is fast and convenient to install and set up in less than a few minutes. This pickleball starter set includes 4-pack paddles with PU grip which most pro athletes use, and the 4 Outdoor Balls are official USA pickleball’s size and weight.

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25 Perfect Gifts for Women

christmas gift held in front of a christmas tree

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that fabulous woman on your list? Here is  my 2021 list of 25 Perfect Gifts for Women:

Throw Blanket

LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket: Perfect for throw blanket and for your couch, sofa, sectional, loveseat, recliner or bed. This Plush blanket is luxurious, lightweight and warm. This beautiful comforting snugly blanket is designed for luxurious feel and elegance.  It comes in a large variety of colors and 5 sizes.

Magnetic Bag Hook

leather magnetic bag hook

Bagnet: Bagnet Tori, Leather Magnetic Bag Hook: Bagnet is designed to attach to metal restroom stalls which keeps your bag off the floor and germ free! You can use it on chairs +bar stools, table bases + tops, under bars, on vehicles, at the gym and more! Holds up to 8 lbs. Bagnets are designed to support bags of all shapes and sizes and has an easy-to-use clip.

Ugg Slippers

fuzzy white Ugg Slippers

Koolaburra by UGG Women’s Batya Slipper: My feet sometimes get too hot when I’m wearing a closed slipper and Uggs has designed the perfect solution.  Your feet feel cozy without getting overheated. It has a faux fur strap and faux fur insole.  The faux fur insole is soft on the bottom of your feet. It comes in several colors.

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Perfect Gifts for Teen Girls

Are you wondering what is popular with teenage girls for Christmas this year?  They can be tough to shop for, but these items may be the perfect presents to put under your tree.  Here are 30 perfect gifts for teenage girls.  Happy shopping!

 

Gel Nail Kit

Joytii 16 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit with UV Light: This salon-level manicure set includes everything you need to prep and create fabulous nails!  It’s perfect for beginners. This gel nail polish kit includes 12 gel polish colors, 1 matte gel top coat, 1 glossy top coat,  1 base coat,  1 reinforced gel polish, 1 manicure Tools kit and a portable UV LED nail curing lamp. Your teens will love the colors it comes with.

 

DIY Boba Kit

MILK+T, The Complete DIY Boba Tea Kit: 1 oz of loose-leaf black tea leaves, 1/2 pound of uncooked Grade A boba balls, 2 cups of high quality brown sugar, and 4 plastic boba straws. I love that this kit includes a guided-video tutorial. They simply scan the QR code inside the kit!

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20 Must-Read Books for 2021

book wrapped in cream colored wrapping paper with pinecone and holly on it.

Nothing is better than getting wrapped up in a good book.  The characters become friends and you stay up late flipping the pages and telling yourself you’ll read just a few more.  Books make the perfect Christmas gift… or a little treat for yourself to get you through the hectic holidays.  Here is my recommendation for 20 Must-Read Books for 2021:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links. It does not cost you anything extra.  Using these links will help MyTravelingKids continue to help you create unforgettable family memories

20 Must-Read Books for 2021

When We Believed in Mermaids (***Top Pick)

By: Barbara O’Neal

When We Believed in Mermaids:

Her sister has been dead for fifteen years when she sees her on the TV news…

Josie Bianci was killed years ago on a train during a terrorist attack. Gone forever. It’s what her sister, Kit, an ER doctor in Santa Cruz, has always believed. Yet all it takes is a few heart-wrenching seconds to upend Kit’s world. Live coverage of a club fire in Auckland has captured the image of a woman stumbling through the smoke and debris. Her resemblance to Josie is unbelievable. And unmistakable. With it comes a flood of emotions—grief, loss, and anger—that Kit finally has a chance to put to rest: by finding the sister who’s been living a lie.

After arriving in New Zealand, Kit begins her journey with the memories of the past: of days spent on the beach with Josie. Of a lost teenage boy who’d become part of their family. And of a trauma that has haunted Kit and Josie their entire lives.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (***Another Top Pick)

By: Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I Found You

By: Lisa Jewell

I Found You: In the windswept British seaside town of Ridinghouse Bay, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on a beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better judgment, she invites him inside.

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Great Subscription Boxes of 2021

I have always been drawn to subscription boxes because they are a surprise in your mailbox every month.  I do a little happy dance when I see a package in the mail and can’t wait to rip it open to see all the goodies inside.  They make wonderful Christmas gifts because they often contain things people love but wouldn’t buy for themselves. They will think of you every time the package arrives and there’s a box for everyone…including yourself! Here are some great subscription boxes of 2021.

Celebrate States

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

mustard, soup mix, pretzels, cutting board, tea towel

One of the best things about travel is getting to know your destination.  You can learn a lot about the place by eating their food and using products made by local artists.  Celebrate States lets you “travel” around the US and explore each state.  Each box is packed full of items that will make you feel like you’ve packed up your suitcase and are traveling across the country. This box is also a great motivator of places to add to your Travel Bucket List.  It is a wonderful introduction to the state and will make you want to see what else the state has to offer.

WHAT’S IN EACH BOX?

Celebrate States boxes are packed full of fun items from small businesses.  You will receive 6-7 full sized items that include food, beauty, and home goods. The wide variety of products gives you a good feel of the state. The boxes also contain interactive material and travel material about the state. I love when kids have fun while learning.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Pennsylvania Dutch box

Cutting board with Pennsylvania stamp (From Totally Bamboo)

bamboo cutting board

We love this bamboo cutting board and have been using it to cut lemon and limes when we are making cocktails with friends.  The stamp makes it so unique.

Pennsylvania Dutch tea towel (From Crafted Southern)

tea towel with birds on it

This tea towel looks adorable draped near my oven.  The bright colors on the birds add a nice touch of color to any kitchen.

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Best Candle Companies of 2021

candle near christmas tree

CANDLE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

No matter how crazy our day goes, I always try to light a candle to set a calm mood in our house.  The flickering of the flame and the relaxing scent sets the tone and a calmness washes over us.  Candles are the perfect Christmas gift for someone special…family, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, holiday housewarming hosts, etc. They are also wonderful ways to pamper yourself.  (We all need some of that!) Take a peek at some of the best candle companies of 2021.

Southern Elegance Candle Company

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

candles, room fragrance, wax cubes, air freshener

I love a candle that has the ability to transport me to a comforting place.  Southern Elegance is proud of their southern culture and have created candles that take you to a time when life was simpler.  They blend their candles with unique scents that scream southern charm with images of a cool glass of sweet tea, slices of delicious pound cake made from scratch, and the swaying of massive magnolia trees.  Take a PEEK HERE at all of their signature scents and PEEK HERE for their fall/winter scents. I love the farmhouse feel of the labels and I especially love the ones in mason jars. These hand-crafted soy wax candles are made in small batches in the heart of North Carolina.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

sweet tea candle

RAISED ON SWEET TEA AND JESUS

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