Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021

iron tea pot with small tea cups and loose tea

The simplest form of relaxation is wrapping your hands around a warm beverage, inhaling deeply, and taking a long sip. A rich cup of coffee gets me out of bed in the morning and a soothing cup of tea helps me fall asleep at night.  Tea and coffee make the perfect gift.  It is an inexpensive way to show someone they are appreciated.  Don’t forget all those people that help keep your life running smoothly like teachers, coaches, bus drivers, postal carriers, etc. Here are the Best Coffee and Tea Companies of 2021:

Amora Coffee

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

2 bags of coffee

One of the great things about Amora Coffee Company is their coffee is roasted in the USA by fifth-generation Master Roasters devoted to bringing you the perfect cup.  They only roast the beans after you order and then they are hand packed in foil-lined bags, while still warm, to protect the flavor and aroma. I also like that you get the choice to have whole bean or ground in regular or decaf. I’ve tried several flavors of their coffee and I’ve loved them all! Amora beans come from Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa, and when you are sipping your warm cup of coffee you’ll feel like you’ve been transported there. I love to support philanthropic companies and Amora is helping to bring clean water and sanitation to over 10,000 people in the remote Jabi Tehnan district of Ethiopia.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

two bags of coffee

Birthday Cake

$14.95

(This sweet flavored 100% Arabica bean coffee is a medium roast coffee with flavors of sweet, creamy vanilla frosting with undertones of buttery vanilla cake.)

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Best Skincare Companies of 2021

Self-care is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give someone.  Taking a few minutes every day to do a face mask, nourish your skin, apply a body butter, or take a deep breathe of an essential oil can add up to a stress-free day.  I have found some amazing companies this season that have fabulous products that my family and I have tested and are obsessed with.  I am very conscious of what my daughters and I use on our bodies and these companies share the same values.  Here are our top picks for skincare and body products.  Enjoy the Best Skincare Companies of 2021:

Wicked Good

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS COMPANY

sugar scrub, roll on perfume,

Wicked Good is the one stop spot to creating a spa day at home.  They have everything from bath soaks, scrubs, lotions, bath tea, etc.  They have over 150 unique scents (created in small batches) and you will definitely have a problem choosing just one.  I love that they believe that aroma is at the heart of every wicked good experience!  They also have a candle line that is not only hysterical, but also smell great. Their products have clean, consciously crafted fragrances and are vegan and cruelty free. Want a gift that keeps on giving?  They also have a Scent Club.  Get an exclusive, limited edition perfume delivered to you every month along with 2-3 other scented goods.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO WE LOVE?

SUGAR SCRUB

sugar scrub

$21.95

(Scent: Pumpkin Pecan Waffles)

 

A coconut oil-infused brown sugar scrub that polishes, exfoliates, and hydrates dry skin for a gorgeous glow.  Solutions for: – Dryness, dullness, uneven texture, and uneven skin tone.

Your whole shower will fill with the aroma of pumpkin and you won’t want to get out!  The scrub is not too scratchy and will leave your skin so soft.

perfume oil

BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN PATCH perfume oil

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November Product Roundup 2021

acorns in a bowl that says thankful

Hello November! I hope you had a fun-filled Halloween and are getting ready for Thanksgiving this week.  It is time to start thinking about the holidays and I’ve got so many amazing holiday gift guides ready to share with you all! Here are a few things we’ve been using in the last month. Enjoy this November Product Roundup 2021:

Heirloom Video Book

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

These last two years have been hard being away from friends and family.  Heirloom Video Books help bridge that distance between you by giving a personal video they will love. You can choose from 9 different cover designs (including some new holiday ones) and can add a personalized message on the inside cover. The book is sturdy and well made.  The video is clear and the sound quality is crisp and loud.  I think these books would be perfect for gifts for Mother’s Day, Fathers Day, Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, or just times when you want to show some love!

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

Includes: 5″ HD screen (charger included)

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October 2021 Product Roundup

Hello Autumn! This is one of my favorite times of the year…especially since I live in New England. Leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and we’re spending time at the apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and getting in the last rides on the boat. As you know, I love sharing new products I’ve started using! Here are some great products I’ve recently found.  Enjoy this October Product Roundup!

Octave Battery Safe

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM

This is one product that I’ve been using nonstop since I’ve received it.  I have several battery packs but what I like about this one is it has a hidden safe in it! Honestly…you would never know it has a storage area by looking at it. I love storing my license, cash, and any important papers I need.  I even store my jewelry in it. It is great for travel, concerts, the beach, music festivals and much more.

WHAT PRODUCTS DID WE GET?

The Battpak by OCTAVE

$99

It includes a 3-way USB/Type-C/USB mini cord. I like that it has a stainless-steel magnetic tray so you can put stuff like loose coins in it and they won’t move around.  I also like that it is difficult to figure out how to open the safe if you don’t know how to do it. None of us could figure it out, but after you know where to press it is easy to open.  The battery pack charges quickly and it is a nice size that you can throw it in your purse.

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Multigeneration Travel

We have been so lucky to travel with my mother-in-law throughout the years. We’ve created so many memories and it has meant the world to all of us.  Multigeneration travel has benefits for everyone involved and is something everyone should do if it’s possible. 

I hear some of my friends saying, “Not a chance!” I’m lucky that I’ve got a great relationship with my mother-in-law and understand that not everyone does.  If your family drives you nuts then stop reading but if not then read on for: 

10 tips for making a multigenerational trip memorable. 

FUN FOR ALL

Make sure everyone has something fun to do.  People have different interests and no one should be forced to do something they don’t want to do.  Make sure it’s stated that you don’t have to do everything together.  It’s also a great time to try something together that you’ve never done before.  Having ptions for everyone is key.

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A Visit to Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option.  It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:

Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India

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Jolie Tea Company

Jolie Tea Company

You know I love a good cup of tea!  I had the pleasure of going to Jolie Tea Company in Salem, Massachusetts, and it was so great I had to tell you all about it.  Because I really wanted the full experience, I didn’t just go for a cup of tea, I did a High Tea!

After I was seated, I had to take a minute to take in the beauty of the room.  The room has seating waiting for guests. I love the pink light that showcases the wall of teas. Good luck trying to buy just one.

Look at how lovely each place setting is! I love the porcelain tea cup and plate.  The gerbera daisy is a fun touch!

I was pleasantly surprised that they bring out a hibiscus iced tea to enjoy while you look over the high tea menu.

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10 Reasons Kids Should Travel

 

 

The other day a friend of mine told me she’s not sure she will ever travel with her kids again.  I agree that it’s a scary time right now and we’re not getting much use of our passports, but the thought of NEVER traveling with my kids again breaks my heart. I strongly believe there will be a time again soon when we can get lost on winding streets, chat with locals at the pub, and dine under the stars after a day of exploring a new town. Still nervous about traveling with kids? Take a peek at an article I wrote  a few years back about 10 Reasons Kids Should Travel.  Enjoy!

 

KIDS THAT TRAVEL SEE THE WORLD WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

My kids are growing up in a town that does not have much diversity.  When we travel they are able to see there are so many amazing cultures.   The more exposure to travel they get, the more they will seek it out.  The world will not seem scary or unknown, but rather something that makes them curious and question where they want to go next.

KIDS WILL LEARN ABOUT THEMSELVES

Do they enjoy vacations surrounded by lots of people or do they prefer solitude? Are they adventurous or do they like to do calm activities?  What do they like to do for fun? Do they want to hike, swim, snorkel, fly, swim with dolphins, or go parasailing? Do they like to follow an itinerary or  be spontaneous? A good vacation is one where they come home changed for the better.

Flying hawks in Ireland

KIDS THAT TRAVEL WILL LEARN TO EXPLORE

 I always research the heck out of the place we’re traveling but I always leave room to just explore and wander around.  (Ok…and I get lost A LOT!) Our favorite times when traveling were wandering in the maze of streets and coming upon a cute café or shop.  Traveling makes kids appreciate how great it can be to get lost.

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Should You Travel During Off-Season?

When it’s time to start planning a vacation the first question I ask myself is, ‘When do we want to go?’ The time I most love to travel is late spring.  We’ve done a mid-May vacation for the past few years and I just love everything about it.  Summer may be a more convenient time to travel but I think pulling the kids out of school for 5 days is worth the trouble.  Here are a few reasons I love to travel during off-season and but also a few reasons you may not want to.

Pros of traveling during off season:

Save money on hotels

Who doesn’t love to save money when traveling?  And let’s admit it…we all love to stay in nice places.  Traveling during off-season lets you save money while staying at a place you may not be able to afford during high season.  There’s also a better chance of getting upgrades since most hotels won’t be at full capacity. 

Save money on airfare

Airfare can cost an arm and a leg so I’ll jump at any chance for a deal.  It’s amazing how different the prices can be to fly to the exact location.  High season usually means high prices.

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How to Feel at Home while Traveling

 People sometimes say they don’t travel because they hate the feeling of being away from home.  Traveling is about the unknown, and that makes some people uncomfortable.  So how can you feel at home while traveling? The trick is to bring a piece of home with you…wherever you are. 

Here are 10 tips to feel at home while traveling

STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE

  If you work out every morning then head to the fitness room.  If you have a bedtime ritual, don’t let being in a hotel stop you.  Bring your face wash, makeup removal, and moisturizer.

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